On our last full day exploring the center we travelled 130 kilometres west of Alice and our first stop was at Ormiston Gorge. The water is over 14 metres deep and icy cold - I didn't test it out. We saw Port Lincoln parrots and Zebra finches here and I think the photos are better than my descriptions.
Ormiston Gorge
Five minutes further out, Glen Helen Gorge situated on the Finke River, provided another view entirely. We stopped to buy an icecream and I noticed some Aboriginal women sitting on the ground painting. Their dot paintings were in various stages, one just a square border, one partly completed and another which looked finished. They didn't speak English but understood enough to nod when I asked for the photo. The ladies were lunching at the time and I was truly fascinated with their contented faces. I think this was one of those "being in the right place at the right time" experiences. 
The ochre pits where only the Aboriginal men were allowed to collect the ochre was used for body painting by both men and women in the sacred ceremonies. A very peaceful place in a rocky and dry river bed.
Ochre Pits
Last stop on our return was Simpsons Gap, a sandy river bed between enormous cliffs and as the sunshine was finished for the day it was getting cold, and time to head back and take advantage of our last night of "puppy freedom" to go to a restaurant for dinner.
Mt Sonder
Pack up time Thursday morning, collect the four legged people and tropics here we come!
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