The Grampians

Ha: this morning two-thirds of the early bird (and so) and are tired and fully motivated (well, 'so-so' motivated and 'so-so' came from the coffee...) set off for the planned hike to the Pinnacle. The other third were able to sleep in!

It was already warmer than expected at 8 o'clock and we started the 4.4 km hike from the Sundial car park through lots of trees 🌳 and rocks - partly a bit of climbing, partly a leisurely walk. The trail was totally worth it (although there were people who were already on the way back when we had just done the first kilometer - the bird was very full by then) and we were rewarded with a great view over the valley.

Back at eleven-thirty, we had a nice breakfast and made plans for the rest of the day. Unanimously, we went to Boroka Lookout, Reed Lookout, and finally, the McKenzie Falls.

By now it was about 38 degrees and the waterfalls were magically attracting us. As is often the case with waterfalls, you have to either walk up or down somewhere. In our case, it was down, first quite pleasantly on a constructed path, then occasionally with a few rock steps, then many rock steps, and then very steep and narrow rock steps. Every damn stair was worth it, and when we reached the bottom, there was a beautiful waterfall with a slow flow, so you could sit on the shore and dip your feet in the water. We didn't want to leave, but there was no other choice, and eventually, we had to start walking again. Did I mention the stairs and how narrow and steep they were? They were still the same when we walked up, and two-thirds (a different group than in the morning) crept up the path. Oh, and it was still 38 degrees. Halfway up, I briefly thought what a crazy idea it was to walk in this heat, but the thought was gone when we reached the top (strange...) and we were all beaming because it was so beautiful down there.

For dinner tonight, we had kangaroo (for the two-thirds from this morning): delicious! You just have to ignore how cute they were hopping in front of us this morning and how nice it was to see them in the field when we got back home.

There are no koalas in sight: emus, kangaroos, giraffes... but not a single koala! They're doing it on purpose... just like Uschi, who was being difficult again today - Hertz will have fun with me when I return the rental car tomorrow...