Sat 30/08/14 500 clicks to Kings Canyon today, 30oC+ hot drive. Had a food and fuel stop at the Erludunda Roadhouse. They have statues of a giant echidna and frilled neck lizard, also some 'pet' emus that seemed to spend most of their time kicking each other and making their funny drum noise. Diesel over $2/litre here. Next rest stop was at a free camp area on the Lasseter Highway where Michael hung a spoon on a tree for some target practice. Spotted some wild camels roadside for the first time. Arrived at Kings Canyon Resort around 4pm, nice spot with views of the escarpment and stable doors on the toilets blocks to keep the dingoes out. Good news is that it is warmer here and we are back to our balmy evenings.

Sun 31/08/14 Up early to hike the canyon rim walk; going to be 35oC so wanted to try to miss the heat. Got chatting to a Swiss couple across the road who have been touring the WORLD for 6 years in an enormous converted army truck. They travel until they need a rest then fly home for 3 months, then back to it again - cashed up! They were kind enough to let LBA all have a photo in the drivers' seat. Thus we arrived at the canyon later than planned, being a bit before 9am. Hike is 5.5kms with a steep start of a 150mt climb straight up to top of rim; kids skipped up it like mountain goats with K&M puffing behind. Then we rock hopped around the rim of the escarpment - awesome views; Garden of Eden in the centre very picturesque. Very enjoyable walk and we completed it in just over 2 hours, rather than the estimated 3 to 4 hours. Back to the resort for lunch and refreshing swims in the COLD pool. Dinnered early then headed over to the sunset viewing platform for photos and a wine, before going to watch country music entertainer, Rod Dowsett, in the barn; bought his CD. Enjoyable evening.