The Red Centre - Kata Tjuta/ The Olgas

No matter the name, it's a scenic wonderland. The day starts with a sunrise on both the Rock and Olgas seen from the dune top viewing area in Yulara campground. Sun up's a lazy 7a.m. at longitude 131 and this mornings revellers are rewarded with golden shafts of sunlight streaming under the cloudbank. The Olgas are framed in the magnificent arc of a rainbow. Wow!! Rare for out here and too late to get the camera.
The drive to the Olgas is a 50 km doddle on the tar. The Rock recedes till it's just a bump on the horizon. Now Kata Tjuta looms ahead with its imposing domes towering over the spinifex while cirrus clouds paint the sky above. After a cuppa we set off too late at 11a.m. to walk the Valley of the Winds.This is a 7 km loop and with the temperature climbing to hit 35 degrees we make good use of our waterbottles and the two tanks along the walk. Sheer conglomerate cliffs surround us as the track weaves between giant boulders. Artists are painting, backpackers are panting, everyone seeks the shade. After the second lookout the track descends and the valley opens out. The views are magnificent. It's 2p.m. and the heat is almost unbearable as we encounter a goanna preying on smaller lizards. Then we're back at the carpark and collapse in the shelter to recover.

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