QUEENSLAND BUSHWALKERS CLUB Inc.

Newsletter

PO Box 2199 Sunnybank Hills QLD 4109 Email qldbwc@yahoo.com Phone No (07) 3341 7509 http://sites.google.com/site/qldbwc/

June 2013

End of the Trail!

Club News
My Farewell as Editor
This is my very last Newsletter. I have enjoyed being Editor but it is now time to hang up the pen. My many thanks to all past contributors. You made the work easier and a pleasure. Michael Hoopmann has agreed to step in and be the Editor till at least August this year. I wish him all the best. There will be a bit of a learning curve for him and he needs your support. So send in those writeups and articles! It makes the work so much easier. They can be sent to the Club email address and will then be forwarded on to him. The Newsletter began in May 1999 as a simple two page document soon after QBW officially formed as a bushwalking club that year. Including this one there have been 133 editions with many articles, walk write-ups and of course, jokes. If you wish to browse or just refresh your memories about the past, the Newsletters are all available on the web at http://www.scribd.com/qbw/documents Even though I won't be continuing on as Editor, I have taken on the vacant position of Training Officer till August. Richard Kolarski

GPS Training session

Leader Richard Kolarski 3341 7509

16 June 2013

12 midday at 16 Ramita Street Holland Park West The training session will mainly be how to upload and download gps files, how to connect your GPS to a computer and how you can use software to manipulate the gps files. There will be time to answer any questions you may have about GPS's so bring along your GPS and laptop if you have one. The Club has only a couple of GPSs available so if we have a few participants, you may need to share.

Walks Planning Day & BBQ

2.30pm at 16 Ramita Street Holland Park West Leader David Kenrick 3349 8238

16 June 2013

The Calendar is very bare after June so come along and fill in those gaps. There will be brochures and books available to help you choose a walk to lead. Whether an urban walk, a graded track walk or an off-track walk they are all needed. This will be followed by a BBQ so bring along those shrimps.

PLB's
In April there was a bushwalking accident where one Club PLB was activated and another Club PLB damaged. The activated PLB has been replaced with a new PLB by the manufacturer, GME who replace their PLBs for free if they are activated during a genuine emergency. However the damaged PLB has been written off. The Club has since purchased another similar PLB thus keeping the number of PLBs the Club has at five.

Newsletter No Longer to be Posted

At the last committee meeting it was decided that the Newsletter will no longer be sent out by postal mail. We have only two members who receive the Newsletter by post. As the future of the Newsletter is uncertain, it was decided that the Newsletter would only be available via the website. There may be a few Newsletters printed out and made available for members who attend the Club meetings.

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Meeting Place

General Information

President Secretary Treasurer

The Management Committee

Helen McAllister Robin Laban Marion Laban Patricia Kolarski David Kenrick Geraldine Burton Michael Hoopmann Richard Kolarski vacant

0419 684 319 0408 753 052 0405 536 718 3341 7509 (H) 3349 8238 (H) 3376 9454(H) 3806 3465 (H) 3345 9543 (H)

Club meetings are on the first Tuesday of the month starting at 7.30pm. There is no Club meeting in January. Meeting are held at the Little King's Hall on the corner of Carl and O'Keefe Streets, Buranda. Entry is via the gate on Carl St. There is parking within the grounds and in Carl Street. Tea/Coffee and cake/biscuits are provided after the meeting. A coin donation would be appreciated.

Vice President

Outings Officer Membership Officer Editor Training Officer Social Secretary

Membership
Probationary Membership A non-member automatically becomes a Probationary Member on his/her first walk after signing the Acknowledgement of Risk form. No fee is payable to become a Probationary Member. A Probationary Member must become an Ordinary Member on his/her second walk by filling out a Membership Form and paying the membership fee. Ordinary Membership A person may become an Ordinary Member by filling out and signing a Membership Form, having a proposer sign the form and handing the form with the membership fee to a committee member or walk leader. The proposer may be a friend who is a member of the Club, a QBW walk leader, the Membership Officer or one of the committee members. Only an Ordinary Member has the right to vote at an AGM or be elected to a committee position. Members of Another Bushwalking Club Members of another bushwalking club which is affiliated with Bushwalking Queensland Inc. (or an interstate Federation) and who are covered by the same Insurance do not need to become a member of our Club to go on our walks. However Club members will have priority if there is a limit on numbers.

