JUST NORTH OF ALICE.....

The northern entrance to Alice....


The weather here in Alice is so much like being on hoiday. Days of endless blue skies, warm temperatures, about 28' and balmy nights. I walked up town early, before I started work the other morning ,to transfer some money home...we had been paid. It was lovely- buskers out singing, a band setting themselves up under a large sail, people in holiday mode. As you can see, I am beginning to enjoy living here, and working. We had a hospital fundraiser on Friday night- a quiz night. Our department won the evening..well and truly. We felt great- as those of you in my profession know- we are often the ones left out, just a spoke in a large wheel.We won a $100 bar tab at the casino- so we are off there one night this week...
Yesterday I went north with a couple of my friends-an ozzie radiographer, and a Mongolian Occ Therapist!!!We are a cosmopolitan bunch. We went about 130km to a place called Aileron. It is just a roadhouse with a long history. It was a stopover for travellers going north-it is very interesting to read some of the old photos around the walls.It was not an easy life.... Up on a hill behind the roadhouse is a bronze statue of an aboriginal- it is 70m tall. It is very difficult to photograph because it is against the sun all day. I have tried not very successfully mind you, but you get the idea....



beneath the statue..

I do like this one,,the detail is amazing...

The hill is not significant, but in a landscape that is entirely flat, it is nice to get a slight elevation.

On the way back to Alice we stopped, fascinated by these termite mounds. They appear out of nowhere and rise up to a metre. I am told that the further north you go, the higher they rise-up to many metres!!
the red earth still facsinates me...


Life is roaring along with not a lot of news. Next weekend we are going camping so should have some interesting photos etc. Have a safe week- I hope NZ is beginning to warm up a little.

IT'S RACE DAY IN ALICE..................

Yesterday was a unique day in Alice Springs...it was the running of the Camel Cup.An International competition between Virginia City,(USA,) and Alice. The air of anticipation was magic. I don't think I have ever enjoyed such a fun-filled day. There was no betting, it was aimed as a family day out...and it surely was. All monies made were for charity. The local Lions club was to blame...a great job done!!!




There were many bums on seats.......

There was even an MP,(or ex MP ) present to judge the Miss Camel Cup
contestants.

All the camels were kept together in an area. The noise was deafening- camels are very vocal animals.....not a pleasant noise, but plenty of it. It was obvious on observation that there are many people who work with, and love these creatures..They treat them very well, and the camels respond.

This chap could get this camel to follow him anywhere..

with very little pursuasion.

Some of the camels are way over 2 metres tall, and

watching them sit was an amazing feat. Their knees

and ankles seemed to get all entangled.

I overheard one of the cameleers say that some of the older

camels blow their tummys up when a saddle is trying to be

put on. Then when they stand...the saddle is all loose. I heard

this guy really arguing with the camel.

All the camel did was shout..... I am quite sure the camel was not

being hurt...he was just being stubborn.

The starting line was very amusing. All the camels were to sit down, and then on the starting pistol, rise up , and run... forward....This did not always happen.

some would refuse to stand....

and some would refuse to move -very vocally......

And some would turn around and run back to the holding pen.... I was a bit naughty and tagged along behind some ABC camera men doing a documentary, and got into the centre of the ring, with not many questions asked. Someone asked me which paper I was with...I mumbled and walked on !!!!! Consequently got some shots I am delighted with. With 9 races I was able to use different lens' lengths, and different view points. I also knew one of the guys in the commentary tower, so a visit was paid there too !!Good view of the finish line !!

Finally they were up and running.......

This race was a lot of fun, the theory was that a rider rode

half way around the track, camel sit down, and another rider

get on board...it didn't always happen.This couple was lucky.

and so to the finishing line....

maybe a photo finish ????

maybe not needed......

There was always one who wanted to stroll and survey the crowd.....




And one who insisted on being led home...




this one maybe won by a nose ???

I hope you have enjoyed my day out. Many times I found myself laughing so hard, I couldn't focus the camera. The guys doing the doco reckoned it was one of their better days out.

Do keep warm, I hear it has been cold in ChCh, and I am pleased it was cold in Cass for those of you there for the weekend.I was with you in spirit.

It's Show Time in Alice.....

There are a lot of holidays here- Territorian Day(when the area officially became the Northern territory). It is a day of huge celebrations and fireworks.It was a Sunday this year,last Sunday, and the fireworks went well into the night-fireworks I have never seen the like before. Quite breath taking, and who didn't have her camera......
Last Friday was Show day- when the country come to town.(Just like we have in Canterbury.)I went with some friends of mine, and was quite overwhelmed with the number of people gathered. I didn't think there were so many people in the area, many travelled hundreds of kms to enjoy the 2 days.We went about 11am, intending to spend a short while, and be back early afternoon. We left about 5pm...so much to see, so much to do.
I have put some images together to try and give you an idea of what I enjoyed........





It was heartening to see a lot of the indigenous people here in family groups, really enjoying themselves. I am not being patronising, maybe I see too much of the socially lower end who have so many problems.

This tot fascinated me, I watched her for ages playing with the umbrella.I apologise for the image being 'soft' but I really wanted to include it......

I doubt this would be offered at any of our local shows!!! I had a camel sausage- little dry, but quite tasty.

This little girl I also spied. She was totally besotted with her calf. She was lovingly brushing him- his coat shone like gold in the sun. We watched the "Grand Parade", and she very proudly lead her calf all the way around the ring, and he behaved.

.....more so than this fellow who lead his owners a real merry dance. I think I caught this photo just between skirmishes...... I actually think all the ribbons were spooking him, flapping just in his sight.

....this handsome fellow speaks for himself...don't you think?

I think what I really enjoyed with the show were the things that we would not see in a provincial show in NZ.

This......

This guy had travelled to the USA, and held the record,(unofficially) for the fastest gun draw...This image shows him with a lasso type rope that he made larger to the point he could jump through it!!

the usual fairground sights......

and more..........

this guy was lovingly showing off his pet pig-( some miniature breed-it was full grown.)- to my friend Mikaela,( a sonographer I work with), and me.

and miss piggy again...........

This was the end of the day, most of the cars had gone. Not bad for mid winter eh!!! I think it probably was about 22' - lovely. I am sorry I can not share it with you. I hear ChCh has been very cool- 6' one day. Do keep warm.. and remember spring is coming...

Next Saturday is the Camel Cup- a very popular raceday with camels....I intend to be there. Watch this space......