The magic of Central Australia stirs me, even a month after our return. Red earth, big skies, wild canyons and deep gorges …
If there’s one walk that epitomises this grandeur it’s the Kings Canyon Rim Walk in the Watarrka National Park.
Located about three hours drive from Uluru (Ayers Rock), Kings Canyon is at the heart of the Red Centre. I didn’t think any place could be more awe inspiring than Ayers Rock, until we experienced it for ourselves.
The six kilometre Rim Walk starts hard, with a steep climb.
It’s a bit like life … the focus that’s needed to start something, the determination and effort to keep going, to reach a place that’s worthwhile.
That’s how it was with this walk.
There were more than 500 steps and it was 100 metres straight up to the plateau, high above the canyon.
There the track levelled out, as did my heart rate, and for the next few hours we walked with glorious sunshine on our back.
In the summer months (Oct – April) it gets VERY hot here, but in July when we visited the weather was perfect for walking.
And what a walk … soaring, majestic views in every direction.
This is ancient land and you can feel it, in every step you take along the way.
Stark red sandstone cliffs, millions of years in the making.
Sometimes we just had to stop, completely stop, to soak it all up.
This is not a walk to rush. It’s a walk to savour, breathing in the moment and the brilliance that surrounded us.
I’m reminded to do that every day, wherever I am, as I settle into ordinary routine again.
I might not be surrounded by grand cliffs but I can still appreciate all the little things around me, of which there are many.
In reality the little things become the big things. Like these intricate ripples of sandstone carved out over millions of years ago, forces of nature at their most powerful.
There are markers along the Rim Walk, showing the way, and signs warning of cliff edges and possible rock slides.
I’ve always been one to live by the rules, but occasionally I like to wander off the path. Look what can happen.
Yes, that’s me, precariously on the edge, barely hanging on for dear life. One false step …
Just kidding. True be told, there was a stone ledge that allowed me to stand there safely. Daniel, my teenage partner in crime, added to the illusion.
Life’s pretty boring without taking a chance and a few risks here and there, calculated of course.
We never know what’s around the corner but sometimes those detours and side tracks lead to amazing discoveries.
We explored the weathered domes of the Lost City and we crossed bridges that descended deep into the lush Garden of Eden, an unexpected oasis in the outback.
This place is pure magic, a place that feeds the heart and soul, and it brought out the hugger in me. Here I am sharing a tender moment with my son.
And when it all got too much for him there were plenty of willing Ghost Gums around too!
When I’m immersed in nature it reminds me of the abundance of beauty in our world.
Yet nature can also be harsh and unpredictable.
Hurricanes like Harvey and Irma, the floods in Texas, bushfires, there’s so much out of our control yet the earth keeps turning, no matter what happens.
My heart goes out to all those affected by the storms.
It’s almost like a cleansing with energies shifting and aligning to create something new, painful yet often necessary. That’s how I feel as I get deeper into my meditation month of September with the 90 day change a habit challenge.
Things are shifting.
Mother Nature often teaches us lessons and, if our eyes are open and our minds willing, worldwide we listen. We reach out and help each other.
That’s another reason why I love to travel.
It brings us together.
Whether it’s in the centre of Australia or across the ocean, we’re all fundamentally the same.
Travel expands the mind, stirs the soul and reminds us of our place on this earth.
May we all find that balance.
Have a spectacular week everyone.
Sharing for Jo’s Monday Walks
“May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds.”
Edward Abbey
King’s Canyon is amazing. So glad you loved it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, we really did. A very special place.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh what a spectacular place it is! Loved the photos Miriam. It’s been a long time since I was there but it looks so familiar still. And you can’t possibly go past a beautiful ghost gum without a hug 😊
LikeLiked by 2 people
Oh, absolutely Glenys, glad you could relate to the tree hugging. And happy I could rekindle some nice memories for you. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I absolutely loved this post, Miriam! 🙂 Those gorgeous views and reds had me drooling! What a wonderful experience to walk around and explore every inch of the canyon. Beautiful captures. xo
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks so much Cheryl. It really was a very special place. Glad you enjoyed it. Have s great week 💕
LikeLiked by 1 person
Excellent post
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome Miriam
LikeLike
HA ha I was waiting for THAT photo. I knew you would do something “tricky” with it ! I loved the photo of you having the hug with your son. Lovely, lovely post. You make it look so easy writing these posts. Love the comment about the small being part of the big. very true. Lots of very good reflections, very true. Ah and yes this ancient land. It looks spectacular. Counting the sleeps…..Louise x
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes, it’s almost time for your big Italian adventure, Bellissimo. As for that photo, yep, you know it was just begging to be used! I knew you’d appreciate it. 🙂 Thank you for your lovely comments Louise. Always love hearing from you. xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have never been to Central Australia Miriam. I have always been mesmerised by that reddish coloured earth though. I love your appreciation and gratitude for this special country of ours. Xx
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks Lorelle. Yes Central Australia’s been high on my bucket list for a long, long time so it was very special to finally visit. xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glad you did. I hope to soon as well. Have a great week Miriam. Xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
You too! 🙂 xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Miriam, your posts always stir my soul and desire to travel outwards and inwards. Thank you!
