Wednesday 3rd July 2013 – Mount Elizabeth

It was down to 4 degrees last night – a bit of a shock to the system as this has been the first cold weather since the Anne Beadell (apart from the rainy weather we had in Newman).  A few days ago we were sleeping with only a sheet!!!!!

We met Phil at 7:45 at the homestead.  He had a Troopy full of passengers and there we 4 extra vehicles tagging along.  As we drove along Phil gave a running commentary on channel 10 of how the property operates and how difficult it is to make a living out of cattle these days.  Mount Elizabeth relies on its tourist dollars to keep it afloat.  We stopped for morning tea beside a stream (including gluten free cake).

Next stop was for indigenous rock art was was pretty amazing – both Gwion (also known as Bradshaw) and Wandjina styles. The Gwion paintings typically depict groups a graceful human figures often wearing headdresses and carrying objects such as boomerangs and spears.  Wandjina figures are more recent, usually larger often with halo-like headdresses and huge staring eyes.   Some of the art has been dated at around 17,500 years old and having Phill there to talk about it made it most interesting.  

On to a swimming hole for lunch and more rock art.  Some of the art in the area has been recently touched up (and not very well which is disappointing).  Fortunately there is still enough “untouched” to marvel at.  One wonders how much longer this art will be with us as much of it is weathered and will unfortunately eventually disappear.

What a great day and for the $50 each on a tagalong well worth it.  Phil was excellent.  We were back at camp by about 2.30 for a rest up before dinner.

Dinner at the homestead was a three course meal.  Pumpkin soup followed by roast beef, lasagne and vegetables, then pavlova – all delicious.