Week Commencing 21.06.10

Monday 21.6.10 – Today was maintenance day, car being serviced, John serviced the van and I did a general clean up. We also went and collect my engagement ring with the new diamonds. They are Argyle Champagne .00028 – C5 – C7 very very little, looks great.
Tuesday 22.06.10 – Today we ventured off to Wyndham for the day along the Great Northern Highway. Wyndham is most northerly town and is located in the Kimberley Region. It is some 3216 km from Perth and 100km north west of Kununarra. In 1885 gold was discovered in Halls Creek, and in March 1886 John Forrest was sent to the East Kimberley to select a site for a townsite to service the goldfields. Governor Broome decided it would be named Wyndham, and the townsite was gazetted in September 1886. The town grew rapidly as a port for the East Kimberley goldfields, although this soon declined, Wyndham remained as a port for the growing pastoral industry of the region. Today the town abounds with attractions from sweeping views of the magnificent Cockburn Ranges across the salt marsh flats to the spectacular vantage point atop the Bastion Range (350m above sea level) at the Five Rivers Lookout. We visited the Ramsar listed wetlands of Marigu Billabong (Parry Creek Reserve) which we saw lots of birds, including whistling ducks, Gouldian finches and lots more. The Big Croc sits on the main road into town. A group of students in the 1980’s were part of a Westrek/TAFE project to construct a reminder to all of our reptilian friends found throughout the East Kimberley. We attempted to drive the old Halls Creek road, but ended up backtracking as the track looked well overgrown and we had no idea where we might end up. All in all we had a great day.
Wednesday 23.06.10 – Today we organised ourselves for our bush camping at El Questro. In the afternoon John decided to have a round of golf at the Kununarra Golf course. This proved to be an interesting afternoon. We were the only ones on the course and they do not have greens, they are sand and have heavy oil over them.
Thursday 24.06.10 – Up early and off we went on the big adventure. What a fantastic place. We found a nice grassy place to set up camp and our neighbours turned out to be great people. Sarah and Michael who had arrived not long before us. They had travelled the Gibb River Road from Derby to Kununarra , a total of 690kms of dirt road. We decided to trek El Questro Gorge in the afternoon.
El Questro Gorge – In comparison to the surrounding woodland El Questro Gorge shows a dramatic difference in vegetation and climate. The trail passes along a deep and narrow gorge flanked by sheer cliffs. It features crystal clear pools and lush tropical vegetation. Under the rainforest canopy a diverse eco system thrives in favourable conditions. The surrounding cliff faces and scree slopes are up to 1800 million years old and known as King Leopold Sandstone. Erosional forces, such as watercourse, have carved our El Questro Gorge by following a geological fault line.
Back at camp we joined Sarah and Michael for happy hour. We enjoyed a yummy dinner and in bed by 9.30pm. We were lucky to have a full moon which was just beautiful.
Friday 25.06.10 – Up very early I am saying 6am. Todays agenda was as follows:
Amalia Gorge – Amalia is more of a steep sided valley than a narrow gorge. It offers spectacular views and a deep plunge pool at the end of the trail. The gorge is made up of ancient Warton Sandstone and Elgee Siltstone estimated to be up 1800 millions years old. Despite the extreme age, the rocks are still largely horizontal as they were laid millions of years ago. The trail offers a challenging and adventurous experience, which requires some climbing and clambering over falls and large sandstone slabs. Due to the open topography, the temperature is faily high throughout the day. We trekked this gorge early in the morning and for me it was very challenging but I am very proud of my achievement.
Zebedee Springs – This is a permanent thermal spring surrounded by livisgtona palms and sheer cliff faces. The spring is fed via a fault line from a permanent supply of water deep within the earth. The water temp is 28 – 32 deg Celsius all year. Recent scientific research discovered a unique and ancient aquatic isopod crustacean (a white crab-like creature) in the water. Zebedee Springs is the only known place in the world where this isopod is found. John and I found these springs fantastic, could have spent the whole day there. Unfortunately we had to leave by mid-day because they are off limits to us plebes and the paying customers get to use them. Besides we had to go home have some lunch and spend the afternoon 4WD driving.
Pigeon Hole – Unfortunately after driving over creeks and down river beds we were disappointed to find that Pigeon Hole was closed. We did drive up to the lookout. From here we could see the Pentacost Valley and in the far north the Cockburn Ranges.
Explosion Gorge – This was a tiny drive but very adventurous. We took the turnoff and then down a big hill and straight into the Pentecost River which was fine. Just a little further on more water and I mean lots of water we could not see where the track came out. What to do, option 1 cross and if we got stuck who would get out and fight the crocs to get help. Option 2, turn around which is the option we took but it was not as easy as it seems. John had to do about a 10pt turns over boulders and rocks, we finally was headed in the right direction.
Chamberlin Gorge Boat Ramp – This is where the cruises leave from, you can also hire a tinny for $155.00 for half day. What is that. Anyway John tried his luck at some fishing. Finally he caught 4 fish only small but they were fish. We had a great afternoon, we also saw a croc sunning himself on one of the rocks in the river. The Camberlain River is approx 150km long and flows along the Durack Ranges, named after the pioneering Durack Family. Almost 130km flows through steep valleys and spectacular Elgee cliffs, forming the Kimberley’s longest gorge. This gorge is home to extraordinary geological formations, sheer cliff faces, ancient rock art and a diverse range of flora and fauna.
Saturday 26.06.10 - Today we packed up camp and headed to Emma Gorge which was on the way back to Kununarra.
Emma Gorge is part of the Cockburn Ranges. A scenic trail takes you along changing vegetation to crystal clear pools and waterfalls. The gorge is characterised by massive scree slopes and cliff face escarpments reaching up to 120m on both sides of the trail. The bulk of these cliffs are made up of Cockburn sandstone and massive Quartz sandstone. The strata remain largely horizontal as they were laid down 1800 million years ago. Ripple patterns on the rocks were created when sediment was deposited under shallow tidal waters. At the end of the trek we enjoyed a beautiful swim in the pool. Back to Kununarra to do the washing and relax for the afternoon. We had done alot of walking over the past couple of days.
Sunday 27.06.10 - Rest this morning and spend the rest of afternoon preparing for our next adventure.

