The National Geographic Orion anchored in Koolama Bay on sunrise, and seamlessly lowered the Zodiacs for an early morning disembarkation. The sun was only just up as the first Zodiacs left the ship and headed up the King George River for our hike to the top of the falls. On the way up the river we stopped to look for wildlife, and to enjoy the stunning geology of the area, but our main focus was to get to the start of the hike before the sun was too high and the heat too great.
As we were setting out from the Zodiacs and climbing the steep trail through the boulders to the top, our fellow ship-mates were eating breakfast and contemplating the day. But we had left when the winds, although stiff, had not reached their peak! As the Zodiacs left the ship for a cruise of the area, they were confronted with very strong winds and wet conditions.
Meanwhile, at the top of the falls we explored the area. A rather dry wet season had seen that the river had dried early, and in fact the falls were reduced to a mere trickle, and in most places there were just small pools of water left of what might normally be a flowing stream. But this did not dampen our spirits with fantastic views of the river below, we had a group photo and then some time to explore the area.
As we looked down on the river below we started to see the Zodiacs approaching with our fellow guests, and before long it was time to head down to the Zodiacs ourselves and join them in exploring the bottom of the falls. Some of us took advantage of a ‘shower’ under the trickling falls, and then we discovered a Zodiac with the Hotel Department handing out mimosas and ham and cheese croissants! Wow, what a wonderful touch!
We then started to make our way back down the river, looking out for wildlife, with some Zodiacs having spotted dugongs, the odd crocodile, and turtles as they cruised. The wind had certainly increased, and as we headed back to the ship across the bay, our drivers had to navigate carefully to avoid the strong winds and rough seas from creating too much spray.
Back onboard we had another fantastic lunch, and for many the afternoon was a chance to relax and enjoy and quiet afternoon, whilst for others a visit to a nearby beach was too tempting. A keen group of hikers headed to the top of a nearby hill, navigating up through the boulders and shrubs, to a great overlook. Others beach-combed and looked for things of interest along the beach, whilst the photographers spent time making images along the rocks and seashore.
All too soon it was time to head back to the ship, as we raised the anchor and explored further along the Kimberley coast.
