18th May Sunday
Today was THE DAY for a camel ride. Ventured out to the camel farm intending to just have a look see , but it got the better of me. I have wanted to have a camel ride for years and years. Don said no way for him but when came time to part with the money he said "why not". So of we went. Not as intimidating as expected, quite a calm soothing sway. Fun cameleer named Sam who answered my 101 questions, lead our small string of camels. All in all a fabulous afternoon.
19th May Monday
We left today for Kings Canyon, arriving in time for lunch and an afternoon trip out to the canyon. Very pricey place to stay, has been the dearest so far, $22.50 per head. Amenities were ok but food and drinks were over the top re $'s. $17.50 for a glass of wine and a stubby. Didn't take the walk around the canyon rim as it was a very hectic climb to the top and around 4 - 5 hour walk, instead opted for the relatively easier walk through the canyon gorge. Lots and lots of ghost gums silhouetted against the incredible red canyon walls. The battery in my camera was empty, but I was lucky had the iPhone in my pocket so was still able to photograph lots and lots of beautiful scenes. We only stayed the one night here, as once we'd taken the walk thru the canyon there wasn't anything else for us to see
20th May Tuesday
Drove Back out to the Sturt highway and headed north today. Went as far as Finke River rest area, where we joined 16 or so other overnite campers. The river was dry as to be expected out here but it was a pleasant walk down to the river bed. Boy it's a wide river when full, lots of lovely stones making up the river bed. Don had a small fire going for us to sit by, taking our usual afternoon drink. Night and dark come early, an early night was the best idea, to ready ourselves for out stay in Alice.
21st May Wednesday
Arriving in Alice Springs, we completely missed the small signs indicating the caravan parks at southern end of town, and had to find somewhere to park the rig in town so we could ask where the parks where. We ended up staying at the Big 4 Macdonald Range caravan park for 4 nites.
22nd May thursday
. It started to rain overnite and continued into the day, so a tourist day was decided upon. Browsed around Todd Mall checking out the many art galleries selling aborigine art. There sure is plenty of galleries and pieces of art of all shapes and sizes. Makes you wonder just how many pieces are sold. Dinner at the local RSL Club, very nice relaxing meal, in out of the heat.
It's a well set out town, plenty of ghost gums and signs, they just forgot a sign to tell us how to get back on the main road when leaving our park to head into town. The indigenous are evident everywhere, shuffling along the road in no particular hurry, meandering thru parks and gullies, sitting crossed legged anywhere they can park their bum and on and on it goes. They seem aimless and fill their day in either walking or sitting around. Very depressing to see.
23rd May Friday
Today was visiting the West Macdonald Range. Started at the furthest gorge, Glen Helen Gorge, it was disappointing, nothing much there, couldn't get into the gorge. Soo off we went back towards the Ormiston Gorge - it is absolutely spectacular. No wonder a lot of calendars use photos of this site. Next back down the road was Ellery Creek Big Hole and again well worth the visit. These two were only a short easy walk as well. The next one on our list was Standley Chasm, a bit of a walk, but not too bad as it's all in the shade as you enter further and further into the Chasm. At last reached the end, pity we didn't get there earlier when the sun hits the walls of the chasm, but nevertheless it was still special. I mustn't forget the strawberry pancakes available at the park. Finished off a great day.
24th May SATURDAY
We went back out towards the east mac ranges today to visit Alice Springs Red Centre Park. This was a very enjoyable experience, especially the bird show. Trained magpie, falcons, kites, curlew, owls and desert spinifex pigeions. So well trained, it proved worth every dollar it cost to enter the park. Also a Nocturnal exhibition where I finally saw a Billby, banicoot and a bettong Plus heaps of other nocturnal animals. I suggested we visit the Gillen Club for our evening meal. It was packed. Every man and his dog was there, talk about a popular spot Had to wait ages on a line to place our order, then Don thought our meal would never be ready. Enjoyable meal, very cheap and drinks. I nearly forgot, after lunch we visited the Road Transport Museum. What a huge collection of trucks and memorabilia re transport, you could spend days and days there before you had even touched on a half of it. Met a nice couple who are travelling with a Kara Kamper. Both of us fell in love with it, just perfect. Not too large everything one could want and a decent price. Maybe????
25th May Sunday
Time to leave Alice and head further north. On our way out of town stopped off at the Old Telegraph Station A lovely setting on the bank of the "current" dry Todd River. Great place for a picnic. Stopped overnite at Taylor's Creek, a very popular free camp. About a dozen or so other campers there.
26th May Monday
Heading up north, we passed through Barrow Creek, Whycliffe Wells, Wauchope and Tennant Creek. Just before Tennant Creek is the Devils Marbles. There are "marbles" for miles and miles around the site, but the ones nearest the road are the most spectacular. Of course, took lots of photos. Unfortunately had to stop at Tennant creek for bread ( lunch) couldn't get out fast enough. A real indigenous town, whiteys stand out like sore thumbs. Lunch down the road at another old telegraph station, then on the road again heading north. I know it sounds mad, but we have been climbing up and up the further we go north. Must be something to do with the shape of the world???????! I know I'm being silly, but that's what it felt like. Rennet Springs for the night, not bad as roadhouses go, but not too keen on the cane toads everywhere when went for a midnight walk to the amenities.
27th May Tuesday.
Boy! I've finally caught up to today. No service and just enjoying ourselves, the journal was on the back burner for a couple of days. Still heading north, morning tea at Dunmarra, then lunch at Daly Waters Pub. Caravans pulling in for the nite starting at midday, making sure they get a spot. We didn't linger there, pushed further on so we could hit Mataranka in time for an afternoon dip in the thermal spring. On our way north we are now seeing lots and lots of signs for WWII aerodromes and a WWII Hospital. It's not until you are out here do you realise just where and what the ramifications and fears were of the Japs landing on our shores in the II WORLD WAR. So much was kept from the population, as on a need to know basis, and we just didn't know. Had our afternoon dip, sitting here outside with our drinks and nibbles and the campground peacocks. Lovely. Will have another dip before heading off in the morning for Katherine.
Sitting outside in the last light of the day, the small wallabies come around the camp for a tidbit. I know its not the right thing to do, but I just gave this mummy wallaby a tiny tiny piece of bread. Wow, it came right up to me, such a tiny delicate animal, plus there was a tiny skinny tail hanging out of the pouch.
Will be adding photos separately of these last couple of days
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