Dan Will Travel

KATA TJUTA (WHERE DAN RISKS HIS LIFE, SORT OF)

Kata Tjuta is the other iconic rock formation about 30 miles from Uluru. It is actually a bit higher than Uluru in elevation, and has trails that cross over and between it. I set off early one day to do a 5 mile loop trail. Early was necessary as the trail closes at 11:00 each day or earlier if the temperate exceeds 36. (95 +/-) I sure found out why……

Approaching Kata Tjuta

Telephoto view

I was on the trail with plenty of water (I thought) and 4 heavy camera lenses before 8 AM. Easy walk to the first view point, and the further trail open/close point.

First viewpoint, location of the closure sign below.

Solar powered, it flashes open or closed. At 8:05 AM it is open, even though it is about 90 already.

If you are allowed onward, then you go steeply down to a valley (I know I was not going to like this part of my return!) Then steeply up and literally scrambling up over sheer rock to viewpoint number two.

I am in the valley now, starting the loop

The trail up to the second, main viewpoint.

Second viewpoint achieved. It seems that most hikers turn around here and return, but, heck, the onward trail is just a loop out into the desert and eventually meets the main trail again, so why not?

Ok, second viewpoint achieved, now down and out into the desert.

So, down and out I went, not to see shade or hardly another person for hours. Trudging up, trudging down, trudging up, trudging down. And so on. Water bottle one is gone now, but there is still another one. It is about 95 now, after 10 am and this is getting old. (Or maybe it is me getting old?) Anyway, there is no choice but to go on, so the German in me kicked in.

Rock trail, blazing sun

out in the desert

It is really blanking hot out here……..

I eventually got to the valley and the initial junction point of the loop, totally exhausted, and looking at the next mile of steep almost stairs out of the valley. Yeech!

Trudging up the hill out of the loop valley. Stopping every 100′ or so.

With a number of rest stops I did get back to the closure sign and then had “only” about another mile to trudge back to the car.

That car and it’s A/C sure looked good when it finally was visible. It was now 11 AM and well over 100. I had done the loop, seen some astounding scenery and lived to tell. But a bit closer to trouble than I prefer to experience.

Posted: December 9, 2015 by admin

2 Comments

ULURU

One of the truly iconic spots in the world, Uluru (Ayers Rock) is a must see when going to Australia. We have all seen the photos of it, but to experience it first hand is quite different.

It and it’s sister area, Kata Tjuta rise abruptly out of the essentially flat high desert of this part of Australia. Both are highly significant to the native cultures to the point that some areas are not even to be photographed.

Both are part of one National Park and the well planned tourist facilities are all together in a village outside of the park. I was fortunate in my timing as this was a quiet period before the holiday travel rush. I am told that the sunset viewing area could have thousands of people there, when my experience was a “crowd” of about 35.

I did just a few short walks at Uluru, saving the longer hikes for Kata Tjuta (next post) Besides the close to 100 degree heat, there are those famous Australian flies. Being a slave to fashion, I refused to get the hats with the mesh screen to drape over your head. I did get a roll on repellent that mostly kept them at least 6” away. How people live daily with these pests is hard to fathom.

After doing sunset at Uluru on day one without major fly issues, I drove 30 miles each way the next day to experience it at Kata Tjuta, but gave up immediately as the flies there were overwhelming. Swarms I guess would be the term instead of individual pests.

But all that aside, it was a beautiful experience. Lots of shots below.

Sort of my first view of the day at Uluru. Iconic for sure.

A dead desert Oak framing Uluru.

Cave paintings

Bright mid day sun, about 100 degrees.

It is not all smooth rock. Close up below.

it’s hot out here.

Initial shot from the sunset area.

I liked this contrast.

My attempt at the classic sunset shot.

The final shot before going back. Flies are getting the best of me.

Posted: December 8, 2015 by admin

1 Comment

DRIVING IN THE OUTBACK

This is a national pastime for Australians with their caravans and such, and I wanted to experience it as well.

I drove the 300 miles between Alice Springs and Uluru (Ayers Rock). It is hard to describe how empty central Australia is,(not as empty as Nullabor Plain was) but here are some facts and observations.

· My trip was 300 paved two lane miles each way. (Seattle to Spokane, or Ft. Wayne to Pittsburgh for example)

· There is one junction. Period. After 140 miles, you turn right and the go 165 miles. If you were to go straight, the next town is about 500 miles.

OK, I made the turn OK, and now I go west to Uluru.

3 Today, returning the 300 miles I overtook 3 cars going my direction. In 300 miles. Maybe about 50 going the other way, but that is one every 6 miles or so.

· I saw 2 camels, 3 kangaroos, and one lizard. It is between 95 and 100 degrees.

· There are a few roadhouses (cafes, gas, and supplies) and you really need to stop to break the monotony aspect. They highly encourage it and they are right. There are also rest areas that have firewood waiting at the grill and signs encouraging overnight camping.

· You are strongly encouraged to NOT travel at night due to animals and “road trains.” There is a photo of a road train below. One tractor and FOUR trailers. I think 102 tires in all. They travel chiefly at night and in packs so it is best to not be out there with them. I do not think they stop for anything.

4 full trailers. No, once it gets going it is not going to stop easily. 26 axles, 102 tires. Wow.

Some typical scenes from the outback are below.

The road. Taken from a sand dune.

A lonely tree

The fully equipped rest area, firewood ready, and a request to keep it all “tidy.”

Dry lake bed and dunes across from the rest area.

There are over 1 million wild camels in Australia. The breed that has evolved in the wild is highly sought after in the middle East so Australia exports them back to where they came from.