Friday, June 11, 2010

Larapinta Trek - Day 2

Section 1, Wallaby Gap - Simpson's Gap
My camp at daybreak



Packing up....







From Wallaby Gap, we follow the tral west through manficent, shady Bloodwoods and tall Ironwoods, the dominant trees on this narrow alluvial flat.   We may catch sight of a shy Echidna or Black-footed Rock Wallaby as we approach Simpson's Gap.   A short transfer takes us to the stunnig Standley Chasm where we undertake a spectacualr loop alk including an exciting descent (more like tretour!) through the rugged heart of the Standley Chasm.   Then we trasnfer to our wildrness campsite.




We saw lots of these!!


The ladies are ready to go!
















On our way to Scorpios Pool












Scorpion Pool
We followed a track north, up into a small gorge to the base of a small water fall.  Scorpion pool is a temporary waterhole which has high calcium content, as the water is seeping from limestone.   The pool is named after harmless Water Scorpions that live in the rocks below the pool.  It was a stunningly beautiful, magical place.  These pictures do not do it justice.







Fairy Springs Junction




The Larapinta Trail heads west to cross a creek then follows the baeof the Rungutjirba Ridge south-west.   The trail passes through woodland rising gently onto a broad spur then swings north then north-west, climbing steeply onto Rungutjirba Ridge.








Time for lunch!   We had some beautiful birds join us....


Now, we are off to the famous Simpson's Gap...

























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