07.04.2019 # Outback, Day 2, from Palm Valley to Kings Canyon Resort

Because we didn't set an alarm, we only wake up when it's already getting light outside. Time-wise, that's not a problem, we have no rush. However, the fly invasion has already begun, so we have breakfast in the car after storing the two large bags outside on a bench.

We ultimately decide to skip the way to Palm Valley after seeing that the track becomes borderline even for 4WD vehicles. There are fresh scrape marks in some places, where presumably other vehicles have recently bottomed out. Since we don't want to risk our deposit, we take the path of least resistance and skip the palm trees. After all, it's already too hot to walk.

Our next stop is Kings Canyon Resort, where we want to spend the night at the campground there. The shortest way there leads via the Mereenie Loop, the section for which we had obtained a permit for an extra 5 AUD in Alice Springs.

The Mereenie Loop seems to have been designed for die-hard masochists. It is an approximately 125 km long unsealed road. At the beginning, it drives quite well on the gravel and sand track. However, over time, the ruts increase and the whole car is mercilessly shaken. It becomes more tolerable when I drive much faster than the recommended 60km/h. But I had read that tip on the internet beforehand. Once again, we are mostly alone out here. From time to time, a dust cloud on the horizon announces oncoming traffic, which briefly causes zero visibility at our height.

There is little variety on either side of the track. According to the numerous warning signs, there should be plenty of kangaroos and other wildlife here. But that's far from true. Apart from a few birds here and there, the animal world remains hidden. So we are glad when we finally see a few wild camels by the roadside. At some point, someone tells us that most animals are more active at night because of the heat. Therefore, during the day you hardly have a chance to capture something on camera. But the landscape is magnificent and constantly offers impressive views. Overall, we do not regret our choice of route at all, especially since the bumpy track also gives a bit of an outdoor feeling.

In the early afternoon, we reach Kings Canyon Resort. The plan is to rent a pitch, park the car, and then go for a hike in Kings Canyon. Points one and two are quickly ticked off. We abandon point three after our friendly Australian neighbors inform us that it would still be about fifteen minutes by car to the canyon. Poorly researched again... Okay, then we'll do what all the newcomers around us are doing, we indulge ourselves and take a look at the resort. Unlike the cozy place in Palm Valley, this is already a small town. In addition to the pitches (with and without electricity connection), there are also fixed bungalows, luxurious tents, and various restaurants. Due to the Easter holidays in Australia, it is also relatively crowded, so we nostalgically think back to the first undisturbed evening. True wagon fortresses are set up all around our little camper, which turn night into day with their LED batteries when darkness falls. At some point, the term "material battle" is mentioned, which describes it most accurately. Everywhere you can see people discussing and examining the latest caravan technologies. Our neighbors have driven all the way from Brisbane, covering several thousand kilometers in the process. That would be too much for me.

At sunset, a large part of the community pilgrims to the sunset viewing point, which every campsite worth its salt has and equips with a mobile bar at its discretion. However, most of them do not look towards the setting sun, but in the opposite direction. In general, there are hills or mountain ranges there that receive a fantastic red color from the last sunlight. Admittedly, a grand spectacle that we cannot resist either.

In the twilight, there is a small excitement when a snake about a meter long moves across the terrain, followed by an ever-increasing crowd of people. At some point, the animal is caught by a brave employee to the applause of the onlookers and given a ban.

The only reminder of the wildlife now is the many warning signs that warn against feeding the free-roaming dingoes that roam the camp and that we initially mistake for dogs. No idea who comes up with the idea of feeding them. However, they are so used to humans that they approach without fear and occasionally rummage through nearby garbage bags. It is said that they have already become aggressive. So we are warned.

Fortunately, the neighbors turn off their floodlights in good time, so we can go to bed relatively early. Tomorrow morning, Kings Canyon and then Ayers Rock await us. We also want to have breakfast without flies, so we will get up in the dark. Hopefully, I won't have to go out tonight, it's almost a hundred meters to the toilet J