Still relishing the cooler weather we headed off to Wattarka (Kings Canyon) via the Mereenie Loop. We'd pre-purchased a permit to drive through this Aboriginal land in Alice Springs so we were set to go. It was a beautiful drive through the desert and the road wasn't too bad - made us wonder why so few people go this way. We set up at the nearly empty Kings Canyon resort where the kids quickly made friends with a little girl next door. All seemed to be going pear-shaped when their little friend refused Sasha's request to join in some Barbie colouring-in because 'he is a boy'. Sasha's bottom lip started to tremble until Zara helpfully fetched his Bananas in Pyjamas colouring book which kept everyone happy for an hour before dinner.
Next day we set off to check out the canyon in the cool morning air. Bill and Sash chose a shorter walk to a lookout whilst Zara and Kate set off on the 6km rim walk. It was glorious - weaving in and out of red dome-shaped rocks, admiring the angles and marks in the rock and enjoying spectacular views of the canyon at regular intervals. Although the first steep climb knocked the breath out of us, the rest of it wasn't difficult hiking - just really beautiful. I've heard quite a few people comment that they are not very impressed with Kings Canyon - but we thought it was pretty cool. As we walked, Zara trotted by my side and talked endlessly of all her funny and wonderful plans for the future - opening businesses, saving the world, fostering children, publishing poetry, working alongside aboriginal people towards reconciliation and so much more. Every now and then she would stop talking to examine bits of rock or take a quick glance at the spectacular views - then back to business. Wonderful.
Back at the carpark I left Zara at the information boards while I went to the toilet. A big brown frog leapt out of the toilet when I flushed it and I was still giggling when I went back and discovered Zara squatting under some trees chatting in 'bird language' with a number of surprised looking birds - much to the amusement of a young European guy recuperating on the nearby seats. We met up with the fellas and had a picnic lunch nearby. By this time we are all getting heartily sick of dry biscuits with ham, tuna and salad - but it's still the easiest lunch for us so we have it almost daily. Looking forwards to some more variety when we return to Melbourne.
We made good use of the playground and pool in the afternoon. The weather seemed to be heating up again... Next stop - Uluru!
Pics coming soon (when I am somewhere it doesn't take 30 mins per photo!)...
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