Bushwalking through Kings Park

Brandon had meetings all day today, and I had the day free from orientation, so in a search of something to do to pass the time, I decided to take a walk up to Kings Park. It is about a thirty minute walk from our hotel. It was a perfect way to spend my afternoon. I was able to walk through the beautiful Botanic Gardens, and familiarize myself with some of the local plants and animals that live in the bush, as well as get an amazing view of the city. Great view of Perth; such a beautiful city!

Ipod check, sunscreen check, sunglasses check.... ready for bushwalking

The bushwalking begins.... This is a loop trail that goes all around Kings Park. The loop didn't have the best directions, and at one point I wasn't sure which way to go and ended up literally in the bush. I was all of a sudden on a dirt trail scrambling through the bushes, searching for the way out. This may be sound like an adventure... but knowing what I know now about dangerous creatures in the bush, I wasn't too thrilled. I am currently reading In a Sunburned Country, by Bill Bryson, which is a humerus account of his experience traveling through Australia. (I highly recommend it) Although this book tends to dramatize things, it still has left me slightly paranoid... As I was walking through the bush, all I could think about was Bill Brysons account of all the deadly creatures that live there. In Bill Brysons words, "Out of the worlds ten most poisonous snakes, all are Australian. Five of it's creatures the funnel web spider, box jelly fish, blue ringed octopus, paralysis tick, and stonefish are the most lethal of their type in the world. If you are not stung or pronged to death in some unexpected manner, you may be fatally chomped by sharks or crocodiles, or carried helplessly out to sea by irresistible currents, or left to stagger to an unhappy death in the baking outback... it's a tough place." So Although I knew I was safe from any aquatic creatures at this point, I was very cautious at to where I was walking on the trail, to make sure I didn't run across a friendly snake sunning itself on a nearby rock (which has happened to me before in Salt Lake.)

Beautiful view of South Perth


This was my favorite part of Kings Park; a walk in the treetops. It had amazing views of the city!

Walking in the trees!

Another beautiful view of the swan river and city.

Tomorrow... Kayaking! :)

We miss you all so much! We are having a blast, but wish our family and friends were here with us to share the experience.