Kata Tjuta, the place of many heads…

After being up at 4am to see the sunrise at Uluru it is still early, and still cold, as we gathered around Jake as he told us about Kata Tjuta.

 “A number of legends surround the great snake king Wanambi, who is said to live on the summit of Kata Tjuṯa / Mount Olga and only comes down during the dry season. His breath was said to be able to transform a breeze into a hurricane in order to punish those who did evil deeds. The majority of mythology surrounding the site is not disclosed to outsiders, and in particular, women. As is the custom, should women become known to the “men’s business” they are susceptible to violent attacks, even death. The Anangu Aborigines believe the great rocks of Kata Tjuta are homes to spirit energy from the ‘Dreaming’, and since 1995 the site is being used once again for cultural ceremonies. (Wikipedia)”

Then we hike along the tracks between the domes along “the valley of the winds”

Occasionally stopping to regroup and hear more stories…Walking under the beautiful ghost gum trees their branches reaching to the sky.

That reminded me that this week the theme in Ailsa’s “Where’s my backpack” is branches, so thought this would be an appropriate post for it. 

This is another type of eucalyptus. So many varieties of these trees around Australia.Quite a different experience among these mighty domes. To me it seemed to be about the beauty of the formations and the vibrant red against the azure blue sky. Though I knew it was a sacred site it was more a feeling of peace. Maybe because there are not many tourists around us.Now we travel to the next camping spot at Kings Creek Station. On the way we stop for the load of fire wood. Quicker and easier with more helpers…Kings Creek Station is a working cattle station and a real outback experience.

“Kings Creek Station was established in 1982 by Ian and Lyn Conway. This was originally vacant crown land with no infrastructure – no water, no electricity, no communications, no roads and no buildings.

Originally the vision was to run the Station as a cattle/camel property. Since then tourism has taken precedence although Kings Creek Station still runs cattle and exports camels. Kings Creek covers an area of 1800 sq kilometres of which 110 sq K’s is Freehold, the remainder being Leasehold.”

Can you imagine how tough it was and only 35 years ago. Now we are staying in comparative comfort in permanent tents. Though Jake has swags for us if we want to sleep under the stars.

A fire is lit then we all help to prepare veggies and Jake cooks a delicious casserole in a camp oven over the fire, accompanied with damper. I forgot to take any photos, but believe me it was yummy. The end of another very memorable day.