Thursday 17th July

Ater a relatively cool night, we discovered that we had both slept really well. We started to pack up as soon as we had our breakfast. It was hard to leave a lovely location like we had overnighted in but here was more to see.

We finally finished packing up. Now was the hardest four wheel drive climb that the Mazda Bravo and Karavan were likely to attempt. At the foot of the short climb, there is a sign “Engage 4wd NOW”. It was very steep and going up there are several banks and deep holes to climb over as well. The little banks are to prevent the monsoonal rain running down. The Bravo climbed the steep climb with absolutely no problem. Thank goodness for the Karavan having the Treg off road hitch because any other ball like attachment would have caused the tow bar to bend.

After leaving the entrance to the 4wd camp area, we went to the viewing area above Florence Falls. A few more photos from this elevation and confirmation that we had camped in the best location.

We then drove a short distance into the Buley rock holes. At a later time of the day, this would have been nice to have a swim in. Maybe as we leave the area tomorrow. There were quite a few younger people in the holes, maybe shaking off a hangover by the look of some of them.

From Buley, we proceeded to Tolmer Falls. They are also spectacular but we are only able to view them as there are several special types of bat colonies there that are being preserved.

Next onto Wangi Falls and to set up the Karavan for tonight and unhitch the Bravo. We quickly checked out the Falls and they are magnificent, very pretty and have a much larger swimming area. Also, while here we had a cool drink at the Kiosk and had a quick look at some aboriginal art as we walked to the Bravo.

We drove from Wangi Falls out onto the Litchfield Road again and slightly back tracked before we turned onto the Daly River Road (track). A few hundred metres in we drove through a very deep creek. It was about 70 cm deep. Thank goodness for the snorkel on the Bravo. The bottom was rough and rocky by the feel of it. Travelling a few more kms, we then turned into the Blyth Homestead ruins. Again, we were confronted by another deep creek which was also rough. No problems with the Bravo. When we returned, I opted to put a tarp across the front of the Bravo to slow the entrance of the water.

The Blyth Homestead in nothing more than a single room with a verandah around. The roof is very low. Really it is nothing more than a primitive shack. There is a wonderful story about Stapleton family that originally owned it, put together by descendants of that family. They endured much hardship. Repairing injuries to themselves as it was so far from help, e.g., one of the girls had a hand crushed while loading logs. It was caused by a horse kicking her hand and smashing it. The other sibling splinted it and into a sling and within several weeks she was again back working. A worthwhile visit even though he road is a bit unusual!

On our way back, we went to the Monsoon Cafe for a cool drink before we returned to the Wangi Falls.

The afternoon was spent at the falls with us having several really nice swims. Prue did some sketching and I did some reading. Most relaxing.