https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/carnarvon-gorge
Wednesday
13 September 2023
Day
4 -West Branch Campground to Conseulo Camping Zone
https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/carnarvon-great-walk/walking
https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0026/164159/carnarvongw-topo.pdf
Overnight
was cold and we woke to frost on our food jars.
No wonder the rangers have put up a sign advising not to flush the
toilets when frozen, given it is mid September there must be many nights each
year when the water freezes in the pipes. The first four to five kilometres
today was a steady climb. The grass was
much denser than yesterday but only about three feet high. We saw a lot of tiny
birds, with bodies only about 3cm long and with flashes of red on the belly. We also saw giant red ants that were 2 to
2.5cm long. We passed through open grasslands with views back over the left
shoulder. It was a solid climb up the switchbacks and I had hoped for views
from the top, but unfortunately not. Once up onto this plateau it was cool
walking with intermittent shade.
Unfortunately, the plateau has very significant feral pig damage.
Tonight we are in Conseulo Camping Zone and we are the only ones here. This is fortunate as the camping options are
significantly limited by the pig damage. There are a lot of large grey
kangaroos feeding around the campsite.
Disappointingly the campers from the previous night had left a fire
without putting it out and it was still very hot when we arrived at 4:30pm. We
spent half an hour putting this out thoroughly to ensure a safe night for
ourselves. At dusk we could hear, but
did not see, dingoes.
17.48km,
5 hours 22 minutes, 597m ascent
