Saturday 25 June 2022
Well it was time to move on today, It was much warmer this morning 6° so we managed to get up at about 8.30am. After some reshuffling and organising the car we were on our way. We headed to the pool for another swim, got some petrol and started our drive to the East MacDonnell Ranges. The ranges were very different to the West. The greens were a deep colour and there were much more low shrubs on the ranges. It was very beautiful. We stopped at Emily Gap, Jesse Gap and Corroboree Rock before driving ob to Ross River Resort. After setting up our tent we went for a walk top the lookout behind the homestead. Only a 4km but it was very picturesque. We then headed back to dinner and were invited to share our neighbours fire. We enjoyed a nice chat with Joe and Jenny who were like minded travellers and kept very warm by their fire. It was a lovely night. We all headed off to bed at about 9pm, a very late night for all campers.

“Emily Gap is a significant sacred site where the caterpillar beings of Mparntwe (Alice Springs) originated. These caterpillars formed Emily Gap and many of the topographic features around Alice Springs, then radiated out to the edge of the Simpson Desert. At Emily Gap you can see a large rock painting depicting the caterpillar dreaming.”

Friday 24 June 2022
Last nights temperature was 2°C again. It is very hard to get up before the sun is shining somewhere you can sit for breakfast. 

Today we went for another swim, returned the key to the storage sheds, did some more organising so we can head on to the East MacDonnell Ranges tomorrow.

On the way back top camp we popped in to the Beanie Festival. This is a main tourism event for the area. There were all sorts of beanies for sale ranging in price from $30 to even as much as $85. They were colourful, unusual and some even quite eccentric. There is also a competition but unfortunately that doesn’t start until tomorrow.

It is time for us to move on from Alice Springs now. 

“The world’s biggest and best Beanie Festival. 6800 handmade beanies from around the world arrive in Alice Springs for four days of textile workshops, Indigenous culture, live entertainment and fabulous food. A feast of the senses full of colour warmth and a truly unique experience.”

Thursday 23 June 2022
Today we went to the Alice Springs Desert Park. The idea was to put names to the flora and fauna we had seen on. the trail. It was a great idea. We saw and learnt the names of many trees and saw some of the animals we saw, as well as many we didn’t.

We enjoyed a talk from an aboriginal lady who shared lots of knowledge about their lives, customs, tools and foods. It was very interesting. I would love to know a lot more about how their lives were changed by the arrival of Europeans. I asked if they still did hunt and gather in their communities, her answer was that they do so that the younger generations can learn about the lives of their people and customs. This is to ensure that they keep with their traditions and lives. We saw lots of seeds that were gathered, the tools used plus the weapons used by the men for hunting. The grandparents are the teachers of the young and the parents are the hunters, gatherers and workers. The men are responsible for starting the fire and the women for keeping it going.

We went to a bird show which displayed birds including barn owl and boobook owls, whistling kite, bush stoned curlew and a vulture.

We slept/watched a short video about the desert and its formation and change over time. It started as an ocean, many millions of years ago.

We also learnt that even though the Todd River is usually dry on top, it is upside down and the water flows underground.

Wednesday 22 June 2022
We started out a bit slow this morning as the outside temperature was only 2°. Very chilly. 

After some more organisation, we headed for the long drive to retrieve all our boxes.

First stop – Standley Chasm which was totally packed. Not a parking spot to be found.

Second stop – Ormiston Gorge where we enjoyed a lovely focaccia and smoothie lunch and lots of chatting to people we had seen on the trail and others who joined in who were just about to start. We finally started the Pound Walk at 2.30pm. The Pound Walk track climbs around the scenic rocky slopes of the Heavitree Range and a short detour to the lookout provides elevated views of the pound. From here you follow the track down into the relatively flat and exposed expanse of the Pound. Then through the Gorge and passed the main waterhole. There is no defined trail through the gorge and some rock hopping and swimming/wading through water is required. We thought this was only a 4.7km 2-3 hour walk but we were wrong. We enjoyed a lovely 9.5km 2:43 hour walk. It felt really weird and unbalanced without my 12kg pack. I felt very flighty but it was a pleasant walk through beautiful countryside, a huge gorge and finally an icy cold walk up to my armpits across the gorge, about a 30m walk. It was freezing. With calculating steps David managed to cross the gorge only getting wet to his knees. He sure does have a phobia for cold water. We then continued the end of the walk via the Ghost Gum Walk. The Ghost Gum Walk follows the western side the gorge via the main waterhole and involves rock hopping over large boulders, uneven and sandy terrain. It was quite spectacular. We retrieved our box and were amazed to see the storage cupboard was so full, maybe over 100 boxes now. Glad we are finished the walk as it was busy when we were on the trail without the added people.

