Day 5 Sandy Camp to Sweetwater Pool - Jatbula Trip

 Day 5 – Wednesday 21 August

Sandy Camp to Sweetwater Pool

https://nt.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0016/200590/jatbula-trail-maps-booklet.pdf

https://nt.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0020/200594/jatbula-trail-information-sheet.pdf

https://northernterritory.com/katherine-and-surrounds/see-and-do/sandy-camp

https://northernterritory.com/katherine-and-surrounds/see-and-do/sweetwater-pool

On this trip we have not hung any of our food, but last night we should have.  We were camped beside a pandanus and next to the water and a possum ate through a dry bag and a silicone pouch to get to my jelly beans – these were apparently much better than nuts or dried apricots.

We got up at 5:45am but had been awake for about an hour prior to this as many of our fellow hikers were doing a double day and headed off very early.  We left about 6:45am, collecting a complete set of tent poles that had been left behind!

The hiking today and yesterday would have been quite scratchy without long pants.  The first part from camp was on uneven rock and soft sand.  The remainder of the walk was a mix of surfaces – sandy, rocky and boggy (but now dry this late in the season). There was one section which was still wet at this time of year that a raised metal walkway had been installed in to protect the ground and plants. The vegetation and associated birdlife also varied greatly throughout today’s walk. The last 700m into camp was very hot, rocky and exposed.  We saw more evidence of buffalos today; this has been increasing since we started walking near Edith River.  Some of what we saw today was quite fresh.  Thankfully we have not seen any actual buffalo.  I did give Drew a fright though when I was out of his sight and screamed after startling a large group of birds into flight.

We arrived about 10:15, had a swim and then set up camp and had lunch.  I have developed a blister on my right big toe from walking around so much in Crocs – I had thought if I got a blister, it would be from hiking in my boots, not walking and swimming in my crocs.

After an afternoon nap we went for a swim and explore upstream.  It was approximately a 200-250m swim up to the first waterfall, then we got out and explored the many small rapids. Sweetwater Pool campsite had a lovely breeze this afternoon.  Unfortunately, it also had more flies than any other campsite on this walk. There are also many many birds today, both on the walk and around the campsite – a beautiful sound.

 

Distance      11.16km

Time              3h5m

Ascent          19m

Descent       53m

Day 4 17 Mile Falls to Sandy Camp - Jatbula Trip

 Day 4 – Tuesday 20 August

17 Mile Falls to Sandy Camp

https://nt.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0016/200590/jatbula-trail-maps-booklet.pdf

https://nt.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0020/200594/jatbula-trail-information-sheet.pdf

https://northernterritory.com/katherine-and-surrounds/see-and-do/17-mile-falls

https://northernterritory.com/katherine-and-surrounds/see-and-do/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