So after 2 nights at the brilliant Ormiston Gorge, we moved on to a free camp at Point Howard lookout. Our theory was it was well placed to tackle the Eastern end of the West MacDonnell ranges.
Another brilliant decision, fantastic place to view the impressive sunsets with a beer and a campfire looking out over the ranges. It is close to Ellery Creek big hole and Standley Chasm
Too cold for swimming for me but Ellery Creek big hole would be a great spot for a swim in real heat. Mind you we are not putting up with Melbourne weather!
Standley Chasm is impressive in it’s own right with only a 2 metre or so chasm with
sheer walls on both sides. We were there for lunchtime to see the sun move down into the chasm (as it does not get sun all day). Only problem being so was everyone else. Standly Chasm was the first thing that I thought on this trip might have been a bit over rated. That is when you compare it to the other (free) places around.
We also took a quick drive out to Hermansberg an Aboriginal settlement, just about the only white people in town. Not sure how welcome we were. I dropped into the cop shop to say hello and ask them where I could leave my van if we were to need to leave it somewhere while driving to Palm Valley. They suggested that the barbed wire surrounded caravan park was not ideal and said I could leave it locked up in their compound. They still wouldn’t guarantee it was safe but it should be! Decision made, I’ll leave it at Alice.
We have now moved back to Alice for my birthday!! And before you ask yes that’s right 21 again!