28th April 2013
We had a reasonably early start today and after breakfast planned to hike to Fern Pool. To reach Fern Pool we had to complete the Dales Gorge Rim and Fortescue Falls again before taking an unmarked track further to reach the pool. The track opened up to a small area overlooking a pristine pool with a waterfall coming in at the rear and we were very lucky to have it all to ourselves, such a picturesque setting. We all had a refreshing swim before continuing on our hike for the day.
Fern Pool
From Fern Pool we hiked back to Fortescue Falls and had to cross the pool at the base of the falls where we hiked the floor of Dales Gorge heading for Circular Pool - a Class 4 hike which the girls handled extremely well and gave us more confidence to consider tackling Class 5 hikes the next day. Again the hike was beautiful with many rock clamberings and river crossing taking place along the way.
Having a rest in Dales Gorge Dales Gorge
We reached Circular Pool after about an hour and a half and again enjoyed a well earned swim in the pool which was at the base of a large circular cliff face (for those that have seen it - it reminded us a little of Emma Gorge in the Kimberley's). There was a rock ledge at the rear of the pool which had warm waterfalls coming from out of the rocks. The girls climbed up and warmed up before jumping off the rock ledge back in to the cool Circular Pool. After some snacks we tackled the climb out of the gorge, which was a winding almost vertical rock course which again the girls handled extremely well (our nerves were well and truly settled - although Maggie was a little gung-ho for our liking) before heading back to camp for dinner and a well earned rest.
Circular Pool
An absolutely fantastic day!
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