Two nights near the Rock.

Have seen so many amazing places in the West MacDonnell Ranges. We spent 3 nights at Ellery Big Hole . Garry did the Saddle walk, it was about 9 km, mostly uphill.
 The rock hole was lovely although the water was very cold. The swimming hole was close to the campground and the loos even flushed. A very pretty spot and perfect for the hot weather we had. High 30's and tropical.
Next we stayed at Ormison Gorge. The camp had showers ect although a national park.

Very beautiful with big red cliffs, lots of trees, running water, heaps of wild flowers. Garry and I did the Ormison Gorge and  pound walk. It took us about 5 hours but I loved every minute of it. There were wild flowers everywhere and spectacular rangers and red cliffs, flowing creeks. The last part we had to swim through the gorge / creek about 150 meters.

Also went to Palm Valley and walked along the cliff for a couple of km' then came back via the water course. The road in was a 4x4 track, it was fun and lovely. Was a hot day and the water was not deep enough for swimming but the valley seemed really ancient and  beautiful .
Redbanks Gorge was my favorite spot so far. It was about 20 minutes walk from carpark along creek with big red cliffs ,flowing water .The chasm that the water runs through runs into the cliff by a couple of hundred meters. The walls of the chasm look to be about 100 meters high. I went for the most amazing swim, climb, slip over rocks, into the chasm. Up inside it seemed like a natural cathederal, I swam past a Pygmy Mulga Monitor . It was a great adventure.Went back in a small way with camera a second time to video the lizzard. I will try to put it on youtube and add a link.
Yesterday we drove the 4x4 track south towards Uluru and the Olgers. Spent last night camping at a road side rest area and had a fantastic thunderstorm. The heavy rain didn't manage to wash off our orange mud though.

Today went walking around Ayres Rock (Uluru) I was blown away by how big and Majestic it is. Vegetation around it is nice too.

Well must get some sleep cos I'm looking forward to seeing The Olgers tomorrow.Garry's already getting some Zzzzz's. xx