“The mountains are calling and I must go.” (John Muir)
I’ve always loved the mountains. The feeling of vastness and awe inspiring grandeur. As a child I was happiest when my family went for drives into the Victorian High Country. Now, as a wonder lusting adult one of the things I love most is exploring the heart of a place on foot. Like the Acacia Ridge walk at Arkaroola.
Arkaroola is at the top of the Flinders Ranges in the wilds of South Australia. It’s an ancient primitive outback I fell completely in love with. Just as I did this walk.
The 6km track climbs along the ridge top and offers breath taking views of the heart of the sanctuary, Mt Painter and the Flinders Ranges.
The rugged mountains were once on the seabed and their jutting angles show the violence of the seismic shifts that forced them skywards.
There’s a tangible sense of history here, like something out of a picture book.
Along the way you can look back onto the unsealed access road into the Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary. Way down below is where we started our walk.
Red Sturt Desert Peas and other wild flowers poke their heads out amidst the rocks.
A place to rest the feet and a view to soothe the soul.
The summit might not rival the heights of the Matterhorn or Kilimanjaro but it’s impressive nonetheless. Here we are at the top, not exactly pioneering mountaineers, just four good friends enjoying life.
Before slowly making our way back down to civilization again.
The inspiration comes from “Restlessjo” and her “Monday walk” themes.
“If you are faced with a mountain, you have several options. You can climb it and cross to the other side. You can go around it. You can dig under it. You can fly over it. You can blow it up. You can ignore it and pretend it’s not there. You can turn around and go back the way you came. Or you can stay on the mountain and make it your home.” (Vera Nazarian)
“Every mountain top is within reach if you just keep climbing.” (Barry Finlay)
“Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So… get on your way!” (Dr. Seuss)
Where ever you are today, may your trails in life be scenic ones. May you always see the beauty around you and the path not be too rocky along the way.
Great post, amazing pictures and country.
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Thanks Simon.
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🙂
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Wonderful post, Miriam. I love the Sturt Desert Pea … Just gorgeous colours!
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Thanks Kim, yes, it’s a gorgeous flower and it was out everywhere when we were over there.
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That looks like a wonderful walk. Gorgeous landscape.
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That’s a great post Miriam. Love the photographs and the mountains. Can’t wait to visit Australia. Happy Exploring!
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I hope you make it out here one day. You’d love it.
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Great post as always! Loved the pictures and your description 🙂
Have a great day!
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Ah, thanks so much. Hope you have a great day as well.
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Pleasure is mine 🙂
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What a great post Miriam and I love those mountain quotes too.
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Thanks Arlene, I liked the quotes too.
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Hiking is the best, isn’t it? That looks like an amazing place! I especially like that picture with the road on it, it really tells a story without words. A road leading to nowhere, or rather everywhere.
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So true, it really was an amazing place and the hike, whilst not overly difficult, took in some of the most incredible views.
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You’re the best writer…
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You make me blush.
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Get ready for really red cheeks then. In addition to coffee table books, I bet you could write like a 30 day daily inspirational. I love how your post end with an encouragement. It’s like a boost of positivity. 🙂
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Thanks Jessica. You always fill me with such hopes and dreams for what I could eventually do with my blog. I really appreciate your support, it means a lot.
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You’re welcome. 🙂
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I love the Flinders. I have only been once on a painting and drawing trip when I was at teacher’s college. I love the quotes especially the Dr Seus. Lovely post.
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Thanks Louise, glad you’ve been and can relate. It really is a special place, I could have spent much longer there.
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I think you did justice to an incredible place!
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Thank you kindly!
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I do not understand, Miriam!!!
You tell us a story or you picture a painting? 🙂
You have awesome places in Australia.
Sometimes, when I’m in a wild place I feel like I don’t want to go back to civilization.
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Oh yes Monica, I know what you mean. I could have spent far longer here, it was a unique place that really left a lasting impression.
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It’s a piece of Heaven, Miriam 🙂
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The landscape is magnificent – I wouldn’t know where to look first!
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It was a bit like that, awe-inspiring all around.
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I think is what is really meant by the word awesome, which is used for much less awe-inspiring things these days.
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Yes, I agree.
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Great post and the photos are amazing!
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Thanks, so happy you enjoyed it.
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I love the red sturt desert peas, they must really stand out.
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They do stand out Anne, no wonder they’re the emblem of South Australia.
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Looks beautiful, peaceful, a true one to one nature hike !
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It was like that, incredibly peaceful. Thanks for your comment.
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What breathtaking views, Miriam. Looks like a very peaceful place to go and discover.
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Thanks Hugh. Yes, it was a wonderful spot, I’d go back tomorrow if I could.
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This is lovely. THIS is an amazing post. It’s like an encyclopedia of an adventure, the ins and outs and the little details amid the big pictures. Absolutely beautiful to read. The pictures and the words flow so nicely together. This gives me a strong pull to explore your country! Thank you! Grateful to have found your work here and happy to NOW be following you. With Joy and Gratitude, Zach from StrengthsLife.com
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Thank you so much Zach for your lovely comment. So glad I’ve been able to inspire you with some photos of my beautiful homeland.
