The Beautiful but Bilious Bungle Bungles - 9th & 10th August

The ride from Halls Creek to Kununurra once again was a treat. After a break and refuel at Warmun and many photo calls of us and our bikes, from the travellers on a bus tour, we continue on toward Kununurra. After nearly 5,000 km and no sightings of the large hopping marsupials I was a little surprised when concentrating on a group of whistling kites and a young wallaby came hopping out towards me. Luckily it had second thoughts, as I was applying a fair amount of brake, and it turned and retreated but a call over the Bluetooth to Trish just to make sure she was aware, got us both through.

At the Hidden Valley Caravan Park in Kununurra we scored another shady site but with shade usually there is no grass. I can deal with a bit of sand when it is hot as long as there is shade. Once set up we headed for town to book a scenic flight over the Bungle Bungles. Trish does not like to call them joy flights since she suffers motion sickness and they are never a joy. With the flight booked the next stop was the Chemist for motion sickness tablets and ear plugs to deal with the depressurization that comes with going up and coming down. After her experience on the Barrier Reef in Queensland she was taking no chances and was going to dose up beforehand. Knowing she would probably feel ill she was still doggedly determined to do this flight.

With a 2:00pm flight booked we had a casual start to the day but ever mindful of the countdown to tablet taking time. Although quite expensive our trip included pickup and return to the caravan park, then a flight out over the massive Lake Argyle and past the Carr Boyde Ranges to the Bungle Bungles. As with most small planes once airborne it was a bit lumpy but Trish was willing herself on. Once over Lake Argyle it all smoothed out due to less up currents off the water. Back over land again then back to the roller coaster ride. The Osmand Ranges looked like two huge breaking waves. Then the Bungle Bungles came into view and got every more impressive as we flew over and around. Trish's colour still looked normal but she had gone quiet.

From the Bungles we tracked back north toward and over the Argyle Diamond mine. Down there is where the dark cognac diamond on Trish's engagement ring had come from. Trish's colour still ok but looking a bit sweaty. From Argyle Diamonds it was back overland up the edge of Lake Argyle without the smoothing effect of the water, so by the time we finally landed back at Kununurra Trish was glad to be back on firm ground with the unused air sick bag still firmly held in her hand. Only one other lady looked worse that Trish. Knowing she would feel this way would not stop my determined buddy from going and enjoying the views. Good Girl!

A good stretch out in the relatively cool tent while I went grocery shopping did wonders for her with the air sickness subsided and the memories of a wonderful flight lingering we headed off for tea at the camp kitchen.

Flight Captain Dave