Relatively quiet day yesterday. Travelled from Katherine into Darwin and spent the afternoon checking things out and resting as it got quite hot and humid. Visited the Darwin branch Ulysses meeting, which was interesting and nice to meet up with some other Ulysses members ( been such a long time since we have seen any).

Had a very early start again today. Picked up by a tour bus for our trip to Kakadu at 6am. It was nice to travel without having to ride. Meant we could look at the sights and not have to worry about traffic etc. I think this was a good decision as it is a long trip out there, plus having an experienced guide was great as I am sure we would not have seen as much as we did if we had gone by ourselves.

First spot we visited was and area of significant rock art which was very interesting and the guide was great explaining the stories.

We then visited a cultural centre which gave an interesting insite into the local histroy and traditions. After a very nice lunch we went on a wetlands cruise were we were lucky enough to see a salt water croc almost as soon as we stepped on the boat. The bird life and water lilies and magnificant.

The final part of our trip was an optional flight over the waterfalls, wetlands and the escarpment. Again very impressive and well worth the extra charge. You really can't get a full view of the park without the fight especially in the wet season when access is limited.

We have had a very busy day today. The day started at 4.30am when the alarm went off so that we could get organised for our 6am flight over the Bungle Bungles. This was a fantastic trip and soemthing well worth doing for anyone who visits Kunnannunra. I have decided that I like small planes much better than the big ones. The view of the Bungle Bungles from 2000 ft was great.

We then packed up and rode to Katherine. I think this was probably close to the most difficult day so far. Made worse by the fact that I stayed up late watching tv shows and then got up so early.

I can now say that I have ridden a bike in every state and territory in Australia. We are off to Darwin tomorrow. Hopefully the cyclone that is hovering off the coast will stay away and not cause us any problems. We paln to spend 4 days in Darwin and take a day trip to Kakadu. The main reason being that accomodation at Kakadu is very expensive and being close to easter difficult to get. It is actually cheaper to stay in Darwin and take a bus trip for the day.

Finally after thousands of km of straight road the ride got interesting today. People had been telling us that the road from Hall's Creek wsa mor interesting and they were right. There were actually some twisties and lots of very striking mountains mostly solid rock. Unfortunately there really weren't many places to stop to take photographs. Should have some tomorrow as we are going on a 2 hour flight to the Bungle Bungles. Since this is mostly a back track of the road we took today should be able to get some good photos.

Paid a record price for petrol today as can be seen in the photo,

Short trip today from Fitzroy Crossing to Hall's Creek. This was deliberate as we wanted to leave plenty of time for a plane flight to see the meteorite crater at Wolf Creek. I was quite nervous as I am not terribly keen on flying however I really enjoyed the trip and I am now looking forward to the next planned flight over the Bungle Bungles.

The weather is a little cooler - around 35 degrees and more importantly the humidity is lower. We have been told that the humidity will increase again at Kunanaurra.

It was actually cooler today though still humid. The countryside north of Broome is very different. Very green and lush. We are definitely getting further into the tropics and it is obviously the wet season. Tried to go and visit Geike Gorge just near Fitzroy Crossing but unfortunately due to the wet season it is still flooded. Managed to get to the edge which was quite impresive. Will have to come back sometime to see the rest.

Off to Hall's Creek tomorrow. Hopefully we will get to do a flight over the Wolf Creek meteroite crater.

Quiet day in Broome today. Not a real lot you can do when the temperature is 40 degrees and the humidity is 85%. Visited the street named after Kerry's grandfather and then went to the local museum where we did some interesting reading on family history. Spent the afternoon catching up on the washing and swimming in the pool. Had a very nice meal and tried some of the beers at Matso's brewery. Had a very nice giner beer and an even better Mango beer.

Of to Fitzray crossing tomorrow. Hopefully the thunder storm that is threatening will cool things down.

Man I cannot believe how hot it is in this neck of the woods. We left Karratha yesterday at 8am and it was already 40 degrees. Kerry reckons his handle bar thermometre showed 55 just before lunch time.At Port ZHedland we saw the biggest rain I have ever seen. 300 ore carts and 4 engines. We were stuck waiting for it at a level crossing. Had time to get off the bike , get the camera out of the top box and take a photograph and pack it all away and still not hold up the traffic.

Between Karratha and Sandfire road house there is pretty well nothing except well nothing. No trees just scrub. Begining to wonder why we dicided to do this. Sandfrire Road house was a disappointment too. The internet suggested there was a pub there but there was barely a motel and food was a selection of pies, sausage rolls, or toasted sandwiches. Dinner comprised a pie a packet of chips and a can of coke. Very health - there goes the diet.

We arrived in Broome just before lunch time today and again the temperature was 42 degrees. The YHA is quite nice and the town also seems ok. Crossed another thing off the list after a camel ride on Cable Beach at sunset. Tomorrow we need to do some domestic chores and then have a look around. First on the list is to find Mulgrue Court named after Kerry's grandfather.

A very long and hot ride today. We met our first kangaroo on the road. Fortunately we saw it in time and were able to avoid it. It is also becoming increasingly obvious that we are in the tropics and this is the wet season. No actual rain but lots of green and quite a bit of water on the side of the road and even some rivers with water in them.

