Our little tour group were staying in tents at "Outback Spirit" campsite on Pungalina Station. (see map). After breakfast we were driven to the homestead and airstrip not far away. John and Melinda manage The Australian Conservancy's station and the campsite. Just the two of them in this huge outback place miles and miles from civilisation but they have access to communications and airplane deliveries as well as the long bumpy road that we came on.
Today was exciting as we were going on a helicopter ride to the coast of the Gulf of Carpentaria. Only three people and the pilot could fit in the helicopter so we took it in turns. While we waited for our turn we were taken on a hike and had morning tea. (next post)
I went with Sylvia and Ken. This is the "Airport Lounge" where we waited to board the helicopter. Outback people have a great sense of humour.
Here it comes back from the previous trip with my friends George and Ann on board. I forgot to mention that there are no doors for the front seat.
My turn to climb aboard, I was a little disappointed that I had to sit in the back but I still managed to get some good shots.
We followed the Calvert River to the coast, always looking for crocodiles and water buffalo.
Crocodile or logodile?
It took about 20 minutes to reach the coast. We could see the river snaking towards its mouth.
The colours were magic.
Soon we were over the Gulf looking down at the pristine beaches. I was a bit surprised to see such nice beaches because I always thought it was all swampy up here. It is in some places.
We turmed around and followed the river back to ......
the homestead and airstrip.
I never was in a helicopter ! That's something I have to do ! The views you had are soooo beautiful !
ReplyDeleteToo many errors in my comment. Take two. I was aced out by a pushy person, who may or may not have German, when we flew in a helicopter over Niagara Falls. After achieving his privileged seat, he quite kindly offered to move to allow me to take photos. It did not matter and I am happy with my photos of the falls. The sheer river bank in the croc/log photo is amazing.
ReplyDeletebeautiful view from up there. one more chapter done in your Most Exciting Life of travels before Dementia. you sure aptly named your blog. love the river from up high. gorgeous. i had the chance to ride in a helicopter a few years ago, but turned it down.
ReplyDeleteSuch fun getting to ride in the helicopter! And such beautiful views!
ReplyDeleteSomehow I've contrived to miss all these posts (life's been a bit hectic lately!) so I've just spent a very pleasant half hour catching up. Thank you so much.
ReplyDeleteThis has been the best most amazing adventure; it's been fun to go along. I've taken a few pictures of log-i-gators in Florida!
ReplyDeleteStill full of adventure Diane. Not sure you would get me in a helicopter even for those tremendous views. Eventhough you were in the back you still got some great shots. The colour of the water is so special.
ReplyDeleteDiane the nature from helicopter looks amazingly.
ReplyDeleteAmazing views from above, such a great experience in a helicopter.
ReplyDeleteWhat extraordinary adventures you embark upon Diane! Thank you for sharing the ride with us. Great photos (rear helicopter seat notwithstanding!)
ReplyDeleteSo exciting to make a helicopter flight That's on my bucket list as well. Strange that there are no doors in the front. And you did make beautiful pictures in the back :) I love the colours too and the gulf with the beaches is amazing.
ReplyDeleteVery impressive V.I.P lounge at the airport.
ReplyDeleteYou should have buzzed the "Croc/log" to check.
Great post and photos.
Colin
Wow what a wonderful trip and you did get some great photos despite being in the backseat. Love the lounge LOL. Take care t'other Diane
ReplyDeleteGreat view from the chopper..
ReplyDeleteThey're more than good they're fabulous aerial shots Diana! One of these days I'm going to brave up and take a helicopter ride over the city 😃
ReplyDeleteYou did get some great pictures from the helicopter, even if you did have to sit in the back.
ReplyDeleteWhat an awesome ride --and such great pictures... I would love to see that area. It's always nice to see land/water without so much human habitation.... That is GORGEOUS.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Betsy
We are on a road trip ourselves, but this is a family visit and check on the house trip, which is not nearly as much fun as a helecopter ride. Thanks for the great beach views
ReplyDeleteI would love to take a helicopter ride Tim has no interest in doing so
ReplyDeleteWow Mum! How exciting! And brave. And I'm not at all disappointed you were in the back!! It looks too easy to fall out of the front!
ReplyDelete