Day 29 Around Alice Springs

17km today around Alice Springs.  We watched the Labor Day March lead by the Mayor in town this morning. It was comprised of "floats" from various schools, service suppliers (Power and Water, Police, Fire Brigade), scouts and guides, some old or rare cars, pushbikes from BMX Clubs, drag racers, old motor bikes (2) and motorbike riders from the Ulysses Club.  We then took in the town sites and were particularly impressed with the Araluen Art Centre, which included a few paintings by Albert Namatjira and many from his family descendants.  You can see why he was outstanding, better than any of the others. We then went up Anzac Hill, which provides a 360 degree view around Alice Springs.  The MacDonnell Ranges form a magnificent backdrop to this outback town.  They have had rain recently and, while the rivers may not be flowing, the place looks quite green.  Tomorrow we are off to the West MacDonnell Ranges.

050514 Alice Springs from Anzac Hill looking SSW

050514 Alice Springs from Anzac Hill looking SSE.
Note: Heavitree Gap centre right

050514 May Day Parade in Alice Springs

050514 May Day Parade in Alice Springs 

050514 May Day Parade in Alice Springs

050514 May Day Parade in Alice Springs

050514 May Day Parade in Alice Springs

050514 An Albert Namatjira original painting
at the Araluen Art Centre Alice Springs

050514 Heavitree Gap at the south of Alice Springs