Ayers Rock

 

We flew from Melbourne to Ayers Rock via Alice Springs.  We didn't get there until about 3:30.  We gained 1 1/2 hours with the change of time zones.  Seemed strange to chance 1 1/2.  

This is an aerial view of one of the salt lakes all dried up.  They had quite a bit of rain earlier in the year and the lakes were full - there were even sone waterfalls.  You can see the lush greens and golds of the plant life due to the rain.

There are huge reserves of water under the ground in this area which keep the plants alive when rainfall is low.

Ayers Rock Resort  is the only living area around.  It is basically hotels, camping, caravans and a few restaurants.  All people visit here is the National Park! 

 

We went to the Cultural Center to read about the indigenous aboriginal people who migrated to Australia thousands of years ago. Normally there would be many of the aboriginal people making and selling crafts...beautiful artwork and wooden carvings. But it was too hot this day.  They did not allow any pictures at the Center.  It was beautifully done.

The name of the National Park is Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.

 

We just hiked out about 15 minutes but at this point I was already sweating and the flies were driving me crazy!!  Sure was pretty tho!

 

They called these domes.  There was quite a stretch of these but we couldn't see them all from this viewing point.  You are very limited in this particular National Park because it is actually owned by the local indigenous aboriginal tribe.  We could not stop at the site where you could seen them all.  Actually, the light wasn't good to take a picture anyway.

 

Love the contrast the golden grasses provide!  

 

 

We stopped at a viewing site to see the sun go down and to see the rock change color as the sun shone down on it.  It was a big party as there were 8-10 bus loads there....plenty of room.

 

Here are a couple of photos of the domes from this morning...they are out of order once again.  Can you tell I'm a bit aggravated?!?  But I know you are smart enough to figure it out!

 

 

The rock got brighter and brighter, as we were having a party.

 

Brad surprised us with champagne, cheese and crackers!  Was really nice because it was about 7 and we hadn't had dinner yet.  Nice touch!  And much appreciated!

By this time the Rock was a rich rust color and very pretty.

 

A fun evening!  By the time we got back to the hotel it was nearly 9:00 and we were hungry.  The restaurant was FULL with all the different groups returning from the sunset party at the same time.  We ended up sitting at the bar with the two Navy couples we have enjoyed.  We shared a club sandwich and fries -- then called it a night.

We're getting a wake up call at 5:40 to go see the sunrise at the Rock!  Good night!