THURSDAY 24 MAY   KULGERA TO ALICE SPRINGS   300kms

We had driven this stretch of highway several times before. No drama, not a great deal of interest, a good road.

Refuelled at Erldunda RH – $1.57cpl. John just topped up the tank with 15 litres, to make sure we had enough to get to Alice Springs with no worry. Being at the corner of the road to Ayers Rock, this Roadhouse was always busy.

On to Alice Springs, with no other stops.

Our powered site at the McDonnell Ranges Caravan Park cost $27 a night, after discount. It is a large park, with modern amenities. Sites were only average size but with good shade trees. We like this park for its cleanliness and for some interesting activities put on for guests, like pancake breakfasts. And – best of all – it was a bit out of town and thus less noisy and, we thought,  more secure.

After setting up, we drove off to the town centre and the shops.

M had been having trouble with the lilo she used for a bed in the back of the Troopy – it kept going down and she couldn’t find the source of the leak. She bought some foam from a swag maker, to replace the lilo. Problem solved!

We checked at the PO for our mail – not in yet. Bought some groceries and fresh foods.

At a camera shop, I ordered a new battery for my Pentax Optio camera – so I would be able to have a spare one charged up all the time.

I was looking forward to borrowing some library books and having a reading binge, so went to the town library. Discovered that it charged $25 for non-residents to borrow books – non-refundable. Thought that was a bit steep, but maybe it was a reflection of the nature of the town  with a high number of transient tourists.

John found a $5 note in the street, so bought a lottery ticket with it. He sussed out the bowls club and lost no time booking us in for games on Saturday and Sunday. Damn! Suspected  that would stir the Achilles’ up again, nicely.

Now that he did not need to conserve the van’s battery power at nights, John played computer games until after 1am.

Another really cold night. At least, with 240v power, we could now run the little electric fan heater in the van.