The West MacDonnell Ranges, known as Tjoritja to the local Aranda people, are a mountain range west of Alice Springs , famous for their rugged beauty, gorges, and cultural significance. The most popular time to visit is during the cooler months of April–September so we are going in November to get the full experience of maximum heat and flies. There will be less people though since people generally heed Noël Coward’s warning that “Mad Dogs and Englishmen go out in the midday sun” (a song written for his The Third Little Show at the Music Box Theatre, New York, on 1 June 1931.)

So we did the West Mac Ranges as the locals recognize it and it took its toll in various ways. I unsuccessfully battled a spiky palm in palm valley and waded through crotch deep water. The ute battled unmarked water crossings up to door height and survived. Peter, forced to walk more than his usual literally walked the sole off his right shoe. Pictures naturally follow.

By the way ….. Gandalf is about to be taken up! and we are heading for air conditioned Alice (Alice, Alice, who the …… is Alice)

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