Heading across the gulf


From Boodjamulla we headed east across Lawn Hill station, mostly on a gravel road, but with occasional stretches of bitumen. Apart from the blue sky, the colours of this country must seem crazy to visitors - a sometimes reddish road, yellow grass, and silvery-blue leafed plants.

At the Gregory River, another popular camping spot, we stopped for a cool drink & hot chips. 
After reaching the Savannah Way we headed west once again, stopping to buy bread & milk at Doomadgee. The long causeway across the Nicholson River just before the town is protected upstream by a weir, which was full of waterlilies. 
We arrived at the Hell's Gates roadhouse around 4pm, giving Pete  time to fix a couple of stone chips in the windscreen. 
The next day we left early, about 8.30am (sunrise isn't till after 7am, as we are so far west). The bitumen ended about 20 m after the roadhouse, and for most of the rest of the day was bone-shaking corrugated gravel.
A series of river crossings made it interesting - very glad not to be towing a trailer. The water looks inviting,  but it's not safe to swim in any of these rivers due to crocodiles. 
Some interesting flowers by the roadside, including a tiny version of my favourite fringed lily.
We stopped at Borroloola to refuel and buy groceries. The Art Centre at a great variety of local art and craft, but other places, including the Tourist Information centre, were closed. Continued on, reaching Lorella Springs station by about 5 pm. Checked in, set up camp then, having travelled for about 9 hours, treated ourselves to dinner at the camp reception area.

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