Back to Basics in the Outback


Advertisement
Australia's flag
Oceania » Australia » Northern Territory
May 28th 2007
Published: May 28th 2007
Edit Blog Post

Mini napsMini napsMini naps

trying to get some sleep during out layover in Cairns. Working the night before was not a good idea!
10 days and 9 nights traveling in the back of a 4WD and sleeping in tents with Dingos howling in the distance. Not how most college seniors spend their final Spring Break. But I'm not most college seniors.

I arrived in Alice Springs without any sleep the night before - too busy finishing up papers and working until 1am at the Cricketer's Club. The things I do for travel! So I was not in the best shape to start one of the most demanding trips of my life. Our trip included swims in gorges, hiking everyday, visiting spiritual sites of the local Aboriginal communities and of course dealing with the flies! My favorite part of the trip was seeing the stars every night. I have never seen so many constellations, shooting stars, or satellites. My least favorite part was the lack of civilized bathrooms - we're in the desert, not many large trees to hide behind - and washing our dishes in the dirt. Yup, sounds disgusting but we used the dirt from dried up river beds that, as our guides claimed, was sterile dirt and it actually did an incredible job. I'll tuck that piece of information away
The Luxury SuiteThe Luxury SuiteThe Luxury Suite

Jared, Jackie and I spent 9 nights together in this tent. And surprisingly did not get on one another's' nerves!
for future adventures. Overall, the trip was amazing! Since I'm so behind on the blog I've decided to cut out the writing and just narrate on the photos. I hope you enjoy the view...


Additional photos below
Photos: 41, Displayed: 22


Advertisement

Our TroopiesOur Troopies
Our Troopies

We had a great time in the back of these trucks
Salt LakeSalt Lake
Salt Lake

And the rainy season had just ended!
Our First Swimming HoleOur First Swimming Hole
Our First Swimming Hole

The water was frigid and lord knows what lives in it, but we had a great time!
Ocre PitsOcre Pits
Ocre Pits

A sacred site to local Aboriginal people - the ocre is still used to make paints and for medicinal purposes.
The PoundThe Pound
The Pound

This was an ocean in prehistoric times!
The PoundThe Pound
The Pound

just another view further out
Cold Coronas!!Cold Coronas!!
Cold Coronas!!

4 days into the trip and after all that hiking and camping, this pit stop at Helen's Gorge was heaven
Jackie writing in her journalJackie writing in her journal
Jackie writing in her journal

Please notice the fly mask - necessary for anger management. The flies were vicious!
Palm ValleyPalm Valley
Palm Valley

I never thought I'd see PALM TREES in the Outback, but apparently they have been around for centuries. Who knew?
Taking it easy at the Outback BarTaking it easy at the Outback Bar
Taking it easy at the Outback Bar

Jackie, Jared, and Marcus


Tot: 0.096s; Tpl: 0.022s; cc: 11; qc: 62; dbt: 0.0586s; 1; m:domysql w:travelblog (10.17.0.13); sld: 7; ; mem: 1.2mb