We chose the Desert Oaks resort at Erldunda as our next overnight stop for two reasons. Firstly the website photos suggested that it is a place of green refuge (we shall see) and secondly it fitted right within my preferred driving range. 
and some spectacular outback scenery
which really fitted our view (unintended pun) of what this part of world should look like.
Our journey took us past another of the Stuart Highway's ubiquitous roadhouses, this time at Stuarts Well. From what we saw as we drove by this is another we have placed on our list of 'highly probables' on our return trip.
As we made our way further south, the country changed yet again. Low red sandhills became common. With their covering of green shrubs and stunted trees, they really present a picture.
River crossings were that in name only. In this entire leg of our journey we did not cross one which actually contained water. But nevertheless, the dry beds were something of a spectacle in themselves.
Our approach to Erldunda was heralded by the appearance of a number of plateau hills or mesas,
We were quick to book in and make our way down the long gravel driveway to the van sites area. As luck would have it we were able to snare a corker notwithstanding the fact we had arrived much later than we would normally do. Plenty of shade and lawn. What a treat in this part of the world
As we sat out enjoying the sunset we decided that our schedule would allow us to luxuriate here for two nights which is precisely what we did. Our neighbours were an interesting couple who had been caravanning for many years. In fact Murray works in a caravan shop in Albany when not on the road. Our meeting did come at a cost, however. Liz was onto Murray's 'drop down slide' like a seagull onto a sick prawn. This is a device which allows the freezer in the back of the cruiser to be easily lowered to a level at which one can delve into its contents without having to kneel on the tailgate. We now have one courtesy of TJM North Adelaide and the very reasonable cost of $600. I hope Liz never asks me to check the contents of the freezer from now on!
We did put our lay day to good use. The pool surrounds were just delightful, if a little odd in one aspect. If you look closely you will see a row of cups and saucers balanced on sticks on the lawn behind the pool. My curiosity eventually got the better of me and my subsequent enquiries at reception revealed that this had been a 'walkway' to a raised reception platform for a bridal couple the previous weekend. They are an inventive mob in the outback!
and every so often an emu from a nearby sanctuary would decide that a wander along the driveway was just the shot.
We are not quite sure how the Black Panther would have reacted if confronted by one of these feathered monsters. He has enough trouble with Minor birds. But like us, Max did enjoy the grass and the general serenity of Desert Oaks,
where I just had to take yet another sunset shot
and, turning 180 degrees in the same spot, one of the newly rising full moon which I have to say did look considerably more impressive that this photo suggests.
So rested and refreshed we next set our sights on Marla and a return to South Australia for the first time in over five months.
We did not make our usual early start, but nevertheless we were off south out of Alice Springs past the last of the MacDonnell Range,
and some spectacular outback scenery
which really fitted our view (unintended pun) of what this part of world should look like.
Our journey took us past another of the Stuart Highway's ubiquitous roadhouses, this time at Stuarts Well. From what we saw as we drove by this is another we have placed on our list of 'highly probables' on our return trip.
As we made our way further south, the country changed yet again. Low red sandhills became common. With their covering of green shrubs and stunted trees, they really present a picture.
River crossings were that in name only. In this entire leg of our journey we did not cross one which actually contained water. But nevertheless, the dry beds were something of a spectacle in themselves.
Our approach to Erldunda was heralded by the appearance of a number of plateau hills or mesas,
and then we were there, together with many others. This is a very busy place. We later discovered that the Desert Oaks Roadhouse is a base for day tours of Ayres Rock and its surrounds. Some of these actually originate in Alice Springs. They leave at 0600 hours, arrive at Desert Oaks at 0900 hours, return to DO at about 2130 hours and do not get back to The Alice until midnight. A long day to say the least.
The Desert Oaks complex is similar to Barkly Homestead in many ways. A large fuel outlet, restaurant, bar and a mix of accommodation including cabins, powered caravan sites and camp grounds. With one major difference....wonderful grass. For once the reality matched the publicity shots.
The Desert Oaks complex is similar to Barkly Homestead in many ways. A large fuel outlet, restaurant, bar and a mix of accommodation including cabins, powered caravan sites and camp grounds. With one major difference....wonderful grass. For once the reality matched the publicity shots.
We were quick to book in and make our way down the long gravel driveway to the van sites area. As luck would have it we were able to snare a corker notwithstanding the fact we had arrived much later than we would normally do. Plenty of shade and lawn. What a treat in this part of the world
As we sat out enjoying the sunset we decided that our schedule would allow us to luxuriate here for two nights which is precisely what we did. Our neighbours were an interesting couple who had been caravanning for many years. In fact Murray works in a caravan shop in Albany when not on the road. Our meeting did come at a cost, however. Liz was onto Murray's 'drop down slide' like a seagull onto a sick prawn. This is a device which allows the freezer in the back of the cruiser to be easily lowered to a level at which one can delve into its contents without having to kneel on the tailgate. We now have one courtesy of TJM North Adelaide and the very reasonable cost of $600. I hope Liz never asks me to check the contents of the freezer from now on!
We did put our lay day to good use. The pool surrounds were just delightful, if a little odd in one aspect. If you look closely you will see a row of cups and saucers balanced on sticks on the lawn behind the pool. My curiosity eventually got the better of me and my subsequent enquiries at reception revealed that this had been a 'walkway' to a raised reception platform for a bridal couple the previous weekend. They are an inventive mob in the outback!
We did share this oasis with a number of our feathered friends. These two ringnecks were nesting in one of the palms poolside,
and every so often an emu from a nearby sanctuary would decide that a wander along the driveway was just the shot.
We are not quite sure how the Black Panther would have reacted if confronted by one of these feathered monsters. He has enough trouble with Minor birds. But like us, Max did enjoy the grass and the general serenity of Desert Oaks,
where I just had to take yet another sunset shot
and, turning 180 degrees in the same spot, one of the newly rising full moon which I have to say did look considerably more impressive that this photo suggests.
So rested and refreshed we next set our sights on Marla and a return to South Australia for the first time in over five months.
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