Uluru

Aug 18th:  We started our day at 5 a.m., the first pick up in a 15-20 passenger van headed to Ayer's Rock, also known as Uluru.   We drove over 400 km SW, passing little more than rough looking brush, distant hills and, occassionally, wild camels.  The original explorers/settlers of the central continent imported thousands of camels to ride and carry supplies.  Eventually, they were released and they have flourished in the desert, now numbering over 2 million, if our guide is correct.

Along the way, we made some rest stops, usually at combination general stores/petting zoos that had camels, emus and dingos.

In the early afternoon, we stopped in the middle of nowhere.  The driver pulled over to the side of the road and announced, "This looks like a good spot." 

Goran asked me, "Why are we stopping?"

"Don't you remember, he mentioned earlier that we would have to stop to gather fire wood?" I explained.  "Fire wood for what?"

"For the camp fire."

"We're CAMPING?"

Poor Simic.  He thought we were staying a hotel.

We'd been assured we shouldn't come across any of the scary indigenous wildlife, namely snakes; yet, we moved cautiously through the brush.  We remembered Sue sharing that Australia is home to 7 of the 9 deadliest snakes in the world.  I was suprised Goran participated as readily as he did.

We discovered this termite hill while gathering firewood.

Eventually, we made it to the camp and had a quick meal before heading out to Ayer's Rock for a hike.

 

Uluru is a World Heritage listed site, situated in Kata Tjuta National Park.  The rock sits alone, with no other similar formation around.  It's marked with slashes and cave-like holes, each with it's own background story - aboriginal tales involving warriors, spirits and god-like characters.  Lots of fearsome characters partaking in jealous, angry dramas. 

To the upper left is a spine-like rail that assists climbers to the top.  The native people strongly discourage the climbing.  Today, it was too windy to go up.

We walked about half way around Ayers Rock, warned by signs that some parts of the natural monument are sacred and should not be photographed - unless you want to part with more than $5000.

As the light faded, we made our way to a parking lot where a sunset champaign and snack buffet awaited.

Back to the camp site for dinner, some get-to-know-eachother conversation, and off to our private luxury accomodations.  The desert sky was amazingly clear and full of stars, and will dogs howled in the distance.  Most everyone went to bed in their clothes, though it wasn't nearly as cold as I'd anticipated.  Goran was not to be deterred from his routine, however, and donned his pajamas like a true gentleman of the indoors.