Day 292- Litchfield NP, Australia

LITCHFIELD NATIONAL PARK (20/10/09)

There are a great number of now disused mines scattered across Australia. The Bamboo Creek Tin Mine was closed around the 1930's but many of the buildings and machines still remain. A short walk around gave us an interesting insight into early outback industry. Also the fact that we could barely cope with the heat just walking around made us really aware of how resilient these furnace workers must have been.

The majority of insects that seemed to be around were flies, incredibly annoying creatures who's sole purpose in life seemed to be to somehow get inside of us- be it in our ears, up our nose or in our eyes or mouth. There were, however, some less infuriating insects in the form of butterflies and hundreds of beautiful dragonflies.

Walking around the bush we visited several of the waterfalls that Litchfield is famous for. However due to the severe drought which is currently going on there was very little water and so very little waterfall. Although it did mean that we could climb to places not normally accessible and look right down from the top of the falls.

In the wet season a raging torrent of water will crash through here, covering all these rocks to a depth of several metres. Being here in the dry season it is almost impossible to imagine how different it must be.

Walking in the bush in the incredible heat, under the relentess sun even the smallest bit of shade comes as a great relief.

Even Tolmer Falls, one of the largest in the park, has been reduced to a mere trickle.

No, Adam isn't turning into a zebra- a days bushwalking in sandals really makes you appreciate a good shower.