Ayers Rock take 2

Yay, the weather was on our side and we were finally able to climb the rock!

We took a punt and woke before dawn Thursday morning, children loaded into car in sleeping bags and pillows in tow. As you know there are many animals out and about that time of day, so we drove between 60km and 80km until the sun broke through. Another blue sky, crossing fingures for little wind. No interenet reception, so we couldn't check the forecast again before driving to the rock. As we drove to the entrance of the Uluru National Park, the sign said the climb was open. It was nearing 10am when they do another reading, so we raced to the rock and began our climb.

OMG, it was a tough climb, just as you finish the chain section you still have another two thirds to go, a steady incline no chain required. Time to rest when finally at the top, woo hoo! It was a fantastic feat. Obviously, going down was alot easier on the heart, just little steps at a time. It took us an hour to reach the top, as for the kids they could have completed a return trip within that time.

The photo's Marc took were amazing, and hopefully for those who haven't been can gain an insight into the rock and its surrounds. Yes, Marc took the photo's and carried the backpack, I was too scared I would topple backwards down the rock, there were a couple of steep sections. We finally climbed the rock!

From here onto Erldunda for overnight stay before we head to Alice Springs the following day.

Kings Canyon

Unfortunately, the weather wasn't on our side to climb the rock so we have headed on our way to Kings Canyon. Still keeping the weather in mind we might dart back to the rock on Thursday for the morning. We have also been out of action with no reception at Kings Canyon, hence the delayed post.

Again, we completed the three walks at the Canyon, two short walks to waterholes, very pleasant and angelic like. The other walk was the rim walk on top of the Canyon, it went for three and half hours, starting with a decent climb to the top and then along the rim. Over undulating rock to peeping over the edge of the cliff face down to the ground, a little unnerving but glad to do it. Jack and I nearly took the family down the wrong path, tending to follow a dry creek bed and not the arrows, oops. All in all the walks so far have been unimaginable, looking like more to come as we continue our travels.

Back at camp Evie formed friendships with a couple of girls her age, Kate and Jasmyn, they had a ball together, will they meet again at another park? The boys have not stopped kicking their footy everywhere they go, are keen to watch one of the local games, do we dare... As for the dingo's here, they come out at night sniff all the bins and get into anything that has been left out, a big rule, do not leave anyting lying around. As for the toilets, they had gates on them, I didn't really go out at night unless it was a must, they were harmless though. The howling was an eery sound, we know all about dingo's, but to be in their territory you start to think differently. Great atmosphere at Kings Canyon.

Peeping over the edge (300 metre drop)

Garden of Eden

Ayres Rock

Well, we finally made to the rock and what a rock it is, absolutely stunning, magnificant and all the other magical describing words. Went for a helicopter ride over the rock and the Olgas which was an experience and watched the sunset over the rock from the resort lookout, just as fantastic as from the viewing area at the national park.

On our second day we went to the Cultural Information Centre at the rock and walked round part of the base. That afternoon the boys enjoyed the spear throwing, were disappointed the boomerangs were not there. Saw aboriginal dancing, immitating Australian animals, along with the dancing, men were asked to join in and attempt to play the didgeridoo. Who got up, Marc and two other men, what a laugh it was, Marc sort of got a sound out at the beginning, but lost it from there on, it was a laugh. Unfortunately there was not video or photo footage. That night we drove to the viewing area in the Natinal Park and watched the sunset over the rock, the colours were amazing.

Today we were unable to climb the rock again because it has been too windy at the summit. Hopefully we will be able to climb tomorrow, time is runnung out as we need to continue on to our next destination which is Kings Canyon.

We chose to do a couple of walks at the Olgas, one was the Valley of the Winds and the other was a walk through the gorge. Both were great getting up close and enjoying the natural environment around us. Home for lunch and that afternoon off to the rock again to walk to the water hole.

The temperature today reached 17 degrees, lovely to be able to take off a layer of clothing. It has been quite cool with the wind and even cooler in the mornings and afternoons.

Hope to be talking about a great experience with the rock tomorrow.

Coober Pedy

Arrived at Coober Pedy late that afternoon, by 4pm we were at Tom's Working Mine for a tour. Our tour guide walked us through the underground mine, explaining the workings of the mine and how opals formed. The boys particularly liked how to make explosives. He also spoke about the early days in the wild west. If someone was to get on the wrong side of an opal miner and his lot, that person would simply disappear, (down a hole).

Day 2 at Coober Pedy we went for a drive to the Breakaways, great view but absolutely freezing. From there we went to Fay's house for and underground tour. Fay's house was dug out by hand by three women in 1962, it took them 10 years to complete. She was the original cook of the town. Glad to leave the so called Oasis Big 4 Caravan Park.

Left Coober Pedy to head north to Erldunda for stop over before we head to the rock tomorrow.

Broken Hill Day 4

Off to The Royal Flying Doctors and The Pro Hart Gallery. If we only had a spare $15,000 we could have bought an original. Jack loved the art work, we'll just have to wait for one of Jack's paintings. Then onto Port Augusta, another long day. Not much to do here apart from locking up valuables and listen to the trucks, a good night sleep for all, not. Coober Pedy here we come!

Broken Hill Day 3

Set alarm clock for 6am, woke up at 6.45am (alarm clock set fro 6pm), packed and kids fed, gone by 7.30am to Broken Hill. Left with beautiful sunshine and half our into trip hit fog, spent the next two hours dodging sheep, goats, didn't see any kangaroo's other than dead ones. Arrived in Broken Hill at 10.30am with clear skies, time to take the layers off.

Had an early lunch, and headed off to the Day Dream Mine, 30 minutes out of Broken Hill. It was very informative, and the kids enjoyed the underground tour.



Next we went to Silverton, a historical town, it was very interesting, where films such as Mad Max and Priscilla Queen of the Desert were filmed. Then Back to Broken Hill to the Line of Load (hilltop lookout). It is a memorial for all the miners that lost their lives in mining accidents.

Mildura Day 2

Started the day with freshly squeezed orange juice from the great Orange World farm. Continued on with a train ride and commentary through the orchids. From there we travelled to Wentworth and visited the old Wentworth gaol, the kids enjoyed seeing the shackles and stories of how the prisoners were kept. Then on to Perry Hills where we enjoyed a walk through the sand dunes.

Mildura

Well, we set off on our tour today headed for Mildura. The road was quite rough, opened the caravan door to... the smell of beer. One stubby down, cans for the rest of the trip. Looking forward to a sunny day tomorrow, yay. We're camping right on the river and looking forward to going on an adventurous day tomorrow, maybe even Orange World, has anyone been to Orange World?

Forgot to mention, we made our first new friends, Pat and Bev from Warrnambool. Turns out their grandson goes to Mandama as well.

So sorry... but it has to be said

After waking up to a miserable old day in Geelong, I can't wait till we head off.

Who's counting?

16 more days to go, yay!