Drove to Rudall River Crossing after a slow breakfast and a few salutes to the sun! No water here. We had expected that we would have connected with Richard and Jennie by now. No phone reception here! Perhaps they had come through already and were out at Desert Queen Baths. On the recommendation of the people in Marbel Bar we had decided the prteferred camp spot was Tjingkalajatjarra Pool. We decided to push on and set up camp at Tjingkalajatjarra, then head off and investigate Desert Queen. We put up a cardboard sign at the junction just in case they had not come through as yet.
Headed into Tjingkalajatjarra, past Number II campsite at 5km then another 2km. Track is pretty rough with bushes close to the sides of the track.
Tjingkalajatjarra is an absolute delight. Three little grebes on the water and lots of Zebra Finch constantly flying from tree to water's edge and back - so cute. Beautiful white (and greenish brown on the upper side of branches) eucalypts all around the waterhole. Even though it is not flowing the water is clear and not at all stagnant.
After a quick lunch, we all bundled into Athur and Margaret's vehicle and headed off to Desert Queen Baths. The road into Desert Queen is very narrow with lots of overhanging bush (for about 10kms) and quite rough all the way (18km) in from the main north/south road. Lots of interesting rock formations including Compton Pinnacle
Found Richard and Jennie set up in their swags at Desert Queen. They had arrived yesterday. They were also camping, having left their van in Newman so had made pretty good time. Desert Queen is a lovely spot. Lots of water but also lots of other campers. Not the camp to ourselves as we have at Tjingkalajatjarra. Chatted a while. J&R will stay here tonight and join us tomorrow.
On the way back to camp the colours of the hills/red cliffs were just amazing as the sun set.
Beef stew/curry with apples, sultanas and vegetables for dinner - yum!