Sunday 13.06.10 – Out of camp by 10am (a record) . Stopped for lunch at the entrance to Gregory National Park. Drove onto Timber Creek, well one of the worst caravan parks, dust dust and more dust to top it off no Foxtel, huge trees. We did have a highlight they feed the freshwater crocs at 5pm at the back fence. John had a go at feeding them and said it was fantastic.

Monday 14.06.10 – Decided not to stay and do the cruise, not much to do here. First stop was the Bradshaw B ridge at big bridge across the Victoria River which has been built by the Military, we went croc hunting as we walked along this bridge. Next stop morning tea where we meet a lovely couple from Swan Hill, country folk. Final check that we had no nasties for the quarantine officers. Finally hit the WA/NT border and no problems, they check your car and van. We drove to Lake Argyle, just the most beautiful place. After help from Rocky to settle us in, we decided to do the Ord River Walk, which takes you up a mountain and then you overlook the Ord River, Dam Wall and Lake Argyle. Stunning!!! We then went for a drive to some lookouts and down into the Ord River which John did some fishing, until a croc (freshie) decided he wanted to get in on the act. Cruised straight over to where John was fishing, as he walked away the croc followed it was really scary, we have since been told they are only after your bait. So still no barra caught!!


Tuesday 15.06.10 – Up early as the sun comes up around 6am. We are camped next to Sue and Noel who we meet at Timber Creek, so they joined us for the Homestead Walk. This was a 2.5km walk through the bush but the views were fantastic. We visited the Durack Homestead. John and I continued on the Bluff Walk, this was a great, it took us around the mountain to the bluff and once again the views were unbelievable. In all we were out walking for about 3 hours. A quick rest and lunch before we went on the Sunset Cruise. This was fantastic, the lake is 40km by 70 km and 36 times the volume of water of Sydney Harbour – all manmade. Lots of pics, we saw Rock Wallabies, crocs, fish, birds and a beautiful sunset. One gentleman actually went swimming in the lake as we waited for the sun to set. All in all we had a great day.


Wednesday 16.06.10 – Rob told us of some hidden Rock Art and a fishing spot in the Spillway. Off we set on yet another adventure. We found the Rock Art on the left 9.5km up the road. It was very clear as it was in a cave. We then went across the road and took the 4WD track to the spillway, no- one in cooee. We climbed over the rocks and down towards the pools, so clear you could see the fish swimming around. Once again John tried his luck, they just swam past his bait. After a couple of hours he gave up once again. There were lots of birds here and it was very peaceful. We then decided to try our luck once again at the boat ramp. The evening was at the Camp pub to watch the State of Origin – well done 5 in a row.

