Paddy & Jen Adventures

You might notice a slightly different writing style for this post – I’ve come off the bench for my blogging debut (only took 13 months?) to replace a sick and sorry Jen who has been struggling on and off over recent days with illness. A severe bout of vertigo last Monday morning saw us head to the Derby ED for some nausea meds and treatment by the wonderful docs and nurses there. An old style country hospital, with modern facilities and really wonderful people – despite being there for a few hours, Jen was looked after well and was given some meds and advice after being diagnosed with Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). Sudden and severe onset, with some ongoing symptoms that she has been battling a bit this past week. On top of that, it looks like Jen may have picked up a bug from another traveller over recent days (maybe covid?). Not a nice experience being sick at the best of times, but when you are far from home and restricted to a small living space in the van, hot days, etc…..life on the go can be a bit challenging at times and being sick really sucks!! Luckily she has the best carer in the world looking after her and helping her get back on track towards full health. I’ll be happy to hand the keyboard back to our key blogger soon……

Anyway, in better news, The Kimberley is a gift that just keeps on giving. Our time in the East (El Questro, Purnululu) was mind-blowingly good, but we have been so grateful to experience some amazing sights and places in the West.

We had a few very easy travelling days as we headed West, stopping at Halls Creek for fuel and supplies, then short drives and overnight stays at Mary Pool Campground (spacious but dry and dusty) and Ngumban Cliff Rest Area (superb stop – get there early to claim your camping space on the cliff edge). We had some FaceTime with Carm & Chris with some great discussion, a few laughs and a couple of drinks as well. Miss seeing my “brother from another mother” and all the Sullys! We stopped at Fitzroy Crossing for a long lunch at the Fitzroy River Lodge – a new experience having to do an alcohol breath test before being able to buy a drink at the bar. A short drive on to Ellendale Station Lagoon – a place recommended by the travelling gurus Timmy and Sue – for a relaxing evening before Jen’s vertigo attack at 5am (hence visit to Derby ED). We drove out back along “The Gibb” (the iconic Gibb River Road) a short way to our stay for a few nights at Birdwood Downs, a working station that is a great spot to stop if you are hitting or finishing The Gibb.

We spent three nights at Derby and really enjoyed our stay there. The Kimberley Entrance Caravan Park was really spacious and secure – recommend a stay here. Didn’t have to re-visit ED which was good, but Jen was still battling some nausea and not feeling great. The Sculptures on the Marsh were a highlight, as well as the visits to the Norval Gallery to see some amazing art works. We loved our visit to the Mowanjum Art & Culture Centre, gaining some amazing insights into the local indigenous history and culture, learning about their stories and how they embrace art, dance and story-telling to pass on knowledge and customs. Well worth a visit!

The absolute highlight of the West Kimberley was our bucket list item to tick off – the Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures experience. We were both so excited to see this incredible natural phenomenon – such a unique, untouched and remote part of our beautiful country. It definitely lived up to expectations and we loved every part of the experience.

We enjoyed catching up once again with some fellow travellers from recent weeks whilst in Derby – the Griffith crew (Paul, Jen, Graeme, Leanne, Gary and Kerrie) for some arvo drinks and an awesome dinner at the pub. On our final night, Matt and Marina (from Clare, SA) whom we had met in El Questro pulled up in the adjoining site so we enjoyed swapping stories of our Kimberley travels. All wonderful people whom we would love to run into as we venture further.

We arrived in Broome and started to explore the many sights, but illness is hitting home for Jen and preventing us from doing too much. A couple of rest days and hopefully she will be back at the top of her game and ready for more incredible adventures.

Another difficult part of travelling is missing important family events. Tom’s fiancé Sarah celebrated her 30th birthday today with a small celebration with family and friends. We would loved to have been there to celebrate such a special person in our lives, but will look forward to seeing them both in a few weeks time in Exmouth.

Check out the highlights video below: