To view the photos of this leg of our trip, click here.
Day Eleven, Sunday 4th July 2004: After getting out of bed we decided to give the pancake breakfast a miss and Sally did some washing before we headed for the Todd Street Mall market. After a walk around there, it was off to the Greenfrog Internet Cafe to upload our photos for the Adelaide to Alice Springs leg of our trip. We even did the normal tourist bit and had a look from Anzac Hill. From here we went and had a look at the Old Telegraph Station where we noted that they still have the spelling for Orroroo wrong even though we informed them about it nine years ago when we were there last.
After a bbq back at the caravan, it was out to the Alice Springs Desert Park where we spent an easy three hours or more just wondering around looking at the exhibits. Sally wasn't too excited to see a snake on one of the foot paths while we were there. The best part of the visit there, would have to be the birds of prey demonstration. it is amazing to see these wild animals behave so naturally in the wild for their trainers. It was then back to the caravan to get ready for our two day trip out to the West MacDonnell Ranges where we will be sleeping in our tent.
Day Twelve, Monday 5th July 2004: The morning unfortunately was overcast and not the best for photos, but we were on our way to the West MacDonnell Ranges by 8.30am. Our first call was Simpson's Gap, followed by Stanley Chasm where we had to pay a $6.50 entry fee as it was privately owned and operated, but well worth the money. Then it was onto Ellery Creek Big Hole, Orchre Pits where a sample collection will attract a $5,000.00 fine. From here we went to Ormiston Gorge where we had lunch. All of these places that we called into, were nothing short of spectacular to look at.
From Ormiston Gorge, we had a quick look at Glen Helen, Mount Sonder lookout and Redbank Gorge where we spotted a caravan in the camping area. From here it was onto Taylor's Pass lookout before pushing on to Palm Valley where we arrived at 5.30pm. We set up our tent before settling down for tea when we saw a dingo wonder through the campground. On and off during the night, it was spitting with rain which cause us no problem.
Happy birthday Renae Borgas & Joan Zammit.
Day Thirteen, Tuesday 6th July 2004: After packing the tend away, it was a slow half hour drive to the car park at Palm Valley. We chose to take the longer of the two walks at Palm Valley which led us up through the valley until there were no more palms to look at. From here the walk took us cross country back to the car park. With the red rocks, water pools and palms along the valley floor, it was a photographers paradise. Even the white gum trees against the spinifex bushes and red soil on the walk back to the car park was nice to view.
On our drive out of the valley we stopped to talk to Deb and Keith who we had met at Ayers Rock and Kings Creek Station. It was a slow trip back to the Larapinta Drive and then it was full steam back to Alice Springs for a shower.
Day Fourteen, Wednesday 7th July 2004: After a bit of a sleep in, we were on our way out into the East MacDonnell Ranges to visit Trephina Gorge. We were not disappointed with all that we had heard about this Gorge. We had full sun today, unlike the last two days which made it very good for the photos. it is a pity that there isn't more room for us to post more photos on our web site. It does make it hard at time to select which one to post. On our way back to Alice Springs, we stopped off at Jessie Gap and Emily Gap. Both of these places were almost right on the side of the road so there was no real walking involved to get to them.
Once back to the caravan, it was a quick bite to eat for a late lunch and then down to an Internet Cafe to check on the Grey Nomads progress and to read the latest on the Caravanners Forum. After visiting Coles to get a nice piece of meat for a roast tea, it was back to the caravan to vegetate for the remainder of the afternoon.
Day Fifteen, Thursday 8th July 2004: It was 12.15am when we were woken by noises outside. Upon getting dressed and venturing outside to see what was happening, our new neighbours had arrived with their caravan loaded on a transport truck after blowing two tyres and not being game enough to sleep in it on the side of the road between Kings Canyon and Alice Springs. The noise was the unloading of the caravan from the truck.
Once out of bed, it was a lazy morning with a bit of caravan and vehicle cleaning before lunch. Then it was off to check out the National Road Transport Hall of Fame here in Alice Springs. We watched the Ghan leave Alice Springs before we headed for the Panorama "Guth" which is an Art Gallery and Aboriginal Museum. The full 360 degree panoramic painting by artist Henk Guth measuring 60 metres in circumference by 6 metres high was great to look at particularly as we had already visited most of the places depicted in the painting. My sister Sue, an artist, would be in here element here.
On arriving back at our caravan, we found that Bruce & Lyn Ewing from the Caravanners Forum had called while we were away and left us their site number so that we could finally meet them face to face as planned. It is great to be able to finally meet both Bruce & Lyn who seem to be enjoying their trip so far.
Day Sixteen, Friday 9th July 2004: After a windy night, the day looked as though it was going to rain but nothing eventuated. As we are leaving tomorrow for the Devil's Marbles, today was a day to restock the groceries, do the washing and prepare the caravan and Patrol for the miles that lay ahead. Goodbyes were said to Bruce and Lyn, but who knows when and where we may meet again.
For Diary notes of the entire trip, click here . To view all of our photos from our trip, click here.
