Into the Tanami

Into the tanami!
Out of the MacDonnell ranges and back into desert country we go. Everyone feeling somewhat rested and soothed by a great Alice feed and luxury of a proper bed. Clothes washed and swags dried. Nothing much worse than getting into your swag to find the bottom half soaking wet and freezing cold. Sleeping with knees around ones chin is not fun or restful or inducing deep sleep!
The Tanami Desert may as well be a lush paradise. So much unseasonal rainfall has turned red dust to swathes of bright green interspersed with yellow peas, wattle and desert flowers. It is simply astonishing to see it like this.
The irridescent ghost gum dingoe slayer was on fire after his recent midnight actions and desperate for another camping opportunity.
Doreen Ruins with a swift right turn off the Tanami and 1.5 km in was just perfect. Lots to see and do here. Nobody around just the magnificent 7. We clambered up little hills and marble like rocks. Here we discovered rocky water holes high up and deep into the rocks. I bet First Nations would have known of these all those years ago. We were like kids reliving our inner child. Such fun. Photographed old ruins and imagined life here as settlers. It was lush today but still the rivers and creeks run dry and we can only imagine the lack of regular water would be the end of such ventures. As we set up camp by the dry river bed, all the magnificent seven agreed this really was our best camp so far. Maybe be we are just getting more proficient. That night we spent roasting chestnuts, drinking wine and gin and talking fondly of past adventures. Recent visitors to the creek bed had left their prints behind. From snakes to dingoes to camels to emus to cattle and goannas. Stars were bright in the outback night sky and the dark emu clearly seen by most of us! To awaken in such a creek bed is to hear the chorus of corellas, cockatoos, galahs and parrots. It really is one of the finest joys in life.Read more