The early morning start was slightly hampered by a couple of things….Andrews car alarm woke everyone and would not stop ….then we went to start the Prado…..flat battery again…..much to Branch’s delight there was some remedial action using Andrews car…then during this process Trev detected that Andrews battery was so loose it was ready to fall off….Branch was there – ably assisted by Stephie his new partner in crime 

We set off with our first destination the town of Hermannsburg  the place of a Lutheran Mission to the local aboriginals  commenced in the late 1800s…and the place of a reportedly legendary apple strudel.

The mission was an amazing place…such a testament to a positive effect that these particular early missionaries had on the local indigenous people, treating them as equal, sharing the Gospel with them, teaching and training them as well as supporting them to become independant…the historic buildings and the pictures and documents were fascinating.

The famous aboriginal artist Albert Namatjira grew up and lived in Hermannsburg and there was lots of his work and that of his relatives on display.

We saw beautiful artwork by many indigenous artists on display and for sale including the renowned Hermannsburg Potters whose unique pottery is widely sought after.

After a few hours and delicious coffee and home made strudel we left, letand drove out along the unsealed road/river bed to Palm Valley in the Finke Gorge. The drive out was really great 4WDing with sand, pebbly areas, river crossings, boulders….you name it…..1 hr to drive 24kms!

There was amazing landscapes on the way, brumbies and Stephie thought the ride was just like a roller coaster!

We walked the Palm Valley track and again saw beautiful red cabbage palms along the Finke Gorge….very unique in such a dry arid area…

Back to camp just before dark after a long but enjoyable day….strawberry pancakes to top it off 

That night I caught up with Francesca, one of the nurses I had worked with at STG ICU who now works at Alice Springs ICU….it was great to catch up with her and she took Trev and I on a tour of the new Alice Springs ICU….really great 10 bedded very busy unit!