We decided to walk up the hard side first, that way it was still going to be quite cool (only about 35C) as the sun was still on its way up. After a somewhat tiring climb to the top we saw the immenseness of the gorge stretched out ahead of us.
I have yet to understand why so many people come so many miles into the desert to see a lump of rock like Aires Rock/Uluru and not come to see such an unreal.. place such as this. What A Crime.
Sat perched on a rocky outcrop high above the canyon we admired the view ahead of us, along with the breath taking drop below. It was a magnificent feeling, fear and awe all at the same time. We continued to weave our way across the top of the canyon crossing various smaller crevices and canyons as we went.
We made our way down into a hidden valley known as the 'Garden of Eden' full of tall shady trees and a cool stream that burst out into a pool at its end.. magical and awesome.
As we made our way down the other side I managed to get told off by one of the Rangers (happy little bunny, she was.. NOT) I was not wearing anything on my feet. WHY could she not understand I was trying to toughen up me feet on the steaming hot rocks.
Back to the never ending dusty red desert, as we searched for a unused hidden road that led north.
The runes of one of the first police stations in the desert, I think we were the first people to visit the area in a long-long time.
We spent the night on a dried up river bed, Tina needing some more TLC and, in-the-field repairs after the rough, tough drive.
It was not long until Tina started having problems in the sand. We found out later from the police that the sand was so dry it was like driving on thousands of tiny marbles. It did not help with the huge weight that Tina was carrying.
Luckily her winch was engine driven and the local trees took the strain, several times she had to pull herself free from the sand.
After getting bogged too many times and now running low on both food and water (Don't ask about the water.. someone had decide to wash her hair in fresh water one night), it was time to re-assess our options. I know you should never leave a vehicle, especially in the desert.. but in this case there was no option. A 45.2 Klick walk later, after setting up water filters to clean stagnant bog water, and signalling methods for the guys that were staying with Tina. Police, Rangers, a 4x4 recovery team and one hell of a bill later and we were all safe and sound back at our city campsite. With a more than real outback adventure and survival story to tell the kids in the future. I still regret not taking more photos.. DAM.
'At then end of the day, What Does Not Kill You Will Only Make You Stronger'
At least I'm not the only one saying that now.. Right guys
;oD
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