uluru

the alarm goes off needlessly at 6am - we're already up

a plan hatched to actually do the uluru sunrise expedition

initially declined but a classic of case of why not - we're here

we drive out of the campground in darkness and head to the rock

there's a hint of a silhouette as we pass into the uluru national park

a beautiful glow on the horizon growing stronger as we circle uluru

the designated parking area already filling up with fellow early-birds

fire up the gas stove and walk with food and hot tea to the viewing area

we stand, drink and stare in wonder at one of nature's amazing sights

it's cool and still - people are chatting while waiting for the sunrise

a gradual lighting of the sky and rock and the direct hit rock glows
the colour going from grey to red as the glow creeps down and across   

most people soon wander off - much better in summer - is overheard

admittedly we are not overwhelmed but is there a better place to be?

and we want a full day so an early start will mean we get the most

breakfast conjured up in the campervan and then a drive closer

the uluru cultural centre - displays, art, videos, books, souvenirs

housed in a purpose-built and architecturally appropriate building

midnight oil's dead heart blasting out in a video of the handover

1985 - the area handed back to the original custodians - i'm teary

the ambience of the centre certainly inspiring such an emotion

an hour or so spent soaking it up and then we head closer still

we take up the offer of a free ranger guided walk at uluru's base

another couple of hours then learning more of the anangu people

our aboriginal guide linda from darwin but in awe of the anangu

so good to be so close - there's caves, art and customs to observe

statistics too - 348 metres above ground - 6000 metres below - wow

as we walk away we agree the planned full circuit walk is overkill

better to drive off and try to get some time at the iconic kings canyon

we fuel up and check the gps - nope - too far and too little time left

what to do? - hire bikes and ride around the base of uluru - oh yes

back we go - a return visit coming so much sooner than anticipated

hire the bikes and head back to the base for the counter-clockwise ride

such easy riding machines - one gear, fat tyres, and a cushioned seat

it takes about 2 minutes to realise we have made the right decision

around every corner is something else to behold - we stop constantly

the most spectacular sight being a waterhole at the base of a huge valley

starting at the very top and cascading down levels of pure smooth rock

imagining the sight of waterfalls that would be such a sight to behold

we push on - there's fellow cyclists and groups of walkers on the track

friendly greetings being constantly exchanged - seems we are all in awe

rounding the most distant point from departure and a seat and food taken

then mount up and an almost direct ride well out from uluru back to base

an opportunity to simply ride and gaze and appreciate - pinch me please

my conclusion - anyone needing a reality check or soul food - come here

we hand back the bikes 2 hours later and then bid farewell to uluru again

with a full tank of diesel we then head east 240km on lasseter highway

the roadhouse at erldunda at the stuart highway intersection is reached

a simple 200km to alice springs tomorrow - we check in and set up

our customary boiled rice, pickled vegetables and wine consumed

and both of us pass out very easily - another totally fulfilling day...