Day 10 Alice Springs

Turns out that last nights sound and light show was only Act I. During intermission we ate dinner and watched a movie and departed into blissful slumber only to be woken by Act II sometime in the small hours of the morning. Justin slept through being rained on and we managed to shut up the van quickly but then the wind started and took the awning with it. By some miracle in the dark and rain, Keith and I managed to hang on to it and get it wound in without any damage but I was left quite shaken for the experience. Sleep eluded me for the rest of the night waiting to see if there was an Act III. There was not.

We headed into Alice Springs to find the shops and have a look around. The place was teeming with humanity as many shops had been closed for Easter. We stocked up and headed back to camp. The afternoon was spent pottering around town seeing what was around before heading out to have a look at Standley Chasm and Simpsons Gap. The Gap had quite a bit of water in it from the previous nights rain and was lovely in the late afternoon sunshine. The Chasm was a longer walk and the entry fee a bit steep, but in for a penny we paid the man and walked along the very rocky creek bed to the chasm. Its cool interior fascinated the kids for about 60 seconds before they raced back down to the car.

The promised waterhole swim at Ellery Creek did not happen this afternoon as we were due to go out to dinner with our travelling companions that evening, The kids were more than satisfied with the promise of a swim in the pool and we headed back into town. Dinner at the Overland Steakhouse was fun. Kids sat up one end of the table, adults at the other. Everyone managed to behave themselves very nicely. We sampled emu, camel, kangaroo and crocodile meats. I liked the croc best, but had already ordered roo for mains. Eton Mess for dessert and we were done. Fantastic not to have to cook too!

As novice travellers it has been great to meet so many people on the way. The family we met at Pt Augusta, came across by accident at Coober Pedy, camped with at Yulara (coincidence) and Kings Creek (on purpose) and went camel riding with at Stuart Well have been wonderful to spend time with. Almost “local” knowledge and expert experience made us feel like we had our own tour guide and our kids kept each other entertained beautifully. We feel very lucky to have met such kind, generous and FUN people! They are heading home tomorrow so we said our goodbyes, exchanged details and hope to catch up in the not too distant future.