LikeLiked by 3 people
How lovely to hear from you Tiffany. And to know that my post moved you, that means a lot. Hugs xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your writing always inspires me! Xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aw, thank you xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome! Xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Incredible views, Miriam, and I did appreciate your ‘dangle’ over the edge. 🙂 🙂 Totally awe-inspiring to be surrounded by such beauty. I enjoyed being with you so much!
But yes- a thought for people in the States. They’re having such a rough ride and I worry for them.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Miriam, I just love you and your perspective so much. You are a gift, and I am left inspired and enlightened every time I read one of your posts. This one is no different. Your photos are spectacular and also terrifying!! I am so scared of heights, my heart leaped into the back of my throat when I saw you guys so close to the edge. But, it also filled me with admiration for your bravery and willingness to step outside the lines and have that experience. Amazing…all of it!! xo
LikeLiked by 2 people
Aw, thanks so much Tanya, though I have to admit to having a mild fear of heights myself. I never used to when I was growing up but it’s kind of snuck up on me over the years. Still, I try and push myself as it definitely makes life more interesting. Thanks again for your thoughts. Hope you have a fearless and fun week ahead. xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
How beautiful!! reminds me of our Sedona and Red Rock Canyon in Western US
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks Jodi. I’m sure you’ve right. What a beautiful world we live in.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great post. We are learning so much from you about your region. We didn’t know this about Australia.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you. I’m glad I could enlighten you a little. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
So very much like the Grand Canyon or Utah here in the US. Beautiful!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, there’s no doubt we live in a beautiful word.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a fantastic experience! I would love visiting such a wonderful place
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Our thoughts are similar today! Awesome. 💕 Kings Canyon looks amazing. I visited something similar here in the northwest “Grand Canyon” yrs ago. It takes your breath away.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh yes, breath taking indeed! And our thoughts were definitely on the same wavelength yesterday. Amazing . 💕
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for sharing these thoughts and photographs. What a remarkable place to visit! One day…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes hopefully one day. Thanks PC. Have a great week. 🙂
LikeLike
Miriam, what a beautiful walk you’ve shared with us. All the reds in your photos are gorgeous. You nearly gave me heart failure with that photo though!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha, it was a fun moment. Couldn’t resist having a bit of fun with the photo too. Have a great week Carol. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Last week of third term…can’t get better than that. Oh wait, yes we can…first week of holidays! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah, that’s perfect. Enjoy the end of term and the coming holidays Carol. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s the plan! Thank you
LikeLiked by 1 person
Just stunning!! and, more magical than Ayer’s rock you say-I guess I will just have to check it out for myself! We really loved Ayer’s 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
We loved Ayers Rock too, such a spiritual awe inspiring place. But Kings Canyon, well, yes, think you’ll just have to go check it out yourself …🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
agreed!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great post always and fab photos. Nature is amazing
LikeLiked by 1 person
It absolutely is Bella, thanks.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great scenery and perspective.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Maverick.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hello Miriam,
A beautifully written post with photos to match and your gentle and subtle message never fails to move me.
Wonderful tribute to this land of ours.
Hugs to you from me 🙋🏻💐💕
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much my lovely friend. Ooh, not long to go for you now, this must be your last week. ✈️ How’s everything going? I hope all is well. xo 💕 Big warm hugs back.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re very welcome Miriam. Yes, Sunday night is take off! All going according to plan so far. Thank you for asking, and for your warm hug. Received gratefully 💕🌈💕
LikeLiked by 1 person
What an exciting time for you both. Well, I’m thinking of you Di. Enjoy these last few days at home. Hugs and love 💕🌹
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you my friend. I appreciate your very kind support 🙏🏼🙋🏻💕💕
LikeLiked by 1 person
Stunning photos – thanks for sharing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re very welcome. Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow looks like landscapes from out of this world! I love such rugged, desert landscapes. Great photos!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much Pooja. That’s a great description. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful as always Miriam!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much Nicole.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yet another wonderful and uplifting post from you. I keep reading them over and over and soon feel I have been travelling in Australia.😊 .
