This morning we rose early to drive out to the far side of Uluru to watch the sunrise. Just as they've created a designated area for observing the sunset, so too have they built an excellent series of platforms to watch the sunrise.
As there was little cloud in the sky to reflect the sun's rays, it wasn't that much of a spectacle but still an impressive sight just the same.
Once we'd watched the rock until the colours stopped changing, we drove the short distance around to the carpark area at the waterhole. This is where we began our 11km walk around the base of Uluru. The track has many information posts that describe the significance of, or story surrounding, each area to the local indigenous people. A number of those requested that visitors refrain from taking photos and video footage of specific features. They go on to explain that these were the subject of specific stories and teachings that are significant to Uluru only and were not to be talked about or mentioned away from the rock. So we did as they asked so there may be some gaps in our photo coverage. Still, that didn't stop the SLR and video cameras working overtime in the areas we were free to shoot.
Sharon and I both agree that the highlight came at the welcome end of our circumnavigation when we walked into the permanent waterhole, tucked in to a deep cleft in the rock. There's a small observation platform built out over a crystal clear pool of water which was still being fed buy a steady trickle after heavy rains the previous week. We sat down on the bench seat for a while and just took in the atmosphere. Whilst sitting there, those immortal words of Darryl Kerrigan came to mind "How's the serenity"? Sorry, but Bonnie Doon doesn't hold a candle to this place.
The 11kms took a bit of a toll on our legs, so we dragged ourselves to the car and back to Yulara to recuperate.
Later that afternoon it was back out to Kata Tjuta to watch the sunset. The area designated for this activity is around the back of the formations, which is not as attractive as the other side. But again, this didn't stop us clicking away and taking a ton of shots. What did cause us significant frustration were the sticky little flies that were in plague proportions. Whilst Sharon covered every inch of herself, except for her eyes, with her jacket, I battled on, periodically taking shots as the shadows lengthened whilst trying not to inhale any of the little mongrels. We decided then and there we were going to seek out the shop that was selling the fly nets we'd seen others wearing and get ourselves a couple, no matter how daggy they looked.
No comments:
Post a Comment