Having done everything there is to do in Onslow and in the light of the fact that we had only been allowed into the caravan park for one night, we turned once again to the south.
There is a big advisory road sign some way back along the highway which must be in line for the most unusual official road sign in the world. It says "WARNING LIMITED WATER FOR 638 KM".
The countryside here is very dry. They have had one day of rain in eighteen months in Karratha. The soil is rusty red and there is no grass, only spinifex. Nevertheless there are abundant wild flowers. mostly mulla mulla which have flower heads like purple candles but also cassia and several other flowers which I couldn't identify. There are even cattle on some of the land and the kangaroos are reasonably abundant judging by the road kill.
We stopped for fuel at Nanutarra Roadhouse which had been said to be unfriendly. The rumours couldn't have been more wrong. This is a busy place and with a coach load of tourists in when we arrived it was bedlam. Nevertheless the proprietors are happy people with a smile and a word for everybody. I asked what it was like living in such an isolated place and they said the passing parade of traffic keeps them amused all the time and they love it here.
Undertaking Completed turned up while we were fuelling up so after lunch we travelled in convoy to the next rest area.
Barradale Rest Area is on the banks of the Yannarie River which is "seasonal". There is lots of room and plenty ot trees but some people simply can't avoid choosing the wrong place to park. We had to assist two four wheel drivers out of the sand because they had thought, unwisely, that they could get through anything.
We had a long and pleasant happy hour in the shade of the Motley until the sun was well and truly set and the temperature had dropped below comfort level.