The generator kept stopping suddenly for no apparent reason. I cleaned the air filter, the carby bowl, cleaned and re-gapped the spark plug, all to no avail. The interesting part however was that every time it stopped I was able to restart it immediately, then it would run for a minute or so before stopping without warning again. Another traveller parked beside us who I had earlier helped out with an electrical problem came to our rescue and allowed us to plug into his Honda generator for the duration of the race. This also recharged our caravan battery, so our 240 volt inverter could be used again after his generator was turned off.
This is another example of the camaraderie that exists between caravaners in remote areas.
After departing our two night rest area we took a short detour from the Stuart Highway to visit the historic township of Newcastle Waters, situated on the junction of three major stock routes. Until about 30 years ago when cattle were walked overland across the Territory Newcastle Waters was the great gathering place of the drovers where they could stock up and have a break before heading on. The abundance of water from the extensive permanent water hole meant that the cattle could also be assured of a refreshing drink. This water hole is still brim full of crystal clear water to this day. Of particular interest was the old Junction Hotel where the old fridges were still in place in an otherwise empty building. The hotel last served a beer to drovers in 1975 during the Last Great Cattle Drive from Mataranka to Longreach in Queensland.
During our continued northbound journey from Newcastle Waters towards Mataranka we passed a number of elaborate transporters heading south following the V8 Supercars weekend in Darwin. Much to Gail's delight most of them were the various Ford team semi's. We made a brief stop at Dunmarra Roadhouse where about six more of these transporters were taking a short break. We chatted with a couple of the drivers who told us they expected to reach Melbourne in another two days. (See pictures on Picasa website as listed below).
Arrived Mataranka mid aftenoon and booked into Mataranka Cabins and Camping which is an ex cattle station homestead situated within walking distance of Bitter Springs - the warm (32 degrees) crystal clear springs. This was the primary reasn for our two night stay here before pressing on to Katherine.
Kevin and Gail.
See a small sample of photos at:
www.picasaweb.google.com/kevinh055/2008trip
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