Standley Chasm & Alice Springs

7 May

Standley Chasm

The distance we covered in the car today was not very far but very enjoyable nonetheless. We started the day with a trip to Standley Chasm - a feature on private property that has an entry fee. The short walk was well set out leading to a remarkable chasm that would only be about 2m wide at its narrowest. There are a number of other walks in the area but we decided to skip those and move on to the Alice Springs Desert Park.

Thorny Devil

Upon arriving at the Desert Park we were issued with a handset and headphones. There are numbered boards around the park and when you reach them you dial the number into the handset and receive information relating to what you are seeing. This kept Thomas and Declan interested as well as seeing many of the animals associated with the area. The displays are well set up and very well organised into environments in which you would see the plants and animals rather than having them out of context.

Sturts Desert Pea

It was fascinating especially as we ad already experienced many of these environments so could appreciate how they are interrelated and sustainable. We saw many birds, animals and plants and the Desert Park made us realise the noctural nature of the Australian desert environment.

After a much needed grocery shop we checked in at a caravan park and enjoyed hot showers and did many loads of washing! The boys loved seeing the bitumen and quickly pulled out their scooters for a ride.

8th May
Mother's Day!

I had nearly forgotten it was Mother's Day and was truly surprised to receive a lovely bracelet that reflects the Aussie outback. The caravan park had free pancake breakfast every Sunday so we enjoyed a hot (free) meal. Tom downed at least 6 before acknowledging he wasn't going to beat the record of 14 pancakes in one sitting.  Tom and Declan hired go-carts and sped around the park for the morning while we relaxed. They have made heaps of friends on this trip that we continue to run into. We seem to be doing the shortest trip of 10 weeks. Most families seem to have 14 weeks to 6 months off hence they are traveling much more slowly than us. Unfortunately we are leaving many behind in Alice as they all have to sit the Naplan test. If you are away from school for more than 12 working weeks you must be enrolled in distance education. It turns out that this costs over a thousand dollars to do and has a very prescribed course involving 3 to 4 hours work a day. Most families are not happy with this and make their own variations, yet all of them seem to think Naplan is important.

In the afternoon we visited the Royal Flying Doctors Service. What an amazing job they have! with 6 doctors, 10 nurses, 3 engineers and 8 pilots they service half the country (or so it seems). There are several bases around the country and they respond to emergencies, move patients from hospital to hospital and attend clinics.

9th May
After packing up we went past the School of the Air as we left Alice Springs. As they say, it is the worlds biggest classroom. It was their 60th birthday celebrations and the children had an 'In School' week. Once a term all the children come into town and meet up for classes and activities. This usually involves sports carnivals and swimming lessons and is a big part of their social interactions with other children. The School of the Air has made major changes over the last 10 years from the radio to the internet. this means faster, better and more interactive communications - although much more expensive. Upward of $13,000 to supply equipment, paid by the school, per family. School fees are only $100. Below is a picture of where the children are located in proximity to Alice Springs. One of the children lives 1225kms away and must make it into Alice 2-3 times every year!
Next: Devils Marbles!