Sunday, July 6, 2014

CAPE YORK TRIP Day 15

30 June 2014

Adel’s Grove  - Boodjamulla National Park (Lawn Hill NP)


Having read all the information provided we decided we better have an early start to avoid walking in the heat of the day.  Consequently we saw the sun light up the terrain as we entered the national park.  It was just beautiful. 



As soon as you entered it there was a special feel about the place.  The Gregory River winds its way through the park and there is the lower, middle and upper gorge.  Gorge walls are caused by the build up of tufa.  The Waanyi people describe it as a “cultural landscape …rich tapestry of places and features imbued with spiritual presence, cultural connection and historical associations.”


The tufa formations are very interesting and clear to see on the Cascade walk as we did in the afternoon.


We were disappointed with the poor signage around the park but the park itself was beautiful.  We all set out on the loop walk to Indarri Falls returning via Duwadarri Lookout. 




The first part was to be moderate but the second part was described as difficult.  We took our time as we admired the views walking in a clockwise direction amongst trees and shrubs.  Pink flowering Turkey bush and Dryandros grevillea amongst yellow acacias were just beautiful.  When we got to the top the view was breathtaking. 





We spent quite a bit of time watching people canoe, the archer fish and other big fish in the water.  Finally we decided to move on.  We started to go in the direction of the upper gorge.  At this stage Bob decided he would go back.  The rest of us continued as far as the bower bird’s nest 


but then decided that it could be too much and returned the way we came and then continued on past the falls to Indarri Lookout 


and Duwadarri Lookout.  The fork off to Indarri Lookout was through a narrow channel between two rock faces.  

The limestone outcrops and ancient stones were interesting.




The walk to Duwadarri was along the top of the ridge.  Honeyeaters darted from shrib to shrub.  Duwadarri  is considered to be a sacred place.  



Finally it was a very steep narrow climb down from the ridge.  It would be much harder going up in this section of the track.

After lunch and resting a little we took off for the Cascades Walk.  Due to the dry wet season this area was not open to swimming as there was not enough water here.  It was a beautiful walk through shady paperbarks, pandanas and other trees.  Tufa formations were interesting to observe.




We probably walked about 7km today.  I couldn’t get over the diversity of the plants here.


We came back ready for showers and some relaxation.  It was a truly great day.

Friday, July 4, 2014

CAPE YORK TRIP DAY 14

29 June 2014

31km East of Riversleigh Heritage site, Riversleigh Rd – Adel’s Grove (73km)



After a windy night and a cool brisky morning the day was nice.  

After breakfast I walked around with Flora trying to locate the budgies in the trees.  I cold hear them but couldn’t see them.  We have named Flora ‘hawk eyes’ as she can see and identify birds and animals at a great distance.  I finally captured some birds on film.


We had an interesting drive to Adel’s Grove.  


Three River Crossings and one creek crossing added an interest to the drive.  One of the crossings over the O’Shaugnessy River had very fast flowing water.









We stopped at the Riversleigh Fossil Fields, a World Heritage Site.  It is the place of significant fossil deposits of animals that lived in the area in lush rainforests 15-25 milion years ago.  Important discoveries and being made even as we speak.  There are volunteers and professionals working there currently.  This is one of the most significant and important fossil site in the world.




A well signposted self guided walk took us past fossil deposits of crocodile, turtle, thunderbird,






some interesting rocks,




 to the top of the limestone outcrop from where there was a great view of the surrounds. 






We then continued on to Adel’s Grove past rolling hills with stunning tall termite bounds that from a distance looked like sentinels.



Adel’s Grove was just lovely.  Our campsite was a little distance away from the grove as we wanted sun for our solar panels.  The grove by the water was very shaded and beautiful.  Paperbacks, ghost gums, red gums, pandanas provided a lovely environment.