Then we wnet on a few more walks . Just a gentle walk (CLIMB), of 3 km. I thought that this was 6-8 km / day. Two 8.2 km walks n two days.

Guess what?? Thursday is a 10km walk around uluru.

(yes I cannot spell, nor can I read this screen to see what I am typing)

Evie and I did make it to the top of Wilpena Pound and back down withn Francious and Gerard. We put "One foot in front of the other"

We spent a second night at the Mill in Quorn (KORN). Bought a bottle of Remakable Ridge Shiraz 2005 from the local pub, and shared with the others. It was a good wine, and it was not too warm.

Wake up time tomorrow has been changed from 4 am to 6 am to may peoples delight.

written by  hallanniem on November 17, 2009 from Quorn, Australia
from the travel blog: Great Australian Fun Filled Expedition (my GAFFE)
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Had a tour of an old opal mine. view of differing mining techniques and examples of under ground living. Odl style and current style.

Managed to do a bit of shopping, but the shops closed about an hour after I finally got checked into my room. I am staying under ground. Will show you some pictures when high speed internet is available.

'This is the first internet in 3 days

Went to the Opal Beetle and made a few purchases. Unfortuantley (or fortunately) pay check was not deposited while the stores were open, so no extravagances. Did some noodleing outside the Opal Beetle, found a Stone with two small pinkish opals attached. Whooee!!.

The stars here are very beautiful, but I hope to see even more when we are at our campsite. I want to see the southern cross etc.

Didn't get a chance to use the swiming pool at the Desert cave, it closed at sunset (while we were at dinner).

written by  hallanniem on November 18, 2009 from Coober Pedy, Australia
from the travel blog: Great Australian Fun Filled Expedition (my GAFFE)
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kata Tjula in the rain

Lunch at our campsite then off to Kata Tjula. As we are driving to the heads, Keath is telling us about how much of a men's sacred place. It is so sacred that any Aboriginal women that came near it were killed. Now at this point there is thunder and lightening in the distance where we are driving to.

We are happy to see the rain, it has been 40+ degrees celcius for days, We take a long time at a photo stop just to enjoy the coolness left by the rain and cloudiness.

Our walk into Kata Tjula is lovely and there is a bit i-of flowing water here from the rain. We got some pictures of birds also.

Our guide explained some of the uses for the local plant life. Spear bush is used to make spears. but the plant has bent braches. So Mulgar wood is burnt (high heat) and the sand is heated up. the spear is twisted and slid through the sand to dry and straighten The Branch to form the spear.

On to Uluru (Ayers Rock) to see the sunset on the rock (largest Monolith [remember I cannot spell]) took a lot of pics.

Back to the campsite to "swag" it (padded sleepingbag). We all tried, but by the time it sprinkled the 5th time I couldn't take it any more. Rain was dripping into my ears. We moved into the tents (it would have been way too hot to sleep indoors without the rain.)

Unfortunately couldn't see the stars due to clouds and rain.

The walk around was 10.4 km and it took me about 2 hours and 20 minutes.The walk was very peaceful and not too hot. I took a lot of pics, but some areas are off limits for pictue taking as they are sacred places. I had to pee sooooo badly, but it was another 250 meters to the Toilets. Just couldn't do it at the time. (wish I had because you know what a bus ride feels like on a full bladder) 20 minutes back to camp and relief.

written by  hallanniem on November 20, 2009 from Uluru (Ayers Rock), Australia
from the travel blog: Great Australian Fun Filled Expedition (my GAFFE)
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The climb and walk were well worth the effort (300 meter up at the start). Lots of interesting rock formations. Some isolated plants and lots of vegitation for the desert region. The rock here is sandstone and is very absorbant, so when it rains the water lasts for the plants.

Went back to Kings CAnyon resort for lunch. and another dip in the pool. Swim was great after the hot hike.

BAck down the Lassiter hwy to the Stuart Hwy again and on to Alice Springs.

We did see a witch tail eagle trying to cart off the haunch of a Kangaroo. It finally flew off without it as the bus approached.

Finished off with dinner at Bojangles with most of the tour group. off to Perth tomorrow.

3500 kms driven
40 kms walked
6 days.

written by  hallanniem on November 21, 2009 from Alice Springs, Australia
from the travel blog: Great Australian Fun Filled Expedition (my GAFFE)
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Got to the airport and realized that I had forgotten my lip balm on the floor of the hotel room. Seems I am doomed to not have lip balm.

Checked wtih reception about whale watching excursions, seem that the last on was yesterday. They are no longer running whale watching.

Went to Woolworths and went shopping for groceries. I have a small kitchenette, so I won't have to eat out. It also gave me a chance to get used to the bus systems here.

written by  hallanniem on November 22, 2009 from Perth, Australia
from the travel blog: Great Australian Fun Filled Expedition (my GAFFE)
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Went to the Xanadu Winery for tastings of about 8 varieties of wines. Bought a Souvingnon Merlot 2005 ( medal winner) to have with lunch. I hope I can finish it before I leave.

On to a Raptor center where I find out it is Wedge Tailed Eagle not Witch TAiled.

wedge tailed eagle

Next to Mammoth cave a limestone cave that is part of about 200 caves along the coast. outside of the cave are some of the Karri trees these trees grtow to be about 90 meters tall and 600 years old.

Karri tree

Went to the lighthouse at the point where the Southern and Indian Oceans meet. then off the the longest wooden jetty in the Southern Hemisphere. MY feet in the Indian Ocean/

my feet in the Indian Ocean

Went to the Perth Mint to view thier collection of mining memoreblia and to see a pouring of a gold bar.

Walked downtown to find the Lush store ( I smelled it on Sunday when I went to Woolworths) Also found out about an art city tour that is free, so I will join that.

Met up with karen, one oth the people on my tour yesterday, she was on this walk and on her own.

We went to the Piccadilly Cinema to see 2012 and then walked back to the hotel to have dinner.

I was able to arrange a plant tour for tomorrow, so I am looking forward to that.

written by  hallanniem on November 24, 2009 from Perth, Australia
from the travel blog: Great Australian Fun Filled Expedition (my GAFFE)
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i booked a tour for tomorrow. Dolphins, Penguins, and sea lions. should keep me busy most of the day.

Went to the Water Corporation and me some very nice people. A frog is thier sybol for clean water. Was able to tour one of thier facilities (activated sludge shorter tanks with 4X recycle). This plant was originally built in the 1920's. it is completely enclosed for odor control, and waste products are moved off site several times a day. Million dollar homes have been built up around the plant.

After went to Kings Park to view some of the botanical gardens. Camera ran out of juice, so I went back to the hotel. Early day tomorrow, and I have to be packed up by 7:00.

written by  hallanniem on November 25, 2009 from Perth, Australia
from the travel blog: Great Australian Fun Filled Expedition (my GAFFE)
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