East Kimberleys
Trip Start
Unknown
1
3
5
Trip End
Ongoing
Kununurra, Western Australia, Australia
Monday, August 23, 2010
As we continue our jounrney west through to Kununurra, WA and the Kimberleys, we are very impressed with the scenery of enscarpement ranges and boab trees as we weave through the banks of the Victoria river, the largest waterway in the territory, over 1 km wide in places. We found a very picturesque spot to free camp alongside the banks of the Victoria river for the night.
On the trip thus far, Maeve has perfected her "baaam, baaam" noises , whenever she sees a road train or truck and this alongside with shooting noises from hoses and sticks is currently either destined for a trucker or army life! Maeve has also settled into road life better as the weeks go by, now sleeping like a little angel (I probably shouldn't say this out loud!) and letting Mummy leave her sight. Lachie continues to take the trip in his stride and is constantly asked if he has "listened" to what we have said and is eagerly awaiting meeting another little friend, like his long lost buddy Jack
Today (18/07) we crossed into WA after scoffing our fruit on the border before quarantine grabbed the rest and probably sold it at a fruit store down the road and headed to Lake Arglye an inland sea covering over 1000 sq kms, formed by the damming of the Ord river in 1971and acting as a resevior for the Kununurra irrigation scheme. This place is truly spectacular as the lake is nestled amongst mountainous ranges and had the coldest pool to plunge into, with scenic views over the lake. We managed three nights here and enjoyed the sunrises and sets and finally realised WA time is 1.5 hours earlier than NT time, so dinner at 4.30 probably did seem a little strange for our neighbours! The weather is really hotting up now with 38 degree days.
Bungle Bungles or Purnululu National park
53 kms along a rugged and corrugated 4wd track, taking 1.5 hours saw us reach the Bungle Bungles. In our entire trip thus far this place has been the most impressive. The East Kimberleys hit home as a very unforgiving place, with remoteness and lack of water in the dry, alongside with very hot days, leaving a fragile environment. We managed the Palm valley and Echinda chasm walks on the first morning with the latter being spectacular in the midday sun striking colour variations in the chasm with palms waving from 200 m high ridges above. Lachie had a few meltdowns on the walks but was easily bribed with some time on Jims shoulders and a cold drink at the end and Maeve dozed in the best seat of the house, on Mummy's back! The sunset from Kungkalahayo lookout over the Bungle Bungle ranges was great, enjoyed with our last cold beverage before being back in town with another family we met.
The second day we enjoyed the classic beehive formations of sandstone rock as we managed the Cathedral gorge and domes walk before retreating to shade as the killer midday sun kicked in. The facilities here were very basic, a pit toilet which Lachie still hasn't overcome and bore water! As mentioned this place is truly magic and well deserving of the world heritage listed title it holds.
Kununurra
Back into camp with a swimming pool we are taking stock again and organising for a few things on our trailer to be fixed (water tank) and some welding with the local dealer under warranty, before heading west along the Gibb River road to Broome over the next three or so weeks. We will be out of range for this time!
Comments
Hey Guys.. great blog. Best wishes on the Gibb! Mandy
Looks like you guys are having a fantastic time!