Hi everyone, We left Port Hedland after our harbour tour & initially travelled north for 40 kilometres before turning east for a further 70 kilometres for our free camp at the Des Streckfuss Rest Area. We scored a great camp site down by the river.
The next day we travelled a further 80 kilometres through the picturesque Doolena Gorge to the iconic Australian town of Marble Bar. For those overseas readers that have not heard of it – Mable Bar is AUSTRALIA’S HOTTEST TOWN. The town has a reputation for consistently hot temperatures & a record of 160 consecutive days over 38.7 degrees in the summer of 1923-24.
A colourful Jasper Bar crosses the Coongan River just west of the town. It was this Jasper Bar that was mistaken for “Marble” that gave rise to the name Marble Bar.
We visited the Comet Mine & museum where the first gold was discovered in Western Australia before doing some ‘JASPER” prospecting in a gorge. Naturally, we had a cold beer (2) in the Iron Clad Hotel in Australia’s hottest town. The hotel is clad in corrugated iron.
The next day was the day when this little outback town sees its population absolutely explode because it is the annual Marble Bar Cup horse race. What a bewdy this day was! There were six races on the programme & it was tremendously well attended with fans travelling from as far Broome to Port Hedland. The organisers allow free camping at the racecourse & we could not believe the numbers of swags, tents, camper trailers & caravans set up adjacent to the race track.
Cheryl & I had mixed fortunes on the punt & neither of us picked the cup winner. Cheryl lost $7 for the day & I out laid a total of $90 for the day for a return of $110 hence a profit of $20. After the last official race of the day it is time for the Mixed Breed Undie race. You should look closely & see if you recognise anyone. We await your comments.
Chezza & Stephen's Blog 
When I met Clive I said I wanted to take him round Australia but I didn’t want to be on a deadline as I wanted to get to Marble Bar. The first time I went round I was on Tour, the second time I was in a MH with another lady and it flooded for miles so with the help of the Manager from Whim Creek we got thru OK but not out to Marble Bar. So Clive and I made it, a great experience. Have you had the hamburger in the Pub, the biggest I have ever seen. The local policeman at the time, his job was to take breakfast out to the local aborigine kids. We stayed in the same camp as you. We are at Meandarra, a small country town in Qld. Was a bit chilly yesterday but sun shining this AM. 6 caravans have only single men in them and we make up 2 with doubles. The local tells us the town has more single women than men. We are travelling with 2 other MH. Heading for Tin Can Bay. Safe travelling in this wonderful country of ours. Both well. Hugs Barbara. Clive spoke to his brother yesterday and tried Iris twice. Made 2 calls and missed 2. We have the State of Origin tomorrow night, usually a big night in the local.
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Thanks for your comments. We tried to get mum a couple of times yesterday & went straight to voice message. Incidentally, that is my voice on her voice message! We hope you are having a great time. Go the Maroons!!
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Take care
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Runners look too fit to be Steve. They must all be chasing Cheryl who is way out in front.
Jeanette & Robb
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Robb, there were a couple of pretty good runners! There was a 75 year old bloke who was in great shape & really fast as well.
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That looks like the best fun ever. You are both looking incredibly relaxed in spite of the spider !
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Meredith, we are having a great time in this fantastic country of ours. So much to see – not enough time!
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