The last post! Kings Canyon and Uluru.

This is to be the last post, as we are now on our way home. Didn't spend as long away as we thought, but have plenty to do at home.

We visited Kings Canyon and did a couple of smaller walks, then the next day got up before the sun to do the 3.5 hour canyon rim walk. The first 150m or so is straight up steps and pretty tiring, after that it gets easier, although there is still a bit of up and down. It was really worth it, the views were spectacular.

There you go kids, proof Nanny did indeed climb the Canyon, this was right before the hard bit that left me totally knackered!

Some of the amazing views from atop the canyon.

And this pic below is one Garry couldn't resist- the price of diesel, which we didn't buy! 

And at $4.50 for one litre of milk we didn't buy that either. Strangely enough Garry only bought one beer at dinner $8.50.

Uluru (Ayers Rock)

Absolutely loved Uluru and Kata Tjuta (the Olga's). Garry was very disappointed that while we were there it was windy, so the rock was closed for climbing. However, I proudly signed the "I did not climb the rock" register. They have requests everywhere asking you not to climb it, and when you take the time to learn about the spiritual significance of the rock to the Indigenous people, I figure it's fair enough. We did do the 11km base walk, which was amazing. You really do feel like an insignificant speck of dust in the shadow of this ancient monolith. I had no idea that there are waterholes at the base of the rock, and caves too. Was intrigued by the old cave paintings and smoke stains in one cave where the elders used to gather. I can honestly say that Uluru was one place where I really did get "the feeling". Unfortunately the only feeling Garry got was annoyance at not being able to climb it. I have had to give up on him ever developing any sort of spiritual awareness that does not involve alcohol, lol.

The Rock, in case you've never seen it,lol.

One of the waterholes, pic doesn't do it justice, felt like a magical place.

Heading off for the base walk, yep it was cold!

Kata Tjuta (the Olga's)

Another day, another bunch of rocks to climb over, through or around. This only took us 2 hours for this lovely view.

Thanks to everyone for following our trip. We are now making our way home. If you are one of our friends or family you may want to avoid us for a while. Garry has 4000 photos he just can't wait to show you ;)

The Alice

On our way to Alice Springs we stopped at The Devils Marbles, a heap of large round rocks lying about as if a giant had just finished playing with them, quite amazing really. It was an attractive setting there, and you can camp there too.

Garry finds his lost marbles

Alice Springs came as a bit of a surprise. I was expecting a dry, dusty sort of a place, but found it to be green and quite leafy. And cold too after the heat of the northern places we had been to.
I dragged Garry to the Pioneering Women's Museum and Old Gaol, where much to his surprise he found it really interesting, as did I. Their slogan is History is Her Story, very appropriate I thought.

One day we explored the West Macdonnell Ranges, visiting more gorges and involving more climbing of bloody hills to lookouts. I must be getting fit soon surely!

Katherine Gorge and Daly Waters, where Garry shakes his booty.

We did a beautiful cruise of Katherine Gorge and a swim as well. Nothing like cruising around the base of a gorge to make you feel small and insignificant! Saw a crocodile, a heap of red flying foxes, a snake and, to Garry's delight, some white pointers (topless backpackers,lol).

Daly Waters Pub

We had been told by a few people not to miss a stay at Daly waters pub and campground, and we are so glad we didn't. We arrived earlyish and just as well the place was packed by afternoon. It's south of Katherine in the middle of nowhere and is the craziest place ever! We were shown where to park by a man on a bicycle disguised as a horse, of course!

The pub has collections of stuff all over the place, from bottles, kettles,historic tools, hats, underwear, a thong tree and all sorts of stuff.

They have a nightly BBQ and entertainment, which was a heap of fun. The cheap beers at happy hour saw Gaz getting merry, and much to my astonishment I managed to get him up for not one, but two dances (this is a miracle folks!).

Unfortunately, I couldn't spare a bra or knickers to hang from the bar! I suppose I could have pinched a pair of Garry's....

The equally nutty shop across the road from the pub

Kununarra and Lake Argyle

The park we stayed at in Kununarra was right on the lake and offered lovely views especially at sunset. Everyone gets down there on the lawn with their chairs and drinks, taking photos and waiting for Rodney, the local crocodile, to come and visit as he does each night.

Here's Rodney waiting for someone to feed him. He's obviously a freshwater croc or  we wouldn't be so brave!

Watch out for Rodney birdie!

Lake Argyle

We had a lovely day at Lake Argyle. About 70km out of Kununarra, it is the biggest man made dam in Australia, and is very scenic. We had lunch at the resort and swam in their amazing infinity pool which looks out over the Lake and the steep cliffs surrounding it.

The incredible pool

Garry and all his friends in the pool, lol.