Lawn Hill is a stunning Oasis in the Dessert, a short walk through barren scrub reveals gorge walls opening into a blue lagoon with twin waterfalls and palm trees.
We spend the day there, and while it is truly beautiful, the lagoon is steep drop into deep water and not really a safe place for toddlers to play. John takes a kayack down the gorge, past the crocs (the fresh water variety). At the other end of the gorge you could hire a tyre tube for a gold coin donaton to the royal flying doctors. So John did that with the kids while I took a short paddle with Amy in the kayak. Amy quickly fell asleep which tilted the kayak, and I began to freak out about crocodiles, so my trip was short lived.
We camp nearby on the river at Gregory Downs – lots of fun to be had there, and a great spot for the kids. Some shallow river areas, and other deeper spots with a rope swing. I try a rope swing plunge into the water for the first time ever, being a little giddy of heights it was a brave feat. Tony also set up a flying fox which the boys loved. Josh insisted on flying from the greatest height possible. Down the river there was a fast flowing current, and John decides to take his Kayaks over the rapids and was tipped over. The Kayak was saved, but he returned to report he lost a shoe. I really was happy about this, because although we have lost many shoes since leaving home, John had these shoes for about 10 years and they really were the ugliest flop flops ever made. I had secretly hoped these shoes would disappear for years. Now he can catch up with the times and get some cheap imitation crocs – the ugly shoes of tomorrow.
John and Tony go hunting and bring back a roo, which was marinated and slow roasted in the camp oven coals. One of the best meals I have had, with gravy, campfire potatoes topped with bacon and cheese, and roasted corn. Now I look at Kangaroos with a new perspective – road kill may just make a lovely dinner. Thanks to Tony the camp fires were amazing, he would drag back what appeared to be entire trees tied to the back of his 4WD and carve them up with a chainsaw. Wish I’d stocked up on more marshmallows, but I did get the chance to cook brownies and scones over coals which I had really been looking forward too.
Hanging out with our friends gave us the chance to enjoy so many opportunities and adventures which we are very grateful for. John and I were even brave enough to shoot a 270 riffle. I wonder whether we have much to offer these lovely people in exchange, feeling very urban and out of place in the outback, but loving the experience.
Leaving Gregory Downs we say farewell to our wonderful friends they are headed on brave roads we dare not travel. In saying that we find out that there is a shortcut unsealed road that will cut 400kms off our journey, and having heard it just got ‘graded’ we brave the road. It was a great trip, and we arrived at our next camp spot – a billabong in Camoweal – covered in red dust which had snuck it’s way into every open crack.
Tomorrow we cross the boarder to NT - a new frontiere.
(will have my hand on a camera soon, so should be lots more pics to come)
(will have my hand on a camera soon, so should be lots more pics to come)
No comments:
Post a Comment