Day 35. The Edith Falls Adventure. 15/06/2015

We left the park this morning prepared for a hike into Edith Falls that are a distance of about 60 kms north of Katherine. After parking the car, we set of at a cracking pace with Rod in the lead along the Leliyn Path to take us to on a round trip that would take about 2 hours climbing to the top of the escarpment and then down to the upper pools. It didn't take long before we had slowed considerably, not only because of the heat, but because of the very hilly and rocky terrain. It was such a welcome sight to come across the first waterfall and the beautiful Upper Pool where we hastily stripped off to plunge into the pool. There were already a number of intrepid hikers enjoying the water and we noted that they were all young backpackers and we were the only "silly old fools" to tackle such a climb.
We enjoyed the cool and refreshing waters and the beautiful surrounds for a little while, then decided we had to dress again to tackle the hike back before the real heat of the day.
Again we were climbing very carefully as it was very tricky in some areas and we had to watch our footing constantly. We felt a bit like goats over the some parts of this part of the track. We reached the top of the escarpment where we viewed more falls and pools that were inaccessible to hikers.  Our descent was slow and steady and we were pleased that we finally made it to the large pandanus fringed plunge pool which is a popular swimming area for those who do not wish to climb to the Upper Pool.  Stripped off again and shared the water this time with people of our age group and a few Barramundi that we could see swimming around us.
The area around the camping ground at the Falls is very lush with  plenty of green grass and many trees giving much needed cooling shade so we had our lunch there. It is so surprising to find these areas that are so lush and green when we feel like we are in the middle of a desert.
Today was an experience every fit and enthusiastic pensioner should have. Being a rock climber.
Returned to our caravan park and, as we were exhausted from expending so much energy and had a rest for a couple of hours.

Farewelled Faye and Lindsay as they plan to leave early in the morning, had a bbq dinner andthen relaxed watching some television.

A great day.

Early days and we are pretty keen.

The track got higher and harder.

The upper Edith Falls

John went looking for a barra,

Swimming in the upper Edith Pools.                                   

Leaving the pool and climbing the cliff was exhausting.                              

More rock climbing.

View from the lookout at the middle falls, 

The track became a path for goats.

Back to the bottom Falls for another well earned swim.