Kings Canyon (Watarrka National Park)

Over the President's Day long weekend, we decided to venture out camping.  We went with about 4 other families, so there were 23 of all us altogether.  Unfortunately, we picked the hottest weekend of the season to go.  42C (108F) during the day and 36C (97F) at night.  Made it a bit sticky and uncomfortable for sleeping for everyone, but the kids are troopers.

Axle (station dog) cooling off 

That's Braden peering out

Gavin and Braden

We choose to go to Kings Canyon, "a mighty chasm cleaving the earth to a depth of 270 metres."  Like everything else around here the views are spectacular.  The colours are so amazing and vibrant and go on forever.  Our friend, Amiebeth, opted not to do the walk, so she stayed back with Braden and Gavin.  While the rest of us, including Jamie, decided to head out early Sunday morning.  We started the 6 km (loop) at 7AM and Jamie, Ian and I completed it in about 3 hours.

Kings Canyon Rim Walk traces the top of the canyon. A steep climb at the beginning of the walk, which locals call "Heartbreak Hill" (or "Heart Attack Hill", due to its steepness), takes visitors up to the top, with spectacular views of the gorge below and of the surrounding landscape. About half way during the walk, a detour descends to Garden of Eden, a permanent waterhole surrounded by lush plant life. The last half of the walk passes through a large maze of weathered sandstone domes.

Heartbreak Hill

We made it! (only 5.5km to go)

Above the Garden of Eden

Ian didn't like us this close to the edge

Those little dots in the top middle are people

We really made it

B&G having fun while we're walking

Sunset at Kings Creek Station

3 day old camel

The crew

Going for a camel ride