As we only had about 30ks to get to Adel’s Grove we had a leisurely morning – bacon and eggs for brekkie and a real coffee crafted by the Bottomless Barista as well as a Psalm for the day..

Trev flew the drone for a quick aerial view of the countryside – beautiful vista!!

We were just about to pull out when Branch called a halt…there appeared to be a Wells issue so we got out for a look….and another repair – Poppy appeared as apprentice nuisance when Macgyver got out the tools… another issue with the connections between their car and van…

Finally on the road we continued on the Doomadgee Road through Lawn Hill Cattle Station – past hundreds of cattle some of which felt they owned the road!!

Lots of bulldust, rolling plains and hills in the distance – and a small hill close to the road with an enormous cross on it – a private road up to the top – obviously a burial place with a memorial for a local family.

We came to the dual river crossing – the water was not too deep but flowing and very clear so everyone made it across without issue. It was a mini oasis in this dry land and you can see why the homestead for the cattle station was built on its banks a bit further along. There were palms and reeds, lots of greenery and the crystal clear cool water meandering along made for a very picturesque and serene setting.

After leaving Lawn Hill Station we drove on to Adel’s Grove – roadworks along the way but the road was in good condition.

Arriving at Adel’s Grove we found the temporary reception area (their main admin building had been burnt down about 4 weeks ago!!) We checked in and booked a gorge cruise for the next day and then went to find our sites and set up. While checking in Rosie heard a couple saying they had issues with their van’s water and had lost all their water so she went over for a chat having found a kindred spirit!! The campground here has a small maintenance crew so the Wells may be able to source some parts for definitive repairs.

Rose and Dave decided to “dump” first and then somehow got lost in the camping area….we could not locate them and there was some difficulty turning around the van apparently wherever they had landed but eventually we spotted them coming in the right direction and they arrived only to find that the repair on their water inlet valve had come loose…and they were losing water whenever the pump was turned on.

Branch felt the need to leave the issue to Poppy who was nowhere to be seen – Rose and Dave hopped into their car and drove back to reception….and returned with the “Fairy Wren” and the maintenance guy – Branch could not resist a look. The guy was very helpful with parts and a correctly sized bolt and two small hose clamps secured the inlet hose – this will get them to Cairns where they will hopefully be able to buy an inlet fitting and do a complete fix.

We ate a quick lunch and the walked down to Lawn Hill Creek where there was a pontoon and swimming hole. The water was refreshingly cool and clean and the banks of the creek were lined with water lilies in flower, bamboo, palms and beautiful gums.

Adel’s Grove had originally been planted by a French botanist Albert De Lestang (hence ADEL – his initials) apparently commissioned by the government of the day to experiment with growing tropical trees and fruits on the 30 hectares. By 1939 he had over 1000 different species of trees growing, many imported from Africa, Asia and tropical America and he used to sell fruit to supplement his income. In the early 1950s his complex at Adel’s Grove was burnt down by a fire that escaped from a local mine and he lost all his written records. He was in his 70s by then and fell into depression and left the Grove. Unfortunately subsequent owners did not attend to the trees and shrubs as well as he and many died – today it is still a lush area but not as spectacular as in the past.

After our refreshing swim we walked through the grove admiring the lush vegetation….and went back to camp for showers. The campground had a bar area set up behind reception so we all went for a cool drink and then ordered barramundi and chips for dinner from “the Shack” – helping support the local economy and rebuild of the destroyed building….

The Bottomless Barista was keen to try out his new “Ring of Fire” that he had purchased in Broome – the gas ring to end all gas rings!!!