MORE HAPPY SNAPS

Delicate Water lillies

Mango Plantations set against a rugged backdrop

Wyndham Real Estate

5 Rivers Lookout

Water Monitor enjoying the sprinkler

As the system only allows 5 photos at one time, I have to come back in to publish just a few more. You will see in the photos below a Willy Willy we spotted. We could see the spiral from quite a distance and followed it’s path thru’ the burnt bush. I had seen little Dust Devils at home but nothing like this creature. We were quite close at one stage and we were blown-away by the sheer force of this anomaly of nature. Having seen just a little one like this, it is terrifying to think what those monsters that abound in the US can do. It truly seemed alive – no wonder they are called Dust Devils. S.

WENDING OUR WAY TO WYNDHAM

Beautiful Parry's Lagoon

Set amongst the surrounding flats and ranges.

Surprising vistas over this hill.

Willy Willy stirring up the ashes.

The Grotto

Wyndham is only a short drive of around 100ks from Kununurra and as we had been advised it was not a wonderful place to stay, we decided to take a day trip from our lovely green and comfortable caravan park in Kununurra.
The trip there was beautiful (what an inadequate word)! Various ranges of subtly different formations and styles. Once again sadly the overall effects were dimmed and diffused by the by now constant smoke pall.
I am in a constant state of awe and wonder looking at these landscapes. Trouble is, they are all so wonderful, I am running out of superlatives and run the risk of being very repetitive indeed.
The first stop we made along the way was to have a look at The Grotto – this is a small chasm set amongst the hills. There was a very steep set of steps running down to the bottom of the chasm and we could see a water-hole hiding behind thick and luxurious undergrowth. It was apparent that in “the wet” there would have been water-falls gushing down into the grotto and water flowing from the far side. Sadly the fires had been all around the grotto and the surrounding hills were charred and black – the overall beauty of the area was sadly diminished.
Next stop on our way north was Parry’s Farm/Lagoon. A gravel off-shoot took us on a circuitous scenic route to firstly a lookout where the old Telegraph Station had once stood. The original building stumps still remain although the buildings themselves have been moved. As we surmounted the hill we were greeted by a completely surprising vista of open grass and wetlands. Quite unexpected! The track continued on to a tranquil and incredibly pretty lagoon abounding with water-fowl. There were excellent hides erected over the water and we spent a wonderful time ‘spotting’ various different birds. AS the day was still, wonderful cloud and tree reflections abounded. I have to say, I was reluctant to leave this little paradise.
From the Lagoon we drove on to have a look at the Caravan Park/Farm – the owners of the property have dedicated a portion of their place to a caravan park and a lovely one at that. Deep green manicured lawns sloped away to the watercourse that wanders thru’ the farm, huge trees spread welcome shade and a big sprinkler gave the impression of abundant water. Under the sprinkler sat a large Water Monitor enjoying the spray. While we were watching him, he obligingly sat up on his hind legs to better enjoy the water.
Onwards and upwards to Wyndham. As expected the town was not particularly attractive and some of the real estate definitely dubious. We went up to the 5 Rivers Lookout, but we were defeated by the omnipresent smoke haze and an absent tide. While the views up there were outstanding simply due to the impressive height of the lookout, the views were not at their best. We drove into town and checked out the local pub – we had planned on having lunch there but decided instead to visit the ‘Barra Shack’ across the road. It looked characterful and the food proved to be quite good and considerably cheaper than the same meal across the road at the hotel. It was a warm day and the owners in typically enterprising North West style had a huge old fan set up outside and a little sprinkler happening on the grass next to the tables. A small Tenterfield Terrier bitch who had obviously recently had pups, cadged tucker under the benches. Needless to say I saved her some nice pieces of fish.
We saw little of our indigenous brethren while we were there, but I must say those that we did see were friendly and in good humour.
Once having dined in elegant style, we hit the road for home. On the way back we journeyed a short distance up the “Gibb River Road” just to have a sticky and to say that we had indeed driven on that notorious piece of dirt.
When we hit the outskirts of town we took a side trip to see what used to be a “prison tree”. This is a huge old Boab, hollow in the centre. These trees abound in this region and we are told that the authorities used them to imprison prisoners in transit from one place to another. In the same area as the ‘prison tree’ were vast acres of plantations. Stunning and interesting scenes evolved of deep green foliage of mango trees set against the backdrop of the surrounding range.
The day trip was a great success and we enjoyed the freedom of driving some distance without the weight of the van behind us. We don’t however, think we will buy property in Wyndham any time soon!
Stay happy - Stephanie