Day 6 - The last walk

Pete, Loretta and I were here the week before on the Wayoutback camping tour. Annabelle had decided she did not want to take us on the full circuit walk due to a waist deep water crossing. Oscar, Aran and Shannon did not spare us this week.

 



Like last week, the weather was perfect and we stopped at the lookout over the Pound first.

 

Then we continued through a small valley and out through the bare hills.

We emerge on to the floor of the pound and meandered across it.

We crossed the rocky and sandy river bed twice.

This is my "Albert Namatjira" painting. http://aboriginalart.com.au/gallery/albert_namatjira.html
Albert Namatjira was a  Aboriginal artist who painted in watercolour in western style and became very famous during the mid-twentieth century. His father was born near Ormiston Gorge and Albert lived all his life in this area.

Entering Ormiston Gorge, we navigated our way over many rocks interspersed by sandy beaches around water holes. We marvelled at the high red cliffs, white ghost gums growing out of the rock in a number of places, and the deep purple coloured rocks on the bed of the gorge, worn smooth by the flow of water after rains.

Then we reached the water crossing which was indeed waist deep. Some of our group stripped off down to their undies. Others, including me, opted for modesty and went in fully clothed. We all took our boots off to walk across the sandy bottom. The water was cold as first but quickly felt pleasantly cool.

Loretta's face says it all about the initial cold shock of the water, but she went right back in to stand in the water to take photos.

Aran was Regina's knight in shining armour as he carried her across.

One final full group photo at the Ormiston Gorge lookout.

 

Pete and Loretta looking pleased with themselves.

Me and my 50 year old little brother - the instigator and inspiration for this wonderful experience in central Australia.

The 'famous five' - Marie, Mick, me, Peter and Loretta.

 

After lunch and a real coffee from the kiosk at Ormiston Gorge, we were delivered back to our hotels in Alice Springs. I luxuriated in the shower, washing our the red dust and using copious amounts of shampoo and conditioner. We all met up again for drinks and dinner at Montes and the Overlander restaurant. Great night out to finish off a great week of fun and friendship, and walking in the wildness of the Australian outback.

 

Now - to plan the next wayward wander....where to next?