Young James the pilot gave us the safety talk about the small 4-seat helicopter; I chose the right side behind him and grabbed his headset. Offering to ‘drive’, he said ok but I would also have to do the commentary! A very cold wind blew in with the doors open and I wondered if I would survive, it falls to -2C) but the terrain was interesting – the trees, cattle, hills and the termite mounds. These mound-building termites are a species that live in Africa, Australia and South America. They are common in Zimbabwe, especially on the granite country around Harari (Salisbury). On Iddesleigh farm they were 3m high with a diameter of at least 6 metres. They were built of the decomposed granite (clay) so were very hard when dry. The plough could only cut a shallow furrow, but anything grown on it was always exceptionally healthy, taller and greener. My father also used the clay as material for ‘pisa’ continuous wall building for the massive tobacco barns, and the small home on the Jarvis farm (Reminiscences).
We continued over the Halls Creek fault line hills, the pressure ridge, and then the south-west side of the Bungles in shadow. We few close to the top following the Deep Gorge, in very dark shadowed rainforest, along the top riven by a rectangular fracture pattern, and into the glorious east-facing Bungles! The red-brown and white banding radiating light; the white sandy/boulder meandering creek beds flanked by the dark green bushes. I was not prepared for this. A strong contender for the Hawaii volcano flight. We flew south along Piccaninny Creek, Cathedral Gorge in shadow, the car park, then turned west along the southern end to head back over the surrounding plain with the reticulated stream pattern, the Ord River, and the camp. Well worth the cost and James’ commentary was excellent!
We decided to leave today (I had planned to stay for an afternoon flight thinking it would be better) and then head for Mary Pool, but it was early so we continued for Fitzroy. We were just in time (3.30) for Hilary to drive up and down the highway through the Ngumbin Cliffs while I stood at the open side door of the van, camera in hand. Very useful. We arrived at the historic (1880) Fitzroy Crossing Hotel/Caravan Park. The place looked run-down and a very loud entertainment session went on till midnight. Very few cars or campers too – probably relies on the bar entertainment.
Bungle Caravan Park 
Ord 
Presure ridge 
The track to Cathedral Gorge 
Car Park 
Reticular drainage 
Ord 
Bungle Caravan Park 
Halls Creek 
Ngumbin Cliffs 