Day 4 Monday 20th June 2011 Alice Springs to Wycliffe Well

A trip of 450 km today went well. Crisp morning of 3 degrees but with clear skies and the warmth of the sun, it was pleasant in the car. No music today; we listened to ABC Alice Springs that had an excellent ‘All in the Mind’ about visual literacy and deafness with technologies (e.g.  video telephony) that enhance the communication experience for those with loss of hearing.  Did you know that there’s a university in Washington DC that is for deaf people.

Being a recently converted Dr Who fan (David Tennant fan really), I was interested in ‘The Philosopher’s Zone’ because it discussed good and evil and rationalism and emotions. More insights into Dr Who and the script writers looking at Plato, Socrates, Hitler and nuclear destruction of our planet led to different understanding.  As Colonel Klink often remarked, “Very Interesting!”

It was eerie that not long after listening to this radio program, we arrived at Wycliffe Well – the home of the best beer in the world, the best pies in the world and the most UFO sightings! Now with all these attractions, how could we go wrong?

The entrance to the CP welcomes humans (femaliens, malaliens and kidaliens). The walls of the service station and reception area are decorated with murals of aliens, space ships and other out of world creatures and objects. Different! Mobile phone and access to internet cover isn’t happening here – one would think with all the aliens and UFOs that technological communication would be a high priority.

As I relaxed with a coffee and book, Robert explored the park. It’s quite large with a lake, an old tourist railway, aviaries, restaurant and last but not least, bloody chooks walking around on the loose! Those of you who know me will understand my reaction as I enjoyed sitting outside with the coffee and the book to be accosted by a couple of chooks! Shooing them away the first time was OK but then another lot approached – I swear that they sensed the fear. I hate chooks!!!! A hasty retreat to the caravan was my next move. When Robert returned, he took guard so that I could return to the outdoors. Very pleasant too – even had to put on a summer top!

We know it’s a small world and after meeting the people next to us, we discovered that John lived on the peninsula and was Nick Rope’s grandfather! Nick attended LeFevre for 5 years and left when I retired. It turns out that John knows many of the same people whom we know. He lived in Carnarvon Tce Largs North for many years. He and his sister, Helen, are travelling together and are on their way back to Adelaide before Helen flies home to Perth. Both have lost their partners. How special to be able to travel with a brother or a sister! 

We spent a couple of very pleasant hours with them and shared stories of travels and family. They gave us a few tips about accommodation and tourist attractions as we head further north. You do meet some lovely people on holidays.

As it got later in the day, more campers booked in. On the other side, we have a huge bus with a mini-van in tow and painted in the same colours. Amenities here are spotless and there are a lot of shaded areas. A pleasant place to spend a few days just chilling.

The last of the frozen meals was eaten tonight – green chicken curry. Delish! Daly Waters is the destination for tomorrow and we think we might treat ourselves to a meal at the pub.