Saturday, 16 July 2016

The West Macdonnell Ranges

Tuesday
We had a bit of a slow start, as always with a large group of people, and the others were waiting for their transport, so we left first to see Simpson's Gap on the way. Yet another spectacular river gap through the rugged red rocks. Back on the road and it was at least another hour till we made it to Ormiston Gorge. If I thought the 'Gaps' were spectacular I hadn't seen nothing. The walk up to the Ghost Gum lookout winds around the rugged spinifex dotted hillside, then you walk up the last bit of hill and look up and the red mountain range takes your breath away. The enormity of the rugged red cliffs, stretching on for kilometres down the huge river valley. There had been a bit of rain a few weeks ago and there is so much green contrasting red rock.

Wednesday

Today we set out to walk Ormiston Pound, a 7km loop which takes you through the river bed, up to a plateau, over some hills and back to the river valley. It sounds pretty basic but the scenery is so spectacular. My legs hurt now because of all the rock hopping and a lot of the path is over lose scree. The final part of the walk has you cross the river. You need to wade up to your undies. To say the water was cold was an understatement, it was freezing, but it was pretty funny to see everyone going across. We sent the group of Scouts out ahead of the adults which worked really well, no Scott for the day. Lloyd and Rex walked the whole way, a 5 hr walk with no complaints. Looking forward to truly hiking with our packs tomorrow, however, the youngest boys and Evan plus Ma Grylls with a sprained ankle will drive to the next camp site.















 

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