We packed up at Elenbrae station and decided to check out Mt Barnett Gorge and Manning Gorge. Mt Barnett gorge was aprox 7 km off the side of the Gibb River Road along a fairly good quality 4wd track. The gorge itself was more of a billabong and I took the opportunity to try my hand at some fishing. I rigged up with a small hard-plastic lure and some heavy trace and second cast the bait got smashed by something fairly sizeable. I couldn't believe it but I knew my line was not very thick and that I'd basically have to fight the fish until it was completely exhausted or I would have no chance of landing it. Unfortunately, just when I was finally bringing it into shore, the fish had a last minute burst of energy and swam under a rock ledge lodging itself in there and forcing me to cut the line. Aaarrgh! My mind was racing with 'what if it was a barra' thoughts and I think I may have even shed a tear.
The water hole of shattered fishing dreams.
Manning Gorge was our next stop and upon arriving at the campsite we did some firewood gathering and went to check out the river just behind where we were camping. It was a little overcast this day but the sandy shored river was still an amazing sight.
Camping under a Boab Tree
Manning River Swimming Area
This was the first night we had to rely on non-refrigerated meats etc so whipped up a tuna pasta with chilli on the gas cooker which tasted great.
Tuna and chilli pasta for dinner.
Pasta by the campfire.
