Uluru

After first visiting the Cultural Centre within Uluru we set off on the base walk. This is to be the first of many biiig walks for the kids. As Benj's bike is out of action, we opt for all on foot. The distance is 10kms. The kids were a tad hesitant, we must admit as were we............but they absolutely out did themselves.

We won't let on that someone might have said to them that if they make it all around the rock without whingeing there would be a reward at the end!!!! Funnily at the end of the 3.5 hour walk they were all so chuffed with themselves and in awe of the rock, that an ice cream and a swim back at the caravan park pleased all.  

If you look at the rock, you will be abe to make out the trail of people walking up the face. Where the cluster of broken rocks are, is named 'chicken rock'. There is a gap between this section and when the support chain begins, a place where many people have decided to turn back. 

Aboriginal artwork on the wall face. A lot of the base walk is at a distance from the rock. You are reminded constantly of the spiritual significance to the aboriginals. we would guestimate that you are asked to not photograph at least 50% of the rock. There are signs inidicating this around the rock. We did our best to honour these requests.  

Hard to believe that this is part of Uluru's formation. From a distance, Uluru appears very smooth. It is not till you get up close  that you realise its incredible texture. Rob described it like a giant ball of rust, layers scaling off, revealing different colours. The kids really enjoyed reading the accompanying dream time stories that explained how the different features of the rock came into being.

 

 

 

 

One of Boaz's favourite past times is throwing rocks. During our visit to the Cultural Centre we read letters from people apologising for having removed pieces of  Uluru. Aborignal culture says that bad luck will befall those who remove any part of the rock from the sacred site. Boaz did not throw one piece of rock the whole time.

 

This does its best to higlight how big Uluru is. And to think that we only see a fraction of the actual size of Uluru as it is mostly under ground.

The home of Wanampi (water snake). This is the most reliable Kapi (water) around the base of Uluru.

Hard to believe that there is a waterhole at the base of the Rock. It even had a small trickle still actively feeding it.

The kids named this part of the rock, 'pac-man'!

We must admit there was one complaint, how come we have to carry back packs and Boaz doesn't??

Yes it was hot!! Yes we did drink water. I believe we carried around 10 litres, refilled the whole lot once and finished the walk with almost empty bottles. There were rest stops with a thatch shelter at the quarter marks.   

We did it!! Not in the picture, but Benj and Boaz, with apparently still plenty in reserve, successfully clambered up the rock making it up to chicken rock.  

Is that Uluru???

We are starting to notice that packing up and setting up the van is becoming much easier. We seem to have found a bit of a groove. We are still trying to work out where some things belong. We can say that most cupboards are now better organised, well okay all but one. There is still one dangerous cupboard that appears to have loose cannons in it. we are sure that within the next week, even that cupboard will be safe to open without wearing a helmet!!

This morning we crossed the border between South Australia and the Northern Territory.

From here to Erldunuda, the turn off from the Stuart Hwy onto the Lasseter Highway for Yulara - the home of Uluru and Kata Tjuta. We stop for fuel. Diesel prices are starting to climb, 189 cents/litre.

There have been many giggles about the potential sightings of Uluru. Even as early as Port Augusta I believe we were asked if 'that was Ayers Rock'!!! Well the excitement certainly was building with the anticipation of seeing the real thing. Only to be fooled, as we are sure many have, by the aptly named Mount Conner!!!

First stop is at the Ayers Rock Resort, the only place one can stay in Yulara. No free camping within the national park which houses Uluru, and Kata Tjuta/the Olgas. There is accomodations to suit all here, from an unpowered site to a fancy shmancy hotel suite. The resort IS the town of Yulara - police station, fire department, medical clinic suoermarket all inclusive.

 It is kid central here and it is not long before our children find new and old friends at the play ground.

The main attractions are within the Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park. You are required to pay a fee for each adult and child over the age of 16. It is a 3 day pass.

The first thing on the list, sunset at the famous Rock.  I don't think it actually matters how many times you see it, you are always left in awe of its presence.

We shall let the pictures tell the rest of the story.....

 

                                                                      

                                                                      

On our way to Yulara

After leaving Coober Pedy and the mullock hills we begin our next leg to Yulara, Central Australia. We have refuelled, filled water and stocked up on supplies. The turn off to the Lasseter Hwy, which takes you out to Yulara  is aprox 80km past Kulgera at Erldunda.

 

The ever changing scenery.

 

After finding dusk approaching, and being about 150km short of our planned stop and no bull bar, we decide to pullover at our first free camp. It was called the Marriot Hotel, no sorry the Marryat Rest Area. Just off the highway with a couple of other vans for company and the sound of the occasional road train. Open fires and starfilled skies, it doesn't get any better than this.

 

The next morning we hear the kids giggling. Apparently whilst they were searching for wood the previous night, a caravan pulled over on the side of the highway. A couple of children came out, dropped their pants and did their business on the side of the road behind some brush, all in clear shot of our kids and obviously unware of the eyes watching. They finished and left never knowing they were observed the whole time. This certainly has kept the kids amused and very relieved that we carry a loo with us.

We could have stayed here for ever but Uluru awaits!!!

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William Creek

We continue to tour through Coober Pedy, here are some pics that did not make it into the last post......

