Hermannsburg and Camel Riding into the Sunset

Whilst I scampered back to work, the rest of the team headed out the West MacDonnell path towards Hermannsburg, a former mission and home to one of Australia's most famous Aboriginal water colour painters, Albert Namatjira. His was a tragic tale really. He was a gifted painter and as such was granted citizenship, the right to vote and purchase alcohol, the latter leading to his eventual demise. Having met the Queen and become a light of the burgeoning art community, he decided to run grog to some fellow aborigines and was caught and incarcerated. Shortly after his release he died.

I caught up with the troop after work at a small property just outside of Alice for a Camel Ride. The weather gods had forecast thunder showers but there was ne'er a cloud in sight, the sun was just starting its descent and we were getting lifted up in the air by these massive gentle creatures. The ride is fairly smooth with a gentle sway up and down (lumpty-dump kinda feel). I had Piper in my lap and had to sway my knees out keeping them in the stirrups, leading to my knees being a bit strained by the end and I was happy the hour ride was up but enjoyed the scenery just the same. We saw some horses along the way and Piper was insistent that she ride the horses next - took a lot of explaining that this wasn't possible and she'd have to wait to ride with Grandma when the next opportunity arose. We'll take a day off of major adventures today as we have to get the car cleaned and ourselves organized for our planned departure on Friday.