Up at 5:00 AM for flight. No breakfast at hotel, but I did have a latte. Walked next door to the airport. The slow bag check kiosks seemed to be as sleepy as we were.
Our 2-hour flight to Alice Springs was slightly delayed. They fed us a light breakfast.
Site Coordinator, Lee, and driver, Phil, met us at baggage claim. Amazingly none of us has had our luggage list yet. I may have just jinxed us.
Our first stop in Alice Springs was Anzac Hill (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps). It's a moving memorial to all those who served in the defense of their country during all wars in which Australia has participated. There are lovely views of the town and hills. We also heard about the top secret surveillance work that is done by the US at nearby Pine Gap. I could tell you about it, but then I'd have to kill you.
We drove to the Alice Springs Telegraph Station. It was interesting hearing how the town was formed. Fun fact: there is no Alice SPRINGS. There's only an intermittent Alice WATERHOLE. I guess Alice Waterhole just didn't sound as good as Alice Springs. It was hot (high of 93 degrees) and humid, even in the shade. But it's quite moderate for here. I bought a cool baseball cap with an aboriginal design and a 3D postcard, which I'll mail to myself from Uluru.
We drove to Alice Springs' Central Business District (CBD) for our travelers to pickup any needed items (insect repellent, sunscreen, cash) as there won't be anything available at Uluru. Many shops are closed temporarily due to the recent crime wave. It was quite sad. The Prime Minister was here a few days ago. They've reduced hours for sale of takeaway liquor ban to try and reduce the crime. We're safe here at the hotel, but we were warned not to go into town after dark.
We checked into our hotel, the Mercure Alice Springs Resort. It has a very inviting pool.
We had a few minutes to freshen up before lunch. We enjoyed sandwiches, wraps, fruit, and muffins. A Coopers Pale Ale beer tasted mighty good.
After lunch, we walked to a hotel conference room where Lee gave us a lecture on Aboriginal Culture & Heritage. I learned a lot about the many clans (over 250 of them) and their culture.
We had a little more free time to settle in.
We boarded our bus for a field trip to the Alice Springs School of the Air. Since 1951, they have been remotely teaching students that live more than 50 kilometers from a community school. And they did this LONG before COVID forced remote learning on our students.
I relaxed during the free time we had before dinner. We were supposed to have Aboriginal style food at the Desert People's Centre, but they were closed for remodeling. Our hotel was able to whip up a last-minute delicious meal for 20 people!
After dinner we were supposed to have a night sky viewing with our astronomer, Andrew. But Mother Nature had a different idea and filled the sky with clouds. We're all about flexibility. Andrew gave us a lecture (sans stars) on the Astronomy of the Southern Skies. Hopefully the skies will clear up when go to Uluru (Ayers Rock), so we can see.
It was still quite warm. So, I went for a short swim in the pool. Me and a bunch of large, dead or dying bugs. It felt good after today's heat. And my shower felt even better.
It was a long day. I'll write more tomorrow.
Photo: Me at the Alice Springs Telegraph Station.
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