Mon 17th, Mitchell Plateau

We want an early start to the day for the drive out to Mitchell Falls so up at 5:30am. Fortunately despite the car auxilliary battery reading dead the car fridge is still running and is reading 4.5C so I don't transfer the contents yet. We have coffee and breakfast then drive off. We are not early enough to beat the traffic so have to sit back and avoid the dust of the car ahead.

Takes 1'50" out to the falls, pretty good road, some corrugations, exposed rocks and rough bits but pretty good all round. The following day Steve actually manages to get back in 1'30" without any impeding traffic.

At 8:20am we book a return chopper flight for 1:45pm, I wonder if this is a bit late. Takes a while to get ready for the walk, put stuff from the fridge in our packs, sunscreen, shoes on etc. We start the walk out and continue onto Little Mertens where we take the track under the falls and look at the indiginous art work down there.

Behind the Waterfall

Continue onto Mertens Gorge where we cross sides.

The walk then continues onto a ford where we cross the Mitchell River in knee deep water. From there we walk to various viewpoints of the falls.

We lunch at a spot that provides a good view of the four levels of the falls. Quite stunning with a good flow of water over the falls.

Just before 1:00pm we walk back nearer the helicopter pad and sit in the rapids to cool off. Comes 1:45pm we take our 6 minute chopper ride out. The 4.5 hours from the start of the walk to the chopper worked out well giving plenty of time to explore viewpoints etc.

Chopper View

When we get back to the car I check the fridge temperature, it is up to 8C, I'm going to have to transfer the contents. The drive home is also around 1'50", 4pm when we get there to find the CT has got no charge at all from the solar panels during the day, no idea what went on.

Transfer meat and other items to CT fridge, put vegies, chocs, tim tams and water in the car fridge which can function as cool storage. Hook the car up and run it to charge the CT.

Time now to relax with a cup of tea, light the fire followed by some red wine.

Chris reassesses and votes this the best ,day so far of the trip.

 

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