Thursday 17.06.10 – Left beautiful Lake Argyle behind us. We gave John and Judy a call and decided we would join them at Hidden Valley Caravan Park. We are in the back lots and it is very grassy and we have a nice shady spot. John has his foxtel (very important). Looks like we will be here for about a week. After settling in we went off to do some much needed shopping as we were out of most stuff. A few drinks with our neighbours to end the day.
Friday 18.06.10 – Visited the Hoochery Distillery and went on a very informative tour. This is a private company and is run by family and a couple of employees. Very basic operation. We had some tastings and in all spent a couple of hours there. Down the road was the Sandlewood Outlet a completely different operation, run by a huge company and everything was modern and up to date technology. They have planted lots of Indian Sandlewood but have to wait 12 years for the trees to mature before they can harvest. Once again the experience was informative and interesting. Our next stop was Ivanhoe Crossing, as you will see in the pictures quite a long crossing with alot of fast running water. We took a picture of a pelican resting on a rock enjoying the water sprays.

Saturday 19.06.10 – As the boys had plans for the TAB, Judy and I decided it was a girls day. We went to the local markets, then visited the Argyle Diamond Shop and yes I bought myself two very very very small champagne Argyle diamonds, they are being set into the side of my engagement ring. Very very exciting moment. Judy is doing the same thing. We then went to the Zebra Gallery and I purchased some Zebra rock, unique to the Kimberleys. We then shared a fantastic lunch to top off the day. On the way home we collected some Boad pods from the Boad tree, these tree seem to be a very important part of the Kimberleys. To complete the afternoon we walked through the Mirma National Park.

Sunday 20.06.10 – John and I spent the day driving around Kununarra . we visited Celebrity Park, this where people from all walks have planted trees. We visited the Diversion Dam, Swim & Ski beach, golf club and a couple of galleries. We finished the day with a Mango Smoothie from the Salad Bowl – yummy. We also had hot scones with John and Judy who are also from Brisbane and we keep meeting up with them which is really nice.

Week Commencing 07.06.10
Monday 07.06.10 – Lazy Day - reading , sleeping, played hairdresser.
Tuesday 08.06.10 – Left camp around 11am and headed off to Mary River Roadhouse. Love it, really nice camping ground lots of trees, birds, lovely pool and friendly. Settled in and decided to check out the T-Junction waterfall and plunge pool the ranger had told us about. We turned in and it was a 4WD track so yes another adventure. When we arrived at the carpark looked like a short walk to the waterfall. A little eerie but we continued on and then a very pretty plunge pool with a beautiful waterfall. Not a sole around no way was I entering the water. John climbed some rocks just because he wanted to. We then drove up the highway to Ikoymarrwa Lookout, could not see our waterfall but thought it was down there somewhere. When you look back into the area you were walking, there is no way you would be found if you went off the beaten track. Back to camp and enjoyed a nice dinner and settled in for the night.
Wednesday 9.06.10 – Up early this morning as we have a huge day planned. As Jim Jim Falls are closed we decided to experience the equally impressive Gunlom and Motorcar Falls. We walk through country traditionally owned by the Jawoyn people of the southern region of Kakadu. As we drive along the dirt road the landscape develops into a magnificent landscape of rocky outcrops, ridges and hills, giant termite mounds, spectacular lookouts and stunning waterfalls. We arrived at Yurmikmik car park and started our 7.5km walk, we first walked over a suspension bridge – one person at a time. I guess we walked for about an hour through a very small track with grass on either side of us higher than us. Finally we came to a junction where there was a tour of people, we followed this group and finally reached Motorcar Falls. Here we had to climb over huge rocks and then there was a beautiful plunge pool. We spent about an hour there it was lovely we chatted with some of the tourists on the tour. Then we had to track back the way we came. This took nearly two hours . From here we drove about another 20kms to Gunlom, this drive took us over small creeks , up hills until we came to a camping ground, beautiful green grass and shady spots under trees. We enjoyed a lovely lunch. The plunge pool here was really big and you could see people who had hiked to the top of the mountain. After a sort of a swim, the water was freezing I mean took your breath away, John decided to climb this mountain. He said it was fantastic, there were lots of smaller pools up there. The view was great. By the time John returned it was time to drive the dirt track back to camp. We both decided it was a really good day, really enjoyed the whole experience. Once again we finished the evening with a great meal.
Thursday 10.06.10 – Up early and headed back to Pine Creek, hoping to call Mum and see how she is going. John said she sound in good spirits. We decided to go to Katherine and we are staying at the Big 4 this time, we have a really shady spot. Crowds, there are lots of folks here. Settled in and then John decided to go for a fish at Low Level – Katherine River. No luck yet again. As they have happy hour and Bistro food, we decided to eat in tonight.
Friday 11.06.10 - We spent the morning cleaning the winds and screens in the van. Washed all the curtains, amazing how much dust was there. John bought something else for the trip at the camp shop, we can now take the fridge with us and it will run off the second battery. Thankyou Mike Potter for your advice. We walked from the park to the Hot Springs and had a swim. Really nice tell some guys tells us there was a snake swimming yesterday. Planning a relaxing evening.
Saturday 12.06.10 - Special Birthday wishes to Sam Potter, 21 today, congratulations. John spent the morning installing his new connection to the car and fridge. He then went to TA B for Strakbroke Day – big race I am told. I spent the afternoon watching videos, the lady next door kindly lent them to me. We have packed ready for our adventure towards the west. Will b e out of service for the next four to five days.

