West MacDonnells

It got a bit cool during the night and there was dew outside when we got up.   However it was a clear blue sky and sunny crisp morning.  By 8.30am we were at Ellery Creek Bighole which is a huge waterhole among the trees, again walled by towering orange cliffs.  The water was still and the reflections perfect.  It was a lovely time to be here.   

The drive east along the Macdonnells was especially beautiful with the ranges bathed in soft morning light.  It’s a stunning scene really.  We continued to Standley Chasm, the only one of the gaps in the ranges that we hadn’t seen yet.   Today they had a cultural tour, their first, a walk in to the chasm with an aboriginal woman.  This was terrific as she gave us a broad insight into aboriginal culture and issues along the way and encouraged us to ask questions.  I enjoyed hearing her speak and gaining a little first-hand insight.

The chasm was spectacular, especially as we were there at midday which is the prime time to capture the light on the walls.  The walk was great too, fairly rocky but pretty and not difficult.

            

This afternoon we headed in to Alice Springs to spend a few days with my dear friend Fran whom I've known since we were 21 and worked together at Australian Pacific Tours.  She and I spent a few times in Alice together way back then ... I was one of the tour planners at APT and got to do bits of the tours every so often as part of my job.  She met Brian, an American based here, and moved here permanently (though they had about 7 years in the US too).  About 10 years ago they built the most amazing Mexican styled home and I've finally got to see it.  We're spending about 5 days here.