Kata Tjuta - Olga Mt National Park

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After we left Uluru, we headed to Kata Tjuta, or the Olga Mts. about 70 kilometers away. Named the Olga Mts by Europeans, in the 90's the government returned it to it's aboriginal name and hyphenated it along with the Olgas. There is a major difference between Uluru and the KJ's, Uluru is sandstone which heaved up at a 90 Angle and extends 5 - 6 kilometers below the surface, and KJ is conglomerate which eroded into large rounded domes. Both of them developed millions of years ago when underwater mountains appeared as water levels went down leaving two alluvial fans. THe water rose again, and when it receded, it eroded the mountains. The conglomerate, being heavier, washed into the first fan. The smaller rocks and pebbles slipped into the second fan. As the mountains kept eroding, more filled each fan. Finally the water receded. Over the next million or so years the rocks compressed and and the land around them eroded away, the groundplates heaved up and Uluru became one large rock, while KJ became domes. After a short coach ride we took a gentle walk to an observation tower between the two areas and got some great photos. It was amazing to see the differences in heights between the two from the midpoint in the park. Off to Ayers Rock Airport for the trip to Cairns (cans) and Port Stanley in Queensland. Got to see both sets of Rocks from the plane. Really magnificent. If it weren't so hot and a fly net imperative, I would have enjoyed spending a week here, at least. Made it to Cairns without a problem. What a change in scenery! From the dry, hot red sand of the outback center to green hills, lush trees, running rivers, sandy beaches lapped by the Pacific Ocean and a magnificent resort spa and all in one short day. There is a big lagoon and pool in the center of the resort. The famous Cairns 4 Mile Beach is at the end of the property. Went for a walk at sunrise before we take off for Great Barrier Reef.

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Comments

[Carol]

Thanks for sharing
Sounds so interesting! Last day in Prague then off to a dinner cruise.