East McDonnell Ranges

from Jeanette - We took some time to explore the East McDonnell Ranges.  First off we came to Emily Gap and Jesse Gap.  These two gorges were beautiful and of course Ross will need to put up some photos to show just how lovely they were.  After these gorges we came to a place called Corroboree Rock.  An unusual rock formation that you could actually walk around.  We got there fairly early and discovered a wonderful array of birds flitting around the trees having a wonderful time and so it took us a while to get around the rock because of this distraction.  Next off were Trephina Gorge and John Hayes Waterhole.  You needed a 4WD to get into the Waterhole.  Our car made it in and it was a lovely stop.  We walked up to the top of a rocky ledge and was able to see back down to the Waterholes.  We stopped here for lunch and then headed off to a Resort called the Ross River Resort on the Ross River.  A beautiful old homestead that now is used as a camp site.  We stopped here for an icecream and made our way back to Alice.  I was asked today which has been my favourite thing so far on this trip?  We have been away nearly 7 weeks and I can honestly say I don't really have a favourite cos everything we have done so far has been fantastic and each thing we have seen has had it's own beauty.  We've seen so much amazing scenery, structures, colours, animals, birds and still marvel and God's greatness, majesty and His wonderful creation.  We are so in awe of His creation of this most beautiful and diverse country we live in.

RB  It has been nice to have a bit of a break now and not be rushing around,  but there is still so much to see.  One of the problems out here is that once you are a little way out of town you loose mobile and internet connection.  However while we get the chance now with internet for the evening I can get things sorted.     We really enjoyed these E Mac ranges, the diverity was great.

Emily Gap

Jessie Gap

Corroborree Rock

Trephina River

Trephina Gorge

Spinifex Pigeon in the Gorge                                                                                                                                                                    This was out first sighting of these pigeons, they were great, loads of them in the Gorge amongst the rocks

Part of John Hayes Waterhole Gorge area.  The road in was very rocky with a few kms driving up the rocky creek bed, and much to my wifes disgust a few tree branch scratches on the side of the car,  and I was so careful too???  We had lunch in the camp area here and gpt our first close up view and pic of a Hooded Robin, so it was worth it!

We survived the road and made it to the top of the road into the East Macdonnell ranges, over Ross river into N'Dahla Gorge, once again another very pretty spot.   I think we had about 6 river crossings to get in here, but most very shallow and a few rocky strips to negotiate.  I think we passed three artists in this section along Ross River recording their views onto canvass.  After this it was back to the Homestead for an icecream before making our way back to our camp.  Hopefully if we have reception we will be able to give you tomorrows pic tomorrow night.