Day 4 – Tuesday 20 August
17 Mile Falls to Sandy Camp
This morning, we were up at 5:30am and watched the
girls cross the creek in the dark. I took a 15-minute 700m walk to the bathroom
and back. Due to the volume of water
that passes through in the wet season the bathrooms are on higher ground and
generally quite some distance from the campsites which are at dry season water
level. The water was so clear that I was able to take a photo of a yabbie on my
phone using just the torch. By 6:20am we
were packed up to cross the water minus our boots, socks and pants. We then
sat on the rocks to put on our boots – the rocks are still warmer than body
temperature even before the sun first hits them in the morning. We were on our way by 6:45am in very pretty
morning light and with the sun at our backs making pleasant walking.
We passed through open eucalyptus plains with some
breeze. Once we came down from the stone
country plateau high point the vegetation changed frequently and there were
lots of damp areas able to support more vegetation and create shade. There was also a lot more bird life. Amongst this were some hot rocky open patches.
https://northernterritory.com/katherine-and-surrounds/see-and-do/edith-river-crossing
At Edith River Crossing there was beautiful cool
shade. This was the first spot where the rocks were cooler than body temperature
and refreshing to sit on. After crossing
the river there was a very exposed rocky area around Channel Waterhole, an amazing contrast between stark dry rock plains and deep water. The remainder of the walk was in and out of shade
as we approached the camp.
 |
| Channel Waterhole |
We arrived in camp just before midday. We had a
swim to cool down, then set up camp and enjoyed lunch. I went for a walk most
of the way round the swimming hole and explored the group camping area on the
opposite side. We swam across the
waterhole and back before having afternoon tea and relaxing in the shade to
read. The late afternoon was cooler than previous days, where it just seemed to
keep getting hotter until sunset. Once again, I finished the day with a dip in
an individual round tub with shoulder massage waterfall – relaxing! We sat on the rocks to watch the sunset,
still sweating just sitting and watching – no wonder this walk is only open for
a short part of the year.
Distance 17.44km
Time 4h35m
Ascent 100m
Descent 132m
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