Day 11, Thursday 7/7/2016, Finke Gorge to Palm Valley to Glen Helen

 Happy birthday Katie!

It was so hot this morning that I had to get up early, which allowed me to see the sunrise colours in our private little gorge.

Morgans and Davies broke their record today, packed up by 0815hrs. A great start to a huge day. I did the 4WDing out of the Finke Gorge today! Yay!! Siân started off driving in the kid's car but quickly swapped to Jack.

So much fun, and such a beautiful place! Col got some photos of wild horses on the way out.

We arrived at Hermansberg at 1100hrs and had scones, tea and other assorted pastries, before heading into Palm Valley. Col drove this section, and Leah had a turn 4WDing in 'Silver'.

So back into another section of our beloved Finke River. It is much drier than last time we were here of course, but still some water to drive through. I forgot just how bumpy the last 4km were.

Everyone was suitably impressed by the cabbage palms, cycads, Finke River and the towering red gorge walls of Palm Valley.

We did the 1hr hike and got some gorgeous photos!

Lunch was on a sand bank in the middle of the river, under a river gum halfway back out. Soccer shots were had before heading for Goss Bluff. Gary's highlight. Peter was a bit stressed about the timing today, but it's all under control.

Goss Bluff (as Gary read to us) was formed 142 million years ago by a 1km diameter comet. Remaining is the impact zone only. The melted rock. Another huge ring of dirt was also formed but has since weathered away.

After getting the required rim shots we made it to our bush camp on the Finke River again, north of Glen Helen by 1715hrs. There was over half an hour of light remaining. Parkes crew were in the bush camp, while the Davies/Morgan crew were booked into Glen Helen Resort on the southern side of the road. We walked over to have hamburgers for tea but the cafe was shut at 2pm. So back to our lovely sandy bank river camp to make 2 minute noodles, then a nibbles platter and card night.

Finke River you are awesome! I have had an absolutely incredible 3 days!! 

Tuesday 20/7/2010 Palm Valley to Glen Helen

(Palm Valley to Glen Helen)
10,000 year old cabbage palms and cycads galour, 4km further into the valley. Wow! Talk about paradise. They are now the only natural palms growing in the red centre.

We passed our Kings Creek neighbours on our way back out the valley. He was very chatty. How excited is Jordan!! She got to drive across the Finke River. Wonderfully exciting first lessons she is having.

We had our usual tea and scones (massive) at Hermansberg and checked out the art gallery and museum.

There was a beautiful Sturt Desert Pea, and a lovely Aboriginal boy playing on the old tractor, chatting to Jordan and I.

From here we went to Gosse Bluff, a massive crater formed from a comet hit over 50 million years ago.

I was in shock when we arrived at Redbank Gorge camp ground. A gravelly hill with tiny allocated squares, nowhere near the water. For 2 nights? No thanks.
Continue on to our trusty bush camp on the Finke River opposite (north of) Glen Helen. There were a few other campers here this time, but spread out over 3km of river bank.
My sinus infection has gone to my chest. Thank goodness for my 1st aid kit. Col is just about 100% well now.
It is a beautiful sunset. It is becoming overcast, cold and windy. Thank goodness for our fire! We are here for 2 nights. Leisure, relaxation day tomorow.