Day 29: Alice Springs

Today marks 4 weeks since we left our humble abode. Don't think I have ever been on such a long holiday.

Darren was awake before dawn, partly because he wanted to watch the olympic opening ceremony and partly because he wasn't feeling well. I'm generally not known for being selfish and sharing my cold with my husband is no exception. Luckily I'm on the other side of it so we don't have both of us down and out at the same time.

We were a little ill prepared for today though, we got up a little later than we would normally and didn't really know where to start when we did get out, so we visited the visitor information centre. There they gave us some maps of the Macdonnell ranges with the names and locations of the gorges on it.

In all the other areas we have visited thus far, information has been readily available regarding locational walks, difficulty of the walk, length and estimated duration. But here all the information around only refers to the names and locations of the gorges. We found it quite difficult to assess what was best to do with the kids so we decided to just follow the map to the first one and see what it was like.

The first one was Simpsons Gap and was a quick and easy walk. We took our time permitting the kids to play around a bit and allowing time for Darren to take it a little easier.

Next we visited Standley Chasm which cost us $25. Umm, that is one hour and $25 I will never get back. The walk, whilst not entirely unpleasant was nothing spectacular. As we neared the chasm we stopped to let some less able bodied people come through in the opposite direction, exchanging a little banter as they passed when one of them says " if you hurry you might make it but I think you may have missed it!". I'm standing there totally confused thinking "is the rock moving!" when Darren explains that this must be the chasm he read about where the ideal time to get there is 12pm as the sun lights up both sides of the chasm. Thanks visitor centre lady for telling us!!!!!!!!!!! We were there at 1pm which made it even more frustrating knowing we had just missed it.
We still made the most of it, sitting at the chasm to have our picnic lunch before returning to the car and proceeding to Serpentine Gorge. Actually, we were going to go to Ormiston Gorge but Darren was exhausted and asleep in the passenger seat, the kids were getting bored of being in the car and I was driving with the sun directly on me so I made an executive decision and made the turn at Serpentine Gorge instead.

Darren woke as soon as I made the turn as the road was unsealed and just a wee bit bumpy.

There was no regrets in the last minute change in destination as Serpentine Gorge was lovely. First we walked to the gorge itself where the kids had fun crossing the rocks over the water and Darren and I enjoyed the beauty of it.

We then walked up another steep hill to the lookout. Poor Dazza was struggling but I encouraged him to continue and the view was worth it. We were so high though so I stressed at the kids to keep away from the edge. Brandon, of course, asks "would I die if I jumped off?". And the conversation kept going with "but what if I didn't" " how hurt would I get" "what would you do". Got to wonder how his mind works some times.

It was 4.30pm by the time we finished this walk so we returned to the park to have dinner. I have to say, the school girls were very quiet last night so I'm expecting tonight to be the same. Still hoping they leave tomorrow, sick of sharing the amenities with them!

Tomorrow morning, Micaela and I are looking forward to enjoying pancakes for breakfast. The park managers cook up a free pancake breakfast every Sunday morning, all you need to bring is a plate and a cup. We're also hoping to catch up with our new friends Kate, Pete, Maddy, Emma and Harry whom we met in Coober Pedy.

Not sure of our other plans for tomorrow yet, we have a couple of options but just waiting to see how Darren is feeling.