Day 25: West MacDonnell Ranges - Erldunda

We get ready for hiking right after waking up. Yesterday, Michi checked out the Ghost Gum Walk hike at the information boards during his evening tour. Both kids go in the carriers (Manduca and Emei). Samuel on Michi's back and Maxima is in front of me or on my back. We are glad that we left the big backpack carrier at home. It would have been too bulky and the carriers work great. Especially with Maxima and Samuel also enjoys being in the carrier again.

We start shortly after 8am under a bright blue sky and strong wind. The path initially leads up the mountain opposite the parking lot/campground. We reach the lookout platform via paths and stairs. During the hike and on the platform, we have great views of the surrounding area and the gorge. After the platform, the trail leads down to the riverbed. From there, you march back along the water to the parking lot. The Ghost Gum Walk is highly recommended. It's not very long (we were on the road for about 2 hours, with a small snack break) but still very beautiful. During the hike, we see some birds and geckos.

Back at the campground, we take a shower (which is rare on national park campgrounds) and start driving back to Alice Springs. The kids are pretty exhausted and quickly fall asleep. Michi is also a bit tired, so I get to drive the camper again. Samuel and Maxima sleep through the entire return trip.

In Alice Springs, we stop for refueling, shopping, and a pit stop at McDonald's.

Around 3pm, we continue to Erldunda (about 200 km from Alice Springs). Towards the end of the drive, the kids start getting a bit cranky, and I try to keep them entertained with singing and clapping games. We are all very happy when we arrive at the campground around 5:30pm. We check in. There's not much going on here either, so we can choose a spot. Of course, we take the one right next to the playground.

Today, we bought Samuel some bubble soap at Woolworths. Michi and the kids have fun outside or at the playground and visit the kangaroos. I prepare everything for the barbecue. We grill at the campground's barbecue area and eat there as well. It wasn't such a good decision. Millions of ants and other small creatures once again spoil our dinner. Michi said he is pretty glad that we don't have so many little visitors at home in Koglerau.

17th November 2016

Accommodation: Erldunda Desert Oaks Resort (1 night, 32 AUD, simple desert place, unfortunately with millions of ants, small pool, playground, kangaroos in the enclosure)

Weather: sunny, cloudy in the evening, 38 degrees Celsius

337 kilometers traveled today, total of 2,960 km