Day 7 - Red Cone to Talbot Bay - 17 June

Once again we were all up on the fresco deck for our continental breakfast at seven o’clock. We set out in “Odyssey” for the Sale River at seven forty-five. As the tide was coming in we were able to go quite a way up the river before having to anchor. Amber obviously realised we had a trip ahead of us and served her delicious vanilla custard slice before we boarded “Homer”. The trip on “Homer” took us to the far end of the gorge and the river where a fresh water creek flows over a cascade near a sandy beach. The gorge was spectacular and for many of us this has been the highlight of the trip so far.
The tide was flowing quickly on the rise when we boarded “Homer” and Mark had to pick his way through the wide river because of considerable floating debris. The further we made it up the river the narrower the river became and the higher the gorge walls were. The vegetation noticeably changed with palm trees, different grasses and cabbage palms amongst the high walls.
When we reached the small cascade we left “Homer” and walked across the stony beach and turned left and walked up a narrow gorge where there was a thick rain forest, an oasis amongst the desert. If we had known what we were getting ourselves into Mum and Cathy would have stayed behind as we had to climb over many rocks, ford a few streams and step over many rainforest root systems. Mum and Cathy did brilliantly and reached the destination of the far rock pool. A number of us got into the pool and it was very pleasantly warm compared to the previous swims. Mum and Cathy were concerned going back along the track but once again they did very well. Henk helped Cathy and I steadied Mum along the way. I think they were both chuffed that they had done it.
On our way back in “Homer” we spotted a number of birds including a sea eagle swooping low around us. We also were shown some Aboriginal rock art.
When we got back to the boat at one thirty we were all very hungry and Amber had prepared salad, hamburgers, chips and satay chicken. Just the thing for happy adventurers! Our family had a rose wine to celebrate the completion of the walk by Mum and Cathy.
Soon after lunch we set out for Talbot Bay and the Horizontal Waterfalls finishing at nine o’clock. Mum and Cathy had a deserved afternoon rest after our big morning.
Tonight was a special three course dinner of brushetta, steak and rosti, and sticky date pudding. More lovely food. The tables were set up with tablecloths and candles and unlike other meals we were served at the tables on the fresco deck rather than lining up at the buffet.
The moon tonight was a sight to see. It rose above the hills and was a huge, blood orange. Many photos were taken.
Tomorrow is our last full day on Odyssey before returning to Broome on Sunday morning. It’s an early start tomorrow to take a ride through the Horizontal Waterfalls.