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Chris writes Hi all, We are now parked up for the night in a camp area called Standley Chasm , 50 k/m west of Alice Springs. Left Kings Canyon on Tuesday and cruised approx 300 k/m to a roadhouse camp 90 km souths of Alice Springs called Stuart Wells. Had dinner in restaurant / pub there and I changed my mind about certain foods and I ordered a( Hump and Jump ) burger. Camel and Kangaroo with all the trimmings, yummy. Next morning we drove into Alice and spent the day getting to know the town which is much nicer than we imagined . Booked into the show grounds camp as all the other motor camps were still full after the big weekend annual ( Finke Desert race ). People come from all over for this including overseas ! Next morning we went to the Reptile park which was really amazing with a hour talk about snakes and lizards . The talk included myths and facts about poison snakes and what to do if bitten leaving me feeling a lot more confident about walking in the bush . While the talk was going on a large ( 2 metres long ) boa snake was being handed around as well as large lizards . Me and Steph, yes Steph had the snake wrapped around her neck as well as the lizards for some great photos. A really fun time.
Behind glass were most of Australia's deadliest snakes and out the back in a pool was a 2 meter croc. Definitely no touching that one !!! We both walked away buzzing after that experience .
Later in the day we calling into the railway station to see the famous Ghan train as we knew it would be parked there for a few hours. I was cheeky enough to ask if we could have a look onboard and was told no as they don't normally do that. A few minutes later the guy came back and said he had found someone to show us through which turned out to be the station manager. The train had 26 carriages as they have to have staff ones as well and was 616 metres long which is over half a km. They had one in March which had 44 carriages and was 944 metres long nearly a km. Wow what luxury and so it should be with the platinum fares from Adelaide to Darwin over 3 days at $ 3500.00 all meals and drinks inclusive, one way ! Don't think we will book one this trip !!! We keep meeting the same people along the way as we are all heading in the same direction which is good for a catch up on and they tell us what they have been doing and whether it is good or bad that's how we have ended up where we are today. After visiting two scenic areas and enjoying 2 great walks through high gorges seeing rock wallabies and some very colourful birds it's time to park up and enjoy another remote campsite . Tomorrow, Sat we will drive back through Alice and head up the road to our next stop (who knows where?)on the long journey heading north.
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Tony G Well done Steph! You don't look scared at all. Where is the photo with Dad and the snake lol.
Elaine & Cliff Hi enjoying following your travels. You are gamer than me you wouldn't get me anywhere near a snake let alone around my neck. Look forward to your updates well done its like having a "Claytons" holiday the holiday you are having when you aren't actually having one. Travel safe Thanks for keeping in touch.
Lynn Paterson No my kine of cup of tea!! Was it real! or just one from the souvenour shop...LOL..... missing ya - bloody busy our end of town!!! and the weather has cooled off a bit - you guys have the opposite problem.... take care and keep enjoying!
Ross Just had a catch up on your activities as have been busy elsewhere for a bit. What an amazing time you are having. Steph with the snake was my favourite and made me think . OMG Steph - well done girl! You are a fear factor hero!!! Loved the pic of the two very colourful birds. The pics of the endless desert make me very envious and its a place Id love to visit. Getting pretty cold here but no snow yet. Kind of nice though to snuggle down in bed - with Megan and yes Tui of course!! You will have such good memories and Im very happy for you. Mum will riding on your shoulder Im sure. Well love from us and safe travels.