What a great night sleep I had. Since no other groups showed up at the campsite last night, we had our pick of tents. It was also fairly quiet. Somebody thought that 3 AM was a great time for a long phone call, in a campground. So that was strange. They seemed surprised that I asked them to knock it off.

On the way to Darwin we stopped for 2 quick hikes, and a swim later.

Finally after 1500 kilometers, we arrive at my hostel.

It’s a dirty backpacker hostel. Of course it is. That’s what I booked, that’s what I got. Apparently some lessons I have a hard time learning. Free laundry, anyway.

Tomorrow I’ll finish laundry and try to see something interesting here.

Up for another fabulous pre-dawn departure, this time I’m happy to move on. The meals make me sad. One day less to go.

Lots of driving today, didn’t really have anything special to look forward to until lunch.

The Daly Waters pub is neat. Just a beat up place with a surprisingly cool vibe for a tourist joint. There is a pool area where you can grill some food and swim for free. Of course you buy drinks so it all works out. It’s got all kinds of stuff hanging on the walls, like bras and undies, hats, dollar bills, etc.

The other cool place we saw was a hot springs where you could swim. So great. Felt amazing to swim in warm water in nature, trees and sunshine and happy people enjoying a national park.

Dinner was almost inedible. I managed one bite. This guy is a terrible cook. I can’t express how awful.

I’ll try, for posterity. Tonight he didn’t eat his OWN cooking.

Anyhoo it’s almost over. One more lunch and I can have a decent meal.

In other news, I’ve discovered that 2 of the people traveling on the bus are with me are on my next tour too. BOO!

Okay. Enough complaints. Australia is still good.

Lots of highs and lows this morning. The van was really late, but when he showed up I was so happy. Got a free coffee, and then found out that the driver hates cooking. NOOOOOOO!

The van is almost empty, and the group is so small we made up the 2 hours easily.

I’ve been spoiled by the last tour and guide we had. This is going to be less awesome, but then my expectations are a little high.

On the way to tonight’s campsite we saw some cool spots. One was the place that was featured in the movie Wolf Creek.😑

The other was neater. The Devil’s Marbles are an interesting rock collection, all eroded and stuff.

Dinner was ok. I got Tim Tams for the fire tonight.

Sleeping situation will be great. Lots warmer and in tents, heaven!

Bye for now

After 8 amazing hours in a bed, coffee and peanut butter sandwiches at 6 am.

Laundry was done last night, so I was free to move on to my morning activity…not moving too much.

I read an entire book and caught up with internet stuff.

Like a dummy, I decided high noon was a great time to take a desert walk. Sunscreen, what’s sunscreen????

One sweaty hour later, I got to the only tourist destination in alice worth anything. The Old telegraph station is now a museum. Lots of Australian history mixed in too.

I killed as much time there as possible to avoid the sun and its treachery. Since wifi was free, no problem!

I’m off on another small road trip in the morning. It gets me to Darwin in 3 days, some camping and light hiking on the way.

Goodnight!