21st June – Sunday
The shortest day of the year!
Last night was much warmer, the temperature only dropped to 6 degrees and today was a very pleasant 26. The wardrobe has now been swapped around and the heavy, winter clothes are under the bed, with the lighter shirts and pants now in the cupboards.
The morning had a very civilised start with pancakes supplied by the caravan park. As many as we wanted, we only had to keep lining up again – along with everyone else. A couple sitting with us were very informative about where we should and shouldn’t go and suggested we should start the day at the Todd Mall Market. So, being market fans, we headed off to a fairly empty mall and met the same couple who apologised about getting the dates wrong! However, we did have a wander along the mall and found a couple of the obligatory souvenir shops, as well as the memorial church to John Flynn.
Back to the caravan for lunch then to the National Road Transport Hall of Fame. Cat became very excited here with all the trucks and motorbikes to look at and climb on, despite the warning signs. He was particularly fond of the Indian motorbike. It was here that we discovered not only a commemorative brick/plaque to my cousin, Trevor, but also photos and stories of both Uncle Bill and Aunty Pat. Although the place was interesting anyway, this made it far more personal. There was also a museum of Kenworth trucks and lots of unrestored vehicles were outside. The Old Ghan was also at the same site, but impossible to get of photo of the train because of the position.
Following this, we headed to the Alice Springs Telegraph Station, the site of the original settlement and the springs, which is really just part of the Todd River. We had a great time here, talking to a guide who lived at the settlement as a half-caste child in the 1930’s and was able to give us his personal recollections as well as the earlier history. He also warned us about a brown snake that lives in the straw of the stables. One of us walked into the middle of the stable, while Cat and the sensible person stood outside the door. Cat enjoyed the telegraph office, and was quite intrigued with the old fashioned method of sending an email! We were lucky to find some water in the spot that is considered the original “Alice Springs,” although the river bed was very dry and sandy either side.
A quick trip to the top of Anzac Hill for a photo opportunity and the realisation that Alice Springs is set among some very rugged and stony hills. We also spotted the Woolworths service station, so filled up with fuel on the way back to the caravan park. Diesel was only $1.28, less the 4 cents discount.
The shortest day of the year!
Last night was much warmer, the temperature only dropped to 6 degrees and today was a very pleasant 26. The wardrobe has now been swapped around and the heavy, winter clothes are under the bed, with the lighter shirts and pants now in the cupboards.
The morning had a very civilised start with pancakes supplied by the caravan park. As many as we wanted, we only had to keep lining up again – along with everyone else. A couple sitting with us were very informative about where we should and shouldn’t go and suggested we should start the day at the Todd Mall Market. So, being market fans, we headed off to a fairly empty mall and met the same couple who apologised about getting the dates wrong! However, we did have a wander along the mall and found a couple of the obligatory souvenir shops, as well as the memorial church to John Flynn.
Back to the caravan for lunch then to the National Road Transport Hall of Fame. Cat became very excited here with all the trucks and motorbikes to look at and climb on, despite the warning signs. He was particularly fond of the Indian motorbike. It was here that we discovered not only a commemorative brick/plaque to my cousin, Trevor, but also photos and stories of both Uncle Bill and Aunty Pat. Although the place was interesting anyway, this made it far more personal. There was also a museum of Kenworth trucks and lots of unrestored vehicles were outside. The Old Ghan was also at the same site, but impossible to get of photo of the train because of the position.
Following this, we headed to the Alice Springs Telegraph Station, the site of the original settlement and the springs, which is really just part of the Todd River. We had a great time here, talking to a guide who lived at the settlement as a half-caste child in the 1930’s and was able to give us his personal recollections as well as the earlier history. He also warned us about a brown snake that lives in the straw of the stables. One of us walked into the middle of the stable, while Cat and the sensible person stood outside the door. Cat enjoyed the telegraph office, and was quite intrigued with the old fashioned method of sending an email! We were lucky to find some water in the spot that is considered the original “Alice Springs,” although the river bed was very dry and sandy either side.
A quick trip to the top of Anzac Hill for a photo opportunity and the realisation that Alice Springs is set among some very rugged and stony hills. We also spotted the Woolworths service station, so filled up with fuel on the way back to the caravan park. Diesel was only $1.28, less the 4 cents discount.
1 comment:
Goodness, the things you find in Alice Springs! Isn't it nice to know that you're related to famous people. Love the photos, very jealous :)
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