This morning was a relaxed start.  We were on our way to the gorge by 945.  The story we got was it was a 10km drive that takes about 1 ¼ hours.  We possibly should have read into that how extreme the track was going to be.  We had calculated that the average speed would be less than 10km/hr, but oh my goodness!

We all piled in the Scott’s car for the trip (thank goodness, as I reckon Bob would have abandoned our car mid trek).  I have never been on a 4WD track like it in my life!  Kieran was amazing and enjoyed it, I think.  There is no way Bob and I could have enjoyed driving this one with our limited experience.

We eventually arrived at the carpark, and I have to admit being surprised that there were half a dozen other vehicles that had made the trip before us.  Some people really do enjoy extreme off-roading!  It was a not too difficult 1.7km hike into the gorge (except for the final descent for knee deficient people like Bob and me). Once we arrived we were once again amazed. These gorges just arrive out of nowhere and are so lush and inviting. 

We swam and lunched before heading downstream to find the aboriginal rock art.  It was very impressive.  

On the way down we decided it would be more fun to swim, and then on the way back Karen and I rapid-hopped and swam against the current to get back to our base.  Such a fun exploring afternoon.

Then we retreated in reverse order, except Karen decided to run as far as she could before the car caught her on the way back.  She gave up running after 5km and started walking and we eventually caught her.  If she hadn’t started walking we wouldn’t have found her until we were back at camp, progress in the car was so slow.

This evening was back to the communal fire for bush poetry again and then dinner at the homestead.  We took the opportunity to enjoy another formal night when no one needed to cook.

We have another day here tomorrow.  Looking like a backtrack trip to see Barnett River Gorge before we move on again.