Other Voluntary Positions

Equipment Officer Supper Convenor Librarian BWQ Rep BWQ Rep Richard Kolarski Noelene McCay Mary Sherlock Anne Kemp Richard Kolarski 3345 9543(H) 3889 0264(H) 3209 8514 3371 2707 3345 9543(H)

Club Equipment
Compasses UHF Radios Steripen Topo Maps Emergency Lights First Aid Kits

The above are for free use by members. Garmin GPS. QBW has 4 GPSs which have a 20 metre contour topo map of the whole of Australia included. PLBs with inbuilt GPS The Club has 5 PLBs with inbuilt GPS. The PLBs will be made available at each Club meeting and will need to be returned at the following Club meeting. Back Pack for Hire Bivy Bags For Sale $5.00 charge $3.00 each or 2 for $5.00.

Reciprocal Walks with Other Clubs

Redlands Bushwalking Club
Only stipulation is that Redlands club members have priority over visitors. Calendar is available at: http://www.redlandbushwalkers.org.au/static/calendar.html

These bivy bags are 2 metres by 0.9 metres and are bright orange in colour. Use as a pack liner or emergency bivy bag. Space Blankets For Sale $2.50 each. Lightweight and take up no room at all. A must for all walkers! Contact Richard on 3345 9543 for any of the above.

Bushwalkers of Southern Queensland (BOSQ)

BOSQ allows financial members from other bushwalking clubs affiliated with Bushwalking Queensland to join in BOSQ activities without having to become members of BOSQ or pay visitor fees. This will be with the agreement of the activity leader. Members of BOSQ will have priority for nominations. Calendar is available at http://www.bosq.bwq.org.au/

Editors Pic

YHA Bushwalkers
Members of other BWQ affiliated clubs can join up to three walks per calendar year. Calendar is available at: http://sites.google.com/site/yhabushies/outings

Family Bushwalkers
There is a $5 temporary membership fee per adult. Phone: (07) 3878 3293

Gold Coast Bushwalkers

Gold Coast Bushwalkers may admit as honorary members financial members of bushwalking clubs which are affiliated with BWQ. This dispensation will be at the discretion of the Management Committee.

Having Fun

A co-winner in the Club Character photo competition was Having Fun taken by Patricia Kolarski.

Ipswich Bushwalkers Inc

Intending walkers must contact the leader in advance. The newsletter also contains a full description of the grading system and a list of Committee members and their contact numbers. Calendar available at www.ipswichbushwalkers.bwq.org.au Page 2 of 6

New Members
Karen-Anne Bird As at 28/5/2013 we have 82 financial members

Coming Walks
Any person wishing to come on a walk must contact the leader of the walk first. The leader will organise the meeting place and the car pooling. The leader has full discretion on who can come on the walk. Nominations close 9:00 pm on the Wednesday prior to a weekend trip. For Wednesday walks, nominations close 9.00 pm on the Monday before. June 2013 5 Wed Mt Thillinmam Survey (Springbrook) Richard Kolarski 3341 7509 D/W Leader S T5 F3

of Kipper Creek which are quite different. Gloves are essential and wear protective clothing. Leave from Rochedale 6.00am 22 Sat D/W Canungra Creek Junction (O'Reilly's) M T5 F4 3341 7509

Leader Richard Kolarski

A walk down Bull Ant Spur and then up to the ridgeline on the other side of West Canungra Creek. Then a descent down the ridge to the junction of East and West Canungra Creeks and back via Stairway Falls and Bull Ant Spur. Leave from O'Reilly's 8.00am. 23 Sun D/W Logans Ridge (Rathdowney)

A survey walk in Springbrook National Park so bring along gloves and wear protective clothing Leave from Rochedale 6.00am 9 Sun Western Lookouts (O'Reilly's) Helen McAllister 3844 4866

M T7 F6

Leader Peter Weallans0429 950 352 26 Wed D/W Bull Creek (Esk) 3341 7509

D/W Leader

M T4 F4

M T5 F4

Leader Richard Kolarski

Contact Helen for more details. 15 June to 7 July Flinders Ranges/Simpson Desert Expedition Leader John Shera 5546 0381 Contact John for further details 15 Sat D/W Leader Ravensbourne Falls (Esk) S T5 F4 Richard Kolarski 3341 7509

Another survey walk in Deongwar State Forest. Leave from Rochedale 6.00am 29 Sat D/W Boyds Butte S T5 F4 3341 7509

Leader Richard Kolarski

We will go up to Boyds Butte one way and return another. There may be some scunge so wear protective clothing.

