Following breakfast and tidy up we headed out to Kata Tjuta for a great day. The weather stayed overcast and cool but no rain - ideal walking conditions . On the way a couple of roadside stop for photos of native plants in flower.
Our first walk of the day was the Valley of the Winds, which definitely lived up to its name. We started off heading to the Karu Lookout - a moderate graded walk, which was interesting seeing the different geological forms of rock. Talking to fellow walkers returning, we needed to continue on a further 1.6klm to the Karingana Lookout - Graded Difficult. Dot sent me on with the camera as she felt she would not be capable of negotiating the steep terrain and steps.
I headed off over a range of terrain, some very easy, some steep ascents and descents over rocks, scree etc.
Delightful little ponds and streams crossed the path in many places. As I moved deeper into the canyons, these areas were protected from the cold winds and it became quite warm walking. I was grateful for a rest area that had drinking water available. The large conglomerate boulders often strewn either side of the path were fascinating.
The final rise to the Karingana Lookout was very steep series of steps, and the heart was pumping on reaching the top, but what a view of the valleys beyond and further series of domes beyond. I hope the pictures do the area justice.The round trip of 5.4 klm suggetsted time was 2.5 hrs, but I achieve it in just over 1.75hrs - quite pleasing but I am stiffening up tonight and will be sore tomorrow.
Dot used one of her walking poles on this trip and had a few comments of what a good idea and an offer to buy it off her - name your price!!!!We headed to the Sunset viewing area - picnic tables and toilets - only ones in the area.
After lunch walking back to the car we saw a healthy cat behind the amenities block. We reported this to the attending ranger, who will log it and ultimately traps will be set.
Then off to Walpa Gorge - another Grade 3 Moderate Walk of 2.6 klm return. This was no where as busy as the Valley of the Winds. It was an interesting walk with lots of small streams surrounded by trees, bushes and even ferns on the water's edge. Conglomerate boulders of many sizes were scattered in the valley floor.
The further we went the Gorge narrowed and increased presence of climbing plants and shrubs. The climber Pandorea doratoxylon was in flower. Many areas of the walk consisted of raised platforms for walking on, as well as seating/viewing stations provided.
Back to the car and we could see the weather starting to breakup and patches of blue sky and sunlight streaming through. This is promising for tomorrow.
Returning to Yulara we passed the turn off to the WA border, red dirt highway with signs indicating permits are required. We will need to follow up this for the prospective trip to the Pilbra next year.Next was roadside stopping area with a track leading off to a sand dune viewing platform for a photo opportunity of Kata Tjuta in the late afternoon light.
On arrival back at Yulara, it was off for a refreshing beer and bubbles for Dot... then home for tea.
Blog update was interspersed with an evening of conversation with a young French couple who have been living in New Caledonia.
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