Kata Tjuta

Our next adventure was a hike into the Kata Tjuta Canyon.  Kata Tjuta is the Aboriginal name for the Olgas which lie about 16 miles from Uluru and are a part of the same national park.  The tallest dome is actually higher than Uluru.  We started at 3pm and once again I was glad for a few clouds as we were hiking east with the afternoon western sun at our back.  Other than the heat, this was a very easy hike. 

Going into a narrow canyon, I kept expecting trees with some shade and at the end of the path to reach a pool of water. Or the canyon walls would provide shade for the floor.

My mental image was very different from reality...there were a few trees (let's say 7) but none of them provided shade on the path and no pool of water. The canyon must face almost due East/West as we were in the sun the entire time.  We were walking in a stream bed which means at some point during a deluge there must be water.  Just not this day.


The first stop was a platform to see a panoramic view of Kata Tjuta. This little guy was busy busy busy digging a burrow right next to the walk.  It is a sand goanna and as usual, I could have spent hours watching him.  He posed for several pictures.

Kata Tjuta (many heads)

 Canyon entrance - there is a lot of foliage...just not much bright green. 

 Farther into the canyon.  It is amazing there is enough for cows, camels, horses, other animals and people to survive on. 

 Looking back out the canyon from the platform at the setting sun.  These few clouds were getting ready to put on quite a lightning show.

 We went as far as we could on the path.  If you could keep going, this would be the way...