Sunday, November 22

We returned again today to Serpentine National Park, thinking it would surely be reopened by now, but there was a sign saying that as of September 2, the park would be closed until further notice. However, before driving away, Bill called the number on the sign, and the ranger said "Oh, that sign is 4 or 5 years old, and it's o.k. to hike there, only the campground is closed." So, we drove on in, but the ranger failed to mention the road was a disaster, and only a 4-wheel drive could get through. Well, of course, I was driving, only my 2nd or 3rd time, and I was sure the car was going to get stuck in one of the very deep ruts. So Bill managed to get the car turned around, we drove back to a level area to park, and got out and hiked. Just as in other parks, we only saw one small group of people, there just never seems to be anyone else out in the parks.

I mentioned how bad the flies are here, and this pic shows how many are typically around your head at any time. They like to hitch a free ride, and then take turns buzzing your face. We have to get some netting to put over our hats, the insect repellent we used did nothing to deter them.