Kimberleys Trip 18 June 2019

It had been quite hot during the night, especially when we went to bed, and was 23.4oC in the morning. Darryl did some repairs then we packed up and went for a lovely stroll through the rock formations. 

A type of giant spinifex

 

A native bees nest, but it was too far away to see if there were any bees

This was a really enjoyable walk, and the formations were stunning, in fact some of the best we have seen. We visited Cockatoo Billabong but it was very dry. The Ranger said he thought it would dry up completely this year as the state it is in is what normally happens about November before the rains hit. I loved that the Ranger was so passionate about 'his' park. 

Cockatoos arrived as we were having morning tea under a shady tree, and there were spoonbills near the windmill, and a pelican. As we were coming to the highway I saw a man walking near his car and recognised Ian from Mackay. Darryl spoke to him and they were camping at Zebra Rock Mine which is where we were heading. It was 10km down the road then 5.5km in, and we were able to have hot bore-water showers which were wonderful. The story of this type of rock is amazing and the owners of the mining lease are very passionate about the rock, which as you can see is stunning. 

Apparently, it is the only place in the world that it is found, and all is found within 4km of this location. Staying here we are official fossickers, and it is encouraged down in the creek so I went down and found a few rocks...in the evening we took our meal and wine up and sat around the communal fire chatting to other travelers. Ruth's daughter, Opal, showed me her pet blue-tongued lizard, which seemed completely oblivious to her generous affections. They also have a magnificent black-headed python.