We returned back to camp for a major stew feast attended by at least twenty-five of the local aboriginals -- kids everywhere, and seeing them get out of the truck was like a circus act. They seemed to enjoy themselves (good food is apparently hard to come by for them) but left early as we had a long day to come.

(Notes: homestead; flat tire)

written by  shoshtrvls on April 15, 1990 from Darwin, Australia
from the travel blog: Australia (1990)
Send a Compliment

---

comment on this...

Our first stop was a small hill which Brad (Fletcher) attempted to locate on his grid map. (Apparently there was some dispute as to exactly which hill it was). Then it was off to "Lil" waterfall, which Brad had first found only two days earlier. I was apparently only the second white woman (along with Joyce and Angela) to see this place. (Yeah, um, right). To get there, we really did build a road, knocking down trees and moving rocks (actually, Ron, Brad & John did all that). Paul, being a road engineer, supervised.

The entire process took several hours but the destination was worth it. Our first view was from on top -- a string of several water holes. In one, we could see a crocodile swimming about. Brad then took us to see some aboriginal paintings he had discovered and we descended down to the lowest pool -- the crocodile infested on. Part of it was under an overhand which contained more paintings. We also took a short hike downstream in a failed attempt to find more paintings.

Kerstin told us that the "old woman" back in their village said her father was buried here. The aboriginals bury people by placing their bones between the rocks.

From there we went to a second swimming hole, not nearly as good as the first, before returning home (after dark) to a wonderful steak dinner.

Paul

written by  shoshtrvls on April 14, 1990 from Darwin, Australia
from the travel blog: Australia (1990)
Send a Compliment

---

comment on this...

Needless to say, the "airport" was merely a landing strip. There we were met by Brad and Ron, two "old salts" who were to be our guides for the next three days. Brad is the younger of the two, apparently a Vietnam Vet. Ron is an ex-Buffalo hunter. In Arnemland, life is much cooler and far, far fewer mosquitoes. A trip to a nearby hill for the sunset, dinner and bed.

(Notes: wild horses, Buffalo, donkeys).

written by  shoshtrvls on April 13, 1990 from Darwin, Australia
from the travel blog: Australia (1990)
Send a Compliment

---

comment on this...

The tour bus, actually a modified landcruiser wagon, arrived at about 6:15. On it were two Japanese men in their twenties who spoke no English, a young girl, Sarah, from Manchester, a guy from Northern England, an obnoxious frenchman (who was at least somewhat entertaining), 2 germans, an older couple from Carlsbad, California (John and Joan), a young couple from London (Paul and Angela), a girl from Manchester (Joyce) and one other.

Our first stop was Fogg Dam, an abandoned rice farm turned into a bird preserve. Here we saw some wallabies and numerous birds.

From there it was one stop and through to Kakadu National Park, with lunch at our mosquito-infested campsite. Then it was on to a beautiful little swimming hole (Kubarma?) whose only problem was that it was a 3km walk there and back. In this heat, that was definitely a problem, especially since the truck has no air conditioning to cool us down after the return journey.

From there we went to Nourlangie Rock where Kim, our guide, did a fairly good job of telling us about the plants and aboriginal paintings.

Back to camp where we met up with another group led by Nick, a rowdy group of Australians who were fund when I wanted to stay awak, but a real pain when I was ready to fall asleep.

The mosquitoes were horrendous.

(Note: camp -- Manyallaluk or Googleyes)

written by  shoshtrvls on April 12, 1990 from Darwin, Australia
from the travel blog: Australia (1990)
Send a Compliment

---

comment on this...

Said good-bye to Peter and Gretchen at the airport, which I believe was perfect timing. I had had a great time and we had gotten along quite well, however I believe one or two more days together would have been too much.

written by  shoshtrvls on April 11, 1990 from Alice Springs, Australia
from the travel blog: Australia (1990)
Send a Compliment

---

comment on this...

However, arrival in Darwin is what backpack travel is all about. Stepping off the plane I was immediately struck by the immense humidity, reminiscent of China and Thailand. This was reinforced when I arrived at the YHA -- basic accommodations surrounded by tens of "budget travelers" buying food at outdoor stalls, writing postcards, etc. It's great and I'm almost sorry that I have to leave so early tomorrow. But I will be back soon enough.

written by  shoshtrvls on April 11, 1990 from Darwin, Australia
from the travel blog: Australia (1990)
Send a Compliment

---

comment on this...

After the telegraph station it was off to the old ghan station. It was closed but we still walked around a bit before having dinner at a pizza restaurant. Then it was back o the hotel to relaze about the pool before turning in after a year-old episode of LA Law (dwarf tossing).

written by  shoshtrvls on April 10, 1990 from Alice Springs, Australia
from the travel blog: Australia (1990)
Send a Compliment

---

comment on this...

We then drove on to the rock and made the ascent. It only took me about 1hr15min, but was quite a bit more difficult than I expected. A chain link helped hikers up and down the most difficult part. However, the climb was rewarded with magnificent views of the Olgas, Kings Canyon, the McDonnells and Mr. Conner -- almost 90 km away. I stood in line to sign the book at the top with a Japanese girl traveling alone, who spoke no English, Martin, a rock-n-roll teacher from Ontario, and someone from Michigan. Coming down was neither fun nor easy, but I made it.

written by  shoshtrvls on April 9, 1990 from Uluru (Ayers Rock), Australia
from the travel blog: Australia (1990)
Send a Compliment

---

comment on this...

We arrived a Alice Springs and checked into our accommodations before walking about town and having Mexican food for dinner.

written by  shoshtrvls on April 9, 1990 from Alice Springs, Australia
from the travel blog: Australia (1990)
Send a Compliment

---

comment on this...

We woke up this morning and I went for a short "walk about" to pet my emu friend harry (as named by Peter) and saw my first dingo. Cute little tan animal. We then drove to the Yulara Resort on the outskirts of the Uluru National Park and pitched our little tent at the Ayers Rock Campground. Yulara is an interesting place -- brand new, perfectly planned. We made a quick stop at the Visitor's Center and a bite to eat, before driving to the Olgas (known in aboriginal as Kata Tjuta).

After the Olgas we drove back to the campsite and lazed around the swimming pool before walking back to the main part of Yulara. Here we wandered through shops, had a beer and then went to watch the sun set over Ayers Rock (Uluru), althoug hthe cloud cover made the viewing less than spectacular. It also ruined our attempt to go star gazing, but such is life.

Overnight, it poured rain, but out little tent kept us dry throughout. Afterwards, I heard a kangaroo mouse hopping around just outside our tent.

(Notes: Canadians, Irish, hitchhikers, catapillar train, road trains)

[I remember what "road trains" meant -- on the open highways, there are tractor trailers cabs pulling dozens of trailers, like a train. pretty remarkable]

written by  shoshtrvls on April 8, 1990 from Uluru (Ayers Rock), Australia
from the travel blog: Australia (1990)
Send a Compliment

---

comment on this...