Kings Canyon

After our exciting drive into Finke Gorge, we headed north on the roundabout track to Kings Canyon.  Mostly dirt, this well-maintained road still claims its share of vehicles.  Excessive speed and lack of respect for gravel/dirt are the primary causes. We passed several long-abandoned roll-overs, as well as a fresh accident involving a “Wicked” brand rental camper van.  The drivers had lost control moments before, and ran into a tall embankment, disabling their rental.  Thankfully, some folks had stopped to help, as there was no civilization for at least 150km and no cell service either.

Like many of the other gorges in NT, Kings canyon is a big gouge eroded by water following a fault in the sandstone.
  






Alternating layers of rock material produce different capping compounds.  Some produce iron oxide layers, others grow a type of algae.  These change the way they erode, producing these distinctive beehive shapes.



This rock face cracked loose a few decades ago.  The sandstone here is actually nearly pure white.  But it contains particles of iron.  When exposed to the air and rain, the iron leeches out as iron oxide, turning the surface varying shades of red.



Many of the cliff edges are severely undercut, we obeyed the signs…



At the far end of the canyon, several permanent rock pools form an oasis, which is called the Garden of Eden.





Near the water a number of Spinifex pigeons strutted about.  Relying on their camouflage, these birds rarely fly, preferring to hide under a spinifex mound.  Probably a good approach given the number of kestrels and peregrine falcons about. Check out that crest!