We were up at 4:30 again this morning. Within an hour we’d had breakfast, packed up camp and were back on the road.
This morning we did a 6km hike around Kings Canyon. Like most of Central Australia the area used to be under the sea – fossilised water ripple marks can still be seen today. The rock was built up by layers of sediment (which can also be clearly seen) before the sea dried up. Around 350 million years ago a crack formed and erosion gradually cut out the canyon. It is still a relatively wet area and so a wide variety of plant and animal life can be seen. The aborigines only used the canyon as a last resort in times of drought, so that they did not waste its resources unnecessarily. At the bottom of the canyon is a lake surrounded by trees known as the Garden of Eden. We stopped here for a short break (and appropriately ate apples) before having a swim in the water (which is appropriately home to some water snakes). This was the coolest water I’ve been in over the last month, but was still a pleasant temperature. There were many amazing views as we walked around the rim of the canyon – the photos could never do it justice, but I did my best anyway!
We went back to the campsite for a traditional barbecue lunch – camel burgers for the non-vegetarians. There was also just enough time for one last swim before getting on the new canadian meds road back to Alice Springs. The four wheel drive really paid off when we drove 100km on a dirt track. Not only did this take 160km off the journey that most tour coaches have to take, but it was also another unique (and very bumpy) outback experience. We only saw 3 other vehicles in nearly 2 hours.
Alice Springs seemed remote when I arrived a few days ago, but returning from the outback it feels like a bustling town! I had a few hours back in my hostel to relax and have a shower before meeting up with the rest of my tour group in town for dinner and drinks. Today is Australia Day so most of the local people were out celebrating – Happy Australia Day everyone!!
I’m catching the 7am bus back to the airport tomorrow morning for my flight to Melbourne.
Water snakes? Hmmmmm….
Am not jealous what so ever. Fantastic pictures. And the camera didn’t do it justice? xx
Hi Howie.
Thanks again for the great blog and pictures. It looks a fascinating place. Are the birds kookaburras (spelling?).I will miss waking up to these blogs every morning! Tony has just looked at the last two days and he says that you always seem to be surrounded by young females! I like your T-shirt in the last photo. Enjoy your last day and have a safe trip home. Get the winter thermals ready – it is freezing here.
Lots of love,
Mum xx