Ever wandered through rough undulating terrain, not knowing exactly what you’d find at the end of the way, hoping and praying that at least you’d get some respite from the sweltering heat? Imagine then coming upon a vast open area with an amazing view of a pool of cool clear water, then walking further towards the sound of water falling to find what can only make you gasp in the wonderment of nature.

Bel Gorge brought great pleasure at all levels – cooling off in a sun that now caressed your skin as it warmed you from the crispy water, falls that accelerated your adrenaline as you watch your loved ones risk life to see who could jump from the highest rock, and a great sense of oneness with nature as you reveled in the beauty around you.

No wonder a famous rogue aborigine hid within these walls for three years – fresh water, cool breeze, natural light, serenity personified – great retirement plan, maybe just a bit too much water in the wet season though.

Cruising along the Gibb River road, enjoying the views of changing dessert to green to red hills and rugged countryside with remarkably little vehicles on the road, we are suddenly faced with flashing lights and a hand waving us to stop. You guessed it – police. License check and breathalyzer test later we are once again on our way. Only in Aussie – keeping a check on crime in a friendly civilized way- literally in the middle of nowhere.

With a creek running through it, silent grove campsite offers the peace and quiet needed after a long day’s drive. Add a starry starry night and you have another perfect day in the Kimberley.

The sun rises to another beautiful day, Galahs screeching across the sky and there’s this one bird which barks like a dog and make noises like a monkey – must be some Aussie re-incarnate. Campers leave the site on their way to varying destinations – some to Broome and then across the dessert, others making the same trek we are. Sitting here peacefully as we pack to leave on our journey across the Gibb River Road, heading to Tunnel Creek and very thankful for my blessings, too many to even quantify.

As we speak, the wind blows gently across the field, the overcast skies have made way for the glorious sun. A leisurely walk around the farm reveals a pen of Peacocks, feeding Cockatoos and flocks of what seem like exotic birds, just being – life in North Western Australia.

The Gibb River Road offers pretty much the same sights of dry, arid land in keeping with the terrain throughout the Kimberley. As we approach the Winjanna National Park, you are taken back by the vastness (are we in Australia or what) of the park, driving 20k along a red dirt road to arrive at the campsite. Registration is easy, no. of cars + no. of people = deposit your money in an envelope and choose your site. Luckily for the Aussies, not many Trinis visit this part of the world.

And oh what a beautiful campsite – trees shading the spots, picnic tables, fire pits, facilities – what more could you ask for. But honestly the surrounding gorge is magnificent. A short hike along the gorge reveals the beauty that it is, including the presence of crocodiles swimming peacefully or basking in the sun along the water line.

Camping brings this whole experience to life. Being outdoors gets you closer to everything. The feel of the earth, one with nature, one with the people around you. The negatives turn into positives – the setting up of the campsite brings team work, the 3-hour process of cooking brings lots of laughter and getting to know each other better, the wine and beer – well that just seals off the experience.

Farm life

People of Australia
Les Thompson – self acclaimed ‘grey nomad’ and a fellow camper, probably in his late 60s visited us this morning. While enjoying the gentle morning breeze waiting for the sun to rise, Les meanders over the see who these foreign looking people were – chatting with us about his travels and giving us a preview of what we’re about the visit with such joy and passion – you’ve gotta love the Aussies – a rugged, warm people, enjoying life and withstanding the test of time.

Les Thompson

As the sun rises we get ready for another adventure-filled day.

Changing the status quo
Note to self – the kids have all grown up. Either we get with the programme or the next family vacation will take the form of pre-booked – no decisions to be made during the trip, only before. When the kids were small it was easy – this is where we are going, this is where we will be staying and this is what we will be doing. Well now that they are a bit older, it goes like this – nah let’s look for another camp site, nah let’s do this instead, nah we don’t want to eat that.

Parenting has just taken on a whole new meaning – it’s the stage of relinquishing of authority that has blindsided us. And either you take it in your stride or die. So we adopt the stance that we’re on holiday – if they want to make the decisions, no worries. If they want to drive around all day looking for the perfect spot, no worries – just so long as I get to see the sunset at Gantheaume Point.

And we did just that – the perfect camp site was chosen and we spent the afternoon soaking in a great sunset at Gantheaume Point. A great start to the two-week trek through the Kimberley.

Sunset at Gantheaume Point

The camping life
I’d forgotten what this was all about – first you have the side which everyone is skeptical about – the sleeping on the ground, the lack of immediate access to facilities, the lack of privacy, the pitching of tents (which by the way has become a two minute exercise), cooking on burners, having to cook at all – generally speaking, the lack of absolute comfort.

Then there’s the other side – the flexibility of moving around, the meeting of other like-minded travelers and the stories shared, the immediate camaraderie that is developed, the broadening of minds, the eagerness to help each other – the lady in her pink bathrobe greeting you at the facilities at 5 in the morning – the Dutch couple voluntarily giving you tips on setting up camp.

And so it goes.

Broome

Frolicking in the Indian Ocean

Cable beach in Broome is amazing – possibly the most beautiful beach I’ve ever seen – except that I have a Bahamian in the group who is not as impressed as we are – I can’t see my toes, she exclaims, and she’s right – Oh and it’s cold. But how can you come this far and not swim in the Indian Ocean. The water is not as clear as it could be, and yes it’s a tad bit numbing, but oh the beach is wide, the water is blue, the sky is blue and it’s perfect holiday mode for the rest of your life. We are in heaven and loving it.

See the gallery for more pics