A Dash to the Crossing

We left El Questro Station at 8 am this morning. We crossed the Pentecost River and drove out to the HWY along the corrugated road.  Water levels had risen on a number of creek crossings compared to when we first arrived six days ago. At the junction, Steve aired up the tyres and screwed the number plate back on. We discovered that the Anderson plug had fallen off. It was destroyed! We think that it may have dislodged itself whilst crossing the Pentecost River and then dragged along the entire road.  Fortunately, Steve had a spare and replaced it. 

A few K’s up the road we drove through a floodway a wee bit too quickly and got smashed by water.  Steve decided to pullover to check that the number plate was still attached. Neither of us saw it but we heard it. Crunch!  We had driven over a white metal road marker.  I was beginning to get that unsettling feeling ‘what’s next?’.

An hour later, heading along the Northern Highway, I just happen to get some internet so I checked Main Roads WA and discovered that the Fitzroy Crossing dual carriageway was now closed.  The Low Level crossing was still open however there was a likely chance it too may close.

Do we risk being stuck or do we make a dash for the river?

We had originally planned to stay at Larrawa Station and then cross the Fitzroy early tomorrow, however our gut instincts were screaming ‘Get to the other side today or you’ll be stuck!’

After driving nearly 700 kilometres, we finally crossed the Fitzroy River at 4:00 pm, we fuelled up and drove to Ellendale Station for the night.

We parked up, watched the sun set and had a relaxing bevy whilst reflecting on our mammoth day when I received a notification … Fitzroy River impassable, The detour crossing is now closed. No access to the west or east. It was 6.30 pm and we breathed a sigh of relief.

We poured ourselves another celebratory drink.