A Walk on the Wild side

Posted on by Miriam

“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.

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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.

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There’s a tangible sense of history here,  like something out of a picture book.

The Road leading to Arkaroola from the Acacia Ridge Walk

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.

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A place to rest the feet and a view to soothe the soul.

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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.

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Before slowly making our way back down to civilization again.

The inspiration comes from “Restlessjo” and her “Monday walk” themes.

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“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.

Happy exploring.

94 thoughts on “A Walk on the Wild side”

  7. 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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      1. 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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        1. 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.

          Liked by 1 person

  11. 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.

    Liked by 2 people

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  17. 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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  19. 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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  21. 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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  27. 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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  33. 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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  37. 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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        1. 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.

          Liked by 1 person

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