Uluru

Today started at 3:30am ... you're probably wondering why anyone would get up at that time when they're on holidays. Only one reason...to watch the sunrise just outside the Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park.

Lucky for us there was some cloud because this makes for a better sunrise. We chose a small group tour that only had 11 people. We were taken to one of the higher sand dunes where there is a campfire area and also a deck with a big table and chairs set up.

Up here we were firstly offered tea or coffee and it was lovely because it was real pot tea and coffee. The colours in the sky were beautiful when the sun was just below the horizon. It's ridiculous how many photos I took of this but it was slightly different every time I took one.

Our next stop was another viewing platform that is in the National Park. Fortunately we were the only group there so we didn't to jostle for a good position. This time the rock was only a few kilometres away.

Our transport for the tour was a very impressive all terrain bus. The tour guide nicknamed it the "Starship Enterprise". Much more comfortable than the minibus we were on yesterday. 

From here we were finally taken right to where we could actually touch the rock. It's here that you really start to appreciate the enormity of it and we walked along toward a waterhole you actually feel like you are getting drawn in.

Our guide took us to see some cave drawings an explained what some of the symbols mean. It was a shame that the images have been damaged over time. Apparently long ago when the people came to view the rock the would throw water on the drawings to make them more vibrant for the black and white photos. Of course with these paintings being water based, the colour has faded significantly. Typical of those in the past to blaze in and not think about the actions for the future. It no wonder the indigenous community are so protective of their land.

As we left the cave the guide told us the story of a Liru (the venomous snake)who went searching for the Kunya (the carpet snake) that had killed her nephew. There was a battle a between Kunya and Liru and there a spilts in the rock that are where Liru cut Kunya. There are features on the rock that is said to be where Liru knelt down and drove her stick into the ground. The next photo is said to be the head of the snake

After hearing this story we head for the waterhole. You can see where the water runs down the rock to fill the pool below. This is another place the people take great care of. It's never to be used for anything but drinking water. The woman come in to clean out any debri to ensure the water stays pure.

What a great morning. The weather was perfect and it didn't start to heat up until we were leaving. Quite a magical place that every Australian should visit. This has definitely made me appeciate the indigenous culture so much more. When you learn how they have managed and protected the land you start to realise we have much to learn.

Late in the afternoon we went back to the town square (we seem to spend a lot of time there...I think I'm starting to understand the whole idea of the meeging place) to see Putija Dancers. They told us a number of stories through dance. Luckily they explained the dance beforehand. They were very good and had great senses of humour.

Another great but we need another early night for another 3:30am start. We're off to Kings Canyon tomorrow and it's a three hour bus trip there. Hopefully we can snooze on the bus.