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Published: September 24th 2012
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Our departure from Uluru was quite early (8:15) and we were pleased that we managed to pack up the awning successfully the first time, as this was one task that we had been warned about.
On the drive we had to stop as a group of about ten brumbies (wild horses) meandered their way across the road. They were in no hurry and did not seem the least worried by our presence.
Joan continued to comment how her stereotypical view of deserts was continuously challenged by the dense vegetation that we saw. The country looks more like a park than the classic view of a desert. In addition to the desert she-oaks we are now also starting to see Coolabahs.
As we set up in King’s canyon resort camping ground we discovered that we had to deal with a significantly sloping site. Michael’s comments from the van handover came to mind and proved very helpful as we ended up with a perfectly levelled caravan.
After a quick lunch we set off to do the canyon base walk. It was hot but the canyon was awesome and the walk was fairly easy. We were now eager to do
the more challenging canyon rim walk. One of the fascinating aspects of this walk was that we met the same people that we had seen at Uluru. Obviously this is a common sequence of visits.
As we sat around and looked at our photos we discovered that we were unable to get 3G access from either Telstra or Optus. On a whim we decided to try the TV and discovered that we could get one station! Just in time to watch the Crows lose their match.
The next morning we were up early for the rim walk and set foot on the trail at 8:15. The morning was cool and the walk pleasant although the initial climb and its proximity to significant drops was daunting. The brief selection of pictures tells the story. In total we are taking hundreds of photos each day and posting a selection that we hope gives a feel for our adventures. King’s Canyon is absolutely amazing.
Although we have yet to see a dingo there is plenty of evidence that they are around and we hear them howling most nights. There are warning signs everywhere and gates on the toilet block to
keep them out!
We are fascinated by the ebb and flow of people. In the early morning we hear diesel engines idling and by noon the camp is largely deserted. However in the afternoon we start to hear the tapping of tent pegs being driven in as people take residence. By dinner time the grounds are full again. It is also interesting to note that here the grounds are dominated by camper trailers.
Joan has been amused by the newcomers approaching the women’s toilets (herself included) who seem to move to the wrong side of the entrance and find a blank wall. Nearly everybody does it and there seems to be no rhyme or reason to it. (Greg is keeping quiet on this topic!)
Each camp ground has a designated area for bus tour groups. They set up lots of small tents and have a big camp kitchen where they feed the masses. They appear to be mainly school groups; and Joan thought she had escaped school camps! Yet again we see the same groups that we saw at Uluru. When the teenagers are in residence you have no hope of getting near the swimming pool. But
in all fairness they have been very well behaved.
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