Alice Springs

Such an interesting and ever changing town, centre of our universe currently as we work through many issues. Very first stop was the car-wash before booking into Gday Mate caravan park, much upgraded since a previous stay. Permits to cross Aboriginal land in SA and WA at Central Lands Council and Ngaanyatjarra Council, no problem. Conquering the satellite phone hook-up, done. New shock absorbers on the van, done. Getting to know all the welding businesses in town to remake brackets to fit a new water tank – too easy! Actually this was a long job but they are all so friendly and helpful and we now know the back streets of Alice quite well. Ian is too modest but his wife can say what a clever and innovative problem solver and fixit man he is! Pop-riveting, tank fitting, hose repairs, and the latest a rope and pulley system designed to make it easier to close the camper trailer (Bunnings is now a very familiar stop). This is necessary for his sore back that has necessitated a longer stay than we anticipated in Alice. Helen’s persuasive powers with the caravan park worked to extend our stay despite it being full - the Finke Desert race means all Alice parks are heaving with every sort of tent, camper, and caravans ranging from basic to gin-palace. We cannot imagine towing a monster and being restricted to bitumen, or needing to always hook-up to power, thanks to our 2 extra batteries and an inverter. 

No bigger utes than this Texan!

Ian being a designer, the evolution evident in caravan and especially camper trailers is very interesting - an ongoing mental exercise imagining how our humble rig might be further Improved. Australian manufacturers who until recently could charge $50-60,000 for a hard-floor camper are competing with Chinese product below $20k.
A classier offroad caravan "Aussie made" for $65k

Check out this European option in which our dear friends Hamish and Heather will be living for some months in UK and Europe!

Our beloved Prado is probably the oldest vehicle here and touch wood has never missed a beat. The old Aussie Swag camper is almost the roughest in the Park.

In between we have had tea and crumpets at cousin Celia’s place, and made contact with Maya Cifali, who has lived here for 35 years and has been very close to and involved with indigenous issues. Over Sunday roast at the Todd Tavern and the following evening at her charming house and garden Maya has been fascinating to talk with and has shone light on aboriginal issues that have had us wondering for a long time. We are looking forward to reading her book on her early life in Egypt. Thanks Suzanne for giving us the contact and a new friend. 

We are being idle about cooking, and our favourite eating hole is Casa Nostra – Italian pizzas, pasta and byo, (since supplanted by Hanuman at the Hilton). We have actually explored other culinary delights: Indian, Chinese, a great steak in the most hideously noisy tavern, and a good salad lunch at the Olive Pink gardens, a bit drier and less maintained than the loveliness I remember on previous visits. We are enjoying being in range to make contact with friends and family – very excited to hear about the VCAT win for the community against the Shell petrol station complex in Woodend. Next post we’ll talk a bit about our forthcoming adventure on the Gary Junction track through the Gibson desert west from Alice.