ADELAIDE ZOO

After covering a lot of the same road on the way back we went to Adelaide where my uncle, aunt and cousins live. They took us to the zoo for the day. We were lucky to see the pandas that were on loan from China. There was a female called Funi and a male called Wang Wang. They were both asleep when we arrived, but Wang Wang later woke up and strolled around his enclosure. They were VERY cute.

TREPHINA GORGE

Trephina Gorge in the East MacDonell Ranges was one of the most picturesque places we went. Normally you start walking around the top and return along a dry creek bed. When we were there though the creek was flowing. It wasn't very deep so we could paddle....but the water was freezing.
At one stage I was walking to the bank and sunk in the sand up to my thigh. Luckily my tracksuit pants were rolled right up and stayed dry. It took a fair bit of effort to get out.

STANDLEY CHASM and BEYOND

On Monday we drove out to Standley Chasm. The road on the way out was covered in water in a few places because of all teh rain, but we could get through. Even on the walk we had to rock hop along the usually dry creek bed. The walls of the chasm are really high and dark red.

We then drove out to Hermannsburg. It"s an old settlement established by a Lutheran priest. The buildings are quite run down now but it would have been a very productive place back then.


Yesterday it poured rain and now the Todd River is flowing. It even goes over the road near the caravan park. Our plans for the day were ruined so Dad went to the transport museum while us girls went shopping.

Today we visited the School of the Air. We watched a short video about how it works. It would be easy working like that as you can get your school work done quickly if you hook in. We also went to the telegaph station and the "Old"Alice Springs.

IN ALICE 1

Yes it is still raining. Apparently 50mm a few days ago and there is a bit of water in the normally dry Todd River. It wiill rise further no doubt as more rain is expected in the next few days. Great.

We actually arrived here yesterday and went on to a temporary site. This morning we moved on to an ensuite one where we will be for the next 5 nights.

After moving we went for a drive into town. We had a look at a film, heard a talk and looked at the display at the Royal Flying Doctors Service. It was interesting.

Next we went up on ANZAC Hill.. We could see a bit of the city, but not much more as misty clouds are hanging over the ranges.

KINGS CANYON

We drove to Kings Canyon on Friday and did the Rim Walk. The start was fairly tough with a steep hill. It then flattened out as we walked around the gorge. The ripples in the sandstone showed that this was where ancient sand dunes used to be.

Back at the station we went to a night time show that told of the history of the family and station. We learned about the use of camels and how they are mustered. The show ended with some billy tea and
damper.

FLY and CLIMB

A big day today. We started with a helicopter flight around Uluru in the morning. Hannah and I were scared but when we got in and took off we loved it. The view was amazing .... it's a shame we still can't load photos. We wished it lasted longer.
After lunch we headed to the rock again. This time we got to climb.....but we were lucky to get there when we did as the walk gate closed soon after. It was very steep but the rock is actually quite rough and you grip on well. When we got to the top of the chain it continued to be difficult with lots of ridges and gullies alng the top until we reached the highest point. The view was amazing and you could see for kilometres around. We then went back down and had a well earned rest at the bottom. It was hard but well worth it. We appreciated our hot shower and comfortable bed last night.
Today we are at Kings Creek station. We stay here 2 nights. Tomorrow we will walk around the canyon.............More tired legs.

ADVENTURES AT ULURU

Went out to Uluru yesterday and did some walks around the base as it is not fine enough to climb again. Was quite cool and windy......so probably a good idea as we don't want to get blown off the top!!!!

Today is absolutely beautiful...clear and sunny...and supposed to reach 15 oC. We are just about to head off to the airport to do a fly over the rock in a helicopter. We are a bit nervous but it should be a fantastic experience. Will then go out to the rock to climb.....Hope our legs can make it. It is more steep than I imagined.

ULURU

Finally made it! We got to Uluru today. And would you believe it ...it's raining!!! Not allowed to climb the rock today but maybe able to in the next few days. Instead we did some walks though canyons at Kata Tjuta. It was only spitting rain and was awesome. We might be going on a helicopter if the weather clears. Hannah and I aren't real keen.

CURTIN SPRINGS STATION

We stopped last night at the station. There was no power and very basic showers and toilets...but we lived. After dinner we stood around a campfire with some American girls we met. It was very quiet and dark when we went to bed.

COOBER PEDY again

We loved it here! The caravan park was great and we made some friends. In town we have seen 3 underground churches and even attended mass in one on Saturday night. We have been in an underground house that people still live in...in fact the man was born in Culcairn!!!! We also went through a mine and museum that showed how opals were mined. Outside there was a noodling pit that you could look for your own opal in...We found a few bits.
On top of the hill was a model of a big winch.
One afternoon we drove out to the Breakaway ranges and saw the Dog Fence. It goes forever!

COOBER PEDY

Stayed at a roadhouse called Glendambo last night. Only 30 people live there!!!!!! There is a massive windmill which pumps water from underground. It leaves the showers really white with salt and you don't drink it.
Today we have travelled to Coober Pedy. It is amazing with all the mullock heaps from the opal mines. We have been to an underground church but still have plenty to see.
Still can't attach photos....sorry

WILPENA POUND

On Wednesday we drove from Hawker to Wilpena Pound. It is like a great big dish surounded by mountains. The mountains are spectacular colours and you can see the different layers in the rocks. We would post a photo but you can't at this internet place.
We did a walk that lasted about 3 hours and covered about 8km. It was fairly flat until we got into the Hills Homestead (That is not lived in anymore). It was then a steep walk up to the lookout on top of the range. The view was great but our legs were a bit tired. We slept well that night.

A BAD BEGINNING

The first day of our trip started badly. First of all it was freezing cold with thick frost on the grass and roof. We headed towards Hay and would you believe it....we run out of petrol 5km from the servo. Too far to push. Luckily dad had a 20L jerry can of fuel with us. Stayed at Renmark tonight. It is much colder and quieter than when we are here in January. We head towards the Flinders Ranges tomorrow. We will stay at Hawker or Wilpena tomorrow night, then will go for a walk at Wilpena Pound the next day. Should be exhausting.

Packing up

We are now putting all our stuff in the caravan....but what to take and what to leave? It might be warm during the day, but it can be very cold at night. We will need clothes for both conditions. Then there is food, things to do........ We might not get to leave at this rate.
PS The picture is our car and caravan but it was taken in January!

School work....blah!!!!

Today my teacher Mr Carey gave me my schoolwork for when I go away. There's not just the things my class will be doing but old English and maths test to keep me up to speed. There's so much of it AHHHHH!!!! Call that a holiday Humph!

Busy Weekend

Netball and football today, then Mum and Dad out to a trivia night (They won!) Tomorrow Hannah to a party, Dad and I to Church and then I am participating in a spelling competition. No packing done and mum also has lots of school work to do. Thinking we may not get away on Monday!!

The Big Trip

Just think...in just over a week we hit the road and head for Central Australia. Imagine a month away from school and work!!! We can't wait. The only problem is that we still have soooooooooo much to pack and organise.