June 01, 2010

Week Commencing 01.06.10

Tuesday - 01.06.10 Here we are June already, back in Darwin and doing lots and lots of washing. Nine golf shirts and shorts. John spent the day preparing the van after 5 weeks to travel to Kakadu.
Wednesday – 02.06.10 On the road again, looking forward to new adventure. Stopped off to buy our passes and John finally got himself a Akubra , see pic attached. Arrived at Kakadu and who is camping beside us, yes John & Judy so happy hour was on this afternoon.
Thursday – 03.06.10 Headed off to Uribee Rock, this walks takes you past lots of Rock Art and then a climb up the rock to view the floodplains. This area is very beautiful. We also stopped at the boat ramps on the East Aligator River. We were watching some guys swimming at the causeway which takes you over to Arnhem Land. These guys are crazy, there are crocs in this river, we were told lots of them. (These guys pics turn up in Saturday’s paper, advising that a guy was taken from that very spot a few years ago). John tells me we will be coming back here to have a fish.
Friday – 04.06.10 Morning tea with John and Judy (yummy scones). In the afternoon we headed back to Cahill’s crossing for the big fishing trip. John assures me he is not going to fall in and plans to fish from the rocks. Unfortunately, no luck again. We did see a big croc swim by. We then headed off to Ubiree Rock to takes some pictures of the Sunset.
Saturday – 05.06.10 Rest day, the boys are off to the TAB for a few bets. Judy and I spend the afternoon relaxing watching movies and reading books. Happy hour when the boys came home.
Sunday – 06.06.10 John and Judy leave to continue down south. We spent a busy day, bushwalking and exploring. We visited Noulangie Rock, lots of rock art and a climb to a lookout over Arnhem land. We got some information from Shaun the Ranger who actually asked to see our passes. We then drove to Meirri Lookout, this was a steep hike up to the lookout, very loose rocks. I was very pleased with myself to do the climb and more importantly to get down again. We then checked out Sandy Billabong which was closed but we were very close to the Aligator River and this was not an inviting sight. Neither of us ventured to close as the banks were very low, yes more crocs. Crocs seem to be everywhere here in Kakadu. We continued down to Cooinda, only thing there is a caravan park. Yellow river was closed also.
Apologies for the late posting, try to keep on track. Love to you all.

May 2010

Week Commencing 17.05.10
This was my week to visit Brisbane, see the family and hand in my resignation, decided to retire.
Jason picked me up from the Airport 6am arrival. When I got home Mikayla came running to me saying Nanny Nanny, it was so cute. She has grown so much, a real little girl. We spent the morning together before she went to day care. Jason cooked a beautiful family dinner which was enjoyed by all.
Friday I went into the office to see Kylie and say goodbye to everyone. They were all surprised, it felt great. Mikayla spent the weekend with Brod, so the girls and I had a nice girly weekend. I enjoyed a nice dinner with Carmel and Wayne. Sunday we visited Mum in hospital she seemed pleased to see us all.
The rest of the week was spent catching up with lots of friends and family. All of a sudden it was Monday and I was back on a plane to Darwin.
John had a mixed week of golf, won the NT Veterans Championship and got a minor place in the other championship. A very hot and humid week in Darwin, just ask Neil King he said he was glad to head back to Brisbane.