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.

Winding up at Wyndham

So we've had to pick up the pace a bit as, for various reasons, we need to get home a bit earlier than we planned and we bid Nola and Andy "happy travels" a bit further back as they continue on at their pace.
We traveled to Wyndham via Derby, Fitzroy Crossing, Halls Creek and Turkey Ck. We camped at rest stops on the way (there are heaps in WA), one of which was the popular Mary Pools. Right on the river bank under shady trees, the sounds of nature all around. Only to be spoilt by a silly old git who had to have his blasted generator going for hours. Heaven forbid he miss his favourite tv show! One of my new pet peeves.
Had a paddle in the rock pool but no swimming thanks to these fellas. Yes, I know its just a freshie but he still has very sharp looking teeth!

The rock pool.

Wyndham

We had lunch at the Wyndham pub, Barra of course, then up to the 5 Rivers Lookout which offers a stunning 360 degree view of the 5 rivers that run into the Cambridge Gulf.

We were fascinated by this humane toad disposal point, I wonder how many people use it. I think I will stick to my swerve all over the road to squash them technique, tried and true.

Walked down (and up) 140 steps to the Grotto

The amazing tenacity of nature. A boab tree growing out of rocks. Have seen this at various places, just incredible.

We sweep into Broome

Finally made it to Broome, and feeling sick of driving we are staying 4 nights. By simple coincidence we are here for the Stairway to the Moon, an event occurring at low tides on the full moon. The moonlight shines on the sand flats, giving the appearance of a staircase going up to the moon, it's quite amazing.Unfortunately, we didn't get any good photos due to operator error, hmmm, but this one gives you the idea.

The Broome coastline is just gorgeous, with red cliffs, white sandy beaches and turquoise blue water.

Broome is of course famous for its pearls. We had an interesting tour of the Willie Creek Pearl farm, and I wandered around China town where the Pearl shops are while Garry waited nervously in the car chewing his nails, as the pearls are soooo expensive. I saw one I liked but for some unknown  reason he wouldn't buy it for me.

                The largest round pearl in the world, worth over a million dollars.

I did get to wear a pearl necklace worth $40,000 at the pearl farm for a short while, that will have to do.

  

Horizontal Falls

We had the most wonderful experience last Saturday when we did a trip to the Horizontal Falls. These "falls" are so called as the very large tides rush through gaps in the rock formations, causing a rapid effect, or a horizontal waterfall if you like.
We were picked up at our accommodation by bus and driven to the Broome airport where we boarded a seaplane to fly up to Cape Leveque and across to where the falls are. For some reason I was picked to sit in the copilot seat- so exciting!

This is your captain speaking, please fasten your seat belts (and pray) while I er, twiddle a few knobs and try to work out how the hell to drive this thing!

After a beautifully scenic flight up the coast and over the Buccaneer Archipelago we made a smooth landing on the bay and pulled up at the houseboat base. 

The water was so clear we could see dolphins and turtles swimming around from the air.

The plane, the houseboat and the speed boat to the right

Soon after arrival we were into the speed boat for a ride through the falls and a cruise around the bays. It was so much fun and really exhilarating whizzing around in that boat. Gaz was most impressed with the 3x 300HP motors on it, making it the fastest boat in the Kimberly. The scenery is just breathtaking as well.

40m deep and 7m wide

After a delicious bbq barramundi lunch it was off to swim with the sharks. Which is not as impressive as it sounds since the sharks are not exactly great whites, although they do have teeth that could do some damage, and we were in a cage.

That's me in the black bikini and snorkel..... Oh alright, I'm on the left, pants on fire...

                                Yep, I'm a daredevil, fly planes, ride speed boats and wrestle sharks in my spare                                                                                     time!

After lunch we had another boat ride then it was time to fly home, this time with the beautiful sunset all the way, bliss..

Pop and Nan, two happy campers.