Adel's Grove

5 - 7 August 2014

The drive from the National Park to Adel's Grove was probably the worst section of the unsealed road from Gregory Downs to Boodjamulla, so it took us about half an hour to travel the 10 kilometres. We had been booked into the grove section and instructed to pick our own campsite, which we did. The grove is really shady and closest to the creek - but it was oh, so cold! Mick ventured up to the other camping area - the one where we had been camped last time we were here 12 years ago - and decided it was much nicer. He was right so we requested a move to site number 6, and moved our camp. We had set up and packed up twice in one day - so we though that deserved an ice cream. That's one of the reasons for staying at Adel's Grove! We had a lazy afternoon (it was too cold for a swim) - which was very much appreciated after all the activity of the last few days.

In the morning we ventured out on the walk up to Lookout Hill. It was a fairly easy walk that takes you up to the only spot where you can get mobile phone coverage. We did what others were doing, and used our phones for the first time in a few days. The view from the hill is fantastic. 
 

Communication starved pilgrims feel compelled to erect a cairn commemorating their conversation

  We walked back down and turned off to return to camp via the "nature walk" which takes you along the creek. It's a lovely, mostly shaded, stroll. 

Because it was much warmer we decided on a swim. We went to the "beach" area as it is much easier access to the water - and shallower. After the initial shock to the system we enjoyed a pleasant - but short - swim, followed by another ice cream!

Buff-sided Robin is common along the creek

Long-tailed Finch came in to drink along the nature walk in the afternoon

 We made the effort to get up early in the morning as we knew we had another long drive ahead of us. It was about 640km from Adel's Grove to our next destination - Normanton, with not much in between. We made good time and made the drive - without incident - in about 6 hours. 

• Although expensive, luxuries like ice cream as well as more basic supplies like bread, gas, petrol and ice are available
• Fires are allowed
• Good birding