After seeing so many images of Uluru we were totally unprepared at how moved we both were at seeing it for real. We arrived before sunrise and left after sunset as there was no ways we were going to drive all the way and not see it at these times. It was well worth it and a very special experience.
We drove from a cattle station, Curtin Springs, which is 80 kms out of Yulara, the town around Uluru. We had to drive extremely carefully early in the morning as the kangaroos were out. We followed a couple for ages in our headlights. Coming back later at night the mice were all over the road. It was quite a sight as there are mice plagues all over Central Australia! Luckily none managed to get into our van but some did run over my shoes the night before at Curtin Springs!!
The "rock" is amazing as it just appears in the middle of the flattest landscape. We were truly awestruck by its formations and exceptional beauty. No image does justice to what it really looks like when it is seen for real. We chose not to climb it as those are the wishes of the Aboriginal owners though many people do. I think it's rather sad the way the "rock" has an ugly gouge up to the top where people have climbed it.
Once the sun had risen we made our way to the only other rock formations in the area, "The Olgas", where we decided to do a 7km walk - "The Valley of the Winds". It was tough going but awesome walking between huge rocky domes. The valley was filled with tiny finches flying everywhere. I was so proud of myself when the walk was over as the terrain was very rough and steep. We had done it!
While we were waiting for the sunset I actually bumped into an old friend of mine from St Anthonys. What a place for a random meeting!
I don't know when we will come back but it certainly is worth making the pilgrimage.
