June 17th-20th, 2011- Ayers Rock Resort

Friday June 17th we packed up our vans and headed West to Uluru which was a short trip of just over 100KM. We arrived early and checked in at the Ayers Rock Resort which is the only campground in the area. It is expensive at $41/night and the spots are fairly cramped with very few drive through sites. Amenities are good and clean however. The resort has several hotels, a petrol station, and a number of stores including an IGA. Everything is expensive though so would recommend limiting purchases to basic needs. The girls quickly got into laundrey and did about 8 loads between them. I think we used up every bit of clothes line space in the campground. I got caught up on my Blog and computer as we once again had phone and internet coverage. Don't realize how much you miss it until you don't have it. We went up to a lookout in the resort to view the sunset. Fairly distant to Ulura and the Olgas but they colours were still beautiful.

We were able to get in touch with both our girls electronically. Stephanie is in the USA and Canada for the next 6 weeks (with Tim and Gen) so we will mainly talk via email. She managed to land herself in a Las Vegas hospital on her first day there for a lower back problem  It was an expensive experience but luckily she will be compensated by travel insurance at some point and she is able to sit again (although gingerly I believe). Justine is at home with the other room mates and we have been able to talk to her on the phone. They have had a lot of rain (flooding in some areas) and a bit of a roof leak in our alfresco area. Seems to have eased off now and hopefully won't get any more rain for a bit while things dry out.
Saturday we got up early to watch the sunrise from the same lookout. We then travelled into the National Park and did a quick tour of the Cultural Centre before venturing on to The Rock itself. We parked and completed the base walk in just over 3.5 hours. Breath taking views and many photos along the way. So green in areas and some water around as well which was a bit surprising for me. The walk is relatively easy but fairly long at just over 10KM. No toilets or much signage re distances etc would be small complaints of the experience. The climb was closed when we arrived but open when we returned to the start. Stephen went up as high as where the chains start to say he had done it. I would have completed the climb in the morning when I was fresh  but was buggered after the walk and thought better of it. We drove back to the campsite in mid afternoon before returning to Sunset Lookout near Uluru in the late afternoon. We enjoyed drinks, crackers, and cheese while watching the sunset up close. Amazing how many people drive out to watch it and the colours are incredible. We returned home for a rather early night as we were all exhausted.

Sunday was an easy day for most of us. Carol and Stephen took a helicoptor trip around Uluru and the Olgas around lunch. They said it was beautiful. We decided to save our flight for Kings Canyon where we are going next. Did some more laundry and Sandra, John, and Terry all had haircuts. Watched football in the afternoon and did a bit more computer work.

Monday morning we were up early to travel into the Park to watch  the sunrise at Kata Tjuta ( The Olgas). Got away just after 6AM and arrived at the viewing area about 6:45AM. Got some nice pictures of the colours changing and were all thankful that we had dressed warmly.

From there we proceeded to the Picnic parking area for breakfast we had brought with us. The six of us then did the Walpa Gorge Walk (well Terry did most of it). Incredible sites again as we walked to a viewing platform at the end of the Gorge and then back to the parking lot.

We returned to Picnic area for morning tea and toilet breaks before tackling the Valley of the Winds Walk. This one was considerably longer and steeper than the first one and only the Ransleys and Bewells completed the circuit of 7.4 KM. It was a great walk and one not to be missed for future travellers. A bit rocky and steep but the views were incredible. The photos, of which there were many, do truly not show the magnificance of the views. The Valley section in the middle of the walk is so green! Greener than most areas we have seen on our travels actually. Everyone we see says that this is so unusual as it is usually red dirt for miles. We saw some lovely wildlife as well with a great shot of a hawk and even a wild camel on our return trip. The four of us made it back to the car in just under 3 hours and we were exhausted! Returned once again to the Picnic area for a lovely chicken lunch before heading back to the campsite. We all did some preparations for leaving in the morning before dinner and a early night.

I think the majority decision was that although Uluru is fantastic the walk through the Olgas was far superior and a definite must see! It was voted top spot so far by a few of our group although Sandra & I still rate the Flinders very highly. However this would be a very close second if not the best. Can't wait for Kings Canyon tomorrow and all the other great sites we will see on our adventure.
Talk to you all again soon!