The morning of day 2 started with an early breakfast, and then the coach pick up to the Uluru sunrise viewing area. It was still pre-dawn and very cold,
we wandered around looking for an ideal spot. The coach driver had indicated the viewing platform, a short walk from the parking area. However it was crowded and after having a look I decided that the coach park was the best spot and we had it to ourselves. I forgot to mention in the last post that I'd left one of the locking handles for my tripod in my suitcase last night so couldn't use it.  This morning I had plenty of time to set the tripod up and take
a few experimental shots. The intention being a time lapse showing the progress of the sunlight on the rock. Starting with a 1 minute break until the sun just started to break over the skyline and then reducing to 20 second intervals as it hit the top of the rock and started its progress up into the sky and down the face of Uluru.

As the sun clipped the tree tops in front of the rock, Tina took over while I got some alternative shots with the LX7 at a much lower viewpoint. These proved to be the most successful as the Coach driver called us to board as he wanted to get on down to the base of the rock early. I cribbed as much extra time as I could, earning a second call and some dirty looks but still had to miss the rest of the show, damn it! This picture was the last one with the compact camera and well worth the effort.

All aboard, we headed for the base of Uluru and parked near the climbing point. I had no intention of attempting the climb out of respect for the local indigenous folks and my knees. As it turned out there was no choice to make. The climb was closed off due to high winds, freezing temperatures up on top and a major rescue going on as some clown had got himself lost and fallen into a crevasse. There were ambulances, police and rescue people on the road and a helicopter and people up top. Just another victim of bravado I suppose. I didn't hear the outcome of this emergency.  Looking at this picture, there's no way I'd climb. No steps, no railings or guide ropes, unless they're installed when the climb is open?  

After a short talk by our guide outlining the cultural significance and some traditional tales, we moved on to Mutitjulu Water Hole. I soon realised that any thought of taking part in the guided tour and taking pictures was a waste of time at this beautiful spot. I dropped back and made pictures, caught up then repeated the process. In this way mostly avoiding dawdling tourists and my fellow travellers. The result some very pleasing shots, several of which accompany this.  My own response to the base of the rock was one of awe. In the chasm that leads in to the waterhole the ancient presence is almost crushing. Unless you lean over backwards you hardly register the sky and the pictures I like the best don't include it at all. I've processed one or two but I'm sure to revisit them in the next few days and months. This is one subject that calls out for Black and white treatment. I'd be interested to hear what you think.

Same file different treatment.

The next stop was the cultural centre on the other side of the rock. We were asked not to take pictures for a large part of this journey because of the number of sacred places in the area. The cultural centre was very interesting and included some beautiful images created by various indigenous artists. Several of which were totally different to the mainstream I expected. Sadly the pricing was very much upmarket of this photographer. Winding up this part of the tour we transferred to another coach back at the hotel and left on the long drive to Kings Canyon.

That wraps up day 2. Day 3 follows soon. - PeterC.