Work took me Inland again for a couple of weeks. First, I drove to Newman in our own car, dropped it off with a colleague who's going to flip it, and then took a work car over to Tom Price. Total distance over 700kms in one day, around 8 hours driving all up. I wasn't in any hurry, and despite several road trains (stuck behind 6 at one stage) it was an enjoyable drive along classically beautiful Australian bush and red dirt. I had a few days in Tom Price (pics show the moody morning view) and Paraburdoo and got to enjoy the lovely company of Sonja who was staying in the same share-house.
At the weekend I headed back to Newman via the awesome Karijini National Park. I took one last delicious opportunity to swim in Fern Pool in Dales Gorge, stopping off at Fortescue Falls and greeting the fruit bats again. Karijini National Park is on the traditional lands of the Banyjima, Kurrama and Innawonga people of the Pilbara region, and Karijini is the Banyjima name for the Hamersley Range (it means 'hilly place'). It covers 627,444 hectares, the 2nd largest national park in WA. It's totally magical, easy to see why it's of such significant spiritual importance to the people who have occupied it for at least 20,000 years.
From Newman, I headed over to Nullagine to do some neonatal resuscitation training, and of course, catch up with the delightful Vangie. It was a 2.5-hour drive, much of it along a corrugated dirt road, but really happy that I could get there at all. Helen, her friend who is staying for a while, offered a massage that sorted out the last twinges of shoulder and neck pain that had been bothering me for a while. I'd had a couple of chiropractor sessions, and this was the perfect rounding off. Much appreciated!
Back to Newman the next day, spending more time with Sonja and Wendy (endorsed midwife and one of the original creators of the Midwifery and Obstetric Emergency Telehealth Service - MOETS) and the fab Newman Hospital staff. Finally, a flight back to Hedland with Aviair Nexus on a 13-seater plane. I had the luxury of being the only passenger and well looked after by the 2 pilots. These small planes don't fly high, so could really enjoy the views too.
I've spent more time around Pretty Pool Creek since Peter left because it feels safer where there are families. Crocodile Alley and the Clothing Optional beach area have more crocodile concealment places, are more isolated and with 'exposure' potential! It's very pretty where the creek meets the sea and holds happy memories of our ocean breakfasts. When tides are very high, there's the entertainment of watching someone trying to un-beach their vehicle from the Pretty Pool car park.
Some trees are still blossoming - not many of them but absolutely spectacular when you do spot them. The delicate peachy flowers are Sea Hibiscus, and the burst of bright yellow is a Golden Shower Tree (Cassia fistula). There are a few fabulous Silver Palm Trees around the Indian Ocean Apartments too.
After being mesmerised by the gorgeous Boab trees in Broome, it was amazing to see an awesome specimen right at the entrance to Hedland Airport. Can't accuse it of hiding - it's right there as you go in, along with the Farewell from Country plaque. No idea how I could have possibly missed it all the times I've been there, but I'll definitely be waving it goodbye when I head to the airport for the last time on Friday.
Farewell Pilbara and thanks for the joy and privilege of spending time in this authentically magnificent region 💜😁
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