Coming Events
Snow Trip September-October 2013
The trip is being co-ordinated by Peter Lock of Brisbane Bushwalkers Club. Members of other bushwalking clubs are invited to participate in this trip. Please phone Peter to have a chat. The trip is set for the 2nd week of the September school holidays. Sat 28th September to Monday 7th October 2012. (7th Oct is a public holiday.) We will be on the snow for each of Monday to Saturday, and staying in the accommodation for 7 nights Sunday - Saturday. It will take most of 2 days to travel each way. The trip will see us staying in flats at Jindabyne for a week, with various day trips to the snow each day. Snow shoes are the easiest way to get around on snow, and a natural progression for bush walkers who want to explore a different kind of Australian wilderness. The week's walking programme will get slightly more challenging each day. The intention is to have 2 leaders and split into a shorter and longer trip each day. For the keen ones, there will be the option of spending a night in a snow cave! You will not need previous experience with the snow, as snow shoes are easy to learn and we have catered for a longer and a shorter walk each day. There will be a chance to try cross country skiing as well. The skis will allow you get around faster and easier than snow shoes, but only after you learn how to work them! The learning period can be quite frustrating. Most Queenslanders will come to the snow only once, so it is not worthwhile spending a week learning how to ski. Put on the snow shoes and you will be instantly able to participate in some great day walks. Phone 07 3351 1184 or 0419 496 837. Email to peter@lock.id.au Details are at http://picnicpete.com/snowtrip/

We will drive up to Ravensbourne National Park via Esk. Starting on a graded track we will walk to "The Caves". From there we continue on a dirt road and then drop down to Buaraba Creek along a very steep fire trail. Following the creek downstream for about 450 metres we will come to the top of Ravensbourne Falls with views down the valley. We will return via another steep firetrail and the Buaraba Creek graded track to make a circuit. Gloves are essential and wear protective clothing. Leave from Rochedale 6.00am 15 Sat D/W Lower Bellbird Circuit M T4 F4 3277 3253

Leader John Morris 16 Sun

GPS Training session 3341 7509

12 midday at 16 Ramita Street Holland Park West Leader Richard Kolarski The talk will mainly show how to connect your GPS to a computer and to upload, download and manipulate GPS files. Bring your own GPS and laptop. 16 Sun Walks Planning Day & BBQ

2.30pm at 16 Ramita Street Holland Park West Leader David Kenrick 3349 8238 19 Wed D/W Kipper Creek (Esk) 3341 7509

M T5 F5

Leader Richard Kolarski

A survey walk to explore sections of Kipper Creek in Deongwar State Forest. We will do sections of the east and west branches

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Past Walks
Noosa River Paddle and Camp 23-24 March 2013
We were lucky with the weather, apart from the high humidity for this trip. Julie and John, Marion, Robin and Marions sister Margie, Kerry, David Rae and David and Lyn Kenrick were along for the trip. John and I and David Rae and David and Lyn arrived on the Friday to set up camp and have a relaxing afternoon. Fairly hot, but we did have a nice breeze from the river. Some of us jumped in for a swim. Sat around enjoying the evening and fighting off the mossies and march flies! This trip is actually beautiful in winter when you just enjoy the paddling and not bother with the swimming etc. Also the walks are way more pleasant at that time. Less insects to bother with as well. Next morning Kerry arrived with Marion and Robin and Margie not long afterwards. We paddled up the river to campsite 1, and some people paddled up to campsite 3. Margie is never one to avoid getting in any kind of water and she showed the way with swimming everywhere possible on this trip. I jumped in at campsite one, even with the bull shark warnings up. We have always swum in the Noosa river and the day someone is bitten by a bull shark up there, we may then decide to give it away, till then we will enjoy this wonderful place by swimming in summer, just too hot not to.

