BETWEEN ALICE SPRINGS AND THE ROCK IT'S OUTBACK TIME

ALICE SPRINGS DESERT PARK
Another early morning, up before the sunrise - I am growing used to it over coffee. Anticipation takes over as we leave the homestead and head for the Alice Springs Desert Park to the tune of Down Under by Men at Work (again). For the wildlife enthusiast, this is a haven of knowledge.

In the words of Sir David Attenborough, "There is no museum or wildlife park in the world that could match it" and he is right. From rare birds to exotic wildlife, the park is blessed with many rich habitats. It would be easy to wander around the park for days on end and still not see everything. You have the chance to learn about everything that the outback possesses, from gardening tips, to bush foods, from wild figs to birds of prey. Park employees give first hand demonstrations to visitors. The Guide Presentations feature a variety of interesting subjects, such as Incredible Edibles, Arid Zone Gardening, The Useful Mulga Tree and Bloodwood, Bowls and Bugs. I attend a Birds of Prey presentation in the Nature Theatre and become educated about these amazing creatures by actually watching the wedge tailed eagle soar a few feet from my head. It's surprising to see the size of these birds and how swiftly they can fly.

From the Desert Park we head off to Kings Canyon and King's Creek Station, our outdoor home for the evening. The dinner is a satisfying soup, vegetable and beef stew and more damper. The tables are filled with happy, hungry faces as we talk about our lives - our background, ages, jobs and travels around the world - there couldn't be a more diversified group - doctors, farmers, students, computer engineers and teachers. After dinner we all take to the call of the open flame, the campfire. Many laughs are shared as we play games and tell stories. There was even the chance to roast marshmallows. As the flames die down, the eyelids droop and I know it's time to become acquainted with my "swag" (think of it as a deluxe sleeping bag). The swag is as comfortable as sleeping outside gets and this is a great night to fall asleep under a million stars. I have never seen so many bright lights in the sky as I did that night. Space is a beautiful place and nature is a great place to sleep.

KING'S CANYON
I awaken to hear the group packing up to continue the journey after breakfast. No sun in the sky yet and my brain is telling me to just give in to the temptation and go back to bed, well, swag to be exact. However having my shoulders shaken is one way to get me up in a hurry. After a cup of coffee and some toast I realize how refreshed I am after a night under a blanket of beautiful stars. I am ready to tackle the 'big one' - climbing the famous King's Canyon.

We're hardly driving along when a familiar tune starts blaring forth. What was it called again? Oh yeah, that's right, Down Under by Men at Work (now it was starting to get a tad worn, but I sang along anyway). King's Canyon is a gigantic rock formation, an impressive sight to one who lives in a mostly flat part of Canada. The scenery is captivating, a photographer's dream. The walk is, challenging even for the novice hiker. After reaching the top of the Canyon you will feel a sense of accomplishment, I know I do. You can see everything for miles around and I can relate to the monarchy surveying their kingdom (Oh to be a king!)

The trek is great despite the hike. I see valleys, rock formations and exotic plants that are not very common in North America. About three-quarters of the way through the two-hour hike is the famous "Garden of Eden." Nestled in the curvature of the Canyon lies a display that defies description, but I'll try. A tiny water hole sits in the middle of rocks surrounded by palm trees. The first word that came to mind as I step down is, WOW! After making it down the Canyon I look up at the giant mass and realize how wondrous nature is, so enormous, yet breathtakingly beautiful.

I rejoin the group thinking how marvelous an assignment this is turning out to be. There are many Australians who have never visited the Northern Territory. The drive from King's Canyon to Uluru takes the rest of the day. This is where we would spend two nights, the world famous spot everyone dreams about visiting. As sunset approaches we wait in eager anticipation to see Kata Tjuta (also known as the Olgas). A photographer's paradise, we assemble for another group picture at the mouth of Kata Tjuta. The night is as clear as day under the bright full moon that seems to be a gift for the coming day.

AYERS ROCK
I wake up with a lot on my mind. Today is the day that everyone has come to see. I think this is one morning it's easy to surface at 5:45 a.m. to catch a sunrise at Uluru (also known as Ayers Rock). Before long, we are off to the beat of, you guessed it, Down Under. We arrive to a most unusual sight - RAIN. A week earlier rain gear never did figure on my clothing list. After all, I'm going to the desert and it doesn't rain in the desert. Well, it turns out, I am wrong; it does rain in the desert. Being the trooper that I am, I take to the red soil. Unfortunately I must put climbing "The Rock" on hold because of the inclement weather. In my disappointment I see something that not many people see at Ayers Rock. Waterfalls. Not just any waterfalls, but waterfalls tumbling off a somewhat grey Uluru in ribbons. What I am about to see is a phenomenon that happens only once or twice a year in the desert. My dejection turns to delight as I walk around the base of The Rock and see numerous waterfalls going down each ridge of Uluru. It's a long lasting memory that I will hold dear to my heart for the rest of my life. My thoughts are only about recording these treasured memories on film. I finish the 9km walk in just over two hours with water-soaked clothes and dozens of photographs. My consolation is the tradeoff of a regular tourist activity (climbing The Rock) for a unique experience (seeing the waterfalls).

Back at the lodge we shower, change into dry clothes and relax for a few hours. By 5:30pm we're heading back to Uluru for a champagne sunset complete with snacks and plenty of photo opportunities as the most famous natural Australian landmark becomes a kaleidoscope of colors almost by the minute. We're here to raise our glasses and propose a toast to the formation that brings visitors like us from every corner of the universe. Back at the lodge we enjoy another scrumptious meal of barbecued chicken and salad, and after dinner it was off for a little nightcap at the bar.

A long day, but the best souvenir of my entire trip, a treasured memory.

DROVER'S BLOWOUT
This is the day to sleep in (until 7a.m.) - very good preparation for the 5-hour drive back to Alice Springs. Some people talk, others listen, but mostly they are sleeping. After days of gallivanting and hiking it's time to relax. A time for reflection of all the excitement of the past week. The afternoon was spent back in Alice Springs, either at Todd Mall or camel riding. After the sunset, it's the meal that we are all gearing up for - an optional excursion known as the "Drover's Blowout" at The Overlanders Steakhouse. Now this was the champion of all meals that I had in the outback.