Tom Price to Karratha (via Karijini, Wittenoom and Millstream )

Hello all,
I headed out towards Karijini with the news of record low temperatures and the threat of rain. The previous day Newman had recorded at top temperature of 12c.......lower than Hobart!
The weather has been odd, to say the least. While it has been fantastic to see the area so lush and green I didn't come to the Pilbara to wear a beanie and hoodie.

Oxer Lookout, Karijini

The upside of these mining towns is fuel prices, $1.34 / litre in Parabadoo and Tom Price, along with reasonable grocery prices.

Oxer Lookout

Oxer Lookout

Knox Gorge

Knox Gorge

With the wet weather some roads were still closed, so it was back to the main road to get to Dales Campgrounds.

Mt Bruce 1235 metres

After a cool night at Dales it was time to explore Fortesque Falls and Fern Pool.

Fortesque Falls

Fortesque Falls

Fortesque Falls

A short walk upstream is Fern Pool and despite the cool temperatures some backpackers were swimming.....

Fern Pool

Fern Pool

I headed around the Hamersley Range through Munjina Gorge to Auski Roadhouse.

a lush green Pilbara

 

Munjina Gorge

From Munjina I headed towards Wittenoom, I came through here in 1989, stopped and had lunch at the store and drove to the gates of the Asbestos mine and took photos........
I was under the impression that only one lady still lived there since the town was closed, but it looks as if there are at least 6 places still occupied.

Wittenoom

Wittenoom

Wittenoom

looking towards Wittenoom Gorge

It is truly a tragedy that this stunningly beautiful area hides such a horrible past with the death toll still rising from Asbestosis.

Holiday Rental home in Wittenoom anyone?

Leaving Wittenoom it was a several hundred kilometer gravel run across to Millstream National Park, I remember this place being stunning, but the fires and floods of recent years have taken their toll.

Millstream Homestead, now the Visitors Centre

Fortesque River at Millstream

When I came through here in 1989, I remember Python Pool area to be stunning and I was not disappointed.

Chichester Range, Millstream

Chichester Range

Chichester Range

Chichester Range

Python Pool

After Python Pool it was transit into Karratha for laundry and shopping.

Pyramid Hill

 Tomorrow I plan to head out to Cleaverville, Wickham and Cossack before heading north towards Hedland.
Bye for now......