J+N [and Gang] Down Under XXIII

^{SERIES: <PREV | NEXT>}

: Monday, August 12th (cont'd) - By the time we reached Tennant Creek it was about early afternoon. But shortly after reaching Three Ways.

We passed a nearby encampment of Warrungu Aborigines. Possibly the same one Jonesy and I checked out back in 2010. The Warrungu people around Tennant Creek remember, and in some cases still practice, the ceremonial ways of their ancestors. They try to hold onto the ways of old, as best they can as they continue to survive through our modern times.

We are still impressed with the mystical culture of these venerable people.

A male friend of mine once visited this area and this people and had had the rare opportunity to share in a special nighttime ceremony held by only the men and male elders of this community. A special ceremony where a select group of men are dressed in semi-traditional garb and they feverishly dance around or near the campfire. A special ceremony that heralded a few young boys' progression into manhood. These men and elders danced and sang traditional songs around the campfire long into the night, during which time until the break of dawn the young boys would be circumcised at a secret place off near the creek ravines.

: Eerie, no?
: Well, to the Warrungu this ceremony did hold special meaning to them.... it's like figuratively walking through a threshold into adulthood.

[Pause. I notice Jude going all misty-eyed...!
Too deep for you, Jude?
: Huh? Oh, not really, dudette...
: Well, not if you really understand it... which Jude is slooowly doing!
: Yeah, he too is becoming a real Mister Mystic! *chuckle*snort*

Anyway, we actually didn't stop at Tennant Creek this time. Besides, the elderly couple's Jayco motorhome we were all riding in had enough petrol, I mean, gasoline, to make it into Alice Springs.... which we did, around mid-evening. We managed to make it in around 10½/11 hours.

Turns out our companion couple had a place reserved for them in a caravan park campground upon their arrival in "the Alice" to park and camp out. And they asked us to join them. How lucky is that!

Jonesy and I had better buy them breakfast tomorrow!


==========================================

: Tuesday, August 13th - Another beautiful morning, a bit cool but dry.

Breakfast all around... and, well, Jonesy and I and the elderly couple decided to divvy up the bill.

Spent the entire morning here in Alice Springs. Among the places the six of us visited, we went up to Anzac Hill. A return visit for Jonesy and me.

According to the brochure:

The most visited landmark in Alice Springs, Anzac Hill is the ideal spot for an overview of the town. The lookout offers a panoramic view of Alice Springs and the beautiful surrounding ranges. Anzac Hill has significance for the local Aboriginal people. The Anzac Hill Memorial was unveiled on 25 April 1934 (Anzac Day) and was originally dedicated to all those members of the armed services who had paid the supreme sacrifice during World War I. It has now become a memorial to all those who have served in the defence of their country during all wars in which Australia has participated.

History and a panoramic view.... what more could you ask for here in "the Alice"?

Here's a shot of us atop Anzac Hill, and as you can see, we were hoping to visit a famous Great Rock before we moved on....

[...]


Another what-if postcard and journal entry from two 2½th-year university students Jonesy and Nikki, along with the rest of the gang, exploring the Land Down Under.



6TEEN © Fresh Animation (nka FreshTV) Inc & NELVANA Ltd.