GOODBYE ALICE SPRINGS

SUNSET IN ALICE SPRINGS
Les and I went to the markets this morning. Helen and Amalia were selling their goods and chattels. Had a look around and then came back to the pub for a $10 lunch, but on arriving found out it was on Sunday night. We went home and had soup and will return for dinner before we go to the movies.
We have packed up our van as we are leaving Alice Springs tomorrow. It has been a wonderful stay here and I will miss the friends I have made, especially Helen and Amalia. Also the most beautiful scenery that surrounds this most magical place. From the glorious West MacDonnell Ranges, Ulura, The Olgas, and the scenery in and around Alice Springs is something everyone should see in their lifetime. I will really miss this place and it's culture, the variety of craft that I haven't seen anywhere before and the people that live and work here. It is a place where you come for a holiday, and never leave.

BEANIE FESTIVAL AND FELT MAKING

I arrived at Araluen around 11.00am. I looked at all the Beanies that were for sale in the Witchetty Grub Centre. There were so many, I couldn't even start to describe the variety, texture and the amount of work that has gone into these art pieces. I have taken a very small amount of photos of some of them. However to see the amount and the works that has gone into them, I'm afraid you have to come and see for yourself.
I had a lovely cup of pumpkin soup and a bread roll, and then went to the Craft centre to do Basic Felting. It was really great. The wool that we use to make felt shrinks to about a third it's original size. I learnt all different ways of using this very versatile felt. Bags, purses, shawls, jackets, table runners, place mats and sleeveless jackets and much more. It was really great and I loved it.

OPENING OF BEANIE FESTIVAL

Helen, Amalia and Kris went to the opening of the Beanie Festival at the Araluen Centre on Fridy night. There singers on an outdoor stage. The tent had a great big beanie covering it. There were a variety of food, desserts and drnks for sale. Inside the Araluen centre there were a group of singers lead by and African man. The singing was gospel but from Africa. Really good.
They also had Beanie presentation for the best Beanie. They Beanies came from overseas as well as Australia. I brought one for $50.OO. However it has to stay at Araluen until the end of July, and then it will be posted to my home address. I couldn't take a photo of ot, as this is not allowed at Araluen. So even Les hasn't seen it. Met the people from CASA where Helen is doing some voluteer work. She teaches media arts to people with a disability. We had a great night. Les stayed home and watched the footie.

RELAXING WITH COMPUTER AND BOWLS

We spent the morning at the van, reading, putting photos on blog, and photos on modem for Helen. I swapped our cupboards around as I have kicked Les out of his side of the bed. He's not that happy about it, especially when I did it in the middle of the night, when he was asleep. But he needs to look on the bright side. He now has a much larger wardrobe.
Les went to bowls after lunch, and I wrote my Blog, and finished off my bag.

SIMPSONS GAP

SIMPSON GAP

We visited Simpson Gap today. The reds, oranges and rust of the gap were just beautiful. I never thought I would see such a range of colour in the rocks. The waterhole was great, with just a peak of the sand at the other end. You couldn't access it unless you had a boat, or wanted to swim in the cold water. It would be really nice to come back when the weather is warmer to swim in the waterhole.
We then returned home and had lunch and read. At dusk Les went up to Anzac Hill To take some photos of the sunset. They are really good. (see photo)
He arrived home to cook tea and we watched Game 2 of State of Origin. Boy!! Did we get flogged!!!!!!! Les reckons N.S.W. need to learn how to catch the football.

RELAXING AT VAN

We spent the day at the van relaxing. Chatted to a couple of neighbours, did my blog, read my book and had a sleep. Les read his book. We cooked tea. Sausages and Kangaroo Kebabs YUMM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

STANDLEY CHASM

STANDLEY CHASM

We went to visit Standley Chasm today, which is 42kms from Alice Springs. It was a 20minute walk to the chasm from the car park. The rock face was about 100 metres either side of the chasm. We walked to the other end and climbed the rock face. We then waited for the mid day sun to reach the zenith (centre of the sky), showing the sunlight on both sides of the chasm. We stayed for about an hour just watching the rays of the sun on the chasm. It was really great to see the chasm turn red and orange. There was a ladder towards the end of the track so you could climb up to the rocky area. John and I were charging everyone $2 up the ladder and $5 down. It was great when 54 Year 11 students from Melbourne arrived. We could have made a fortune. Some even thought it was our ladder.
We had lunch when we got back to the car park and then drove home via the butcher who cryovac some meat for us to head north with.

