Beanie festival June 21

Fun annual event in Alice...

Some of the thousands of beanies at the festival, modelled by Pat, some unknown blokes and a hatstand. You  can tell which ones she liked by the smiles (and the nots). Pat bought the one at the bottom left.  It's proved very useful during the cold evenings here in Alice.

Henley-on-Todd - August 17, 2013

Henley-on-Todd - August 17, 2013

Souvenirs of a memorable event - the even itself and the wonderful hats that people wear.



The parade down Todd Mall



Some of the different events - water ski, bath tub run, yacht race, sand digging.



More events, and the pirates who helped keep the competitors cool.



Before and after on the greased pole.



More events and teams.



The final battle - before and during.  Pirates vs Vikings vs Navy - can't remember who won.

And the fine array of hats worn to the event...

Around Alice - August 4 to 13, 2013

Around Alice - August 4 to 13, 2013

Looking for birds on the Ilparpa claypans and the Todd River, visiting the fete at the Old-Timers retirement village, climbing Mt Gillen, taking photos in Todd Mall and at Simpsons Gap as part of a photography course, or just lazing around at 'home' - here are some memories of our time in Alice.



Perspectives of sunset from Mt Gillen



Us and our nephew Mitch at Mt Gillen - how did Pete get the halo????



'Patterns' - from photography course.



In Todd Mall - from photography course. Whoever heard of a selfie with an SLR?



Views of Simpsons Gap from the photography course.  Colour contrast, framing, placement.



Flowers on the Ilparpa claypans; views of Todd River.



The family of chickens obtained by Bec - the fluffy stage and the not-quite-so-fluffy stage; girl drummers at the fete; the best photo I ever got of those pesky never-sit-still white-plumed honeyeaters.

Kings Canyon - July 29, 2013

Kings Canyon - July 29, 2013

Pat took a tour with Emu Run - leaving at 6am on a bus full of Uluru tourists plus the few of us heading for Kings Canyon, we breakfasted on the bus (breakfast bar and fruit), changed at Erldunda for our small bumpy bus and arrived at KC in time for lunch.  Two of our number wandered off down the canyon while the other five plus the guide climbed up to the rim for the walk around.  Back to the bus for afternoon tea, we headed for Erldunda where we had dinner and waited for the return of the Uluru bus before setting out for Alice where we arrived about midnight.

Guide's information - canyon vs gorge:  A gorge is created by the running water of a river; a canyon by rock movement.

Walking up to the top of the canyon; our crew on the top; a view.



Remains of the ripples caused by the ancient sea; the escarpment left by the rock sheering; an ancient cycad; ghost gum.



The full height of the sheered rock; lower level rock formation; fields of flowers on the drive home.