Most of today's ride was through the Pilbara, which was surprisingly beautiful in a rugged sort of way. As we got further north quite a bit of mining and lots of very large trucks. Karratha is a very nothing sort of place and everything seems to be expensive. We pulled into a fairly ordinary caravan park and asked for a cabin. To our amazement we were told it would cost $280 for the night. As I expressed my "amazement" to staff at the park became very defensive and said the this was normal as we were in a mining town. Big deal, just cos the miners get paid big money doesn't mean everyone does. We eventually found a different park which was more reasonable, though we are in a small caravan miles from anywhere. Fortunately we had some emergency food with us. The funny thing happened when I bought a bottle of coke in the park shop. Made a comment that I would rather a beer but as we were so far from anywhere the coke would have to do. A staff member said to wait as he might be able to help. Shortly afterwards he came back with 4 stubbies. He said we could have them as someone had left them behind. Bonus!!.

Quiet day at Coral Bay today. Very disappointed with the supposedly world famous Ningaloo Reef. After snorkeling in the Great Barrier reef it was pretty pathetic. All the coral close to the shore is dead and therefore no colour. Some very large and friendly fish though. The come right up to you and have a look. Apparently the really good coral is in the outer reef which requires a boat trip. We found this out after it was too late.

The resort is very nice with everything available within a few feet of our room.

This watching the sun set is becoming an obsession. Very pretty sun set today as there was a small amount of cloud arround. Off to Kunanurra tomorrow. Another long ride ( around 560km).

Had a great day yesterday, though didn't get to see the dolphins at Monkey Mia. Got there too late. Almost in the divorce courts cos a certain person left his wallet behind when we went to get petrol and delayed our trip to Monkey Mia. Spent the morning lying around on the grass waiting just in case the dolphins came in again. We went on a sailing cruise in the afternoon and saw some Dugiongs, sea snakes, turtles and some dolphins.

Today we were up early and travelled back to Monkey Mia this tiem in time to see the dolphines up close and I even got to feed one. We the went to see the stromodolites at Hamilon pools. Very interesting. If you have never heard of them I suggest a google search.

We then had a trip of over 600km to Coral Bay. Didn't arrive till almost dusk. Our unit is really nice. Over looking the ocean. Splashed out and had a great sea food platter for dinner. The bonus was that the pub serves Strongbow on tap. Off snorkling tomorrow.

I thought the distances were big in Queensland but they have nothing on WA. The road from Geraldon to Denham seemed to actually makes the Nullabor seem interesting. Didn't really think much of Geraldon. A bit like Townsville - Queanbeyan by the sea. Denham on the other hand is very nice. Lovely YHA right on the ocean. Tomorrow we are off to sea the dolphins at Monkey Mia.

Had a lovely dinner at a pub over looking the ocean. Watched the sun set over the Indian ocean.

Arrived safely in Geraldton after what seemed like a very long ride from Fremantel. The only thing of interest was the Pinnacles which are quite fascinating. Hard to believe that here we are well over 5000km from home but we ran into people we know at the Pinaccles. Pulled up and there was the familiar Goldwing on Derek and Margaret Titheridge.

Had a quiet couple of nights in Fremantle. Yesterday was basically a pit stop to get the bikes serviced and to do some washing. Been to Fremantle before so its not really very exciting. We had a good night at Little Creatures brewery. Great food and way way too much beer and the best cider. Last night we found a nice little Turkish resteraunt compliments of barter card vouchers. Definitely no beer this time.

Off to Geraldton today. Will also be able to strike Perth off the list of capital cities I have ridden through.

Busy day yesterday. Up early for the grand parade which wended its way through amazingly large crowds of very friendly locals. We decided to skip the civic reception etc as it was very warm. Instead we took off to the beach where I had a swim and Kerry had a paddle (only up to his knees) reckons it was too cold.

Unfortunately a fellow Ulysses member came to grief after the parade and crashed his bike, whic burst into flames and started quite a large bush fire. Fortunately he only suffered a dislocated shoulder but his bike was a write off. Fortunately also the fire was brought under control though a large area of bushland was burned.

Last night was the final dinner for the week and had a theme things of the sea. There were some very interesting costumes.

We are now in Hyden the home of Wave rock, a very impressive sight. We left Albany in pouring rain this morning and by the time we got here the weather had cleared and it was about 38C.Traveled along a road known as the tin horse highway because of all the horses made from 44 gallon drums which decorate the road.

From here the real adventure starts having said goodbye to all the poor souls who are returning home to go to work. Off to Fremantle tomorrow for a couple of days before heading north.

Forgot when I updated yesterday to mention the Valley of the Giants. This is the area where the Tingle and Karri trees grow. Magnificant area with a tree top walk to get you right into the tops of the trees. Quitye scarey to think that some of these trees were 200 years old when Captain Cook visited Australia.

Been a little lazy updating over the last few days. Also very busyrrived in Albany on Monday afternoon and set up camp. Then we decided to go an have a look at the onsite trade stalls. Should have left my credit card behind. I am now the proud owner of a blue trailer beutifully matched to my bike. Just hope Australia post can manage to deliver my tow bar before tomorrow or we will be in trouble.

We have been doing some tourist things and a few test rides. Kerry and I both took out a Triumph Boneville and then Kerry took a Harley for a ride. In the afternoon we took a trip around the coastal areas. Very spectacular and windy. This was where I came unstuck when hit by a gust of wind. I stopped a tried to put the side stand down. Next minute I was going over and there was nothing I could do about it. Fortunately no damage to either me or the bike.

Today we hired a car and did some more tourist things. Cheese factor, chocolate factory, cider brewery, plus more coastal scenery. After eating and drinking my way through all the purchases I sould be right to stay on the ground in the wind.