Alice Springs, Simpson Gap and Telegraph Station BBQ

 April 9th

So now to a downside of our trip so far. The cabin we thought just perfect turned out to be the cabin from hell! Beds were pulled down, I was bottom bunk Ian took the top. It was as we lay enjoying the movement of the train that we suddenly heard a compressor cut in. Hmm, it sounded as if it was underneath the bunk and when the train stopped for a short while not only was it extremely loud but the whole bed vibrated. This became the regular occurrence of 5 minutes peace and quiet and 10 minutes of unwelcomed noise. To say we got very little sleep was an understatement and by 3 am Ian had had enough and went in search of someone to complain too. Of course nothing could be done until later in the morning but our complaint had been duly noted and assurance that something would be done. I suppose staying awake most of the night meant we did get to see the sunrise.

We arrived early for breakfast and then went to see the manager about the problem, All that could be offered was a room further along the corridor which was to be vacated later today. A pack up and move required when we return from the tour to Simpsons gap at Alice Springs. This was our second choice, the first being Desert Park with the wild birds, flying display and nocturnal house. Obviously a popular excursion by all on board. We have been told long trousers, socks and enclosed shoes must be worn. Not sure if that is a cultural thing or because of the wildlife that may be around. 

With another hot day ahead at Simpsons Gap, sunscreen and hat was liberally applied. The coach took us first to a short 20-minute loop walk, bit disappointed that no wildlife other than spiders were seen. 

We did see an impressive Ghost Gum tree and in it, we caught the briefest of glimpses of a Peregrine falcon.

Termites were climbing this tree, their nest was somewhere far beyond our sight.

The next walk was a killer for me. The heat was beyond a joke and we were all as a group expected to climb a hill for a 360-degree lookout. One of the group failed and had to be brought down, personally, I think this was madness in the 32-degree temperatures. No shade to be had anywhere. Then to top it off, all our guides kept us at there with the sun beating down for another 15 minutes before we descended by a different route. Nearly an hour of constant sun and heat made me feel ill. We did have water, the only way to keep hydrated was to continually drink but this was not a good excursion for me, although Andy, Sally and Ian all thought it great.

Simpson Gap

 

Anyway, our final stop was at Simpson Gap itself. Here the welcoming shade of the rocky outcrop along the riverbed was a relief. I only went as far as the water hole, Ian, Andy and Sally continued much further. You may have gathered that this excursion was one I would rather forget. Tomorrow we do Coober Pedy I do hope we get out first choice in this, our last of the Ghans excursions. 

On arrival back to the Ghan we had 40-minute turn around before taking yet another coach to the telegraph station at Alice Springs. Our cabin had been sorted, we were to move further along the train and the very last cabin of the O carriage. Yep we were now officially the furthest from the front! Anyway the bags were taken quickly to that cabin, a very quick wash and refresh before heading off for the BBQ under the stars at the Telegraph Station. This photo was taken before boarding the coaches

Now this was good, 26 tables all seating 10 people and laid out for a three-course feast and to top it all, free camel rides! Well, Sally and I had to go didn't we. The men chickened out!

 

The band were pretty good playing a lot of the old 60, 70 and 80 music. We sang along and my voice rang out to the chorus of Simon and Garfunkel, The Boxer. I was mortified when I realised the band had stopped playing but I was still singing. How embarrassing!

Dinner started with leak and cheese horderves followed by the BBQ. Hmm, oh dear what a disaster. Unfortunately, the only decent thing was the steak. The veg wasn't cooked, nor was the jacket potato and for dessert, the chocolate brownie and pavlova, was much too sweet for my liking. 

As the sky darkened a chap came along to point out the stars with his laser pen. I now know where the Southern Cross is and where to look in the night sky. We sang and danced the night away until it was time to leave. 

 

What a fiasco the exit from the telegraph station was! All the coaches had already taken some of the passengers back so for the majority of us, it was a waiting game until one turned up. The biting insects had appeared, it was the most unpleasant 30 minutes wait. Unfortunately we didn't get on that coach so had to wait until it again returned. No one was best pleased at that outcome! Bur there was some good news on our return, I was very relieved that the second cabin was fine  although the shower didn't drain properly and we were left paddling in an inch of water. Towels had to be placed so we could at least use the loo without getting feet wet! Looking forward to a good night's sleep though. What will our last day on the Ghan bring?

And wildlife