With nothing planned, it was agreed that today would be perfect for a sleep in. Chris was up at 6.10 am and had the kettle on shortly after rising. The gusty wind had eased overnight and the still morning had a chill in the air.
Our schedule for the day was discussed; swims before and after lunch were locked in. Chris prepared a batch of yoghurt, some minor shoe repairs were completed and washing done before we set off on the short walk to ‘The Saucepan’ swimming hole, just below a low waterfall. Other campers were packing up and heading out as we wound our way along the bush track to the water’s edge.
The water that feeds the Eliot and surrounding creeks is soaked up by porous sandstones in the wet season then slowly released during the dry season, resulting in crystal clear spring waters feeding into the creek and river systems. The setting at The Saucepan makes it difficult to leave. The bush setting, with the creek lined with ferns and pitcher plants, and the mild temperature of the spring waters makes it hard to know when enough is enough.
When we returned to camp Wendy and Linda settled into some serious book reading, while Chris headed off with camera in hand to try and capture the feel of the place. He snuck in another swim while out taking photos and struck up a conversation with a fellow traveller from Victoria. It was a ‘boys’ trip, with two dads who were both taking their intellectually disabled, teenage sons to ‘The Tip’. We later speculated that they may also have been giving their partners a break.
Lunch was a simple but tasty affair, as our fresh veggies are starting to be exhausted. Tinned sweet corn and tinned beetroot helped pad things out before our next shop in two days time. Following lunch, more reading and writing of emails filled in the afternoon, before the final swim for the day at 3.30 pm. We had The Saucepan to ourselves, bobbing around in the clear waters until it was time to head back and start preparing dinner.
A chicken massaman curry (with rice) is on the menu and currently bubbling away on the stove. The warm gusty wind is easing as the day draws to a close. The campground has refilled and campsite noises are becoming more noticeable as the day draws to a close.
Conversations with passing travellers have come around to the condition of the OTT north to Sam Creek and the Mistake Creek turnoff that rejoins the PDR south of the Jardine River. If the track north is better than the Canal Creek crossing we negotiated to get here yesterday, we will heading north, otherwise winch practice might be on the agenda before a swim tomorrow.