Subarus was our insurance policy; at least we could use one to pull the other through if we got stuck. High clearance was essential with so many rocks to negotiate. After a couple of hot hours with blisters and sore backs, chain saw going constantly clearing the fallen trees, we broke through the barriers and finally made the campsite. We were extremely pleased with ourselves although exhausted, hot and dirty from the labour. Drove around in circles flattening the longish grass and made it look like our favourite campsite again. Set up the tarp and got the fire going and happily relaxed with a few drinks and off to bed. Easter Friday The triple Js did a little walk into the National park to check out the way to Huntley Saddle, to see if the overgrowth was difficult to negotiate. There were lots of weeds and prickles after the big rains. I got back very hot and sweaty, so decided to go for a swim in the newly formed rock pools. Just magic swimming around so close to where we were camped. Unfortunately I suffered a slight reaction to the cold water and had to lie down for awhile to recover. Did not have to wait too long to hear the other cars approaching and negotiating our roadwork. Interesting to see if they could make it as well, being a bit wider than Subies we were not sure if they could get around the fallen tree. Well they arrived in Robin and Marions new Hilux, Mary in her Hilux and Gil in his Toyota. They managed beautifully and Robin was a little disappointed he could not do some roadwork, as he had brought all his tools as well! We told him he was welcome to try and move the huge boulder out of the creek just past the campsite up stream. He took one look and thought twice about it! We let them set up and by the time that was done we sat down and relaxed chatted and discussed the walk for Saturday. We had a lovely evening by the fire and enjoying the absolute peace. No people driving past, no hoons, no tent city, just birdsong and crickets. Sitting around a fire these days is a luxury and not one to take for granted. This is when funny stories come out and people loosen up and relax. Many a great tale has been told around a fabulous campfire. This is sadly something that is disappearing. Understandably this had to happen in pristine areas and sensitive areas of forest and bush. Saturday A happy group of bushwalkers prepared for our walk. Robin stayed back to keep an eye on things in camp. Gil, Mary, John, Marion, Justin and Julie, set out for Swan Knoll. We found negotiating the lantana was a bit hot and annoying. Still managed to break through and found our secret cow track up to one knoll. At one point John told Mary to go ahead and get her heart rate up! She just took off, passed us all and went for it. Honestly that woman needs a ball and chain to slow her down!! Go Mary.

Enjoying the Day

Another very enjoyable afternoon of relaxing and magic time with nibblies etc and a very entertaining night at David and Lyns camper trailer without wheels (this is what I call their tent set up, looks just like his camper trailer without the wheels)! This is a fairly long drive to get to; so more than one night is preferable for more enjoyment. At least we got to paddle up the river and swim, so what we set out to achieve worked. Kerry was making up for not walking by out paddling us, except David Rae who paddled up from Elanda Point and back again. Driving out was a bit of a challenge with a very large bog hole to negotiate. Still we all made it out okay, without too much drama. Reasonable trip home without too much Sunday traffic. Thanks to all who made this trip fun. Julie Shera Easter 2013

Lemon Tree Flat Base Camp

This was going to be a challenge from the beginning, as Easter is always booked out and packed just about everywhere you can think of. We had checked out the spot a couple of weeks prior to the camp, only to find the roads in great disrepair, and trees down everywhere and gravel heaped up high and some of the road had actually disappeared by the creek bank being cut right away. Also the creek crossings, usually very mild, were up to 4 times as wide with debris and huge rocks in them blocking our way. So a challenge was set up for us to clear this if possible. On the Thursday morning before Easter, John, Justin and Julie set out to see if we could remedy this. With shovels, crowbars and mattocks we went in with the will to succeed. John and Justin went about making a ramp up from the creek with no road; I cleared rocks from where the cars would travel. Having 2
Enjoying a Rest

We got to Swan Knoll hot and tired after the push through long grass. At least it is not dry and brown any more up there. We

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rested for a bit and then continued on to Huntley Saddle via the Huntley Hill. This is a really hot and tiring slog, especially if you do not feel very fit and as this is the beginning of the real bushwalking season I felt every step! Finally reached the top and as it was a bit cloudy we could not see much to start with. It did lift enough to see out and get the idea of what it is like on a good day. We walked down to the camp in the saddle and found cobblers pegs everywhere and set about doing a bit of gardening to get it ready for our camp in a few weeks. Still a lot of work to do there! Walked down to the cliff break and discovered a huge land slip. Around 15 years ago there was a big one in this area, but now it is huge! Debris and huge trees down everywhere and all that seems to be left above is bare rock. We climbed down the break and walked out to the corner where we have to cross the fence and get passed all the vines, nettles and prickly scrub. Got back to camp and some of us went for a swim to freshen up. Peter Weallans came by in the afternoon on his motorbike. After dropping it in the creek he had to walk some of the way in. He managed to avoid the walk somehow! Was that planned I wonder? Sunday We packed up fairly early, as we knew the rain was coming and wanted to get out before the roads got too boggy. We stopped at Yangan and enjoyed coffee, chips and icecream to finish off our Easter. The only chocolate on the trip was from the Easter bunny (Gil)! Nice to get a little surprise on Easter Sunday. We all had a lovely time and thanks to all who came and made it a great Easter. Julie Shera

We then sorted through our last food drop and at about 4.30 pm went back to the kiosk for another hot chocolate. The manager of the kiosk allowed us to sit in the outside area to have our dinner and ensured there was enough firewood for us to build a fire in the fireplace which was near the tables. It was a very civilised to sit at a table and eat dinner and there was a very warm and welcoming feeling about the surroundings.

