26 Jun 10 – Karijini National Park

By Lou: I was really looking forward to visiting Karijini as many people had sung its praises. The campground was clean and simple but was on flat ground with scattered vegetation, whereas I had expected it to be in a lush gorge with sides looming up around us. That disappointment aside, the next morning we headed off for our first walk, Dales Gorge, and it was one of the most interesting walks I’ve ever done.
Sam and I braved the icy waters at Circular Pool purely because exiting swimmers assured us the waterfall on the other side was nice and warm. After lots of squeals and laughs we continued the walk along the gorge bottom working the leg muscles up and over rocks and through shallow water crossings. When we reached Fortescue Falls all three of us had a quick dip. Back into dry clothes again and it was a short walk to Fern Pool where we stripped off for a third swim. Each swim was progressively warmer, peaking at what felt like 10 degrees. We then climbed to the rim of the gorge and walked back along the top to the car. It took us about 3 ½ hours and was wonderful. The afternoon was relaxing and we even managed to achieve a few productive hours of school.

On Day 2 we thought we’d try the afternoon for a walk to get better sunlight for photo opportunities. The Weano Gorge walk turned out to be quite a treat. After a certain point we had to strip down to our swimmers and shoes and set our backpacks aside. With only camera held high, we alternately swam and rock climbed further into the Gorge. I had intended to wade through the deep bits but lost my footing on the slippery rocks so ended up swimming it. It was very different to anything we had done before and although Sam was nearly blue from the cold at the end we were delighted we had done it. There are no photos of Craig because he wouldn’t trust me holding the camera in the water.

For Day 3 we decided on a lay day. Craig caught up on some blog while Sam and I did some schooling. We are about 2 weeks behind still but will hopefully catch up before ‘school holidays’ end.

We have been setting the alarm for 6:30am and have been rewarded with wonderful sunrises as witnessed by Craig behind the camera lens and me from a warm bed.

By Craig: What Lou said! Beautiful and scenic as gorges are I was, at the end of it all, a little gorged out. I did enjoy the walks and the swim, chest deep in freeeeeeeezing water and the quiet open space and surrounds of Dales Gorge camping area. Great sun & moon rises with the light at sunset not bad either.








By Sam: I got a chance to make Bannana Delights and build Wookie huts