We continued to enjoy El Questro today.

First up I found a Blue-winged Kookaburra perched in a perfect spot for a photo, but of course he moved before I got close enough for a great shot; still, at least I have something. I saw my first one the other day driving back from Wyndham. They are aptly named: their wings are so blue it hurts your eyes. Fluoro blue.

During the morning we soaked in Zebedee thermal springs until we got all wrinkly. This place is a gorgeous oasis in a palm forest against a background of towering red cliffs. Warm water from the spring cascades through several levels of natural pools. There were people everywhere, of course; it’s the most popular attraction at this very popular resort, but the whole of northern Australia is swarming with tourists right now.

This afternoon we walked at El Questro Gorge; another spectacular spot, but the track was rocky with boggy spots and creek crossings, quite slow going. We did about an hour each way with a swim at the turn. I was very proud of Max, he walked all the way without complaining (except about the water temperature of the swimming hole) ... what a champion! There was a deep and long creek crossing on the 4WD track out to the gorge, when I saw it I said “yikes!”, but another vehicle went through okay so I dived in. Made a pretty sizable bow-wave at the deep end, and the bottoms of the doors were well under, but we got through. Good car, that Nissan Pathfinder.

Now it’s sleep time (8:30) but we’re suffering through some mediocre live country music playing up at the bar. Note to self: next time, get one of the private campsites 5km downriver.