At The Rock

*Adam and I looking a little more weird than usual- at Wycliffe Well- the UFO Capital of Australia! (as discussed in my previous post)
(More piccies soon, when we get back to Alice Springs, where the internet seems a little quicker at certain times of the day)

Friday July 21st

We had a top day today exploring the West McDonnell Ranges out of Alice Springs. It was a partly cloudy day, partly sunny and when the sun lit up the arid mountains and dry plains the landscape looked fantastic- surreal, like a postcard. It was cool- been dropping to about 4 or so overnight and only reached about 15 during the day- good weather for walking, which is what we did. We drove out to Ormiston Gorge, which is about 130kms out of Alice and considered one of the best of many gorges which can be viewed on the road out there. We did a 7km walk, which was up and down over fairly rocky terrain. It was a great walk- one of the most impressive we’ve done. Just the stark nature of the arid mountain ranges around us, and the sheer red walls of the gorge itself. Basically we walked around the outside of the gorge and then back through its centre.

As for new bird life in interior Australia- obviously wildlife here is not as prolific as other places, but we did see a beautiful little spinifex pigeon- they are really pretty and exist in arid and semi-arid regions. We’ve also been seeing lots of bright ringneck parrots- they are green and blue with a stripe of yellow and black heads. Plus, cute little zebra finch.

We took advantage of being in a built up town for the first time in a while and went to the movies tonight- saw Pirates of the Caribbean- 2. Thought it was OK, but was a bit letdown really. Good to go to the movies though.

Saturday July 22nd

Once again up in the dark to start packing up and get on the road early- a big drive (450kms, which takes w hile when you are towing a van and driving into the wind) to Kings Canyon. The day started out cloudy but became sunnier…until it was clear blue sky by lunchtime.
Arrived about 1.30 pm and quickly unhooked and set up the van and had some lunch and then set out to Kings Canyon to do the rim walk- about a 6km loop with a really steep climb at the start to the top of the huge canyon…you then basically walk around the edge of the dramatic canyon walls- sheer rock faces of different colours which light up in the afternoon sun. It was a stunning walk- with panoramic views over the surrounding desert plains. Not good for those scared of heights, as the cliffs were not roped off and the drops where sheer!

In the middle of one section of the canyon is a narrow gorge with a section of permanent water which creates a mini oasis that has been named The Garden of Eden and has long been used by Aborigines in the area, especially in times of drought. I walked down into the gorge along the “garden” and it was such a peaceful spot- it seemed to have a special feel to me…quiet and still. I saw a few birds flitting around, including one new sighting (to add to the bird log)..a Western Bowerbird.

On the way out the light kept changing as the sun dropped lower in the sky.

We drove back to our caravan park at Kings Canyon- our site is actually right on the edge of the park and looks out over national park to the canyon in the distance….the rock turned bright red just before the sunset and we sat and enjoyed our five star view, while eating some dip and crackers. Then we climbed back inside our not-so-five-star accommodation! :-)

Another big day coming up tomorrow- off to Ayers Rock- about 350kms away- we’ll stop there 2 nights so we can do the walks and also see the Olgas etc . Hopefully the weather will stay as clear as it turned out this afternoon so we can see some good sunsets and enjoy all the stars out here!

Sunday july 23- At The Rock!

After another 350km drive we have arrived at Ayers Rock campground…the rock looks magnificent standing in the distance…will head in to the rock itself soon to walk around the base. Might climb it tomorrow. The weather is perfectly clear and sunny and we plan doing a “night sky show” tomorrow night at the ayers rock observatory, where an astronomer describes the constellations etc and you can view through a telescope.

It’s coolish despite the sun…a top of about 17… the sun doesn’t rise until 7.30pm so mornings are pretty crisp too!

Marcus..the most we’ve paid for petrol is around $1.70…we mostly try and fill up in places where its cheaper and have bought a spare petrol container so we can travel a bit further before we need to refuel.
With all the kms we’ve done in the past week petrol has been a BIG expense lately!

More soon,
Love and hugs xx