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© 2002-2004 Matthias Weiland,
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Build on 11/05/2002, last update on
23/04/2023. |
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Down in Down Under - Diary - 29/04/03
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adventure through the centre of earth
On todays schedule we had a nice hike: down into Hancock gorge, then through the gorge to Junction pool,
through there and on the other side 24m up at a water fall into Weano gorge. Afterwards along this
gorge and back to sea level - the waterfall and the last part to Junction pool, the so called miracle
mile, where supposed to be the most demanding and dangerous parts, and everybody advises against doing
this. After we got some more information from the ranger last night, we decided to go for it today
anyway.
So first of all we went down into Hancock gorge. The first few metres down there the gorge is
still very wide and easily accessable. But then after a first little pool, it suddenly gets very
narrow and you can either follow the steps through the water or start to look for you own way climbing
along the walls to stay dry. This was the first warm-up for us. From there we went past a few more little
pools more or less climbing all the time until the so called level two started - "for experienced
walkers & climbers only." Then we kept on following the course of the gorge and a little bit later
we arrived at Junction pool. Now it was time for a swim. We packed all valuables waterproof and
plunged into the freezing water. After we had succesfully crossed the pool and nearly all
clothes and valuables stayed dry, we had a short break. Then we went into the direction of the
waterfall and next to it up into Weano gorge. This climb is supposed to be pretty dangerous
and two people apperently already died climbing up there. However, if you go for the right
way, I think it is pretty easy. A little bit later we were already up at the gorges entrance and
quite suprised, as we expected some harder climbing. Then we went along Weano gorge, which at
some spots is really narrow, crossing a few more pools. As we stayed dry until here, we of course
wanted to leave it like this. So the rope finally served us a few times as well and mainly
carried our backpacks from on dry spot to the next one. Freed from the backpacks we finally could
even pass some critical spots without getting wet at all. The Handrail pool however worked out to
be insurmountable. So we at least wanted to try to keep the backpacks dry and set up some kind
of cablecar. After a few attempts we were successful and finally could enjoy a nice and cool
bath at the end of this adventurous part of our hike. Afterwards we went along Weano gorge, which
was getting wider and wider until the way out and the adventure gorge hike was succesfully completed.
Now we went to the other end of Karijini nationalpark to have a quick look into Dales gorge for
"knocking-off time". The Circular pool is looking quite spectacular from the lookout. The hike
down into the gorge however was postponed until tomorrow. Then we went to the camp ground just
nearby.
The pictures: ---pictures---
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