Kings Canyon NP to Marla - Day 212

Trip Start Jan 31, 2008
1
146
251
Trip End Ongoing


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Saturday, September 20, 2008

Wasn't that impressed with Kings canyon when I took a 2km walk along the base of the chasm in the early afternoon. I'd spoken to many people in various national parks who all told me it's one of Australia's best natural wonders. Even a park ranger yesterday said he thought the canyon is more impressive than Uluru. I personally thought I'd wasted my time taking this 350km detour and couldn't understand what these folks were talking about. What was I missing?

There was another trail along the canyon rim, I thought I'd driven all this way I might as well have a good look around and try and find what i'm missing. I walked up the steep trail to the rim where I soon realised my first impressions were completely wrong about this place. Along the 6km trail were stunning panaromic views of the canyon and the surrounding area. The canyon is defiantly best viewed from above, really glad I decided to take the longer hike because it was so worth it. The trail followed the contours of the rim with various lookouts and sights along the way, such as the "Garden of Eden" where ferns and trees have found a water source in a small adjacent canyon. Also various rock outcrops on the rim where ancient sand dunes have been turned into honeycomb rock formations due to the great pressures and erosion over the eons. It's quite a strange atmospheric landscape.

Left Kings Canyon satisfied after my initial disappointment. Just shows you that sometimes you have to give a place a chance and explore a little. Headed to the state border with South Australia and crossed into the third Ozzie state of my journey. Staying tonight on the outskirts of a small township called Marla after a busy day of driving and hiking.
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