JUDBARRA GREGORY NATIONAL PARK- ZEBRA ROCK-KEEP RIVER NATIONAL PARK-KUNUNURRA

190km west of Katherine along the Victoria Hwy, is Victoria River Roadhouse a great little place to stop over for a wander along the Escarpment and climb to spectacular views of the Victoria River- definitely no swimming here though kids!
Finally we have spotted our first Boab Tree!!! They are strange yet beautiful, some 2000yrs old, and unfortunately many of the large ones we've seen have been carved and scarred by white mans need to 'make a mark' on everything- why I'll never understand.
We also saw our first croc- a baby freshy 1.5m was sunning himself under a bridge near our campground. I'd rather freshies than Salties hanging about any day.

Approx 10km east of Keep River NP is the turn off Zebra Rock. A relatively new campground, and Gallery displaying specimens of Zebra Rock (from the new mine the leasing couple here manage) a fascinating and beautiful geological masterpiece. Devonshire Tea by donation for the day visitors, and a walk to the lookout over Lake Argyle- its a cute little place, and nice to pause a moment under the extremely shady Native Plum tree.

As we are nearing the WA border, we need to par cook our food supplies again, so a stop over at Keep River NP will ensure keeping the Quarantine Man happy.
We have made camp at the first site, Gurrandalng, 17km into Keep River National Park.
There are a couple of walks that weave throughout the beehive shaped rock formations. Its very different to anything we have seen so far- the pink/crimson tone of the sandstone looks like sheets of layered 'lasagna', all compacted together. Some darker than others, creating the visual horizontal sheet like structure. This area, particularly around the campsite has been nick named the mini Bungle Bungles...as we are yet to visit the originals, we are unable to confirm why that is so.
Along our walks we have found many beautiful flowering trees, and plants many of which Kerry was familiar with using in the form of Bush Flower Essences. So it was fun to find them in their natural state. Boab, Turkey Bush, Quinine, Elephant Wattle, Acacias, Billy Goat Plum and some stunning flowering gums like wooly buff and others that we have been unable to identify yet. Just watch out for the Spinifex- its spikes hurt- especially when squatting for a 'small vegetable'!!!
The bird life we are not so ofay with, but learning as we go along. The Red tail Black Cockatoo is stunning- and easily identifiable for the novice!!!

Last night was the first time we had a Harrie (lit a fire), admired the night sky and broke out the Guitar for a sing a long. Most NPs require you to bring in your own wood- but here you are allowed to collect from the surrounding area. So we rustled up a few sturdy branches to see us through the night...mmm, may have been a bit over anxious- how the heck am I gonna cut through all this, to fit in the fire pit, before dawn??? The tomahawk was an idealistic option, but practically ridiculously slow ( and exhausting). I'm muttering away to myself, cursing because we didn't accept Dads offer of borrowing an axe. "Geez, I could really do with one of Bryce's super dooper competitive axe's right now...and his chopping skills!!" at the same time Kerry yells out- "hey, why don't you just channel Bryce- then we mite actually have a fire tonight!!". In that instant my prayer was answered, the man from across the way wandered over with an axe and said " I couldn't let you go on like that any longer, you'll be here all night and won't get a feed!". I most gratefully accept the use of his axe, and today am painfully aware that it's been a LONG time since I've cut a barrow load of wood with an axe!!!! But still, the ambiance and smokey flavoured tucker was worth it!

Onward to Kununurra, where we hope to find reception (so I can upload these to the blog), re-stock the supplies and find a nice hot shower- 5 days walking in the bush, even the flies don't wanna know us!!!