Ormiston Gorge, Ochre Pits, Standley Chasm and Simpsons Gap - 16th - 18th October 2012

We may not have liked Glen Helen Resort but the surrounding area was a treat for the eyes. We did an early day trip to beat the forecast 39 degrees. Arriving at Ormiston Gorge early we set out on the walk that goes up above the rim of the Gorge and then later comes back down into the riverbed and back to the permanent waterhole. By this time we had worked up a sweat and we were ready for a swim. The water was a fraction warmer than our swim at Ellery Creek Big Hole. The swim though very cold was refreshing.

On the way to Glen Helen my little "Henny Penny" riding buddy had declared that she was NOT going to the Ochre Pits as she thought it was a dirt road. Once we were reassured that it was bitumen, and only after she asked multiple people just in case the others got it wrong, we headed to the Ochre Pits. Despite her earlier declaration I knew she would love the Ochre Pits even though we had several people say they were nothing much. First there is the whole geology thing going on there and Intrepid Rock Hounds love Geology. Then there was the fact that Aboriginal people have been gathering ochre there for thousands of years and still do today.

After being amazed by the colours of the ochre formations we sat and contemplated the whole history of the place for a long time. By now the day was reaching its maximum so it was time to retreat to the only clean place in Glen Helen resort and that was the pool.

Having had enough of the filth and the high prices we decided to book an extra day in the cabin back at Alice Springs and leave a day early. No point trying to get our money back but just write it up to a lack of research on our part. So we packed up early and left first thing in the morning. Our first stop was Standley Chasm. This is a narrow gap in the range which I guess in thousands of years will be just like the other beautiful Gorges we had been to. When the sun is directly overhead the whole chasm glows red and we only had a short wait to watch the shadows on the floor retreat and the colour to intensify.

Our final stop before returning to Alice Springs was Simpsons Gap. Then finally back to a very clean and highly awarded caravan Park in Alice and two nights luxury in a budget cabin.

Much relived Dave