RELAXING AT VAN

Spent the day at the van relaxing. Wasn't feeling great with my sore throat, so I sat at the van reading. Les spent all day putting photos on my blog. I finshed my basket, except for a button to close it. Helen and Amalia and I spent the afternoon separating a large wad of raffia to share. We did a bit of basketry and lazed the rest of the day away. GOODNESS THIS IS HARD WORK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

BLOOD TEST AND BOWLS

LEARNING WEAVING FROM ABORIGINAL WOMEN AT DESERT PARK

Went for blood test and home. Les has gone to bowls. Helen and Amalia came over for a while. They have gone for a drive and I'm sitting doing my Blog and then I'm going to make myself a beanie for the Beanie Festival.

SHOPPING

Went to Doctors with sore throat, but found out I'm fine. Just need lots of Telfast, Fess, Aspro and sitting with my head over a bowl of hot water and Vicks.
GOOD STUFF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We did some shopping, including ordering some cryovac meat and groceries. Arrived home and rested.

BLOG

I spent the day writing my Blog as I wasn't able to do it while we were at Glen Helen. This took me most of the day. Les read some 4WD magazines I got from the laundry. He also made a lovely casserole for tea. Just what I needed after my hard day on the computer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Like that one!!!!!

BOWLS THE TIP HAIRCUT AND MEMOS FOR TEA

Had a quiet morning at the shops. Les went to bowls, and Helen and I met him for tea at the Memo club. We ordered a seafood basket for two. Three of us ate it and it was far too much.
Helen and I went to get a haircut. We then went to the tip looking for articles for Helen for weaving. GOOD FUN!!!!! We came home and Helen helped with the handle for my basket.

RETURN TO ALICE SPRINGS

Arrived in Alice Springs about 10.30. Staying at G'day Mate Caravan Park. Went up town to buy kettle, old one is covered in calcium from Glen Helen. I did try to boil it with Napisan to clean it, and then the power cut out in the caravan park. However I don't think that had anything to do with the kettle. We did some other shopping and arrived home. I did a border for my basket with Helen. We watched T.V and went to bed.

RELAXATION

We stayed at the van for the day. It was really cold and we were a bit tired from all the walking we have done. However we did finished the day at the Homestead listening to Chris Aronsten. He has performed most night since we have arrived at Glen Helen. He plays guitar, mandolin, violin and the spoons. He sings songs from around our era and also has 2 CD's of his own. We enjoyed his songs and music. He is going overseas next week to perform at folk festivals in England and Ireland. We have his email address and will keep in contact.

SERPENTINE GORGE / ELLERY GORGE

We arrived at Sepentine Gorge and walked along the flat walk to the gorge. It was a 2km walk and except for the last part over a few stones, it was really easy. The gorge is really beautiful, so we sat for about 1 hour chatting to people and taking in the beauty of the surroundings.
We then went on the Ellery Gorge. A very short walk to the gorge. Two young fellows were there and had a blow up boat. They let me use it to cross the gorge to the other side. However when I got to the other side, I decided not to get out, as the tide was a bit strong and I did have trouble launching myself to return to the safe side of the lagoon. WHOOPS!!!!!!! Ellery Gorge is really nice. We had lunch and returned home.

NANNY NAP TIME

We spent the day at the van. Did some washing, cleaning. All that stuff we hate but we do. HAD A GREAT NANNY NAP IN THE AFTERNOON. Went to listen to music at the homestead.

