Packing up after a few days in the bush is a slow process. Fitting everything back into place is a precision job best left to Tom. 8am it is already hot by 10 it was scorching.
We ride to curtain springs which is a reasonable place for a coffee and a bacon sandwich. A cattle station that has tried to make the best of being on the road to Uluru. There are Emus wandering round who steal your lunch if you are not careful.
Lasseter highway leads to the Stewart Highway as we go north to Alice Springs miles and miles of red earth covered with scrub even the Kangaroos seem to be giving this place a miss.

We stop at a few road houses along the way, it makes you really appreciate the services on the motorways at home.

5.30 we arrive in Alice sun low in the sky and the normal lost souls wandering around. First motel we find is full. Recommend the BW however this does not have secure parking. Alice has a feel that secure parking is needed and we are recommended to try the diplomat hotel. Perfect parking outside our room and a restaurant near by. It is very evident that gated communities are the norm. Not quite as bad as Central America but it does have an apprehensive feel.
Out backer restaurant.for dinner a bit taken a back by the price of the steaks but get a reasonable meal. Served again by an English waitress.

All closing up at 9pm no one around very quiet as we walk back to the hotel.
We found out later, there had been a lot of disturbances that evening in the centre of town youths throwing stones at the police etc