Loving the last of WA.....for now anyway.

Sunday we had a nice easy start before packing up. We said farewell to Helen and Brian but we will be back to see them again in a few days. We turned West onto the highway and made the hour journey to El Questro station. The road in is in great condition and we even passed the grader on the way. We crossed two shallow creeks before arriving at the camping area. We found a spot and made camp under a beautiful big shady tree. After lunch we went for a drive to El Questro Gorge and did the walk up the gorge to the half way pool. We unfortunately didn't have the time to do the full walk.  We changed into our swimmers and enjoyed a stunning swim in the pool. 

We had the place all to ourselves for the whole afternoon. We arrived back at camp then walked over to the town store/bar area. We enjoyed a few drinks and listened to Chris Murray who plays his guitar and other instruments 6 nights a week for the 7 months the station is open. We also got to listen to a guest act of Karin Page who also had a beautiful voice. We dragged ourselves away late in the evening and I threw together a vegetarian curry which we enjoyed before heading back to listen to Chris do his second act. I got a chance to chat with Karin and we talked all about travel and the wonderful opportunities life can present us with. 

Monday we woke and after breakfast we made our way to the Zebedee hot springs. We arrived just as a large group were leaving so we hopped into their swimming hole and soaked away all the corrugations.

We chatted with anyone who came in also to enjoy the warm water, we soaked for well over an hour before it started to get really busy. This was our sign to leave. After changing into dry gear we did the Explosion gorge drive and a drive up to Pigeon Hole lookout.

These are slow going low range at time tracks and we were extremely surprised to not see another sole for the whole 2 hours we were out driving.  When you are out driving these tracks it is here that you pass the homestead and the accomodation where you can spend over $2000 to stay right on the river. Heres a few photos from where I could get them of the accomodation.

Back at camp for a late lunch and restful afternoon. Just before sunset we drove up to Saddle Back ridge to see the sun set over the gorges, valleys and camp. It was a beautiful place to see the end of another memorable day.

Tuesday we had a leisurely pack up and left El Questro station about 9.30. We headed out and back east towards Emma Gorge. We packed drinks a snack and the camera for the walk in. It took us under an hour to reach the end of the gorge. We had hopped across the river several times and climbed over and around boulders larger then cars and small trucks. We were amazed at the beautiful pool and waterfall at the end. While we hadn't planned on a swim on seeing the pool there was no chance I wasn't going in. So I just took off my shorts and went in in my under ware and shirt. It was cold but so refreshing. The pool is fed also by a very small hot spring and if you swim over to where it entered the pool it was considerably warmer. I swam over to the waterfall with 2 other couples who we'd caught up with on the walk in. I found a great little ledge to sit on but with the cold water pounding on my head I couldn't stay there long as it was so cold my brain started to hurt.

After cooling off we set of back down the gorge. From here we easily drove into Kununurra, I might have fallen asleep as it all went past very quickly and quietly. We made came right next to Helen and Brian and after a quick hello we went into town. We grabbed lunch and groceries before heading back to camp. We did a load do washing and I cooked a big pot of Beef Strogonoff to share with Helen and Brian for dinner. We had a lovely night chatting with them and sharing a meal. 

Wednesday we had a quick easy pack up then enjoyed a cuppa with Helen and Brian before we left. Oh and Helen also gave me a hair cut. We then fuelled up and grabbed a couple of last things before leaving town. We arrived out at Lake Argyle just on noon. After we made camp we had lunch and then went walkabout. We found the beautiful infinity pool and booked a lake tour for tomorrow. On our way back to camp we were spotted by Pam & Mal who we'd met in Emma gorge yesterday. We chatted to them for ages. Back at camp we put on our swimmers and made for the pool. Brrrrrrr it was cold but once you were in and numb it was lovely.

We shared some of our photos of Emma gorge with Pam and Mal as they were both in the photos James took of me in the waterfall at Emma Gorge. After a warm up shower I cooked a beautiful marinated pork fillet and we made a salad and took our dinner down to the garden to watch an outdoor movie. The movie was called "The Long Long Trailer" it featured Luciel Ball and we both laughed our way through the whole movie. 

Thursday was a day to be entertained. We had a nice easy start, first off going for a drive over the dam wall and down to the picnic area where we could also see the Ord river and the hydro plant.

We then visited the Durack museum homestead.

It was a really well set up place with lots of relevant easy to follow history of how the area came to be explored and settled. Back at camp we only had a short time till we had to be ready for the cruise. We first off watched an hour long movie of the building of the dam wall, then it was time to get on the bus to get to the boat. From the moment we stepped onto the boat we were welcomed and entertained. The boat wasn't full so we had plenty of room to move about. The tea, coffee and soft drinks were laid on and at any time we could get what we wanted. We learnt about he size of the dam how much power the hydro system creates, the fish, the wallaroos, the fresh water crocs, the mining plants and the overall benefit to the whole of the Kimberley area that this one lake makes.

The pattern on the rock is a reflection off the water.

Walleroo, part Kangaroo part Wallaby.