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thanks for sharing 🙂
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It’s my pleasure.
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Thanks a lot, Miriam! What a lovely surprise 🙂 I didn’t have a pingback or I would have been here much sooner.
I like that ‘just 4 friends enjoying life’ idea. This kind of walk is really life affirming, isn’t it? I enjoyed it very much.
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Thanks Jo, I thought I set a pingback but it obviously didn’t show up for some reason. Glad you enjoyed my walk.
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No worries, Miriam. Just glad I found you 🙂
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Thanks, the feeling is mutual.
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Absolutely beautiful! And love the quotes 🙂
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Aw, thanks Nick, appreciate it.
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I love the mountains, because I came from a very flat country (Holland) – now I live in the mountains and love it even more! Beautiful wildflowers and views, Miriam:) Thanks for sharing your trip!
My new meme SEASONS might be interesting to you. Hope you’ll join the fun. The thumbnail photo link is open from Mon-Wed. till 7 pm Pacific time. Welcome:) To link you need to go to
http://jeshstgermain.com/2016/03/13/seasons-almost-spring/ Hope to see you there!
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Hi and thanks for your lovely comment on my post. Thanks also for your link which I will check out on your seasons theme.
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It looks like the top of the world! And exiting plants as well. Must have been a great walk Miriam!
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Thanks Maciek. It really was a stunning place and a wonderful walk.
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Oh dear, that one’s been our bucket list a long time but the plans keep getting thwarted. Great choice of quotes.
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Thanks Lindsey, hope you make it there one day.
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Lovely scenery. I can feel the breath of fresh air, and how peaceful it is to indulge myself in such wonderful and amazing creation. Thank you for sharing this.
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It’s my pleasure, thanks for your lovely comment.
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You’re most welcome dear.
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Enjoyed this! Beautiful scenery there, would love to visit and hike one day…
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Thank you. You’d love it!
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Awesome post, beautiful views and loved the quotes. Thanks for sharing!
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You’re too kind, thanks so much!
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Breathtaking views!
And those flowers, those are so amazing looking. It’s funny, you always think everything’s the same the world over, and it’s so wonderful how beautiful and unique everything is in each place. 🙂
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So true, beauty’s everywhere, we just need to open our eyes. Thanks Vanessa.
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Your imagery, both in word and photo, is beautiful. Looking forward to reading more.
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Thanks so much, I’m glad you enjoyed.
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A lovely walk. I’ll have to add the Flinders to my list for when we get over to the mainland.
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Oh yes, you definitely should. It’s a spectacular part of Australia.
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This looks like a great walk Miriam. I’ve not been out that way so look forward to seeing it one day. Your photos show the landscape really well.
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Thanks Debbie, it’s an amazing place. Hope you get there one day.
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I love your posts, Miriam because you take me to so many wonderful places. Thank you for allowing me to tag along!
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You’re always welcome to tag along, Thomas!
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I keep a bag packed, all the time. Thanks, Miriam 🙂
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I bet you do. How wonderful.
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🙂
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That was just beautiful! Both the photos and the words….
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Ah, thanks Ann, glad you enjoyed it.
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Miriam, first of all my favorite Muir quote! Love it! Second of all, the photo of your hiking shoes is just like one of my favorites of me in France. Love the post. I too love mountains and love hiking. 🙂
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More things we have in common Nicole! Thanks, as always.
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Amazing pictures- I so wanna take a walk there too!
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Thanks Amanda, it was pretty awe inspiring.
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Beautiful! I feel like just taking a trip to those areas.
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Yes, it was a very special place.
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It is.
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Love this ❤❤❤❤
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Thank you so much. 🙂
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❤
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Now that is proper outdoors! No ice-cream vans for miles and miles and miles and miles and miles and miles and miles and miles and miles and miles and miles and miles and miles and miles and miles and miles and miles and miles and miles and miles and miles and miles and miles and miles and miles and miles and miles and miles and miles and miles and miles and miles and miles and miles and miles and miles and miles and miles and miles and miles and miles and miles and miles and miles and miles and miles and miles and miles and miles and miles and miles and miles and miles and miles and miles! 😀
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Just found this comment in my Spam folder Robert. Must have been all the miles and miles and miles and miles that did it!!! 🙂
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Thanks for the heads up (and now laughing).
Okay, start again – thanks for letting me know, Miriam – the spam robot must be set to catch repetition. Good to know. 🙂
You having a good day?
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No worries Robert. It’s Sunday night here and I’ve just come back from a camping weekend at the beach which was awesome. Hope yours is going well.
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The weekend went by toooo fast! Birthday and company and all of that – didn’t do any writing at all!
Life! 🙂
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Sounds good to me. That’s what it’s all about. Life! 🙂
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Yeppah! 🙂
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