We set off on this quest with Hugh and Julianna from Sans Souci and Paul and Sjarny from Skellum. On the way we had to zigzag from one riverbank to the other to select the navigable channel and avoid rocks beneath the water level. Sighting a mooring buoy close to the riverbank confirmed we were on track.
Once ashore, this little shrine in the rock had us wondering if we were in search of some holy grail.
We rambled parallel to the river for a short time and noted some deliberately planted juvenile palms - an entry statement of sorts? Next we were greeted by a dog. Then another. Clues to our destination and some habitation were coming thick and fast.
A brutal reminder of the erosion caused in these hillsides by past mining activity.
A water hole, the size of an olympic swimming pool looks green in the photo but in real life has quite a blue appearance.
Jackpot! It looked like we'd found it.
We met Gil the owner, who was most relaxed in a T-Shirt and sarong and chatting to various ramblers passing through. We could book for as many as 6 persons but Paul and Sjarny were not prepared to stay around for 2 more days. All our ravings about Gadji were spurring them southwards. Gil explained the meal format. Beatrice, one of his chickens would be prepared for our enjoyment. We were a bit startled about this revelation but Gil is a subsistence kind of guy. All the food is sourced on his property. Even his cabin/restaurant is built by his own hand. It's as rustic as it's eccentric.
Staying put for an additional 2 days for this 'experience' shouldn't be a problem as there are many interesting trails to explore in the Baie du Prony to help build an appetite. Winner, winner, a chicken dinner - and we're booked!
Upper reach of the river exposing iron ore boulders
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