16th September 2023

Distance: 146 Km

Fuel: 51 Litres

Valley of the Winds (second attempt)

Up early as usual, showered as usual because today I was going to re-attempt the Valley of the Winds walk, or rather make it to the Karu Lookout. A couple of days ago I turned back before achieving this because I was too tired from the Walpa Gorge walk (or that was my theory).

Both of these walks are over very rough, rocky terrain so pretty tiring. Anyway to cut a long story short – I made it to the Karu Lookout, I even ventured a few dozen metres further on just to take a few photos but to be honest the track just got rougher and was impassable for me. I was happy to get as far as I did, it was an enjoyable walk.

Afterwards drove to Uluru for one last look as we are leaving tomorrow as it is very unlikely I will ever visit again. Had a look at the walk that the kids did earlier.

Spent a little time at the point where the climb used to commence, the track is still visible but the chain has gone.

Called in at the Shell servo to buy fuel – diesel was $3.03 a litre! Filled up and paid $150 for the privilege.

Made a quick trip to the Post Office to post my postcards before returning to the camp grounds.

The rest of the day followed the pattern of yesterday. A trip to the swimming pool then the short drive to the pub for a few drinks, a meal and a game of Exploding Kittens before bed.

14th September 2023

Distance: 179 Km

Did all the washing this morning. Got out the long line to hang it on and it was only while hanging washing on this line that I realised that the adjacent boundary fence was sturdier and longer – Doh! Even  worse the home made attachments failed in the wind while we were away and some garments trailed in the red soil. The fence was definitely better. It didn’t matter that much – a quick rinse and they were dry again in about 40 minutes.

Katie, Andrew and Dale were up early to go on a camel ride but we had a more leisurely morning before setting out for The Olgas (Kata Tjuta). On our previous visit we had neglected to bring water so were unable to explore them.

Kata Tjuta – The Olgas

Our first stop was the viewing platform looking at Kata Tjuta over the dunes. It is a good introduction to them, from this platform you can also see Ayers Rock in the distance’

 

Walpa Gorge

This time our first visit was to Walpa Gorge, the ground was rough and strewn with boulders but I made it nearly the whole way. It was a very enjoyable walk and the breeze kept the flies away.

Drove on to the Valley of the Winds, it was a long trek to the Kara Lookout from the carpark, made more difficult in places where they had constructed a rock pavement. Frankly it was too difficult for me so I turned round and came back. I think I was pretty tired from the Walpa Gorge walk so will try again another day.

Valley of the Winds (First Attempt)

Returned to the main road and to the rock itself (Uluru), we drove round the Rock visiting the Mutitjulu Waterhole and Kantju Gorge. In my opinion now that the climb is no longer allowed the place has lost a focal point (and I say this as someone who never wanted to climb the rock anyway).

Uluru – Ayers Rock

That evening we drove to the sunset viewing area to  watch Uluru at sunset, it was an underwhelming experience when I first saw it and I can’t say it had aged any better. Sure it did seem to change colour but not that much.

Sunset

Finally home to bed in the dark and very tired after today’s adventures.