I've had this idea in my head about doing the first few sections of Larapinta and hitching out of Standley Chasm back to Alice - maybe 7-8 days all up. Well finally everything's aligning to make it possible, but it's late in the season and looks like Alice is already warming up.
Is this plan totally bonkers in September? I could fly up as soon as a week from now, spend a day in Alice getting fuel and perishables (shops open on weekend?) and hit the trail first thing the next morning. I'm in no rush so 5-odd days to Standley then basing myself there for another night or two taking advantage of the facilities and hooking up a lift back to town seems ideal. I understand I'll be paying to camp at Standley, but being able to buy a fresh sanga and chat up workers/tourists for a ride back makes that well worth it I reckon. Also seems a decent spot for some light day trips to a quiet spot with a view or a waterhole.
Weather's a concern - if it's going to be past 30 much of the day that impacts comfort and safety, though I can do kangaroo hours to mitigate that some (see: in no rush). The other thing of course is a ride back - I get the impression there's enough traffic that I shouldn't have much trouble begging a lift given a couple of days there, but getting anxious as the clock ticks down to catch a flight back for work is no fun.
I'd consider doing it the other way, but having slack time at the Alice end doesn't seem as appealing. Going Alice->Standley means I can be a bit loose on the timing out and still enjoy the time I've got if I get there early.
I see a bunch of folks in here have been up there recently, anything I should know before pulling the trigger? Anything in the above sketch that sounds horribly misguided or begs to be switched around for more fun?