The Green Back Pack - Ghan Trip - Alice Springs

Chapter: 2 – March 2011
Day III – Red Sunrise; Red Earth
My eyelets open to the red glow bursting through our panoramic window. Sunrise lingers at the horizon light years from my tiny corner of the cabin.
The earth is red and reflects an electric glow. Green shrubs poke cheekily out over the green landscape. Spinifex sprawls across the outback dominating the earth with its spiky intrusion.
In recent months rain has come to the Territory energising the earth motivating her to release the green growth from beneath her girdle. The rich iron oxide soul is a demon for producing a lush environment. Now after the rain the earth has revealed a green blanket of diverse green foliage.
It is hard to believe that anything would grow in the red foundation of this region let alone push out small trees and robust shrubs. Did someone say brekkie?
Day IV Alice Springs
After the big brekkie t cabin was packed and we were ready to disembark from the train. The other piece of insignificant luggage, “The Purple Princess” was filled with clothes and other unimportant garb. Me on the other hand carried the priceless items like cameras, laptop and the journal.
Immediately upon leaving the train we jumped on a small tour bus for the Essential Alice Springs tour (whatever that is!). I was placed in prone position while the big silver lump was hauled up the back and stuck behind some seats (right where he belongs I might add).
We took in the sights of Alice. First stop was the Reptile park then the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) Museum. Mistress had a tear in her eye while watching the film – I’m thinking why cry, Girl isn’t this a good thing? Women! Go figure!
We brought a couple of postcards, book marks and made donation at the Museum. Then we were off for a feed at Bojangles.
Mistress brought some more cards etc and then we visited an historic village on the banks of the Todd River. This village was a restored outpost of the overland Telegraph Station.
We met a very interesting man. His name was Alec – a living national treasure. He is a very wise ad lovely Aboriginal man who was stolen from his Mummy when he was a baby and was raised with white folk at the Station. He had lots of great stories to tell. Mistress brought his book and he autographed it – what a nice bloke?

The best part of the Essential Alice tour was Anzac Hill. I loved that look out – it was phenomenal and so extraordinary with its panoramic views of Alice Springs and beyond. The dessert rose blossoms out there which are also the emblem of the Northern Territory flag.
Tomorrow we are off to Uluru – it’s a long ride and lots of fantastic sights to drink in. I guess we will be drunk on the nectar of Australia by the time we finish.
Catch up next month, okay?
Greenie