Sunday, November 7, 2010

Going west....swimming at the top of the world and then... the carnage...

We are over the border and enjoying the west. The time difference takes a little adjusting, two and a half hours behind Adelaide. Dark at 6.20pm and first light at 5.15am. The kids are up at 5.30am ....joy!


 The most amazing pool we have been in. It is placed on the cliff face of Lake Argyle. In the morning we fished at the base of the dam. Although we didn't have any luck we were given a couple of Black Brim caught by an Aboriginal lady who felt sorry for us. She told us that we were using the wrong bait.
 The Boab tree has become our favourite. In many cases they grow together as families. More photos to follow.
 The tall trees are the host, the undergrowth protects the runners, the smaller green trees are the parasitic Sandalwood trees. A 15 year investment before they are mature enough to harvest. Kununarra is developing the biggest Sandalwood industry in the world.
 "Russian Jack" is a most inspiring story of mate-ship. His friend became quite ill in the Gold fields of Halls Creek so he carried him in his wheel barrow 300kms through Australian bush to Wyndham to seek a doctors help. Perhaps the most incredible aspect of this story is that "RJ" made the journey purely on a rumour that there was a doctor at Wyndhm. 1835.

 After a two hour four-wheel drive traveling 50kms we made it to the Bungle-Bungles. Just incredible. Up there with the Olgas and Uluru.
 Don't get too close to the cliff edge....or is it?

 The Geikie Gorge. A must for this trip. Our tour guide was married to an Aboriginal and he explained the whole "kin-ship" model of their culture. We also learned a great deal about their bush-food and also how important the limestone in this gorge was to make their hunting implements. The spear head in the movie "Australia" was made from limestone broken off this cliff-face.


You may notice something odd in this photo. If you guessed that the caravan should be connected to the car and isn't.... you are correct. The "Reader's Digest" version.... is that the tow hitch from the car came off while travelling! We will hopefully know why tomorrow. Needless to say that this was perhaps the most frightening experience any of us have gone through. At one point we all thought the back end of the car had been ripped off as bitumen was being sprayed over the whole length of the car from the spare wheel cage on the caravan. We are pleased that even though there is substantial damage....it could have been a great deal worse. We are all okay. Shaken, but not too stirred. Lots of phone calls tomorrow to organise spare parts etc.

1 comment:

  1. Dear Andrew, Sonia, Cloe & Kai
    Once again, amazing photos, except for the last one. What a scary experience! You probably needed the shaken, not stirred drink after that. Hope you get sorted out soon. Beautiful photos of the gorges etc. lots of water up there. The photo of Cloe looking into the water is a great illusion isn't it? If you couldn't see her feet or the sand you would really wonder. Only two more sleeps until your birthday Cloe, doesn't time fly! The photos of the pool are unbelievable, it looks as though it is suspended in mid air, what a view. The time difference I can understand, in our two weeks in the west I didn't have time to adjust, but you will eventually because you will be there for a while. No sleep ins by the sounds of it! Love you all, the Willys

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