Jake, checking out the world as it zooms by.
We did a quick stay in Karratha (Red Dog country) before heading east to a free camp at Albert Tognalini Lookout near Karijini National Park- which was a lovely spot.
The next day, we ventured into Karijini to check out the fabulous gorges. The staff at the visitors’ centre were absolutely fantastic and let us know which walks were Felicity Friendly. Unfortunately, there weren’t many. Most involved very uneven, slippery surfaces, rock scrambling, ladders and climbs. I got to do one little walk.
This made me very sad.
Back in the day, I loved a good hike. I did 65km with the kids from school along the Yuraygir NP coastal walk. Shan and I did the Tassie Overland Track- 80km. Finn joined us to do Fraser Island- 90km. Neighbour Naomi and I wandered all over Moreton Island (although, to be fair, we had much more fun hitch-hiking). We were two chicks, alone, taking on the world (I was hopeless and kept stepping over snakes without seeing them, Naomi freaking out behind me). Each time, we carried everything we needed on our backs- tents, food, clothes, water, etc. Each walk was marvellous.
Now, I literally have to watch where I walk, as I can’t feel my feet. Shan will call out about some fantastic sight. I have to stop to look, otherwise, I’ll trip over. So, I miss a lot of fabulous things- birds, flowers, views, creatures. I have no balance anymore and I especially struggle with down-ward slopes. Shan now automatically offers me his arm. I spent the next day in the van, hanging out with Jake, feeling sorry for myself. Shan had an amazing hike checking out all the fabulous sights of one of the best national parks in Australia. He took some amazing photos so I got to live vicariously through him.
We went on to Marble Bar and camped out at nearby Coongan Pool on a station- magic spot. We set up camp and went for a swim- glorious. Of course, Jake joined us too. The next day, we checked out the town of Marble Bar- seriously quirky, small and spread out. We went to the actual bar of marble (jasper) and checked out other jasper deposits. I swear, I’m like a crow or a six year old child, picking up little treasures along the way. Shan is less than impressed with my growing rock collection.
Shan fished and caught a whole bunch of tiny, shiny little fish. He then skewered one on a hook, live, to try and tempt bigger fare but that poor little one was sacrificed for nothing. I do not approve.
We went on to Port Hedland, stayed a couple of days to get the car serviced and then headed up to Broome- big on our bucket list!
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