Day 37 DeGrey Rest Area (12 October)

Travelled approx 300kms north (past Port Hedland) to the rest area which is near a bridge and river. There is only a small amount of shallow water in the river, it would be lovely to see after the wet season and we could see from the bridge pylons how high the water does get. Apparently sharks and crocs have been seen in this river. The trees alongside the riverbanks are gorgeous, paperbarks and other gum trees. The description of the rest area says that it is a great place to sit on the grassed riverbank and watch the bird life. Evidence of grassed areas was rare but you could probably imagine this after the wet. We arrived there at 1.30pm and it was hot! and of course we had no power so couldn’t switch on the a/c. There was a lot of station cows (look like brahmans) seeking refuge among the trees and the riverbank. We believe the farmers round them up before the wet season even though a lot getting killed during any floods the wet season brings.  Also lots of birds mainly white cockatoos. We found a really nice quiet spot among the trees and waited for Scott and Joanne to arrive. They arrived and another couple (Julie and Murray, Monique and Sam) that they have travelled with also joined us. It was great to catchup and by this time the breeze was in and we had a very pleasant evening sitting outside enjoying the beautiful setting and the company. I really enjoy the free camping, getting back to nature is lovely even if we have to rough it and we (and everything we own) continually are covered in red sand.