Apparently there have already been 29 people picked up off the trail by LTTS with injury/feet problems this season, and the season has only just begun.

We then headed to the Ochre Pits for a quick 600m return walk, they were beautiful but unfortunately we just missed the fading light, it could have been amazing. By then it was after 6pm and we still had to retrieve out box from Serpentine Gorge and drive the 100km back to Alice. A big day out yet again. It was so late when we got back we went for Asian Noodles in the town centre as we didn’t want to start clattering around cooking when most campers lights were already out.

Tuesday 21st June 2022
It is amazing how good it feels to sleep in the roof top tent.  I thought I needed a king size bed in a luxury hotel but it turned out that our roof top tent felt like heaven.  Luckily for us Trish at the caravan park blocked out 3 nights for us here as there is nothing available anywhere.

After a morning of re- organising the car we headed after lunch to Alice Springs Aquatic Centre to start the long road back to surf fitness.  We are strong in the legs and heart but need to get the arms moving again.  The facility was lovely, unfortunately the 50m outdoor pool is closed until September.  We did a lazy 1850m in the 25m heated indoor pool.

We then headed to Woolworths to restock the pantry and fridge.  The atmosphere in Alice is very interesting.  There are so many people hanging around, the supermarket is always packed and the shelves often very empty.

We headed back to camp for our first meal of chicken with stir fry vegetables.  A wonderful treat. It is amazing how the simple things in life can make you so happy. Another night in our palatial tent with no mice running around our ears.  Yay!

Sunday 20 June 2022
Wallaby Gap to Telegraph Station Alice Springs – Section 1 Part 2
Distance 14.08km
Moving time 3:55
Track time 4:31
Temp 10′- about 25 check with db
Up 346m Down 400m

OUR LAST DAY
Well after 17 sleeps we are on our last day of the Larapinta Trail. Our last night of mice scurrying around our tent. Yeehah. What an epic adventure. We were on a mission today and David had indicated to our fellow hikers he will be up and on his way early this morning. So to assist this process I deflated his mattress at 7am. After a chat with our new neighbours, donating our fishing line, a quick pack up and breakie, we departed Wallaby Gap at 8.13am, a track record. The track started with a continuous climb up to the top of Euro Ridge. From below the ridge looked like a dinosaurs back. The views at the top were amazing once again, it was a climb up and over a few dinosaurs backs which continued to present lovely last moments on the trail. After the first 1.5km up we continued down over undulating varied terrain for a further 13km of hiking through the woodland. As always I am amazed by the trees, and the green as opposed to red I was expecting. It was still a long walk to the end. The closer we got to Telegraph Station the more noise of normal life started to occur. Firstly the planes, then the cars and trucks. We passed over the trainline, then under the Stuart Highway, then walked along the old Telegraph Line. We passed about 12 End 2 End hikers, 2 ladies, a group of 4, a family of 3, a solo guy and a couple. We also passed 4 tour groups of between 10 and 15 daypackers doing varying lengths on the trail. And lastly a group of 20 kids from Brisbane.

As we crossed the Todd River we were gifted with the most amazing display from a wedge tailed eagle. It was the most magnificent creature that glided through the air above us for about 5 minutes. We stood there in awe. We finally arrived at the trail end at 12.47pm. We walked to the Cafe and were really looking forward to a treat of fresh salad or fruit salad. Unfortunately we had to be happy with a ham, cheese and tomato toastie, coke or milkshake and a brownie. Not the treat we were expecting. The next task was to get a taxi home to our car. Not an easy exercise. It took 5 phone calls and an hour and a half for it to arrive. We arrived at the caravan park at about 4pm where I enjoyed the longest shower I have had in my lifetime. It was heaven. After organising the car and our packs we headed to Alice for dinner, an enjoyable meal at the sushi train. Well, we feel into bed exhausted and exhilarated from our epic adventure.

We had walked approximately 252km over the last 19 days. What an amazing achievement. Time to hang up our boots for a little R & R. Thanks to David for doing me on this amazing adventure and his encouragement along the way. We sure did enjoy it and love how much we enjoy sharing these special times. To all of you reading, I hope you enjoyed the pictures and commentary. It was spectacular!

Saturday 19 June 2022
Simpsons Gap to Wallaby Gap – Section 1 Part 1
Distance 12.79km
Moving time 3:11
Track time 4:24
Temp 10′- about 25
Up 281m Down 234m

“Section 1 – provides walkers with a wide range of scenery and terrain. This, along with its close proximity to Alice Springs, makes it one of the most popular sections of the Larapinta Trail. You will get views over Alice Springs and the surrounding lowlands. Good birdwatching opportunities. Allow two days to comfortably complete this section. Grade: 4 – moderate to difficult. Long distance with some steep ascents.”

