Ningaloo and Karijini 2008

Ningaloo……

Well what a fantastic trip we had! Great weather, great sights and great company! Where to begin….

It all started at Camp Paradise-that’s the name we affectionately gave to the paddock where we tossed our swags. Mind you I wished I had photos of our faces when Hal directed us to our sleeping quarters. He waved his arm towards the paddock, suggesting we camp on the right side of a bush so as to gain some protection from the early morning winds. Those of us eyeing off the shade of the few trees were soon redirected by his warnings of ticks.

Anyway a couple of hours later we were paddling the clear blue waters of Ningaloo Reef in our very smart and very stable yellow kayaks. We made good progress, due in no small measure to a pretty hefty tail wind. We beached at South Mandu, pretty pleased with our afternoon’s 12 km. Back at Camp Paradise we were revived with a very tasty stir fry before settling down under the stars. We were warming to our paddock.

The next morning we had a great snorkel at South Mandu, an easy drift snorkel very close to shore. Then it was into our boats and off to Oyster Stacks where we had another good snorkel. I was lucky enough to see a turtle and a shark. Then it was onto the famous Turquoise bay, again with the wind at our back. Great for fast paddling, not so good for snorkelling. So we headed back to camp and then took a walk up Yardie Creek where we were rewarded with rock wallaby sightings.

The next morning our snorkelling at Turquoise Bay was not as good as it can be as the current was so strong and the water a little murky from the high swells we’d had for several days. However our paddle up to Lakeside past beautiful beachs was very pleasant, and came to an exciting end with an unexpected surf landing!

Our final paddle the following day took us into Mangrove Bay with its wonderful collection of sting rays, turtles and small sharks.

We seem to have exceeded Hal’s records for the ages of people he’s had on trips-highlighted by Patrick claiming he had climbed Kilimanjaro the year Hal turned 2!

It was amazing how we all adapted to our situation- we became quite fond of our little patch of paddock. Sandy was amused by the display of bare bottoms from her vantage point, their owners each thinking they were invisible. Peter ran a very successful yoga class from the paddock and Irene redeemed herself by giving frequent massages. We all loved our drinks at sunset on the beach.

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Karijini…..

This was my second tour of Karijini and I didn’t think any trip could be as good as last year’s- but it was!!

Once again the Pilbara unfolded its magic- those brilliant orange rocks, lit up by the morning and evening sun, the ghostly white of the complicated snappy gums, the thousands of shades of green of the vegetation. And those delicious pools- how can you describe a hot and sweaty body collapsing into the fresh cool water?

The challenge of the gorges was met by the enthusiasm and support of the group. We scrambled over rocks, waded and swam along pools, negotiated rock ledges, ladders, handrails and ropes. Smiling and pleased with ourselves we emerged from the gorges into the sunlight, elated by our feats and what we had seen. Hancock, Weano, Dales- we ticked them off.

Then there were the peaks- the wonderful ridge walk of Mt Bruce with it’s challenging “crux” and steep slopes. And the fabulous 360 degree view from the top of Mt Meharry.

But it was not all slog- we had some fantastic swims in pools and under waterfalls. Kalamina Gorge provided a very relaxing, albeit cold, swim. The final dip in the “spa” pool at Hamersley Gorge was unbelievable. I have some terrific photos of Helen, Sandy, Sue and Esther under waterfalls! Not to mention Rick’s pushup into the pool!

The evenings were another treat. Our favourite were the bush camps- where we felt we shared the stars with no-one. Then there was our full moon celebration- kindly assisted by Geetha guiding us through a moving Buddhist full moon celebration occurring at the same time.

All the while Rick and I were constantly astounded by the efficency of the group. Up at 6am, gone by 7am. unbelievable. We hardly washed a dish the whole week and we had an endless supply of cutters and choppers. The much coveted Freddo Frog had a plethora of recipients, such was the calibre of the feats accomplished by our group. No wonder my square holes or Rick’s 3am breakfast preparation didn’t rate one.

Nature provided much material for the clicking cameras. Many wildflowers were out, including fabulous displays of Sturt Peas. The geological formations (ably explained by Eric our resident geologist) never ceased to amaze us and we saw our share of lizards, roos, wallabies, emus and birds, rapidly identified by Rick.

Our last couple of days saw us in tranquil Millstream before we hiked the Camel trail across the Chichester Ranges. By then our clothes and our skin were thick with the Pilbara dirt, the Nivea was running out and Snake Gully Pie was on the menu. Time to go home.

For more great photos click here