Alice Springs

I think the children learned quite a bit of Australian history and culture today! We visited the Araluen Cultural Precinct this morning. As I've mentioned earlier, the children's favourite song at the moment is "I am Australian", and they knew from the lyrics that Albert Namatjira "paints the ghostly gums" so they were keen to take a look at the Albert Namatjira gallery. We weren't allowed to take photos inside, but saw the work of a lot of aboriginal artists- both traditional styles telling the stories of the Dreaming and work by the "Hermannsburg School" including a number of original works by Namatjira.  Scenes like the one below have become so familiar as we drive around in the area, and he captured the light and colours perfectly!

*I borrowed this image from the internet!  We bought a similar print at the gallery.

Next we went to the natural history museum, where we learnt a bit about meteorites that have been found in the surrounding area ("You mean those bits of metal fell out of space? Wow!")  Where our two are concerned, however, bits of rock can't compete with animals - even stuffed ones.  They were fascinated by the displays of desert fauna, and could recognise and name quite a few of them.

Both Philip and I could have stayed longer and learned more at the museum than we were able to. I was watching a film about the history of Hermannsburg where we visited the other day, while Philip was absorbed in the display about Darwin's involvement in the second world war (where his father served).  There was only so much the children were able to take in, however, so we moved on to the Aviation Museum.

Esther was particularly impressed with the memorial to two men (both old friends of Charles Kingsford Smith) — Keith Vincent Anderson and Henry Smith 'Bobby' Hitchcock.  The two were searching for Kingsford Smith, who had been missing, when their plane crashed in the Tanami Desert.  Kingsford Smith was found unharmed shortly after, but Anderson and Hitchcock died of thirst and exposure.  She sat looking at the remains of their plane, the Kookaburra, and saying "That is so sad, that those brave men died in the desert!"

At the Aviation Museum we gathered a lot of information about the important role played by aircraft in the outback.  We saw some of the early aircraft used in the Flying Doctor Service, and learned a bit about John Flynn, its founder.  Again, Philip would have been happy to spend several hours looking at everything, but once the children had wandered around and seen all the old planes and had been allowed on board a Connelan Airlines DC3they (and I!) were ready to move on.

Although it was after midday by then, we decided to fit in a visit to the School of the Air before having lunch.  That was a very interesting and informative visit, too.  Not surprisingly, lessons are no longer conducted over the radio since satelite internet has opened up new possibilities, but this is actually a very recent development!  We were able to watch a typical grade one lesson being presented, and see how the students can interact with the teacher during the session.  We were also impressed with the artwork on display, including a big wall hanging made up of panels sewn by the students depicting their homes and lives.  The children found one panel from Kings Creek Station among them!

Back "home" I took a walk with my camera to catch some of the late afternoon light.  It didn't take long for the children to follow me, of course!

Tomorrow Philip is taking the car to the mechanic, so the children and I will have another quiet day at the camp site.  We're blessed that the children amuse themselves so well with sticks, stones and a bit of imagination.  As for me... the washing basket is full again and the novelty has worn off the new toy, so tomorrow it's my turn to do the laundry! Yippee!