Kata Tjuta

This morning we woke early and drove into the National Park to see the Rock at sunrise. It was very chilly, Stella stayed wrapped in her blanket while we walked to the photo point along with the hundreds of others all here for the spectacle! It was the least impressed that I have been with the Rock, not nearly as good as the sunset. The area they allocate for the sunrise doesn't actually get much sun!!  

We later realised that the point where the sun does come up over the Rock is a sensitive area that the Traditional Owners don't want photographed.

We then went to a ranger guided walk around the Rock. Ranger Mick took us on a very cold journey around the base of the Rock, pointing out bits of interest and giving us a bit of history about the area and the Traditional Owners. It was quite interesting.

We then jumped on our bikes and rode around the base of the Rock. This was great fun, and gave us some great views of the rock. 

It is certainly not the smooth surfaced rock I have seen in postcards. There are heaps of holes and ridges from water running down the surface. It is so impressive, I am completely in awe of it!

We then went to have a look at the cultural centre, and although the bike ride had warmed us a little, a hot chocolate was just what we needed!! We also had a bite to eat before heading to Kata Tjuta, or the Olgas. The Olgas look like they are similar to Uluru but on closer inspection, they look like they are made up of lots of smaller rocks all crushed in together, whereas Uluru looks like one big rock, which it is!! 

We started the Valley of the Winds walk, but decided to turn around after the first lookout and go to Walpa gorge. This walk was excellent and very scenic. 

We returned to town, and went to watch a Traditional Owner dancing demonstration. This was quite entertaining.

We went back to camp to freshen up before heading out for our last dinner with the Sydney crew. Tomorrow we head south and they are heading back north, lucky buggers!!! Dinner was great. While most of us chose a meal that was cooked for us, Troy ordered a raw T-bone he had to cook himself. He was very impressed with the BBQ's they had there, and thoroughly enjoyed his meal!! The kids enjoyed a few games of pool, before we headed back to camp for our last round of 500 with Sue and Graeme. Til next time anyway!!!