The final day of the Park involved Hancock Gorge, a trickier adventure that the previous 2 days but a very rewarding one. It was an early start to ensure that I could get on with the journey.
Hancock required the scaling of a vertical ladder some 20m high that once descended down was promptly told of the warnings and danger and reiterated that water crossing were a bigger part of this gorge. I was a little nervous, being on my own, but carried the EPIRB, medical kit, whistle and safety matches and possibly the kitchen sink… just to be on the safe side.
The landscape in the gorge was stunning and being early, quite chilly . A rather precarious clamber over some slippy rocks followed that once completed only displayed deeper water crossings. As soon as the water appeared however all of the stuff was dumped on the ground.
Kermit’s Pool is the focal point for the Gorge and it doesn't disappoint. A purple shade glistens over the rocks due to the concentration of iron ore and blue asbestos and the water quietly flows around you. The early morning start and the cool shades gave this place an atmosphere that was very calming. A reassuring group of 4 travellers were in front of me in case of any troubles but fortunately was ok.
Spiders Walk is a must do too and can’t remember whether this was before Kermit’s Pool. It seemed the only way down was to get on yuor bum and slide/scurry along the canyon floor. It was a narrow canyon without much to hold on to so was slippy in many places. As I got down I did wonder how I’d get back up!!! Fortunately the name Spider’s Walk is very fitting so using arms and legs managed to make my back up. After clambering back under a low overhang of rock and the precarious bit mentioned above made it back to the van for 9am and carry on to Tom Price.
More photos from Ben Knapinksi
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