Standley Chasm

Trekking the Larapinta 2012

Brinkleys Bluff to Alice Springs
We left camp at about 8 am and followed the rough track across the top of the bluff. It was again a case of up and down but not to the same degree as the day before. The views from the ridge line of the surrounding ranges were incredible with large areas of arid landscape interspersed with trees and foliage in many areas. We traversed the side of the ridge down to Reveal Saddle where we stopped shortly for morning tea. Then we continued over another ridge and down into a dry river bed which was lined with Red River Gums and holly grevillea. We eventually came out onto a main road and had a 700 metre walk to Standley Chasm. On arrival we paid our $7 camp fee and $10 to view the Chasm and I purchased an ice cream. We left our bags at the Kiosk and went straight to the Chasm which is a short walk from the camping area. The Chasm is amazing with high red rock cliffs on both sides and is about 6 to 8 metres across and 30 40 metres in length. We were too late to see it at its best which is when the sun is directly overhead but it was still worth the visit.

The next morning it was another hard days walk to Jay Creek. We left Stanley Chasm at about 8 am and the track started with a long uphill climb to the back of the chasm and a sign indicating it was 60 kms to Alice Springs. The track then dropped down steeply and was followed by another steep up and down. Stone steps had been cut or placed into the track which made the going easier. The track then followed a creek line to Millers Flat. Gil, Anne and I elected to do the low track while Linda, Mary and David went via the high route. The track was not as spectacular as previous days but there were magical areas with ancient cycads growing in the creek bed. Anne spotted 2 ring neck parrots in a tree and their wings in flight were iridescent in the sunlight. When we got the Fish Hole the track followed the creek and went up a high ridge to skirt a large pool of water in a creek where the track doubled back to the other side of the pool and then followed a dry creek bed for a considerable distance to the camp site. The final km or so was over deep sand which was very tiring and we were glad to arrive in camp at about 3 pm. Jay Creek is a campsite similar to Finke River with a formal shelter shed, tanks, toilet and gas cooker. There was another group camped at the site on an organised walk with World Expeditions and we could hear them talking well into the evening. We also met a young man who was camping down on the river bed. He was a university student from WA walking the track on his own after others pulled out. He was having trouble keeping warm as he wasnt been prepared for the cold and his shoes were giving out. The next morning the sun rose just on 7.30 am and shone directly into the shelter which after a cold and very windy night was welcoming. We had a slow start to the day and didnt leave camp until about 9 am. The walk to Mulga Camp 10.8 kms took us just over 3 hours which included a good hour morning tea stop at Spring Gap. The walk was over fairly flat terrain and the landscape was uninspiring. The wild flowers which had been present most of the way were scant and the only real green area was around Spring Gap.

View from Brinkleys Bluff

On returning to the Kiosk we had lunch a hot pie and cup of hot chocolate which was just great. It was then time to set up camp on a grassed area between the kiosk and the toilet block, have a wash and wash our clothes in the hope they would dry before the heat of the sun faded for the day.

Mulga Camp is an open flat area beside a dry creek bed and the highlight was spotting a spectacular Mulga parrot. After setting up camp I walked down to the riverbed and found a sunny spot to sit and read my book. Following our evening meal we walked up a nearby ridge in the hope of getting good photos of the moon rising but were not successful and so it was early to bed.

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The next morning was very cold and there was ice visible on my tent and the lid of my saucepan where I had up turned my cup the night before. It was lovely to sit in my tent and enjoy a cup of tea, breakfast and then a second cup of tea before packing up camp. We left camp at about 9 am and followed the track through undulating terrain. Today there were mountains visible and we walked past high ridge lines with familiar red rocks and buffle grass interspersed with Spinifex. We stopped at Bond gap for morning tea. This was a delightful green oasis amongst the dry timber and grasses of the surrounding countryside. There was a little mauve coloured flower growing in rock crevice and bull rushes lined the entrance to the gap. The high red rock sides looked like they were built using a Meccano set. After leaving Bong Gap we walked the remaining 8 km to Simpsons Gap.

tents all around me. It was like walking through a maze in the half light when I had my early morning toilet call. My sleep had been disturbed by 2 people snoring very close to me throughout the night.

