The Rock, Olgas & Kings Canyon

After spending a wet and windy night in Erldunda we headed off for The Rock, the wrong way (bad navigation by the co pilot). Quick u turn 30 kms down the track and we were back at the same place. Take 2, headed for the Red Centre. New record, diesel, $1.94, only 30cents more than at the Rock.....beware Curtain Springs is not cheap. But the chicks are old (see below)

Arrived at Yulara and booked in to the Ayres Rock Resort, only place in town. Headed off to have a look at the rock and the national park. The Climb was closed and had been for the last 10 days, if the temp is forecast over 36 -closed, if rain is forecast - closed, if it is windy - closed.......... Anyway, we drove up to the Olgas just as a big storm was coming in........that did not really deliver, went south of us.

On the way back to the campsite we stopped at the Rock for Sunset, couple of beers and a little cheese.....very civilised. Managed to get some great pics (see below)

After another good nights rest in Trev we awoke to the sound of everyone heading to the rock for sunrise.....hope the climb is open. First indication was it was not going to be. At about 8 the word was out, the Climb is on so we packed up and heading to Base Camp. After a quick team meeting it was decided that Co pilot would not ascend the summit so off Tom Hill (ary) went.....as usual too fast and blew up. Was a steep climb

and clearing the lack of carbs in the beers consumed have affected energy levels....that and the incorrect foot wear, needed a pair of these....

Managed to get nearly to the top before resting a little and ringing anyone who would answer. Got to the top and decided that since there was no credit left on the phone may as well head down again.

From here we headed to the big thing, Kings Canyon. What an amazing place and strongly recommend it.
We did the creek walk when we first got there, few more pics

Made camp at the local site and had a great view of the ranges from there

The next morning we headed off on the 6km trek around the canyon rim, steep climb to start but the views were outstanding.

After a nice 2 hour walk returned to the car park and jumped in to Trev...off we headed towards Alice Springs along a rough and corrugated dirt road,

 just since Trev was going to spend the next week on the bitumen was only fair to give him his fix. Managed to drive past one of Ad's Santos sites, I am sure he has never been here, to rough for the jeep.

the next hurdle for the honeymooning couple, Tom teaching Cindy to drive Trev...lets just say it went well and there will be further training as we go, need a driver for the Nullabor.

Anyway, must get moving.....siteseeing around Alice and then we head north for The Devil's Marbles.....until next time we have internet.