Palm Valley, near Alice Springs.

The manager at our caravan park gave us a few suggestions for things we really should try to do during our stay here. Her pen hovered over the map as she glanced at our car, saying, "What are you driving?- Oh, a Patrol, you'll be right!"  Then she circled a place called Palm Valley and told us we really must go there- it was like nothing we'd see anywhere else in the Centre.  A short drive along an unsealed road, but well worth the effort.
So we decided to pack our hamper and make that our destination for today.
She had also encouraged us to visit Hermannsburg on our way, which we did.  The settlement was established as an aboriginal mission in 1877 by two German missionaries who traveled overland from the Barossa Valley- the same route we've just travelled, but what a different trip for them!  Albert Namatjira was born on the mission and went to school there.  We wandered around the historic precinct of the town, getting a picture of the life led by the missionary pioneers who lived there.  Esther and Arthur were very interested in the old buildings and all the old bits of machinery.  They asked Philip to explain what things were and how they worked- which he was happy to do!

This is said to have been Albert Namatjira's car.

Just past Hermannsburg was the turnoff onto the dirt road leading to Palm Valley.  Someone we'd met at a previous stop had warned us not to rely on local opinions as to what were "good roads", but we had taken Julie's word for it when she said "a short drive along an unsealed road- you'll be right."  To Philip's consternation and the kid's great delight, this was a genuine 4WD track, following the Finke River through deep sandy riverbeds, over rocky terrain, down steep slopes and through patches of water.  It was 20km to the entrance to the Finke Gorge National Park, and then another five km to get to Palm Valley.  Arthur was bouncing up and down in his seat saying excitedly, "Dad's car is an off-road vehicle! We're on an off-road track!", while Esther was making up a song with similar words- always a sure sign she is happy!

When we finally got there, we all agreed a drink and some lunch were the first priority, but then we went for a walk along the Gorge. This land never ceases to amaze us!  This was an oasis of Red Cabbage Palms, which are found almost exclusively in this small area!  Due to the recent rains, there were pools of water all along the riverbed, reflecting the spectacular surroundings and teeming with little fish.  It was hot (30 degrees) and we'd arrived at about lunchtime, so we didn't attempt any of the longer walks- but even what we did see was amazing.

On the way home we saw several columns of smoke.  Unfortunately there has been a spate of arson in the area, with new fires being deliberately lit every day and burning large areas of grass and scrub. The police have caught one of the culprits, but there are others still at work.  It is sad to see the destruction it has caused, leaving large blackened areas everywhere- but the smoke haze does  make for brilliant sunsets!