20th June 2002: Broome – Derby
Great couple of weeks spent exploring Broome but time to move on. Packing up was a bit of a challenge as its our first time packing with Paul on board.
Just south of Derby we stop at the Boab Prison Tree, a large hollow Boab tree allegedly used in the 1890’s as a holding cell for Aboriginal prisoners on their way to Derby town for sentencing.
Boab Prison Tree 
We also visit the Derby jetty which is renowned for its big tides – you could actually see it moving from our vantage point on the jetty. The tides here are the 2nd highest in the world which measure up to 12m behind Fundy Bay in Nova Scotia (15m).
22th June 2002: Derby – Brooking camp (near Geike Gorge/Fitzroy Crossing)
Views on the walk
Head to Fitzroy Crossing about 250km where we camp for the night at Brooking camp, a beautiful spot by a billabong. While here we visit Geike Gorge, which is on the Fitzroy River, doing a walk along the east wall and returning by the river – a nice stroll. A few other shorter walks provide some more river views. We see lots of evidence of damage from the record floods in February 2002 which is keeping the park rangers busy.
Interlude
Its been a while. We are now over 6 months into our journey and everything is still pretty much on track. Pace. Finances. Enjoyment.
Paul is now with us; this creates challenges for setting up (another tent required) & packing (fitting everything in). In addition, we need to manage food and in particular our evening drinks.
The north has been great so far. Places like Kalbarri, Mt Augustus, Nigaloo and Karijini have been real highlights. In particular, Karijini, where the gorge walking was awesome. Though I must say, the north has given us more rain than we have previously seen; some of it quite heavy.
We continue to look after the car and trailer the best we can. Some ordinary roads to be travelled mean continued servicing is essential…it is our home after all!
Nice. I didn’t know Paul Guerra accompanied you! Always lovely photos of remarkable places. Good stuff. mate.