A day off, a day in nature

We woke to the sound of raindrops on the roof again – not many and only on the outside (so far) so all good. The sky is grey, (hmm, thought I was here to avoid that) yet that too allows for something new.  I haven’t seen the grey green leaves against the grey sky here before.  Also, because of the very small amount of rain we’ve had on four different days wildflowers are popping up everywhere!  There are flowers at The Gap that are standing tall looking very much like sunflowers, just smaller.  I’m off to coffee soon with a born and bred Alice Spring’s lady so I’ll ask her what she knows about them. 

Water in the Todd springs

Yesterday I was completing my clean-up of the Kenworth video room due to the small conference held there when Mr Kenworth said there was no need to stay, he really only had jobs for Will.  I didn’t say ‘Beg your pardon’, I said ‘See you tomorrow, after I’ve done coffee with the girls.’  With a smile he said “Good idea, see you about noon.” 

So I came home, grabbed my camera and took off to the Telegraph Station, a spot I really enjoyed last year.  There were a number of walks I’d missed and after being assured I couldn’t possibly get lost I set off to explore the rockier of the walks.  It only took two goes to find the beginning markers and then I was off!  The track (my track) took me past the spot where the spring in the Todd River was found which this town was named for.  While that spot itself was dry there were other spots in the river bed holding water.  

West MacDonnell's

Natural shelter

As I wandered around I thought of the talk by Allison who said bush tucker abounded – I thought I’d starve, I hadn’t even spotted an animal let alone a berry when a massive red roo stood up to let me know I wasn’t on my own.  As I watched where he went I turned around to find a wonderful view of the West MacDonnell’s over my shoulder and I felt the stress and worries of our working holiday slip away.  Timelines and ‘must do’s’ disappeared and I settled into the quiet rhythm of walking and photographing.  Having made it about three quarters of the way to town (a walk of about 3kms and half an hour longer than I had estimated I would wander for) I turned around and headed back to the station where my car was parked.  Shortly I received a text “Are you lost?” I smirked and sent Will a text to say I was nearly home. 

A native cactus?

Tree shape often shown in
local art work

Wattle breaking forth