Palm Valley to Kings Canyon (via Boggy Hole)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KYLIE!!

We had the coldest night camping that we have had so far.  It was absolutely freezing in the tent last night. Our sleeping bags are rated to -5 and we were both still freezing!

Last night at the campsite the ranger gave a talk around the campfire at 7pm - talks are given every Thursday night and we just happened to arrive on the right day.

Quite interesting, he spoke about what the National Parks main aims are in relation to controlling weeds, pests, animals and fire control.  Explained what animals are found in the park and also discussed the basics around what he does as a Ranger, qualifications needed etc.  Then he just answered questions from all of us.  Interesting night, We all learned a bit and had some laughs.

Left camp this morning around 8.30am and drove to Boggy Hole. We had spoken to the ranger last night about the road to Boggy Hole and he said that it was a bit "how you goin'!", but we would be fine in our 4WD.  He just said to make sure we have recovery gear, water and food with us as its fairy remote and if you get stuck it could be 3 days before anyone comes through to find us!  As it turned out, we saw 1 4WD in about 6 hours of driving, so he was right about the remoteness of the track!  The track itself wasn't hard though, a few little sections that could get you caught up if you were inexperienced or didn't have your 4WD set up sufficiently, but nothing too major.

Perfect 4WD track though, gave you a bit of everything - sand, clay, rocks, sandstone ledges, gravel.  We drove in and out of the Finke River, which had absolutely no water in it though.

In the middle of the Finke River

It was a great track and truly beautiful area, Boggy Hole was so quiet and beautiful.  No one anywhere in sight and totally pristine in every way.  We can see why Vic told us that this is one of his favourite campsites in Australia, totally agree.  We were going to camp here, but as we arrived so early in the morning it seemed a bit of a waste, so we spent a while exploring the area and taking photos and then decided to continue on to Kings Canyon.

The whole drive today was so nice and differing scenery which kept it interesting. The fact that there were no other cars around made it even better, it felt like we were the only ones in the bush.  Found what appeared to be a shortcut to Ernest Giles Road, may have been a shortcut, but don't think anyone had driven it for quite a while! Few trees in the middle of the track and very, very overgrown.

Probably got quite a few new scratches, but we made it! Hema maps are great, but if only they could tell you track conditions too!!

Froggy chillin' by the water!

Arrived at Kings Creek Station to camp for the night, got a great campsite in one of the tour operators sites! Huge grassy area, with table and chairs and separate under cover sink and lighting.  We also have our own exclusive use of the toilets and showers are there are no other tour groups in the surrounding areas tonight! 

Campsite at Kings Creek Station