Today we set out at about 9.25am with about a 10km or so walk. As we left Simpsons Gap we saw the most vibrant Ring Necked Parrots, their colour was amazing. It was a bit of a climb up to Hat Hill Saddle which offered a lovely view in all directions. I am still enjoying the wonder of the outback, it’s plains, trees, ridges, creeks, riverbeds and colour. It is amazing how green it is and the contrast of this against the blue sky and red rock make for some perfect vistas. The clouds have also contributed to some beautiful sunrises and sunsets. It truly has been a magnificent journey. We popped in to Fairy Spring which would have looked a little better with water falling but it was still pretty. We then stopped in at Scorpion Pool which was a little disappointing. A little green pool with a dead tree. The view out from there was quite pretty though. We then hiked on to Wallaby Gap for the night. As we approached we could see Euroridge that we get to climb on our last day tomorrow. We went for the short walk to Wallaby Gap which was a little green but an nice view. We shared our last supper with Liza and Jim and are ready for an early start tomorrow so we can enjoy a cafe lunch at Telegraph Station. It is a little sad that our adventure is almost over.

Friday 18 June 2022
Mulga Camp to Simpsons Gap – Section 2 Pt 2
Distance 17.07km
Moving time 4;02
Track time 5:03
Temp 3′- about 25 with a nice breeze
Up 255m Down 307m

Last night we had Mice visit us around the tent. Very annoying. We also heard dingoes howling in the Distance. David heard them in the distance and then as they continued to get closer, then very nearby and then as they went away. I listened for about 30 mins but didn’t realise the change of Distance. It was amazing. We emitted a nice morning chatting to our neighbours. Amelia Nikles-Ralph is a young girl who left school last year and is a photographer, she is a friend of Krystle Wright – photographer who we met last year at Richmond photographing a rodeo. Apparently we need to check our their instagram pages. Amelia is carrying about 20kg pack. She is 2 days in and raises she needs to dump some stuff but like everyone on the trail, it is too late.
We set off at about 9.20 and walked the undulating mostly even ground trail for 7km to Bond Gap. This was a wildlife refuge. It was a beautiful paid with fish in the pond. It was quite picturesque. Unfortunately the peacefulness was interrupted by a tour group having lunch which was a shame. The good thing was they have us their leftover salad from their lunch which we carefully transported to camp. Tomatoes cucumber, carrot, capsicum and avocado. What a treat to share with Jim and Liza tonight.
We continued on from Bond Gap after lunch towards Simpson Gap. The trail went through acacia woodland again continuing the same as this morning. The last few km seemed to go on forever. North, south, east and west, wriggling through the area we weren’t sure which direction we were going to enter the gap. Front door, back door or side door. It was a lot of ins and outs, and roundabouts. David routed the trail at the 8km mark and in a straight line it was only 5km. A definite indication of the meandering trail. We met a family of 3 and Sb additional couple from Kangaroo Valley at camp this afternoon. They are doing the last 2 sections in 2 days. That’s 50km. We will continue on our program of 4 days trying to avoid injury at this late stage of the game. Before dinner we went down to Simpsons Gap which was very beautiful. We missed the best light as we had a chat with a young man and lady who are running the trail except for the 4-5 sections where there is no access for their support car. They will hike this part. They intend to run Section 2 and 3 tomorrow. They are in for a surprise as Section 3 will be very difficult after already running 26 km of Section 2 first. We then headed down to Simpson Gap and David’s managed to spot a black footed rock Wallaby. They are very tiny.
We then headed back to camp for our dinner with added vegetables. What a treat. We also were given a pre dinner treat of baked Pea crisps. Very yummy.
It is supposed to be warm tonight and there is some cloud so I hopefully won’t be cold tonight. We hit the sack at 7pm. It is going to be a long night.

