Day 27 – Borroloola to Daly Waters

I awoke fairly early – but unfortunately mattresses are now not as kind to me as my waterbed or even the air mattress I’m using in the tent. Once I’m awake, I feel uncomfortable and have to get up. I got up and had breakfast – still in my PJ, a rare treat. Lynn got up to shower and after I had finished breakfast, I had my shower, dressed and packed things up (clothing bag, computer, camera and pillow bag). We were on the road by about 8:30 and headed straight down to the local river to take some great shots from the river bed. Then it was off on the road to the Heartbreak Hotel. We had been told to drive in to the Lost City, but saw no signs or other information. We did see the McArthur River mine – it looked pretty big and was working today. Once we got to the Heartbreak Hotel our hearts were broken as the Irish backpacker on the bar said helicopter was the only way in, but it wasn’t operating until Tuesday (it’s Sunday today). I spoke to a Swiss motorcyclist (a welder) who was working his way around the world and thought he had enough money for nearly another year. Then we headed off, looking for signs – but there were none! We arrived at the Daly Waters pub about 1:20 and stopped at the red light. As it was permanently on, we went no further. We ordered some lunch and then booked a site for the night. The burger I had wasn’t as good as in 2006! Our site had en suites as amenities blocks – very swish! We spent the afternoon in the lounge of the hotel and chatted to many different people. We also drove back to have a look at the Highway Inn at the Borroloola turnoff and put 20 L of diesel in. Back at the Daly Waters pub, entertainment came on about 5:30 and we headed off, had some light tea and were in bed before 7. The night was punctuated by owls hunting and dogs barking at the owls.