karijini- part 3

we camped at the dales gorge camping area for 2 nights. it was cheaper and significantly nicer then the so-called eco retreat. from this base camp, we were able to explore dales gorge.

we set off early in the morning and made our way to our first stop along the gorge, fern pool. this pool is considered to be a sacred site to the local aboriginals, and so you must not enter the pool with a splash or be too rowdy in the area. it really felt like we'd stumbled into fairy-land, as the pool was surrounded with large red-iron rock, lush looking plants and trees and the water itself was a beautiful blue. there was a small water fall at the far end, and if you stood under it you got a little massage, as well as some warmer water. the pool was not hot, by any means. though comfortable enough to swim in.

we then followed the 4km walk to the falls, which were near the entrance we took as well. many people were lazing in the sun on the rocks near the falls, but we decided to head on to circular pool instead.

circular pool, much like fern pool, could be part of a fairy tale. only this time the rocks were a hundred meters high and the light was just reflecting as perfectly as possible. the water was much clearer, but the water no warmer. we stayed at circular pool for a while, enjoying the sun and the freshness of the water.

we meandered back along the trail to the falls, where we spend a good while splashing about in the water and cooling off before we made our way back up to betty for the evening. we sat out watching the sun set and enjoyed the fact that we'd made it to karijini- a feat none to many make, given it's complete obscurity on the map. in fact, many of my clients hadn't even hear of karijini- and it's in their own state! amazing.

the next morning we packed betty up and started the long drive home. it was a very short trip, but totally worth it. and now we know that betty is ready to tackle the open road.

xo