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Post Info TOPIC: Surprises along the way
Gerty Dancer


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Surprises along the way
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Hi everybody, just had to share this...

While at Kings canyon we heard about a dingo who sings and plays the piano, who "performed" at Stuart well 100k's South of Alice. Since it was on our way, we stopped overnight there and attended a "performance". Dinky the Dingo was introduced by his owner Jim Cottrill, who was instrumental in opening Kings canyon up to tourists over many years. Unexpectedly, we had a fascinating history lesson of the beautiful area where we had just been climbing and exploring.

Then on a signal as simple as opening the lid of the piano, Dinky the Dingo climbed up, played the piano, (well, walked on the keys) and sang. All of us were grinning, it was just good old fashioned fun! 

We left with a respect for dingoes as very clever wild dogs, and wonderful pets if treated properly.

But wait theres more! The 4WD track to Rainbow Valley is close to Stuart Wells, and we were able to leave the caravan, and drove there next day, for amazing scenery we would otherwise have driven straight past.



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Cheers,  Gerty. ... at home

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Travel Bug


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Hi Gerty...

What a great story....
thanks for sharing it....

Glad that you are having such a good time. smile



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 Cheers. Pam.

Safe and happy travels everyone.

 
Helena


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It is amazing what you find when you are on the road can't wait to get going again. Helena.

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Firefly


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smile

smile

 

Thats something I had never heard about, thanks Gerty, glad you are enjoying all these surprises mate.



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milo


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ive seen dinky on tv a few times, would be a great experiance..

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biggles


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Hi All - The story of how Jim ended up at Stuart Wells is a very interesting read as well, he works very hard as he puts on quiet a few shows a day for the bus tours from Darwin. When we were there, he was desperate for staff to help run the set up, wished we were retired, instead of on holidays from work.... Would have stayed for a few months. Good to hear he's still going & Dinky must be getting old now. Magic place.

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Happywanderer


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I'm sure I've seen the story on TV too. One very clever dog. I can't even play the piano let alone sing.

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Gerty Dancer


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Yes Biggles they are both showing signs of age. Jim said hes selling very soon and will retire to Alice Springs. He had a couple of people working at the roadhouse, but is still driving a tourist bus out to Palm Valley from Alice for his son, who owns that business.

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Cheers,  Gerty. ... at home

"Leaning forward to see whats coming"
                                                                   
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