We start exploring the Northern Territory today 🙂 We’ve made the decision not to stop long in Alice Springs – sadly there is a lot in the news currently about violence related problems with the local people.

As this is the last big town we’ll see for the rest of the trip we stock up on groceries and fuel. Nick and Gill need a part for the camper, as they had a gas line explode at the front of the camper last night. Grant rigged up a quick fix for them, but they are hoping to fix it properly before they continue.

We attempt to buy a couple of bottles of wine but due to the issues here in Central Australia there are now all sorts of crazy restrictions on takeaway alcohol purchases, and nothing is open until 3pm. I’m sure we will survive!

We are heading into the West MacDonnell Ranges today – the weather is still very hot, so not planning on any big walks. We stop for lunch and a short walk at Simpsons Gap, which is gorgeous! There is a permanent waterhole here, but they ask you not to swim for cultural reasons. It makes for a nice break in the day 🙂

Nick and Gill get stuck in Alice Springs trying to fix the gas line for the camper, so we organise to meet them at Palm Valley – our final destination for the day. It’s a 4WD track into Palm Valley in the Finke Gorge National Park, and what a spectacular campground it is! Flushing toilets, hot showers, green grass, peace and quiet. What more could you ask for 🙂 The drive in was awesome – sandy tracks and rocky dry river beds to cross.