The Devil's Marbles

Goodbye Tennant Creek!!!!! Back on the road again - although we are both feeling a bit nervous towing the van for the first time after the repairs - but fingers crossed all should be good. For some reason we were both really keen to get out of Tennant Creek, so it was lucky that the Devil's Marbles weren't far down the road.

The Devil's Marbles Conservation Reserve, known as Karlu Karlu in all four local Aboriginal languages, is a sacred place to Aboriginal traditional owners. The marbles were formed from an upsuge of molten rock that cooled and became solid beneath a layer of sandstone. The solidifying granite caused vertical and horizontal fractures creating rectangular blocks. Over time water infiltrated the cracks breaking down the sandstone, and then the granite. As a result, rounded granite boulders perched on top of each other have been revealed.

We were absolutely amazed when we arrived - it was not at all what we expected. I thought there would be about 6 boulders balancing on top of other boulders, but this was not the case at all! They were everywhere! Boulders balanced on boulders, balanced on boulders - it was so much better than we anticipated.

As soon as we had the van set up - we were off to explore. The kids were very excited and led the way up the closest lot of boulders. Of course, me being the worry-wort mother that I am, kept yelling "stop running", "be careful", "slow down" - and that was just to Chris!!

Lexie was very excited about being there, she kept running around saying "I'm at the Devil's Marbles, I'm at the Devil's Marbles". At one point she climbed atop this big boulder and stretched her arms out and said "you can see the whole universe from up here!!" and that is just about what if felt like.

We all absolutely loved the marbles - and the sunsets were magnificant. I used to tease my inlaws about taking sunset photos everywhere they went - but I have to say - I am just as bad now! I suppose it helps when you take the time to slow down and actually appreciate what you are looking at. At home we are all just too busy with life to sit back, grab a cold beer and enjoy the sunset with the ones you love! We are so very lucky to be on this great big adventure.

Tomorrow our adventure leads us to Alice Springs and the Curry Family......come back soon and keep up to date with the Travelling Oakey's!!