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Published: September 21st 2008
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Day Eight
Just to finish off yesterday…After we returned to camp from the internet debarcles - sorry no photos were published but there was a glitch with travelblog and they wouldn’t let us upload - we had a hurried sandwich and set off for a camel riding adventure. Only Jack, Emma, Ruby, Mima, Joe and myself were brave enough to actually mount the camel train and take part, the others were scaraedy cats. We were treated to the very excellent service of the ‘camela’ who did her very best to talk us out of taking the 15 minute trip because it was “just too hot for anything” and by yelling at the kids and being generally disinterested in my probing quiestions about camels. She even took her chances yelling at Rob, “Get off me bench would ya!”. A long swim after the camel experience, lots of fun throwing and catching the tennis ball in the pool. Funny old pool, certainly not the cleanest, but cold and wet. We upset a couple of be-goggled German homosexuals who couldn’t wait for us to leave the pool area. Spuds baked in the fire for tea and another beautiful Northern Territory blanket of stars to
watch.
We are on the road this morning, the very rough dirt road of the Mereenie Loop, travelling through Aborginal land. We are in the middle of nowhere in a dust storm behind the Martins car. I am slightly nervous about this real 4wdriving but Ro is loving it. We are heading to Redbank Gorge and if all is good, we’ll camp there and explore the West Macdonnell Ranges from there.
(bron blogging now)The corrigations are unreal, it is bump bump bumpety bump although Jack, as usual, can read in any environment and he is. Red dust, red dirt, red cars at the end of it. A tree on the side of the road devoted to dead car tyres hanging from branches, interesting art. Wild camels, wild horses, termite mounds and sand. The road changes reguarly from sandy to almost granite rock. Only small rocks, which is a blessing. We all make it through and survey the stone chips on the trailers. We then turn on to the Larapinta Trail. The scenery is incredible. The trees seem to be getting bigger but the earth is still dry. The sky is a beautiful blue but clouds are beginning to
appear. More dirt road and then NEW bitumen. So new, Ro reckons it could be eastlink. We see the turn off for Redbank Gorge but the martin's are going a little bit too quick. (and if you read this dad, I was not driving!) More dirt road. The temp guage in the car tells us its 35 outside, mmmmm. Through a dry creek bed and we find the camp ground. This was really dry. Big gums, pit toilets, each site has their own gas bbq but there is no water and certainly insufficient shade. Lunch is had and the decision is made, move on. We will know where we are staying when we get there. We stop at Glen Helen Resort. Not staying there. The decision is made - Alice Springs, here we come. This drive is spectacular. We are now on Namatjira Drive. You can certainly see where he got the inspiration for his paintings. I remember being told as we were planning this trip that the West Macdonnell Ranges were amazing and they certainly are. Befor you know it we are in alice springs. It kind of snuck up on me. I had expected that Alice was away
from the ranges but it is right in the middle. Everything is bigger here. Lush green footy ovals, massive gums. It is such a contrast to the preceding 5 days. No complaints though. The caravan park is big too! Set up and straight to the pool. (3 actually) Fantastic. Refreshing. We have mobile coverage so all phones have suddenly gone into overdrive with calls and sms. Gee, what did we do prior to mobiles and computers? Steak, snags and salad for dinner. Kids to bed and chill out time for the adults.
Sunday. Kids up for brekky of free pancakes cooked by the Park. What a great set up they have and the pancakes aren't half bad too! Into town to the Todd Mall Markets. Not Rob's cup of tea but he went with the flow. We parked on the banks on the Todd River. The dry Todd River. It is wide and long. There are enormous ghost gums right along it. Its also full of empty beer boxes and bottles. They don't sell alcohol on sundays here. You can see the devastation that the alcohol can cause. But i could go on about that for ever, probably not
really interesting for a blog. Kids enjoyed the markets, a few more souvenirs were purchased by them all. Here's some housework info for you all, Jacqui and i did a wash today. You wouldn't know it though, the red dirt seems to still be attached to the clothes, a permanent memory of our travels maybe? I must say, am still enjoying blogging. Kids at pool now with Rob. We have had some rain and thunder today. Quite sticky and tropical really. Chilli prawns for dinner mmmmmmmm!Forgot to tell you Rob, Jack and I saw the Ghan today. 23 carriages in total including one vehicle carriage. It was amazing to see about 50 cars stopped on the side of the road and each occupant out of the car taking photos. We will probably see it again on our trip, could be a google search coming our way!
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ridgies
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brings back memories
hey you guys your blogs are certainly bringing back heaps of memories for us, how's the red dust!! and pancakes on sunday at the big 4 are a high light!! cheers the ridgies xxx