Friday, October 9, 2009

NT - Watarrka National Park ( Kings Canyon)




Watarrka National Park is 300 klms north east of Uluru and is best known for Kings Canyon. This impressive canyon soars 270 metres from the base of the gorge and has three main walking tracks. The first day we did the short 2 klm Kings Creek walk with a park ranger so we learnt a lot about the history, plants and animals of the area.
The second day we tackled the rim walk which starts off with a steep climb to the top of the canyon ( I was ready to go home half way up). Three hours later after we had completed the 7 klm walk and I was really glad I had hung in there. The walk was spectacular. At times you are standing on the edge of this massive canyon looking down into the valley below. At these spots, my knees felt rather weak and I got that weird feeling in my stomach when looking down from this height is almost too much for comfort.
The camping area is positioned facing this mountain range. At sunset we grabbed a wine, our chairs and camera, and watched the sun setting on to these stunning red mountains. After dark the dingoes start prowling around the camp area scrounging for food. You don’t leave any shoes outside or else the dingoes will take them. I wonder what they do with them?
On route to this area we saw a group of about twelve wild camels. It was exciting seeing them but they are apparently a problem creating havoc with the native shrubs and trees.

1 comment:

Tamara Kidd said...

You look on top of the world Mike!

oxo