A decade ago when Linda and John Curry set out on their dream trip to the Northern Territory, it didn’t seem like too much of a big deal to call in to see Lark Quarry, 100 kilometres or so southwest of Winton.
It was a place that for some reason had caught Linda’s imagination. Tourist brochures talked of the 4000 footprints left by panicked dinosaurs on the shores of a lake as a larger predator tromped among them in search of a meal. The chance to see the ancient trackways of a stampede that happened some 95 million years ago seemed like a perfect excursion for grey nomads on a relaxed schedule seeking to learn as they travelled.
However, 10 years on Linda is still waiting to visit. Her casual interest now an overwhelming desire.
The couple’s 1997 trip began straightforwardly enough. Towing their beloved A-van behind their Toyota Prado named ‘Snowy’, John and Linda spent their first night in Dubbo before heading on to Bourke … and that’s when things turned sour.
“That night was very windy and the palm trees in the caravan park made loud swishing noises all night which is why we think that is why we didn’t hear anything,” said Linda. “Imagine our surprise in the morning when our Prado was missing and all that remained was a pile of shattered glass.”
While other cars in the park were broken into, the couple’s was the only one that had been stolen.
A short time later, police found the burnt-out shell of the missing Prado.
“Not only did we lose the car but the annexe, esky, books, food and clothes,” said Linda. “After all, you can’t fit much in an A-van!”
The dream trip – and the much anticipated visit to Lark’s Quarry – were reluctantly scrapped. With the help of their insurance company they made their way home and their A-van arrived soon after them on the back of a truck.
The lost Prado was replaced with a new white Prado, which is still going like clockwork to this day, and the couple has since driven the Northern Territory several times. Yet circumstances and other priorities have dictated that they have constantly had to miss out on a trip to Lark Quarry.
Yet, Linda has never forgotten and never stopped dreaming.
“It remains my one regret was we haven’t got to Lark Quarry,” she said. “And, finally, this year we are planning to drive to the Kimberley, via Winton of course!”
However, John unfortunately has been suffering with severe back problems so the trip is still a little bit up in the air … but Linda is keeping her fingers crossed.
“At least with a caravan you don’t have to book ahead and can change direction any time you like, she said. “So, here’s hoping we make it this time.”
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