Western Queensland National Parks - 2 May

We had a gentle start to the morning, enjoying the campsite and chatting to neighbours. Darryl discovered that the people camped next to John were leaving, and as it was a better spot than ours (chosen hastily in the dark), made our preparations to move in once they departed.

Once we were set up, we drove through the water over the causeway and to the furtherest end of the track (admiring the rock formations on the way), to Mitchell Springs.

(Dell's photo)

This is where, apparently, Major Mitchell set up camp, although at this stage it was almost impossible to see anything apart from the marsh.

  

(John's photo)

It was a very busy spot, and the car-park was pretty full.

(Dell's photo)

(John's photo)

(Dell's photo)

On the way back John and Al sat under a shady bush to have a cuppa, and the rest of us went for a wander up an interesting sandstone mound. There was moss, and other water-plants growing on the lee side. 

(Dell's photo)

Very hard to get all in focus at the same time with this tiny water plant (need better macro), although I feel I do pretty well with my point and shoot

(Darryl's photo)

(Dell's photo)

(Dell's photo)

Belinda Spring was quite interesting, with flowing water, but no-where to sit, so we decided on lunch at Louisa Creek junction day use area. 

Darryl says there are fish here...

(John's photo)

We were lucky to have the shelter to ourselves. Down at the river was a good place for a swim, but none of us went in (I personally didn't have my swimming gear with me).

(John's photo)

(Dell's photo)

On the way back to camp, we were met at a very tight spot by a maniac barging through in his 4x4. We couldn't believe it as he just kept coming straight towards us, not giving us time to evaluate the situation, (which had a steep drop-off into the creek on our side), and reverse. Luckily it turned out ok, but it was needlessly very stressful.

A special place to leave your mark...

Darryl found the swimming hole back at the campsite, and most of us had a refreshing dip. 

(Dell's photo)

(Dell's photo)

Darryl set up shower, and we apparently 'entertained' some new nearby campers! John read as usual, but Al and I did too.

(Dell's photo)

Dell cooking up a storm (Dell's photo)