All great journeys eventually come to an end...whether real-time or virtual.
Today, after spending the entire YEAR exploring much of what Australia has to offer is no different.
It seemed appropriate to end our adventures here...at the site of one of the most iconic place in Northern Territory.
Like Sydney's Opera House, this monolith needs no introduction.
All who see it knows it is Australia.
One called Ayres Rock it has been renamed...reverted like our Denali to the tongue of its aboriginal ancestors. Uluru.
The name has no particular meaning but is instead a proper noun for the landmark.
It is essentially a single stone. A rock. Sandstone. An Inselberg- literally an island mountain, formed in early Cambrian times.
It is 2831 ft. total- although most of its bulk is underground...it rises 1,142 feet in the air. It is 5.8 miles around.
It glows red at both dawn and sunset.
It is the centerpiece of the Uluṟu–Kata Tjuṯa National Park.
Legend has it that anyone who attempts to take even smaller rocks from Uluru (bits that have broke free from the massive stone) will be cursed and terrible misfortune will befall them.
(...being the rock-hound that I am...were this a real-time adventure...I would have to take my chances, I'm afraid...)
Reminding me of a friend who brought me back an amazing stone from Belieze that she admitted (much later) she had (verbatim)
"Yanked from a Mayan Ruin"
...omfg...
Climbing is not currrently prohibited, but is discouraged by the local aboriginals because of the spiritual significance they attach to the stone.
(...note...beginning 2019 climbing will be banned...)
Uluru Climb from 2015
https://youtu.be/kwTXMIA0pBo
During the Spring rains waterfalls dance down its surface.
Drone Footage
https://youtu.be/xUADPqYbnvI
I have the Yellowtail Wine...but do not antipate the arrival of the Emu Steaks until early January...but will post recipe and photos here when we try them!
I hope you have enjoyed this virtual year in Australia as much as I have...and perhaps learned a few things along the way.
Now it is time to say Hoo Aroo (pronounced OOO-AROOO) goodbye to
Australia
