Day 38 12/07/2013 Prince Regent River to Camden Sound.

This was the first morning with clouds in the sky, but they soon cleared and we were treated to another beautiful Kimberley day. It was very hot. Breakfast was at 7am, and those of us who had elected to take the helicopter flight, were split into two groups. I was in the first group with Anne and Mary, our skipper Ben, and of course, Wayne, the 'helicopter pilot'!
We took off at 8am, and after a short flight, (10mins), we landed in a rocky bush area, close to a rock overhang, displaying some of the most amazing rock art ...Wandjina Art.......that I have ever seen. Ben gave us a little talk about the art and we took lots of photos. Wayne then flew us back to the boat, while Ben waited for the next group of three to be flown up.
Once the second group was back, and the fishermen had returned, we set off in the tenders to another art site to view some Bradshaw (Gwion Gwion) rock art. It wasn't far in the tenders and then there was a short, but tricky, climb to the cave.
This site is not well-known and Ben is keen to keep it a 'secret'. Consequently there was a funny moment when we were beginning to climb down when Ben said "quick, everyone, hide.....there's a boat coming"! We all crouched down where we could, but of course the tenders would have given away the fact that we were somewhere in the area!
We had a delicious fish lunch.....some barramundi and some flathead and then set off on another excursion, to Camp Creek, for a walk and swim. Those of us who had been on the heli-tour this morning were treated to an aerial view of Camp Creek and the falls.
Once disembarked from the tenders we had a short easy walk across flat rocks and then sand, to a beautiful freshwater pool. Some guests elected to stay here and the crew had thoughtfully provided beach umbrellas for shelter from the hot sun.
The rest of the group continued up to the top pool for a short swim. The track was not long but had some tricky sections including a narrow rock ledge to negotiate. Once again, help was at hand from the ever-patient Matt, Louis and the 'helicopter pilot'. Ben stayed behind with the non-walkers. (It is company policy not to leave guests alone).
It had been a very hot climb and we were all keen to cool off in the very picturesque pool. The return trip was easier.....isn't it always??....... and our wet swimmers kept us cool! As we headed back to the boat we were treated to some wonderful reflections in the glassy water along Camp Creek.
Back aboard the Kimberley Quest we had time to shower, change and generally have a relaxing afternoon as we cruised to Camden Sound. Some took advantage of the spa on the forward deck. The scenery along our route was stunning and we had an amazing sunset this evening.
Because we were cruising at a fair rate, it was a little noisy and windy at the back of the boat, so we had dinner inside. We had a delicious Asian broth with prawns and pork belly, followed by passion fruit pavlova. Yum!!!
We are having such a wonderful time, and have no complaints whatsoever, but if a vibrant night-life is your preference, then this isn't the cruise for you. With such action-packed days, (usually starting early), everyone, crew included, is in bed by 8.30/9.00pm.....except of course when we are are cruising, but there hasn't been much late night cruising so far. We really love the casual ambience. There is no 'dressing for dinner' and the only time we wear shoes is when on a walking excursion!