Still in the Northern Territory we took a flight to the center of Australia to view the natural wonders of Ayers Rock (or Uluru).
This region holds onto the true Outback spirit. The skyscrapers are made out of rock and one of the best shows in town is the million-star display at night. The aboriginal presence here is strong; their cultural and spiritual connection to this region echoes in every rock and landmark.
Alice Springs has numerous shops with authentic Aboriginal artifact's. Here we tried to get a sound out of the aboriginal music instrument, the didgeridoo. We discovered how they where made and painted.
Kings Canyon
This is Australia's Grand Canyon with magic combinations of towering summits and steep walls descending into the Garden of Eden, a permanent waterhole. We slowly ventured down to the chasm, seeking shadow under the trees, from the heat of the sun. The temperature raised to +50C and it turned out to be the hottest day of the year and definitely the hottest in our lives. An exhausting day where we had difficulty to really enjoy the scenery. Not a day for the walk around the rim of the canyon. The airconditon in the bus was saving us from the heat. The shadows where getting longer when we drove closer to Ayers Rock and the sunset.
Ayers rock/ Uluru
Arriving just in time for the sunset and the last remnants of the day. The initial awe of our first sight of Uluru will stay with us for a long time. No matter how many pictures we have seen, we were not prepared for our first view of Uluru. Even from a distance, across the rich red plains of the center, the power of it's ancient spirit was overwhelming.
After sunset we headed to our campsite and slept under the 5 million star hotel. Before falling a sleep in our Aussie "swags" we gazed at the stars, planets and galaxies in the incredible clear and expansive Australian sky.
Kata Tjuta/ The Olga's
To the west, and standing over 500 meters above the plain, are the gigantic domes of Kata Tjuta. The traditional name meaning many heads. There are in fact thirty six domes which shows that Uluru is literally only the tip of the iceberg. This is another place of great significance to the local people and it was a captivating sight for us.
West McDonnell
Our last day in The Red Center we rented a car and drove into West McDonnell National Park. An outstanding example of an ancient landscape sculptured over time by climatic elements. We took off to explore the ranges rugged gorges, gaps and chasms, each with it's own unique character and scenery.
Ellery Creek Big Hole
a beautiful permanent water-hole and fascinating geological site where we enjoyed our pick nick basket.
Simpson's Gap
an important spiritual site to the Arrente aboriginal people, where several dreaming trails and stories cross. A towering gap in the range was an awesome example of natures power. A quick visit to the Desert Park where we met the Thorny Devil and the Goanna (lizards) turned out to be a perfect end of the day.
Relaxed and content we realized that we had adopted the Australian laid back lifestyle where the Aussie's would say: No worries - Enjoy!!!
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