MAY 2017 : NORTHERN TERRITORY : Larapinta Trail : Day 1 : Alice Springs - Simpson's Gap -Standley Chasm - 8-10 kms - 6 hours

 

The Larapinta Trail begins at Alice Springs and ends at the summit of Mount Sonder.

It is 231 kms long and has been established Walk since 2006.

Chris and I booked with Trek Larapinta for a 9 day 'taster' tour to experience the most impressive sections.

Some trekkers walk from end to end which takes about 12 days.

 

Section 3

 

 

 

 

The first trek was a loop walk at Standley Chasm.

We were permitted to walk through a usually prohibited section of 

Arrernte land.

 

Excellent paths

 

Dramatic colours of the rock contrasting with ancient cycads.

 

Our rocky path ahead.

 

Walking up to the Gastrolobium Saddle our destination

Being led by experienced guides.

This is Ella.

 

Finding a cool place in a river bed for lunch.

 

Jo and Ella prepare a spectacularly fresh lunch.

 

Then the adventure begins with a series of tricky descents into the gorge.

Jo demonstrates the first manoeuvre.

 

The next section..

 

Another challenge.

 

We walked out of this restricted section with tourists longingly looking at the forbidden entry.

 

 

Then to our first private camp near Standley Chasm

 

Our individual tents with the choice of sleeping inside or outside.

Definitely under the stars for me.

 

All mod cons

 

 

A local Arrernte woman, Dee, came to speak to us about Aboriginal life in Alice Springs

and issues and priorities for her people. She explained about tribal issues and family 'skin' relationships.

Very passionate, informative and helpful for us as there are so many unresolved issues, particularly in

the Northern Territory.

 

A most interesting and somewhat challenging day!

 

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MAY 2017 : ALICE SPRINGS

Today I flew from Canberra via Melbourne and Adelaide to Alice Springs in Central Australia. On Friday I am walking the Larapinta Trail for 9 days.

First stop is Alice Springs after an amazing flight with clear views of our barren landscape - an artist's dream - barren but breathtaking.

 

First views of extensive salt lakes.

 

Rock formations ...

 

Dry river beds...

 

Then to Alice Springs.. a major town of 25,000 people. Following an expedition to the Centre in 1862

by John McDouall Stuart this led to the path for the Overland Telegraph Line from Adelaide to Darwin,

with Alice Springs as the repeater station. (Unfortunately the spring turned out to be a temporary waterhole.

Now the town bases most of its economy on tourism.

 

First stop was coffee at Epilogue in the Todd Mall, behind our hotel, The Aurora. Fun cafe and restaurant,

where we had all our meals whilst transmitting in Alice Springs.

 

A walk to the Botanical Gardens...a loose term we felt.

 

We enjoyed the views over Alice Springs township and towards Mt Gillen and the MacDonnell Ranges.

 

A beautiful Sturt Desert Pea, growing along the Todd River bank.

 

We spent the afternoon at the Alice Springs Desert Park - first rate facility and the only wildlife we saw all week!

 

The park is set against the backdrop of Mt Gillen.

 

Male bustard or bush turkey.

 

Female bustard.

 

Excellent examples of desert flora and bush tucker plants.

 

Purple flannel flower

 

Excellent nocturnal house - displays only visible with torchlight. Here is a Pigmy Monitor.

 

Painted finch

 

A curlew

 

There was a skilful bird show with all the birds flying in on call. Here is a barn owl.

 

We are staying at the Aurora Hotel, close to the Todd Mall. Discount with company booking.

 

The tourist office gave us helpful information and although Alice Springs is not large, we enjoyed our 

walk around town and the visit to the park.

We are looking forward to starting our trek tomorrow, albeit with a little trepidation.

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MAY 2017 : CANBERRA : NAMADGI NATIONAL PARK : Gudgenby to Brandy Flat Hut to Glendale Crossing : 10 kms - 4 hours - 15oC

 

A beautiful walk today on an Autumn day - max 15oC.

We began at the Brandy Flat carpark on Boboyan Road.

 

Immediately we set off and there was a steep descent with slippery scree.

 

 

We then ascended the 300m Fire Trail, stopping halfway for rest. The view

South from when we came!

 

Arriving at Brandy Flat Hut. It was originally built in 1892. This structure

was provided by National Parks in 1978 for hikers and campers.

 

Some basic facilities for travellers.

 

Then off on to the well-marked trail.

 

Not much colour or interesting vegetation today apart from unusual fungi -

orange and green.

 

 

Open fields gorgeous in the afternoon light.

 

The views north.

 

Several mobs of kangaroos.

 

The last section on a marshy section. Walkways are hidden under the thick 

undergrowth.

 

Arrival at Glendale Crossing. Waiting for our transport - car shuttle today.

 

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