Heading South along the Lasseter Highway about 100k’s from Yulara, we stumble upon (not literally) a significant rock formation out on the horizon. A little consumed by the possibility that this could well be our first glimpse of Uluru, is to us an utterly hedonistic luxury; as though we see with all senses wide awakened.
Mat pointed out that even as the crow flew we were still a fair distance from our arrival and it was highly unlikely. After all we didn’t really know what we were looking for. Back to the trusty map, I surreptitiously confirm it is in fact not the former…but Mount Connor, all 820 metres high of her; yet just as jaw-droppingly eye catching.
We checked into Ayers Rock Campground for the night, set up our digs and took a walk up the red-sanded dune right next to our site and there she was, (one of many firsts that we will come to encounter on our journey) beckoning us to come a little closer and explore some more…the stories surrounding her, the secrets she keeps and the steeped rich history.
Arriving at Uluru (within the National Park), felt like a homecoming of sorts; like meeting up with a much regarded long lost friend.
“Its ability to move you so deeply, personally confirmed 100% the importance of our connection to nature and how easy it is to miss both the physicality and presence when we are not in the moment”.
Words escape me in describing Uluru; a natural wonder of the world, full of power and grace, a long history and many stories interwoven. It is no wonder that she has the ability to draw you outside of yourself to feel for a moment that everything else is slightly insignificant!
Our entry to the National Park that afternoon, with the intention to purchase a three day pass, somehow turned into a yearly pass (hmmm, I think we are coming back!) We watched the breathtaking ochre canvas grow as we inched closer and closer, she continued to rise from the earth in all grandeur and brilliance. I shed a little tear, for what reason I am not entirely sure (maybe onset of my cycle (too much information), maybe never dreamed we’d make it here, maybe just the power she emanates). No certainties just pure bewilderment.
Over the next three day period we would bear witness to a sunset, from the vantage point of our canopy rooftop, complete with fold out chairs, and a tipple to toast this transformation of colours. As the sun dipped beyond our backs we watched the picture change from soft chilli hues, through splashes of paprika tones to finally settle on a rich cocoa coloured softness. All significant of another magnificent day in this rich heart of Australia.
Next morning, we set off from camp early to greet the day with a sunrise, opting to avoid the already growing crowds rushing for the viewing platform. We marked our chilly territory with only ourselves, our morning coffee, camera and our childlike enthusiasm – likened to unwrapping a gift on Christmas morning and really not knowing what to expect but feeling an excitement that again you cannot put any words or particular reasons for feeling that way to.
By now you may well have guessed that our one night stopover is stretching out into a four day grand tour of both the resort town of Yulara and Uluru and all the special offerings.
The 10 km base walk, which took us a leisurely four hours presented many different sides to the rock as well as many sacred aspects where photos were forbidden. You might begin to have a real feeling towards the connection and strong respect of homeland (that is to this day with vim and vigour) calling us to perhaps begin to understand just how life was and what it represented.
So much to see and do here including the Olgas (Kata Tjuta) also within the National Park that we appreciated from the sand dune walk.
With mixed feelings of leaving this area, the journey must go on.
Much Love and Light
Anita and Mat xo