Seeing the King’s Canyon Rim Walk and you actually walking in this magic landscape. Wow!
I love all the pictures but have one favourite. It is no 2 , Stunning.
It is also all so amazingly red to us who live in the North. Does the Earth contain a lot of iron?
Again Miriam, thank you. 🦋😊🤗 .
miriam
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much Miriam and I’m glad my posts make you feel as though you’re getting to know Australia. Yes, there is a lot of iron content in the rocks, hence the red color. It’s a vibrant and very colorful destination. Take care and hope you’re having a great week. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Spectacular.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Lindsey! No doubt you’ve walked it yourself.
LikeLike
No, we haven’t. It was on the plan, then I broke my ankle…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ouch, well that would have made it hard. What a bugger …
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m completely amazed each time I come to the end to like your posts…this time there were 88 previous likes…8 represents infinity…88 is super great! What an incredible adventure you were able to experience. I think that Kings Canyon is like our Grand Canyon…I have never been but know it’s unbelievable as is this. I love that you shared your hugs with the Ghosts too!! 😉 Little things to grow into big things if we want them to. Yes it is wonderful to see the outpouring of care and concern from around the nation and the world to lend a helping hand to those in need. The south has been hit unbelievably hard in the past few weeks, and it will take a while for them to recover and rebuild. We must believe that there is a positive reason behind these natural disasters and look for it. How is your meditation coming along? I go to bed at night and listen to a meditative sleep story from my Calm app. It’s like having a bedtime story read to as you may have when you were little. Wishing you a beautiful day my lovely lady…big hugs xo 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah, it’s hard to sometimes look for a positive reason behind these natural disasters isn’t it? I guess when people come together to help it fosters care and love but I do feel for all those who’ve lost so much. It’s always devastating.
My meditation’s coming along well. I’m going to download Calm later today and check it out, I love the idea of a bedtime story read to me, perfect way to end a day. Thank you Debs and enjoy the rest of your night, and sleep. Big hugs xo
88 hey? Wow! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah it’s especially hard on older folks, I wish I could go down and help my parents while the power is out. They have a generator but I don’t know if my Dad can start it. It’s a pull cord not sure he has the strength, plus to drag it out, it’s weighs alot. And he’s texted me twice tonight to call his cell but my calls go into voice mail, so I told him to call me but nothing…spoke with him this afternoon when they first got home but that’s it. I love the bedtime stories, they have stories or music or sounds whatever you prefer. It was only like $36 for a year, if it was even that much. Calm sent me an email which offered a discount so I used that. Big hugs xo.
I know 88…love it. 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hopefully the power will be back on soon. Can they ask someone to help start the generator? It must be such a worry for you and hard being so far away, if you can’t go and help. Hopefully he’ll be able to get it out and get it working. I feel for them.
Big hugs and talk soon. xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
OMG I’m so tired…I was awake most of the night trying to figure out how to tell my Dad how to fix his phone, I finally got up at 5:15 because I couldn’t sleep. I tried calling them at 10am and the call went thru and my mother answered. I was soooo happy. She said the power came on around 4am and they were so grateful to be able to take a shower and have the a/c on…she said yesterday was brutal and they were so hot!! Today is their 65th anniversary…I said to her what a great present for your anniversary – power – and she said and a home!! So I’m ready for bed, but so relieved and happy. Big hugs and talk soon…xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh Deb, I’m so happy to hear that. What a wonderful gift for their anniversary. 65 years! Wow, that’s phenomenal. And now you, young lady, need a decent night sleep after a worrisome sleepless night like that. Rest up, at least you know they’re safe, they have power and they can hopefully enjoy the day together. Much love and big hugs to you and yours. Sleep well my dear friend 💖 xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Miri…yes such a relief…their phone is still sporadically working but as long as they have power and are safe that’s what matters!! I slept better last night but was still tired today…hopefully I will catch up tonight! Hope you had a lovely day yesterday and another one today!! Much love & big hugs to you xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Big hugs back. Yes, you’re right, they’re safe and that’s what matters. Glad you slept better, it’ll probably take a few days before you really catch up. Take it easy. xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
What an amazing hike! Thanks for sharing it, Miriam!
