25th August Home Valley – Elquestro

We had a swim in the pool before the others arrived up from the rive camp.

Penticost River











.We left the resort at 8:30am and drove to Zebedee springs on the Elquestro station and it a very nice place to have a dip. We were there for about 1hr and then on to the resort. We all booked in and the girl gave us an overview of the place.
After we set up camp we decided to go on a cruise.
So we drove down to the gorge for 2:30 cruising time. Once on the boat it was very good. The boat made its way up the gorge and it was very interesting. At the end of the gorge they stopped the boat and we saw Archer fish, cat fish and Barrumbundi.
After the cruise we went up to the bar for happy hr and it was nice and relaxing.

24th August Mitchell Falls – Home Valley

As the trailers were a bit slower going in we left early from camp so off we set at 6:50am.
The Simpson's and the Bleazard's had a flat battery.
We stopped half way again and the others caught us up and we let them go ahead.
We arrived at King Edward river at 9:00am for a swim, as we pulled into there our engine light came on again so Paul had to drain some fuel from the filter and it seem to be ok for a while. We left King Edward and on to the main track and the light came on again so they drained the fuel again and that seem to fix it.
We all stopped in at Drysdale at 11:15am to fuel up and water and we were out of there in 1/2hr.
Lunch was at the turn off to the Gibb River Rd.






At 1:15pm we stopped in at Elembrae Station for scones and jam and they were delicious.
The scenery was great coming into Home Valley and the caravan park was amazing.
Some of us stayed up in the park and the other went down to the river to camp where the salt water croc's were.
No shackle awarded tonight.

23rd August Mitchell Falls

Well what a big day we are going to have up early as we had a briefing for the helicopter at 6:00am and we wanted to start the walk into Mitchel falls at 6:30am so it would not be too hot. 8 of us did leave at that time and we took 4hrs to make it to the falls and that was with a few swims in all the water holes on the way. The walk was easy and we enjoyed it immensely.
Once we were at the falls we walked a bit further to get the best view and we had a lot of time before we were being flow out. Some of them left at 1:30pm. Our flight was at 2:30pm so we
floated around in the water above the falls for a few hrs.
Jack and Pam received the shackle tonight as they kept forgetting to take the toilet paper to the loo.















Brolgas
















Mitchell Falls

22nd August King Edward River – Mitchell Falls

This morning it we were not in a rush to leave as we did not have far to go. Left camp around 8:30am. The road was a bit rough and we had to take it easy. Ron still in the lead and Jack tail end.
We did stop at 10:15am at a lookout which was half way to let the shocks cool down.
When we did arrive at the camp 11:30am it was very dusty and very hot. There was not a lot of shade in this park.







After lunch we went and found a swimming hole which was a 800m walk from camp and very hot so we really enjoyed when we did find it.
We spent a couple of hrs there as it was too hot to walk back.
Had a easy tea as it was too hot to cook.
I received the shackle tonight because when I walked over to get some water a guy in a Pajero gave me a lift back to my camper.

21st August Kalumburu – King Edward River

Everyone made there way into town so we could be on our way by 10:30am.
Ron in lead and little Ian tail end.
We got back to Mitchell falls turn off about 12:30 as we traveled a bit slower going back as the road seemed rougher.










We then headed into the Mitchell falls road as King Edward river camp ground was about 8ks in on this road.
Once there the swimming hole was great and quickly set up camp so we could get into the water as it was very hot and there were no croc's we could see here.
Carl was awarded the shackle tonight as when he tried to get a dunny that morning he had a lot of trouble as they were all full and he seemed to miss out even while waiting outside them.

20th August Drysdale – Kalumauru

We were on the road at 7:30am as we were not sure of the road conditions and how long it would take us to get there. The morning was nice and cool which was a good change.
We are in the lead Jack tail end.
As it turned out the road was not too bad and we made good time. At 9:30 we stopped for a break at the turn off to Mitchell falls and we all had something to eat.

Drysdale River

Once everyone was ready off we went again. Arrived at Kalumburu about 11:30am and we had to get permits and everyone had an ice cream before we made our way out to McGowan's Island. We set up camp and a few of the group went and had a look on the beach to see if they could see any salt water croc's.
The boys tried to organize a fishing trip but no luck.
We all sat around Roger and Jill's camper to do he shackle and Colleen received it tonight.

