Rhos & Bill's Excellent Adventure

Yes, it's holiday time again and as the Dr wouldn't let me ski this year we had to think of something else to do. Bill's trip to China had given him a taste for warmer weather so where better to head for than the Top End. We left early sunday morning and arrived in Alice Springs in time for lunch. The Red Centre certainly lives up to it's name with nothing but Red hills no matter which way you look. Alice is a nice little town full of pioneering history, what amazing stamina those first explorers must have had. We spent a day touring and seeing a few of the closer features, Glen Helen Gorge, Ormiston Gorge (pictured), The Ochre Pits, Ellery Creek Big Hole, Simspons Gap and Standley Chasm. All were spectacular and well worth the walks in to see them.

Part 2 of our big adventure was a 2 day bus tour to Uluru. We were picked up at 4.55am, yes that's right, and along with 17 other people headed out of Alice for the adventure of a lifeltime. We drove to Kings Canyon camp site, where we had lunch then drove out to the canyon where we all did the Kings Canyon Rim Walk. Now when the Dr said 'No Skiing' I don't think he had this in mind as an alternative, but I've done it now. Not sure I would have, had I known what was in store before I started. The Rim walk is about 3 hours of climbing up & over many rocks, walking along the edges of deep canyons and climbing the steepest staircase into and then out of the Garden of Eden. It is one of the most spectacular areas that I have seen and though it is extremely hard work (even without a dodgy leg) it is a place worth seeing. I finished last and was exhaused and had been terrified at times, but it is such an achievement to have completed it. There were 19 very weary people on the bus as we left the canyon and headed on our way to the Yulara campsite where we were staying overnight. Great campsites, purpose built for the tour company, permanent tents, sinlge beds with mattresses off the floors. An Aussie BBQ (cooked by Bill & another fellow), a song around the campfire, Wlatzing Matilda, there were only 4 Aussies on the bus and we had to teach the visitors something authentic, didn't we, and then off to bed, some in Swags under the stars all ready for another early start in the morning to see Sunrise at Uluru.

The 5.20am start went off OK and after a quick brekkie we were off again, everyone eager for their first look at Uluru. Our fisrt stop and sight of 'The Rock' was to see it in sillohuette just as the sun was breaking the horizon. Next, 16 people were let off the bus to walk the full base of the rock as the sun rose. The other 3 of us were taken to the 'Sunrise viewing area' where it was Peak Hour Tourism. Must have been 100 buses of all sizes and people everywhere. Still, seeing the sunrise and Uluru change colour with each stage was just magical. It rained while we where there and the colours on the rock were just amazing. (It was the first rain for 5 months). We were then dropped off to do the half base walk, about 4 1/2 kms. During our walk the rain picked up and we all got drenched, still to see the water running off the rock in small waterfalls was a sight not too many people will ever see. The climb was closed due to the inclement weather but as only 2 of our group were wanting to climb no one was that dissapointed. After seeing it though I don't know how anyone could ever climb it, chain fence or not, it is just so sheer. The feeling of awe at seeing Uluru is hard to out into words. For years you have seen this image and then all of sudden you are walking around the base of it. It does have a real spiritual feel to it.

After we completed our walks we were back on the bus for the short ride to see that other icon 'Kata Tjuta' (meaning Many Heads) or The Olgas as most of us know it. A magical sight as we drove along the road leading in to the area. Once there we walked into Walpa Gorge, another beautiful sight. Back to the campsite for lunch and then the long ride home, stopping along the way to view Lake Armadeus, a large salt lake, & Mt Connor sometimes called 'fooluru' as most people think it is Uluru when they first see it - most of us did the day before. We arrived back in Alice about 9.30pm after 2 most wonderful days. Tired but still filled with awe at the amazing sights this country has to offer.

A sleep-in, then a closer look around the local area of Alice Springs, the Todd River, Adelaide House, Hartley St School and the RFDS museum, kept us out of mischief before we had to catch the plane for the next stage of our big adventure - Darwin.

See you there.......