The Larapinta Trail, Central Australia – Day 7

Today we get a little out of synch with days and section numbers. ‘Freestyling’ has been our approach to the trail as we walk westwards, eastwards and generally adapt to make the endeavour logistically doable for our group and guides. Yes, I suspect the whole thing would be much more straight forward if you were walking independently, but I am definitely not complaining.

Every day out on the Larapinta Trail is a true delight and revelation…

Date: Saturday, 22 July 2023.

From: Rocky Gully

To: Ellery Creek South/Ellery Creek Big Hole

Section #: 6B

Rating: Moderate-Difficult.

Official/Map Distance: 13.6km      Planned Distance: 13.6km      Actual Distance: 15.6km

Progress: 126/223km

Ascent: 401m                                  Descent: 503m

Terrain: Undulating with a stiff climb over a high saddle to the southern side of the escarpment.

Started Walking: 0808                   Finished: 1244pm                     Time/Hrs: 4h34m

Weather: Clear, with a cool wind.

Stayed At: Serpentine Chalet group camp.

General Comments:

• After a short climb back out of Rocky Gully, we were straight into the undulating Alice Valley. Again, the severe impacts of bushfires were clearly evident and we just took this in our stride as we wandered across the relatively flat terrain.
• As I may have mentioned previously (endlessly?), this trip has been a real eye-opener and it has challenged a lot of my incorrect perceptions/beliefs about Central Australia. It has also introduced me to a couple of concepts, or descriptions, that really tickled my imagination.

• Larapinta Flat: This describes the flattest terrain we may cover in any one day. Yes, there may be actually 50m or so of true flatness before the path heads up a steep rise, over loose and slippery rocks, before requiring a rock scrabble down the other side. This is repeated for hours on end. If you hear the terrain described as Larapinta flat, you know the walking will be slightly ‘easier’, but still no stroll in the park.
• Type-2 Fun: I love this one as it describes the different types of fun that await us. Type-1 fun is your standard ‘fun’. It’s light, enjoyable and generally a pleasant thing to do. Type-2 fun is used to describe anything that is pretty tough or hard at the time, but in hindsight can be described as awesome or fun. I think the Larapinta Trail is loaded with Type-2 fun moments! 😊

• The trail was very straight forward this morning, with the only real decision required at the trail junction – deciding to head either to Ellery Creek North or South. The northern path takes you to the Indies’ camp and access to the Ellery Creek Big Hole. The southern access takes you to the vehicular-access side of the Big Hole.
• We headed South and straight into, what looked like, an impassable mountain range. From a distance there was no obvious path or way to get over it, and it was only as we got up close, did we see a tiny, tiny path crawling up the side of the mountain.
• Yes, one of those ‘you want me to climb that?’ moments. And Yes, like two-legged lemmings, we scrambled up and over.

• Ellery Creek Big Hole is a gorgeous oasis, absolutely thrumming with grey nomads and too-clean-and-fresh-looking tourists. Half their luck.
• A few in our group braved the icy waters for a revitalising dip, with lots of yelling and exclamations. Not me! I don’t mind cold water, but this waterhole was even too cold for me.
• Through the gap between the cliffs we could see our fellow hikers relaxing on the northern beach and enjoying much quieter, more exclusive access to the water.

• The days are turning progressively colder and windier, and I am progressively searching deeper through my duffel bag to find whatever warm layers I possess. Apparently tonight it is dropping down to 0°C. It might be beanie and socks weather even in my sleeping bag.
• The funny/sad news is that it became so windy today at our new campsite that our toilet tent blew away! And broke it! So, now we have a truly al fresco loo-with-a-view!

• Today’s Word: Mesmerising
• Menu: Breakfast: Delicious muesli and toast.
  • Lunch: Chicken and salad wraps
  • Dinner: Entrée – cheese and biscuits, then gourmet hamburgers and chicken burgers.

Top Tips for this Section:

• Mobile Phone Range: If you have an Optus phone you are able to make calls to civilisation from Ellery Creek Big Hole.
• Inhibitions: While there is privacy out on the trail, you do need to leave some inhibitions at home and be OK with sitting on a toilet/porta potty behind a thick shrub or bush. You also need to bring your consideration/discretion and be prepared to avert your eyes as required. 😊

#travelinspo #LarapintaTrail #multidayhikes #adventurebeforedementia #longdistancewalks #australianbush #AliceSprings #WorldExpeditions #bushwalks #greatoutdoors #crosscountry #exploreonfoot #NorthernTerritory #CentralAustralia #discovernorthernterritory #WestMacDonnellRanges #OutbackAustralia #hikingadventures #epicadventures