This morning we faced the cold desert air to hike a short trail in Kata Tjuta – the other noticeable sandstone rock formation near Uluru. As we drove to our destination, we learned that the roads were repaved so that when driving to Uluru or Kata Tjuta, the driver can only see one of the formations at a time. The Anangu separate these sites by gender: Uluru is the men’s sacred site and Kata Tjuta is the women’s sacred site. In the Anangu culture, it is unlawful for one gender to look upon the opposite gender’s sacred site. Thus, when ownership of the land was returned to the Aboriginal people, improvements were made to the roads to respect their culture. Around the road, we saw a variety of fauna, all evolved to survive in the desert environment. Some have spiny leaves to discourage would-be predators, and others are equipped to survive dry, hot conditions. When fire breaks out in the brush, as it often does, the Kurkara, or Desert Oak’s foliage will burn off, but the trunk is able to withstand the intense heat. I am intrigued when comparing the vast range of climate and ecology over the short distance of Australia’s landmass.
We also learned how the Anangu survive in the desert, considering the harsh environment. The Anangu are masters at utilizing everything in their view; most brush vegetation and trees are used to make weapons, bowls, and other tools.
Because the sites are sacred, access is limited. Our hike was relatively short, winding into a small canyon, which acted as a tunnel for the cold wind to blast through. Erosion, by wind and water, was evident on the walls of the canyon. We stopped when we reached the end of the canyon, took a moment to reflect on the silence and the beauty that surrounded us, and headed back to our bus. We drove to a more scenic view of Kata Tjuta before travelling to the Uluru – Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre. At this stop, we were able to see how far Kata Tjuta stretched across the landscape. On the most basic level, these are simply rocks jutting from the earth, but observing the beauty of this monument from near and far allowed me to look past a simplistic initial observation. After we finished with our scenic view, we headed the to Cultural Centre. Here we learned more about the history of the Anangu people and viewed some of their artwork. I appreciated this amazing opportunity to become more familiar with the somewhat isolated Aboriginal people.
We headed back to the hotel for a late lunch. My mom my sister and I relaxed in the lobby area after lunch, just enjoying each other’s company. Before we knew it, it was time to head out on our sunset tour of Uluru. As this morning’s tour was a closer look at Kata Tjuta, this sunset tour gave us a closer look at Uluru and the magnificent colors that light up the rock as the sun sets. When we first arrived, we parked near the climbing entrance. The Anangu people discourage people from climbing, as it is unsafe and a sign of disrespect to their culture. Still, people climb with blatant disregard for the Anangu people’s wish. People have died while climbing this rock, which saddens the Aboriginal people, so much so, that they have been known to fly out to the services of the deceased to pay their respects. I think that is incredible.
We toured around the base of Uluru, getting a better look at the erosion, tribal markings, graffiti imitations, and ecology scattered around. We came to a clearing against the face of a cliff, which turns into a waterfall when there is heavy rain. Our group watched the spectacular change of color on this cliff face as night took over the sky once more. As we drove back, we were treated to the last, beautiful bits of light as the sky darkened completely.
When I think about conservation in this region, I’m struck with awe. Here is a place where the native Australians got their land back from the foreigners, but still are fighting to make it their own. Again, comparing the natives from the United States and Australia, I’m inclined to say that the natives in Australia are actually treated better than the natives in the United States. I’m also struck by the remarkable success the Anangu and the Australian government achieved in keeping the land and the wildlife preserved. Hopefully, their success continues for decades to come.
We also learned how the Anangu survive in the desert, considering the harsh environment. The Anangu are masters at utilizing everything in their view; most brush vegetation and trees are used to make weapons, bowls, and other tools.
Because the sites are sacred, access is limited. Our hike was relatively short, winding into a small canyon, which acted as a tunnel for the cold wind to blast through. Erosion, by wind and water, was evident on the walls of the canyon. We stopped when we reached the end of the canyon, took a moment to reflect on the silence and the beauty that surrounded us, and headed back to our bus. We drove to a more scenic view of Kata Tjuta before travelling to the Uluru – Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre. At this stop, we were able to see how far Kata Tjuta stretched across the landscape. On the most basic level, these are simply rocks jutting from the earth, but observing the beauty of this monument from near and far allowed me to look past a simplistic initial observation. After we finished with our scenic view, we headed the to Cultural Centre. Here we learned more about the history of the Anangu people and viewed some of their artwork. I appreciated this amazing opportunity to become more familiar with the somewhat isolated Aboriginal people.
We headed back to the hotel for a late lunch. My mom my sister and I relaxed in the lobby area after lunch, just enjoying each other’s company. Before we knew it, it was time to head out on our sunset tour of Uluru. As this morning’s tour was a closer look at Kata Tjuta, this sunset tour gave us a closer look at Uluru and the magnificent colors that light up the rock as the sun sets. When we first arrived, we parked near the climbing entrance. The Anangu people discourage people from climbing, as it is unsafe and a sign of disrespect to their culture. Still, people climb with blatant disregard for the Anangu people’s wish. People have died while climbing this rock, which saddens the Aboriginal people, so much so, that they have been known to fly out to the services of the deceased to pay their respects. I think that is incredible.
We toured around the base of Uluru, getting a better look at the erosion, tribal markings, graffiti imitations, and ecology scattered around. We came to a clearing against the face of a cliff, which turns into a waterfall when there is heavy rain. Our group watched the spectacular change of color on this cliff face as night took over the sky once more. As we drove back, we were treated to the last, beautiful bits of light as the sky darkened completely.
When I think about conservation in this region, I’m struck with awe. Here is a place where the native Australians got their land back from the foreigners, but still are fighting to make it their own. Again, comparing the natives from the United States and Australia, I’m inclined to say that the natives in Australia are actually treated better than the natives in the United States. I’m also struck by the remarkable success the Anangu and the Australian government achieved in keeping the land and the wildlife preserved. Hopefully, their success continues for decades to come.