08 October 2019

Hancock Gorge - Kermit Pool

Next day was Hancock Gorge. It's a shame they don't give it the traditional name. The entrance is via a ladder straight down, then along an amazing, narrow gorge.
Soon you need to choose between wading and clambering along a slippery wall. 
We chose to go right it; safer that way.
And more fun.
You really needed to keep at least one hand on the wall, and be very careful with your footing on the smooth mossy rocks. We saw at least three people go down just near this spot. One banged his chin and apparently got knocked out for a bit.
Finally it opens up as a little circular room with a magnificent pool. Traditional owners would probably have this place respected as a source of drinking water. Us tourists see nothing but a place to swim, photograph and move on.
When you pass the pool, there is a stunning drop into a system of gorges. Many of the gorges connect up. There is an old road to Wittenoom and Yampire gorges, both contaminated by asbestos mining. Mind you, in Dales Gorge, there is the stuff hanging off the wall, but as it's too valuable for tourism, that's considered safe.

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