At Derby

Last time we visited Derby there were road works at the Broome/Derby intersection; we even had to follow a detour. We usually have our UHF turned on, as you often pick up tips about flooded roads and other obstacles from the truckies in the area. On this occasion the Roadworks personnel were using the same frequency. There was a ‘newbie’ driver carting metal which he had to dump in a certain place to raise the road, and he says to the Supervisor: “Gee, I’ve never driven a truck this big. How will I back in? I don’t want to tip over the side.” The Supervisor encouraged him by assuring him he was on the right track, and to just keep reversing. “Not sure I can do it, boss” the newbie driver said. “Can you see your back wheels?” asked the sympathetic Supervisor. “Yes” was the reply. “Then just follow them!”

Not many people see Derby like this … in the dry season! Yesterday it rained! And it went on for 18 hours. Derby had about 60 mils; Broome had 200!!! The locals are delighted. The tourists have a different opinion, as their tours were cancelled. The unsealed roads, usually dusty, are now mud. So Cowboy Steve’s Bushtracker looks like this!

We had some water in the ‘van at 2.00 am, but nothing too serious. 

Derby Baptist this morning was great. They were still buzzing about Steve Grace’s recent visit here, where he travelled to communities with Kimberley Aviation, which that Church runs. AND I got a great contact for that project I’m working on. P.T.L.