Blogs from Uluru, Northern Territory, Australia, Oceania - page 8

Uluru, Northern Territory, 7 juillet Toute cette route dans les arides et plates étendues a pris son sens aujourd'hui... Je l'avais lu quelque part, mais il n'est que trop vrai que la vue de ce monolithe de grès rouge émergeant de la plaine vous fascine tout de suite et la magie opère immédiatement. Après installation au «resort» (vaste complexe comprenant camping, hôtel, restaurants et tout le tralala), je me précipitai et escaladai le rocher. Je sais, les aborigènes nous prient de respecter le côté sacré des lieux mais, comme des milliers de touristes, je n'ai pu résister... La montée est abrupte mais les émotions qui m'envahirent tout au long de cette entreprise resteront en moi à jamais. L'effort fut récompensé par la vue depuis le sommet, certes, mais aussi par ce sentiment très intense de réaliser ... read more

Da MUSS man einfach gewesen sein. Es ist tatsächlich überwältigend, was da inmitten des Outback aus dem Boden aufragt. Die paar jämmerlichen beigefügten Photographieversuche können das nicht vermitteln. Aber der Reihe nach: wir waren ja in Alice Springs (Blog 2 lässt´s erahnen ;-) und haben da eine - na ja ehrlich gesagt überflüssige - Nacht verbracht, die uns neben gesalzenen Preisen für ein eher schäbiges "bestes Haus am Platze" auch noch ein paar Schuhe gekostet hat (dazu spaeter). Am Vormittag sind wir nach dem Kauf der empfohlenen 2einhalbtausendLiterWasser mit unserem Kleinwagen 4,5 Stunden durch´s Outback geschlichen (max. 110 km/h), haben 0 Kängurus, 0 Eidechsen, 0 Spinnen, 0 Schlangen, überhaupt 0 bodenlebende Tiere und einen seehhr beeindruckenden Adler gesehen. Kein Problem, kein Grund, anzuhalten, so waren wir schnellstmöglich beim Uluru und konnten neben dem maler... read more

It really is true what they say of the Outback - it goes on forever. Flying from Cairns to Alice Springs, as soon as we pass over the coastal mountain ranges, the vastness of interior Australia hits you. About 2/3 of Australia's population is gathered in its urbanized coastal cities, primarily the east coast. The government categorizes the population ranging from Major Cities to Very Remote - in the Northern Territory where we are headed, which is 520,000 square miles, there are only 210,000 people, or less than 3 per square mile - that definitely qualifies as Very Remote. We fly into the legendary Alice Springs but it appears that the legend has outlived the reality. What first catches our fancy however is the time change - just half an hour - apparently each state determines ... read more

Howdy Folks - we hope you enjoyed the first part of this update, now get your cocoa ready for the main presentation... At this time of year Darwin experiences what is called 'the build up'. Here the heat and humidity increases but it doesn't rain. Aircon usage goes through the roof and people just sweat when they cross the street. We decided that it was time to leave Darwin and hit the road again. We wanted to see Uluru (Ayers Rock) before it got too hot but also wanted to go to Queensland for the rainforest and Great Barrier Reef. Unfortunately they are in different directions and several thousand kilometres apart. How would this dilemma be resolved? Step forward Mr Bradley Drinkwater. Brad is a proud Queenslander who had travelled to Darwin to fish with a ... read more

We tried for a reasonably early start on the Uluru base walk (about 10km) to beat the forecast 36C heat. When we arrived there were already lots of people climbing the rock. We were surprised to see so many people still doing it. It looked like very hard work, with many on their hands and knees. Seeing the rock up close made it seem more real, and the ever changing views were awesome. It is hard to describe so we hope the photos do it some justice. The walk was hot and dusty with very limited shade. Can not imagine what it would be like in summer. We were not surprised to hear an ambulance as the walk would be challenging for many. We have been fascinated by some strange trees and on the way back ... read more