Sunday, March 1
Our day began at the Alice Springs Desert Park and it was a good thing because it was hot and the black flies were relentless! We all wore our fly nets to keep them out of our eyes, ears, and our mouths. Here we experienced the Australian desert and the life that can be found in this climate.
River Red Gum Tree 
Australian Bustard 
Kangaroo Grass 
Thorny Devil 
Central Netted Dragon 
Kangaroo 
Kangaroo 
Quartz Veins 
Princess Parrot
We explored the landscapes, both desert, woodlands, animals that live there, and the Nocturnal House with animals that once were in abundance across the desert. We spent the morning here.
After lunch we stopped at Simpson’s Gap. The Gap is located in the Western MacDonnell Ranges and we saw the permanent waterhole that is there. It is quite spectacular to see this water between the Simpson Range!
This afternoon we went to the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS). It is one of the largest and most comprehensive aeromedical services in the world. We saw the aircraft and the technology that are used to deliver medical services in the vast distances of central Australia! The RFDS was founded in 1928. The service provides medical care and 24-hour emergency service to people that covers over 3 million square miles! Wow! We’re very fortunate where we live that we have care so close to us.
Rev. John Flynn 
Inside one of the planes 
A replica of the original base.
Our dinner this evening was quite entertaining. We went to the Olive Pink Botanic Garden and enjoyed a delicious BBQ meal. We were entertained by Barry Skipsey with his bush music and some of his own original work!
Patti and Jerry from our group are helping with the background music!