We were on the boat from 2.30-6.00pm and were constantly fed interesting information. Of course just to top off a great afternoon just before sunset we pulled up and the skipper says first in the water for a swim gets the first drink. Well James didn't need any further encouraging he sat on the edge and over he went. The skipper threw him a drink and heaps of people followed. While stopped beer and wine and nibbles were supplied and it also was laid on. After asking a fellow passenger to take a photo for me I entered the water the same way James did straight over the side. The skipper also throws out those swimming noodles so it's easy to drink and just float.

 Well this is when we saw that your allowed to jump off the roof, so being that we wouldn't often get that chance up we went and together from the roof of the boat we bombed into the water. We swam a bit more and James did one more bomb which I managed to grab a photo of just as I was taking photos of the sun setting.

 After drying off we cruised back to the boat ramp.  The sunset was amazing and he moon was very low in the sky following the sun so I managed to get a great shot of the moon reflecting off the water with the gorgeous orange sky in between.  

 These days are ones that will forever remain in our memories as treasured ones.

What a way to spend our last whole day in WA, when we leave the state tomorrow we will have been in WA for Nine months and loved every part. We will be back and hopefully sooner rather then later. 

Friday we had a day of transit. It wasn't long till we crossed into NT and changed our watches forward an hour and a half. We wanted to visit and probably stay at a place called Zebra rock mine which has amazing rock formations with lines straight through it hence the name. We were very disappointed to find out they have already closed for the season :( ok so onto a new plan. We drove to a national park spot but it was still early so we pushed on. We pulled into Turkey creek and filled up the car and our tummies. After a quick call and messages to wish 2 of my nephews happy birthday we pushed on out of town. We had considered staying in various parts of Gregory national park but they were also closed. We found a nice spot about 4pm. It had all we needed and would do for the night. 

Saturday and the end of another fantastic week. Our body clocks are all over the shop but we are getting used to the new time zone. Just as we were about to leave we heard a call out "Hi" it was Helen and Jim who we had met in Dampier through Helen and Brian. If you've read all these you'll know we spent a night at a different road side stop (Peawah) with them heading for Port Headland. They had also stayed the night just diagonally across from us but facing the opposite way. We caught up with their travels and when it got to hot to stay out chatting any longer said farewell. With "extra" nights on our hands before James has to work next week we decided to head for Edith Falls. It was this location that we were headed for last year when we had had the accident and never got here. So we pushed on into Katherine where we finally after some 36,000km and 13months later we made our "lap" ends meet. Katherine actually looks cleaner and it's was evident that someone is putting money into the town to "tidy" it up. We both gave a little sigh as we drove past the place we know our old trailer is still sitting but we couldn't bring ourselves to stop in. We filled up the car with fuel and water before heading out of town north to the falls. It isn't far from town and before we knew it we were set up in a great spot where we won't have to unhook and have a beautiful grass lawn right on our door step. After a late lunch we put on our swimmers and went down to the swimming area. It was much larger then I'd expected, it was also a whole lot colder then I'd expected. We got in and swam over to the falls which is probably 50-70 meters from the edge. The falls are freezing and powerful.

After swimming back we were cold and got out. Back at camp I noticed we had two very well spaced trees that were perfect for a hammock. So out it came. After changing out of the wet swimmers I laid in the hammock for a few hours reading and finishing another great book. We went for a walk and talked with a camper who is just a few spots away but they own an Earth Cruiser. It's one of James's dream trucks. They were so very friendly and informative. We got to climb in and have a look at it. It is an impressive truck and also an expensive truck. Back at camp for dinner and then I caught up on some blog writing while James read. 

Kimberley Touring

We had a slower start today and it had been cold over night. Our neighbours had the fire going so we enjoyed breakfast by the fire then packed up. We said farewell and headed for Tunnel Creek. I don't know what I was expecting but I LOVED TUNNEL CREEK. It was so much fun walking though the cave/tunnel in complete darkness with only our torches to light the way. Again we got lucky and had no one infront of us and 2 couples behind us so at times we felt like we were in there alone. Now I wanted to hide behind a rock and jump out and scare someone but James wouldn't let me. The fear of scaring someone and giving them a heart attack got the better of me. I took heaps of photos and loved every part of the walk. We waded through water and walked over rocks, listened to bats and discussed how the rock was so different in the tunnel. 

From here we pushed on into Fitzroy Crossing and found a park to set up in. After lunch we went out to Geike Gorge. We did the long walk and was well disappointed. The rocks were cool to see but the view at the end was blocked by trees and you saw nothing more then you did 1km back up the track.

Oh well we didn't mind the walk in the cool shade. Back to camp to blog and catch up with friends and family. 

