2006/07 Australia trip - Windjana Gorge entrance |
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We camped just outside Windjana Gorge, looking up at the black and red cliffs of the limestone reef. We had enough time for a short walk into the gorge, another beautiful spot with cliffs, water, and tropical vegetation. It was noisy in the gorge with the cliffs echoing the screams of the corellas.
We were walking under trees with limited views of the water but we could see that there were some beautiful reflections in the 
water so I climbed out on a rock to take a look. There was a loud shlurping noise and a splash, and there was a croc, now floating peacefully, but we assume that it had just made a lunge at something. Then we saw that the opposite bank was lined with crocs in and out of the water.
Further down the path I was taking pictures of the cliffs reflecting the setting sun, just a gorgeous view. Sandie was worried about the light going and went back to the camper. I was enjoying the beautiful pink light and thought I’d find my way back in the dark OK. Something startled the corellas and suddenly the sky was full of birds screaming, so I was walking across the sand, 
looking up, and taking pictures. When I looked down, there was a croc about ten feet away, and then I realized there were two more between me and it. I’d almost stepped on one, but it hadn’t moved, just kept 
one eye open looking at me. They were all bigger than me so stepping on one would not have been good. The freshies are quite mellow but that kind of clumsiness could have resulted in a token amputation. I took a few pictures and backed off.
By the time I left the gorge the sun had long set and there was just a patch of red visible through the trees, but behind me a corner of the cliff had lit up and I watched the full moon slide into view, glowing orange with the sunset. Lest this seem like Paradise, I should also mention that some ‘orrible flying meanies were boring into my legs while I was standing there enjoying all this natural beauty. Probably the local equivalent of “no see’ums”. Certainly not “no feel’ums”.