Saturday, 4 July 2015

Day 54. Kununurra. 04/07/2015

We started the day by visiting the Kununurra Saturday Market early before the day got too hot.  Market was colourful with a variety of craft stalls, local artists displaying their artwork, Argyle Diamonds had a display and the usual take away food stalls but some of these stalls were selling interesting variations of spring rolls made with croc meat.
We then drove a short distance to climb the lookout at Kelly's Knob. A wonderful view of the Kununurra valley that gave us a greater understanding of the Ord River Valley.
Back into town to find the Artlandish Art Gallery to view some very expensive Aboriginal art and although we were impressed with some of the work John still finds it hard to appreciate the value of "dot painting" as he calls it.  Definitely did not buy anything to adorn the walls at home.
A drive to see the Diversion Dam on the Ord River where the water is channelled out to all the farming properties for their water irrigation.  We also saw several farms with large irrigation channels servicing their crops of Mangoes, Beans, Peas and other crops including Chia seeds.  It certainly is a very productive food bowl. We found an area that is called the Beach but although it is supposed to be safe for swimming we would not be tempted to swim there because of the resident crocs.
A relaxing afternoon at camp before settling down on the grassy knoll at the Lagoons edge to enjoy the very tranquil surrounds.  
An early night tonight as we have a very big day planned tomorrow with a very early start.


Wendy just loved the Kununurra Saturday Market.
Aboriginal art work at the Artlandish Gallery.
These were depicting historical moments - much better than dots.
You take this to view Kununurra and surrounds.
A 360 deg view of the district.
Pretty blowy up here but worth the effort.

Water was pouring down the Ord River from the gates. Our equivalent of the Pondage at Eildon.
Hectares of beans irrigated from the channel in Ord No1 Irrigation area.
Chia and peas were also on this property.
The early settlement of the Kimberley District is worth reading.
The aboriginal people were not treated well.
The settlers had a lot to contend with.

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