Kalbarri Day 3

Breakfast at 730am was at the start of the two trails. The first km to Z Bend Lookout was very slow because there were lots of spider and cowslip orchids.
It was an easy path to the lookout. The challenging bits started after when rock scrambling, clambering up and down ladders and negotiating tight bends with uneven rock paths was the route to the river.
We saw a young family with baby on dad's back and a knee high toddler confidently negotiating the treacherous rocks with his mum without fear.
Lunch was had at the picnic area at the same table as breakfast.
The Four Ways hike did not require scrambling but walking on a rocky dry river bed. Very uneven and stepping on rocks and stones that wobbled and moved unexpectedly. A different challenge to the walk.
As there was no one at the river, we stripped off our pants and waded in the river. Water was icy cold which was a great for sore knees, ankles and feet.A family of black swans and their 5 cygnets fed and frolicked, ignoring us.
Fortunately we only saw hikers as we were making our way back up the track.
When we got back to the campsite, we found Warrick's mum Jane parked two campsite away from us. Practically neighbours. Coincidentally, she and a friend were visiting Kalbarri this week too, and we overlapped a night at Murchison House Station. We were surprised to also meet Maggie from Perth Bushwalkers.

Our routine for the evenings was to have dinner and sit at the communal campfire till about 7.30pm . We would move to outside our tent to look at the stars till it got too cold and we retired inside. For 2 nights, it was just both of us around the campfire after 7pm. Tonight was particularly social, with us all leaving the fire just after 8pm. When we first got to the campsite, we were a bit concerned as we had never called so close to any body. At Murchison House Station there were 25 sites lined along the river, and it was full most nights. However, everybody was lovely, and it was nice looking at different camping set ups of rooftop tents, fancy large campervans, swags, etc. It was also interesting meeting different travellers and swapping stories and camping tips. Even the 4 young boys next to us were considerate, stopped their chatting just after 10am and left their site neat and clean. Never ever tell me only females talk a lot. These boys never stopped chatting away to each other.
It was a most delightful camp experience.Read more