The first day – Derby to Ellenbrae - Saturday 28th August

Cathy is at last on holidays. We headed off early but still got stuck behind dusty B doubles on the Gibb River Rd, making Queen Victoria’s Head look like it rose out of fog.

Breakfast at Mac’s Jump Up got us out into clear air. Galvan’s gorge provided a nice stop for a swim and a sandwich. The trucks had pulled off at Mt Barnett so we had the road to ourselves and magnificent views as we travelled on to Ellenbrae, stopping for the first afternoon tea at Gibb River crossing. David was like a horse approaching the home straight as we neared Ellenbrae for Scones with jam and cream (second afternoon tea). Even more refreshing was the dip in the billabong at the campsite. Despite the heat, we had a small campfire and spotted a shooting star before cloud cover ruined the view.