Monday morning slow start. Well for us anyway. When we woke at the late hour of oh 7am almost all the other campers were packed and gone or in the process of leaving. What is it with these early risers. I heard someone leaving at 6am!!!!! Jeeze. Anyways we were on the road before 9am and headed for Halls Creek. The scenery was ever changing. We drove against the wind most the way unfortunately but hey you win some you loose some. We saw very little wild life though a few huge hawks were impressive guarding their kill. Thousand and millions of termite mounds and rocks balanced so strangely it made us wonder how and why they hadn't fallen further. We drove through around and over small mountain ranges and saw spinafex for as far as the eye could see. There were large valleys filled with rising and falling hills and flat top mounds that make you ponder. We did the usual arrive set camp routine and a load of washing before going exploring. First stop the visitor center. We grabbed a map and local knowledge and set out. We first saw chinamans wall,

 then out to Caroline's pool which if it had more water would be enticing then to Old Halls Creek to see some really cool remains of the old township, where the buildings were made of mud clay bricks and with the years passing they look like they'd melted a lot. Back at camp and a quiet night chatting with our neighbours. 

Tuesday we headed for the Wolfe creek meteorite. We had 130km of dirt each way to see it. The first and most of the track is the Tanami which was in good condition and relatively easy going, the last part is on private property and though it wasn't as good as the Tanami it was still not too bad. We walked to the top of the crater which though sounds something exciting and challenging it is actually a 400m slope to the ridge. We stood and viewed the crater and descended it again.

 We had morning tea and did some running repairs to the tailgate on Randy as we have a bolt that had come loose and fallen out and were back on the road home in no time at all. We both had a little nap and did plenty of reading in the afternoon before taking a walk into town for a few groceries. 

Wednesday we set out from Halls Creek and made our way to the Bungle Bungles. The bitumen just disappeared before us and as we hit the park we aired down for the trek in. We knew it was 50km from here to the rangers station and then not much further into the campsites and walks. What we didn't know was how slow going the drive would be. We had assumed it would be just like any other dirt road we'd been on. Oh were we in for a shock. It was awful. The speed limit was 50 but we could at best sit on 30-40. It was rocky and rough and tight turns. It's a track not a road. Some how we had missed that bit of vital information buy the time we covered the 50km to the rangers station we had taken just on an hour and a half.  Anyway the ranger lady was nice and the campsites were not anywhere near full so we could just drive and pick a spot. We found a spot under some shade with a fire pit close by and the park supplies fire wood. We had a late lunch and to our surprise just as we were sitting down Sue and John who we'd met at Derby and Bells Gorge turned up. We decided to head off and do the southern walks. To me this end of the park is what I imagined the Bungle bungles would look like. Lots of the the dome shaped mounds and mountains. We did 2 walks and thoroughly enjoyed both.

Back at camp and the sun had just set and it got cold fast. We lit the fire and put lamb shanks in the camp oven for dinner. Sue and John joined us at the fire and we sat chatting to them for the night. 

Thursday we had a quiet relaxed morning and set off to walk about 9am before it got to hot to walk. We headed all the way out to the Echidna Chasm first as it was the longest. After a quick walk up to the lookout we set off up the rocky creek bed for the chasm. We trekked most of the walk on river rocks. The chasm was our favourite walk. At times the walls were so close you could barely walk through them and they were incredibly tall. We had to climb over fallen boulders to make it to the end.

 The end is just the point at which during the wet season the water funnels into the chasm and of course over the millions of years has formed the chasm. From here we retraced our steps back out and then to the other lookouts and short walks before heading to the air strip to enquire about a helicopter flight. The afternoon was booked out so we booked the first flight for tomorrow morning. A quiet afternoon at camp followed by a great fire with good company from John and Sue and John and Allison.  We had a fantastic beef roast and later in the night I cooked a damper for tomorrow's breakfast. We didn't know it at the time but it was infact the best damper to date. Had we realised this we probably would have eaten it warm and fresh right after it was cooked. 

Friday we woke excitedly. After a scrumptious breakfast of damper with jam on it we packed up most of the trailer before heading over to the air strip. We arrived and were on the helicopter within no time. Sam was our pilot and we could tell he loved his job. He said that this flight was arguably one of the best places to fly over. He has had passengers from all over the world who have done some amazing flights and this one they rate amongst the best. We were so excited. Flying in something not much bigger then a Zook and it had no doors on. Well I'm going to let the pictures tell the story from here. It was 30 minutes of AMAZING.

Back at camp we packed down the trailer  and drove the 2 hours to get out of the park. We fuelled up in Turkey creek and had a picnic lunch of Damper cucumber, cheese and tomato sandwiches. We pushed on from here into Kununurra. The scenery was ever changing. We wound our way through and over and around mountain ranges. The Kimberley certainly is a  beautiful place. Brian and Helen had asked the care taker of the show grounds caravan park to save us a spot near them. We arrived a little after 4pm exhausted. We were welcomed in and had a nice spot just one space over from Brian and Helen. It was nice to see them again. We made camp and joined them and another couple Helen and Brian for happy hour followed by a quiet night at camp. 

Saturday we were woken early with noisy neighbours. So after trying to get a bit more sleep we gave up and decided to go find coffee and breakfast at the town markets. We looked around the markets and had a yummy coffee with breakfast. We then walked to the info centre and gathered information and from here walked around town and through some shops. After we'd had enough retail therapy we did some grocery shopping then went back to camp for a quiet afternoon. We caught up with the Hammos and their adventures and talked to Mum. We again enjoyed happy hour with the neighbours and had a nice quiet night.