Day 45 Lake Argyle Day 2

 We are still adjusting to WA time, and an early sunrise. 5am. A slow morning, then we headed out as a group in the Trailways Clipper, a 1948 American Clipper. We toured around the dam wall and all the lookouts together. We headed back and went for a walk down to the water’s edge, but going down on the way, means the return trip was uphill, and I just take my time. The water was clean and clear in the lake, and the majestic red cliffs, with spinifex grasses across the hills. The dam has a hydroelectric system with the water coming out at the dam wall. At 35000 litres per second  The electricity powers Lake Argyle, Kununurra and Wyndham and when the Argyle diamond mine was in action, it was powered by the dam. The water expanse is 18 times or more of the capacity of Sydney Harbour when its full, yet they can’t find a way to send this water to the drought stricken SA

We headed out in the afternoon on the cruise on the Lake Argyle, and toured around spotting the freshwater crocs and Wallaroos and hearing about the creation and history of the lake. There was an opportunity to go for a swim, knowing there was 25,000 odd crocs in the water but also knowing that the freshwater crocs don’t eat things they can’t swallow in a mouthful and humans are not normally in their diet. I was attached to my pump so couldn’t swim, but Matt and our friends did enjoy a paddle in the 26 degree waters. They then served drinks and antipasto platters, while we watched the sun set and in awe of the spectacular colours of the rocky and rugged escarpments and cliffs surrounding us. A wonderful way to spend the afternoon and evening. It was dark by the time we got back, and we headed back to our Clippers for dinner and chat.