Thursday, 17th June
Our final day in Katherine for a few weeks was just as hot as the previous days. A very pleasant 20 degrees at 8.30 am quickly became a bit unpleasant 30 degrees by noon. No one’s complaining, though.
This morning we left early (before it became too hot) for Edith Falls, about 60 kms to the north of Katherine. We commenced the 2.6 km hike at 9.15 am and very soon discovered the most beautiful waterway complete with pandanus and gorgeous reflections. It was after this that the walking poles very quickly came into their own as we started to climb the track to the top of the escarpment. These poles are better than sliced bread – not as good as chocolate, though – provide leverage going up big steps, support going down and stability over rough and uneven ground.
This was definitely serious snake country (and weather!) so a democratic vote of one was held and himself was given point duty (the walking poles would also be good for chasing snakes). At the top of the first big climb we came to a lookout, overlooking the two waterfalls – just beautiful. We were well into our water by this stage, and the flies were well into us! Down the big, rocky hill to the top waterfall pool, passing barefoot European backpackers on the way (obviously unaware of our snake population, let alone the ants) and across the bridge to have another rest beside a pretty blue waterlily. More water and dried mango before tackling the BIG climb up the other side – this was fairly hard going, with the rock steps being rather high. More wonderful views before the track levelled out and then descended back to the car park.
We were very proud (well, one of us, anyway) that we had completed the walk in the recommended time of 2 hours!
Smelling somewhat, we decided to stop at Woolworths on the way back to the caravan – having nothing to eat for lunch probably was a deciding factor, too. The afternoon was spent doing absolutely nothing except reading, and sleeping by some. It was very pleasant sitting in the shade, watching the butterflies and birds and listening to the sprinklers.
Our final day in Katherine for a few weeks was just as hot as the previous days. A very pleasant 20 degrees at 8.30 am quickly became a bit unpleasant 30 degrees by noon. No one’s complaining, though.
This morning we left early (before it became too hot) for Edith Falls, about 60 kms to the north of Katherine. We commenced the 2.6 km hike at 9.15 am and very soon discovered the most beautiful waterway complete with pandanus and gorgeous reflections. It was after this that the walking poles very quickly came into their own as we started to climb the track to the top of the escarpment. These poles are better than sliced bread – not as good as chocolate, though – provide leverage going up big steps, support going down and stability over rough and uneven ground.
This was definitely serious snake country (and weather!) so a democratic vote of one was held and himself was given point duty (the walking poles would also be good for chasing snakes). At the top of the first big climb we came to a lookout, overlooking the two waterfalls – just beautiful. We were well into our water by this stage, and the flies were well into us! Down the big, rocky hill to the top waterfall pool, passing barefoot European backpackers on the way (obviously unaware of our snake population, let alone the ants) and across the bridge to have another rest beside a pretty blue waterlily. More water and dried mango before tackling the BIG climb up the other side – this was fairly hard going, with the rock steps being rather high. More wonderful views before the track levelled out and then descended back to the car park.
We were very proud (well, one of us, anyway) that we had completed the walk in the recommended time of 2 hours!
Smelling somewhat, we decided to stop at Woolworths on the way back to the caravan – having nothing to eat for lunch probably was a deciding factor, too. The afternoon was spent doing absolutely nothing except reading, and sleeping by some. It was very pleasant sitting in the shade, watching the butterflies and birds and listening to the sprinklers.
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