Experience the Kimberley 2008
The Kimberley in “winter”…certainly the place to escape the southern winter! The days were hot, with clear blue skies. We began the trip on a full moon and gradually, as the moon subsided, so the evening sky filled with stars. So many it was hard to recognise familiar constellations.
The Gibb River Road is not a road to be travelled fast- the corrugations and pot holes see to that. It was different from the Pilbara in that we were often camped in “civilised” surrounds- stations that came complete with showers, bar and restaurant. However, walks away from the campsites took us wonderful gorges and waterholes that haven’t changed in millions of years.
On our first night we heard the story of Jandamurra which prepared us for our walk the next day into Windjana Gorge. The day was hot, but the freshwater crocs kept even me from the water. We left Rick asleep in the river bed while the blind led the blind in a search for rock art. We were rewarded not just with the art, but a fabulous view of the countryside, that evoked images of settlers riding through the gorge on horseback while aborigines surveyed them from the safety of the rock ledges high above.
It was hard to decide which was the best swim- was it the very first, the spa in bell’s Gorge? Or the serene Sir John Gorge? Or the early morning dip in Galvin’s Gorge? Then there was the quick but spectacular swim in Manning Gorge. And of course the lovely pool in the sun at the end of the challenging El Questro Gorge. The Fitzroy river was pretty good too. But hard to beat of course was the wonderful Zebedee hot springs, rather difficult to drag ourselves away.
And what a way to celebrate a birthday! A beautifully decorated cake, secreted in the bowels of the bus, a very creative headress, a new thermal top, a party with champagne (illegally secreted in the bus!) and then to cap it all, a helicopter ride! My first ever, and Christian, the charming young pilot, made sure it was a good one. Fantastic views of the Bungles. I have to say it was my best birthday ever.
The daily yoga sessions were enjoyed by many, thanks to Peter our guru. It was quite an odd sight to see several people lining up each morning apparently trying to drag the bus away!
Food, glorious food, was again a highlight. Rick continued to amaze with his repertoire, producing damper, roast lamb, berry waffles and fantastic curries. All this despite being crook most of the time!
The Bungles were truly amazing- you must get there if you haven’t yet seen them. And not just the beehive domes- the gorges and chasms are fantastic. We had our final night in the Bungles, before our return to Kununurra. We celebrated in customary fashion with costume, fire, wine and food. 13 days, too fast really, I think next time it will have to be a longer trip……
Hi Pam, The Kimberley trip looks fantastic. thanks for the email. I almost feel like I was there. We have just come home from Bali and Vanessa’s wedding was marvellous. We had a wonderful family holiday. I must catch up with you some time in the future.
Love Rhonda. xxxx