TRIP TO HERMANBSBURG/ PALM VALLEY

Left park at 9.00am and stopped at Tyler Pass. A lookout over Gosse Bluff. It was great scenery. I put a stone on a pile to mark my attendance at this nice place. We then moved on to Gosse Bluff (4WD only). Gosse Bluff has two origins. The white man says that a comet 600 metres wide, crashed to earth blasting a crater 20km across. Today the land surface is about 2km lower than the original impact surface and the bluff is about 5km in diameter. However the aboriginals that a group of women were dancing across the sky as the Milky Way. During this dance a mother put her baby aside, resting it in it's wooden baby carrier. The carrier toppled over the edge of the dancing area and crashed to earth where it was transformed into the circular rock walls of Tnorala. So either way something fell out of the sky, and caused this large hole in the ground.
We then went onto Hermannsburg to have a look at the mission. It is very old and run down. However it does show where the aborigines lived, worked and played. An old church with mortuary out the back. Also a girls home with school room and the same for the boys. A colonists home, built in 1855. A Stockmans House built in 1911 where the stockmen lived who looked after the cattle herds. A Smithy shop where Blacksmiths shooed horses and items such as pumps, wagons parts, tools, and building fittings were manufactured and repaired. They also had a tannery, meat house, bakery and dining room. The Manse was built in 1888 and in 1897 was used by Pastor Strehlow.
We had lunch here and then went out to Palm Valley. The road out was okay until we got to the last 4km. We travelled up river beds, over rocks, shale and bigger rocks. Fortunately for us a guy called Ricky was driving a 4wd training car and stopped to talk to us. He went first and radioed us along the way to make sure we were okay. However we were okay. He was a very nice fellow. We went for a walk along the river bed. The palms were growing along the river bed. We then walked up the hill and along the top, then back down to the beginning of the walk. It was even better looking from the top as you could see across the valley to the other side. We arrived home at 7.00pm. Great day!!!!!!!!

REDBANK GORGE

Went to Redbank Gorge today. Les and I feel we are pretty much all gorged out. It was a difficult walk over rocks and sand. Gorge would have been nice if there were not dead fish in the gorge and algae. Although apparently these fish can also die from the water temperature getting too low.

ORMISTON GORGE HELICOPTER FLIGHT

Ormiston Gorge showcases the spectacular geology and landforms of the MacDonnell Ranges. The Gorge has a near permanent waterhole, estimated to be 14 metres deep at the southern end. The area contains an interesting variety of native fauna and flora including a number of relict palm species remaining from a tropical past. The rediscovery of the Long-tailed Dunnart and the Central Rock Rat highlights the park as an important fauna refuge. The waterhole is great for swimming in the warmer months. We did the Waterhole Walk which was over lots of rocks in the river bed. Finally arriving at the waterhole. We then did the lookout walk. This was beautiful as we climbed up and over the cliff to the lookout and then down the other side. Les was going to do the 3-4 hour pound walk, but didn't end up with enough time left.
We returned to van and Les went to book Helicopter flight, while I washed dishes. I apparently turned the tap on and went outside to get stuff from fridge. When I returned to see the floor, the cupboards, the stove top was covered in water. Thank goodness some of the Tupperware contained the water, instead of the floor.
WHAT A MESS.!!!!!!!!!!!
Les arrived to see my disaster and in his calm voice said "SHUT THE DOOR WE ARE GOING FOR A FLIGHT" It was great, the flight, not the flood. We flew over Ormiston Gorge and Glen Helen Gorge. Saw the Organ Pipes, Gosse Bluff and surrounding countryside. Really Good!!!!!!! We then returned to clean up the water in the van.
I then went to the car and shut my hand in the door. OUCH!!!!!!!! THEN I CRIED......
DONT WANT ANOTHER DAY LIKE THAT...........
We looked at the 1200 photos we have taken and then went to bed.

GLEN HELEN

Arrived at Glen Helen Gorge around 11.00. It is situated in the spectacular West MacDonnell Ranges. It is the climax to an adventurous drive from Alice Springs which is 132km away. The trip to West MacDonnell Park, Palm Valley, Hermannsburg, Ormiston Gorge and Mt Sonder, Redbank Gorge and Ellery creek.
They have a historic homestead, restaurant, live entertainment, scenic helicopter flights, bar lunches and much more. They have not T.V. Internet access or mobile ph service. We stayed for 1 week and it was great.

