Rim walking
June 6, 2025
‘Red line’ mile marker 592.9 to 613.3
Hiked today: 20.4 miles / 32.8 km
Today started with a continuation of yesterday’s trail, taking us up to the top of the cliffs, around to experience the views, then down again to the canyon floor before the next ascent. Although there was a lot of climbing, it was worth it for the beautiful outlook to green fields, sandstone cliffs and distant mountains.
The trail is very well marked with cairns but with the early morning sun in my eyes, I managed to head a short way along a dirt road before realising my mistake. We had a descent to water tanks fed by a spring and took and filtered enough water for the next 14 miles. It was after midday when we started again, now in the hottest part of the day, and with heavy packs. Although we drank regularly, we quickly lost that fluid in sweat. We climbed up the side of a mountain to a shelf which we followed around, still enjoying the views, and it continued around to an adjoining mountain, where we were on the same sedimentary strata level.
As we worked our way up the rocky slope, we passed a cairn behind which was hiding a huge rattlesnake, which let its presence be known by a menacing rattle of its tail. A few days ago, Russell had told me that he had come across a very large rattlesnake also hiding near a rock cairn. Now I know that is a small sample size, but now I was more cautious passing the cairns, looking to see if any snakes were lurking nearby.
On we continued, climbing up to the rocky shelf, cruising along the ridge, then descending, only to find we were going back up to the top of the next cliff. Although we didn’t complete as many miles as yesterday, we were both tired and glad to reach the canyon with a spring for our water. We sat at the sandy base of the canyon to prepare and eat our dinner and filter water for tomorrow’s hike. Soon after, we came across a great little campsite and decided to call it a day.
8 thoughts on “Rim walking”
Rattlesnake #1 and 2 incidentally
Great pics
Sorry ’bout your head, Bud
It gives me so much joy reading all about your adventures. What incredible beauty you awake to each day. Such stunning images. I did enjoy the random Lego bonsai, there is a story there. A quick Jedda st update. We lost our shed (a tree) and caravan (water got into the air vent and caused the skin of the van to bubble) to Cyclone Alfred. About 30 gum trees either fell or had to be removed due to damage. So our landscape has changed. The koalas have started to come back to the area. You can keep the Rattlesnakes. Rick has sold his place, a lovely family with 2 young kids are the new owners. Take care x
Congratulations on passing the 600 mile point!
Great photos. We’re really enjoying reading about your adventure.
Wow what an adventure so far. I can’t believe how far you’ve already gone. No way I could do it! Looking forward to more updates
This terrain is looking lovely! Cold here in Hobart, wet and windy.
Very scenic indeed. Love the way the clear sky moves up from pale lemony apricot to delicate and deeper blue.
Good find on the Lego! Could it be a geocache thing?