Return to Karijini

Thursday 27th May

We have been away from the van now for 3 nights and today we are heading back to Karijini before we reunite with our van in Tom Price.

Not sure whether I am keen to return Karijini to complete two more gorges or not. Weano Gorge will be okay but it’s Hancock Gorge that worries me. First up is Oxer Lookout, a great view over parts of Weano and Hancock. Then back to the start of Weano and down the steps to the gorge floor. Part of this gorge walk is closed due to a fatal and another serious incident earlier this year. I am pleased we are, not doing this section. (P) Judith sometimes struggles with stretching her sense of adventure!) We wander along the gorge floor Criss crossing the creek and admiring the swimming holes. Back up the hill to the car park where we stop for another tailgate lunch and a chat with the family parked next to us. This was a nice walk but not as good as some we have done.

After lunch we are off to Hancock Gorge. This is what the brochures say about this walk “the exhilarating descent into Hancock Gorge has been described as a ‘journey to the centre of the earth’. After climbing down ladders you wander further into the gorge which narrows into a huge chamber with small rock pools and marbled walls.” Another brochure says “for the fit and adventurous. One of the most spectacular short walks…… you wade through cool pools, negotiate rock ledges and clamber through stony creeks. The gorge narrows and this is where the class 5 section comes into play. To continue you need a degree of flexibility and nerve…. straddle the gap between the gorge walls.

What stood out to me were a. Class 5, b. Wade through water, c. Straddle the gap.

Anyway off we went with nerves on high alert. The ladders were okay, not very long and easily managed, then a bit of rock hopping and climbing round ledges to get to the first pool. Steep walls on either side and cool water ahead. Well if others can do it then so can I. We wade through this pool only knee high then some more rock hopping. The gorge opens out into a large amphitheatre then turns and narrows to a chute . I can touch both sides and its slippery so take it cautiously. This then opens out to Kermits pool a deep water, blue pool. To get the best view the only way across is to swim. So swim we did. My heart is pounding and I’m shaking like a leaf but I have made it to the end and am rewarded with a fantastic view. Now I just have to make it back. We do make it back safely and are elated that we have managed this challenging walk/swim. (P) well make it back Judith did she swam like an Olympic champion! Forgetting my very limited “dog paddle” swimming ability I was left to save myself despite assurances we would swim together. Seriously Judith did excel with Hancock Gorge! There were many younger than her that turned back. She clearly has a reason to be proud! )

We have covered most of Karijini now and have to say it’s one of the best National Parks that we have seen. The walks are great, challenging, exhilarating, beautiful and awe inspiring but worth every shaken nerve, deep breath, sore knee and stiff joint.