FINISH OF FINKE DESERT RCE

We arrived at the sand hill where the cars had overturned yesterday. About 35 kms out of town for the return of the race. The return car race commenced at Finke at 7.30am. Around 9.00am they drove past. It was a great spot as the cars were heading towards heaven as the came over the mound. Great photos. Unfortunately no accidents today, but race was good. Next came the bike and buggies. They were great. I would imagine lots of hours went into to learning how to control these bikes the way they do. They were flying off the top of the hill, and then hitting 2 dips on the track before the had full control of the bike again.
First in was Andrew Kittle and David Fellows in 3hrs 46Min's. I worked this out to be 200km per hour. They were 9 minutes ahead of Burrows/Hodge.
The bikes and buggies were lifting themselves toward heaven as they went past. After that they hit two (whoops) dips, before they controlled their bikes again. Ben Grabham carved out his own piece of history by winning the bike race for the 3rd time. Another great day. Home to pack van so we can go to Glen Helen tomorrow.

TIPS FOR STAYING SAFE

Q. DON'T STAND ON THE OUTSIDE OF CORNERS

A. I DID. LOOK AT THE PHOTO

Q. KNOW WHERE YOUR CHILDREN ARE

A. HOME WORKING HARD TO PAY TAXES FOR OUR TRIP

Q. LEAVE YOUR DOG AT HOME

A. WE DON'T HAVE ONE

Q. DRINK RESPONSIBLY

A. PARDON

Q. RESPECT RESPECT RESPECT

A. I DO I DO I DO

Q. TAKE YOUR FIREWOOD WITH YOU

A. WHY WOULD THE FOREST WANT ALL THAT BURNT STUFF BACK

START OF FINKE DESERT RACE

Set up 10km from the start of the race. Helen, Rayner and Amalia came with us. I got a great position on the side of the track. However I didn't realise this was where the mounds of red dust was going to land when the first car came through. (see photo. I'm under the red dust.) The drivers stop at Finke overnight and return tomorrow.
Unfortunately No 1 car driven by Bob Prout suddenly exploded in a ball of flame about half way to Finke. Another 3 cars coming over a hill rolled several times before coming to a stop. One couple narrowly escaped as they litterly flew out of their chairs, as the car landed right where they were seated. However everyone was okay including the drivers. I think their roll cages helped.
We took a BBQ breakfast which we had in between the cars finishing and the bikes commencing. Snags, bacon,eggs, tomatoes and mushies. Beaut. THANKS LES.
The bikes and buggies were next. The buggies came through at around 160km and the bikes were just a touc faster at around 180km - 190km. These were great to watch as the left rhe ground and did these weird actions with their feet. I think it called putting your foot down to assist with steering. I call it 'LETS SEE HOW LONG BEFORE I CAN BREAK MY ANKLE: This was a really great day,spent with friends we had met along the way.

TIME TRIALS FOR FINKE DESERT RACE

Time trial for Finke Desert race were held at the start/finish line of south Stuart H'gway. We arrived around 7.30am. The prologue is a timed trial to determine starting order of the event. Drivers race first and then the buggies and motor bikes. We saw one motor bike rider come off and break his leg, and a few that spun out and had to regain control of bike.
The Finke race brings many visitors to town. This may only be a sporting event, but it does retain the original mystique of man and machine racing out into the desert and coming back out in a cloud of dust to claim the king of the Desert crown. This year 496 motorbikes will hit the track and 77 buggies. The temperature today got to a chilly 9.6 degrees.

TJANPTA SHOPPING SCRUTINEERING FOR FINKE DESERT RACE.

Went to Tjantpa outlet to have a look at their range of baskets made by the local aboriginal women. They have about 120 professional weavers, and about 40 working for them at the moment. Their work is excellent. They make little baskets about the size of your hand to large baskets, about 6ft across. Some have feathers, beads found in the bush, and are made from raffia, pandanus, and fibres found in the bush.
We then went out to Blatherskite Park to see the scrutineering for the Fink Desert Races. It was interesting watching the scrutineering of the cars and bikes. They do a safety check on them and then they move into the shed for display. Bikes and Quads were in another shed, after they had been scrutineered. They also had a stall of clothing, hats, brochures etc. Also stands for Polaris Quads, bikes etc. People could go up to the bikes and cars and have a look inside them and at the motor. GOOD FOR THE GUYS. DIDN'T REALLY IMPRESS ME. Got home about 8.30 and cooked tea.

