30/05/11
Our intention today was to leave for the north, however we've decided to stay another night before heading off. Lots of last minute shopping etc to top up supplies then off in the morning.
The Campbells
Sunday, 29 May 2011
Day 50 - Day of Rest
29/05/11
Today we went to church in Alice Springs at the John Flynn Uniting Church in Tod Mall. It was great to hear Gods word preached in this place. We chatted with the preacher Rev Kate Fraser after the service.
She began here in 1980s however had a 13 year absence before returning 2 years ago. The church had 400 people when she left and now has 20 so has the job of rebuilding, however it was obvious there was a dedicated group there so they shoudl grow quickly.
After church we had a look at the markets stretched out along the mall.
Then back to camp and spent the rest of the day cleaning up and preparing for our departure from Alice tomorrow.
The Campbells
Today we went to church in Alice Springs at the John Flynn Uniting Church in Tod Mall. It was great to hear Gods word preached in this place. We chatted with the preacher Rev Kate Fraser after the service.
She began here in 1980s however had a 13 year absence before returning 2 years ago. The church had 400 people when she left and now has 20 so has the job of rebuilding, however it was obvious there was a dedicated group there so they shoudl grow quickly.
After church we had a look at the markets stretched out along the mall.
Then back to camp and spent the rest of the day cleaning up and preparing for our departure from Alice tomorrow.
The Campbells
Day 49 - East McDonnell Ranges
29/05/11
After a cold morning 1Deg C - today we headed east from Alice to check out the McDonnells in that direction.
Drove to the end of the Ross Highway (80km) to Ross River Resort. The main building is the original homestead ex 1880s. A beautiful spot at the end of the track - we would have stayed here for a night had we seen it earlier.
On the way to our next stop Trephina Gorge we took a side road to John Hayes Rockholes along a very rough 4km track - at the end of which is a series of natural pools. They had more water than ususal in them and were great to see in that state. Would be a worhtwhile swimming hole in the warmer weather.
Next Trephina Gorge - a lovely walk up the river requiring us to get our feet wet due to high water levels. It was good to get the shoes off and do some barefoot walking. This gorge is much more open than others we've seen but still worth the visit.
Next Corroboree Rock - un unusual rock formation sacred to the locals - went for a short walk around it then on the road again.
Heading back towards Alice we then had a look at Jessie Gap and Emily Gap - similar gaps through the ranges with a common story of how they were named.
Then back to camp at the scout hall. We decided to have a BBQ for dinner and invited our host Curly who is the caretaker of the site at the hall. A good night with a couple of tall yarns.
The Campbells
After a cold morning 1Deg C - today we headed east from Alice to check out the McDonnells in that direction.
Drove to the end of the Ross Highway (80km) to Ross River Resort. The main building is the original homestead ex 1880s. A beautiful spot at the end of the track - we would have stayed here for a night had we seen it earlier.
On the way to our next stop Trephina Gorge we took a side road to John Hayes Rockholes along a very rough 4km track - at the end of which is a series of natural pools. They had more water than ususal in them and were great to see in that state. Would be a worhtwhile swimming hole in the warmer weather.
Next Trephina Gorge - a lovely walk up the river requiring us to get our feet wet due to high water levels. It was good to get the shoes off and do some barefoot walking. This gorge is much more open than others we've seen but still worth the visit.
Next Corroboree Rock - un unusual rock formation sacred to the locals - went for a short walk around it then on the road again.
Heading back towards Alice we then had a look at Jessie Gap and Emily Gap - similar gaps through the ranges with a common story of how they were named.
Then back to camp at the scout hall. We decided to have a BBQ for dinner and invited our host Curly who is the caretaker of the site at the hall. A good night with a couple of tall yarns.
The Campbells
Friday, 27 May 2011
Day 48 - Return to Alice
27/05/11
After a couple of days exploring the ranges, packed up camp at Glen Helen, then headed back to Alice to stock up and prepare for the trip north.
On the way we stop off at Stanley Chasm. A pretty walk up another creek to the chasm itself. We'd heard that the best time to see it is at midday when the sun shines into the bottom of the narrow opening. Just happened that we were there at midday along with several others.
Then into Alice and back to our favourite spot at the scout hall for a couple of nights.
The Campbells
After a couple of days exploring the ranges, packed up camp at Glen Helen, then headed back to Alice to stock up and prepare for the trip north.
On the way we stop off at Stanley Chasm. A pretty walk up another creek to the chasm itself. We'd heard that the best time to see it is at midday when the sun shines into the bottom of the narrow opening. Just happened that we were there at midday along with several others.
Then into Alice and back to our favourite spot at the scout hall for a couple of nights.
The Campbells
Day 47 - West McDonnell Exploring
26/05/11
Today we started with a sleep in and some breakfast in bed (for some).
Then off to Ellery Creek where we found a group of students from St Phillips school in Alice Springs canoeing. This is the same school that a couple of the scout kids go to from last weekend, hwoever they weren't in this group. A large waterhole in a picturesque surrounding.
Next with Mum driving the 4wd, we're off to Serpentine Gorge. Another beatiful spot where there is an extra walk up to the top of the ridge. From here there are great views of the surrounding ranges.
Next The Ochre Pits - a unique section of creek where the Aborigines collect their ochre for various uses.
Then back to Glen Helen and a run on the beach near the gorge then off to dinner.
The Campbells
Today we started with a sleep in and some breakfast in bed (for some).
Then off to Ellery Creek where we found a group of students from St Phillips school in Alice Springs canoeing. This is the same school that a couple of the scout kids go to from last weekend, hwoever they weren't in this group. A large waterhole in a picturesque surrounding.
Next with Mum driving the 4wd, we're off to Serpentine Gorge. Another beatiful spot where there is an extra walk up to the top of the ridge. From here there are great views of the surrounding ranges.
Next The Ochre Pits - a unique section of creek where the Aborigines collect their ochre for various uses.
Then back to Glen Helen and a run on the beach near the gorge then off to dinner.
The Campbells
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