Monday 29 July 2013 – Walking Ormiston and Serpentine Georges, Ellery Creek Bighole

This was a challenging day as we walked Ormiston Gorge as we climbed up to the lookout providing beautiful views of the gorge.

We then rocked hopped for some distance back to the sandy creek bed where there were two nice deep waterholes and lots of birds – including white headed herons.

We saw two falcons or kestrels soaring above the gorge before settling in the trees.

It was well worth the effort.

Serpentine Gorge also had a lovely waterhole and then the climb up to the lookout was strenuous but well worth the effort with great views over the valley, however you couldn’t see the waterhole from above.  I was very pleased with Mel’s climbing effort as this climb was rated a 7.

Arriving at Ellery Creek, we were rewarded for our efforts that finally reaching a waterhole that was large enough, clean enough and culturally appropriate to be able swim in.  Mind you swim was not really the word for it as the water was freezing – we could only dive in from the little beach then quickly swim back out.  We would thn warm ourselves up before repeating our attempts.  It was well worth it as it was so refreshing to our hot sweaty bodies especially as there were no showers.  Our efforts did encourage some of the younger men to join us.

Met another traveller who surfs, playes guitar and walks tightrope - had a go but very hard.

A nice cup of tea with our new friends John and Helen from Spaulding in SA warmed us up and we spent a pleasant time chatting and enjoying the last of the sunlight.

Rations were short – down to the tinned spaghetti!

What a beautiful place to spend our last night before the big smoke of Alice – if we weren’t so short of food we would have been tempted to spend another night here.