Cobbold Gorge and the Pigshooter

Cobbold Gorge

Quite a place awaits at the end of a corrugated road from Georgetown. Along the road are lots of termite mounds. Australia has some 300 species of termites, all but 17 prefer grass to wood, so today is be kind to termites day after all. Each mound only has a third of its bulk above ground and termites are highly efficient recyclers of the soil unless impeded by various enemies, including echidnas, goannas, and ants.

 

As we drive in to the reception, there is a sweeping view of an infinity or horizon pool and a dam behind, where parrots are dipping on the water's edge. 

In a hollow below the dam, the campsites are circled round campfires which waft fragrant smoke and flickering flames in the evening. Birdlife in the morning includes mobs of apostle birds, bowerbirds with a bower behind the campervan, and a pale-headed rosella.

The tour of Cobbold Gorge takes us to the narrowest sections where the boat squeezes through and brushes past freshwater crocs, orb spider webs, and a dripping silence thick with the history of the ancient rocks.

The Pigshooter

Parked next to us is a Ute with a quad bike on its tray, and a small caravan attached. The weight of the quad makes for an easier ride or a quick zip into the bush. 

Neil, a lanky bloke from Cairns is on a six day trip with his lady, Rosemary a slim student at Townsville University. Neil is a FIFO or fly in fly out worker at a silica sand dune mining operation north of Cooktown. The sand gets shipped from the mining camp's own 300 metre wharf to Phillippines and Japan for fine glass making. 

Neil is also a keen Pigshooter. He used to use a motocross bike and ride around cattle stations chasing down pigs to shoot them. Now he uses a large quad bike, puts milk crates for equipment on the back, a scabbard for the gun at his side, and a bag across the front for provisions. The range for the quad's 16 litre tank is around 140kms, enough to get around the dams, creeks, and water tanks where Neil stalks his 120kg quarry. He says the only time a pig goes for him is when it is cornered, otherwise they run away like hell. When the rain is plentiful, the pigs scatter, but when it is dry and water scarce, the pigs are easier to hunt when they concentrate around the remaining water sites.