Day 2 - Ayers Rock (Uluru)

After a good night's sleep in the overfill part of Ayers Rock Campground, we woke up early to get our big day at Ayers Rock underway. The above photo is one Steve snapped bright and early from a hill overlooking the overfill camping field.

This is the overfill area up close. I just loved how red it was. We didn't notice the color until we woke up because we arrived after dark. It was pretty cool to get out of the van to head for the bathrooms and see the red, red soil.

We headed off to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park where Ayers Rock, also known as Uluru lives. This was our first glimpse of Uluru as we drove into the park. Seeing it for the first time was pretty spectacular. It's just so...Australia. When I first heard we were actually moving to the land down under, this was what popped in my head. It's considered the heart of Australia and there's no question in my mind as to why. It's truly amazing being in the presence of this rock.

One of my most favorite moments of the trip was having breakfast there. Sipping my coffee and eating my eggs beside Ayers Rock was surreal and very calming.

The best thing about a Britz camper van is the gas stove which enables you to cook a yummy full brekky anywhere!

After breakfast, we packed our snacks and water and set out on the 9.4km walk around the rock. I'm so glad we went in winter when the weather was a beautiful, sunny 18 degrees. It gets HOT there in summer, about 40 degrees. Even when we were there, you could feel the bite of the sun.

We chose not to climb the rock in respect of the Aboriginal people who ask that you don't. There were also several parts of the rock that are sacred to the Aboriginal people and there were signs asking you not to photograph there. Again, we respected that but sadly, there were lots of people who didn't. It made me a bit sad.

Steve on our chocolate chip cookie break.

Aboriginal art work on the rock...

I have to admit, I wish there would have been more information about Uluru, as you walked around the rock. There really wasn't anything to help you learn more about the place, which I found quite surprising and a bit disappointing.

But, the views helped to make up for it! :)

Group shot.

Gorgeous colors!

A quick stretch, much needed after our first night's sleep in the camper van!

Nearing the end of the walk...Bruce and Claire taking a rest.

I love this picture.

Uluru was everything we had always imagined and more. Everyone that goes there tells you how amazing it is, but I don't think I really understood until I felt it for myself. It's just another reason why Australia is so special.

I'll be back tomorrow with how we spent our evening at Uluru...