Escape From Sacred Canyon

So we woke after a solid night sleep feeling tired after our exertions of yesterday. However we were determined to persevere, so off we set for Wilpena.

Wilpena is the National Park headquarters and the start of a number of walks. We chose the Wangara Lookout walk, a 7.8k 3.5 hour return. We started along the Wilpena Creek. Like all creeks around here it was full of red gums. Gorgeous!!. There was actual water in the creek and the birds were singing in the cool. Probably not normal Flinder's Ranges but really pleasant and pretty.

The only problem we encountered was that about 2 k in where the 'road' ended and the smaller path began, we realised we could have caught the bus to the spot like other tired oldies. Darn it, we need to talk to rangers more. The walk continued along the creek and eventually began to broaden out when we got into the pound. At an old stone hut (Hill's homestead) we headed up the hill for a view of the pound. Yep, very pretty, and again probably not what most see as it was very green from the rain and still overcast. Much closer than yesterday and you can see why people thought it would make good agricultural country, especially in the rain.

Reading the Hill's story though made you wonder at the toughness of the people who settled here.

We walked into the pound a little further, before heading back.

When we set up for lunch by the creek, the rain started, so we lunched in the lee of the visitor information centre. Not bad really and at least we stayed dry. We took the opportunity to message loved ones as there was mobile coverage. Hi loved ones!

Because of the rain a lot of roads were closed, including the road we had been on yesterday afternoon. So, of the options available we decided that Sacred Canyon was a good start. The short 13k dirt road seemed in pretty good nick as we went in. A few muddy spots but nothing out of the ordinary. It was, however, evident how fragile this country is. You could see how any rain seemed to just carve itself a waterway through the fragile soil. There were areas carpeted with wildflowers and areas where it was obvious we should have been here last week for the spectacular.

Anyway, got to the canyon ad walked in along the creek bed. As we got in a bit higher, we dodged the odd bit of still water to keep dry. Lovely location and mildly interesting rock carvings.

We were enjoying a chat with another couple when the rain started. Ha! Ha! we all thought and said. It got heavier and heavier and the lightning started. Soon the lightning was almost directly overhead and we started to get hail. At some point I felt that sheltering in a narrow canyon in the rain was not a long term proposition, so we scrambled back down the creek. We got absolutely soaked and getting back across the creek at the car park was a mid-shin wade by this time as the water was rising fast. The worst part was that Marjan made me go back and check on an older couple in case they were having trouble.

Soaked to the skin we drove back and had to wade at least 12 'creeks'. Most very small dips in the ground, but at least three were sizeable watercourses by the time we got to them. Marjan was a little tense. So tense she even praised my creek crossing abilities.

Anyway, we survived, the Subie did well and we ended up having a glass of wine with the older couple. They are staying in the plusher accommodation. Views to die for. Marjan's face was a picture to behold when Margaret told her that they had spotted 2 trees hit by lightening strikes on their way back. So many ways we could have died! But we survived to have a wine and a view to die for.

We will need to keep an eye on the web sites. The Oodnadataa trail is closed and we do not know what will happen. We may have to replan that part of the trip. At the moment we cannot even get to Marree to start the Ooodnadatta leg of the journey. Oh the joys of the weather.

Another day another adventure!