As we hit the Cape Leveque Road (a bit too fast, I might add) the corrugated Pindan sandy road began. Nick lowered the tyre pressure and took the road slowly. About half way to the campsite we stopped to ask a tour bus driver if the road gets any worse, to which they replied a bit sandier maybe but not much worse. We followed the bus to Willie Creek. Bit of a miscommunication between Nuck
& I though. I thought Nick wanted to follow the bus to Willie Creek to perhaps camp there instead, while Nick presumed by following him to Willie Creek the road continued to
Quandong Point. Although it was a 30km detour we did see 3 brolgas and saw Willie Creek Pearl farm.
Finally, after 45km of corrugations, sandy spots and dips in the road we turned off to Quandong Point Camping area. So far we thought it wasn't too bad and were even commenting that maybe we could venture out to Cape Leveque (surely if we could drive 45 km we could drive an extra 45km of dirt). Our confidence changed in a split second as we drove over a rise and saw the other side had been severely rutted out. My stomach knotted and I felt my palms get sweaty as I clenched the seat and door handle til my knuckles were white as Nick maneuvered the car and van down feeling itbottom out with each deep rut. I think Nick even wondered how the heck we would get out again.
Once back on track we approached the camping area. It seemed we had to head right to the sites. There were 2 roads heading right and we unfortunately missed the first and as we turned into the second we sank into soft deep sand, bogging both the car and the van.
Thankfully a short time later a 4wd drove in, and somewhat reluctantly the guy agreed to tow us out. With comments such as "perhaps you should invest in a shovel" he clearly thought we were foolish for attempting to camp here.
Once out we found the only site not sandy, got out, and after stepping on numerous bindi prickles which went through the soles of my havaianas to my feet, combined with the stress of the last half hour, Nick could clearly see I wasn't happy and agreed to head back to Broome. This decision did mean we had to negotiate the ruts again today.
Nick got out of the car to decide on the best way to negotiate the way back out. The kids and I also got out and waited at the top in a bid that less weight in the car would assist. I think this is the most nervous I have seen Nick, he even expressed his concern of the car or van rolling. With my heart thumping loudly I watched as Nick manourvred the car up the rutted path. Josh and I both wincing as the box and spare tyre on the back of the van hit the road time and time again. Finally after what seemed like an eternity (but in reality only a minute or two) Nick was up the hill, and we headed back into town cautiously as Nick was a little anxious as to what damage we had done to the car and van. Perhaps we should have waited in that queue at the information centre.
Once back on tar our next thought was wondering if we would get into a caravan park in town as it was the Friday of a long weekend. After ringing around we were able to get a site at Cable beach caravan park, and quickly spotted Jo & Pete, and Mark & Lauren camped nearby us. The kids were super excited at the prospect of a pool and playground just behind us.
Hindsight is always a wonderful thing, but after checking the van and car were ok, adventure is a wonderful thing too and what this trip is all about.
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