VAL JOHNSON’S EXPEDITION TO THE PILBARA 2005
VAL JOHNSON’S EXPEDITION TO THE PILBARA 2005
Great! Direct flight from Canberra to Perth! Fred William’s ‘Pilbara series’ was my inspiration, so armed with sketch book and camera I set off on an adventure up the coast of W.A and inland to Karijini National Park, camping with Coates Wildlife Tours. Putting up a tent every night was challenging, but by the end of the 12 days I was an EXPERT!!
We travelled north via Monkey Mia- a three hour boat cruise to see Dugongs, Dolphin and whatever else we could find was not too fruitful. At Coral bay snorkeling was the go- not much good for sketching, but wow Ningaloo Reef was wonderful. I did manage to take sketchy notes in the bus as we travelled along however, as there was plenty of time. We travelled miles to get to Karijini-The Pilbara landscape was amazing- Fred Williams all around me! But I feel that I have only scratched the surface- there is so much more of the Pilbara to see! Karijini was the highlight. The landscape is scarred by huge gorges that go down into the earth-you have to climb in and then you have to climb out! The rocks sometime form steps which I believe were formed by long legged men!!! What a climb it was!
Swimming in the gorges was just wonderful- lying on your back, looking up at red walls that seemed to go up for miles to the blue sky. What an experience! Just as well we could swim as we were camping for four days -and no shower!!
Some of the gorges were quite challenging- Weano Gorge for example- a steep climb in then walk, swim, walk- spider walk to Handrail Pool where you had to climb down a knotted rope! I managed with sheer determination – another swim across a beautiful pool, more spider walking and swimming to the end. It was wonderful -but who fell backwards off a slippery rock? Only a few bruises resulted thank goodness-and a bit of wounded pride. Hancock Gorge- accessible only via a nine meter ladder!!! Then walking and swimming to Kermit’s Pool- no frog, but a beautiful place.
So that was our agenda at Karijini for four days- sleeping in tents, looking up at the stars and serenaded by the dingo chorus.
We travelled back to Perth via the mining towns of Meekathara and Cue, and the wheat belt area of W.A. 3900 kilometers in all!
What an experience! Believe me, walking in the gorges at Karijini is not for the fainthearted –but I am glad of the experience. It was just wonderful, but what impressed me the most was the landscape above- the Fred Williams hills and the colour. Now I am home painting madly before I loose the moment.
