Trephina Gorge and the road south.......

We left Alice Springs on Friday morning and made our way to the Ross Highway were we turned left and headed out to the East MacDonnell Ranges.  Never having been into the 'East Macs' we thought now was the time to have a look.  We were heading to Trephina Gorge to spend a couple of nights at the camp ground there.

The drive out was absolutely spectacular with the scenery, while different from the 'West Macs', just as captivating.  On our arrival at the camp ground we were blown away by the truly amazing views.  Our camp ground was called Panorama and what a panorama we were faced with.  Huge towering red quartzite cliffs and the Ross River just beside us.

We set up and paid our fees at the self registration post, again $3.30 pp per night, and then after lunch set off to have a look at the Gorge itself.  We found there were three or four walk trails here so decided that the easiest one would be the go for this afternoon.  Without knowing what we would be walking on I had taken my 'pole' just in case and boy was I pleased.

As we crossed the riverbed we decided to go up instead of along and in fact had unknowingly started the Panorama walk.  The longest and highest of them all.  We climbed steadily and fairly easily for quite some time and yes my pole was making all the difference.  Bill, while still looking out for me, was no longer having to help me up steps and rocks.  I think he was pleased.

The view as we climbed was certainly spectacular, looking down into the deep red gorge or up and over to the great red cliffs.  We continued to climb going higher and higher when the next turn brought us looking at everything from a different angle and this was as far as I could go.  Pole or no pole, I froze and couldn't move one more step upward.  

I sat here on a rock while Bill went up to the top and then retraced his steps to see me down safely.  He did have to help with the first two steps but after that my pole and I managed the whole trek down quite well.  I think it was money well spent.  We did find out the next day that if we had walked along the riverbed the climb from the other side was much more gentle and easier.  Maybe next time.

The next morning we set off again this time along the riverbed and through the gorge itself.  There really are not enough words to describe walking along the wide dry riverbed, majestic old River Red Gums growing right up the centre of the river, and the towering red walls - just truly amazing.

At the end of the gorge you can follow the signs up and return by the Rim walk.  With my trusty pole in hand I followed Bill up and apart from one little spot as we came down, to go up, I managed very well and enjoyed the walk.  We returned to camp quite pleased with our mornings effort even though Bill had not seen any birds as we walked.

Back at the van we had lunch and certainly made up for the lack of birds this morning as we were visited all afternoon by many different Honeyeaters, (this Grey Headed Honeyeater was very friendly), Finches, Peaceful Doves and a couple of Port Lincoln Parrots.  We enjoyed watching their antics for the rest of the day.

The next morning it time to go and head back to the Stuart Highway and continue our way south.  We have thoroughly enjoyed our adventures in and around Alice Springs and will certainly come back this way again.  

The Stuart highway we have been travelling since Katherine is a drive called 'The Explorer's Way'.  Most of the stops along the way have had some connection first, to the route followed by John McDougall Stuart, and secondly to the Overland Telegraph Wire.  It has been very interesting so far and we will continue to stop along the way and see what else we can learn about these early adventurers.

We drove on during the day stopping for the night at Finke River rest area.  This roadside stop as the name suggests is right beside the Finke River.  When this rivers flows it must be an amazing sight but for now, as are all the others we have seen, it is dry.  We walked down and along the riverbed and I was just amazed at how fine and soft the sand was.  

The next day we continued on down the highway stopping for coffee and a phone signal at Erldunda Roadhouse.  Next stop was Kulgera Roadhouse just to take a look at the last pub in the NT.  Or of course it could be the first one if you're coming the other way!  

Then just 20 km on we had crossed the border into South Australia.  So it was here we said farewell to The Northern Territory for this trip.  What an adventure it has been from when we crossed the border on The Savannah Way to the border here.  Something new and amazing around every corner.  Seeing old friends and meeting new ones.  We will be back as there are many more places to see in this most incredible and diverse place they call The Territory.  Of course any border crossing is another photo opportunity and as we stopped we saw this cute little blue car and caravan.  They had been in Alice for The Red Centre Nats and were driving back to SA.  Glad it was them and not me!

We drove on from here stopping for lunch at a rest area and then made our way to Marla Roadhouse where we stayed in the caravan park there.  With a pub beside the park we decided to have a night off cooking and eat there instead.  Wow, the mixed grill would have fed us both but we gave it our best shot and it was very tasty.

The next morning I had a bit of trouble getting Bill out of his warm bed.  The mornings are very chilly now and he just wants to turn the car around and go back to the heat.  Once he was up we were on our way to our next adventure.  We were off to Coober Pedy somewhere neither of us have been before.

Having never been here I had no idea of what to expect and the landscape as we drove along the Highway was very flat and we could see what was coming for miles.  All of a sudden it changed to what looked like something out of a Science Fiction movie with km upon km of mounds.  After more than 20 km of this we finally reached a sign saying Coober Pedy was 2 km ahead and there we were in a very strange and desolate landscape which didn't look like anyone could live there.  

We located The Oasis Caravan Park and booked in for a couple of days as we were going to check this very unusual place out and of course catch up with the washing once more.  So we'll set up now and get about and about shortly.

until then............