Overnight we camped just off Binns Track, about half way between Old Andado Station and Alice Springs. We had pretty much left the sand dune country behind and were into an undulating landscape – broken up by ancient ranges worn down by the passing of the years.
Once back on the track sightings of well-fed cattle became more frequen, as did cattle grids and farm gates. Wendy had the task of opening and closing numerous gates yesterday and the pattern looked likely to be repeated today.
As we approached Alice Springs the track grew wider and increasing signs of civilisation began appearing. A watering pump and tank for cattle; a mustering yard; a homestead; roadside signs. In one stockyard cattle were being loaded into a roadtrain destined for far away markets.
The small community of Santa Teresa was upon us, nestled in the shadows of a range of hills. For a brief moment we enjoyed the luxury of driving on a 2-lane sealed section of road (the first since Marree) before the more familiar dusty gravel track returned on the outskirts of the community.
Our approach into Alice Springs took us past the airport and joined with the Stuart Highway about 10kms south of the centre of town. Our destination was a caravan park to the south west, away from the city centre and alongside the banks of the Todd River. Our site has panoramic views of the river and established river gums that grow from the dry, sandy river bed.
By chance, a colleague of Chris’s was in town and arrangements were made to catch up for a drink and a chat later in the day. Once we were set up Wendy managed to complete two loads of washing that dried quickly in the 23C conditions. Chris reinflated the tyres on the Prado and Tvan for the next few days of highway driving north to Arnhem Land.
We headed into town to the supermarket to replenish depleted supplies. It was a successful visit, with everything on the list purchased. Wendy queued outside the licensed bottle shop as ID was needed before entry was permitted. Once inside and purchases selected, ID had to be produced again, then scanned and recorded along with the items purchased. At least the prices paid were more in line with big city prices.
All the shopping was quickly packed away before we headed over to the adjacent caravan park and caught up with Jane and Rob – where outback travel tales were exchanged as the sun set behind us.