The Beautiful Western MacDonnell Ranges

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The MacDonnell Ranges stretch east-west across Central Australia. They are a rugged spine of low mountains known to the Aboriginal of the arOchre Pitsea as ‘yeperenye’, or caterpillar. The ranges are easy accessible from Alice Springs with locations being as close as 18 km from town. The ranges offer amazing outback scenery, significant landmarks, and a day or days of outdoor adventure for the active traveler.

During a stay at Alice Springs or within the Ranges which do have basic and bush camping available at a number of places you can explore many spectacular spots. Some spots can be quite busy during peak season, but still worth a go.


Places To Explore

Simpsons Gap

Simpsons Gap is surrounded by towering cliffs and is one of the best known destinations in the ranges featuring a number of walking tracks. Walk through the jagged cleft to the permanent waterhole, keeping an eye out for the elusive black-footed wallabies hiding among the rocks. Early morning or late afternoon are the best for a chance to spot them as well as birds and other small wildlife.

Standley Chasm

A bit further on is one of the busiest and best know gorges. A short walk along the stony watercourse leads to the striking chasm. The way is rich with plant and bird life and for about one hour during the middle of the day the sun casts a shaft of light, illuminating the golden red walls.

Ellery Creek Big Hole

A permanent waterhole nestled in the midst of the ranges is a significant geological site. The waterhole is formed by runoff from the ranges. The waters meet up against a white sandy beach surround by gum trees and dramatic red rock walls. The water is cool anytime of year, but it is a popular swimming spot during the heat of the summer months. And the ‘Dolomite Walk” provides opportunity to view some of the amazing rock formations.

Ormiston Gorge-Ormiston Gorge

Lying west of Alice Springs, the rugged flanks of the gorge walls were carved out by the Finke River. Often dry, the Finke River is the oldest watercourse in the world. There are a number of walks to select from and enjoy the changing colors of the walls as the sunlight shifts. Be on the lookout for wallabies and ample bird life.

Glen Helen Gorge

Here you will find an old homestead, now a pub with a verandah that looks out onto a towering cliff of crumpled sandstone. The area includes views of the much-painted Mount Sonder which is one of the highest points in Central Australia. Glen Helen Gorge has a permanent waterhole, which is home to many species of animals including a variety of water birds and fish. Accommodations are very basic here, but it makes a good base from which to we explore the West MacDonnell Ranges.

Remember when walking to carry plenty of drinking water. Dress in sensible walking shoes and clothes. Be sure to wear hat, sunblock, and insect repellent. Walkers taking extended walks are advised to check in with local rangers. Best to visit during the spring and fall to avoid the extremes of summer and winter. Spring is also the best time for wildflowers and bird photography.

Consider extending your journey with a visit to Uluru and Kings Canyon. Both also wonderful for incredible rock formations and walking expeditions.

 


Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI. 

She has been a professional travel consultant since 2008 and specializes in Australia and the South Pacific. Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, and Cook Islands are among the specialist certificates she holds.  Her agency’s focus is on creating custom itineraries with their client’s wants, desires, and budgets in mind.  She and her planners believe in getting to know the traveler to ensure they have a vacation to remember.  With each planner specializing in a different market area, Boomerang Escapes can offer a wide variety of leisure vacation planning.

Lisa RossmeisslThe Beautiful Western MacDonnell Ranges
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Something New in Acapulco

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Looking for a change of pace? Why not try one of Mexico’s original tourist destinations in a brand-new resort? Explore the natural beauty of Mexico at the newest Dreams Resort & Spa. Which is situated on the gorgeous Acapulco Bay along the Pacific Ocean, this property offers 605 comfortable rooms for couples or couples with children. Dreams Acapulco Resort & Spa is opening Nov 1, 2019. Acapulco is a city the remains to be a favorite destination for its spirited nightlife and inviting beaches.

