TR June 2016 Uluru, A Spur of the Moment - Homeward Bound and end of TR on Day 8; 02/25

[PrincessInOz]

Sorry about the clouds. The rock looks very nice up close, interesting story and pictures to support it.

Clouds are part and parcel of travel.
And without a camera in hand, I'd be happy for overcast days when I walk! LOL

 

[PrincessInOz]

I don't remember seeing this deep indentation when we did the base walk but it was almost dark when we started as it was a sunrise walk so maybe we missed it. Certainly didn't see any rock art when here. As I said, I do love how much more clearly they have marked walks into and around the rock now and included all the story boards and detail - oh well, we will just have to go back!

There are always so many things to go back to! The bucket list just seems neverending.

 

[PrincessInOz]

I hope that you get your wish of no more clouds granted.

That sounds like a really neat thing to do.

I think that's what we liked about having the car rental. We could go where we wanted rather than being tied in to a tour company's destination. And even though there was a taxi shuttle service at Uluru to take you where you wanted, it was expensive when multiplied by 3.

This is absolutely amazing.

 

[PrincessInOz]

Sorry for the delay. Real life has just been super busy lately.

 

[PrincessInOz]

Wish No#2 Comes True!


After our short walk at Uluru, we headed back to the resort to enjoy the room. We picked up some basic supplies at the local supermarket – crackers, cheese, salami and fruit – and spent some time out on the balcony enjoying the view.

DS was content to stay and do nothing. DH and I?
We decided that a walk around the resort area might be in order.


It probably takes us 5 minutes to walk from our hotel to the main 'town' square.






At one end is the Kulata Academy Café where we picked up lunch.





Gecko’s Café is at the opposite side. We got the pizza and salad here on arrival day.






There is also another small take-away next to Gecko. An amusing sign, full of promise!





This side of the square is where you’d go to book your tours.





I didn’t grab a picture of it; but the supermarket is behind this side. I liked the supermarket here. It was reasonably priced and well-stocked with the staples of travel food.


It didn’t take DH and I long to peruse the shops and decide that we needed to head further afield. And afield we went.





The centre of Yulara resort is left as native bush space. The various hotel resorts are spaced out around this centre and there is one look-out in this central space. I think you can see why we walked up this way. Do you also see what I see?

Yup. Patches of blue sky!




The walk also gave me an opportunity to see the Parrot Pea plant in bloom. You may recall that we had encountered this plant at the Mt Connor lookout.




This is the Western Nightshade (Solanum coactiliferum). Whilst the seeds contain natural toxins, it is said that the Aboriginals roast them before eating.





We saw this bush and the delicate pink flowers everywhere!

Pitjantjatjata name – Pukara, Waputi, Common name – Desert Heath Myrtle, Botanical name – Thryptomene maisonneuvii

The Anungu collect the sweet dew on the flowers when in bloom and I gather it can be used to extinguish fires.





It turned out to be a very pleasant walk indeed!

 

[PrincessInOz]

Field of Light Dinner - The Luck of the Draw


When we had arrived at the resort, one of the first things that DH and I talked about was heading out to check out a newly opened attraction at Uluru. As with everything, there are any number of price points to enjoy this attraction and we decided that there was only one way to enjoy it….the expensive way.

Ever the procrastinators, we left booking this experience until yesterday….and by that stage, the night we had decided on was fully booked. So, that left us with choosing the day before or the day after and it came down to a toss of the coin. We decided on the earlier option….and that was tonight.


The exhibition, aptly named Tili Wiru Tjuta Nyakutjaku or ‘looking at lots of beautiful lights’ in local Pitjantjatjara, is an art installation by Bruce Munro. It’s his largest work to date, with more than 50,000 slender stems crowned with radiant frosted-glass spheres over an area the size of seven football fields.

Our chosen way of experiencing this installation included sunset and a buffet dinner. The Luck of the Draw - turns out that we had picked a very good day indeed!


We got picked up at our hotel and driven to the top viewing area for the Field of Light. For those wondering where we were, the location is within the resort boundary and entry down the road is gated/manned.

This was the view at sunset. The top viewing area is at the crest of a sand dune. For me, it was the perfect spot to view the Field of Light.





We were treated to a traditional welcome by the Anungu, complete with didgeridoo and an indigenous person dancing the welcome. As there is usually some cultural sensitivity around taking pictures of individual Aboriginal people, I didn’t capture the dance nor the dancer.
There were also canapes and champagne to enjoy. I remember grabbing about 2 pieces of canapes. Let's just say I was a little distracted.

It really was the colour of the changing sky that I remember the most. With the clear skies, the colour on the horizon was like a rainbow.








After the canapes, we were herded a little lower down the sand dune to the dining area.





