Davo (our guide for the day) arrives at
8am driving a small 4WD bus with 10 people all up.
The drive to Kalbarri Gorge confirms
that we would not have done it on the bikes. The road (about 25km
each way) is badly corrugated and full of loose sand.OK on knobbly tyres on a trail bike, but not heavily laden tourers.
After visiting both viewing areas and admiring the profusion of wild flowers, we
drive down a closed road to the edge of the gorge and scramble down
to the river below.
A short walk along the bank brings us
out at a wide pool with a high sandy beach where the canoes are
parked. After a quick swim and a briefing from Davo on the does and
don'ts we set off on our paddling. There is no current to speak of
and the river is already starting its annual process of drying out.
We have a couple of km's of river to paddle backwards and forwards on
and generally enjoy the scenery. We stop on the bank under the shade
of a gum tree and have a leisurely lunch as we watch other paddle
backwards and forwards.
A last paddle back to our starting
point followed by a more 'adventurous' route back to the top of the
gorge and our bus. A good day of R & R. Tomorrow we continue
south on our slow approach to Perth. The weather will determine our
final destination, as the forecast is for showers. Tomorrow will
tell.
Hi Bill,
ReplyDeleteGood to hear of your travels. We didn't go into Kalbarri Gorge, but have visited many of the spots you've been to. Good to keep us posted. The SW corner of WA is worth a visit. Check out the Tingle trees and, of course the Karri trees. Not sure where you're headed next, but I don't think you know either! Happy travels, Barb & Chris.