Grandma's Big Red Van steps out.
[That is the name the grandchildren bestowed on her.]
On Thursday 16th we set out on our journey to Adelaide. It was around midday when we (finally) got away, and an hour later when we finally hit the highway. The van ran beautifully and sat comfortably at the speed limit.
It was west of Ballarat that a horrendous hail storm pummeled us. In vain I looked for shelter, but there was not even a tree around. At the (eastern) entrance to Ararat we stopped at a roadhouse, for a break and a cuppa. My last stop for the day was at the caravan park in Kaniva, western Victoria. A lovely little park with a dozen or so spots. Run completely on an honesty system, the basic facilities were neat and spotless.
The trip however, did not go without incident. At one point a truck virtually ran us off the road, pushing past at the end of an overtaking lane. Another truck doing the same stunt, rather than run us off the road, crossed the double lines forcing on-coming traffic to take evasive action and avoid a head on collision.
As one approaches Adelaide one travels through the Coorong. This is a spectacular bird watchers wonderland. The wetlands of the Coorong are a vital link for migratory birds from the northern hemisphere, heading further south. As we came out of the bakery a couple of pelicans flew over our heads. At that moment the whole story of (the late) Mr Percival came back to me. Of course, Storm Boy was largely set in the Coorong.
Now that the Distric 73 Toastmasters Convention in Adelaide, is over, I will have the great pleasure of giving the VW its first workout into the Red Centre.
Lifey
A Town Like Alice - Neville Shute
That is a great novel, set in WWII and subsequently made into a movie. The book was better!
Right now I am spending a couple of days in Alice Springs, a really lovely town.
The previous couple of days were spent at Uluru and Kata Tjuta. The weather was perfect. Driving on the road which encircles The Rock, I was amazed at how close I got in some places. Unfortunately I missed out on most of the wet. There were still a few trickles running down the sides, but not much to be spectacular. Folk who took the 12 (or so) km walk around the base told me it was quite wet.
Despite the fact that the indigenous people request that you respect their sacred places, and not climb The Rock, many people still insist on making that journey. It was interesting to see how so many freaked out before they were quarter the way up, and turned back. Of course, the way down is much more scary, and treacherous. No stairs, no assistance. Just a chain to hold onto on the steepest sections. And, I am told, the plagues to commemorate those who did not make it down alive.
We were fortunate to watch the sunset with an almost full moon, over Uluru. There are designated car parks for sunset viewing, where the places are taken up early and the best spots eagerly sought. Many friendships were made in the hours leading up to sundown. I had arrived more than two hours before, and ended up spending much of my time with Rosemary and Alfred, from England. They are sailing around the world, and travelling Australia while their yacht is being cared for in Malaysia.
On my way up the Stuart Hwy I stopped over in Coober Pedy. For the rest I decided that my sightseeing would be on the way home. Due to circumstances and time constraints, have now decided to make Alice Springs my end point, turn around and head home. Unfortunately, there is no such thing as an alternate route. Only one road up here.
There's quite a bit to see around The Alice. Today (Sat) I spent in town and out to some nearby gaps in the ranges. There I saw my first ever ancient rock paintings. At Emily's Gap there was a wedding taking place in the great outdoors, under the ghost gums amongst the spinifex with the bright colours of the McDonnell ranges as their backdrop. A fantastic setting for a wedding. The strange contrast was that some of the males were wearing kilts, and the party was 'piped' in, and out of this beautiful nature park.
Tomorrow I plan to go to Hermannsburg. This is the place where the famous aboriginal artist, Albert Namitjira learned to paint, and where he spent most of his time painting. That was some eight or nine decades ago. Many of the Namitjira off spring also ended up as artists, and Oscar is now said to be more sought after than his father. I have always loved their paintings of the McDonnell Ranges and the ghost gums.
So much has happened, and so little chance to get on the internet. Incredible country. Spectacular scenery. Lovely people. What more would you want.
Lifey
Things have changed..... for the better.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Mark Sedenquist
... before there was much coverage about not taking the walk to the top. (Or I didn't hear of it).
That may have been before the indigenous people were given back the whole area which is so significant to their culture. It would no doubt also have been before we got to know it by its ancient name of Uluru.
I don't recall when that was, but I guess it was sometime in the 80s. There is now also a very informative and interesting cultural centre, which tells the story from ancient times up to today. That would not have been there either. It is absolutely beautiful.
Lifey
Edit: Oooops! did I mention the speeding ticket?????
No more climbing the rock.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Mark Sedenquist
I visited the rock many years ago -- before there was much coverage about not taking the walk to the top. (Or I didn't hear of it). Yes, going down is much more tricky than walking up. Got to keep your wits about you!
Really enjoying this report -- brings back memories of my own trip.Mark
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Lifemagician
That may have been before the indigenous people were given back the whole area which is so significant to their culture. It would no doubt also have been before we got to know it by its ancient name of Uluru. Lifey
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Mark Sedenquist
Yes, it was about 30 years ago. I stayed at the nearby resort -- although it's A LOT more
developed now than it was in the 1980's!Mark
The chain is gone!
Lifey
