Alice Springs

Alice Springs

17/1/2011

We had a lazy start this morning Colin slept in to around 8.30 am exhausted after the big drive and rim walk yesterday.

Looking over Alice from Anzac Hill

Anzac Memorial

Standley Chasm

Standley River bed dry

Rev John Flynn's Grave



Todd River dry



We set off to explore around 9.30 am.  We went up to Anzac Hill which towers over the town and the Anzac memorial is situated there. The town is surrounded by steep rocky hills which is a surprise. Majestic river gums line the wide sandy Todd River which is completely dry, a compete contrast to the other side of Australia, Queensland which has way too much water.

We then went out to Standley Chasm, 50 kms from Alice; it is a large gap at the tail end of the spectacular West McDonnell Ranges. It has been gouged into the sandstone over millions of years and is surrounded by craggy slopes rising up for 80 metres. It is the main attraction in an aboriginal owned flora and fauna reserve with abundant bird life, wallabies and many rare plants including cycad palms and ferns. The sun was overhead and the chasm lit up with reflected colours. It was spectacular, well worth the visit.  At the end of the chasm there was a little water hole, very refreshing to splash in after a very hot walk in. We then called into Simpsons Gap which is located 26km west of Alice Springs, the Ghost Gum lined track lead to an amazing Gorge which had a lovely water hole at the base. The midday sun reflected on the rugged sides of the gap which showed up all the different shades in the rock. On the way back we called into the grave of Rev John Flynn, he was the founder of the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Then home for a swim in the pool, cooked pizza for tea. We are going to go to the Alice Springs Casino tonight. We will head off early in the morning to make our way up the Stuart Highway.  We will check out Devil’s Marbles on the way and may stop just before Tennant Creek. Hoping all is well in your world.

The Travelling Wilsons