Kristy 6

Kristy 6

 

A very long day of driving resulted in our arrival at Karijini National Park, more specifically the Eco Lodge Camp ground where we were greeted with a cheery, “I’m sorry, we’re full.  You may get accommodation out at Dale’s Gorge”.  So after a very long day of travel we hit the road again and spent way too long dragging the van across deep red dirt in the dark.  Finally we arrive at Dale’s Gorge and find the last remaining campsite and set up.  Having just run over five snakes on the way in we decided that the kids will all be sleeping in the van for the next few days. 

 

Karijini was absolutely stunning.  We walked for miles each day meandering down gorges and along ridges stopping whenever things got too tough for a refreshing dip in the streams, waterfalls and pools.  On our second day we spent six hours hiking without a single complaint such was the beauty of Karijini.  Dale’s gorge is quite remote and although it had quite pleasant drop loos there were no showers or running water.  Hence another of my 40^th birthday presents made an appearance as I hooked up a 12vlt shower for everyone to enjoy.  I say “enjoy” loosely as Taz will inform you that if you are unlucky enough to be the fifth person in the shower bucket it’s hardly an enjoyable experience. 

It was a delight to pull into Pardoo roadhouse after four days without facilities.  Just walking on grass was a sheer delight, not to mention the flushing toilets, running water, cold swimming pool and even colder bottle of wine.

 

From Pardoo we headed to 80 Mile Beach which was, well, 80 miles of beach!  The campground is situated behind the sand dunes about 100mts from the shore.  The place was alive with marine and bird life however once the photos were done (about two hours) there was very little to do other than fishing.  Of course Ryley took great delight in this while the rest of us indulged in a few books.

 

A few 100kms down the road (again on the red dust) we pulled in at Barn Hill.  Now this is a place I loved easily.  We camped on the cliff top looking down at the most pristine beach in the country.  Barn Hill is a haven for birds and marine life.  We meandered along the beach without a care in the world as once again Ryley fished.  It was incredibly relaxing.  The highlight of the stay came during shower time at the end of the day.   Shower time proved to be an entirely new experience for me.  You see, there was no roof on top of the shower or toilet so all personal care was attended to under a million stars with birds and frogs watching on from all angles, it was beautiful.  The beauty of the experience did have some limitations though, try as I might, I couldn’t go to the loo while a frog sits in the bowl staring at me.

Now many people have read, and thoroughly enjoyed the story of my mishap in the Zodiac at Barn Hill via Facebook.  For those who may not have read it I’ll happily relive the story here (God knows I’m still laughing about it). 

Comedy Of Errors Pentland Style.

1. We launch the Zodiac and the boys head out to fish on calm seas.
   2. Swell picks up, Chris starts to spew.
   3. Boys laugh!
   4. Chris battles to get the boat ashore beaching it on the far side of a rocky point. ...
   5. Chris spews a lot as the boys continue to laugh.
   6. I realise we can't carry the boat over the rocks.
   7. Chris spews.
   8. I get a crash course in driving a boat and launch Zodi back into the ocean with Taz.
   9. I drive the boat like a seasoned sailor until we turn in towards the beach.
   10. I try to sit in between waves on approach.
   11. I fail miserably.
   12. Boat gets hit from behind by a big wave, Taz is launched into the air, the boat tips sideways throwing my clear into the ocean.
   13. The instant reduction of weight on my side of the boat balances Taz back down safely on her seat.
   14. The last thing I see is Taz pissing herself laughing at me as the boat rights itself and surfs comfortably to shore.
   15. Chris does his best impersonation of The Hoff (while spewing) sprinting down to the water and diving in to save me.
   16. Chris didn't save me but did rescue my favorite straw hat.
   17. Haven't laughed so hard in a long time.

Let the adventure continue.