Natural Bridge

Sunday 19^th May 2008

We met at the Smithfield shopping Centre car park and departed about 0830.All was going well until Jaimelle called on the radio saying that her vehicle was “hot”. We were very close to the Mareeba airport and so we all pulled in. A quick check revealed that the plug at the bottom of the radiator was missing. Not to miss a food opportunity, a temporary camp was set up, water boiled for tea and nibbles eaten.

Note the table and decorative plant plus chairs.

There was no quick fix, so a tow truck was arranged and John and Jaimelle assigned to other Jeeps.

We turned off the main road at Watsonville and headed up the track towards the river. The first part of the track was in reasonable condition and had been partly graded in patches. Eventually we reached the difficult part of the track as we headed down towards the Walsh River. The track that we had taken last year was impossible due to metre deep ravines from the rain. So we took an alternative route which was steep but not too bad.

This took us down to the river, which, although damp had receded back to the main water course. This part was very bumpy with rocks and roots making navigation exciting but everyone got through without losing any parts underneath.

After traversing the river course, we climbed up the embankment and back onto the track.

This part was also rougher than last time with rock outcrops and holes and ravines to be avoided.

At one point a couple of Jeeps began spinning wheels and had to reassess their approach but nothing that could not be handled.

Caught with one wheel off the ground

We eventually made it to the Natural Bridge where we parked on the top of the rock plateau and explored the wonders of the river.

After spending time walking around the bridge and waterfalls, we headed back along the track to a shady location for lunch.

Lunch has always been a civilised affair….

After lunch we headed back down to the river and then climbed out and back on the track to Watsonville.

This was a good reason to take the left fork in the road and not the right one.

More climbing and wheel spinning on the way out.

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