Week Four:  Alice Springs/Devils Marbles/Threeways

Alice Springs - we only just skimmed the surface of all that can be done in this part of the country.  The first two days were pretty much rest days.  Tony took the boys to the Reptile Park, which they thoroughly enjoyed.  The next day I was feeling a bit more energetic and we all headed to the National Transport Museum...which Tony and the boys absolutely LOVED! 



Wow!  A real Thorny Devil!



The next day we drove out along the west MacDonnell Ranges as far as Ormiston Gorge; then it was an easy walk for the boys and we were at the most magnificent gorge.  We are very lucky to be in Central Australia at the moment, as it is really in a boom period after the big wet season.  There are flowers everywhere, waterholes have water in them...it is just gorgeous. We then drove a little further back towards Alice Springs and stopped for a walk then picnic lunch at Serpentine Gorge...a true highlight of our trip thus far.  

Ormiston Gorge...definately going back there to free camp!

Soaking up the atmosphere at Ormiston Gorge

Perfection!  It doesn't get any better than this:  Serpentine Gorge.

Gorgeous boys in a gorgeous setting.

That night we went out to see a contemporary didgeridoo performance.  The boys were entranced!  Charlie would really like a didgeridoo...and we now have a new CD on repeat in the car.  At least it makes a nice chnage from 'Wonky Donkey' :)



Matt having a go at playing the didgeridoo.

On Sunday, after pancakes at the caravan park, I went with friends to the Todd Mall markets in Alice Springs city.  It was great to mooch along looking (and not having to worry about the boys!).  Afterwards, we headed out to the Desert Park.  This is a really great concept to show three different desert terrains, and the flora and fauna in them.  They have a Birds of Prey demonstration that is especially fascinating.

I knew  I should have written down the names of these...

We have seen SO many flowers...
photos don't do them justice.

On Monday we bid farewell to Alice Springs.  The boys had really enjoyed the caravan park (big playground and a jumping pillow, it was a hit!) and Tony and I have already made plans for when we would like to come back, next time coming across Qld from Rocky.  Alice...we will be back!
The drive was just over 400 km, but we got a good early start and pulled in to the National Parks organised free camp behind the Devils Marbles, by 2 pm.  We were so glad we opted for a free camp rather than a van park further back... The view was magnificent, the company superb, the stars shone in all their glory (we could see the Milky Way stretching across the sky).  It was a wonderful spot. 

The boys played 'Dinosuars' happily for ages in the dirt.
Note that Patchy is in the dirt also.  sigh.

Cute!!

Sunset.  Campfire, wine, good company...LOVE free camping!

Yep, I was up reeeaallly early to see
sunrise on the rocks.

Tony was super excited to be where we were:
a photographer's dream!

View of our van after sunrise, about 7:30 a.m.;
Matt in jim jams and beanie :) Cute!

The photographer's assistant at it again!

We took our time leaving the Devils Marbles, as it was only a shortish drive up the highway to Tennant Creek and then the ThreeWays Roadhouse.  The word on the track (in laundries, at clotheslines, in amenties blocks and at happy hour) is that Tennant Creek is not a good place to stay at the moment, they are having a bit of trouble there with the locals...so we opted for the roadhouse further up the highway...a big grassy area set up for camping out the back.  It's not flash but I did my washing and Tony washed the van and the car.  Tomorrow we will head just 50 km up the road to the renowned Banka Banka station, which has been highly recommended to us; so we can't wait to see it for oursleves!  You'll have to wait till next week, 'cos that's it from me! 
Cheers all,
Tanya