Jim Jim, on the other hand, was everything that's right with the world. Blue skies, red rocks, well-maintained bush (Aussie forests), few people, fewer mosquitos, friendly campsite with fresh water and hot showers. Not to mention meandering 4WD tracks, hikes to gorgeous, gorgeous waterfalls (the pools at the bottom as well as the top). We stayed for three nights and only left because we figured we should maybe see a little more of Kakadu. But absolutely no regrets about the (relatively) extended stasy. In fact, at the last campsite we couldn't help but say (about the campsite, the hike, the showers) "it's nice, but it's no Jim JIm."
It's an hour's drive off Kakadu's main highway down a long, red, corrogated dirt road accessible only in the rainy season and only to 4WD vehicles. We saw at least one sedan defy the recommendation, but decide (wisely) to turn back. I was so tired from the mosquito adventures that I took a nap. When I woke up David wanted to know what evil sorcery made it possible for me to sleep through such intense corrogation-induced bumpiness. Dunno. Just sleepy.
We did two main hikes: one to Twin Falls and one to Jim Jim Falls. Both involved an initial steep descent up an escarpment (like the one above), then a few km trek inland/around to the top of the falls and beautiful shallow pools where you can swim. On the first hike we saw only two other people hiking out, and three more at the top. On the second we just saw two people hiking out. Talk about tranquility.
Approaching Twin Falls:
And as you follow the river back from the top of BOTH falls there are white sand beaches! Say WHAT?
And gorgeous, clear, croccodile-free pools
With varied hiking terrain
And the stunning sunset on the way back from Twin Falls.
The next day, we tackled Jim Jim. Here's me, after we hiked up the hard part but still another two hours from the falls.
Sometimes you go through woods
Other times across open areas with just brush, rocks, and a few trees
But always you're pausing to look for the next pink plastic tag tied around a branch. Only once did we get lost for a spell. While wandering around looking for the next marker, I managed to slip off a rock and put a little dent in my shin. Pout. It's still healing a few weeks later. But making excellent progress, so no complaints.
And then you reach Jim Jim and its glorious pools!
It's hard to tell because it was too sketchy for me to want to get much closer, but that's the drop off to the several-hundred meter falls right where the shadow falls. The day before we'd gone swimming in the pools at the bottom (but I forgot to bring my phone so any pictures are being held hostage by David on his nice camera for the moment. Someday I'll get them... but these are just as beautiful, don't worry.)
And the pools with nice little fish that don't nibble even a little bit.
And of course (...?!) the white sand beaches atop the falls. Of course.
We'd left early and brought lots of food and water, so we were able to lounge around at the top for a long time before heading back.
Some more of the terrain (same as the way in, just took more pictures since I was spending less time looking for pink markers)
And back to the bottom!
Oh and here's our sweet set up at the campsite with the awesome rental car/tent/awning/home:
No comments:
Post a Comment