9. Lake Argyle, Mitchell Falls and Katherine
We have come to the end of our time in Western Australia - which in total was more than three months and nearly half our overall trip in the state. We pivoted out of Kununurra into the Bungle Bungles (last post), Lake Argyle and Mitchell Falls. From Kununurra we left WA and went over the border to Katherine (Nitmiluk National Park) in Northern Territory. The caravan had some issues resulting from the Gibb River Road which we had worked on in Kununurra.
Lake Argyle: The caravan park has a famous infinity pool, which is infamous for how cold it is. We constantly heard along the way about how cold it would be. Millie was not bothered by the cold, which meant we swam in it each day, while most people just jump in for a selfie and then get out.
Lake Argyle: Jumping into the water
Lake Argyle: Millie and Justin going for a swim. Ther’re estimated to be 35,000 fresh water crocodiles in Lake Argyle
Lake Argyle: One of the 35,000 crocodiles heading in for a swim
Lake Argyle: There is a lot of bird life
Mitchell Falls: When we lost the car wheel on the Gibb River Road (GRR), it took six days to courier a new wheel / tyre to Derby. We had to remove some time from our plan because we had places booked - this was especially necessary because it was during the school holidays. We cut out the drive north of the GRR to Mitchell Falls which I had allowed five days for in our plan. I was still keen to see Mitchell Falls. So, I did a day trip out of Kununurra to see Mitchell Falls. Sumy chose not to join, so I went on my own. The tour flew out of Kununurra to a small airstrip near Mitchell Falls, and from there it was a drive and a hike. I was pleased to get the chance to see it.
Mitchell Falls: From the top
Mitchell Falls: The airstrip near Mitchell Falls
Mitchell Fall: The walking trail is marked with the Wandjina spirit. You see this spirit image a lot in rock art and contemporary art in the Kimberley
Mitchell Falls: Rock art along the walk
Mitchell Falls
Mitchell Falls: Swimming at the top of the falls
Goodbye WA: We spent three and a half months in Western Australia (105 days to be precise). Nearly half our trip
Hello NT: And now we are in the Northern Territory
Nitmiluk National Park: Katherine Gorge is amazing. We took a boat trip up the gorge. You then transfer to a kayak and paddle further up the gorge. Part of the paddle includes getting out and dragging the kayak over rocks to access the further upstream part of the gorge.
Nitmiluk National Park: Katherine Gorge
Nitmiluk National Park: Katherine Gorge
Nitmiluk National Park: Katherine Gorge
Nitmiluk National Park: Katherine Gorge
Katherine: The Katherine Show was on while we were in town. Millie and I went along
Katherine Show: The highlight of the show was the rodeo. Here everyone is standing for the national anthem
Katherine Show
Katherine Show: He managed to stay on the bull
Katherine Show: Most do not manage to stay on the bull
Katherine Show: They start young… If you have read or listened to Jonathan Haidt discuss the protected lives of our children then you would know that he would be very pleased with this rough play
Katherine Show
Katherine Show: This rider came off but his hand was caught under the rope tied to the bull. They all rushed in to help before he was injured
Katherine Show
Katherine Show: The bucking horse ride
Katherine Show: For the bucking horse ride it looks like they tie something near the saddle to irritate the horse (and as well the rider constantly cracks a whip). If the rider stays on the horse for the duration, then they end their ride by transferring to the back of another rider / horse. Whether the rider has fallen off or completed the ride, one of the stewards will then ride up next to the bucking horse and release the strap that has been irritating the horse so as it will then settle down
Katherine Show: Millie watching the rodeo
Katherine Show: The clowns
Katherine Show: Millie enjoys a side show