Day 19 10/08/11
Toby & Ron up early again…………. Not for sunrises this time, but fishing !! At yesterday’s swimming hole many fish were spotted so it was time to see if they could catch dinner!! Returning about 1 & ½ hours later no Fish in the bag  Toby had caught a couple – one being too small so he went back for another day & the seconded a big one (so the story goes) and strong enough to break free!! I think by about 9am we were packed up and ready to continue on to our next camping spot. Staying in Litchfield again tonight, Buley Rockpools! ……. Camping area (Ron says we need to be early as there are limited spots) So heading north along this 4wd track, we came across some fantastic ant/termite mounds – the Magnetic ones face north/south and have a fan type look on top. Probably about ½ hour into our trip we came across a Reynolds River Crossing – we exited the vehicle to check it out as we were unable to see the other side. Carol informed us that last time they crossed this it had Crocodile beware signs on the other side!! So we went going to wade through ……….. so in we went, there was another vehicle behind us as well now! Very sandy crossing there was an island on the right hand side but going on past knowledge we stuck to the right hand side…………… before we new it we were stuck on something and not going any were ……… Yes we were stuck and taking in water fast ! We lost all clutch action ……….. Lots of communications on the UHF to Carol & Ron they decided to proceed through going around us via the island. Picking up Billy on the way, I was quickly trying to get what I could as high as possible! The other car asked if we would like some help we accepted! He had rescued someone else from the same spot another time, first they tried snatching us but with the camper it was just too heavy! I should probably mention they Carol & Ron are now safely on the other side and NO Crocodile sign warnings and water depth in car was ankle height. I was breathing a little easier but still had my eyes open! A few snatch & winch options were tried, but unhitching the trailer and winching the car out first was best……… the car & myself now safely out of the water. Toby & Ron returned to get the camper out, lucky Ron has the same type of trailer hitch as us so they hitched it on and pulled it out!! Our clutch was now working it had become full of sand that was why we had lost it. We thanked the other couple with a nice bottle of Red Wine compliments of Carol. We sorted ourselves out – drained the car as best we could for now! What a morning!! On the move again, 1 more river crossing that had Crocodile warning signs but it was an hard rocky bottom and easily passable, despite my nerves! Made it to the blacktop and proceed to Buley Rockpools, camp sites found !! Just in time too, so we set up and headed down for a much deserved swim! Cleared as much as we could out of the car to dry, lucky it’s hot we need that sunshine today to get everything dry! After a bite to eat for lunch we headed out to explore the park a bit further – Lost City: Sandstone Rock formations which have over the years have formed what looks to be a long Lost City……. I tried to find the pub but nothing stood out! Then proceed to Tolmie Falls – Terrific Tolmie – Tremendous sight! Decided to enjoy Fiveess here before heading back to camp …………. Back at camp Billy then enjoyed a bath in the spare food box – food emptied out of course! Long day finished with some Red Wine over dinner! (Water for myself of course!!)