The Kimberley 2017: Monday 22 May - Bell Gorge

Our early morning view

As it turned out, we had a late start to the day because a call had gone out late in the evening, that another company’s truck had become bogged and one of the APT trucks (there were two groups in the lodge) had gone out to assist. Unfortunately, it too became bogged. So in the morning our truck had to become involved.

After much trouble on the part of both APT trucks the situation was sorted and the other group left late to get to Broome for evening flights and we left late for our day out. More on this later.

Already late on the road, we were further delayed on what was to be an hour and a half drive instead of 45 minutes, because we were behind the participants in the Gibb Challenge. This is a cycling road race on this long dirt road which goes for three days from Derby to Kununurra. They raise money for the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Tough going.

Some wore masks against the dust ....

... others didn't!

We had two additional staff from the lodge help us today as George had not been into Adcock Gorge, which was nearby and the alternative to the closed Bell Gorge. It was only a short drive to the gorge and the walk was not long, but it was quite tricky. We all managed to get to the end where there was a lovely pool with a waterfall. Just what we needed. Most of the group went for a swim including us. Then we had lunch in this beautiful setting.

Ripe fruit on the quinine tree

I changed from my hiking boots to my hiking sandals for this bit. I did not want to dry out my boots again

I had not taken a photo of this on our way up the gorge. We had to cross this rock shelf and then clamber down to the level of the water. It was tricky in both directions

When we returned to the truck after walking out of Adcock Gorge, we drove up to the site of the Aboriginal comunity close to the Wilderness Lodge where we could see some local artists at work.

To complete the day, we headed up the road to see the site of the “Kimberley Wild” bog site. Quite something.

This is the result of having an accident on the Gibb River Road. This car rolled several times before landing where it now stands testament to this brutal route. Any worthwhile parts have been stripped over time!