Warmun (Turkey Creek) 19th - 20th August

We left Fitzroy Crossing with\ the anticipation of a now booked helicopter flight over the Bungle Bungles. Our intention was to reach Warmun, an Aboriginal community with a well respected art gallery and a roadhouse with a few dusty caravan/camping sites. Unfortunately, Lisa never made it to the art gallery but we did find a spot in the dusty caravan park, for the sole reason that the helicopter took off from beside the roadhouse early the next morning. Staying in a roadhouse stop was an eye-opening experience for all as the 2 or 3 other campers who filtered in were an interesting (weird) mix. The one redeeming feature was a small swimming pool in which the children were able to cool off while Boyd put up the tent.
We got through the night unscathed, however, we were awoken pre-dawn by a herd of cows that decided to graze in the dust beside our tent and leave presents for us in the morning. Lisa and Imogen woke with excitement whilst Jasper woke with trepidation. We had breakfast and packed up by 8am (it keeps getting easier) and met the pilot, Matt, at the base. Matt appeared extremely young, probably mid twenties, but seemed to know what he was doing without being overconfident. Archie was distraught that he was being left behind and Matt eased the situation by allowing him to sit in the pilot's seat and hold the controls for a photo opportunity.
Lisa and Jasper sat in the back, Imogen sat with Matt in the front where there were no doors. The landscape from the air was truly amazing but unfortunately photos have not done it justice. the children were also amazed by the scenery and they were mostly silent during the flight as they tried to process all they were seeing. Imogen and Jasper both relaxed during the flight, enough for Jasper to let Lisa's hand go and for Imogen to tolerate the tilting of the helicopter, especially with no door beside her. The 45 minute flight was way too short but gave us a small insight into this special part of our beautiful land. Boyd and Archie enjoyed a chocolate paddle pop and a dry ginger ale at the roadhouse. They were both very relieved when the helicopter returned.
We piled into the car and headed for Kununurra to stack up on supplies before going to Lake Argyle for a couple of nights.

Heading towards Warmun