Well the last two days have been a bit testing, 1100kms and the girls are over being cooped up in the car. We did have to resort to technology for most part just to keep them amused, but there could be worst things they could be doing.
After we left Katherine, we drove down to the "the peebles" just north of Tennant Creek. It was a big 700km and Marty did so well seeing he was still a bit flat from the febrile illness his had for the last few days. The aboriginal name for " the pebbles" is Kungarra. It is a place where there is an outcrop of mysterious small granite boulders and is known as the smaller relatives to Kurlu Kurlu (the devils marbles). At Kungarra dancing and healing of the Munga Munga dreaming take place along with the ritual instruction of young girls. It is also another aboriginal sacred site, we have been amongst a lot now. I am always fascinated in learning about these type of sites and am glad that some of the aboriginal people still practice their culture.
I was, however, a tad disappointed with the pebbles. Not as impressive as Devils Marbles. The girls and l took a walk around, Marty not interested at all. Bit b*****ed after all the driving. The sunset, like always, was impressive though. The red illuminated from the rocks as the sun set. Then the night sky took over and looked magnificent. There were no lights around and all you could see was the tremendous amount of stars in the dark night sky. Love this part of our trip, no night sky is as wondrous as that in the bush in the NT!
The next morning we were up and on the road at 8am!! Now this is unbelievable as never on this trip have we been on the road before 9am!! I think we were all excited to be catching up with the Woods family in Alice Springs. We didn't have far to drive, only a small 400kms...lol. The drive itself wasn't too spectacular and OMG, l got so sick of the girls asking " are we there yet?". Boo just couldn't wait to see here BFF Charlotte, it has been almost 10 months since they have seen one another. As we approached Alice, it felt like we were coming home from holidays. A really weird feeling, but made me happy and excited for some reason. Just to pee everyone off, and make their torture extended, l insisted that we stop as we entered Alice to get a photo of Boo and l at the 'welcome Alice Springs' sign. We had missed out last time we were here, and l knew if we didn't get it done on the way in then we wouldn't do it at all!
We eventually arrived at MacDonnell Ranges Holiday Park around 3pm. Great to see familiar face of Mandy at check in (worker from our last stay, wife of Alan). We checked in and headed down to our site for the next two months. As we turned the corner we were greeted with excited Woods family waving and holding up "Welcome Beeson" banners. Was so exciting to see them again. We didn't even park the van, we all got out and exchanged hugs and hellos. Only took a few seconds for it to fell like yesterday since we saw them.
We parked the van, which was directly opposite the Woods can. Going to be very handy l think. The Ellis family, who the Woods had met on their travels, were also staying in the same street. We all introduced ourselves and then everyone stood around to watch our tremendous set up. They were all curious to see how it was done and how much we could fit into this van. See they all have self contained vans that you just open the door and walk in, no need to wind it up or pull the ends out to make your beds. Like the last few weeks, it was again bloody hot, so Marty and l decided we needed hydration while setting up. Think that's why it took a little longer, lol... After a few hours we were set up, and that's when things turned for the worst. All l remember is that Amanda and l started on my last Bali vodka bottle and that l ate spag bol for dinner. I also remember being happy and loud and lying on he road at dark looking at the sky and loving the bloody stars!!! I woke at 4am a bit startled, took a little to orientate myself to being in bed. Guzzled some water down and took a few panadol the went back to sleep.....
Next morning l woke very unhealthy and hungover. A few spews were needed to help me improve. The heat was horrible! I was informed by Marty that my behavior was horrible and Alan road up to inform us that there were three complaints made last night for loud and obscene language....for site 14....whoops. Not a good impression to make hey? Well hopefully that will be forgotten and l can reclaim some respect from everyone. Probably not the best impression made to our new neighbors, the Ellis's......hoping they understand l was just a bit excited to be with the Woods again and back in Alice.
My blogs will settle down a little now as we spend the next few months here to cash up, lm starting back at Alice Springs hospital next Monday. Working in the Emergency Department this time round as no work in pediatrics at the moment. Here's to a good few months!

Bell Xxx