The Finke River and Gorges

I have just received some more photos from the red centre - Lisa's photographs are super, on looking at them, we have decided that around the Alice area and the Flinders Ranges will be our destination for the next van trip. A couple of days ago, Lisa, Darin (the state of Queensland was their last home) and young Mikie took a day off and drove out from the Alice to Glen Helen Gorge through the West MacDonnell ranges.

Stopping along the way to check out this wild land

and it's wildlife - a dingo

Mikie with Dad

Mikie's first dip in the Finke, one of the oldest River systems in the world - look how green the back ground is in the Red Centre - loads of rain.

Another Gorge in the West MacDonnell Ranges

I suspect this is the Ormiston

Anyway it's enticing enough for a late afternoon dip for Darin, with Mikie watching on, and of course Mum Lisa is behind the lens - great how the sun is setting over the water.

Darin backed by a red centre sunset

Just love it

AND TOMORROW IS AUSTRALIA DAY.

Tomorrow in Brisbane a huge aussie barbeque and concert, is being staged to thank all the volunteers, with the likes of Tru Blu (John Williamson) and some other greats donating their time. What have they called it - yes "THE MUD ARMY BBQ!"

Of course the clean up will go on for many months, but what's wrong with a little celebration to the SPIRIT OF AUSTRALIA along the way.

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"YOUNG'' AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR 2011

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Has just been announced tonight in Canberra - Queensland's own Jessica Watson

She sailed alone around the world at the age of 16.

Her message to the young - "DREAM BIG AND DO NOT GIVE UP."

Well we are seeing plenty of that up here from the young, middle and older ages!