Down Under Day 17 Kings Canyon

Another early start as Wookie roused us at around 5:30 am again. The plan was to beat the crowds to the Kings Canyon. There are three walks at the canyon and we were going on the rim walk, which at 6Kms should take us around 3-4 hours. But first we had to climb heart attack hill !

Heart Attack Hill

Half Way Point

This involved a climb of around 100 meters to get to the top of the canyon, it wasn't as bad as I'd anticipated though as the path was like climbing a big staircase.It was well worth the effort though for the views from the summit.

We then proceeded to walk around the edge of the canyon enjoying the spectacular views and rock formations. There were a few birds about, mostly Grey Headed Honeyeaters but as it was quite windy it was hard to pick up much bird song.

As the day progressed it started to get hotter and we were glad of the 3 litres of water that we were required to carry with us. You are advised to drink a litre of water per hour during these walks.

About half way into the walk we came to the Garden of Eden,  a permanent water hole. It used to be permitted to swim here in the summer months until it was realised that it was causing pollution to the water supply in the nearby settlements.

The Garden of Eden waterhole

During the walk Wookie would tell us about the Indigenous peoples customs and how they survived in this the harshest of environments. His favourite tree he told us was the Ghost Gum, from which they would use the powder on the bark as a sunscreen. 

Ghost Gum

We were now coming to the end of the walk but before we descended down to the plain again we saw evidence of how this was once a seabed, even though we were 100 meters above the ground level.

Dead Sea Ripples

This was ripples in the sand caught in time of 4 million years ago when shallow lakes dotted the windswept plains. There were spectacular cliff edges as well which some in group couldn't resist looking over edge of. I was content to try and see Fairy Martins in the gorge although the wind made this almost impossible.

Not a Chance !

We now descended back to the plain but by a less demanding slope. This would be an easier route but the park authorities prefer visitors to walk in one direction around the canyon.

I'll give this a miss if you don't mind !

 We now went back to the bus and the four hour drive to Alice Springs. When we had boarded the bus three days before we had all been asked to write our names and where we were from on the windows with marker pen. Wookie had also used the front windscreen the same way as a white board with maps and information. We were now asked to wipe it all off again using the curtains in the bus, I told you it was the budget tour !

Our last stop of the day was a camel ranch about an hour from Alice and we had the chance to stretch our legs and ride the camels if we wanted. Needless to say I was first on !

 They also had a variety of Australian mammals and birds on show including a sorry looking Dingo and a few Red Kangaroos. 

Dingo

Red Kangaroo's

Emu

We stayed here for about an hour before we pressed onto Alice Springs and when we arrived we just had to stop and take photos at the town sign.

Barbara and I were dropped off at our backpackers hostel and later that evening we walked into the town to meet up with the others at the Rock Bar for a drink and a meal. Around 10pm we said our goodbyes to the others on the tour and headed back to Toddy's.