I love updating this blog. It helps me to remember where we've been and what we have experienced. Not that I'm likely to forget, but there's always the risk that I'll forget the smaller details..and what day or week it was.
So I feel a little behind while I type this on my ( best thing ever) iPad, listening to a Wendy Harmer podcast in the car. We got up at 5am, and were on the road at 5.40...and here we are are 5 hours later somewhere in the centre of the Northern Territory. But I need to go back a few days..
Friday July 16th 2010
We woke early at Standley Chasm...another freezing night. This place is a part of the West Macdonnell ranges, and the 233km Larapinta walking trail.
Surrounded by steep orange rocky cliff faces, we wandered along the creek bed to the narrow section of the chasm, which is only a few meters wide but towering above us. We then climbed a small section of the actual walking trail, climbing the steep mountain side right to the top. The views were amazing...but the wind was just a bit cold!
After lunch we packed up and drove to Alice Springs. The big4 caravan park here has it all. Large shower/laundry blocks. Billy carts for hire, bouncing pillow, bmx track, organized activities such as free pancakes on Sunday mornings, an excellent didgeridoo workshop...and the list goes on.
We decided to stay here for 3 nights. A good chance to do some washing, shopping and relaxing. We also tried to have our damaged tyre repaired...of course it couldn't be...and do you think tyres for our car are available here. Nope! Another slight change to the plans...with a side trip to Darwin to pick up a new tyre..and additional spare wheel!
I hadn't expected to enjoy Alice springs so much. Besides the luxury of shopping at a real supermarket, we really enjoyed the local culture and activities. Thomas and I visited the women's pioneer museum, which told the story of many amazing Women. It is located in the old gaol which was also quite an experience ( slightly spooky actually). We spent the next day (sunday) at the reptile park, where the boys handled lizards and a massive python. The rest of the day was spent at the fabulous cultural centre where we heard stories of hardship and sacrifice by early explorers and missionaries. We viewed some beautiful aboriginal artwork, including some by Albert Namatjira ( we were also able to find his grave in the nearby cemetery). We saw the display of beanies from the famous beanie festival, and made a quick visit to the aviation museum..whew! It's a good thing A.S is a small town!
Yesterday afternoon we packed up as much as we could, ate dinner at a nearby restaurant ( featuring roast night - yum!)..all ready for an early start today.
Cazz and boys xxx
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