ULURU , KINGS CANYON THEN NORTHWARDS

We ventured back into Alice Springs to pack away our teaching resources and get our camping gear ready.

While there, we received a fantastic piece of news. Tim and Eli announced their engagement, which was received with much joy. A couple that bring out the best in each other!

After repacking the car and van we headed off to Uluru for a few days. When we visited in 2015, we were so inspired by Uluru and Kata Juta we just had to go there again.  Magnificent Uluru is a truly amazing natural wonder!

We did the obligatory sunset viewing and watched the colors of the Rock change to many hues over a 15 minute period. The next day we walked the 10.6km track around the base of Uluru and gained further  understanding of its significance to and the spirituality that the Rock holds for the Indigenous people.

It was here that we received another piece of fantastic news. Robyn and Gracie were notified that Gracie has been accepted into the SEAL program at Wangaratta High School which Gracie (and Robyn) is over the moon about….and well deserved!  We celebrated that night with dinner at The Gecko Café in Yalara.  For those of you who have dined out with Gracie, no guesses for what she ordered…..calamari and it was delicious!  The blueberry and lemon pudding got the vote from everyone too!

The next day we revisited another awesome spot….Kings Canyon. We trekked the 6.5km Rim Walk and relished its breathtaking scenery. Lots of photos taken!

We then did the long road trip back into Alice, did some repacking and sadly said our farewells to Jake and Gemma…and to Alice Springs.  It has been a real oasis for us throughout the term as we have used it as a base between our trips out to the remote communities.

Now for the long drive north towards the Top End. Our first overnight stop after a 700km day was Renner Springs. Such a long drive but it made it easier for us to arrive by lunchtime at our present location, Mataranka, and the famed Bitter Springs. We have spent most of this afternoon floating down the warm waters on our noodles. Our first of many water experiences to come!