Alice Springs

To reach Alice Springs we went south over the Tropic of Capricorn. The Alice is nestled in a gap between the East and West Macdonnell Ranges which is an impressive sight approaching the town. These ranges are over 400 kilometres long. Caught up with time out on Friday and Saturday put on our exploring shoes once again.

Emily Gap

The East Macdonnell Ranges are stunning and we stopped at Emily Gap, Jessie Gap and Corroborree Rock. Spectacular scenery - dry creek beds of coarse red sand and pools of water nestled between rocky mountains with beautiful red river gum trees and lush undergrowth. Flocks of our precious native green budgerigars and beautiful parrots with black heads, yellow necks and bright green wings which I later learned are called Port Lincoln Ringneck Parrots.

Jessie Gap

Spent Sunday afternoon with Barb and Neil (my girlfriend Marg's sister and brother-in-law) and also Di (Marg's other sister) who was up from Melbourne. Poor little Bere made a spectacular entrance by falling into the swimming pool and luckily he was still on his leash so I could haul him out without going in after him. Barb spoiled us with home made scones,and cream and jam of course, baked cheesecake and a choc slice. Home cooking of a different kind for us - delicious!. We had a delightful interlude to our camping style existence.

Corroboree Rock

Monday, Queens Birthday holiday and a long weekend and time to explore one section of the West Macdonnell Ranges. Our destination Hermannsburg, a very old German mission settlement and also Albert Namitjura's (our most famous aboriginal artist) birthplace. The colours of the mountains range from the darkest reds to bright orange/pink and I'm told a greener tinge that has not been seen in the center in recent years. Lake Eyre has filled two years in a row and according to the locals you can see the result of the increase in rainfall. The tiny town was originally a Lutheran Mission and the white washed stonebuildings are a stark contrast to the surrounding country. There are three main buildings, a church with a bell strung out from a tree, a building that looks somewhat like a jail, and the main one which has been turned into a tea room and an aboriginal gift shop with paintings and craft.

Hermannsburg Church

On our return journey we pulled into Standley Chasm and Simpsons Gap. Small glimpses of stunning formations and part of the National Park so cannot take dogs out of the car.

We timed our visit to the Alice for the "world famous " (never heard of them) Finke Desert Dirt Bike Races which are an off road race for bikes, quads and modified cars. Mass departure of campers on Tuesday after the weekend event. Very cold overnight, minus three degrees and both dogs not well; this isn't a very clean caravan park. The only one that takes dogs so we have no choice.

Wednesday we left our four legged childen in safe keeping in the hands of two sisters who run a kennel where all woofs are indoors and will have their pj's on at night to keep warm. I feel now they are at least in a cleaner environment than the park.

We are heading out Thursday to Uluru, the Olgas and Kings Canyon.