Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Fitzroy Crossing - Saturday 19 June


This day was jam-packed with activity: Windjana Gorge, Tunnel Creek, and Geike Gorge. I felt obliged to 'fess up to my issues with balance before walking through Tunnel Creek, but they supported me which was excellent. This is the sort of verdant savannah that astounded me up in the Kimberleys. I had not expected this at all. And it was the general landscape.


Windjana Gorge was a warm up walk: just to check out our general fitness and attitudes. It was level and along a marked pathway. I was impressed - but it was my first gorge. Lots of Freshies and a pair of Brolgas - not dancing though. I had no physical problems but I did feel rushed with my photography.


Tunnel Creek National Park was a challenge that I managed. We only went to the half-way point but in spots the water was up to my belly-button. I will buy myself a pair of reef-walkers for future travel. The tiny bats were a joy, but not much fun when Mike pointed out the eyes of a Freshie just across the rocks.


The Boab tree is all across the Kimberleys but tends to stop not far into the NT. This was a particulary striking stand with the rocks in the background.


I really liked Geike Gorge - so peaceful just going slowly along with the guides telling us the history and the geology of the area. The white line shows the level of the water in the Wet Season. Everything seems to be measured in 'sydney-harbours' up north and in the wet season x number of Sydney Harbours thunder down here every day - or every hour, depending on how much they want to exaggerate.


This side was littered with cute little Freshies out soaking up the afternoon sun.


This is the next of the Paper Wasp. The guide who did all the commentary was being assessed by a more senior ranger who would interrupt him every so often. He was very good though. All the guides seem to be so well-informed and eloquent.


It was a beautiful gorge. It may have been trumped by Chamberlain Gorge later on, but I think it remained my favourite boat trip because it was first and it was so peaceful. And I was so impressed.

We stayed the night at the Fitzroy River Lodge which was absolutely terrific. Here is a detail to whet your appetite. I have more but they are all sunrise shots, so show you tomorrow.

8 comments:

Abbeysmum said...

Did the guides tell you the "story" of the Boab tree ? it is quite good and always makes me smile when I see one.

Julie said...

They told us that they don't hold as much water as we had always been led to believe. But other than that ... I would love to know more.

Ann said...

And as I'm sure you've realised, Windjana is not as impressive as many of the other gorges. Must have been a lot water in tunnel creek, don't think it went above my knees, although it did contain a decent sized freshie which was a bit off putting.

Julie said...

Yes, I agree about Windjana, but it is name that I had heard of previously. Wait til you hear my opinion of Katherine.

Anonymous said...

Adventure and more adventure, nice to see that you have no rest, enjoying your free time!!

diane b said...

great shots you seem to like a darker exposure to me and I'm rather liking it.Must try it one day. I loved geike Gorge too and actually bought a print of it from the artist at Emma Gorge. You had more water in Tunnel creek. I'm chuffed that you are reading my trip.

Joan Elizabeth said...

The boab shot is my pick, I don't think I have ever seen them in their natural habitat. And the colours of the rocks are great too.

What no close up of the crocodiles?

Julie said...

Now what would that be in photo 3? Ah ... you want teeth perhaps .. all in good time, m'dear ... I eventually got sick of crocodiles with open mouths ... at least birdies are different from each other ...