It has been about 44 years since Russ worked up here in Alice Springs for a year. He worked for Connellan Airways, later to be Connair, later in 1980 to be no more. He was a Qantas cadet back then getting his hours up before returning to Sydney to train on the big jets and fly with Qantas for 40 years.

So one stop was the Aviation Museum, set inside the old Connellan Airways hangers. The inside of two hangers was stuffed with old radios, maps, photographs, air traffic control equipment, memorabilia from Alice Springs' time in World War Two, aircraft engines, props and assorted bits and pieces. There was also a DC3, a Beech Queen and the Heron that Russ flew so often during his time here. Inside the DC3 was set up a film made in the late 70s about Eddie Connellan and his airline. Russ's only comment to the film was that history had been considerably airbrushed with regard to a boss who was a very hard man to work for.

The Old Telegraph Station on the banks of the Todd has been restored and is a museum dedicated to the many uses the site has been put to, from telegraph station… obviously … to home for indigenous kids. We were lucky enough to be there for the last day of a display of Morse code with enthusiasts, mostly retired Post Office people, demonstrating the different Morse keys to send messages. In fact, you could send a message to the person of your choice - hello David - a telegram in Morse transmitted to Adelaide where volunteers were receiving the messages and posting them on to the recipients. Again, Morse brought back memories for Russ who, in his early flying days and more lately when he received his ham radio licence, had to be able to send and receive in Morse.

Alice Springs is the tourist centre of the region and so has all kinds of activities on offer. But it is surprising how few people seem to be out and about looking at all the tourist stuff - and this is high season. Either things are quiet or there is great scope to expand the tourism industry here.

The Alice Springs Desert Park is on the outskirts of the town. It is a combination botanic garden and zoo. Different types of desert environments are recreated with their plants and animals. Ranger guided activities occur all day - we saw a bird show, were guided through the nocturnal house and walked through a woodland area. We interrupted the day to head out to Standley Chasm to see it at the best time, midday, when the sun shines straight down into the chasm - beautiful! Then it was back to the park to spend the rest of the day there.

It's still cold days and nights but the blue skies are back and the clouds are gone again. For now anyway.