Day 5 - Roma to Canarvon gorge

Well the day started with quite the frost, a chilly night that had Stu sleeping between Katie and Griff on the big bed as he wasn't able to keep blankets on long enough to reduce the chill.  The quote from Stu was it felt like sleeping in a vice, teach me right for being warm blooded and the secondary heater for the tent. We talked through the night saying that we must make a big deal of Andi's night as he pretty much stayed wrapped the whole night. Unfortunately though he woke up saturated (warm blooded like his Dad). Being so warm also meant finding a laundromat at 7.300am in the morning to make sure we got everything dry for this evening!

It was a glorious crisp morning, not a cloud in the sky and not a breath of wind, and that is how it stayed all day. The boys continued the exploration of showgrounds on their bikes. Andi has progressed so much in just a few short days - trying to stand up now! Griff is Mr Harry Casual cruising around, sometimes even pedalling backwards. 

We filled up Ernie's water tanks with water as Roma's water doesn't seem so bad and we need some for the days ahead.  Once packed we headed into town to catch the big Roma attraction, the Big Rig. A display and information about the history of oil and gas exploration in the region.  Very informative and the boys liked the displays, Andi particularly taken by the seismic and gravity display, very interactive.  I learnt a few things as well, puts things into perspective even appropriate for back at work as well!

We had a quick lunch and play before heading off for Canarvon Gorge, a short 242 kms north.  Had a good trip up. We had a nice conversation with some grey nomads in a couple of caravans over the UHF. They were heading to Cooktown. We told them about Canarvon Gorge as they'd never heard of it before! We wished them on their way and headed off the major road to the gorge.  It was our first dirt road of the trip.

Arriving at close to 4pm everyone got out and commenced the set up. With everyone pitching in Ernie went up really well (and fast).  The campsite is just perfect and facilities are quite surreal, reminded me of a safari style, raised high and all wood.  

Picture of our campsite for the next couple days

We'll see how the boys (and Katie) feel about going for a short walk or two tomorrow.  Hopefully not to chilly tonight.