Postcard from Kings Canyon

Dear Fellow Travellers

Mum and I had be dreading Kings Canyon since I suggested going there so it only seemed fitting that the caravan tyre wold burst on our way there, just to drag out the anticipation. A quick tyre change and a 90 minute wait at the tyre shop we were finally on the road.

The Canyon

To help you all understand why it was mum and I were dreading Kings Canyon, is well because of the canyon. No we are not afraid of heights in fact I’m the opposite, I love to look down, it was more the climb to the top that got us. Now we’re not unfit and incapable of exercise but I wouldn’t be putting us in the ‘can run a marathon’ category. I think it was the 500 steep rock stair climb that really got us. Nonetheless when we arrived at Kings Canyon we were delighted to have one of, if not the best site in the park with a stunning view of the canyon. I was around sunset when the canyon lit up red that it occurred to me that we would be climbing all the way to the top and let me tell you it’s a fair way up.

The first 100 stairs or so

D-Day had arrived and we were up early to beat the heat, we didn’t want to pass out half way up. As we walked towards the dreaded stairs we realised the colourful dots were actually people, who resembled ants on a giant hill.  Mum decided she would be the last in our convoy (she was the slowest) so dad stuck with her and lead the way. To my surprise I actually powered up the stairs, I was no Cathy Freeman mind you, but I had a good pace. Only stopping a few times (I actually caught up to people in front of me) I finally made it to the top and one look at the view made the burning in my thighs worth it.  

The view from the top

Once on top of the canyon the walk flattened out, thank god and showed us a completely different version of the desert. Taking all the detours we could and climbing over as many rocks as we could we were treated to some of the most amazing views. I know how cliché it is to sit on the cliff edge with your feet dangling over contemplating life but I did it anyway. Looking out over the desert I couldn’t help feel a tad patriotic that this is my country and also a bit proud that I climbed all the way up here. 

Garden of Eden

As we walked on we finally came to the Garden of Eden. Unlike how I imagined the biblical garden this garden is more an oasis. Spread along a gorge floor (mum wasn’t happy that there were ore stairs) the Garden of Eden is filled with native trees and plants and even a flowing creek. Situated at the end of the gorge and creek is a massive waterhole that has been the lifeline in the canyon for centuries. Also used by the indigenous for hunting and survival over thousands of years you can really feel the history, lame I know but it’s a see it to believe it thing, but again it’s a really special place. Having no real expectation of what Kings Canyon would be I find myself really loving it here. I love the feeling of being in the middle of nowhere and being less commercialised than Uluru, at times throughout our stay it felt as we were the only people here. Also I must admit I loved loved loved the rim walk, including the stairs and would definitely do it all over again.

On top of the world

Being our second night here we were growing accustom to the loud howls of the dingos in the area. I swear they were only a few metres away at one point. Although people may see them as baby stealing, vicious dogs they generally stay away. Having said that there were a few or maybe the same one who had learned humans aren’t scary and was quiet happy to roam around the caravan park at dusk. Of course the dingos won’t actually come close to humans, wrong! Looking for food scraps a dingo stealthy creped around our caravan and stole our garbage bag from dad’s feet. Mum screamed and dad jumped out of his chair, I’ve never seen him move so fast and he even landed in a karate pose, classic. Mum was pretty scared after that and had to have a companion when walking to the toilet at night, dad and I saw the ‘new experience’ side of it.

Next stop, Alice Springs.