Euro Ridge

The last 13 kms of the walk was very up and down and around and around. We walked up Euro Ridge and the views were incredible. We could see Alice Springs in one direction and look back at the West MacDonald ranges that we had traversed. There was a number of Euros the large kangaroo specific to this area feeding on the long grasses on the ridge. These kangaroos are darker in colour and store more fat in the lower part of their body and tail which makes them a very powerful looking animal. After crossing Euro Ridge the track took us over the main railway line from Adelaide to Darwin where we stopped for morning tea. We then walked up and down another ridge line which led under the Stuart Highway via the Geoff Moss Bridge and another 5 kms to the Telegraph Station. I am sure we all felt a sense of achievement at completing this challenging but ultimately rewarding walk.
Simpsons Gap

The campsite at Simpsons Gap is about 200 metres from the main tourist area. After lunch and setting up camp we walked down to the Gap and found a crew from Channel 10 making a feature film with Hugh Sheridan from Packed to the Rafters. The show was apparently based on Priscilla Queen of the Desert called Staying Alive and will be shown in August. On returning to our camp site we saw a number of beautiful birds Ringneck Parrots, Red Capped Robins and little wrens with greenish blue tails. It was very cold and Anne reported that the cleaner at the toilet block had informed her that it is the coldest year in Alice for the last 10 years. I am continually amazed at how much I sleep when I am doing extended walks. Usually it is bed by about 7 pm and, if I have a book I read for about an hour or so and then it is sleep till about 5.30 6 am. I wake a couple of times during the night for toilet stops but go back to sleep fairly quickly. The next morning we left Simpsons Gap at about 9 am and followed an undulating track for just over 10 kms to Wallaby Gap. We stopped at Fairy Springs for morning tea and then proceeded to Scorpion Pool. The highlight was seeing a young dingo about 4 months old at Scorpion Pool. We arrived at Wallaby Gap just on 1 pm and had a late lunch. It was nice to take a bucket of water up the Gap for a hair wash and bath. The freedom of sitting naked in the open air for a wash and letting the breeze dry your skin is a liberating experience. This was our last night on the track as there is now only about 13 kms between Wallaby Gap and Alice Springs. Just on dusk we walked up Euro Ridge and were able to see the lights of Alice Springs as they were turned on for the night and I could hear car engines as I wrote my diary. As I wrote I knew I would miss the freedom and tranquillity of the arid landscape in this special place. On the last morning of the walk we all rose before dawn so that we could get an early start and left camp by 7.30 am. A number of walkers had arrived in camp late into the evening and put up

After a hot drink and a toilet stop we arranged a maxi taxi to take us back to the caravan park. Showering, washing and shopping were the order of priorities. I cannot remember when I have enjoyed a shower more. Even though we washed and had clean undies every night on the track it is not the same as standing under running warm water and enjoying the feeling of soap lather and shampoo. As Mary, Anne and David were heading off the next morning for the return trip over the desert it was important that they got to the shops to stock up on supplies. What we hadnt factored into the day was Alice Springs Show holiday. Coles and Woollies were open but Mary needed radiator hoses from Toyota and they were closed. That evening we went to the Red Ochre for dinner which was our well earned reward. Of all people to see in Alice was my friend Lizzie. She was in Alice Springs to judge dressage at the show and after a brief chat we planned to catch up back in Brisbane. The next morning Linda, Gil and I were up early to catch the bus for our day trip to Uluru and the Olgas. What an enjoyable day we had made even more so by the 2 tour guides / bus drivers Matt and Lynn. They were very friendly and provided an excellent service which included educational commentaries as we travelled along. Their stories of the aboriginal dreamtime legends were fascinating and I like to learn more about their culture. The viewing of the Rock at sunset was amazing and photographs do not do justice to the every changing colour as the sun sinks lower into the night. After a very filling BBQ dinner Rolled Beef and Salads we all hopped on the bus for the trip back to Alice. We arrived back at the Caravan Park just on midnight and it was to bed and up early for the plane trip home. What a great trip this had been. I felt very relaxed and energised by the whole experience. It was time for home and I left Alice and the West MacDonald Ranges with cherished memories and a fondness for a majestic special place. Aileen Elliott

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