In chase of the big red rocks-Uluru/Olgas/Kings Canyon

Well we have been in search of some big red rocks in the past week. First stop the majestic Uluru.The first sighting of Uluru is awe inspiring, the size of it blew us all away. We have both seen it before (remember that crazy trip Vee?) but we still found it amazing and interesting. We walked the base of the rock in two parts, first a ranger led walk that explained about the plant/animal life around the rock and the indigenous people's connection to it. We learned a lot by listening to this passionate ranger talk about the Mala people's (the local mob) spiritual connection to Uluru. The second walk was a smaller walk into one of the waterholes, to see the huge red cascading cliffs and some Aboriginal rock art.We even managed to see a Aboriginal didgeridoo and dancing show ( a bit touristy but the kids liked it). It was fascinating also to see some Aboriginal women doing dot painting at the cultural centre. The Aboriginal people are such a quiet people it seems voyeuristic to be watching them but I bought a small painting so they may be happy with that.We did a day trip to the Olga's while based at Yulara and walked through and around the magnificent rocks. The weather has been beautiful for walking, bright and sunny, although a bit cold at night for my liking! The kids did well to back up for another half day of walking, they know a few sugary snacks are awaiting at the top of the hill..Again, another majestic scene at the Olga's.Family news: Bridget lost one of her front teeth while at Uluru, was promptly visited by the bush fairy leaving a trail of red dust, you will see her toothy grin in the pics ( if she feels like smiling that day!)We stayed 2 nights at Kings Canyon and did the fantastic rim walk around the canyon. It was a great walk taking you on a steep climb up the canyon, lots of rock hopping on ancient stone and great views of the differing escarpments. I can see why it is such a popular walk and on the 'tourist hit list' with Uluru and the Olga's. We have been amazed at how lush and green it has been on all our walks, beautiful big palms, waterholes full and trees thriving. A ranger explained that the tourists have taken to calling this place the 'green centre', spurred on by recent years of good rainfall, especially in 2010 when the drought was broken. We are fortunate to be seeing the landscape in such a fertile and lush period.We have spent the last 2 nights at the glorious Palm Valley,a great camping spot with lots of green grass and a flowing creekbed on our doorstep. We did a great walk to view the ancient palms the place is renowned for. The girls got to know a few resident dingoes, that make a haunting howling throughout the night. Jules had just relayed a story from the book ' a Fortunate Life' about a mans tent being surrounded by a mob of dingoes, so the kids were scared silly of the skinny dingoes that sniffed around the campsite. We had a fascinating campfire talk with the resident ranger of Palm Valley, she was French,young and blonde, Jules asked lots of questions...!!!Tomorrow we are going to polish off a few gorges in the west Macdonell Ranges and then the big drive up the centre towards the Top End....love from the nomads...