The Rim of Life: Kings Canyon

Posted on by Miriam

The magic of Central Australia stirs me, even a month after our return. Red earth, big skies, wild canyons and deep gorges …

Ancient walls (800x600)

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.

A sheer climb up (600x800)

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.

A cross section throuigh time (600x800)

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.

It’s a big drop down those cliffs

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.

Breathing in the brilliance

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.

Close to the edge
Going over, not really

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.

Hugging Daniel (800x600)

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!

Hugging a tree (600x800)

When I’m immersed in nature it reminds me of the abundance of beauty in our world.

Canyons and stairs (600x800)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. 

Rim Walk panorama (800x182)

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

109 thoughts on “The Rim of Life: Kings Canyon”

  2. 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 😊

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  5. 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

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    1. 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

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  8. 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.

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  9. 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

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    1. 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

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  20. 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 🙋🏻💐💕

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      1. 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 💕🌈💕

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  24. 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

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    1. 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. 🙂

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  26. 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 🙂

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    1. 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! 🙂

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      1. 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. 😉

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        1. 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

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        2. 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

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        3. 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

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        4. 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

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        5. 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

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  29. 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

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    1. 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 💕

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  31. 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

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  32. 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.😀❤️

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    1. 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 🙂

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  34. Pingback: Jo’s Monday walk : Yarn bombing in Yorkshire | restlessjo

  38. 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.. 🙂

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  41. 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…..

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      1. 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…?

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