September 15th Thursday 2011 Gorgeous Gorges

Ormiston Gorge walk was short but rocky in places and very sandy near the gorge and pool. This is another peaceful place with a broad, dry river bed that has a large pond at the bottom of the steeper ridges. Across the dry river bed was another route that went further into the gorge and as it meant more sand and rocks to clamber over, I opted out (both my knees are gorged out) and walked back to the car for the icepack; Robert continued on the walk.

Ormiston Gorge

It was very pleasant sitting under a shady shelter at the beginning of the walk. There was an information room, toilets and hot showers. A ranger lives a short distance from here. I accidentally used the men’s toilets – luckily there was no-one in there. I only noticed the urinals as I was washing my hands (not in them!) and saw their reflection in the mirror. The toilet cubicles were in front of the urinals so I didn’t see them when I walked in. Must concentrate next time!

Atop a high cliff stood a lone ghost gum that had a lookout nearby. I couldn’t do the walk but Robert did and he said that it was worth it. When I saw the sign “Ghost Gum Walk”, I was expecting a walk peppered with ghost gums. Wrong! The walk was to the line ghost gum. As Robert commented, if there were going to be more than one, the sign would have said “Ghost Gums Walk”. Now depending on where you put the emphasis and punctuation, this could mean a couple of things – we won’t go there.

Ormiston Gorge

We now have a very tidy consul and glove box; I had to do something while I was waiting.

Redbank Gorge was the next stop. The promise of a fantastic place to swim didn’t state that this might happen in the wet season or just after the wet. Flotation devices and/or wet suits are needed when this is in flow because the water is deep and icy cold. Robert was quite disappointed after he returned as there was stagnant water and a ‘million’ bees. The sign said 20 minute walk one way and I did think of doing it but I’m pleased that I stayed in the car listening to ABC local radio. Robert returned after an hour and he had to clamber over rocks most of the way. He’s gorged out now but a couple of beers at the pub did a good job of soothing the aches and pains.

The caravan park/resort is filling up with people checking in all afternoon.

Tomorrow, we are going to explore the Glen Helen Gorge which is just a short walk from the caravan over flat land.