This morning dragged a little bit, and we breakfasted and packed at our leisure. There was no real urgency to the routine today. Alice Springs has proven to me to be the oasis that so many have spoken of. I really enjoyed the relaxed nature of the place.
The plan was to drive as far as possible to knock over the big kilometres in front of us. It was around 1030 when we left town, and headed towards Aileron which would be our first stop for the day. We had only planned on changing drivers, but our later departure saw a hot chook purchased, and we had chicken rolls again for lunch much to everyone's pleasure. There were several sculptures about the place including these two little guys.
This statue stands 17m tall on the hill above his Hollywood sign writing, and he is known as Anmatjere man...we called him Neville. He was accompanied a little further down the road by the lady and her daughter having a go at the Perentie. I went to get a photo of the ladies and whilst walking around the sculpture noticed the great detail that had gone into them...including anatomical correctness below the loin cloth. I was both disturbed and embarrassed, and quickly returned to the car. Bloody artists!
Driving was really all that happened for the rest of the day. We had crossed the Tropic of Capricorn for the third time, and Tennant Creek came and was pleasantly left behind us. The drive ended though at 41 Mile Bore Campsite, which is little more than a glorified rest area. There are no facilities, power, water or toilets, but the drive was too far to the next stop. Ashley couldn't understand why there was no office, and how we would check in.
Set up was quick and easy, and we didn't bother to unhitch to give us the best possible start to the new day. We were still some 400km from the QLD/NT border. I set about collecting what wood I could find for a fire, and Lisa threw together one of her famous tuna casseroles for dinner. At least the kids ate for a change. Emma is getting increasingly fussy about food and we tend to throw away more than she is eating. Dinner was quickly devoured though with the promise of camp fire and marshmallow roasting for dessert. Poor Rowan was too tired again and went to bed. (Really, he was scared of the dingoes and being eaten, but bed seemed like a good excuse at the time.) 
The camp fire was warm and large, and the marshmallows were well roasted and eaten. Apparently my pyromaniac tendancies are useful for something. At least I haven't lost my touch yet. Ashley was stoked he got to help extinguish the fire in the most manly of ways. I did mention there was no water here.
No comments:
Post a Comment