Last night I was so tired and exhausted because of the heat (and mad at myself for being afraid of a big bug that I wrecked my phone) that I fell asleep in the tent without even getting my sleeping bag.
Luckily this site was our nicest and our tents felt like some of our past hostels.
We had some breakfast and packed sandwiches for the day and then went off to do another 3 hour hike at the Western Macdonnell Ranges National Park in the Ormiston Gorge Creek. Juno said it would be an easy day and that we would be rewarded with a swimming hole at the end. What he didn't tell us was that a decent portion of the hike was over large stepping stones where a creek would be if there was any water. It's impossible to pay attention to your surroundings because you had to watch every step you took.
Of course that didn't stop me from slipping and smashing my knee. It was quite painful because I landed right on the rocks, but luckily I didn't twist anything. The first thing I asked about was if my camera was ok. I had my lens cap on and although it got a little scuffed up, it is fine. I don't know if I would have handled it very well if I broke my phone and my camera in the span of 8 hours.
Every time we did a hike we had to carry 1.5 liters of water each. My Camelback bladder is 2 and Mes had 1.5 but on this hike we were all running low and drinking it quickly. It was such a hot day and it was very easy to get dehydrated quickly. Our group Mom of the trip was doing fine and then the dehydration just hit her. I have so much respect for her and her husband because, quite honestly my mom and dad wouldn't have made it. (Sorry guys, but it's true) Mom wouldn't have handled the heat and daddy-o's knees would not have made it.
Luckily two of our guys went ahead and grabbed some extra water from the truck to bring back and we were all saved! Plus we did get a nice swim in. The water felt wonderful. There were some Loon-like birds diving around us and up on the cliffs little birds had made their nests.There was also a little cave area surrounded by water that Mesa swore she saw a rabbit in, which turned out to just be a rock shaped like a rabbit (dehydration much??).
We only had another 10 minutes to the truck. I have to say I was a little disappointed that Juno didn't explain this hike better and gauge our group's level with the hiking and the heat. We had different options that we could do for the day and it would have been nice to do something that everyone could survive.
After Ormiston Gorge we drove to the Ochre Pits. The pits consist of several layers of multi-colored rock that was traditionally used by the aboriginals in ceremonies and played a large role in the economy because it was traded all across the continent. While it was used by everyone, only the aboriginal men were allowed to collect it. Breaking any off is a $5000 fine.
From here we drove to Ellery Creek Big Hole (or as we like to call it, the Deep Hole). This was our picnic spot and then we could go for another swim. It's just beautiful out here. You're surrounded by tall red cliffs and the water is nice and cool because the water gets so deep.There was a perfect sandbar out in the middle where you could easily sit with the water up to your shoulders but you didn't have to tread water!
After our last swim we drove to Simpsons Gap. It's a beautiful gorge carved out of the West Macdonnell ranges by Roe Creek. We were hoping to see some Wallabies but we first saw a Dingo so I thought he had eaten them all. Luckily one was spotted up on the rocks.
From here we came back to civilization in Alice Springs. We had a nice night getting Subway and going to Cole's for snacks and supplies. We were even more excited to have WiFi again.
We have a big travel day tomorrow and we may not get a post in until we get to our New Zealand hostel. But it will get posted once we can.
Goodnight from the still very hot Red Center...
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