To The Gulf Country 2018

The first day we camped at Yulara 'Resort' we joined hundreds of other people driving out to near the Rock to view an Uluru sunset.  Sometimes Uluru changes colour quite dramatically as the sun sets.  It didn't do a lot of colour changing for us but we took heaps of pics anyway. Next day Willie and I rode around the rock.  It was a great way to see it and less strenuous and more respectful than climbing

We left Alice and had a couple of free camps on the way to see the Big Rock. Camped at Hugh River Sunset at Rainbow Valley The Lonely Dunny We met up with our good friends Graham and Caralyn (ex Croydon neighbours) from Brisbane on the way. We sat around the bucket fire, watched the footy and generally behaved ourselves. Fivsies With Graham and Caralyn Saying Goodbye

Alice has heaps of things to see and do.  The Desert Song Festival was underway this time we stayed at Alice so we went to the Desert Song Concert at Honeymoon Gap.  There were several international artists playing ethnic music and also the Central Australian Aboriginal Womens Choir who have just returned from performances in the USA. Preconcert Prepacked Dinner Central Australian Aboriginal Womens Choir

Roper Bar is a crossing point on the Roper River but the town (if it ever was one) has become non existent.  Last night we stayed at Tomato Island camp ground but, like other camp grounds in this region that cater to the fisherpersons, they are all but deserted.  The water has cooled off and the barramundi and other fish have gone.  The fishermen are not having a good time. Air Conditioned Bus Lone Egret Waiting For a Fish Morning Coffee Stop Crossing Roper Bar The Remains of the Roper Bar Police Station

More dirt road today with innumerable corrugations, sand holes and creek and river crossings.  There is very little traffic so we drive anywhere we liked on the road in an effort to avoid the worst of the corrugations and holes. After arriving at the Southern Lost City camp ground we found that the 3 x 1 litre boxes of UHT milk in the van had started to turn to yogurt with the cartons leaking and threatening to explode.   Add these corrugation casualties to the punctured wine bladder and beer can.  Overall we have done well - so far. UHT Milk - Corrugation Casualties Southern Lost Cities Campground

This is similar to the Southern Lost Cities further along the Savannah Way but is easily accessible via sealed road.  We took a late afternoon walk through the rock formations and then watched the sunset across the savannah. We camped nearby behind a large gravel pit which was very peaceful except for large mining trucks from the the McArther River mine passing by every hour or so. There Are Unusual Rock Formations Throughout the Reserve A Sphinx? Hiding Among The Rocks