Larapinta Trail Day 9: Section 7: Ellery Creek – Serpentine Gorge (14km)

Itinerary

Our journey continues today from Ellery Creek as we walk west along section 7, trekking beside the low dolomite ridges to Serpentine Gorge. Camp tonight is at Serpentine Chalet bush camp and we have the opportunity to explore the remnants of a pioneer tourism venture that was a long way ahead of its time.

14km/6hr walk

Glenda’s thoughts

Mel’s birthday cake last night made for a nice but brief celebration as we were all ready for an early night (as usual). Nice to be back in a tent again. Pity Walter woke up with a migraine. The good thing was that we didn’t have to pack down the camp – he could get ready slowly. By the time we’d completed the troopy ride to Ellery Creek he was much better and soon he was bounding along leaving me to keep up with him.

Good thing he didn’t miss today as the hills covered in mauve Mula Mula (also known as Pussy’s Tails) were a highlight. Generally, the terrain and vegetation now – across the Heavitree Range– is very different to what we struck at the Chewings Range. Black rocks, walls of red rock and greener. Good to see a lot less imported Buffel Grass and a lot more native Spinifex (albeit the latter is not very forgiving on the legs and arms if you get nearby – very prickly!). Loving the birdlife – I think it’s because of the summer rains. So many finches and budgies.

After lunch, the last couple of kms into the Serpentine carpark were very, very hot. We were all very glad to get there and even happier that Jill arrived to collect us soon after. With Wendy in tow – she didn’t do the walk for the day but greeted us with a well prepared tap number.

Nice to be “home sweet home” for the afternoon.

Can’t believe that a week ago it was cold and windy. Now it’s dry, hot and still! I find it a little easier. The blisters on the feet continue to grow. Thanks Jill for providing plenty of Fixomull tape! Hopefully I can make it to and through the 30km section in a couple of days.

It seems as though we were under the count today with only a little over 13km.

You can watch a summary of our day 9 adventures here.