John had a yearning to run along the ridge top of the MacDonnells near Desert Park to Mt.Gillen, the highest peak in the area. As the rain finally abated, he made a dash for it, rising above the clouds to achieve views to Mt. Benstead and Undoolya Gap to the east and Mt. Giles and Ormiston Pound in the west.
After breakfast, we packed up the trailer and then John took the boys for a ride to Mt. Gillen, past Flynn’s grave (founder of the RFDS) and then for the climb (John’s second ascent for the morning!). They made a great video report from the summit, which I’ll put up when I get some good reception.
It was a rather precipitous climb, and the boys took great joy in posing for this photo just for me.

Naturally another planking instalment was necessary:

I did something nearly as challenging – the grocery shopping. We loaded up the food, the bikes and the family and vacated our site in the caravan park for the Nomads who were anxious to take our spot. They like to settle early, the Nomads. And it was after 1.00pm by now. They need to get sorted for “sundowner” drinks, which actually seem to start about 3pm, well before the sun goes down. Can’t wait to be a Nomad! (I’ve already got the Grey bit under control).
We moved on, skipped the East Macs and headed for warmer weather in the north. Stopping for lunch by the Stuart Highway, the boys couldn’t resist climbing the windmill.