Alice Springs – Thursday

As usual click on an image in the mosaic to see a larger version with caption.

After a very cold night …

Ice formed at a dripping tap.

 

…. we went back to have a look in the Araluen Cultural Centre again.

Aboriginal ladies who know their culture

What nests can mean

“Nest” baskets

Check out Thorny Devil images online!

Next was to the shop for some supplies we’ll need when we head south tomorrow then we checked out the Olive Pink Botanical Garden. I have to say it was a disappointment, I think unless there is a council commitment to maintain attractions they eventually start to deteriorate when there aren’t enough people to carry on the vision of the originator. A lot of work had been done to create ponds and plant around them but they were closed.

Emu at the Olive Pink Botanical Gardens

Butterfy – a little tatty

Wallaby

White Plumed Honeyeater

After the Gardens we went to the old Telegraph Station which is very well maintained but at a cost. It’s a delicate balance to maintain.

Catering for Ghan train passengers. The Casino is the caterer.

Camels were in here last time

Old animal enclosure

Old tank

There was water here last time we visited

Alice Springs – Wednesday

We were on the tourist trail today following the MacDonnell Ranges (Tjoritja), going off the Stuart Highway along Larapinta Drive to:

Simpson’s Gap

Simpson’s Gap

The Gap

Different strata in the rock walls

Rock strata

Standley Chasm (Angkerle Atwatye):

Cycads info

Cycads

The Chasm

Replacing not removing!

This track reminds me of the Wineglass Bay track

Who was it built this track?

then onto Namatjira Drive to see Ellery Creek Big Hole

Ellery Creek Big Hole

Ellery Creek Big Hole

Ellery Creek Big Hole

Can you see the eagle?

The water is icy!

Serpentine Gorge

Serpentine Gorge

Serpentine Gorge

Cliff detail

and finally the Ochre Pits.

Tradition of ochre

Ochre colours

The big wave

The ribbons of colour

Curtains of colour

Nature, the artist

We then turned back towards Alice and drove some worrying kilometres behind a couple of French girls. The driver seemed to be having trouble staying on the left side of the road even when cars were passing or approaching. Eventually they spotted a dingo and pulled over for a photo op so we passed them.

Alice Springs – Tuesday

As I had breakfast and tried to revive one of last night’s campfires the Anmatjere Man looked very impressive lit by the morning sun. Several different kinds of birds came to investigate, they know the signs and chances of some easy food.

Anmatjere Man in the morning light

Anmatjere Man in the morning light

Last night we read about the early settlers in the area so decided to check out Ryan’s Well on our way south. It’s only 7kms from Aileron and was dug by hand to provide a reliable water source for the men working on the Overland Telegraph Line but it was also used by drovers. There was an ingenious device for lifting the water, powered by horse or camel. Across from Ryan’s Well is the original homestead called, Glen Maggie.

Ryan’s Well

Ryan’s Well mechanics

Supports of the old trough

Glen Annie homestead

Admiring the lintel on the Glen Annie homestead

After that it was just driving on to Alice Springs. We’d been told the Beanie Festival was on and that it might be difficult to get a site so we were pleased to arrive early in the day. Someone has set up a display of felted hats and other articles in the Caravan Park so I was surprised when I asked about it at the Information Centre to be told it didn’t start until Friday. We’ll be gone by then.

One of the plaques on the sculpture -Arafura Centre

Billy Goat Hill story

Hats for sale in the Craft Centre

Hats for sale in the Craft Centre

Port Lincoln Parrot – Caravan Park

Caravans come in different sizes.