Uluru and The Olgas ~ 27th July - 31st July 2010

We have spent the last few days enjoying and exploring the natural wonders of the world - Uluru and The Olgas. Truly magnificent sites and worth the time we have spent at each location.

At each place, we have taken a picnic lunch and sat by the famous landmark and enjoyed our lunch by such beauty.

ULURU - every time you look at Uluru, you see something different or a different light or shade of the rock. The last time Pete and I were here (July 2004) we were on such a short time frame that we really only did see small snippets. This time we have enjoyed taking all the time in the world to look at so many small parts of the rock's formation and the surrounds. The watering hole was a lovely time to cool off (our feet, anyway) and to marvel in just how such a large creation was formed so many years ago. We felt the base walk at 10.4km was a bit long for the kids, but Peter did make an early start one morning and drove out and did his morning run around the rock. We will head back before we go to have some more of a look and explore the cultural centre of the Anangu people and their culture.

THE OLGAS - an unplanned walk of the 7.5km Valley of the Winds walk through The Olgas saw us all exhausted last night. The walk was described as difficult (perhaps for some age groups, including 3 year olds), so we planned to only walk into the first look out and back. Once we were at the first look out and had spoken to a few people, we decided to take on the full walk. Small problem - we had only packed 600ml of water between the 4 of us and in the heat of 29 deg we should have had about 8 litres!! This meant LOTS of breaks along the way and some complaining by the end of it. Luckily we had the bribery of chocolate in the car to get Ella and Zali through the last few kms of the walk. Pete and I had not walked this track before either and again, it was a truly magnificent view when we made it to the 'valley of the winds' and we all just sat and took it all in. Luckily, also, that there was a breeze to 'cool' us down along the way!!

Our caravan park has been great and once again the girls have been off making loots of friends. Just hope this continues when Ella goes home!!

Today is our last day before we head onto Alice Springs for a few days to explore The MacDonnnell Ranges and the town of Alice. Anothe eye opener, I am sure, for Ella and the way of life of some of her own. The cultural experience is beyond words for all of us!!

Missing everyone greatly, but loving the opportunity we have to see our great country!!

Love to all,

The Travelling Helsloots and Ella xxxx