Purnululu - Bungle Bungles

We arrived at the turn off to Purnululu (The Bungle Bungles) all stocked up for a two or three days camp. The road in was apparently tough (the book said to allow 2-3 hours for the 53km trip) and we found this out at the first creek crossing. I waded across a couple of times trying to plot a suitable course but every way there was deep water (half way up my thigh) and large underwater boulders we figured the Territory would end up like a stranded tortoise with its belly on a rock and four legs in the air. So we sheepishly put our tail between our legs and turned around back to Turkey Creek (not another animal analogy but a real place).

We have since heard that someone else got stuck here yesterday and it cost a $1000 to get towed out!!!





Back at Turkey Creek we opted for the only alternative...




Harry, Ollie and I took the VintersonTour show to the air. We had to leave Will behind to mind Jenny.

I have never been in a chopper (you are allowed to call them choppers only AFTER you have been in one) and this one didn't have any doors. I should have asked for a discount but I was far too petrified. Harry, sitting next to me and Ollie riding shotgun were fine with Harry in particular chatting away on the intercom and asking thousands of questions. I was struggling just to stop dribbling and thinking how glad I was that I chose dark shorts that morning.

I should have been enjoying the view and learning of the fascinating geology from our guide but my mind was occupied with outback helicopter maintenance schedules, metal fatigue and that there actually isn't much substance to a helicopter and even less keeping me in this one.

After the initial shock the flight was fantastic (particularly the bit when you land and get out). I took thousands of photos (mainly of the inside of the chopper and my feet and lap).

I was immensely proud at how well the boys handled it and very thankful to Harry whose constant chatter on the intercom regularly snatched me back from my thoughts of free falling and flaming wrecks. I even remember him at one point correcting the guide over an observation on termites.

Next time I think I'll risk the creek.



Brave aviator.