We feel a bit like residents in Alice Springs now. We've been here for over 2 weeks now, with a trip to Ayers Rock and Kings Canyon in between. Life is slow but good. Emily (our eldest daughter) arrives on May 18 for 4 days and we are looking forward to that.
On Monday, we decided to go for a day trip to the East MacDonnell ranges. We thoroughly enjoyed the West MacDonnells with Ruby guiding us on a tour in the Mazda 121. But the East Macs are a bit rougher than the West and certain parts require a 4WD and slightly higher wheel clearance than the little Mazda. And because we've taken the back seats out of the Kia, only 2 can travel in the car. Ruby has to work anyway, so we didn't feel bad about leaving her behind.
There are a couple of easily accessible "gaps" along the way (Emily and Jessie), but our destination was
Trephina Gorge, which is about 70km east of Alice. Most of the way is sealed road, only the last few kms get a bit rough. Actually it's only a couple of creek crossings that are cause for any concern.
Leaving the dogs in the car again, we walked around the gorge and enjoyed the views of rocky cliffs, white gums and a trickling creek. The walk went along the cliffs initially and then down into the creek for the return trip. It was very pleasant to walk bare-foot through the creek.
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| View of Trephina Gorge from the top of the cliff |
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| Judith walking along the cliff tops of Trephina Gorge |
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| More views of the gorge |
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| The rocky cliffs of Trephina Gorge |
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| The sandy beach of Trephina Gorge |
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| Walking bare-foot through the creek |
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| Lame attempt at planking - I didn't know you were supposed to be face down (sorry kids) |
On the way in to the gorge, we noticed a turn off to John Haynes Water Hole. Sounded interesting and only 4km said the sign post. Only vehicles with "high wheel clearance" also said the sign. We've got a 4WD, we should be fine we thought. What a mongrel road! Rocky river crossings, huge holes, lumps and bumps galore - but the Kia did well. Was fun to try out the low ratio 4WD... for a while. Then it got a bit annoying. How much further could it be? We drove for 30 mins down this track before we gave up and turned back. It felt like we had travelled for twice the 4km that was doubtfully indicated on the sign at entry. After making a 10-point turn on the skinny, rocky, lumpy track and going back over the same chasms, sharp boulders and mini-mountains we got safely back to the original turn-off. Maybe the water hole was great - we will never know. But at least we got a little taste of serious 4WD driving.
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| The rocky creek crossing |
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| A little bump in the road |
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| A few more little obstacles |
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| The river crossing was initially a bit daunting, but after the an hour on the real off-road track, this just a little splash |
Robert that's a lame attempt at planking! Looks more like an old man having a nap! :)
ReplyDeleteYou're so funny, Planking Robert!
ReplyDeleteI think it's good enough than a dangerous stunt, at least u made me laugh!
Hey there Koops. Gardiners don't need to travel the Red centre when you are doing such a great blog ...we enjoy your exploits, and wish we were travelling too...Rob, had to laugh at your "planking".. have only just been discussing with my classes today...we are doing the "teapot" for Biggest morning tea...so I want to see a "teapot" or two from a few places please..you don't have to face down for that!!!!!Love to you both The Gardiners
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