Mullock heaps everywhere. We think we are in Egypt!!

At the Old Timers Mine - historic museum, we got to explore a 1916 Opal Mine and an original underground home. The kids got their chance to do some noodling. Not the 2 minute variety, but fossicking for opals in the mullock. Mostly potch was found, but it kept them amused for ages.

Still at the Old Timers Mine, Timna having a go at using modern day mining machinery. It is a huge vacuum that sucks up all the rubble from inside the mines as the miners dig their way through looking for opals. The end Timna is at would normally be underground and the bit that you can't see in this pic is a big barrel shape. The piping/vacuum extends from underground to the surface, and the miners above ground will then control the machine to drop the dirt. It is this dirt that forms those big pyramid piles of mullock.

An example of one of the original underground homes.....perhaps we should have gone for this look in our renos?

Trying our luck looking for opals. It was potch all the way!

The breathtaking Breakaways. There are wonderful Dreamtime stories that explain its existence, however to all of us it is best known as the back drop for many films. Most well known being Mad Max. Apparently they are just about to start filming Mad Max 4 overseas. They had been waiting for the right time to film here...but with all the recent rain it is too lush for them!!!

 

Another view of the Breakaways.

Last day at Riba's, this is the Thunder Dunny, the only toilet in the park open 24/7. After our first experience with bush loos, Timna was a bit hesitant. This, however, is a regular septic toilet, just built inside an old water tank.

The start of the road to William Creek on the Oodnadatta Track. 160 kms of dirt road all the way down to the lowest point of the Australian main land. Oh my g-d all the red dust!! William Creek is the smallest town in Australia, and the closest point to get a scenic flight over Lake Eyre.

A Game of war helps pass the driving time.

The road ahead of us, and traffic to pass. The kind trucky eventually allows us to overtake safely after he heard our call over the CB radio...'please Mr truckie may we pass???'.  OMG the dust is unbelievable. A stop on the side of the road to check all ok with van - red dust layer in cupboards and kids bedding. Note to selves - would benefit from purchase of 1. duster buster and 2. a silicone gun to plug up any holes no matter how small or insignificant they appear. 

The desert suprisingly gives way to occasional bursts of colour and greenery. Evidence of the recent rainfall.

Even the GPS was not sure exactly where we were.

 

We make it to William Creek. Car handled the dirt track easily through the occasional corrugation and dips. Passengers enjoyed the ride, often sqealing as if at an amusement park. Driver enjoyed having his new BF Goodrich All Terrain Tyres. Caravan not so happy. She lost her water tap off the A Frame, lost all water out of rear tank when external pipe smashed off. She also lost the rear waste piping as it was also smashed off whether through rocks or bottoming out from a dip. Only plumbing damage and should be easily repaired when we get to Alice Springs. Otherwise....she is all good but she no longer looks like a virgin. 

 

We all get to take advantage of the rare time that Lake Eyre actually has water in it. It has had water in for the past 3 years, at its fullest 80%, currently around 50%. It is still receiving some inflow from the Warburton River, but at an evaporation of 2.5 metres every year, most of the lake will disappear in the next 12 months. When full it is about the size of Holland. It is 144kms in length and 77km in width. Unfortunately for all surrounding towns, it is not a suitable water supply as it contains 400 million tonnes of salt. Even at half full the water appeared to stretch to infinty.

 

Co-pilot Benj in our six seater plane.

Boaz, was most definately the one who enjoyed the experience the most.

The kids loved having to wear the required headsets. Their running commentary almost as enjoyable as the views. The pilot did manage to get a few words in ,  however he did admit that the kids' questions had robbed him of all his material before we even made it to the lake. The only silence was when the pilot Marcus, asked the kids to please be quiet while he tried to get us back on the ground.!!

 The horizon in this photo is actually level with the plane. The similarity of colour of the sky and the water makes you feel that the horizon is where the land is. Once safely back on land, our pilot shared with us a story of a pilot who wanted to show his passengers that he could take the plane below sea level ( remembering that William Creek is the lowest point of Australia). On his ascent he became disorientated between sky and water and ended up diving the plane straight into the lake. All survived, but the pilot, unsurprisingly, lost his licence.

A very special experience.

 

Off to the pub to celebrate being back on terra firma.

$4 for a can of drink, they can charge what they like cause there aint no where else in town. The pub is THE place. If you want petrol, pay at the pub, if you want a caravan site, go to the pub, if you want food or drink ........

Inside the pub....the plastic tub hanging from the ceiling says flick a donation up for the Royal Flying Doctor Service. A back packer gave Timna a 50c coin to flick for her as she had been trying unsuccessfully all day. On Timna's first flick she got it in the shoe of the back packer. Her second flick landed in the back pocket of the gentleman pictured sitting at the bar. Third flick and in the tub it went!!!! Maybe netball if gym career fades!!

 

William Creek camping grounds. Doing journal writing on the shady side of the van.

Even the laundry can look awesome at sunset.

Rob was tempted for a game of golf... Anyway, it was time to head back to Coober Pedy to brave the dirt track once more in order to rejoin the bitumen for the next treck to Yulara (Uluru and Olgas ).