Left and Right of Alice

Sun 29 Mar……We have planned a sightseeing trip into the Macdonnell Range west of Alice. The road is sealed for 169Ks then becomes 4WD country, 169Ks is too far to just go and turn round and come back so we will drive until we feel we have had enough. First stop is Simpsons Gap about 18K out of Alice and a further 5K along a narrow road to a turn around. Simpsons Gap usually has a river running through but it is as good as dry with just a few small ponds dotted about. There are fish in the ponds but for how long we can’t say. In this searing heat there won’t be water here for much longer. The gap itself is very spectacular 200M high mountains with a 25M wide gap. It looks different again when the river is running ( we have seen the photos, they are in black and white.) On another 70Ks to Ellery Creek Big Hole then another 2K off road which shakes the old van up a bit but it’s worth it in the end. Similar to Simpsons gap but this is full of water Apparently it rained a couple of weeks ago which washed sediment into it, and instead of being blue it is now a murk grey colour. People swimming in it have also helped to stir it up. Not deterred, on with the budgies and in Peter went. It’s supposed to be icy cold but it’s nothing like that, just a bit chilly and very refreshing. We chatted to the Park Ranger who recommended another permanent water hole but it’s another 44Ks further on and we have had enough of driving. It’s 100K back to Alice so we call it a day. That’s the trouble with Oz, there is lots to see but it’s all so far apart! An hour or so later we are back at the camp site and a dip in the swimming pool is called for.
Mon 30 Mar… Another day to be spent sightseeing around Alice but this time Macdonnell Range East. Into town first as we both need a haircut and essential supplies are getting low. We need to do a fairly serious shop but forget about the booze laws here. Anyway we fill up the fridge and cupboard with incidentals, like food and stuff, then realise we will have to return as the liquor outlets don’t open until 2pm. In the meantime we set of along the Ross highway which only goes for 90Ks before it turns into a dirt track. Our first stop is Emily Gap. This gap was quite pretty with a few pools (where we watched a flock of zebra finches having a drink and a bath) and there were also some aboriginal rock paintings of caterpillars. Photos to follow!! The only other people there were a couple from Southport on a round the world trip. On a bit to Jessies Gap where after having a quick look at the gorge realise we have a problem with the fridge. We suspect it is the auxiliary battery and so we hot foot it back to Alice to seek out an auto-electrician. Having found one he confirms that it’s nothing serious and something we can cope with. As there are no worries we cram the fridge with beer and sauvignon blanc as a punishment for frightening us! Back to base for a swim in our private pool Olympic size of course!