As we were the last to leave the sunset viewing area, we ended up with a table furthest away from the buffet area. This was the last picture I took of dinner. It really was too dark to take any pictures of the food.





For those wondering, dinner set us back about AU$235 per person. As I said before, this was the most expensive way to go. Nevertheless, I am pleased to say that we thought it was value for money. The champagne and canapes (what I did experience) were tasty and dinner was absolutely delicious. Dinner was a 3 course meal, with pumpkin soup to start. The main course included Barramundi, Lamb, Kangaroo, Beef and Chicken. All the proteins were seasoned with bush tucker and were absolutely brilliantly cooked for a buffet and being out in the open. The selection of salads and veg were also equally as diverse. There was about 6 – 8 different desserts on offer, all of them delicately done. There was also wine, beer and soft drink on offer, apparently neverending. And we finished the evening with port and a hot drink.

The chef had catered for DH’s dietary requirements and had cooked a chickpea curry dish specially for him. So, by all accounts, we were well satisfied with our meal.

Sadly for me, access to the top section of the dune was restricted after we headed down to the dining area. Apparently, dingoes do roam and as the top area isn’t lit, there is no guarantee of personal safety if you do choose to sneak up again. And yes, I did ask the question when we booked so I knew what the situation was before tonight. This meant that the view of the Field of Light was from a relatively low vista.




I had hoped to be able to capture the field with Uluru in the background. As we were to the side, this was as good as it got.




Remember how I wished for clear skies? Wish No#2 did come true. Just in time for us to enjoy a presentation from an Astrologer over dinner…..and just in time for us to enjoy the Milky Way.





Capturing the Milky Way had been on my to-do list before getting on the plane. I was so pleased to see the end of the clouds!





The bonus of choosing the Field of Light dining experience is that we got to be the last group of visitors to enter the light installation. There were no other people around, other than the diners and security. It was truly wonderful to have the Field to ourselves. Another bonus of picking this night.....we got to walk amoung the light bulbs at moon rise!





I had been advised that we would not be allowed to set up tripods in the Field of Light. It was one of the things I asked about when we booked and I had read about this rule on-line. The reality is that this rule seems to vary depending on which security guard is there. The one that walked around with me turned out to be a photographer himself. So, I….and about 4 other togs……got to set up our tripods and take all the shots we wanted.





The proviso was that we stayed on the walking path (which we did) and we moved along when he asked us to (which we did).






It was a real privilege and I thank that guy for letting us do so.





What a great night and experience this turned out to be. Everyone went to bed happy!

 

[dolphingirl47]

That looks like an amazing evening. The sunset photos and the photos of the night sky are truly stunning. The installation looks gorgeous, too.

Corinna

 

[franandaj]

Wow! You got some stunning photographs of the rock and the exhibition! The meal sounded very nice as well. I take it that just you and DH went along on that one and DS stayed in the room with his electronic babysitter and the provisions from the grocery store kept him satisfied?

 

[PrincessInOz]

That looks like an amazing evening. The sunset photos and the photos of the night sky are truly stunning. The installation looks gorgeous, too.

Corinna

The installation was really a sight to see. The LED changed colour and it was gorgeous!

Wow! You got some stunning photographs of the rock and the exhibition! The meal sounded very nice as well. I take it that just you and DH went along on that one and DS stayed in the room with his electronic babysitter and the provisions from the grocery store kept him satisfied?

I paid for all 3 of us for dinner. I figured it was one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences. DS was also very happy with dinner and the experience. Believe it or not.....he still enjoys his electronics but he actually likes walking out and about in the countryside. He's really growing up....there were no complaints about going on the walks in the morning.
I think I struck the right balance on this trip in coming back to the room for the afternoon (and he could spend a couple of hours on the electronics).

 

[PrincessInOz]

OOPS! How Did I Miss the Rock????


Seems like this day is not quite done, after all. I seem to have inadvertently missed sharing a complete section of this day. OOPS!


We did spend a bit of time at the base of the rock. After the Kuniya Walk, we headed toward Kantju Gorge and the Mala Walk area of the rock. I can’t believe I forgot about it!

Afterall, for anyone wanting to climb up the rock, the access point is from the Mala Walk carpark.





On this particular day, the path up was closed due to winds. It is a relatively steep climb up, so I guess the Park Authorities have every right to close it when they feel it’s not safe.





Not that I’m complaining! I appreciated the opportunity to shoot the rock without a stream of people climbing up that rope.






This walk around this part of the rock is rather picturesque. This is meant to be wheelchair accessible.





It is rather flat. I’m just not sure about the surface.





It’s a relatively shot walk to Kantju Gorge. But with all those rocks to look at, we took our time meandering about.





This part of Uluru has some cultural significance for the Anangu people. There are a number of caves and this one was the Teaching Cave for the young men.





Yes! That IS rock art on the walls of this ‘cave’.





Turn a corner and we came across this other ‘cave’ area. The Men’s Cave.




For a cave, it seemed pretty exposed to me.




Another corner and another cave. This time, it’s the ‘Kitchen Cave’, where the women, girls and small children would make camp. The women would go out and collect food, which was then prepared here for all to share.




This one seemed to be a little bit more sheltered.






There is also an Old People’s Cave. Men that were too old to participate in the tribal male ceremonies would rest in here. If you look at the ceiling of the cave, you can see it is blackened from the fires lit in the cave.





Onwards we walked.





Occasionally, we would see evidence of where water would flow down the rock face.





It’s only about 1 km or so from the Mala carpark to Kantju Gorge.






The Gorge is a significant area simply because it is a waterhole.





I was amazed to see a tadpole swimming about the water.






We could have continued walking around the rock but we decided to head back to the car park from here. As I looked at the rock face, there was more evidence of where water would run off that face. I may have kinda made Wish #3 here. I wished that I could see waterfalls off the rock!





If you decide to walk this part of Uluru, there will be a section of this walk where you are asked not to take pictures. Being the law-abiding citizen that I am, I totally respected that request.


So…..the rest of the day has already been documented with the Field of Light Dinner. My apologies again for not including this in chronological order!





(Continued in Next Post)

 

[PrincessInOz]

Day 6 - Another Full Day at Uluru National Park

The Fifth Sunrise (Wish #2 Still Holds True!!!!) - Field of Light


I had no intention of sleeping in this morning!

When we had originally booked our Field of Light Dinner experience, I had asked all sorts of questions of the person helping us make the booking. The answers she gave convinced me that I would not be satisfied with just one opportunity to shoot the Field of Light. So, we made a second booking to revisit the light installation. DH decided to come with me. DS did not even entertain the thought of waking up early!


The Sunrise experience meant that we had to get up and ready before the crack of dawn. The bus took us to the top viewing area and we could stay there for as long as we wanted to.

In the near pitch-black, the Field of Light looked completely out of place.





You could just make out Uluru in the distance.





The earth continued to turn, and there was a slow creeping light at the horizon.





Yes. This was what I had hoped to capture before getting to Uluru.





We were encouraged to walk down to the Field. They didn’t have to ask me twice!








In the soft glow of sunrise, the colours were amazing.









I kept a watchful eye on the Rock and after a while, I scrambled back up the sand dune.




Sunrise!








And with the rising sun, the Field of Light died down to sleep for another day.








(Continued in Next Post)

 

[PrincessInOz]

What we had for Breakfast


The breakfast buffet was a rerun of the previous days. Still, I took the shots…..you might as well enjoy the food porn.


Rice Congee




Cereal




Hot breakfast











(Continued in Next Post)

 

[PrincessInOz]

Valley of the Winds Walk


The best walk in the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park – hands down – is the Valley of the Winds Walk through Kata Tjuta.

The full circuit takes about 7.5 km to walk. It is rated as difficult.




DH and I had experienced this walk many years ago and we still rate it as one of the best walks we’ve done. As walks go, there are about 2 or 3 areas where the walk is a little steep but for the most part, once you get into the valley, it is relatively flat walking.



We’re heading into the boulders of Kata Tjuta.





As with the Walpa Gorge walk, the rock faces of Kata Tjuta rises high above us.




I think this is the Kata Tjuta Wattle (Pitjantjatjata name – Kaliwara Common name – Kata Tjuta Wattle Botanical name – Acacia olgana). The seeds are used as a food source by the Anangu.




I think we’re heading up towards that green path there.






In any case, the first look out point involves a little climb up.

I


It gives you a view of the valley.






With my click-click-click habit, this was to be a common sight for me on this walk. Those of you that have been following some of my TRs will know that my DS was not really an outdoorsy type of child when he was young. The years have completely changed this! He now loves walking out in country like this and constantly tells me to “hurry up!”.





For those contemplating this walk, this is the sort of pathway you are likely to encounter in the first part. In some cases, it is narrow with a moderate slide off down the side.





For the most part, the walk looks relatively flat.





Water is a precious resource out in the outback. I think you can see why the Aboriginal people find it to be special spot.





We started our walk around 9.30 am in the morning. It was a very comfortable 20 C and there were a few other people walking this track as well. It made for a super pleasant daytrip.




I think I mentioned that there had been rain about 3 weeks before we got here. It was the reason why King’s Canyon was as green as it was….and the wet weather also worked it’s magic here as well.








The climb up to the second look-out was a bit more challenging.




Ok. It might have been a lot more challenging. LOL!





By and large, the uphill areas were few and far between.





The panorama around us? Stunning!




Apologies for the quality of pictures here. The light made it difficult to get the right exposure. But this might give you an idea of the most difficult part of the walk. We’re walking up there and I think you might be able to see people up the top.





The top gave us a glimpse of the Valley below.






To be really honest, I’ve always found walking downhill harder than walking uphill. I was really relieved to get to the bottom again.





The boys did wait for me!





That’s my DS giving me the ‘hurry up’ look again.







(Continued in Next Post)

 

[PrincessInOz]

(Continued from Previous Post)



The Valley of the Winds. I just love being here.




The Australian Outback is considered semi-arid. You would normally expect to see a few bushes dotted about in semi-desert country….like this.




DH and I compared notes. It was definitely much greener than we both remembered it.





Yup. Definitely much more green!





By this time, the sun was getting higher in the sky.





We still had a lot of country to cover. On reflection, this was probably close to the half-way point.





We still needed to walk back towards those rocks.






The Park Authorities request that you stay on the path and do not wander about anywhere in the valley. One of the reasons is that there are sacred sites here and the Anangu do not want people to stumble across them.




There were a number of groups of people enjoying their snacks/lunches. There are little to none services out here….so just pull up a patch of ground.




Afterall, there is plenty of rock to look at!




2/3rds of the way in this walk! We hit one of the only shelter and water taps in the park.





The boys were keen to keep going. We were hitting the hot part of the day and getting out of the sun became a priority for us all.





I liked this section of the walk. It was relatively leafy and green.









We made it round in relative good time. Despite my stopping to take pictures, I think we covered the 7.5 km in under 3.5 hours.





Kata Tjuta. One of my favourite walks in the world!

 

[dolphingirl47]

The photos and the colours are stunning. I loved the sunrise photos in the Field of Lights. I am with you about preferring going uphill to going downhill.

Corinna

 

[PrincessInOz]

The photos and the colours are stunning. I loved the sunrise photos in the Field of Lights. I am with you about preferring going uphill to going downhill.

Corinna

Thanks Corinna. I was really glad we went to the Field of Light again. Sunrise was definitely a better session for us.

 

[Aussie Wendy]

Beautiful pics again. I think I preferred Field of Light at sunrise cw sunset. Yes Valley of winds walk was one of our faves though I remember being exhausted doing it in pm after having circumnavigated the rock at dawn. Trouble with doing it with a tour! Looks like you had a spectacular trip. And yes, so green!

 

[PrincessInOz]

Beautiful pics again. I think I preferred Field of Light at sunrise cw sunset. Yes Valley of winds walk was one of our faves though I remember being exhausted doing it in pm after having circumnavigated the rock at dawn. Trouble with doing it with a tour! Looks like you had a spectacular trip. And yes, so green!

I remember being exhausted from the walk the first time we did it as well. But then....we were walking in 35 C heat, which might have had a lot to do with us feeling exhausted. This time, it was cooler and whilst it was tiring, I pulled up a lot better than expected.

It was a fantastic trip!

 

[PrincessInOz]

It’s a Clear Sky Sunset


We had brought ample provisions and snacks for our walk so no one felt like eating lunch. Instead, we headed back to enjoy a lazy afternoon in our room. I think we may have pulled out some salami, cheese and crackers and sat out on the balcony watching the afternoon slip by.


After a while, we headed back out again. It was a perfect blue sky afternoon and we were all keen to see the rock at sunset.

We ended up at the sunrise viewing area at Uluru.




If you do head to Uluru, I recommend that you head to the sunrise spot. It’s about the best of the two spots. There really isn’t much of a choice of locations. It was either here or the official sunset viewing area of Uluru, which is pretty much in the wrong spot anyway.





We waited for the sun to set.





We were kinda rewarded for our patience with a little red glow off the rock.




Sadly for us, there was a bit of cloud on the horizon. Just as the colour started to get good, the sun ducked behind that cloud and it was all over for the day. It’s amazing how quickly it changes!





Most people started to pack up after this point.





Even my boys were ready to head out. Not me!






(Continued in Next Post)

 

[PrincessInOz]

It’s a Clear Sky Night


I had been hoping for a clear sky night from when we booked this vacay. There was no way I was heading out of the park until I got a glimpse of what I had hoped to capture. In the end, we waited for over an hour in the car for the sky to get dark enough.





Uluru and the Milky Way! I had hoped to capture a picture of the two together.







I ticked off another item off my Photo Bucket List on this night. I was really glad we stayed back and waited for the dark sky and watch the Galactic Core of the Milky Way rise.









(Continued in Next Post)