Hermannsburg to Finke Gorge National Park

We have had a good nights sleep and set up a basic camp last night in the hope that the pack up this morning would be easier. However, this was not to be the case. Again we were the last group to be packed up and that was with a head start as we did not put up the awnings and veranda of the oz tent. We are 125km from Alice Springs and had to get fuel before going onto Palm Valley so we are checking tyres and doing a bit of shopping at Hermannsburg. I was confused as we camped last night before Hermannsburg only to go there this morning and fill up and buy a few things (batteries and bread for us - 1st loaf in 2 weeks - wraps are awesome!) to then go back past where we camped to get to Palm Valley but that was all because of track closures.

Hermannsburg is an interesting place. I do feel that we are seeing apartheid in current days as here we are paying for permits to travel to some of these places and we have restrictions placed upon us as to where we can and can not travel. They have no restrictions placed upon them but I question the opportunities in life for their kids and what the next generations will have and make of their life.  Education and money are not valued by the indigenous community and since they are nomadic building up a collection of belongings is something these people are not concerned with.

We made our way to a lookout called Kalarranga Lookout. An amazing rock formation with two long walks but after yesterday no one was keen to do either a 40 min or 2hrs walk today. This is us at the walking pathway walk - no we didn't go!

Cycad Gorge was the first sign we saw on the road into Palm Valley. It was surprising just how green everything was and how lush the vegetation on red rock is, the track to Palm Valley was rocky but not as rocky as the track on the Finke River Gorge that we went on this afternoon. This track sees us traversing a dry river bed. The ranger at Palm Valley told us that the track is closed from Boggy Creek onwards. We decided to do the short 1hour walk around to the lookout and back. What a great view (picture on the Olympus camera) and so amazingly green. The palm trees are actually native to Australia and grow about 26m high. There will be some great images of Deanna, Kim and I. 

We then kept going...we changed tyre pressures two times along the track both times stoping for a coffee and lunch etc. When we made it to Boggy Creek Tim had the car with a wave on the bonnet. This was supposed to be impassable. Onwards we go!

The track surface is like driving over glass with the crack of the stones under the tyres. We got past and saw some amazing views and many wet and muddy puddles. When all of a sudden we found ourselves backed up waiting in the grassy reeds unable to see ahead. We radioed ahead to discover that Peter and Rob had made it across but Dave was stuck in a hole in the middle. Lee used his snap strap but it wouldn't pull Dave's car through so he tried the winch and got their car out. When they made it out to the other end and opened the car doors, water was streaming out from the floor and the internal door. Oh no I do hope insurance can cover this repair! No doubt they will be airing out their car tonight. Robyn was so positive I think I would have cracked it for sure! We were he last car to go through, even though we have the best car (so I am told over and over again!) it also means that the track and sand will be very stirred up! I was taking photos and blogging when all of a sudden Peter - the Rooster - decided to jump into my husbands car in my seat and cross over the river with Tim. I had to walk across and was a bit grumpy about that! What I should have done was said, "Okay darling, have a wine waiting for me when I swim across!" But no I went into princess mode and Tim came to the rescue meeting me halfway. Hopefully someone got some good (humerous) photos!

Now we have gone on to discover that we have now made it to Boggy Hole one of six more or less permanent waterholes along the 600km Finke River system. We all have quite amazing set ups and that means that we will be A Ok to go throughout the whole of the Finke River National Park in the boys opinions. The contrast in scenery and growth is amazing. We were the last car in the convoy this afternoon and this meant we could stop for photos along the way. It also meant we had to shut the gate giving me this photo opportunity where we have done the Finke!

Just about stop time when Tim finds this spot that would show his Toyota off perfectly. I take the photo and then discover that he has water in the tool box. I am writing this now (as a double flock of budgerigars over me sitting in the grass beside the river having a wine) and know we have to open the tool box and check (prefer the budergiars as they just tweet) for water damage! We have had a great day and now it is time to set up camp at nearly 6pm - having been on the go since 7am we are tired. I am one lucky girl (despite being left on the bank at Boggy Creek) as I get to look at this -

While...Tim does this...

Another great day full of adventure and phenomenal sites where we have been blessed with great weather, great people and nearly no car issues today! (I think Rob and Irma need a new tyre but will limb on with an egg on the side wall) well, my tent is up, dinner is to be cooked (Tim's favorite tonight - Moroccan hamburgers as we were able to buy bread at Hermannsburg) and I need to make the bed.

Till tomorrow!

What are you having for dinner?

P.S. Thanks to Amy and Joan who made fabulous Nutella damper last night - a real treat - must get that recipe for another time!