Mad Dogs and Territorians – in Ormiston Gorge

We all know the old parable that Mad Dogs and Englishmen go out in the midday sun, but did you know that Englishmen have nothing on Territorians. They, or increasingly we, are a race of utterly mad men and women who head out on bushwalks whenever the forecast seems suitable and cool.

Yesterday we proved that we have all adjusted to insanity by heading out on a leisurely morning “stroll” around Ormiston Gorge and The Pound. Being sensible people we checked the weather forecast by walking outside and finding that we didn’t immediately shrivel up, and so decided that a three hour walk would be fine. The Pound Stroll heads out from the Ormiston Gorge parking area up a gradual ridge on the the lip of Ormiston Pound, a large irregular obloid that roughly resembles a crater when you are in it. The shall hill leading up the outside hides steep, tall cliffs and rivers that form in in-facing walls.

: The map and informative sign for the walk we were about to commence.

: The walk up to the edge of the Pound.

: I’m an explorer!

: The last bit of track before descending into the pound.

From the edge of the pound the views down into the river valley are simply spectacular. This vast valley is dry for years at a time, but when it rains massive floods wash down through the winding river valley, scouring rocks and trees from its path.

: CheK admiring the view.

: The valley is home to a broad winding Australian river, meaning it is dry and dusty.

: The northern end of the pound walking in.

: Walking down into the pound

After a hot but pleasant walk along the floor of the valley we made it into Ormiston Gorge proper, a long, winding scar through the pound wall that is home to sand, boulders, determined ghost gums and truly crazy walkers.