Ellanbrae and Home Valley stations

After packing up our King Edward River camp, we had an early morning swim in the river before making our way back to Drysdale Station, timing it perfectly for one last hamburger lunch.  Our friends Tex and Julie spotted us coming in the station gates, they had been camping there for a few days waiting on a spare part for their camper, so they joined us for lunch too. It was great to catch up as we had lost contact and weren't sure if we'd see them again.

After our yummy lunch we made our way to Ellenbrae  which was perfect for a one night stop on the way to Home Valley Station. Anyway how could we drive past knowing they serve home made jam and scones! Ellenbrae is a quirky little place. Its just 5kms off the Gibb, and although it doesn't have any gorges or walks, it is a pleasant place to stay with beautiful gardens, and a very unusual Boab bathroom! 

We shared a campfire with our friends Chris and Marie and the next morning enjoyed those scones.

Home Valley Station was a bit of a shock to the system.  Green grass, lots of people, a pool, kids playground, restaurant and bar. But what about a shop!  Well they had one, if you could call it that....obviously they want you to spend all your money at their restaurant.  Caught hook, line and sinker!  (not that we didn't mind having lunches and dinners made for us for three days) But when you're on a big trip its not really in the budget.

There is not a lot to do at Home Valley unless you want to join one of their organised tours.  The surrounding scenery is stunning though, as it lies at the base of the Cockburn Ranges, and along the Pentecost River.  We spent a few afternoons up at the lookout for sunset (which just happened to be the only place to get Internet coverage) and were lucky to be their for a full moon. Hannah showed her friend Taaeli  live Skype footage of the big red moon rising over the Cockburn Ranges it was quite amazing.

The Pentecost River crossing still had plenty of water in it for Late July. 

River crossing at sunset                                                                              Here we go!

We made it                                                                            Looking back after coming across

It was here we had our first try for Barra'. No luck unfortunately, although our friend Chris came with us one day and got one but at 35cm it was under size. Although the fishing was non eventful the  drive out to both fishing spots, Salmon Creek and the Pentecost were an adventure, testing our 4wd ability!  

       Getting to Salmon Creek                                                  Some big rocks to negotiate

Below are pictures of the drive along the Pentecost.  Scott's in the distance  trying to find the track!

Off to El Questo next....we'll be waking  up the kids as we've heard you need to arrive early to get one of their private bush sites on the Pentecost.