Friday 17 June 2022
Jay Creek to Mulga Camp – Section 2 Part 1
Distance 10.19km
Moving time 2:22
Track time 3:14
Temp 2′- about 25
Up 170m Down 202m

“Section 2  is an undulating walk which passes through acacia woodland found around Simpsons Gap. The walk traverses areas away from public roads giving it a more remote and challenging feel. The various gaps along the way make for good rest stops. Grade: 4 – moderate to difficult. Long distance with some steep ascents. Walk through the home of the few brushtail possum colonies in Central Australia. Explore a landscape of rock outcrops over 2 billion years old. Allow 2 days to complete this 26.2km section”

The stars last night were magnificent. The mice a little annoying as they scurried around our tent throughout the night. It is the first time I have seen them near the tent.
Well my words of wisdom for today is “Never trust the weather man”. Our forecast of between 7-25′ for the next 5 days was WRONG! After such a balmy night at Standley Chasm we were treated to a very cold night of 2′. I wasn’t prepared, I left my polar fleece in my back pack hanging in the shelter and left the door open to the tent. I had a lovely sleep until midnight and then was cold until I noticed David’s puffer jacket lying in the tent at about 4pm. I draped it over me and put mine on and managed a couple more hours sleep. I won’t fall for the weather forecast again.
We set off at about 10am on the 10km trail for today. We are grateful for the rest day today. The terrain was quite straight forward most of the way just a single flat  trail with a few rocky sections, a couple of creek crossings but minimal impact on our tired bodies. Yesterday’s hike was a tough grind with great rewards but the 500+ downhill had a big impact on your legs.
We enjoyed a break at Spring Gap Waterhole and then had lunch at Mulga Camp. An early stop for us but we have 3 more days of 15+ km so an easy afternoon it is. We joined Liza at Mulga Camp and Jim came in a bit later. Penny and Eric moved on further as they fly out on 20th. We only passed 4 people heading west and were passed by a man heading east. So it has been a quiet day on the trail. We were thinking it might be hectic tomorrow night as we stop at the trail head between Section 1 and 2, it is Saturday and we think there will be lots of people starting their hike from Alice on a Saturday and do section 1 in one hit out. Anyway only time will tell. As we walked today we passed a few small hills and lots of different shrubs and trees. It was pretty much the same most of the way. We saw a few birds – zebra finches, spinifex pigeons and a few cow pads. There was a little shade and a nice breeze which made for very comfortable walking on a relatively easy terrain. Although David would have liked to walk a few more kms today we enjoyed a quiet hour or two just lying in our tent and resting. It was very nice to just down tools and rest.
We met a young girl heading west and 2 young guys heading east at camp tonight along with Jim and Liza. We had a civilised dinner at one of the few picnic table and benches on the trail. It is always nice to sit properly on these rare occasions. Eek we are definitely on the count down now. Only 3 more days of hiking to go!

Thursday 16 June 2022
Standley Chasm to Jay Creek – Section 3
Distance 15.39km
Moving time 5:59
Track time 7:37
Temp 11′- 25
Up 726m Down 719m

What a big day!
We set off at 8.50am and arrived at Jay Creek at 4.30pm. We had short breaks as we knew the terrain was tough and we hadn’t walked 15km for a few days.
The initial climb out of Standby Chasm was straight up 130m elevation over 1km. Some steps, lots of rock hopping and just up, up and up. I used my hiking poles for the first time and I think it helped a lot. Then we went straight back down, then up and then down again. After the initial up I packed away my poles but wished I hadn’t as the next couple of inclines I really noticed how much they stopped your glutes from burning. Over the next km we went up another 170m. It was a tough slog mostly climbing up rock steps ledges and big boulders. The first 3 elevations were only over 2.5km so they were very tough. We then descended 120m over the next 2.5km into the Gorge. The toughest climb came next 300m elevation over 1.5km. Up, up and up some more. This first 7 km took us 4 hours. We then enjoyed lunch with the most spectacular view. After lunch we walked along the ridge top over difficult rocky terrain but the views were amazing. We enjoyed the view walking along the ridge for about 30 mins. Then we went down down down over very rocky, tricky terrain, I had a couple of slips today but didn’t hit the deck thankfully. The views as we headed down were spectacular as well. We descended 300m in 50 mins over 2km with very few switch backs. It was very rocky with lots of loose rocks. We then followed an undulating smoother track for a few km. When we got to the 3km mark again the trail through us a few wobblies. A steep incline, followed by creek bed where we passed a a waterhole and Gorge and then lastly 1.5km of soft sand. By this stage I was wrecked. I did the Cliff Young shuffle to camp, it felt like the last km took me an hour. It was a tough day with very rewarding scenery. A few birds and bigger lizards, some new flowers and beautiful blue skies. The weather was pretty good and great for walking. We don’t have too far to go now. Section 2 which is 26km and Section 1 which is 24km. We will probably do this over 4 days. We enjoyed camp with Rebecca, Liza, Jim, Penny and Eric. This was our main camp buddies over the last 10 days. It had been quite lovely to get to know everyone a little better. The sunset tonight was quite spectacular and the stars are so bright tonight. We are lying in bed watching the stars from our tent. Boy are we the lucky ones.