25 March 2000

And God saw fit to grant to his humble servant a fine, sunny morning. Thank you, God.

Took our piccies and left Yulara around 9:00 a.m. Lovely fine, clear morning with a gentle, coolish breeze.

Uneventful trip back to Erldunda on the Stuart Highway where we had a cup of coffee and something to eat, then left turn and north 200 kms to Alice Springs, nestled among the MacDonnell Ranges. Countryside all the way up was green and grassy, with grass even growing up the sides of the ranges and mountains. Probably due, as surmised previously, to recent heavy rains and floods. Many of the creeks and rivers still had water in them, and there was much evidence of washouts and road repairs (these were still going on, even today).

Had originally planned only to stay overnight in Alice, but want to get ute's cooling system checked out before moving on. Last couple of mornings have noticed small patch of coolant under radiator. Not losing it during driving, and water temperature as per temperature gauge is normal (although slightly higher today, which I put down to higher ambient temperature). However when engine idling or stopped, temperature goes through roof (figuratively speaking) but then drops down again when vehicle moving. Shouldn't do this. My suspicion is thermostatic fan (although this was only replaced in December). Took it around to motor mechanic this afternoon. Pressure tested OK. He thinks fan OK, and water pump (although bearing has a little movement) is serviceable. He will flush out radiator (which is original, and hence 9 years old) first thing Monday morning. But now that I think about it, the problem could be that the holes of the radiator core may be blocked with grasshoppers from the plague we drove through going into and out of Esperance. If this is the case the coolant flowing through the radiator would not be receiving any cooling air. Will get the mechanic to blow out the radiator with compressed air.

So now have tomorrow and possibly Monday morning to look round. Seems like plenty to see here and in area (John Flynn's grave and Standley Chasm, for starters).