An early start today - we joined about 500 others to catch the sunrise over the rock from the sunrise viewing area. To me, this wasn't as impressive as the sunset yesterday. The light show didn't really pull the same punch. Sunrise over here is very late (0730) compared to what I'm used to at home. We returned to camp for a bacon and eggs breakfast before heading out for the day. Firstly, we headed out to take in the sights at The Olgas (Kata Tjuta) where we did the walk up Walpa Gorge. As I drove up to the Olgas, I was taken by the size of what I'd describe as Uluru's little brother in noteriety. But it surely holds its own in the 'awe' stakes.
The walls of Walpa Gorge are massive at, I'd guess, 200-250m high either side of you. Being so high and very close, it's difficult to capture on image.
After a picnic lunch at the Olgas, we headed over to big brother - Ayers Rock (Uluru). Les was all geared up to climb it but when we got there, it was closed to climbers due to high winds at the summit. Apparently, it was closed only a short time before we got there. Although this didn't stop some idiots. They jumped the fence and scaled it anyway. So we just sat and took in the sight up close. It's truly a sight to behold. Les and Barb went back to camp while Judy and I took the drive around the rock and a walk into a small waterhole on the northern side of the rock.
On the way back to camp, I decided to fill up. Monopoly market out here on diesel - the Shell charges $2.08 per litre for diesel. By far the dearest fuel in all of Australia that we have travelled in the past 5 weeks over 9500 km. When I say by far, until yesterday, we have been averaging $1.68 per litre for the trip. Premium Unleaded was $2.12 and Unleaded was $2.04 per litre. Ridiculous!!!
Tomorrow we head to Kings Canyon for a look see and camp but after we pack up, we will make another trip to the rock for a last ditch attempt to climb it. In any case, I don't think I'm up for it and nor is Barb. However, Les is pretty keen and Judy is going to give it a try.
Links:
Google Maps reference is -25 14.167, 130 59.417
See more images at... https://picasaweb.google.com/106361511620108780730/Day3207082012
