Christmas is over, Dad's gone home, back to work and feeling a little trapped.    Committing to 12 months work is a fantastic way to really get to know somewhere new from a locals point of view, but having a house on wheels is far better when those wheels are turning.   So took a few days off and headed west again.  A little further this time, out to Glen Helen for a night then a night stop over on top of a hill in the centre of nowhere.   It was soooooooo hot though, like stiflingly breathless so we cut the trip a little short. 

Feels good to be on the road again, no matter how brief.  Form more information on Glen Helen Homestead go to: http://www.glenhelen.com.au/.  A bit of a hike to the Gorge but worth it for the beauty - a little eery swimming in this water hole though.    The old meat house was built in 1905 and restored in 1988.  Built from white cypress which apparently is white ant resistant and bundle of reads are tied to the timber with raw cow hide straps to stand the test of time in this incredibly harsh environment.  Wish I'd got the story behind the boots and the old piano but sorry, no idea.  Walking down the river Lola identified our first snake encounter - we think it was a brown snake. 

Back on the road and a swim stop at Ormiston Gorge.  What a difference to when we were here just a few weeks ago.  Since the rain, we are now swimming where previously we were sitting on the dry rocks and paths.   Daisy is not allowed here and it is sooooooo hot, we had to spark up the Geni to run the airconditioner for her waiting in the bus.  As a lifetime Victorian, I am yet to tire of these magnificent gorges/waterholes.  Especially here were it is so hot and no fear of crocs.    Love the colours of the little critters but just too bloody hot, like 48+ degrees, going home to park by the pool and plug in the air con.