Katherine to Alice.........

The next morning we packed up and said farewell to Katherine and we returned to Daly Waters where this time we booked into the caravan park and had dinner in the iconic Pub.  The Barra and Beef bar-b-que was very tasty and the live music and entertainment was fun.  A truly unique place to visit and we met another lovely couple here, Avril and Ian, from Tasmania.

Leaving the next morning we made our way to Elliott where we were going to spend two days at the Longreach Water Hole.  This waterhole is part of Newcastle Waters and is a haven for birds and campers.

We arrived before lunch and were soon set up.  As we were freecamping for the two days we didn't have any aircon and boy was it hot.  Another 36 deg day with some humidity saw us following the shade and looking for any breeze we could find.  The birds were loving the water and kept Bill busy with his camera.  The Jabiru was the first one we had seen close enough to photograph this whole trip.

We enjoyed the beautiful sunset and then saw lightning flashing across the waterhole.  This went on for the night and we enjoyed a wonderful light show until we went to bed.  It was far in the distance and we had no thunder or rain with it where we were.

The next morning we woke up to a very different day.  The wind was blowing a gale and the temperature had dropped significantly.  As the day wore on the wind stayed constant and most of the birds stayed out of the water.  We enjoyed the lower temperature but had to add layers during the afternoon.  What a change from yesterday.  That night we ate dinner inside and watched a movie.

The next morning we packed up and got away fairly early.  The wind was still blowing and it was much cooler.  As we drove south Bill kept up a running commentary as the temperature outside kept dropping.  It was 19 when we left Longreach Water Hole and by lunchtime at 3 Ways it was only 15 deg.  A real shock to our systems.

Along the way we stopped to look at Renner Springs, then again to have a look at The John Flynn Memorial at 3 Ways.  Got fuel as we passed through Tennant Creek which looks like it might warrant a longer visit next time. 

 We continued driving until we reached Devils Marbles Campground where we stopped and settled in for the night.  A very chilly night, just two nights after being too hot for anything other than a sheet, we were now back in winter pjs and the quilt.  Guess we've left the 'build up' behind!  

Well what can I say about Devils Marbles.  Words cannot describe this amazing place.  The campground is right beside this spectacular place and I only hope that giant marble stays put during the night.  As we walked to the registration station who did we meet again but our friends from Daly River.  Avril and Ian had been here for two nights and apparently the light show we saw had brought them thunder and rain.

The next morning we had a wander through and along the walk tracks and enjoyed seeing the many different rock formations.  Back at the campground we read the Dreamtime stories of the rocks and once again were blown away by this incredible sight.

Leaving here we drove the few km to Wauchope where Bill had a bit of fun with the old cars which feature at the front of the roadhouse.  

We stopped at Barrow Creek to have a look at the old stone Telegraph Station here.  The old building, built in 1872, was an important part of the Overland Telegraph Line.  There are also the graves of two of the Station Masters who were killed by aborigines in 18??.  The Forster Range adds a dramatic backdrop to the scene.

A little further down the road we stopped at the Stuart Memorial and learnt how John McDouall Stuart led his expedition (his third and final attempt) through the Centre, to the North Coast, navigating and mapping the country for white settlement.  

The Stuart Highway also honours his remarkable feats of exploration and leadership.  Just a short distance inland, and now hidden by trees, is Central Mount Stuart.  This is where Stuart calculated the absolute centre of Australia is using only a sextant and the stars.  While I soaked up the history here Bill had some fun with the dozens of Zebra Finches at the water tank.

Just down the road we followed a sign that said 'Mango Icecream' and made it to Ti Tree Farm and yes, the Icecream was delicious.  A little later we stopped for the night at Prowse Gap rest area.  Again following instructions from Wiki Camps we drove through the gap in the fence and found a quiet spot up the back beside a bright red road.  Peace perfect peace.

The next morning it was up and off with a stop along the way at The Tropic of Capricorn marker.  It seems like such a long time ago that we crossed this 'line' as we passed through Rockhampton.  We have certainly travelled a few km since then.

We drove on from here to the outskirts of Alice Springs before turning West again to spend a couple of days at Ormiston Gorge in The West Macdonnell Ranges.  More about that soon.

until next time.......