Day 67 24/08/2013 Uluru-Kata Tjuta NP.
We did make the sunrise viewing this morning.....and so did many others!! It was hard getting up so early, and a little chilly, but not too cold. We had a 30 minute drive to the 'sunrise location', followed by a 5 minute walk to the viewing platform, but we got there in plenty of time. After taking the mandatory hundreds, (well maybe not hundreds....but lots!), of photos we drove back to the place where we had witnessed the fire yesterday because we had missed out on visiting a special place on our walk........Mutijulu Waterhole. This is a very sacred place for the local Indigenous people and is the most reliable source of water in Uluru. It is home to Wanampi, the water snake. Mutijulu is the name of the nearby Aboriginal Community.
Next stop was at the Cultural Centre where we able to get a cup of coffee. We then drove out to Kata Tjuta where had planned two walks for today. The first was in the Valley of the Winds. This very scenic, Class 4 walk, took just over 2 hours. We walked through and up and over the sacred rocks of Kata Tjuta as far as the beautiful Karingana lookout, and afterwards we drove to the picnic area where we had our lunch. The next walk, to Walpa Gorge was a short drive away. The walk itself was Class 3, much shorter, and only took an hour. Once again, the amazing rocks which make up Kata Tjuta were a powerful presence. These rocks stand some 120m higher than Uluru.
We spent a relaxing afternoon back at camp. We caught up with, and were able to provide photos for, the couple whose car had been damaged in the fire. They were pleased to have them as evidence for their insurance claim. And then, once again, (well why not?), went out for dinner! Early to bed tonight. Packing up tomorrow and homewards bound. Still a fair way to go!