19th August Mt Barnett – Drysdale Station

Paul and I packed up the camper early so we could have a swim in the pool at 7:15am before we left which was really nice.
Everyone was to meet at the road house by 9:00am to get on the road
Ian in the lead and we are tail end.











Arrived at Barnett River Gorge around 10:00am found a great swimming hole to cool off in and saw a lot of flying foxes in the trees.
On the road again by 11:30 stopped for lunch on the way.



Arrived Drysdale at around 2:30pm everyone got fuel and all booked into the camping area. As soon as we were set up I raced over to do some washing as it was very hot and I did not think it would take long to dry.
















Did some socializing in the afternoon as we were going out for dinner to the homestead.
We had a lovely dinner with great company.
Pam got the shackle tonight at the restaurant because Jack had to ferry her clothes from one part of the swimming hole to the other as she did not want to walk back.

18th August Mornington – Mt Barnett

On the road at 7:30am as we had a full day to day.
Roger in lead and Chris at tail end. Once in order we set off on another day of great scenery, back through the Mornington Wilderness road then back on the Gibb river road.
We traveled about 19ks to Adcock river and departed our cars for the short walk into it which was really nice.

Once we had a look back in the car and on to Galvans Gorge which was another short walk but well worth it as it was a great place to swim and cool off.

It was then only 13ks to Mt Barnett where we are staying the night.
Arrived there around 1:00pm and once the tents and campers were set up we went for a walk to the gorge which took about 40 minutes to get to it to the swimming hole so once we were all there all in the water for a quick dip to cool before walking back to camp. We had an easy tea as it was very hot.
Shackle awarded to Ian McKinley for getting the shackle stuck on his finger

17th August Mornington day 2

Jenny and Ron had to go back to Derby today so they set off about 7:00am

We left camp about 7:30am to make our way to Sir John Gorge. Once there we went for a walk to see the site and they boys walked for about 1 1/2hrs dragging us over rocks through sand patches looking for a good swimming hole but not to be found. Made our way back which took just as long and it was extremely hot so we were a bit exchanged by the end of the walk.


Sir John Gorge


















Mary in one of the water holes at Mornington






On our way back to camp we stopped off at Bluebush Wetlands but everyone was to tired to walk so we made our way to Bluebush for a swim and some lunch which was very nice and the water was great.
In the afternoon everyone packed a few things as we have to move on tomorrow.
Ian McKinley and Rhonda went and had a few drinks down at the bar waiting for Jenny to ring and they did not return.
At 5:30pm everyone else made there way down to have dinner which was really nice and it was a great night to a perfect 2 full days in Mornington Wilderness Camp.
Ian McKinley received the shackle tonight for leaving his towels everywhere even on his car bull bar.
Before heading off to bed everyone had a night cap and a chat.

16th August Mornington day 1

Bustard













Well today we are doing the trip report so I have to keep a record of all the good things that happen during the day.
We start the day leaving camp at 7:30 as we have a full day. First stop was the office to collect life jackets and paddles to row the canoes.



Corrie by the water




On the way to Diamond Gorge we crossed several water crossings. It took us about 1hr to get to Diamond Gorge as we stopped and looked at things on the way.
When we did arrive at the gorge we had to scramble over rocks to get to the canoes.
Once we were in the gorge it was spectacular. The sheer sides on both sides of the gorge. The colour in the rocks was just something to see. And the only way you can see this gorge is by canoe.
We paddled about 2ks down and on the way back it was so hot everyone had to beach the canoes and have a swim to cool off before we made our way back to the cars.
We stopped at a lookout on the way back to camp and then Cajeput gorge which was very nice and yet again had another swim.
Once back at camp we sat around and relaxed as everyone was a bit tired from paddling and the sun.
Tonight little Ian got the shackle for backing over a small tree and knocking it out of the ground.

15th August Silent Grove – Mornington Wilderness Camp

Left Silent Grove and headed out to Bell Gorge at 7:30am. We made it down to the Gorge and it was just beautiful and well worth the walk and climb down.









We got back to the car at about 10:15am and had some morning tea before heading off.
Arrived at Imintji Store on the Gibb river road at 11:00am and we all had something there to break up the trip. Ron tried to get some new tyres but no luck.









