Alice Springs

Posted on October 4, 2016 by kathy

We didn’t spend much time in Alice Springs, just one night on the way to Uluru and two nights at the end of the holiday before returning home. Alice Springs is nearly equidistant from Darwin and Adelaide, about 1500km in each direction. At the top of Anzac Hill,

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is a memorial to the soldiers killed in World War I.

There’s not a lot to see in Alice Springs but the panoramic view of the town and surrounding ranges was quite spectacular.

Known as Mparntwe to its original inhabitants, the Arrernte, Alice Springs was named in 1872 after the wife of Sir Charles Todd, the former Postmaster General of South Australia. The Todd River, which is dry for most of the year, was named after Sir Charles.

The prominent ridge to the west is Mt Gillen, a popular destination for hikers.

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I had never seen Sturt’s Desert Pea in the wild and there they were, masses of them growing on the median strips around town. Absolutely stunning.

We had excellent accommodation, choosing to stay on the edge of town at the Quest Apartments.

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The end of the holiday was nigh, only one more day left.

twelve months

Posted on September 27, 2016 by kathy

It is just over a year since the creation of cannonhill chronicles. I have had so much enjoyment sharing our lives and re-living our experiences and it never ceases to amaze me how many corners of the world this simple little blog reaches. Thank you to everyone who has stopped by, you are my inspiration.

One of my early posts introduced you to my spring garden. After a long, cold, wet winter, I had forgotten how beautiful and renewing spring can be. The days are warming, the sun is shining and the evenings are longer. The daffodils are in decline

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but there’s no stopping the lilies

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and irises.

The crocuses are appearing in places new

as are the clivea

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and Queens tears.

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The orchids haven’t disappointed this year.

The bees are enjoying the diosma

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and the waratah is in full bloom.

The first rhododendron has flowered

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and nearby was my greatest surprise. The previous owners had planted a camellia in a very narrow bed against a shed wall. Rather than risk transplanting, I espaliered it a few years ago. Although it has thrived, it has never blossomed….until now.

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Just the one so far but it is perfect.

Standley Chasm

Posted on September 20, 2016 by kathy

A short drive from Simpsons Gap, in the West MacDonnell Ranges, is Angkerle Atwatye, as it is known by the local Aborigines. The European name was given in honour of the first school teacher in Alice Springs in 1914, Mrs. Ida Standley. The walking track follows a creek

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dotted with spring fed pools.

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Ferns and cycad palms are a reminder that this arid region was once lush

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and the gum trees thrive in the moist gully floor.

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The red quartzite cliffs are magnificent,

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formed over millions of years as flood waters have cut their way through the Chewings Range.

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We finally reached the spectacle that is Standley Chasm,

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the 80 metre high walls guarding the natural alleyway.

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As we moved closer, the majesty beyond was revealed.

well I’ll bee….

Posted on September 13, 2016 by kathy

One evening recently, as the sun was sinking, Michael saw a bee on our back verandah looking a little worse for wear. He recalled reading that sugar water can revive a struggling bee. He brought it inside, we mixed a potion and offered it on a teaspoon.

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