Collected info for the day from the homestead and then signed ourselves out with expected return date. A simple system that alerts the staff should anyone not return to then send out a search party. Todays first stop is teardrop falls with some other sites on the return journey. There were plenty of dry and a few wet creek crossings with long sandy stretches. Drove alongside very long billabongs, some of which are good for fishing, however it is so damned hot that unless I can swim, I aint fishing. And there is no swimming because of the fresh water crocs or even a potential salty. On one of the tracks we came across Nissan/Toyota rock. For some reason there is always a competition between Nissan and Toyota owners. No idea where the Toyota owners get the notion that they can even come near competing. Without any damage we traversed the rock and made it to our destination.We put one our hiking boots and did the walk up and over the hill which was rather steep loose. The sun was baking down now and the only way out is to hide under our wide brimmed Akubra hats. The flies are also starting to get real testy so we put on our fly nets for the walk. The walk was worth the effort and we were rewarded with a beautiful cold swimming hole. There were two young families and the kids were having a ball. We swam a few times and watched a yabby( freshwater prawn in simplistic terms) feeding in the shallows. Boots back on and down the mountain to our car.
So back over the rock challenge and on to an area called Hidden Pools.This was a short level walk and we were soon plunging into the ice cold water. Perhaps the water felt cold because the temps were up around 39degC. Back into the car and aircon for lunch at Gateway Gorge lookout. Could also not eat outside as we were having Tuna on our wraps and every fly that is within 10 km would have swarmed us. Because we are in cattle country the flies can be really bad from place to place. Next stop was The Hanging Gardens but we found that the swimming hole was drying up quickly and were not really keen to swim plant covered water. So back to camp for Happy Hour feeling worn out and at the same time content. A simple sausage barbie for dinner with Garlic bread and beans. No energy left. Still very hot so not looking forward to the night ahead.
Leave a Reply