Suddenly you see 'Kata Tjuta' towering over the desert. Uluru (Ayers Rock) must be near. Then you see it. On it's own surrounded by relatively flat land it is huge. It looks remarkable. There are no roads to speak of only red dirt tracks. Slowly the plane banks right. And defends rapidly to Ayres Rock airport. Off the plane and onto the red dust covered tarmac. Into the arrivals lounge collect bags and then off to the resort by coach (10 minute journey).
From the outside the resort is not very impressive at all. Looks a bit like tin covered huts and buildings with bits of canvas covering the open areas. Only when you disembark the coach do you realise there are a series of hotels, homes, shops etc all hidden amongst the trees and joined by a shuttle bus service (as in Perth it's free).
We book in and then make our way to our room which turns out to be clean tidy and functional with a relatively new bathroom. There is a tourist office on site so after booking in a quick visit is made to plan tomorrow. We sign up for 'Sunrise at Uluru'. Pick up at 6.15am then into Uluru national park for a guided tour and history after watching the sun come up. The in the afternoon a camel ride around the outskirts of the park. We're told a packed lunch is advisable so off to the supermarket to buy the bits and a cool bag. Bearing in mind it's the middle of winter, it's really warm!
Back to today and at 5.05pm we get picked up at the hotel for the 'Sounds of Silence' bar-b-que. Into the bush the coach drove, down red dusty tracks finally dropping us off within a short walk of a view point for Uluru. We can also see Kata Tjuta (described by Jen as looking like piles). as the sun goes slowly down you see the light over Uluru change it's colours with various reds, oranges, browns and even purples. Champagne on arrival for those that wish and soft drinks for anyone who wants it. Then out comes the entrees - made from Kangaroo, Crocodile, Salmon or vegetable Sushi. All of which tasted superb.
All good up to now, except: Les tried to take a photo of Jen and large elderly man stood in front of Les. Les moved, so did man. Les gave up, thinking 'I'll do it later'. Jen "let's try and get some entrees" queued up, as got to the tray, large elderly man stood in front of us and ate the last ones. Joined another queue. As got to the tray, large elderly man did the same. Third time lucky we tried the entrees.
The sun set. Called to dinner. Walked further into the bush and when arriving at the tables each couple or group was called forward. Oh yes, you guessed it, we are next to large elderly man and his wife!
In fairness he turned out to be okay! At the table with Les, Jen & Calum were a newly we'd Italian couple from Rome, a hippy Aussie guy, a very eccentric Canadian lady and the elderly old guy and his wife who were from America.
What a fun night, we talked about everything from Harry Potter to deadly spiders to stars and capital cities. It was a great night. The food was a cooked buffet with Chicken sausages, lamb, kangaroo, crocodile salad etc. All cooked to perfection and eaten out under the stars.
And, talking of stars, as this was so far from cities etc the sky way a blanket of stars. After the main course of the meal set to accompaniment of a digeridoo the table lights were turned off, the buffet bar lights went out and a guide talked about the stars whilst pointing them out and telling ancient stories about them. Including the Southern Cross which adorns the Australian flag. With all the lights out the 'milky way' was clearly visible like a huge glimmering river across the sky from one horizon to the other. It makes you realise how much of our night sky is wiped out by light pollution.
Then, lights back on for desert. Whilst eating there is the opportunity to look at Saturn with it's rings through a telescope.
Then coffee and back to the hotel by coach after the best day yet (apart from dumping the scooter!)
More to follow:
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
No comments:
Post a Comment