John and his Big Smile
Smiles all round by John and friend Greg Shaw
Almost dry Turkey's nest dam
Riding along dry sandy creek beds
7th July 2015,
John and I took a tour with friends Greg and Christine Shaw to Palm Valley. Our tour driver Mark gave us a little information on the area . Alice springs was first known as Stuart and its name got changed after an explorer named it Alice after his wife and at that time there were springs here, but they have seen dried up . Below the ground there is enough water to keep the town of Alice Springs going for 100years. Not far away at Owen Springs there is enough water for another 250yrs. On our way we stopped at Hermannsburg Historic village . Here we had a cuppa and scones with strawberry jam and cream.
The museum here displayed many old relics from the past and an art gallery of local artists paintings which were for sale. There were works by famous Aboriginal Artist Albert Namatjira to view and to buy.
The Finke River is the oldest river in the world estimated at over 400 million years.
After Hermannsburg we went to Kalarranga Lookout. Here we climbed up to a group of rocks to view the Finke river, wow what a view. Photos below .
Then we went to Cycad Gorge , where we had lunch. To get to this thankfully the tour vehicle was capable of getting over rocks and the river bed. I am pleased we decided to go on a tour instead of using our own vehicle. The gorge was part of the Finke river and this led us to Palm Valley. Once again wow the colours of the river banks are so beautiful . Another walk around the river beds and back to afternoon tea. Alicewanderer tour company did a great job and Mark was so full of information of the larger area.
We returned back to GDay Mate caravan park at 5.45 pm. Tired but happy.
We had the opportunity to go on a Nocturnal tour of the Desert Park. It was very interesting see the night creatures . A short beaked Echidna , a Rufous Hare - Wallaby, a brushed tailed Bettong, a greater Bilby and a Brown Bandicoot. We had to take black and white photos on the mobile phone due to not being able to use flashes as this would cause the animals to run away .
Short - Beaked Echidna
A Mala. They are small wallabies that stands about 30cm high
11th August 2015
Today we went on a sunset camel ride at the Pyndan Camel Tracks. It was an hours ride around the farm which is located in the MacDonnell Ranges . We saw kangaroos and the odd bird. John and I both noticed that the camels did not smell and they were very gentle animals. The ride was a rocking feeling not that uncomfortable. If the camel was going to sit down you had to lean back so you did not fall off.
The camel we rode was called Goodboy, a large gentle camel that was second lead.
Good Boy waiting quietly for us to begin the ride.
Looking behind John and the other riders
Sunset shadows of us on the camel
Photo time for everyone . The lead camel always stays seated while photos are taken
5 camels on the tour this evening
Marg thanking Good Boy for the ride
John patting Good Boy at end of ride
Good Boy showing us his teeth or smiling and say yah end of the day feed time
15th August 2015
Henley on Todd Regatta in Alice Springs.
This is a boat race on the river Todd in Alice Springs. Every year this is held on a dry river bed near town. The fund this year goes to the Fred Hollows Foundation to aid the objective of eradicating Trachoma by 2020. A great group of volunteers made this a wonderful day for all. Sadly John could not join me in seeing the races as he was needed at the G'Day Mate caravan park to park caravans .
Sand skiing . This is not a easy thing to do. Team of 4 mates
Tour D'Todd. Crew of two relay. One person cycles to the end
The navy racing at the end of the day . Thanks for the photo Christine .
Yah right sand hopper would be all you may catch.
This evening I had the opportunity to go on a guided tour of Kangaroo Dundee Sanctuary. The owner of this reserve is Chris Barnes more known as Brolga because of his height. He rescues baby kangaroos from their dead mothers when they have been hit by cars etc.
The sanctuary is a 90 acre wild life reserve of untouched bush covered land. Brolga also has a TV show which is now shown overseas . The injured joey's are looked after by Brolga and his wife until they leave the pouch or pillow case .They are then released into the reserve or back to the wild. They have rescued many baby kangaroos from people who have had them as pets in ther homes . It is now against the law to have one as a pet. The council here in Alice Springs says they must be released into the wild or given to Brolga for release into his reserve or they will be shot. Brolga rescues between 200 and 250 a year around Alice Springs . He is a very gentle person and the passion he has for the animals you can see around the reserve.
A female kangaroo will give birth to approximately 10 baby's in her life time but only 1 will survive , due to the dingos and the Wedge Tailed Eagles and road kill.
John did not come, it wasn't his thing he said. They are very tasty over a bbq he said.
Kangaroos having a treat
Sunset in the Kangaroo reserve
Nearly 6ft in height I am
Do you like my muscles
Care for a round in the ring Brogla
This is my food so hands off or there will be a fight
Sun about to set in Alice Springs
First one made with sultanas. Commonly know as Spoted Dog we were told
Second one is a savoury, very yummy
