caligirl56

All right, now I've got a really embarrassing question to ask. Well--not so much embarrassing to me, but, definitely embarrassing to my husband.

We leave for Australia in 4 weeks, and he just broke his big toe (it's embarrassing because he was racing the dog . . . and although he won, I for one don't think it was worth it).

The hope is that he'll be fairly well healed before we go--but who knows.

The plans I'd made for the first week and a half of our trip include:

Manly to Spit Bridge Scenic Walk
Base Walk around Uluru
Valley of the Winds walk
Kings Canyon Rim walk


We're guessing that 7-9 kilometers will be o.k. for him by then--but if the terrain is difficult, this might be a problem. So, I'm wondering how "rugged" some of these are. I'm assuming that the Uluru Base Walk will be o.k. I guess I also thought the Manly Spit Walk might be o.k.--can anyone tell me if there is a lot of uphill and downhill as it traces the coast line?

I think that the elevation gain may be o.k. for him on both the Valley of the Winds and Kings Canyon--but not if it involves a lot of jarring steps over rocks, etc. Can anyone comment on this?

I know there are shorter options at all of these places--and he (or both of us) can resort to those if we need to. But, I'm trying to get info on these somewhat more difficult walks, first! Thanks!

aprillilacs

Too bad about the broken toe! But fortunately the first 3 walks your list shouldn't be a problem (didn't do #4, so I can't comment on that). The Uluru base walk is long but completely flat. The Manly-Spit Bridge walk has some minor ups and downs but nothing I would classify as rugged. Same with the Valley of the Winds walk -- there are some uphill/downhill in a few places, but it's not strenuous. At that walk, the most strenouous part is right at the start, so if your husband decides it's not doable, you can switch to the other walk at Kata Tjuta instead, which I hear is easier (though we didn't do that one).

nevets

Hi caligirl56

Wow what a great story. I'm cheering for your dog.
I'm thinking that the Kings Canyon walk might be a bit challenging, if not quite dangerous, for your husband because it requires a bit of agility and the Canyon walls are very high.
From my memories of ten years ago there is a bit of climbing up rocky pathways involved and walking along cliff tops is not a good idea if you're a bit unsteady on your feet.
You could still go there though because the patterns and colours in the rock are amazing, and can not be seen well from a brochure, and with four weeks to go your husband's toe sh/could have mended a lot.
Regards nevets

marg

We've done both the three last walks on your list. We're in our sixties so not the fittest. The Valley of the Winds is mainly flat and along paths - from memory there is one stretch when you either climb down or up but it was fairly easy.
With the Kings Canyon walk, it's generally recommended that you start the walk from the left hand side of the canyon. This is the steepest part of the walk - if your husband can make this section, he can do the rest of the walk. There are some long stairways into the Garden of Eden.
There is a walk along the base of the canyon but its not nearly as good as the rim walk.

longhorn55

We, too, have done the last 3 walks on your list and I'd have to agree with Marg--if your husband can manage the steep section at the beginning of the Kings Canyon hike, he can manage the rest of it.
We did the Uluru Base walk and the Valley of the Winds walk with my 70-year-old MIL, so if she could do it, I imagine your husband will be able to do so too.

caligirl56

Thanks so much for your answers. I'm very encouraged that the first three walks sound doable.

As for Kings Canyon--I'm thinking that if my husband can't make it, I'll just go on and do the hike alone.

Maybe he could do the alternative shorter hike--the Creek Walk I think. Is there any reason that this would be a bad idea? (I don't usually walk alone in strange places--but this sounds like it would be fine).

marg

There are usually lots of people doing the rim walk at Kings Canyon so you should be safe by yourself. Why not ask one of the rangers - there may be ranger-guided walks that you could join in.
Just one point - the rim walk takes three-four hours, take water, sunscreen, something to eat and a hat.
The canyon floor walk only takes about thirty minutes, so if husband isn't going to join you, make sure he has a good book and food and water whilst he is waiting for you.
Hope you enjoy it and your holiday in Australia.

caligirl56

marg,
Thanks for the idea about the ranger walk--hadn't thought of that. I'll tell my husband to bring something along to read--but, I'll bet he could just sit around and take pictures for several hours and not really feel bored! I'm still hoping his foot will be healed and ready to go by then!

stormbird

Isn't it funny but I thought the Valley of the Winds walk was actually a bit difficult.

I don't know why but my feet were an absolute mess after that walk. Really, really sore. We spent a year on the road and did lots of walks averaging 8-10klms and never suffered with sore feet apart from the Valley of the Winds.

The first hike up to the top of King's Canyon is a bit challenging but lots of different folk do it. The rest is quite okay. It's one of my favourite places and I'd hate for your husband to miss out.

We've been twice now and I always pack a lunch and eat it at The Garden Of Eden - it makes me feel quite decadent eating a home made sandwich in one of the most beautiful places on the planet.

I'm sure in a month the toe will be almost back to normal and your hubby will be able to handle all the walks mentioned.

Enjoy your trip!

caligirl56

stormbird,

Thanks for the encouragement. His foot already is improving. He just needs to stay off of it. I have to keep reminding him to be careful. I definitely have high hopes that he'll just be fine.

Kings Canyon sounds beautiful. Hopefully if he just takes the first part slowly, it will work out for us!