Another early morning saw us setting off to Dales Gorge to check out the campground. When we arrived there were already about 4 caravans waiting for a spot as soon as one became available. We decided there and then we would stay where we were but would need to spin a story to the Ranger. (Ranger Dan)
That successfully done, we did an early morning walk called the Dales Gorge Rim that gave us wonderful views of Dales Gorge. Along the walk we saw many gum trees that we now know to be called Snappy Gums, Native Cypress trees and also lots of beautiful wildflowers. We returned to camp to make coffee and sandwiches to take on our next drive to the Weano and Hancock Gorges. The road was atrocious and John was not happy to say the least particularly when an idiot 4 wheel driver sped past throwing dust and stones into the Prado. After about 60 kms along the rutted, non graded road we reached our destination.
Our first hike was into the Lower Weano gorge and we had to negotiate some very steep rocky steps downwards until we reached a beautiful pool surrounded by the towering rock faces on both sides. The water was beautifully clear and very inviting, however, we had not gone prepared, and at one stage as we walked up into the gorge we were in water up to our waists. I feared it was getting deeper so we turned around to climb back to safer ground. We then walked/climbed our way back at the base of the gorge for some 2-3 kms. We were hot and tired at this stage. After a well earned rest, a cool drink and a chat to some young French backpackers, we walked a short distance to the lookout over the 5 gorges in the area. It was quite spectacular.
Our drive back to camp saw us take a much longer different road, this one fully made, that had some breathtaking scenery along the way. We were following the Hammersley Ranges and they are something to see!
That successfully done, we did an early morning walk called the Dales Gorge Rim that gave us wonderful views of Dales Gorge. Along the walk we saw many gum trees that we now know to be called Snappy Gums, Native Cypress trees and also lots of beautiful wildflowers. We returned to camp to make coffee and sandwiches to take on our next drive to the Weano and Hancock Gorges. The road was atrocious and John was not happy to say the least particularly when an idiot 4 wheel driver sped past throwing dust and stones into the Prado. After about 60 kms along the rutted, non graded road we reached our destination.
Our first hike was into the Lower Weano gorge and we had to negotiate some very steep rocky steps downwards until we reached a beautiful pool surrounded by the towering rock faces on both sides. The water was beautifully clear and very inviting, however, we had not gone prepared, and at one stage as we walked up into the gorge we were in water up to our waists. I feared it was getting deeper so we turned around to climb back to safer ground. We then walked/climbed our way back at the base of the gorge for some 2-3 kms. We were hot and tired at this stage. After a well earned rest, a cool drink and a chat to some young French backpackers, we walked a short distance to the lookout over the 5 gorges in the area. It was quite spectacular.
Our drive back to camp saw us take a much longer different road, this one fully made, that had some breathtaking scenery along the way. We were following the Hammersley Ranges and they are something to see!
Early to bed again for a visit to the Tom Price mine town tomorrow.
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| The Snappy Gum - one we had seen before but now know it's name. |
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| Looking down into circular pond at Dales Gorge. |
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| The red and rough road but spectacular views in the park. |
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| We followed the yellow track through the Gorge. |
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| The waterhole we started to wade through at Weano Gorge. |
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| We did at least give it a go. |
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| The swimming hole. |
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| In need of a breather. Was around 30deg plus at the bottom of the gorge. |
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| The walk was quite beautiful. |
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| Some information on the formation of the gorges. |
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| The rock formations were awesome. |
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| Looking down into Hancock Gorge. |
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