Diary: Thursday 6 July

Thursday 06 July 2000

Went on a ‘ranger’ led walk in Mirima National Park. This was excellent and we learnt a great deal. The theme of the walk was the geology of the Kimberley region. Very well presented and given in terms so that even people who know nothing about geological processes (me, I admit to it!) could understand. Explored the park a little on our own. It has got to be the only National Park that is almost in a town. All the attractions are within easy walking distance from the town!

Had a nosy around the irrigation district. Sugar cane, melons, capsicums and various other horticultural and fruit crops (mangoes) seem to be the order of the day. Called in to the Frank Wise Institute of Tropical Agriculture to try and learn a little more. Interesting display from various departments usijng up old conference boards.

Took a sticky beak at Ivanhoe crossing – on the old road to Wyndham. You wouldn’t be crossing today – far too much water and current (but then, the river used to be piped under the road). Finished being tourists for the day with a visit to the Zebra Rock Farm. Zebra rock is a peculiar stripy or spotty rock only found in the Kimberleys, which the guys at the ‘farm’ carve into all sorts of shapes. There were some great wine racks – rather pricey though. We sat and fed bread to the huge catfish in the lake, but we couldn’t get the caged birds to talk.