Sunday drivers

Its Sunday,  I am back in Mt Isa for a six month stint. This time working in the community running a project that targets healthy skin. Its a busy job and so today I am chilling out, exploring, day dreaming. Putting the car through its paces and probably breaking most of the outback rules by heading out alone, no plan and no contact made with friends to let them know where I was going and when i planned to be back. Hell I don't even know where I was headed originally. 

Nissan Xtrail - small but light and courageous

For a small 4WD though it goes some pretty amazing places and probably because it is light and not too long it gets out of trouble too. Since coming out here I have added an awning for shade and moved the spare wheel to the outside of the vehicle (there is nothing worse than having to unpack and entire vehicle just to change a tyre). The boys at ARB in Mt Isa have been great, giving advice and helping me get set up. Can't wait for the day I can afford a bigger rig - but in the meantime its fun and affordable.

So, back to today. Decided upon setting out to try and find an access road to the northern end of Lake Moondarra. So poked along out of town on the Camooweal Road towards the airport. Took a right hand turn near the airport and followed the dirt trail down onto the river. Plenty of tracks here so wandered in. Loads of water to be found however it is no longer a river as such just a series of water holes dotted along. Definitely needed to be in 4WD and even had to activate the diff lock at times. Loose heavy stones in some parts and sand in others, crossing streams and climbing from one channel to another. But hey, others have been here before me so must be ok, right? Managed it well, however when it started to get soft decided to bail - no sense getting bogged and needing a recovery so soon after setting out. Bonus is that I know where to come again for a little more exploring and wildlife spotting close to town. 

Headed further north after deciding I was not quite in the right place (I did have some basic instructions after a yarn with one of the locals). Turned right about 20km out of town. Road looked more promising although there was a no-entry sign up. 

Black Swans (Cygnus atratus) and Australian Pelican (Pelicanus conspicillatus)

Black Swan (Cygnus atratus) and Australian Pelican (Pelicanus conspicillatus)

Wandering Whistling-Duck (Dendrocygna guttata)

Sure enough found trails in and around the lake that were amazing. Absolutely beautiful without all the other adventure seekers in my way. Made spotting wildlife all that much easier with it being quieter. No snakes or goannas to be seen however found a few surprises such a large number of black swans. 

Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus)

Can not wait to go back again with friends and show them the places I have discovered today. Places that warrant taking the binoculars and a picnic with a comfortable chair to spend some time watching and relaxing.