Day 15: 6/07/2009 A gorgeous day

Took the Namatjira Road to Glen Helen Gorge (photo of Pam near water included because having good hair day), then visited Ormiston Gorge, Serpentine Gorge and Standly Chasm. Nice walks over rocks to look at bigger rocks. Gave Ochre Pits and Simpson's Gap a miss. (Pam's insistence) You get the feel for Serpentine Gorge on the 7 km of rocky, lumpy road on the way in. Nice pool and fun little birds at the end of the walk, though.Getting really relaxed. May be getting too relaxed, as did not plan at all for long day walking in the heat, eg. did not take water or food. Pam got the last sandwich at Standly Chasm and was able to dispose of wrapper just before rubbish bins were shut for the day. They're very strict at Standly Chasm.Pam thought we visited at least one gorge too many. The wifely mood-meter swung somewhere between 'Grumpy' and 'Savage'. Pam's idea: have good look and walk at one, possible two gorges; Pat's idea: go to every single possible place, because we might not ever come back. After no food, water etc lucky to come back.
Weather very cold at night and early morning, frost, but beautiful during the day.
We have planned a lazy afternoon tomorrow, a night in a hotel and a resturant meal. That should help. Had a nice chat in the Todd River Hotel with Gary. He used to work on the Longford Gas Plant (post-explosion) and now runs a crew of Aborigines in a government sponsored program. They do general maintenance and travel around together. This type of scheme seemed to me to be a good idea. Gary certainly thought so.
Pat enjoys visiting local pub whereever we are, to engage in conversation with locals. Pam takes same time for pleasant solitude, major reading.