go west handbook – the blog

Woke up early for our big croc adventure. We were staying in the Kimberly Croc hostel in the town, twas a grand spot and the staff were sound. Bear Grylls was up at the crack of dawn practicing his croc wrestling moves with some locals down the park.

Ashley “The Crocodile Hunter Dundee” from Lower Ord Tours arrived with the rest of our tour group around 8 bells. The crew would remind you of the Swedish national volleyball team except they looked nothing like Scandanavians and they were all over 70. Nigel was delighted as he wasn’t the oldest for once on the bus.

We all got chatting and the banter began. Far from a boring crowd the golden oldies were, they were actually great craic. All except zee german who wouldn’t shut up for 2 minutes. There was great excitement in the air as this was our chance to see crocs in their natural environment as opposed to a cage. But before we headed out on the Ord River for the boat tour, we took a detour through the irrigation fields. Leslie knew all about food production in the area and explained how they siphon the water from the irrigation canals into the fields manually. He also explained how all the food plants were being replaced by sandlewood plantations as there was more financial gain. Though it does take 15 years to gather the first harvest! I could do a David Attenbouragh speal but suffice to say it was a quality start to the day.

We then stopped off for complimentary ice cream at a local café, ah the oldies do love their comforts, especially food that doesn’t require the chewing. Although Finto (loves the food) was first off the bus in a mad rush leaving a heap of pensioners behind him. He even went as far to say that the ice cream was nicer than the McFlurrys!

Bellies full we all climbed back onto the bus and headed towards the old river Ivanhoe crossing to watch the 4×4s do a Jesus walk on water impression (see pic). Twas class to see them crossing but I aint so sure if the Turcel would be fit for it but it has surprised us so far.

We arrived at Ashley’s camp by the river around 11am, an impressive spot altogether. Proper toilets and a class picnic area overlooking the river. Ashley told us to go have a look around while he started up the barbie. He assured us not to worry that if we fell in the river we would be fine, once we got out within 20 seconds. So the 3 explorers headed down to the river looking for crocs. We broke a large branch and started splashing the water, hoping to entice the crocs up for a gander. After bout 15 minutes and no result we were kinda half glad that we didn’t come face to face with death just yet. But it was class standing there knowing that there were crocs all around.

Zee German arrived down to the river with a super efficient pair of binoculars and within 43 seconds he had spotted a fresh water croc on the far side. He allowed us 12 seconds each of viewing for free, sound man.

The smell wafting from the BBQ had grabbed our attention by now so we walked back to the camp, only to be met by a 4 foot long lizard. He too had smelled the food. The angry wee basturd of a lizard took a run at meself and Darren and we absolutely shit ourselves, to the delighted of the oul ones! Zee German was still talking third reich shit about nothing (don’t mention the war, don’t mention the war).

After stuffing our faces with as much quality free food and drink we could stomach, we had to be rolled onto the boat. The boat was top notch with plenty of room and complimentary binoculars. It wasn’t long before we seen a group of about 3 or 4 crocs. Of course zee German starting counting how many more he could see with his super efficient binoculars. 5, 6, 7… To which we replied, 8, 9 10, 11… It worked as he could not handle the fact that we were seeing more than he was. Of course we weren’t but he didn’t know that. And rather than be second best, he just shut up – RESULT!

It wasn’t long before zee German was at it again. We tried to persuade Asley to let us feed him to the crocodiles (by accident of course) but being the pro that he is, declined. But im sure it crossed his mind.

By now we were seeing saltwater and freshwater crocs everywhere. 4 metre ones. Even slightly saltwater crocs and the odd femme freshwater ones could be seen! We stopped halfway down the river in a little cove for a well needed ice cold drink and a stretch of the legs. Climbed up a small cliff overlooking the river, class views all round. We had a nice relaxing spin back down the river. The temp dropped to a bearable 30 degrees. With the sun setting over the mountains the trip was coming to an end. Limbs and plastic hips intact we all climbed back onto the bus.

Quality trip and seen plenty of wildlife including wallabees, plenty of eagles, over 60 crocs and the Kununurra, white brested, billy bob tailed, wing wong bat.  Great day out and great tour.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, September 22nd, 2009 at 9:27 am and is filed under Irish go west. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.