Compared to yesterday we rose late to be picked up at 0515 for our Uluru sunrise and guided cultural walk around the base of this majestic and revered rock! We arrived at the viewing area along with several other coaches and were treated to tea, coffee and biscuits then made our way to the raised platforms overlooking Uluru and Kata Tjuta as the sky began to lighten. It was then I discovered the cracked and broken UV filter on the lens of the Nikon camera and hastily removed it and as much broken glass as I could see, hoping the lens had not been scratched!
Then we watched spell bound as the first rays of the sun fell on the rock whilst the moon still shone overhead and the silhouette of Kata Tjuta changed to take on hazy detail and the colours of the sky around Uluru shimmered with rainbow like colours. Finally, behind us the sun appeared from behind the silhouetted skyline of the bush and the colours of the rocks changed once more and took on deeper and brighter hues and the bush looked alive and the buzzing of flies began once more so out came the fly nets and off to the buses for the first stage of the guided walking tour around part of the base of Uluru.
Being close to this huge rock was amazing. Already one could feel the heat of the sun reflected off the red rock, we were led sensitively around part of the base, told stories, provided with some background geology and given information about Aboriginal life, culture and customs and how they used the plants and trees nearby.
Then we were transported to the Cultural Centre which contained a lot more interesting information and examples of local art. We were then taken to the other side of the rock where those who climb Uluru, and have done so for some time, begin their journey, to complete a shorter walk to some of the water sources and to view some of the local cave art which was very interesting. Our guide was very informed, our only regret, she was not Aboriginal!
The return journey to the resort was very quick and we opted to get off the coach at the small shopping centre where we found a tourist centre with displays of local animals, birds and insects and information on the tribes who inhabited the area. We shopped for lunch and returned to our 'hut' to rest, pack and prepare for our evening, Sounds of Silence Dinner.
The afternoon passed quickly and we were soon on our way to the specially developed viewing and dining area created in the bush to enable participants to enjoy sparkling Australian wine and canapés whilst observing sunset over Uluru to the sounds of a didgeridoo. Then we were directed to the dining area, a series of circular tables, laid for up to 8 diners each. We shared a table with several interesting folk including a gentleman who managed the prison service and his aged mum, a couple from Germany who had lived in Australia for a short period whilst engaged in a development project and a couple of Americans.
The starter was a pumpkin ravioli followed by a fish, meat and salads buffet with very tasty kangaroo and Baramundi and several luscious desserts all accompanied by Australian wines and beers. We were treated to a number of very short Aboriginal dances between courses and an astronomer provided insights into the night sky above us and provided to the opportunity to view the Moon and Jupiter through powerful telescopes. It was a thoroughly enjoyable evening and magical under such an amazing night sky, illuminated by an almost full moon and glittering stars. The company was also very good and the evening ended all to quickly and we were ushered to the coaches that returned us to the resort.
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