After several cancellations last year the Scenic Rim walk was rebooked for March 5-9. What could go wrong with Covid restrictions lifted and travel bans eased? At last I could resume my walking plans. Then my walking buddy slipped on the footpath near home in Sydney breaking her ankle. I was still determined to go. Then an unpredicted and unexpected weather system settled over south-east Queensland and inundated the area, not once but twice - thirteen have drowned so far. Trip cancelled.
The torrential rain
Disappointment turned into joy, when my sister asked me to travel with her to Alice Springs instead, and visit her daughter, Liz and meet her new baby boy.
Very relaxed flights with only 15 passengers aboard - Canberra - Adelaide - Alice Springs.
There was a very clear view of the desert landscape from the air, such an inspiration for artists.
Alice also had floods in the last month and so it is much greener than in previous years.
Liz, Crispín and their beautiful family.
Nina’s 2nd birthday party
Clear skies and stunning sunrises from our balcony.
Sunset facing the Larapinta Range
Temperatures range from 33-39 degrees at this time of year, perfect for early morning laps in the hotel pool.
Resident peacock - Andrew
And spending the hot afternoons cooling off
Alice Springs is the third largest town in the Northern Territory, with a population of 27,000, established as a major centre from telegraph station in 1933. It is very quiet in the summer months and even more so this year with Covid, travel restrictions and no grey nomads and backpackers passing through to supply labour and support businesses.
The surrounding MacDonnell Ranges provide a stunning backdrop…despite its relatively small size there are some fascinating historical sites as well.
As well as swimming to keep cool, Liz and her friends have found some shady cafes to meet with opportunities for their toddlers to play together. This is a pop-up called The Twisted Teaspoon on the bank of the (now dry) Todd River.
Another great find, The Watertank Café, near the industrial estate.
A simple lunch at the lovely Royal Flying Doctor Service Cafe.
Breakfast at Yaye’s Cafe in the Arts Precinct. Run by a friendly Argentinian couple.
A walk around the Telegraph Station on a gloriously clear day in such a unique landscape.
The Botanical Gardens Cafe
We have enjoyed meals at the hotel restaurants, and with Liz and Crispin at home, and an unusual find - an Italian restaurant, Casa Nostra, in a desert setting but it was like stepping back in time into an Italian village filmset.
Such a special week with Liz and co.
What next for the Yaya sisters?
M
