Forget about putting another shrimp on the barbie. The slogan for Australia (at least the Northern Territory) should be: Don’t Mind the Flies! (The other alternative: Australia: Our Postal Service Sucks!)
In the towns it’s not quite so bad, but once you get out into the wilderness, you are swarmed by flies whenever you are outside. They like to buzz around your head, and land on your face. Lots of tourists wear a net over their head.
I am very well practiced at the Australian Salute: waving your hand around in front of your face!
I spent four days going to Uluru (Ayers Rock), King’s Canyon, and the West McConnell Range. I think Australia’s Red Centre is overhyped.
Uluru is a one-trick pony. You look at the western side at sunrise or sunset. If you choose to – and if you wake up early enough – you can climb it. I chose not to. I’ve climbed the Half Dome at Yosemite. Twice. It is a better accomplishment.
Nearby Kata Tjuta is a similar story. However, the “Valley of the Winds” hike is mildly interesting.
The enjoyment of both these places is hindered by the severe restrictions imposed on visitors. There are many places you are not permitted to photograph, including the entire eastern side of both Uluru and Kata Tjuta!
To the Aborigines, the rocks are sacred. But then, just about everything seems to be sacred, in some way.
The most interesting thing about these monoliths is that they are made of composite rock. When you get close, you see that millions of 6″-12″ smooth round rocks are cemented together in sandstone! So, the geology is interesting.
Then I headed to King’s Canyon. This “spectacular” redrock canyon is very disappointing! If it was in Utah, it would be the least interesting canyon in the state! Fortunately, I only stopped off on my way through to the Western McConnell Range. I did the short hike along the canyon floor, and didn’t waste time on the “rim walk”.
If I ever return to Australia, I don’t think I will bother with Uluru, again.
It was very, very hot! Temperatures topped 42C, and even night time was warm. I timed my long driving stretches for the middle of the day. Also, I drove slowly. There is no reason to speed to the destination, because then you just have to wait in the heat. It is better to take your time driving in air-conditioned comfort. And it saves on fuel.
I have to say that I would not mind having a camperized Toyota Land Crusher for travelling in Utah and Arizona. It is very capable for driving on the 4wd and rough roads, and decent for camping.
The lizard I saw is the Perentie Giant Lizard. It can grow up to 2.5 metres in length, and it is the second largest monitor lizard in the world, after the Komodo Dragon. I am not a good judge of lizard length, but I think the one I saw was at least 1.5m long, if not 2m.
Tomorrow morning I fly to Perth. It should be cooler!
The package that was supposed to greet me at post office in Alice Springs has not arrived! It was sent on Nov 13 by “express mail”. I am out of film, and this package is my re-supply. Now, I have to take drastic measures, and have film sent to Perth by Fedex (expensive!). The Alice Springs package is supposed to be redirected to Adelaide, where I will be in two weeks. I am doubtful that I will be there. The Australian Postal Service sucks!
Michael Chmilar's Travels 
You must be logged in to post a comment.