Lawn Hill

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On Wednesday we have arrived at Lawn Hill National Park. We did a pretty big drive of around 500km, including a 100km or so of dirt & a few river crossings, one of which was pretty good fun with water going everywhere. It wasn’t a bad drive as we got to see some Emus, different types of cow (including one large cow eating the insides od a dead calf – spew!) & some huge eagles. The bad part of this trip was that I waited until the Burke & Wills Roadhouse before I bought beer - $60 for a block of VB. I know VB isn’t the best but considering the other tasteless rubbish they have around here, it is the best of a bad bunch! One of the park rangers was releasing some endangered Gulf Snapping Turtles & invited us along. I happened to be standing near him & he handed me a 4kg whopper to show around & then release. It was pretty cool – until I realised that I still had diesel all over my hands from changing the fuel filter... I hope the old girl is OK. Later on in the evening the ranger came back & I was able to take Nathan, Amy & Jen down to a different part of the river & they all got to let one or two smaller ones go.

We were up and about by 9am for a kayak up the gorge on Thursday morning. Luckily Suz, me & both kids were able to fit in one kayak. The cliffs were magnificent & the waterfalls were pretty cool too. We went through a little rapid type thing that the kids loved & on the way back we saw a turtle (maybe one we released?) on a branch. We were able to get up quite close. Before lunch a bloke told me that there was a croc sunning himself about 10 minutes walk away. I grabbed the kids & some others & wandered along to where he said. After at least 15 minutes walk I realised the directions were lacking in clarity & all we managed was a cut foot (me). In the afternoon we went back to the nearest settlement (Adel’s Grove) for a swim & a fish. I also grabbed some fuel that was a touch on the expensive side - $1.985 per litre. The swimming hole was great & everyone got in. The smart people had also set up some chairs with access to the bar where we could keep an eye on the kids. Unfortunately the bar was closed from 2 – 4pm. Phil & I went around the other side of the river & managed to catch a few fish using bread & a small hook. We got a couple of small ones to start with & then Phil managed a Sooty Grunter & I managed a Sleepy Cod. The cod was a filthy looking thing but tasted OK, as did the grunter.

On Friday morning Phil, Di & Tony went to see the sunrise over the gorge. Needless to say as there was no fishing involved I did not bother to make the effort. They said it was good though.

No time for photos. Monday now & we are at Borroloola - look it up!

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Comments

[Steve Byers]

Very Jealous
G'day Mick, Looks like you guys are having an awesome time. Have a VB for me. Inspired me to start hassling my missus to head off again. Steve