The flow has me on the go!

There is a popular saying, that if you see the Todd River in Alice Springs flow three times you will never leave. Well it has flowed twice during my current visit so lucky I'm heading home.

For those who may be unfamiliar with the nature of australian outback rivers, they are mostly dry, flowing only a few times a year. The sandy river beds, edged by magnificent ghost gums and grasses look so welcoming, many a traveller has fallen for the temptation to camp there. The danger is, that the rivers are prone to flash floods and it may be from a rain event many kilometres upstream.  The latest flow in the Todd surprised locals as there had been no rain in Alice Springs before it occurred.

Because the Todd River is usually dry, a local service club runs an annual 'boat' race in Alice Springs called the Henley on Todd, featuring bottomless boats powered by runners.

Water in the Todd is such a novelty, that people go out of their way to have a look.

Some, otherwise very sensible people, allow their small children and dogs to go crazy in the water. 

Roads may be closed

But some people will just not take no for an answer.

I do feel very fortunate to have seen this rather rare phenomenon of the outback. It was, however, enough to have me packing my bags and heading south. From the blue skied outback to cold, wintery Melbourne.

Don't go far, Dear Reader, I am off to the United States in a few days. I know this is a blog about my travels around Australia, but I may have the time and inclination to write the odd post from the other side of the ditch.  Then, I am on a road trip up the centre of Australia, back to Alice Springs for another extended visit. Please do come along and tell your friends!