July 4, 2012 - Exploring the area around Alice Springs

Charlie took us on a great trip today into the West MacDonnell National Park.  The scenery was absolutely fantastic - I hadn't realised that Australia had this type of terrain.  We stopped at Simpson's Gap, where we walked along the river, with beautiful trees & rock formations on either side.  Some film makers were on location there & a large work force seemed busy "setting the scene".

We moved on to Stanley Chasm, where we had quite a long walk, over rocky ground, to arrive at a spectacular gulley, where the light was perfect for photography at 12 o'clock midday, when the sun was in an ideal position.  We took some great photographs & met up again with more of our fellow travelling friends.

Next stop was Ochre Pits, where the coloured bands of rock were amazing to behold - cream, yellow, purple, etc.; an artist's delight.

Finally, we visited the breath-taking Ormiston Gorge, with its sheer red walls & permanent waterhole.  Several dingoes were running about amongst the rocks & a lady told me that she had seen one catch a fish!

We'd had a long day, but a really enjoyable one, with some welcome exercise & plenty to see.