On our return to Glen Helen we relaxed on the first night by quickly visiting 2 Mile Camp and then very briefly Ormiston Gorge. We knew we had to then return to Ormiston Gorge in the morning. As well, we decided we would visit Ellery Creek Big Hole from Glen Helen and then do Standley Chasm and Simpsons Gap from Alice Springs.
 |
| Map of the Western MacDonnell Ranges showing our points of entry. |
 |
| Saw Tooth Range West MacDonnell Range |
Glen Helen Station is right on the banks of the Finke River. The Finke River is often described as the worlds oldest river. It has been following the same course generally for over 100 million years. Some 15 million years ago earths movements caused the earth to tilt downwards to the south. This caused greater erosion along the river and hence the depth and width of the Glen Helen Gorge today which is considerably different to that shown in the interpretive sign below.
 |
| Species of Finke River Fish |
 |
| Glen Helen Gorge |
 |
| Interpretive signage |
 |
This interpretive sign shows the gorge
depth development over the last 15 million years. |
 |
| Interpretive signage |
 |
| Interpretive signage |
 |
| Glen Helen Gorge |
 |
| Glen Helen Gorge with some of the hidden valley showing |
 |
Glen Helen Gorge with some of
the hidden valley showing |
So next morning it was off out to Ormiston Gorge. We met up with Nick who operates the kiosk and coffee shop there and asked his advice on things to see in the NT and more about the NT Parks and Wildlife Service, particularly the access to state and national parks. Nick was a wealth of information himself but also sent us to the NT Parks and Wildlife Service in the Arid Desert Research Centre. We found them on the Adelaide side of Alice Springs and picked up a very valuable book on all NT state and national parks. Great value Nick!
Ormiston Gorge was a delight in the morning sun just as it was at dusk the evening before. The gorge landscape was punctuated by some very talented artists who were using all mixes of media to capture their vision on canvas and paper. This was a very inspirational morning with a commitment to myself to get the brushes out again!
 |
| Ormiston Gorge |
 |
| Ormiston Gorge |
 |
| Ormiston Gorge |
 |
| Ormiston Gorge |
Next we moved on to Ellery Creek Big Hole. This was also very stunning with few people around and a gain post card picturesque.
 |
Looking through Ellery Creek Big Hole.
Great swimming spot in warmer weather! |
 |
| Ellery Creek Big Hole |
 |
| Ellery Creek Big Hole |
 |
| Ellery Creek Big Hole looking through the gap |
Once we had visited here we headed back to Alice Springs for our second stay at the Big 4 Caravan Park. We were awaiting a delivery of Jurgens cabinet hinges for some running repairs.
Whilst waiting we went out to finish off the West Macdonnell Ranges by visiting the Standley Chasm and Simpsons Gap. Both were very stunning in their own right.
 |
| Entering Standley Chasm near midday |
 |
| Entering Standley Chasm near midday |
 |
| Entering Standley Chasm near midday |
 |
| Looking further through the Chasm |
 |
| The beautiful Cycads survive well in this proteted area |
 |
| Interpretive signage re the Cycad |
 |
| Walking into Simpsons Gap |
 |
| Simpsons Gap |
 |
| Simpsons Gap wall face, a bit fragile. |
By now the weekend had arrived and still no delivery. On the Friday afternoon we visited the Alice Springs School of the Air. What a great experience to see isolated children being offered such rich learning experiences. It is not all Government funded either.
 |
| School of the Air |
 |
| School of the Air |
 |
| School of the Air |
After the School of the Air we ventured out to the Kenworth Trucking Hall of Fame. Great exhibition.
 |
| Found my old Dodge Ute, for those who can remember. |
 |
We travelled from Marree to Coober Pedy
with Bev and Nev Harrison. Bev's Father
Henry Nation is a member of the Trucking Hall of Fame. |
We had to stay on as the Beanie Festival was on in town and it was truly something to see. Take a look at this link , it is truly marvelous. Over 6,000 beanies on display with art and food experiences also. The Beanies are made Australia wide with some from overseas and donated to the cause. The sale of the Beanies raise funds to support aboriginal women in art and craft lessons. Truly magnificent and such a worthy cause!
 |
| Beanie purchasers hard at it! |
 |
| A Woolen Mural about the Festival |
 |
| Some Beanies were not for sale. |
 |
| Some Beanies were not for sale. |
 |
An original Albert Namatjira painted in the West MacDonnell Ranges.
Permission sought and granted to take the photo.
Many thanks to the Alice Springs Cultural Art Gallery |
No comments:
Post a Comment