11-Jul
Another very early start, and our guides told us that that will be the trend for the next 12 days. We all had to get up at 5:30 and be on our way by 7. That also meant we had to pack up our swags (more on those later) and take down tents. We all managed and our tour guides were impressed that we we all ready to go by 6:30.
About the swags: For the next 11 nights we will sleep in our swag that we unfold once we are at the camp, and roll them up to go back on the roof of the truck when we leave. Each has there own swag for the duration of the trip. They are sort of rugged sleeping bag with a pillow, matrass and sleeping bag inside. They are comfortable and will keep us warm during the night. The day temperature in the Kimberley can get easy go above 30 degrees but at night it drops below 10.
For the next nights the tents will be already setup, all we have to do is get our swag and unroll in the tent ready for when we go to bed.
Dalmanyi Gorge
Our first stop of the day will be Dalmanyi Gorge were we will hike to the gorge and see the waterfall, have lunch and a swim. For the hike we used a dried-up riverbed that would have been flowing with lots of water just a few months ago.
There are basically two seasons in this part of the world: dry season from May to November and wet season from December to April. And you do not want to be on the Gibb River Road in the wet season as it will be a muddy mess. They also have a lot of cyclones during the wet season, another reason to stay away from this area.
Manning River
After the gorge we jumped back on the truck and went on our way to the next campsite where we will be staying for 2 night. We had our second sunset drinks next to the river before enjoying another great dinner prepared by Kaz and Jimmy. We had a few more drinks around a great campfire before all going to bed, tired but satisfied.
Here are a few pictures of the day:
