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March - July 2001
Australia
Brett Voegele2005-11-14 17:31:04
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it was to take a bus - and far less boring, so we hit the air. I flew to Yulara, the small community near Ayers Rock (Uluru to the aborigines), while Harriet - who had seen the rock previously, flew to Alice Springs, where I would catch up with her. Though I had been looking forward to the rock - another icon of the country, I was even more impressed than I imagined I'd be. To first see it from the air was impressive, as the surrounding area was completely flat for miles in all directions, except for one other outcrop of rocks in the area - the Olgas (Kata Tjuta). Then, to see it up close was even more impressive - it had character. Rather than a smooth, consistent surface, the rock had many small ridges, pock marks, erosional channels, pools, overhangs, caves, and aboriginal art. It was truly magical. I spent the following day climbing to the summit, as well as walking the 10 kms (6 miles) around the base. It was spectacular. After investigating Uluru I drove the 55 kms (33 miles) to Kata Tjuta and did a few of the hikes through there - covering about 10 kms (6 miles). Again, it was amazing - highly recommended. Though there were several tourists in the Uluru/Kata Tjuta area, I was always able to hike at a pace so as to avoid others, and it was an incredible feeling to be among the two sets of outcrops. It is no wonder that the area is sacred to the aborigines, as it does touch a person.
Kings Canyon & Alice Springs
From the rock I took the bus to Kings Canyon and spent the following morning hiking the area. It was nice, but not quite what I'd expected, so I was a bit disappointed. The next stop on the bus journey was Alice Springs, where I'd rejoin with Harriet. We spent a day bumming around town before catching the 15 hour overnight bus to Katherine.
Katherine Gorge
From the town of Katherine we caught a bus out to Katherine Gorge
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Australia Gallery
