A relaxing walk!!

Well so I thought it would be ... after a nerve-wrecking climb and discovery tour using my tripod and camera in the Gorges of Karijini. Never have I felt older or even just my age. Suddenly my sense of balance left me not to mention my hearing aids which had decided on day one to beep their way all over the place. Was it the 41+ degrees? Maybe the German designs have never heard of 41+ degrees? Anyway I had a very attentive guide in Tom Putt. I think he thought of his mother every time he lunged over the rocks to help me. 'Connie can be very needy at times!' I didn't hear that and just smiled! Well at my age...am I not allowed to be needy?
Anyway our day after the tour ended we took everyone's advice and walked along Dales Gorge...the easy way...mostly no dangerous climbing!

 I can't recall if the photo on the right was in Dales Gorge but nevertheless you get the idea of the vegetation involved. Actually at the top end we found a wonderful pool and as a reward we like so many backpackers there from all over the world decided we deserved a swim. It felt much warmer water on the other side where fresh water was tumbling over the rocks and into our pool.

The walk on the other side of the Gorge was very interesting and before I knew it I was an expert and attacked the tri-pod like it was a natural movement. And of course my setting was on manual at all times. Even tree roots on rocks and desperately seeking soil in which to fasten themselves proved worth photographing.

After a little climbing and sloshing through water we found the falls we had visited once before with the tour group but this time our approach seemed so much easier and once again we were rewarded with a cooling swim.








Even the dragonflies had changed colour. Before they had been pink and blue, stunning in design and docile, wanting to stay clinging to my finger. Clever that way! I couldn't reach for my camera. But this one was red and what a surprise.......it had 4 wings! Not the best photograph but all I could achieve under the conditions. Click on the pictures to enlarge.

But the best was yet to come...another pool...the Fern pool...this we had swum in some time ago with the tour and sat under a cooling waterfall. Some enthusiasts took a photo of the waterfall from inside looking out.





But no one noticed the bats in the trees...except me of course...once again not the best photographs but you get the idea.
What I didn't photograph was the small fish in the water keen to nibble on the dead skin of our feet hanging invitingly over the wooden pier. But they were there and...very ticklish I must say.
Then after a short climb ....the horse was pointed home...and the march was on. Oh the agony!