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.