Thursday, 1 July 2021
It’s always good to keep in touch with everyday reality while wandering in the wilds, though I sometimes question that advice. Still, there’s a pandemic churning along in the background of our outback adventure that needs attending to now and then.
Four days ago W.A.’s premier closed the state borders between W.A. and the Northern Territory. What that means for W.A. residents pulling caravans around the Top End is anyone’s guess. We intend to cross the border tomorrow, but with no internet access, it’s impossible to say whether that will be possible.
We pore over the maps and come up with a few alternatives should we end up stuck in the N.T. Fortunately, we’re fairly flexible time-wise, and our gear and current stocks mean we can survive in the wilds for a while, if need be.
Meanwhile, let the world do its crazy spin. We go in search of Jasper Gorge, further down the road from the campground. After driving through narrow hills, we arrive upon the Jasper Gorge Picnic Area, a weedy lot next to the Jasper River with no picnic tables, walk trails or other amenities. Not even a sign. Where’s the gorge, we ponder? Perhaps we just drove through it, one of us suggests. If so, we might as well turn around and go back.
Which is what we do. We park ourselves in camp chairs round the back of the camper trailer– only bit of shade in our wide open sight -- and spend the afternoon reading. Late in the afternoon we rock hop up the nearest rise, make it to just below the rocky outcrop, pause to take in the view, then scamper down in time for a sundowner.
From the ecstasy to cleaning cupboards! Sue M
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