the Alice

Alice Springs
30 August 2010

This was a work stop for me. The first internet and phone reception for a week. But also a chance to restock supplies and get a few bits and pieces of camping gear including a camp oven which got returned after we agreed it would take up too much space.
The staff in shops were noticeably more friendly. When seeking a couple of hardwood jacking blocks (having learnt while helping the guy on the way to Warren jack up his trailer, the importance of having hardwood blocks which can be stood on their edge), the hardware staff member cheerfully supplied, cut and squared them for free. He explained that it was the end of the day anyway.
John


After a week out I was able to do 3 loads of washing – the kids have been helping more (at my insistence) and now probably have more of an idea about the work involved in keeping house etc.
We all visited the aboriginal Art Gallery, the Natural History and aircraft Museum in the Araluen Arts centre across the road from the Caravan Park.
We saw some original Albert Namitijiras and early Papunya paintings from the 70's + some great contemporary works.
Alice Springs is quite a rich cultural Centre I'd like to be there for the festival which is about to start (10th Sept).
I did some linoprinting back at the caravan park and met a woman from Oakey in Queensland who who is also a printmaker. We got talking and it turned out her sons were taught by one of John's relatives some 25 or 30 years ago.

This was also the start of warm weather.
The kids had a swim in the small caravan park pool.
Maggie