Leaving the tropics of sea and rain forests, we headed to the hot, dry desert of Central Australia or the Red Center, as it is known. We flew from Cairns to Alice Springs to find it was cool, meaning it was basically below 90°F the whole time we were there and because it was dry, we found it relatively comfortable. We rented a 4WD vehicle equipped with everything we needed for camping out under the starriest skies we had ever seen. We spent our time driving, hiking and camping through the MacDonald Range, King’s Canyon, Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Kata Tjuta (the Olgas). Heading back more than 400 million years in geologic time and tens of thousands of years in human time, it was a remarkable experience. The aboriginal people who live here knew how to use all of the resources this beautiful but harsh land provided and forged a deep and respectful relationship with all that surrounded them.

Uluru (Ayers Rock)

Sunrise and sunset at Uluru fed the spirit as one witnessed the slow, subtle changes in the sacred rock with the coming and going of light. [click for a time-lapse sunset]

Kata Tjuta (The Olgas)

The many faces of Uluru and Kata Tjuta as one moved around called one to look and look again, to be with all that they have witnessed and all that they are.

 It’s been a great pleasure traveling these four weeks with Julian. He is a delightful companion, great driver and creative cook and a lot of fun to be around. We parted company today when David and I headed to Perth in Western Australia and Julian made his way to Sydney to catch a flight home tomorrow.

 Cynthia