The Red Centre

26/09/2011 - 28/09/2011

Up ridiculously early, but who cares when you're off to see the big red rock.  YEEEEEEEH.

There was just me and this American, Tristan who had done the full 10 days and I was chatting with him about cliques at school, and being a bit ridiculous about this group of princessy girls who got on, highlighting a similarity to a group from my own school experience.

When we stopped for our first respite break, I did a double take.
Turns out that one of them was indeed from the very group I was referring to.
HA! No judgement passed, what a small world.  Time does improve people, and Georgie was very nice all trip.

We stopped off at an outback camel farm.  Turns out that camels used to be a regular means of transport in the days gone by, as they could survive for ages in the severe heat of the outback.
Can't say I'm much of a fan, they really smell!

From here we travelled further along the dusty road - before we came to a turn...yes for the first time we got to turn off the straight road, having literally gone along one road all the way.
Before getting to Uluru, we checked out a fake Ayers rock, which is a fading rock, and is often mistaken by tourists, as their first glimpse of the rock. haha

Our first destination was not the big lump of red, but actually Kata Tjuta (Mount Olga), an ancient geological formation, with 36 different domes.  It was really impressive especially in the mid-afternoon, but it was already very exciting as we headed towards to rock for the sunset.

Uluru was absolutely gorgeous as the sunset, and everyone was there, with picnic bags, champagne etc, depending on the class of your tour. Serious economy didn't quite get champagne, but we still got to see the sun set over the rock, no rain which I guess was what we came for.  Pretty stunning.
We settled down for the night in swags again - this time no nets, slightly crazy, but it was really stunning under the stars.

27/09/2011

We were up insanely early for sunrise - it naturally depends on the time of year, but it is worth it, and totally part of the trip.
Today was all about an exploration of Uluru, where we had the opportunity to walk around the base of the rock, gaining an understanding of its history and the importance in culture to the Mala tribe.
The wall paintings were incredible, and the rock is a lot bigger than could be realised when first glancing at it.

There was also the opportunity to climb the rock, which I declined. To the Aborigines it is their altar, their Vatican and is so sacred to them. Whilst I appreciate the income the rock climbing brings to the Australian tourist board, no-one would dream of abseiling down the Vatican.

There's also a really fascinating museum, although the videos were a little too graphic for my taste, and a number of us were dosing off by this stage having had the early start this morning.

28/09/2011

I really like the red centre, because although there is a lot of red rock, it's all so very differently formed, and amazingly there are oasis' in the middle of the barren landscapes.
Kings Canyon is an example of this, with its stunning Garden of Eden, as well as extraordinary walls and scapes.  The steps up to the canyon were impossible to climb in the heat but the views so worth it, and the hike definitely easier than some of the others on my trip.

We settled at a nearby picnic place for lunch, before getting ready to make our way back to Alice...

Except there was a hitch.

There had been a nearby bush fire, which had closed the main road out of Uluru.  We were absolutely stuck, and stuck until the fire completely died out.  Possibly for days, even a week.
I was panicking as I had a flight to catch to make Sydney and later connections, others had other connections - Tristan didn't even have insurance (silly billy).

After further discussions, it emerged that there was an off road track, which other companies were using, but their vehicles had 4 x 4 wheels, ours did not, silly economy basic.
We were definitely stuck and screwed.

Tristan suggested the idea of hitchiking, and a number of others thought the idea was a very sensible one.  Sometimes in the face of adversity, we make very rash decisions, and this has to be up there with the very best of them.

However, the longer we tried to hitch, the greater our chance of staying put was.  Why would anyone want to drive through the outback in the circumstances?

Someone did...but then the fee they were going to charge was outrageous.

Thankfully, we declined it, which is a relief because their car did NOT look like it would make it through the outback, or even on a main road.

When we thought all hope was gone, our knight in shining armour pulled up at the garage. A father with a family who had their holiday there, so would be staying put regardless.
He did 4 x 4ing for a hobby, had a very sensible car, and well, was a family man.

It was an irresistable offer...but by night?

I cannot believe his kindness, especially as he was the one who had to drive back alone.

It was a scary scary drive, but we made it.  Back to Alice, back to the YHA.

I just pray that he got back to Uluru safely too. Thank you Lord.