Monday: After waiting a few hours for our computer to be 'de-virused' we finally headed out to the West Macdonells intending over the next few days to camp out in 2 areas of the park. Last time we were through here we stayed in Alice and toured out each day, often driving the same initial road.
First stop Simpsons Gap which has a small waterhole. Often the endangered Black-Footed Wallaby can be sighted near the waterholes late in the afternoon but it was early still. Last time here we were lucky. We decided to by-pass Standley Chasm and do it on the return journey on Thursday as it is a very narrow gorge and best seen around midday when the sunlight floods the chasm making the rock walls shine a golden coloured red.
Our last stop for the day,and where we planned to camp was Ellery Creek Waterhole. This had changed a lot since our last visit but still beautiful and very few people.We sat till dusk by the waterhole and talked with a young American who later came into the bus and discussed life with us over a coffee and cake. (Even out here I still manage to bake in the Dreampot and we have shared quite a few chocolate cakes and slices with fellow travellers)
Chris was a christian and devoted "constitutional right" adherent. Confused by our breathaliser tests and gun laws. Could not understand why we were not affronted by the challenges to our rights.Spent ages talking about our 2 governing systems till... my slow brain realised how to explain that these weren't forced on us by the PM but rather forced on governments by the people eg a family loses someone in an accident,and lobbies till it is acted on. We also spent ages discussing social support, and/or lack of it in the US. Won't tell you anymore as it would take forever. Ask if you like when we get home.
Tuesday: We walked 'The Dolomites' walk through the ranges and river bed at Ellery Creek before heading off.I surprised myself and managed quite ok. The plant life is diverse if you take the time to look carefully. The rivers I should explain are 'dry river sytems', this does not mean there isn't water, they flow upside down so the water lies between 6cm and a metre under the surface. Then headed to The Ochre Pits, a traditional area for collecting ochre but a heavy fine if removed by non-tradional owners. The Aboriginal owners of this area trust travellers not to damage areas open to the public(there is no supervision). Last stop was Ormiston Gorge where we planned to camp for 1 night but extended it to 2. A very scenic spot with a large waterhole and dry river system, a gorge walk and lookout walk. We spent 2 late afternoons sitting watching for Black-footed rock wallabies and were wel rewarded. Many people walked through,too impatient to sit still and quietly.
Thursday:Had to pack up and leave. We drove back into Alice, stopping to see Standley Chasm on the way,and headed straight out the other side to the East Macdonells.
Standley Chasm was a real mixture of cloud, sunshine and light rain! The only thing to do was to sit and patiently wait for the clouds to roll in and out. Well worth it. The overseas tourists donned rain jackets and left,the Australians rejoiced in the rain.
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