Simpson Desert - Hay River 2009

We woke to the beautiful scenery of Boggy Hole (approximately 35km south of Hermannsburg in the Finke Gorge). Our canvas homes all had spectacular water views. Some of us were woken by the neighbours howling in the night and early morning (dingo’s). We set off at the usual 8am but at a snails pace heading for Uluru. Some minor hiccups affected our speed included loose loads, aerials coming adrift and a sand flag rescue.

Shortly after morning tea it was decided that some of the group would take a small detour of 20kms to check out the Illamurta Springs Police Camp and the rest would continue on to Uluru. Michael at Batton Hill had spoken of the Police Camp and the descriptions in our fact sheets sounded too good to miss. The Police Camp was operational between 1893 and 1912 and was established as a reaction to Aboriginal resistance to pastoral settlement in the area in the form of cattle spearing. It is an important cultural site for the Southern Arrernte Aboriginal people. The ruins gave you the feeling of times past and although it was obvious that the area had once been a lovely flowing natural spring there was no water there for our visit. The surrounding gorge was just so beautiful and definitely worth the detour.

The first group to head for Uluru made the common mistake of thinking that Mt Connor was the great and mighty Uluru but pushed on realizing that they still had a way to go. Arriving early afternoon many of the group decided that they would like to walk the rock before the sun went down. Hayden and Matthew decided they would demonstrate their fitness by running up it and leaving the rest behind to puff and pant their way up at a more sedate pace. Young Nicky was looking for Canberra once he reached the top. Back at camp our first injury was sustained by Narelle who toppled off her roof rack whilst unloading; resulting in a sprained wrist and grazed hands and knees. However she was patched up over drinks and nibbles as we watched the sunset over Uluru. A perfect way to end a day!