West MacDonnell Ranges Part1

Thurs., Feb 17th we were up at 6.  Had a nice breakfast and headed out to explore the West MacDonnell Ranges.  First stop was Simpsons Gap.  Short walk to the gap was beautiful.  Small creek slowly running through which at one time was a large river that carved this gap.

Our next stop was Standley Chasm at 9:30 am.  This was a wonderful 3km return track over rocky terrain to the bottom of a narrow chasm 87m high.  Tomorrow we plan to come back at high noon.  This is the best time to view the chasm as the light is directly overhead and the beautiful red walls glow.  Footnote:  The plants, the trees and everything around us is so different from back home so far ...... absolutely awesome!!!  Even the grass is different.











Also, the roads follow the lay of the land so any low areas become flood ways because the road is crossing creek beds.  They don't build the road up or put in bridges or culverts.  Only the main roads are sealed (paved).  Shhhhh .... We did venture down a few unsealed.  For example, the 2km drive to Ellery Creek Big Hole.  This is a natural occurring fresh water pond - very cold.  People were swimming and swinging on ropes into the water.  We met two guys from Montreal there who are doing a "world tour".   The drive on this road and a few previous roads were bone jarring with a few little rivers or ponds to cross.  It would have been nice to have 4WD ..... maybe next time!  No tour buses ventured down these roads!

Our next stop was Serpentine Gorge (not worth the bumpy drive and killer hike to the lookout on a poorly marked track).  We then stopped at the Ochre Pits where the Aboriginals mined different colours of ochre for use in art and body decorations for traditional ceremonies.







 Our final destination today is Glen Helen Gorge Resort where we are camping for the night.  Very rustic to say the least - definitely in the Outback.   Went for a swim in the pool to cool down and relax.   Did lots of bush walking today .... More tomorrow before heading back to Alice for our last night in the Northern Territory!!   Can't wait to show everyone all the beautiful pics.  Note to future travellers:  If you wish to tour the West MacDonnells, do it as a day trip from Alice and do not stay overnight at the Glen Helen Resort (the only choice you have!) especially if you are camping (not sure what the motel accommodations were like but I doubt if they were much better).    The campground "facilities" were disgusting.  The holding tank for grey water was overflowing down the hill and stunk terribly....