Remember a couple of posts ago I introduced the concept of Larapinta flat? Well, that was today.
It was a relatively easy walk today and the legs were appreciative after yesterday’s efforts. It was also very social out on the trail with a bunch of other day walkers enjoying the wide, open spaces and the odd lung-busting climb.
Yes, so much for Larapinta flat! 😊
Date: Wednesday, 26 July 2023.
From: Finke River
To: Ormiston Gorge
Section #: 10
Rating: Moderate.
Official/Map Distance: 8.9km Planned Distance: 10km Actual Distance: 10.7km
Progress: 196/223km
Ascent: 279m Descent: 225m
Terrain: Flatish, flatish, up a little bit, down a gully or two, up, up, bloody up, then down, up, down, up, flatish, down a little.
Started Walking: 0959 Finished: 1238pm Time/Hrs: 2h38m
Weather: Clear and warm. No merino layers required today.
Stayed At: Finke River camp.
General Comments:
- We were on the move this morning, packing up and leaving our Serpentine Chalet campsite for the soft, sandy side of the Finke River. It was such a joy to camp in one spot for multiple nights and our new home next to the Finke River would be even better. We could swim again!
- The Finke River is a popular campsite for all and sundry, and we saw every style/type of camping outfit set up around us (and depart) over the next few days. One ambitious group decided to camp on the sand in their standard 2WD sedans! Not a good idea and shortly they approached our guide begging for a loan of the ramps that are handy to get out of boggy/bogged situations. A key learning for novices or the overly optimistic!
- Today’s walk started with a slog up the sandy belly of the Finke River. Hard going on tired legs. After a quick pit stop at the Indie’s camp, we set out eastwards (walking in reverse again) back to Ormiston Gorge. Being such a linear person, this really messes with my little brain, but any walk is a good walk, regardless of the direction.
- One of our hiking family had to sit it out today after she developed a massive blister on the sole of her foot. Without going into all the gory details, it was biggest blister I had ever seen, covering the entire ball of her foot. An impressive, if somewhat painful, achievement!
- It was pleasant walking this morning, despite feeling like I was running on empty. I kept sip, sip, sipping my water and topping up with muesli bars. Perhaps playing catch-up from yesterday’s exertions?
- After huffing and puffing up a steep hill and a short rest break, it was virtually downhill all the way back to Ormiston Gorge. We all had a spring in our step as waiting for us at the Gorge were shower facilities! Heaven! And it was probably the best $5 I have ever spent. It turns out that this would be my third and final shower for the whole 14-day walk.
- Ormiston Gorge is another popular tourist spot and it has quite extensive camping facilities, plus a busy café. It is also possible to swim in the Gorge (VERY cold water – see yesterday’s post) and there are a couple of 240V charging points to top up your devices. I did lash out on a very expensive ice cream, but I figured I had earned it of late.
- It is possible to do a couple of shorter day walks from the Gorge, including one to/around an area called Ormiston Pound. Unfortunately, we didn’t have time to include that in our schedule and perhaps the rest and relaxation (and ice cream) was better for us anyway.
- Back at camp, we picked our favourite spots and set up our tents. It is lovely to be camping on soft sand again although it does seem to get into the tent and everything else, despite my best efforts. I am not sure how our al fresco toilet facilities are going to work out with so many other travellers camped in every direction. They may get more views than they had bargained for.
- On the other hand, our views are gorgeous. In the foreground we have a wide, permanent waterhole (part of the Finke River) full of birdlife and the odd plip, plop of fish. The backdrop is full of rich oranges and reds of the Parcoota Range. Life is pretty darn good.
- Today’s Word: Spiritual
- Menu: Breakfast: Avocado and fried eggs on toast.
- Lunch: Quinoa salad with chicken, cheese, tomatoes, olives, baby spinach and yet more &^%$# cucumber. I have started calling our guides The Cucumber Kids! They love the stuff!
- Dinner: Slow roasted lamb with roast veges and damper.
Top Tips for this Section:
- You could join this stage/section together with the next one if you had plenty of energy in your legs. Other than a couple of stiff climbs, it is a relatively mild day.
- Don’t miss out on the opportunity to shower at Ormiston Gorge. There is plenty of hot water and bonus power points in the bathrooms to recharge as you shower. I almost felt human again!
- The birdlife around the Gorge itself is quite wonderful (same for the Finke River). Pack your binoculars and/or camera if you are a bird lover.
- Rocks are finally handy for something! Use them to stabilise your tent’s guy ropes as pegs are useless in the sand.
#travelinspo #LarapintaTrail #multidayhikes #adventurebeforedementia #longdistancewalks #australianbush #WorldExpeditions #bushwalks #greatoutdoors #crosscountry #exploreonfoot #NorthernTerritory #CentralAustralia #discovernorthernterritory #WestMacDonnellRanges #OutbackAustralia #hikingadventures #epicadventures #OrmistonGorge
Life...one big adventure 
The scenery continues to impress. And many thanks for not including a photo of the world’s biggest blister!
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That’s my pleasure! 😉
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Greetings. How much, overall, are you enjoying this walk? By the way, the meals you list sound very tasty.
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I am lovin’ this walk! Yes, some of the days are tougher than others, but I love the low stress nature of someone else doing all the coordination AND creating the delicious food! Much tastier and nicer than I could ever create.
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Definitely an army marching on its stomach, Mel, you earn every mouthful. And jiminy, I could probably walk this section! Could you have me airlifted in and out?
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I am with you on this one, Jo. Lovely Mel. Now it’s time to get on me cycle and go to basketball. Though I could do with a leisurely walk around there, just for a change 🙂
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🤣🩵
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An active day ahead for you. Go you! I have been resting up of late and will get back into it shortly. Have a good one. Mel
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Leave it with me, Jo. I will find a helicopter for you, if you have the budget? And Yes, there is little chance I will lose weight on this hike! 🙂 De-lish!
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🤣🩷
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What gorgeous images!
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Many thanks although all the credit for the lovely fire images goes to my PiC. She took some amazing photos on her phone.
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Love that red rock wall. It goes perfect with the calm river for a nice camp site. Maggie
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Such a contrast to the colours of your latest Pakistan trip. Both landscapes similarly harsh and dramatic, but worlds apart in colour.
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Yes very. And animals 😊
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I had definitely a lot to catch up on your big trip! I looked up for this trail, then I found your first post with details. Obviously, I wasn’t too active on wp this summer lol
Not sure how you came up with these places, but well worth all the effort of hiking in the heat and cold, with or without blisters. The views are fantastic🙂
Christie
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Thanks, Christie. It has been a HUGE travel year for me with many adventures ticked off the list. I think this hike was the most impactful. The scenery just blew my mind everyday.
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I could see why❤️🙂
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Nice to have a mild day once in a while.
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🙂 – I guess it depends on your definition of ‘mild’.
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All relative, of course.
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😳😁
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I love your campsite and stunning photos of your fire – perfect way to end a ‘flatish’ day. A shower, beautiful birds and splendid views … it’s a thumbs up from me 👍🏻.
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Glad you enjoyed it and the photography skills of my PiC. She took some cracking photos.
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That campsite and sunset are just so beautiful, what a lovely day of the walk.
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I don’t think there is anything better than sitting around a crackling fire at the end of a fabulous day.
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Some fabulous photos here Mel and the food looks delish, much better than the stuff I had on my African overland camping trip. I reckon you’ve earned that ice-cream!
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That ice cream tasted sooooooo good!
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