Alice Springs

Yippee - hope its warm and sunny

Transport Hall of Fame/C a slice of what is there

Parked up at the Big 4 Park and spent everyday out and about in Alice.  So much here to do and see.The very first thing you see when you arrive, are the aboriginal people, deserted by their Community because of their alcohol or gambling etc. addictions., They live along the banks of the dry Todd River that runs thru Town. During the day they wander the streets and the Mall and by night, go down to the river banks to drink.  Mums,dads, kids and toddlers.  What a sorry sight it is.  They never make eye contact with you as you pass by.  Mind you, they represent a tiny percent of the aboriginal people here.  First stop was the Transport Hall of Fame, a boys paradise full of cars, trucks, buses etc.  Even I enjoyed it.  The reptile park was next where we were draped with large snakes, lizards, geckos etc.  It was a really enjoyable outing. We also visited the Desert Park.  This was truly boring, the only saving grace was the "Birds of Prey" Show.Visited Todd Mall for the art galleries, souvineer shops, and the Market.  The views from top of Anzac Hill were great and gave us an idea of the layout of Alice.  All the land surrounding the City is fully owned by the Aboriginal Council and no development can take place unless their is a great deal of

consultation first.  Then out to the old Telegraph Station where two old blokes entertained us with their use of morse code and the sending of telegrams.  It was here that we came across Ian "Huey" Hewitson filming for his cooking show.  Nice guy, posed for pics and had a chat with him.   Hot Curry on the menu and beleive me it was a nice hot day, he was sweating it out big time.

A visit to a local pub called Bojangles Saloon was a highlight.  Someone has spent $$$$$ on old memorabillia for this pub - a real tourist drawcard.  We had to stay for lunch and enjoyed a platter of Camel Kebabs, Croc Paddies, Emu Snag, Buffalo medallion and Kangaroo Fillet.  Naturally everyone there was a tourist, taking photos of every inch of the place.   Huey was there too and sang out a cherry hello, no doubt enjoying the meat platter was well!!!!!!!!!!!

The beer garden, rear of Bojangles Saloon

Helen has a family friend who works for the Imparja TV Station, her name wasVanessa.Imparja is the only fully digital Tv station in Oz.  Wholly owned by the Aboriginals.  She gave us a guided tour of the station and we watched the female news presenter get ready and then film a short news update. So much effort goes into a very short 1-2 min of footage.  Hair, make up, lighting, backdrop, sound etc.  It was really very interesting for us all to see what happens before someone  goes on air.

That night Vanessa, took us out to one of her favourite places to watch the sunset.   It was out in the bush, high on a hill, we had a great happy hour and campfire and when darkness came, we jumped in our 4wds to head back home.  Unfortunately for Vanessa she got totally lost in the dark and we ended up going round in circles on a bush motorbike track trying to find ou way out.  She was so embarassed and we were hysterical with laughter.  First time the Suzi had to go into 4WD and we had an absolute ball lost in the bush.  When we finally found the right road, we headed into town for a Thai dinner.  She continued to apologise and we all told her it was the best night ever!!!!!!!  Hadnt laughed so much in ages for all of t us.  Next stop for us was Quad bike riding out at Undooyla Station. A  cattle farm running around 5000 cows.  It was a huge day of fun and dust.  Frosty was a great host, filling us all in on not only the stations history, but also the community at large and also the life the family live being on the station.   Great day out (thanks for the tip Andrew)