Today we ventured out to Kata Tjuta and I decided to brave it, and attempt the Valley of the Winds walk. It was a 7.5 km walk with a grade 4 difficult and steep rating. The track was very well maintained and easy in parts but it took us between the rock formations, and up and over a smaller adjoining rock between two tall formations with sheer cliff faces on either side and then over to the other side, and through the valley and then back to the start. The conglomerate rocks were as majestic around us, as they were from afar. The path was steep, and you had to remember to stop and look up to appreciate the size and beauty of the cliffs around you, and not just focus on not falling over. We had wonderful conversations with friends David and Brenda as we walked together, so the difficulty and the time passed much more easily. The trillion flies also came with us, but would always disappear when the gusts of wind came through, as the valley lived up to its name. The breeze was most welcome, from the sun bearing down on us. It took a little over 3 hours to do, and I was so proud of this achievement. I needed a break and extra IV fluids after the effort, but for me this was huge and I loved every minute.
during the walk i had constant reminders of a previous visit here in 1995 that i did with my mates Gary and Rod , where valley of the winds took on several meanings,mainly due to the diet of tinned irish stew at the time, we have a photo of Gary and Rod doing Peter Garrett impersonations in the middle of the valley, which i unfortunately couldnt recreate as they have declared that vista a "no photos due to cultural significance" location. probably better for the greater good too.
We returned to the camp ground to recover and rest, before we explored the Desert Sails shops and found some fly nets to wear for future walks, to reduce the fly factor. Matt spotted a little gecko on our stroll around. The Clippers are creating a bit of a stir and we keep noticing both tourists and Yulara resort staff doing a drive by with cameras in hand through the campground and past us. I was accosted by another old bloke this afternoon telling me his endless bus stories...
After an early dinner, we went out to the drone show, that we had booked. We were meant to go the previous night, but we had been told the drones might not be flying due to the wind, so we decided to postpone to tonight instead of risking them not flying. We found out that they did end up flying last night after all. But sadly, for us tonight, the wind picked up and they didn't fly the drones, so disappointing for us. But Matt, David and Brenda were able to enjoy the wine and cheese platters and they did provide a laser light show, that was spectacular in itself.
i probably shouldnt mention that David said out loud that a nicely dressed older lady had a tea cosy on her head , much to the amusement of a different lady standing within earshot, to whom Brenda apologized for her husband, but i'm sure it had nothing to do with the wine , and it was just an accurate observation, Sal better keep writing the rest, cause the wine kept coming, and it has kicked in....
I know we will feel the effects of the walk tomorrow, but it was well worth it. I really felt God's presence in the rugged beauty and magnificence of Kata Tjuta, and to be honest, I reckon they are actually more amazing than Uluru, especially since doing this walk. It was very spiritual there and I can understand why it is such a significant place for the Indigenous people in the Anangu area.
