Week 9 – West McDonald Ranges – The gap blocked by road accident!

The flood

Looking down off bridge

Todd river and girls

Simpson's Gap

Simpson's Gap in perspective

Ellery Creek Big Hole

Ellery Creek Big Hole

Ormiston Gorge up close

Lula at Ormiston Gorge

Sarah at Ormiston Gorge Lookout

Lucy contemplates Ormiston Gorge expanse

Big trip into the West McDonald Ranges with the Overton’s today. It rained during the night and we started our drive to the ranges early! 30 seconds down the road we realised the crossing to the caravan park was flooded. The Todd river was flowing fast!!!!!

We made our way to Simpson’s gap. Gave Staley Chasm the miss as it was going to cost us around $100 for all of us to see it but we had morning tea in the cafe.

All enjoyed Ellery Creek Big Hole then we had lunch at Serpentine Gorge. Next stop was the Ochre Pits where we saw small goannas. Finally made it to Ormiston Gorge. This was truly spectacular and we all walked up to the lookout to watch the afternoon sun light up the rocks.

When we drove back to Alice Springs the ranges turned a deep red. Everything is very green after the recent rains over the past month. All the wild flowers are out.

It was 7.30pm by the time we got back to Alice Springs and we were ready for dinner. The Overtons went into town to get pizza and we were going to pick up the adult pizzas. We were very hungry!!! Unfortunately the road through the Gap was blocked by the police due to an accident. They said it would be an hour but it wasn’t open at 10pm. We decided on McDonalds instead and met there! Got talking to the staff and they told us of another was through via Honeymoon gap. Finally got into bed at 10.30pm. We were very tired!!!!!!