Uluru at dawn

We got up super early the next morning – like 4am early – and had a quick breakfast before packing up the camp. Then we headed back to Uluru to watch the sun rise on the rock. Here’s me and the Snook, still waking up.

Eileen

And here’s Eileen. You can see how much the colours have changed just in the few minutes between photos.

Our group

Some of our group climbed up on the truck to get a better view. (Seriously! Look at that sky!)

Group shot

A group shot. We really had perfect weather for the trip. The nights and mornings were chilly, but the days were hot without being stifling. We even got a cool breeze at times.

The Olgas

Then we were off to the Olgas. This amazing structure of more than 30 rock domes dominates the landscape. (The big dome is even higher than Uluru!) We first went to a viewing platform to see them in context.

The Olgas

The Olgas were stunning.

On the hike

We then set off on the challenging three hour “Valley of the Winds” hike. This walk took us up, around, and between several of the domes at the Olgas. We stopped at several points for our guide Mike to tell us about the geology and wildlife. Here’s Rodd and some of our group.

Eileen

Eileen and some more of our group. We each were instructed to carry at least 1.5 liters of water with us on the walk.

Me and Snookums

Snookums and I at some point along the hike.

Eileen being pensive

Eileen being pensive at the natural beauty around her.

Eileen and Snookums

Eileen and Snookums on the trail ahead of me. This was one of the easier bits, but even then we had a steepish grade and loose gravel to contend with.