West McDonnell Ranges
Posted by Ben on | August 22, 2008
I pick up The Lion of Flanders from Alice Airport and head to the West McDonnell Ranges.
The Lion is a veteran of a walk around Mt Blanc, a summit of Kilimanjaro and has walked 100kms in a day on more than one occasion. I on the other hand have represented Frankston District Tennis Association against Traralgon District Tennis Association in the 12 & Under Boys Singles. I won a rain effected match 6/3. Despite my hefty sporting credentials I was a little unsure if I would be able to keep up with the Lion in the bush-walking stakes.
We arrive at Ormiston Gorge and the tent is up and beers are in hand by mid-afternoon. We’re in Namatjira country and almost all of what we are exploring Albert would have painted at some stage.
We take in breath-taking views of Ormiston Gorge and Pound. The next day we cycle the 50km round trip to Redbank Gorge. The last 5kms being particularly bumpy and dusty. Redbank Gorge is well worth the ride but most opt for a 4WD. On the way back I struggle into a head-wind. Melissa’s bike is nice but its far too small for me and its hard to get comfy.* I keep my complaining to a bare minimum and let Jan do most of the work and stay on his wheel. Just like I do when riding with Richard… Not that he rides anymore. 
After a couple more days and a few more walks the beer supply runs dry and we head back to Alice. Aboriginal artworks are admired and purchased as are pizzas and packets of chips. Before we know it we are back where it all started, at Alice Airport where the Lion has a plane waiting to return him to his Lioness in Melbourne.
*It was clearly the bike’s fault. Not my lack of fitness.
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September 3rd, 2008 @ 11:42 pm
hehehehe, made me chortle benny, nice post