Day 9

So today we were all up early cause we were excited about the day and especially the helicopter.

But the start was rather horrific. It seems another camper had come near by us late yesterday evening and setup - he has gotten up early and beaten the girls and I to the long drop. Well I don't need to tell you what he's done and needless to say I almost lost whatever was still in my stomach this morning.

Oh my gosh - it was just horrible I even contemplated squating, so you can only guess how bad it was. Poor little Lucy was dry reaching as soon as she opened the door, so she actually preferred to go in the bush.

After that horrible start we got going with breakfast and then set off on the walk upto the falls.

Now let me set the picture - we are about to attempt a 4.2km walk on a rocky track that is rising and descending with the four girls. Erika, Lucy and Torah are walking and Charlee is in the backpack carrier on my back. Andy had a backpack with 10 bottles of water and some snacks.

Mum is also a bit reluctant to do the track as she doesn't like walking on rocks. So off we go and I think we do about half an hour and my shoulders are killing me and the sweat is bucketing out of me when Andy and I do a swap. OMG - not sure if Charlee or the back pack of water is lighter.

So on we go - climbing climbing. Mum says she's going to have a word with the helicopter guy whose told her it was only rocky in parts - turns out it's pretty much rocky most of the way. Luckily Andy found a walking stick at the shops at home and bought it for mum as a joke - but thankfully he did cause mum used it all the way to help keep her balance. Mum also lost the soles of both her joggers, so walked most of the way on flat foot.

After a few pit stops and lots of water breaks, we made it to the top about 9.30, which took us 2 hours and 15 minutes, which we thought was pretty good with the girls (and Nanny).

At the top we had a cooling off swim and it was just beautiful after such a long way. After our swim we had a light lunch in the shaded section they provide up there and then Andy, Dad and I walked a short walk around to view the actual falls.

It was absolutely amazing and would be an even more spectacular sight in the wet season.

We had another swim and then the most exciting part of the day - our helicopter ride back to camp.

It was an 18 minute scenic flight and I have to admit I was a little nervous at take off as it tilts from side to side and there are no back doors. Erika got pick of the seats up front with the pilot, Lucy and Torah facing backwards and Andy, Charlee and me facing forwards in the back.

It was another amazing experience and we all loved it.

When we got back to camp we were all exhausted - got organised for an early dinner and were all in bed by 8.30pm.