We woke for another epic day planned, today going to tackle Twin and Jim Jim Falls. Going to be a mammoth day, already know that!!
We took off around 9am and made our way off the bitumen down the long corrugated Jim Jim road. We crossed a few small water crossings and over some rocky parts of road. We stopped off and purchased our boat tickets ($25) for Twin Falls Gorge at Garnamarr. We then came up to our major water crossing at Jim Jim creek with the description stating snorkel required. Marty very excited. We drove through with the water just getting up to the bullbar. Marty slightly disappointed but loved it all the same. We piled out of the car at the Twin Falls carpark and headed off down the walk along the creek to where we caught a shuttle boat that would drop us off at the board walk. Years ago we swam down to the Twin Falls, but too many crocs around now and too many people attacked and killed. So now the shuttle boat operates which was the better way to see the gorge. Instead of s***ting ourselves about the possibility of being a crocs meal, this time we could bask on the beauty if the sandstone cliffs and clear water. Dallas, our aboriginal guide, pointed out a pig nosed turtle in the water which the girls loved seeing. The short boat ride dropped us to the boardwalk where we were on our own. We crossed the floating boardwalk and climbed across some rock boulders finally arriving at Twin Falls. It was magnificent!! There where actually three water falls there and it all looked so amazing. As soon as we arrived Meg was down in the sand making sandcastles, think she's missing the beach?!? We hung out for about half an hour trying to absorb the picturesque surrounds. Saw a croc trap with a pungent pig leg still in place, no croc. We headed back and radioed Dallas on the walkie talkie he left behind to come pick us up. On the way back he pointed out a small freshwater croc on the bank, thank god for the shuttle bus hey! Was funny talking to Dallas, he was a shy bloke who didn't like too much eye contact. Nice bloke and l'm sort I'd used to the aboriginal ways now. We had a picnic lunch back at the car then headed off to Jim Jim Falls.
Was both excited and dreading the Jim Jim Falls. Couldn't wait to see the falls but was dreading the walk. Remember what it was like ten years ago! It hasn't changed that's for sure. We followed the arrows down the unmade path of rocks and huge boulders. The girls are so good at these hikes, especially Boo. We had to carefully slide across a ledge holding on with our fingertips hoping not to slip. Few hairy moments, but after an hour, all sweaty we arrived at the Jim Jim Falls Plunge Pool. It was roaring! Spectacular! We crossed the last of the rocky boulders to a sandy bank where everyone was swimming. The plunge pool itself was very dark and aery, hate to think what was in there. Dallas did say that crocs didn't like Jim Jim too much as the force of the water was too much, but l still didn't like the look of it, was bloody cold too. Anyway, once on the sandy bank the girls were stripped down to their bathers and in the water as quick as anything. The squeals soon told us the water was cold. But we were so sweaty from the walk that we had to have a dip. It took your breath away that's for sure, but with the back drop of the falls it was so magical. We stayed there for as long as we could, dreading the walk back. My legs were already feeling the walks of the day and, to be honest, l was bloody tired. To the girls disgust we got out and dried off before hiking back. It actually didn't feel as long, provably because poor Marty carried Meg most of the way. We all piled into the car, had some snacks then drove the hour and half drive back to camp. Arriving back on sunset, another bloody exhausting long day. But you know what, l wouldn't change a thing. Totally awesome day. We all had so much fun together, had some wonderful memories made......

Bell Xxx