McCainiaks Down Under

Sunday, March 4, 2012

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

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

First Day of (pre-) School

So, today was the start of a new era in the McCain family. Jamie had his first day of pre-school. This was a big deal for so many reasons, but mainly he's never been in a large group setting with lots of kids. Jamie is a very bright, articulate little boy, but like his mother he doesn't do well with large crowds or big changes. We have been so fortunate to have found a school for Jamie with such awesome teachers. They even let Jamie come in several times before school started to meet with his teachers and get used to the classroom. Which made such a huge difference, so much so that Jamie was so excited to go school today...

Leaving for school

He can hardly contain himself...

His wonderful teacher Mrs Kennedy

We already don't even need Mommy or Daddy

The new playground

Such a big boy

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Almost Famous

You may remember this post and this one about some of the crazy things to do here in Alice Springs. Well it seems that CNN has picked up on them and named them the #5 and #7 Weirdest Things to do in Australia. But, even better than that? Check out the lead off picture to the article here.

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Not babies anymore...

Braden and Gavin are really growing up...19 months old already. So, I decided that it was finally time to get their first haircuts (Ian had been wanting to do it for a while). Ian had Monday off, so we decided that was the best day to do it. Especially since it is so hot here, having less hair would help them stay cool. Gavin HATED it. Braden was fine, just got a bit bored toward the end. (He had more hair to cut, too.)

What is that?!?!

I don't want to be a dinosaur!!!

Mommy's phone makes it bearable.

At least its still red.

Bye Bye Curls.

Being a dinosaur is no big deal.

Hmmm, not so sure I like this.

Hanging out.

I'm a big boy now. (Mommy misses the curls)

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Christmas Vacation (Part III)

The final part of our trip was Surfers Paradise. Beautiful, but very crowded and commercial. We did a couple of the amusement parks (Sea World and Dream World). Small by US standards, but still a ball for the little kids.