Friday, 5 May 2017

MAY 2017 : NORTHERN TERRITORY : Larapinta Trail : Day 2 : Serpentine Gorge to Ellery Creek Big Hole - 14 km - 6 hour

 

 

Section 7 of the trail today - long and rocky but great views.

 

Setting out from Standley Chasm

 

Crossing yet another dry river bed with River Red Gums

 

Setting out from Standley Chasm still on the Chewings Range

 

Native shrubs - these are called Yellow Tails with several varieties


 

 

This area is important for the stromatolites, formed millions of years ago.
They were originally formed by growth of layer upon layer of Cyanobacteria.
This is a single-celled photosynthesising microbe.

 

Views to the Heavitree Range.

 

Interesting rock formations.

 

Trig Point with views to Heavitree Range

 

Fruit from a Desert Bloodwood Tree

 

Aboriginal people collect these bush coconuts, which have been infiltrated by a bug.
The bug tastes a bit like an oyster - I tried it - and the surrounding area, when removed, tastes like coconut.

 

Extremely sharp quartzite formed the path.

 

Beauty in the quartzite (despite the pain)

 

At last our arrival at the Ellery Creek Big Hole - freezing but very refreshing.
A perfect lunch spot.

 

A water scorpian

 

Then off to our new camp near Ormiston Gorge

 

Dinner area with views of the Ormiston River bed

 

Ella, our chef for the evening

 

A special birthday for Colin

 

Another clear evening to snuggle up in my swag and watch the stars.

 

A brilliant day!

M

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