Day 11 – Ellery Creek North to Serpentine Gorge (Section 7 Larapinta)

 

https://nt.gov.au/parks/find-a-park/tjoritja-west-macdonnell-national-park/larapinta-trail

https://nt.gov.au/_media/docs/parks/bushwalking-and-hiking/larapinta-trail/larapinta-trail-section-7-information-sheet-and-map.pdf

https://northernterritory.com/alice-springs-and-surrounds/see-and-do/ellery-creek-big-hole

We were up at 5:15am and left at 6:45am, as soon as it was light enough for me to manage. We kept our down jackets on for the first hour of walking due to the cold. Today began with relatively easy walking through open country. Somewhere between the six and seven kilometres mark we surprised several Spinifex Pigeons – they in turn surprised us with the noise they make in taking off. We could also hear a lot of budgerigars.  The easy walk to West Junction gave an excellent view of the northern side of the Heavitree Range. As we entered to the top of the creek at Spring Gap to cross through to the southern side of the Heavitree Range there was a short section of bouldering. The vegetation is quite different on each side of the range. 

Entrance to Spring Gap - up and over

He is 5foot 10inches, and had to sit down. I am only 5foot and it was quite a stretch.

We continued past the shelter and trailhead to the carpark for day walkers to Serpentine Gorge. We collected our drop box from the shipping container and brought this back to the day use area.  Here the amazing support team from a group of our fellow hikers (who were fundraising for Cancer Council - Relay for life (NQBP Never Quit Being Positive)) had arranged a birthday cake for Drew – thank you!

https://www.relayforlife.org.au/fundraisers/NQBPNeverQuitBeingPositive6295

We got back to the shelter around 1pm having stuffed ourselves on an awesome black forest cake. Next up was a walk to Serpentine Gorge, which was pretty; followed by a solid climb to the lookout and its stunning views.

https://northernterritory.com/alice-springs-and-surrounds/see-and-do/serpentine-gorge

We spent the remainder of the afternoon eating, reading and relaxing. This was our easiest day so far.  Once again, we slept in the shelter.  I have really liked the shelters, both as a place to congregate and meet fellow hikers, and as a place to sleep. 

Statistics

Hike Distance                 14.34km

Hike Time                        4h 30m

Ascent                              332.4m

Descent                           271.7m

Walk Distance                2.16km

Walk Time                        48m

Ascent                              80.9m

Descent                           90.4m

Day 10 – Rocky Gully to Ellery Creek North (Section 6 Larapinta)

 

https://nt.gov.au/parks/find-a-park/tjoritja-west-macdonnell-national-park/larapinta-trail

https://nt.gov.au/_media/docs/parks/bushwalking-and-hiking/larapinta-trail/larapinta-trail-section-6-information-sheet-and-map.pdf

Last night was much milder, I slept only in underwear, no thermals or layers.  We were up this morning at 5:30am and away just after 7am.

https://northernterritory.com/cn/zh/alice-springs-and-surrounds/see-and-do/rocky-gully

The start of this morning’s walk started with a solid climb in which we quickly gained height. It was up and down over rocky terrain, with the odd short patch of trail that allowed a free stride. There were less wildflowers on today’s walk than yesterday, however there were a lot of Zebra Finches about this morning.

Once we reached Alice Valley View, it was generally free walking to East Junction, with fewer rocky outcrops and more wildflowers. There were several dry creekbeds to cross that were picturesque. We stopped for morning tea at East Junction and saw a Ringneck Parrot. We stayed on the new alignment of the Larapinta Trail heading for Ellery Creek North, rather than turning towards Ellery Creek Big Hole and Ellery Creek South. Between East Junction and Ellery Creek North there are several large areas of piled rocks where sections of the Heavitree Range have broken off. The noise that must be generated when these chunks break away and crack into pieces as they land must be impressive. We arrived at the Ellery Creek North Trailhead at 12:30pm.

https://nt.gov.au/parks/find-a-park/tjoritja-west-macdonnell-national-park/ellery-creek-big-hole

https://northernterritory.com/alice-springs-and-surrounds/see-and-do/ellery-creek-big-hole

We enjoyed lunch and had a wash and rinsed out our hiking clothes before heading out to explore.  Ellery Creek Big Hole is beautiful, and cold as has been our previous experience. We had previously seen it from the southern side, and I had not realised it was as long as it is. From the northern side there is a fair distance that you can wade out before reaching the deep section that separates the northern and southern sides.

We spent the remainder of the afternoon reading out books, and charging our devices.  This evening a fellow hiker, Toni, removed the splinter that I had thought was a blister starting from the base of one of my toes – much more comfortable. Thank you Toni! We opted to sleep in the shelter, which looked out over the plains between the Heavitree and Chewings Ranges – picturesque!

Statistics

Hike Distance                 13.66km

Hike Time                        4h 38m

Ascent                              325.0m

Descent                           410.1m