NT trip Day 18

We woke fairly early, Finn was sick and throwing up. This was not a good start - how would we get him on the plane? He had been unwell most of the night. The rest of us were fine but he was pale and kept vomiting on and off. We took the van back to the depot and dropped it off. None of us were sad to se it go. After 18 days it had become quite cramped and confining. We were ready for home. Poor Finn was a champion and managed to get through the flight to Adelaide without being sick. Things eased and we'd gotten him medicine at the airport as well. In Adelaide, he slept on a lounge while we waited for our final flight home. When we landed in Melbourne we dragged ourselves out to meet the kids Dad who was picking us up and taking us home. Dad had already told Mum he'd been and gotten her some supplies and food so that once home she too could fall in a heap and recover. She'd found the humidity particularly challenging and unsettling so she was glad to get home to her own space. We did the same, fell in a heap and began the recovery. An amazing trip, but tiring. An adventure, for sure.

NT trip Day 17

This day was spent pretty much entirely driving the 5 hours or so back to Alice Springs in one go. When we arrived at the Alice Springs caravan park and I stopped the van, I almost cried. We had made it. We only had to drive to the depot in the morning and the van was done. It had been a journey of many kilometres, many stresses, and some amazing sights. The driving had been intense in what was basically a small truck! We'd done it!!! We spent the afternoon packing up, cleaning up, throwing away what was no longer needed and getting organised for our return the following day. T

NT trip Day 15

Still at Uluru, Rory was exploring the caravan park playground and amazingly, ran into someone she knew from Mount Macedon. Small world...
Today we went and did the Valley of Winds walk at Kata Tjuta. It was SO windy, but a beautiful walk. Again a very spiritual and magical place.

That night, we were able t go and see the Field Of Lights Art installation that had been set up at Uluru which was really cool and the kids had a ball there too. We were tired on return though, and hit the hay pretty early. The night before we had had a movie night in the van with popcorn and huddled together on the middle bed. 

NT trip Day 14

We continued on to Uluru. You don't forget the first look you get when it comes into view. It's overwhelming every time. The kids and Mum were gobsmacked at its sheer size and presence. You can tell why this is such a sacred site to our Indigenous people, it just exudes energy and spirituality. We explored the base - walked and drove around the perimeter and I showed the kids my favourite place at Mutitjulu waterhole from the 2016 school trip.  In the afternoon we did dot painting with some of the local indigenous women.

NT trip Day 13

Before leaving Alice Springs this morning we went to a gallery for some shopping, and to Anzac Hill for the views. Then we set off for Uluru. We stopped at Stuarts Well where I took great delight in watching Mum ride a camel. Brilliant! We decided to stop overnight at Erldunda, where we met Chuck Norris the chicken, and saw the most incredible sunset!!!

NT trip Day 12

Off to Alice Springs today, and the main part of our journey was now behind us. We visited the School of The Air which was really interesting to me as a teacher - seeing how these remote kids learned over computers and radio. We did a big stock up shop and then visited the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Some fascinating and interesting stuff there and another lesson in history.

NT trip Day 11

Stocked up in Tennant Creek, we headed out to the magnificent Devils Marbles. What a sight! They were just so stunning and so full of energy and mystery. Another highlight for me, despite not staying too long. From there we made our way to Wycliffe Well - a remote spot known for it's many UFO sightings. They had some fun merchandise and decor that the kids enjoyed!