With a warm and humid climate, sunny Acapulco remains a popular choice for travel. Along the boardwalk there are many Mexican hotels, dance clubs and restaurants. While the nightlife is often a big draw for visitors, the area also offers plenty of great things to do during the day as well, including lounging on the beach, enjoying the warm water, shopping and enjoying water sports. One of the top things to see while traveling to Acapulco is the seemingly fearless cliff divers who dive from platforms off the La Quebrada cliffs. This has been a long-standing tradition since the 1930s and the divers can be seen from a platform for visitors or at the nearby restaurant. The divers put on a daily and nightly show not to be missed.
With Dreams opening this fall you can’t go wrong the AMResort Dreams properties offer unlimited luxury. This particular property will offer eight different dinning selections, it will have something for everyone’s appetite. The restaurants you will find are:

  • Barefoot Grill – Grilled favorites by the pool
  • Coco Café – Premium coffees and treats
  • El Patio – Authentic à la carte Mexican cuisine
  • Oceana – Acapulco style seafood
  • Portofino – Mediterranean and Italian cuisine
  • Seaside Grill – Sizzling delights served à la carte
  • La Tratorria – Italian inspired ristorante
  • World Café – International buffet with theme stations

Along with the eight restaurants you will have four bars to choose from as well with top shelf spirts. Dreams also offers evening entertainment daily for both adult and children alike.

Why not try out an old destination in a new resort this fall. Currently they have special pre-opening rates for travel between November 1, 2019 and December 22, 2020. Contact me to me to reserve your next escape…


Andrea Ward is an independent travel consultant of Boomerang Escapes, who is based in Wisconsin.

She has been planning vacation escapes for the company since 2013 and specializes in Caribbean Destinations. Her primary focus is on the all-inclusive vacation experience for adult or family getaways for individuals and small groups. Sandals and AMResorts are among the specialist certificates she holds.


Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI. 

She has been a professional travel consultant since 2008 and specializes in Australia and the South Pacific. Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, and Cook Islands are among the specialist certificates she holds.  Her agency’s focus is on creating custom itineraries with their client’s wants, desires, and budgets in mind.  She and her planners believe in getting to know the traveler to ensure they have a vacation to remember.  With each planner specializing in a different market area, Boomerang Escapes can offer a wide variety of leisure vacation planning.

Andrea WardSomething New in Acapulco
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Passport for Your Palate-Marinated Cheese

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It’s that time of year again. Summer is coming to a close. The air is changing. Kids are back in school.  Life is getting back on routine and football has returned.  For those of you, who have been following me for awhile, you know I am a huge football fan, and you will find my on my couch, at friend’s homes, or even a neighborhood bar/restaurant to keep up with my Green Bay Packers.

I’ve been a fan for years considering I’ve lived in Wisconsin 4 different times and received my degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.  I don’t keep up with college as much as the NFL, but will always be a Bucky fan.

One of the things that comes along with my football fanatics is a food spread.  I don’t really cook dinners on Sundays and tend to prepare more finger foods to graze upon.  And of course, when you are a Packer fan, and have been a Wisconsinite, you can not enjoy a football game with out some sort of cheese on the table.  So, as things rev up for this season, I bring to you an oldy but a goody. I don’t even recall where it came from as it is just amongst the recipes in my old hand written recipe box, but I do know you can find several versions of it on line.  It is so simple! Yet it has the appearance you may have slaved all day upon it.  It always get raves reviews!  As the men say, “that is some good sh*t!”  Enjoy!

Marinated Cheese

Ingredients:

1/2 cup Olive Oil
1/2 cup white wine vinegar
3 Tbsp chopped parsley
3 Tbsp minced green onion
1 tsp sugar
3/4 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground pepper
3 cloves minced garlic
1-2oz jar diced pimentos
1-8oz block sharp cheddar
1-8oz package cream cheese

Directions:

-Mix 1st 10 ingredients together. Stir vigorously. Set marinate aside.
-Cut block of cheddar cheese in half lengthwise. Cut crosswise into 1/4 inch thick slices
-Repeat procedure with cream cheese
-Arrange cheese slices alternately in a shallow baking dish, standing the slices on side.
-Pour marinade over cheese slices.

Cover and refrigerate 8 hours. Transfer to a serving platter and spoon marinade over cheese slices.
Serve with assorted crackers.

12 to 16 appetizer servings.


Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI. 

She has been a professional travel consultant since 2008 and specializes in Australia and the South Pacific. Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, and Cook Islands are among the specialist certificates she holds.  Her agency’s focus is on creating custom itineraries with their client’s wants, desires, and budgets in mind.  She and her planners believe in getting to know the traveler to ensure they have a vacation to remember.  With each planner specializing in a different market area, Boomerang Escapes can offer a wide variety of leisure vacation planning.

Lisa RossmeisslPassport for Your Palate-Marinated Cheese
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