We Are On The Move

We have had some long days lately, exploring the East Macdonell mountain ranges (just out of Alice Springs).The places seem to take longer to get to, especially when 4WD tracks are involved and then we seem to take longer once we get there as there is always something the kids want to climb. We went to Ruby Gap National Park which was very difficult to access, the info provided at the start of the track was to allow 2 hours for the 55km drive into the Park. All was going well until we hit some very rugged rough rocks and then some very soft sand in a dried up creek bed, we finally got in there and pulled up to the camping ground. There were some members of a 4WD club camped there, one guy was also a SES worker he also trained  the NT police in 4WD. He, "Duck" gave us some tips, then loaded Pete up with a two way radio ascertained  when we expected to be back from our walk, and then allowed us to set off. Now I must say I felt slightly more reassured that we would make it out alive with our new friend Duck close by to help out if required.(Don't worry Mums wont be attempting too much more 4WD)

Ruby Gap is famous for the thousands of garnets scattered along the creek bed which the kids loved finding. They also finally got into some water even if it was only wading. The water has been freezing so far, due to the minus zero temps we're getting in the early mornings brrrr.

Arrived at Tennant Creek tonight after an interesting drive. Will summarise points of interest,

Barrow Creek- crazy old outback pub, was horrified to find a separate toilet for aboriginal men????Hoping it was a joke.....

Wycliffe Well- famous for UFO sightings??!!A crazy space themed roadhouse, complete with newspaper clippings reporting the sightings- couldnt make out from what paper the clippings were from!

The Devils Marbles- we were amazed how many there were and also how huge they were. The kids found the tallest one and we had to do a family climb, pretty hairy especially in my skirt and Camper shoes.

The Garnets At Ruby Gap

 Trephina Gorge "River Crossing"

 Devils Marbles

 The one we climbed

The restaurant we had tea at tonight, Fernandos, in the Tennant Creek squash courts!It was an amazing meal (thanks Lonely Planet), champagne oysters, Paella with amazing seafood and a chocolate fondue to finish it off! Off to Mataranka tomorrow.