Sunday 18/7/2010 Kings Creek Station to Finke Gorge

(Kings Creek Station to Finke Gorge)
Got up at 0715hrs, had our last shower for 4 nights and left by 0900hrs for an adventurous day of 4WD. Jordan jumped out and gave Leroy her email address so he could let her know what the propery owners think of her video.
We're off to Boggy Hole in the Finke Gorge for 2 nights. Back to 4WDing yay!
We headed east on Ernest Giles Rd. There was a 2WD van in front of us that soon turned around. I think it would usually have been fine for 2WDs but not with the huge amount of rain recently. Very corrugated and muddy with lots of washaways and water across the track. Further in they are remaking some of the road.
There have been almost 10 flocks of doves. We turn left soon for some real 4WDing up the Finke Gorge.
We almost didn't see the turnoff. Just two wheel tracks heading off into the grass. It gets a bit rough along here and there are plenty of sandy creek beds to cross.

There was a creek to cross at 1215hrs that was just gorgeous, so we stopped there for lunch. There was plenty of water in the creek and gum trees all along the banks. So many green budgies. There must have been about 50. It was almost deafening. So much water... and this is a creek!!

When we reached the Finke River, it felt like we were at a wild, remote version of Glen Helen, with the Finke River and striking orange cliffs.
Oh my goodness..... so much water in the Finke River!!!
I waded across first to see if we could drive it. Pretty funny when I fell in. It was drivable, but I had to show Col where there were some deep holes to avoid. OMG what a scary crossing! He couldn't quite turn sharp enough and half went into one of the deep holes, floating to the right and then crashing into a large rock that he eventually made it around on his third attempt. The back of the driver's side was floating, and the front hitting a rock. Thank goodness he forced himself half over/ half around it before stalling or being washed downstream. Jack took a great video of the entire thing.

This is the second crossing...

This is the third crossing...

The whole gorge is fantastic! This has been my favourite so far. Wow!

Notice the mud flap strapped to the front of the car.
We did a total of 3 big river crossings, then at the 4th (only 4km short of our goal) it was far too deep and fast to get across, so we had to make the decision to turn back. So... 3 big crossings again back the other way! Scary but fun.
We camped on the SW side of the Finke River just past the first crossing.

Absolutely gorgeous!! We still haven't seen Boggy Hole, so I guess we'll have to come back when there is less water (?2 yrs).

A beautiful, peaceful campsite. Relaxing around the fire in true wilderness.
Revised plan: Head back to Kings Canyon and go north via Mereenie Loop to Palm Valley then on to Redbank Gorge.
BBQ rissoles, eggs, mashed potato, beans and carrots for tea. Jordan made the fire tonight. Jack explored the river and put markers out to see if the water level changes overnight.
An exhausting but exciting day. Col had fun watching the video clips of the river crossings.