Once again thanks to the Internet that gave me the opportunity to meet Charlie (owner of his own business: Trek Larapinta) and experienced an overnight walk in the Mac Donnell ranges National Park.

The Larapinta Trail is an extended walking track running approximately 220 kilometers from Alice Springs west to Mount Sonder. Eight sections of the Trail are opened, offering over 150 kilometers of track through this arid landscape of the West Mac Donnell Ranges.

Recommended by one of my French friend who had the opportunity to participate to such an experience I contacted Charlie by email and after few exchanges we finalized our plans. Date was agreed for an overnight walk in the Ranges followed the next day by a 4WD trip to Palm Valley. A very special place inaccessible with our campervan.

Walks in the Outback organized by Charlie (photo on the left) are an opportunity to enjoy the spectacular MacDonnell Range National Park , birds, wildlife, plants, bushtucker, geology, history and culture.
You benefit from his 30 years of experience in Central Australia. Charlie has also a doctorate in biology and a first hand knowledge of Aboriginal culture.

And here we are!!!. When we arrived at Alice Springs we gave a call to Charlie giving him the details about the carvan park. The day after early in the morning Charlie was there.

We drove up to the start of the walk located near the Alice Springs Telegraph station. After some historical explanations related to the place and some digging done in the bed of the dry Todd river to show that water is still there, not so deep, we started to walk. Early in the morning is the best time to meet the local fauna: kangaroos, birds, …

Later in the day, you will not see much animals but interest will be re-focused on the geological aspects of the region and to the flora. Charlie was an excellent guide. He knows as well the geological evolution of the region as the local wildlife and plants. His contact with the aboriginal people and his knowledge about their culture also brings some very interesting comments.

But we are also there to walk, walk, and walk ... If you are not use to walk in such an environment (we were not) I can tell you that it will not be easy.
During this day you will walk around 8 to 10 hours for a total of 15 kms. Not so much, but … it is in the ranges. I can tell you that it is hard but it is also very rewarding…

If you have a look to the photo on the right, you will perhaps notice some white dots near the horizon line. It is Alice Springs, the place from where we started the walk in the morning. And we are not yet at the end of the day :-)

I just give you a tip here. If you are joining Charlie for one of his trek and if at the end of the day he is asking you 'Guess what we have behind the hill?' Don't think the answer is 'the camp' … Most probably the correct answer will be ' … another hill ' :-)

But don't worry, finally, behind one of these hills the camping area will appear. One of Charlie's team drove the trailer there. You will be very surprised by what can be hidden in such a trailer. The first think going out of it and that you will probably appreciate after this hard day is a cold and refreshing beer.

Back to the camp you will probably find Charlie transformed in a 'Chef'. A gas oven and a campfire are his tools to cook you a great dinner. Wine is also available.

After dinner, Charlie still has some surprises for you. Out from his trailer he will present you a box full of books. Simply pick what you like, birds life, geology, history, …. He will also put in place a small telescope and will share with you some of his knowledge about the stars visible in the south hemisphere.

Time is now to go to bed. Bed? Well, sorry, there is neither tent nor beds. Only swags (stockman's bedroll) are available. What a great experience to be there, surround by the nature, looking to the stars before falling asleep.

Ok, some (as my wife) will probably say that it was VERY COLD. Yes, I have to admit that during this period of the year (August) it is a 'little bit cold' (around 0°C) … but it is still a great experience.

Completely muffled in the swag, with only a small opening to breath, I can not say that the night was very good, but not bad. And after all, who cares … I have to repeat it … It was a great experience…

The next morning, after a quick breakfast, when everything was packed in the trailer we jumped in the 4WD brought by one of Charlie's team.

The second day with Charlie as guide started. Direction Palm Valley … But this is another story.