The Science Circus finds Alice Springs

Questacon sent the Science Circus into remote indigenous communities to promote science to the aboriginal students.

We started in Alice Springs, soaking up as much booze as we could before heading to the alcohol free zones. In between our sessions at the pubs we went hiking around the stunning rock formations surrounding the city and we also visited Desert Park for a view of Australia's native flora and fauna.

Breakfast at the YHA for half the team. The rest of the lazy bastards are probably still in bed.

We visited Simpsons Gap shown here. Unfortunately swimming is not allowed. Whilst here we were lucky enough to spot two rare rock wallabies. Unfortnately one had taken a rather large tumble from the top of the rock formation...

The other was happily munching on lunch and didn't mind a few

photos.

We also came across a fellow tourist. This unlucky traveller (sitting down leaning againts the rock) was enjoying a quiet read until he was accosted by the overbearing presence of fifteen circus freaks.

We also went hiking/climbing through Standley Chasm. This became part of my Oxfam trailwalker training, hence the massive backpack. I'm not a huge fan of heights and so it is very rare I see sights like this. Pride spurred me on, I didn't want to turn back while others kept climbing.

Chris and Mon meandring through the Chasm. This was

the lowest point...

...it was all uphill from there.
We got as high as the rocks that I can be seen looking at through the two rock walls.

And here we are. Danene, Emily, Mon, Chris and myself. After a quick break

we decided that we needed thinner air.

Chris managed to find a little hole to stick

his head through, 'Hi Lauf!'

The Desert Park was fascinating. Susan got to carry stuff on her head, I got up close and personal with an emu, and we saw horny devild. They must be look horny becasue that has to be painful.