From Fairbairn Dam it was down to Springsure heading for Carnavon Gorge. The road in started as blacktop, but after a few cattle grids, it became corrogated dirt... Fun for Thommo on the DR, not so much fun for me on the Bandit. But new experiences were what I was after on this trip and new experiences were what I got. After 2 creek crossings we reached Carnavon Gorge Lodge and the bar was open. My beer tasted so fucking good after the dusty road.

We went exporing a little, to Cathedral Cave. I'll let the pictures tell you what the place was like -

The afternoon had kinda marched on a bit and the plan tonight was to camp at Isla Gorge. The night beat us before we got there. So when we got to Moura, on the Dawson River, there was a free camp site near the river. Grey nomads had set up for the night and our bikes were about to shatter their little dreams of peace and quiet. A quick run to the local IGA to restock on meat and veges saw us setting up camp and scrounging for firewood in the near dark. Dinner was curried chicken that night. It was my turn to cook.

It was only a short hop to Isla Gorge from here, so we had a late start to the day. Pancakes for brekky ( told ya it was 5 Star camping ). Refuel the bikes, grab some more ice to keep the Bundy's cold and off to Theodore.

The Bandit and I had become firm friends by this time. The little cafe'd 600, even loaded up with gear, was a hoot to ride. I may have left Thommo behind a little, a couple of times... Ah well, ya get that on big jobs. Coming into Theodore, there is a left/right combination that just begged for me to take it at Least twice the posted speed limit. Sweeeeet ! The truck that I passed just before laying the bike into the left hander, gave me the thumbs up when he went passed as I waited for Thommo to catch up at the turn off for Isla.

Thommo wanted to show me a place that he'd camped at on the return leg of a previous trip, Chain Of Ponds. Just beautiful -

Who needs a tent when you can sread the swag on a table under shelter?