Kings Canyon, time to sketch…

 

Three walks exist at Kings Canyon. The two km (return) and approximately one-hour Kings Creek Walk traces the bottom of the gorge. At the end of the walk is a platform, with views of the canyon walls above. The six km (loop) Kings Canyon Rim Walk traces the top of the canyon and takes three to four hours to complete. A steep climb at the beginning of the walk, which locals call “Heartbreak Hill” (or “Heart Attack Hill”, due to its steepness),

The group is going to hike the rim walk and we follow along to the start of those 500 steps. They are steep, rough and what goes up must also come down! I’m very tempted, I’m sure the views are going to be stunning.

But we chose to wander, at our leisure, along the King’s Creek Walk.It is quite a magical place, so peaceful. We only saw 3 other people in the 2 hours we spent wandering along. This tour is definitely all about seeing as much as can be fitted into the 4 days. The scenery we have seen so far is stunning and I would love to have the time to sketch. (I take lots of photos and I tell myself I will use them to sketch and paint when I get back home. BUT I have a confession I have not, as yet, kept that promise I made to myself!!!) I carry my sketch book and pencils in my bag all the time, so now I had time to really look and do some sketching.

Look at this unusual barkSo much to look at

Looking at the time I’m amazed at how the 2 hours have raced by. Absorbed in trying to capture the detail time seems to stand still. I look up at the North Rim and imagine the group must be almost back down. They show us their photos and yes the views were amazing. But I found our time in the creek bed was a very unique and special experience. Being able to do this sort of travel is what I miss when I am with a tour group.

Now we head to Glen Helen Gorge, tonight we will be staying there, but not in the homestead like last week (see it here) but this time we are in the camp ground in the tents. More about this in the next post….

The ever “restless Jo” is still in the Algarve, but she is still finding time to take us on interesting walks. So I would like to join her friendly walking group this week. Go across to the Algarve and see the lovely walk she has taken us on this week.