Mataranka - Saturday 30th April to Monday 2nd May 2011. Mataranka - the town of thermal springs.We took a look and quick dip at Mataranka Thermal Pool (Rainbow Springs) before deciding where to stay (campground or the National Park).The area around the thermal pools had been quite damaged from the recent floods so it certainly didn't look its best…but apart from being a bit crowded the thermal pool was warm and the boys enjoyed themselves (Roy and I agreed i...

Daley Waters - Thursday 28th April to Saturday, 30th April Our first stop today was Tennant Creek.We enjoyed a stroll around the Cultural Centre and read about the Stolen Generation (which always makes me sad) and how the local indigenous people lost their land to the European Pastoralists.It is hard to believe that even back then it was considered acceptable behaviour.Removing people from their home and land because it was considered good farming land or a go...

Devil's Marbles - Wednesday, 27th April to Thursday, 28th April. Mid afternoon we arrived at the very unique rock formations known as the "Devil's Marbles".How do all those enormous granite boulders balance so precariously on each other? We camped in the Conservation Reserve…overlooking the Devil's Marbles.After some exploring and a game of Monopoly we enjoyed a beautiful sunset…really bright reds and oranges.Roy was also lucky enough to be aw...

Gem Tree Monday, 25th April to Wednesday, 27th April. An early start to Anzac Day…up at 5.15am to attended the Dawn Service in Alice Springs.A very small service compared to that of Martin Place, but quite emotional nevertheless.John Williamson sang the National Anthem which of course made me cry.The boys were keen to know about the service and what it all meant.We explained about the battle in Gallipoli (nearly 100 years ago).A place in Turkey, not too far fr...

Alice Springs - Continued (Easter Sunday) Started the day with plenty of excitement. The Easter Bunny had been and the boys were thrilled to receive a chocolate Bunny and a couple of board games (Battle Ship and Jnr. Monopoly). After breakfast we headed out to Trephina Gorge (East Macdonnell Ranges). It was really beautiful. Did the walk around the rim and finished with a paddle in the water. The boys played while Roy and I relaxed and admired the scenery. ...