2004-2005 Australia Trip, part 12
It's now December 29, and 3:30 in the morning as our alarm announces it is time to get up! Whose idea was this anyway? We are scheduled for a sunrise trip to Uluru and must be ready for the bus by 4:30. We travel out to Uluru in the dark and are taken to a spot not far from the base, to watch the sunrise. On a clear day, the sun will strike Uluru in a way that it seems to change color as you watch. We had some clouds, although not many, which limited that effect, but as a bonus, we really did see a nice sunrise. Our location for this stop was maybe a bit closer than I would have liked. Even with our cameras set to wide angle, we could not get the full rock in the photo. We did the best we could and the experience of standing in the desert, watch the sun shining on it was something we will not easily forget. A little bonus was some biscuits and tea before departing for our next stop.
Driving around to the east, the driver then stops and we all gather outside the bus. He then informs us that we are now to proceed on the path around to the left of Uluru and he will pick us up, about 2/3rds around the rock or as he put it: "a leisurely 6km walk". I don't know about anyone else, but a 6km hike, in the desert, at 6am, is not what I would consider to be leisurely. I was surprised to find that we made the walk without any problems. The walk was amazing and I took photos as much as I could. There were some areas which were marked to not take photos, due to aboriginal customs, and we respected these when we knew. Unfortunately, sometimes it was hard to tell where these areas extended to. The walk also gave us an idea of how huge Uluru really is. I would take a photo; then walk for 15 minutes and the place I photographed was still in sight. It was still there 30 minutes later and we were wondering if we were getting anywhere. There were some interesting places were erosion had left strange formations. There were also caves with aboriginal art, although these were being worn off from the many visitors who feet they must touch it.
On the far side of Uluru we reach the place where those who want to climb Uluru, can do so. Although you are permitted to climb, the aborigines ask that you do not. In addition, it can be closed for wind, rain, heat or a death in the aborigine community. Today it is closed because of high winds and heat. The wind is really evident as my hat is blown of my head, several times during the hike. Also when viewing from the dark side of Uluru (sun behind it); we could see the dirt being blown off Uluru, causing sunrays of light though the crevasses. Back on the bus for one final stop; the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Center. At the center we learned more about the aborigine people there and had a chance to purchase handmade crafts at their store. I was looking to purchase, but thought the prices were very high. After this stop, it's back to the hotel and a nap before the next trip.
Today's adventures will be continued in next post.
Photo: Barb in a cave at Uluru
Driving around to the east, the driver then stops and we all gather outside the bus. He then informs us that we are now to proceed on the path around to the left of Uluru and he will pick us up, about 2/3rds around the rock or as he put it: "a leisurely 6km walk". I don't know about anyone else, but a 6km hike, in the desert, at 6am, is not what I would consider to be leisurely. I was surprised to find that we made the walk without any problems. The walk was amazing and I took photos as much as I could. There were some areas which were marked to not take photos, due to aboriginal customs, and we respected these when we knew. Unfortunately, sometimes it was hard to tell where these areas extended to. The walk also gave us an idea of how huge Uluru really is. I would take a photo; then walk for 15 minutes and the place I photographed was still in sight. It was still there 30 minutes later and we were wondering if we were getting anywhere. There were some interesting places were erosion had left strange formations. There were also caves with aboriginal art, although these were being worn off from the many visitors who feet they must touch it.
On the far side of Uluru we reach the place where those who want to climb Uluru, can do so. Although you are permitted to climb, the aborigines ask that you do not. In addition, it can be closed for wind, rain, heat or a death in the aborigine community. Today it is closed because of high winds and heat. The wind is really evident as my hat is blown of my head, several times during the hike. Also when viewing from the dark side of Uluru (sun behind it); we could see the dirt being blown off Uluru, causing sunrays of light though the crevasses. Back on the bus for one final stop; the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Center. At the center we learned more about the aborigine people there and had a chance to purchase handmade crafts at their store. I was looking to purchase, but thought the prices were very high. After this stop, it's back to the hotel and a nap before the next trip.
Today's adventures will be continued in next post.
Photo: Barb in a cave at Uluru
Added on August 30, 2006 by bvdrangs
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