Arrived at mornington turnoff at about 12:00 and radioed ahead to let them know we were coming all OK.

It took about 1 1/2hrs to get into the Wilderness Camp and once in we went to the office check in and organized a canoe trip for the next day.
In to set up camp and have a relaxing afternoon some did washing and some did nothing.

But it was nice to just sit and enjoy the sites around and take in the Kimberli es now that we are half way through the trip.

14th August Derby – Silent Grove

Another early start out of the caravan by 8:00am and all up to the wharf to take photos of all the cars lined up along the wharf. Today Roger leads and Ian McKinley tail end Charlie.

























Ron's tyre which was his second for the trip.

Stopped for an ice cream along the way at an old caravan off the Gibb River. Arrived Lennard Gorge about 12:00 had a bite to eat before making our way down to the water. It was a long way down so only some of us made it and had a swim while they were there.
By the time we walked back to the car it was 2:00pm and we had to get to Silent Grove so off we went and arrived about 4:00pm to set up and have a few drinks before tea. Very hot today and no clouds.

13th August Windjana Gorge – Derby

We got up early again today I just can't get used to the time difference over here. We had a walk to the gorge before we set off for Derby.







Boab tree


Longest trough

We arrived in Derby at 10:30am which was good as I did some washing and we all did some maintenance on cars and fixing up campers and getting supplies for the next few days.
We did some site seeing around Derby.










For dinner we had fish and chips down by the wharf watching they sun going down.
Ron got the shackle award tonight for leaving clothing on top of car and driving out of caravan park.
Fiona another tea towel to the collection.

12th August Fitzroy Crossing-Windjana Gorge

We were booked on a cruise down Geike Gorge at 8:30am so we all made our way out to that. Once on the boat it was very hot and there was no shade on the boat. The scenery was fabulous and there was a lot of croc's on the side of the banks. Once again a great tour organized.
I had to have a visit to the local hospital in Fitzroy Crossing as I have been battling a kidney infection and have had a pain in my back for a few days. So they were very good and gave me some antibiotics so hopefully I will be ok now.






Chris and Mary had to leave us and go into Derby to get there fridge fixed as it stopped working the day before.
We set off the Tunnel Creek which was the most amazing thing to see. We all walked through and out to the other side.









Next on the list was Windjana Gorge where we stayed for the night. I got dinner early but Paul and Ian decided to disappear for awhile and now one new where they were. When they came back they had been watching a show put on by the tour bus that had pulled into camp and the cook was going
to wrestle the croc's in the water with a knife.
Had an early tea this time in the light of the day which was great.
The shackle went to me tonight for leaving keys and phone in the camper when we folded all up and packed it away.

11th August Bungles Bungles – Fitzroy Crossing

We were the first to leave camp today 6:00am as we wanted to get into Halls Creek early so it took us 1 1/2hrs to get out of the bungles. On the way out we saw a beautiful dingo sitting on the road and he was not going to move out of the way for us. We also had some water crossings.

Pulled into Leycesters rest to put air in the tyres as we were going to be on tar for 100ks. We then made our way into Halls Creek once again to get fuel. When we arrived the que for fuel was out onto the street and we waited about 1/2hr to get it. We filled up on some supplies and sat around while everyone was ready as it was very hot.
Now we are off to Fitzroy Crossing about 240ks so we traveled for a few hours this time on tar.
When we arrived we went straight to the caravan park to set up. Some went for a swim and others did some washing and general tidy up of vehicles. Paul discovered that the trailer has thrown a shoe so he took them off until we get to Derby.
This time Paul got the shackle tonight.

10th August Bungles Bungles

This morning we had an early helicopter flight at 8:30am so off we set to get to the heliport at 7:30am. Once on the helicopter the scenery was awesome and the pilot was gorgeous. We had a 1/2hr flight and was well worth it thanks kids for my birthday present.





We have a mascot now and he is Corrie the crocodile on our trip with us now. We drove to and walked to Echidna chasm, Osmond range lookout, Mini Palms walk which they were just fantastic and well worth the walking. I think this holiday is a fitness one.
We had lunch in one of the picnic areas and the weather was really hot about 38deg C.
After we all had a shower we went and watched the sunset over the rocks before we went back to camp and had dinner. Carl got the shackle again today.

Toby with Corrie Croc