Lots of Sun orchids and other natives were flowering on this walk. We encountered a friendly goanna who posed for photos before RR encouraged it to move to a safer area.

We met others doing this walk in the opposite direction, including a group of young sporting guys from Parndana. This lovely walk took us about four hours over approx. 9km.

New territory for many of the 27 ½ walkers participating in Sunday’s activities as we traversed the Mt Stockdale and Mt Taylor areas, where we climbed both mountains, enjoying 360 degree views, whilst some also tried adventure caving.

Our leaders explained the interesting history of this area, using an extract from a book written by Jean Nunn. In the late 1800’s Robert Stockdale and the Taylor brothers, Benjamin and William, were attracted to KI after experiencing grazing difficulties in the SE of SA.

They took up 14 leases comprising 715 square miles (about 1/3 of KI), and set up at least three stations, the main one being Karatta, an Aboriginal word meaning “the meeting of the waters”.

Our lunch was enjoyed high on Mt. Taylor with moss covered rocks, whistling birds and an abundance of flowering natives setting the scene as we perched near the cave entrance.

Ligurian bees had formed about 8 natural beehives, which hung from the entrance to the caves. These bees were busy but docile as we passed them to explore the caves by torch- light.

We discovered stalactites, stalagmites and columns, with many still forming with little droplets of water visible. Broken columns suggested there may have been movement in the cave structure. We walked on the edge of another large lagoon before finishing our walk along Mt. Stockdale road where we observed how the Banksias had regenerated in profusion after the fires. Also in abundance were yellow Golden Pennants, plus a mystery orange-leaved bush with berries.

After a chat, drink and the final birthday cake, we thanked our leaders, said farewell and headed for home, ending an excellent weekend.

Lily White Legs