LikeLike
What wise words and reflections Miriam, I love your attitude! Your photos look amazing too. We missed going to Kings Canyon when we were out that way but will definitely get there one day. Just lovely 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Deb. What a great excuse to go back. It’s definitely worth it. x 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful Miriam, I felt like I was right there with you on your journey; the outward journey across ancient lands, as well as the inner journey of ancient wisdom your words managed to express so reverently… All wise, all knowing, all magical being that you are, thank you for sharing this one with us ❤ Truly stunning xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Such a beautiful heartfelt comment Hayley, thank you very much my dear friend. It’s very easy to be inspired when surrounded by so much majesty.💥 Hope you’ve had a brilliant week. Big hugs xo 💕
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome my friend 🙏🏻🦋 here’s to a majestic week ahead xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
And you too Hayley. Enjoy it all. xo 💖
LikeLiked by 1 person
What an amazing hike Miriam, I can feel the history and the quietude in the photographs. It looks like a super place to spend time in meditation too. Thank you so much for sharing ☺💖 xxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
My absolute pleasure Xenia. A special place indeed. 💕 xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi MIriam– such dramatic landscape!! So amazing– glad you had the time and chance to see it all. (and that you showed it to us). You really do live in an amazing place. I can see why it feeds your soul… Hope all’s well with you friend. xox
LikeLiked by 1 person
It really is something special Rhonda, happy to share. Hope you’re well, as I am . xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow! A walk to remember and I love the parallels you draw to living life throughout the post. 400 million years old!!! You can sense the timeless eternal nature of the landscape in your photographs – all stunning and then the serene lush oasis. Miriam, I wanted to rush over and rescue you from the edge…great set-up and glad you’re having such fun with your son. A joy of an article and I hope you’re having luck placing some of these with magazine etc – your travel writing is superb and inspiring.😀❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so very much Annika, I really appreciate your kind words. Yes it was a very special place, as for those articles, I think it will take some time. But hopefully … It’s a very competitive market these days. Have a wonderful weekend. xo 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on Dream Big, Dream Often.
LikeLike
oh wow this walk is AMAZING . . . simply stunning. I have to come to your wonderful country soon.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope you make it here Becky. You’d absolutely love it. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Splendid pictures of some gorgeous scenery!
LikeLike
I simply do not believe you were on Planet Earth Miriam. Come on, admit it. You spent a weekend on Mars!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha, at times it felt like it Denzil. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow.. Miriam, you had me going there for at least a second or two as I saw you hanging on for dear Life LOL… Big smiles..
And love you are also a tree huger.. 🙂 Lol
And so enjoyed your wonderful paragraph where you said
“It’s a bit like life … the focus that’s needed to start something, the determination and effort to keep going, to reach a place that’s worthwhile.” So true…
We have to be prepared to put the effort in..
And you certainly did that, both on the climb, and within your wonderful words here on your post.. Fantastic photos.. 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you so much Sue. I’m so glad you enjoyed his post. This was an absolutely magical and memorable walk and it deserved to be matched with some meaningful words. Big hugs xo 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂 it was wonderful.. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful post! I am putting this in my bucket list ✨
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, and you really should Eric. It’s truly an amazing place. ✨
LikeLiked by 1 person
wow great
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glad you liked
LikeLike
Your images are amazing Miriam! After Uluru, I thought how can the centre top that. then I discovered Kata Tjuta……same thought again. Well Kings Canyon blew me away. Oh yes those steps up to the rim! haha Took me 6 hours to walk around and sit in awe.
There was no was I could get anywhere near the edge…major vertigo – even thinking about it! Not sure why as I skydived for 4 years with a C licence and never had vertigo once…maybe I knew I had two chutes on my back??? Strange…..
LikeLiked by 1 person
Whoah, that’s impressive Lexa! Skydiving with a C licence. Well I still get vertigo so there’s no way in the world you’d get me jumping out of a perfectly good plane! 😏
LikeLiked by 1 person
Funnily vertigo is rare skydiving – nothing in your eyesight to tell you, you are falling or about to – feels more like floating. Oh do it just once – it changes life perspective – it’s actually quite calming and freeing rather than a rush…perhaps one day…?
LikeLiked by 1 person
You almost make it sound doable, and appealing. Almost …. well, you never know. One day, maybe.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hmmm maybe…haha 🙂 Ask any skydiver the date of their first jump…even if they have been jumping 20 years, they still remember..:)
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m sure they do. But me … I dunno. Anyway, enjoy your Sunday, whatever you’re doing 🙂
LikeLike
You really experienced The Centre’s marvels! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
We did Lexa. Such a special place . 🙂
LikeLike
Such wonderful snaps. Hope I get to visit this place soon 👏
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, it’s very special. Hope you do too.
LikeLiked by 1 person