Although it was cold early, it didn't stop us getting out in it before sun up for walks. The stars and moon lit the way. Left our great little free camp amongst the bushes and wild flowers at 8:15 am. Getting out wasn't as easy as driving in, although we managed it ok. It didn't help that a couple of "old mates" had decided to park on the roadways because they could.
Driving was a real pleasure today, great ever-changing scenery, brilliant blue skies, excellent roads and well behaved fellow motorists. Pulled over at Erldunda Roadhouse, which is home to the Centre of the Centre marker, for brekky. Mornos was taken at Stuart's Well, another Roadhouse. There was supposed to be a Camel Farm next door which we planned on visiting, but there were no camels anywhere and the gate was firmly closed.
We arrived at Wintersun Caravan Park, Alice Springs at 12:40 pm. (We didn't expect to be back here so soon after a great visit in 2018.) After a rather lengthy wait (due to only one receptionist at the check-in counter) we were booked in and set up in time for lunch. Following a short rest we set off on foot to walk the Heritage Trail around the city. Although we'd seen many of the sights before, it was good to be back and revisiting this interesting place. We do have 14 days "to kill" in the NT so we might as well enjoy a bit of civilization for a change.
After missing most of the Tour de France this year, it is nice to be able to watch some of the Tokyo Olympics. We watched the swimming when we were in Kalgoorlie. Other than this sport, we have not really missed the goggle-box.
Sunrise at our free camp
Mornos stop at Stuart's Well
The only camel that was at Stuart's Well has a broken leg
Centre of the Centre marker at Erldunda
Cannonball Run memorial
Drive scenery
Central Australian Pioneers Memorial, for all Central Australian pioneers, including explorers, overland telegraph line workers and pastoralists
Catholic Church
The John Flynn Memorial Church, built in 1956
Adelaide House - the first hospital designed by Rev. John Flynn, opened in 1926
Art installation in the city
The Residency - home to the first and only Government Resident of Central Australia, John Cawood
Old Court House built in 1928. Used as a museum 1990-2007, now used as offices
D.D. Smith Park; Smith was Central Australia's first resident engineer
Wilkinson Memorial; honours George Wilkinson who operated a general store opposite this site
Pioneer YHA Hostel, a former walk-in picture theatre
Built from local materials in 1908, now the oldest building in Alice Springs, in service until 1980
Former Post Masters Residence, built in 1932. Restored in 1988 and is now a business
Old Post Office, built in 1932
Railway house, built in the late 1920s prior to the arrival of the Central Australia Railway in 1929
Some murals around town
The top of the fence surrounding our van park
Wendy says she is staying in bed until the temp reaches at least 10 deg which will be well after midday!
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