We left Alice Springs on Saturday 21/5/11 and headed to Gemtree. We stopped for fuel in AS and had a bit of a close call with the roof over the bowser but Royce was a good driver and with a bit of help from me (mainly just watching and keeping fingers crossed) he got the caravan out, we filled up and got on our way. We had to turn off the Stuart Highway (after crossing the Tropic of Capricorn) onto the Plenty Highway. The latter highway is a single lane road, but is at least bitumenised (at least until just past Gemtree). Not a lot of traffic heading the other way so we didn't have too many problems. A couple of the big floodways had been damaged and not yet repaired so there was a bit of dodging to do to get through them. Gemtree is a bush setting which was quite nice but $22 per night for an unpowered site is a bit expensive I think. We met up with two other couples and the 6 of us shared a table at the camp oven dinner (delicious). We then watched a 'home movie' from the 1960s featuring Gemtree's owner's younger brother. It was interesting. We have been able to hook up water (bore water).
Sunday 22/5/11 up early and ready to head off garnet fossicking. We drove about 30km out from Gemtree, had a quick lesson and then left to our own devices - with the other fossickers. We had 2 dry sieves, 2 wet sieves, a large tub, 20 litres of water, a pick, a shovel and a small jar (to put our treasures in when we find them). They had set up a new fossicking area and we all picked a spot in the trench and got to work. The flies were a nuisance, it was hot and dirty work and we only managed to fine one garnet. People at the far end of the trench found heaps but where we were there was very little. Cameron (Gemtree's owner) must have felt sorry for us because when he assessed our find on returning from fossicking he gave us 4 other garnets (uncut). We then decided to have showers and clean up but the hot water kept cutting out all the time so it was a bit of a challenge but we did finally get clean and felt much better. Had drinks with one of the other couples and Royce played darts with them for a while (they had a portable dart board). We then headed 'home' and cooked tea. Had a quiet night. Beautiful stars!!!! I finished reading The Burnt House by Faye Kellerman. Not too bad.
Monday 23/5/11 we started packing up to head off. When we were shopping in Alice Springs I decided I wouldn't buy any more smokes and when my current packet finished I would stop smoking. Consequently I had my last 2 smokes before we left Gemtree this morning. Shortly after turning off the Plenty onto the Stuart we started seeing termite mounds. There were several areas with a large number of ant mounds and they look like a graveyard with a large amount of headstones! We called in to Aileron but other than taking a couple of photos we didn't stop. We stopped at Ti Tree and made some lunch then through Barrow Creek and arrived at Taylor Creek where we stopped for the night. We met "Nobby" (a chap travelling on his own), and another couple and had a few drinks with them. The campsite was reasonably busy but not too overcrowded. It was cool this morning but a bit windy. A clear day with beautifuly blue sky.
Tuesday 24/5/11 - we slept until 8.30am! We decided to do a bit of housework so swept the floors and then down on hands and knees to wash the floors (we don't have a mop). Got it all clean and 15 minutes later you couldn't really tell because the wind was pretty strong and it was blowing red dust into the caravan! We went for a walk and climbed a hill with a repeater station on the top. It was very steep in parts but great views. We saw a small lizard on the way up. We spotted a black cat in the long grass near our caravan. It had a red collar on but wouldn't come when we called it so I suspect it has gone feral. The campsite is quite packed out tonight.
Wednesday 25/5/11 - decided to stay on another night. This is my second full day with no smokes and so far so good. Most of the campers cleared out this morning. It was very windy today and it always seems to be worse in the mornings so when there was a bit of a lull in the afternoon we packed up the awning. Our chairs outside the caravan were covered in red dust - as was pretty much everyhing! We cooked up good old fashioned steak and kidney stew and damper for tea tonight. The stew was delicious! The damper was burnt on the bottom and very slightly doughy inside but it was edible.
Thursday 26/5/11 - We moved onto Devil's Marbles (approx 106km south of Tennant Creek). Quite a big camping area but by tonight it had fully filled up. On the way to Devil's Marbles we passed through Wycliffe Well (apparently the UFO capital of Australia), had a look around then continued on. There is a large lawned caravan park which looks nice (for future reference). This place is amazing! We went for a walk around and took lots of photos. It is a bit windy and cool but nice for walking around. We were treated to an aerial display by an eagle/hawk (don't know which) and managed to get some photos. At one stage it flew down to about 10 feet above us. We met up with some other travellers and chatted for a while then back into the area where the rocks are for sunset photos. We then chatted with another traveller who has 2 canines with him - one an ordinary kelpie and the other a pure bred Alpine Dingo named Tom. I held Tom and got some kisses from him. He was just lovely and very placid. We had thought about staying another night here because it is a really lovely spot but tonight the Thumper died, the heater wouldn't work because the caravan batteries were getting low, and the toilet is full and there is nowhere to empty it!!
Friday 27/5/11 - packed up and headed off fairly early this morning heading towards Tennant Creek. We had been told not to stop at Tennant Creek but because we need to charge everything up and get some shopping and washing done we decided to go there and book into the caravan park. I was a bit apprehensive but it is quite a nice town and nothing like what I was expecting. The caravan park is quite nice and we have spent the day doing a couple of loads of washing, shopping, and sorting (charging phones, two way radios etc). We will be here for 2 nights then move on towards Katherine.
This is my 4th day of no smokes! A bit of a struggle but hopefully I won't give in now that we are near shops. Keep fingers crossed for me and for Royce who has to live with me in a caravan during this process!!!
(Royce has just read this and said he is very proud of me and he can manage!)
Fossicking for garnets at Gemtree. Royce is approx centre squatting down
Aileron - one of 2 massive sculptures
Aileron - have a close look at the goannas
Taylor Creek. Looking back down from the hill we climbed (not quite at the top but nearly)
View from the hill at Taylor Creek
Royce at Wycliffe Well
Devil's Marbles
Devil's Marbles
The eagle/hawk (?) impressing us with its aerial abilities at Devil's Marbles
Tom the Alpine dingo giving me a kiss
Hey there great to hear about no smokes for a few days fantastic keep it up just try not to give Royce anymore blood noses. Good to see you are both enjoying the good life. The red dust would drive me insane but I suppose the adventure up there would over ride it. We stayed at Tennant Creek and it was an okay town I didn't get any bad vibes from it. I also just loved the Devils Marbles very spectacular. Keep on enjoying yourselves. Got your message about the shed this morning thanks for that it is very exciting to actually see it all in the back yard. If the weather is right they will start on Monday. We leave to go to Adelaide on Sunday to sort out the Salisbury North House. Will keep you posted. Take care and have lots of fun together. Just think of all those wonderful memories you are making.
ReplyDeleteSharon and Richard