October 21, 2002 Yulara, Australia
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Up at 6 today for the 12 hour drive to Ululru, formerly Ayers Rock. There wasn't much to see on the way, just endless desert. After leaving Coober Pedy, the trees, bushes, and grasses returned, so there was a little more to look at. Before we got to our destination we crossed in to the Northern Territory. The plan was to watch the sunset at the rock, so we first deployed our swags at the campsite (I have a sleeping bag this time), then headed to the sunset viewing area, crowded with busses and tourists, mostly elderly and/or Japanese. We were able to walk down the path to get away from most of them.
You see so many pictures of Uluru, you figure that when you get there you won't be impressed. In person it is very impressive, since you can see just how big it is, and can see all the cracks and crevasses. It's quite fascinating to look at, and even changes color as the sun sets. When it was dark we headed back to camp for dinner and a couple beers, then it was to our swags, since we have to be up early tomorrow for the sunset.