Cooinda (Gagudju Lodge) 31-08-11

The day stated off with a little excitement, Greg has been having trouble with his Fridge and the second battery which doesn’t appear to be charging properly.  He rigged up a wire to connect the 2 and the load suddenly (don’t quite remember why) became too high and the wiring melted – smoke poured out of the engine.  The men all rushed over to consult and assist.  Peter D (christened McGyver for those old enough to remember who that was) was probably the most useful.  It all seemed to settle down anyway.
Today we all went on the Yellow River Cruise.  We caught the courtesy bus from the camping ground and had a great driver called Simone.  She took to us and decided that she would also drive the boat that we sat on (there were 2 due to go out – 11:30 for 1 1/2 hours).  It was fantastic – there are pictures in the photo album. 
The water ways are teeming with birdlife, fish and …..crocodiles.  Simone is great and puts the boat as close as possible so  that we can see the above up close.
The water lilies and lotuses are in flower, so pretty.  Unfortunately the feral animals are here too, Simone show us the damage being done by the wild pigs, the horses (which we can see in the distance) will not be culled due to their relationship with humans.  Salvia ( a water plant from peoples fish tanks) is spreading badly too they have introduced a weevil to it to help keep it under control.  Let’s hope it isn’t another cane toad.
We returned to the lodge, had our lunch and then headed out to Twin Falls.  Jill M and Norbert decided to stay at the lodge and spend some time in the pool which is really nice.  Jabiru pool was COLD.
The 14 kms of the road to the falls is a 4wd road (complete with 60 cm deep river crossing) and I really want to do it to test the car.  It would be better if it breaks down again here (closeish to help) than out somewhere on the gulf.  The road is challenging enough to test the vehicle and Michael relaxes, I think he had lost confidence in the car.  At the end of the track it is necessary to catch a boat to take us closer, then walk  for about 15-20 mins depending upon fitness, the path is quite rocky.  The last boat leaves at 4 and the road has taken us longer than expected, Tony is urging us on over the CB radio (he is of course there in plenty of time).  We do make it and take another glorious trip up  a river.  This is a gorge with steep and very high cliffs.  Lovely in the late afternoon.  Our guide (Dallas) drops us of and says he will be back to pick us up at 5.
Greg, Wanda, Dean and Karen take the trip to Jim Jim Falls, it is getting later and this is a difficult walk, so only the fit bush walkers go.  The rest of us head back to the lodge and Peter D needs some ‘Tony power’ to push him out of some deep sand.  Hehe we are all learning heaps on this trip.
Most of us had lovely tea at the lodge restaurant (who wants to camp cook after such a long day?)  TONY!!!
Michael has not been sleeping well and is miserable (although I think it’s over the car rather than lack of sleep).  However, a plan has been made to ply him with alcohol to assist him.  IT WORKS!