TOWN BOWLS BASKET MAKING

We went to town to get some groceries and post some mail. Arrived home and had lunch and Les went to Bowls. I stayed home and we had a lesson on basket making. Helen has been teaching us in media arts. She has such a great range of ideas and mediums which she has accumulated over her life time.

ALICE SPRINGS DESERT PARK

We went the Desert Park today. Finally some sunshine and no drizzle. I didn't mind the cool weather, but Les "Wasn't a Happy Boy !!!!!"
The Desert Park was great. I did a class to learn basket weaving from the aboriginal
women. The entrance sign said we would never see the desert in the same way again after leaving here. They were so right. They have a nocturnal tour where you can explore the mystery and adventure of Central Australia in semi-darkness. They also have half a dozen enclosed bird cages throughout the park and 2 large ones you can walk through. The raptors cage was great. The Falcons and Wedge Tailed Eagle were great. Also an exhibition centre and movie. Don't miss this one. I won't tell you the end but it was great. The Nature theatre was great. Free flying eagles and falcons. GREAT. The desert rivers was great. No water on the top of the ground but lots underneath. Also the Clay pan and Gypsum Pan were very interesting. Spent the whole day there and took some great photos. And yes they were correct. "I'll never look at the desert in the same way again."

WAR MUSEUM ANZAC HILL ANGELS @ DEMONS

We went to see the War Museum at The R.S.L. It has some history of RAAF, NAVY and ARMED FORCES that operated around this area and Darwin in both World Wars as well as Vietnam. Display of many of the guns both from overseas and Australia. Quite a good display considering its housed in the RSL. Apparently they have a cooked breakfast every Sunday morning for $5.00, to raise funds to upkeep the museum.
We then went into town to have a look at Adelaide House. It was opened on 26th June 1926 and served the township and scattered bush folk until the first government hospital was opened in March 1939, almost 10 years aftrer the completion of the railway from Oodnadatta to Alice. There was no doctor nearer than Darwin or Port Augusta and the Sisters had to telegram as a means of medical and surgical consulation. As there was no telegraph in the town they had to go to the telegraph station which was about 4kms away, and wait for a reply. The first operation done by a doctor was to remove a enormous cyst from the back of the neck of a full blood aboriginal. The cases included maternity, broken limbs, gunshot wounds, to attemted suicide. After Adelaide House closed as a hospital it became a Hostel for Bush Hostel and Children and continued as such until 1961, when it became the manse for the minister of John Flynn Church. Adelaide House was declared a National Museum in 1960. It is the official museum for the ongoing work of Flynn of the Inland known today as Frontier Services.
We then went upto Anzac Hill. Great view but too cold to stay too long. Took a couple of photos, but Les recommended we came back when we could take a photo of the sunset or sunrise.
We decided the warmest place would be the movies, so we went home and had lunch and went to see Angels and Demons. greta movie and thank goodness it was warm. Even took my cardigan off.

ADELAIDE HOUSE THE JOHN FLYNN CHURCH

We then was shown around the John Flynn Memorial Church. It has been designed as much more than a building. It represents what John Flynn saw as the community and the church. I highly recommend that visitors take time to have a look at this interesting building. There is a $3.00 booklet which explains the church.
We then went for a walk up the mall and got some groceries. I find this place very interesting, but also very sad. The Aboriginal culture is often difficult to understand and shows a side of Australia I thought was in the past.

ALICE SPRINGS MARKETS AND ARTS AND CULTURAL CENTRE.

We got up to another cold and very overcast day. I heard yesterday was the coldest day since 1945. Brrr. Decided to go to the markets, even though we assumed there would be limited stalls as the weather was so cold and drizzly. However there were some stalls, and we looked around for and hour. We also run into people we had met at Mt Gambier. We must have come the correct way, as they have had rain ever since leaving us.
We then went back to the Arts and Cultural Centre to see the Strehlow musuem and video. Also saw the Connelan Aviator musuem and the remains of the Kookaburra flight that crashed in the Tanami Desert killing 2 people. The plane was returned to Alice Springs by Dick Smith in 1988.