Once we turned off the main highway onto Lassiters Highway toward Uluru, the sense of anticipation started rising. OK, we knew it was approximately 260 kilometres to Uluru, but we were on the road leading to it, and that meant something. Around 160 kilometres in we noticed something and we started to get a bit excited; but surely we wouldn't be able to see "The Rock" this far out? But it also looked different, not quite right. Checking the map we noticed there was a Mount Connor in the area, so this must be what we could see now. On we went. Eventually, another significant mound greeted us, and this time you could "feel" the difference; a sense of something, almost a pull. It really took my breath away, even from a distance.
Up close it was even more incredible. The second photo was taken at the sunset viewing area. 
This photo shows the "climb' area. For the first 10 metres or so you are on your own, but then there is a cable which you can hold onto to help with the ascent and descent........not that I was ever going to try it. Natalie, her husband and older children, Ron and Leah were all going to do the climb but unfortunately the wind gusts were too high so it was never opened that morning.
Here's Ron, Natalie and the children taking a walk around the base of the rock, well I think that at this stage some are taking a rest, but you know what I mean.
When we left Uluru we decided to travel on to Tennant Creek where we stayed for two nights. By this time we were getting reports of flooding in Queensland, and that some roads were cut into Townsville and surrounds. Once we left Tennant Creek we were going to push on as much as possible so that if we did have to do a detour we were still going to be able to make it to Townsville by our deadline. With that in mind, we only planned one more stop prior to Townsville, and we stopped at a place called Julia Creek. Not much there, and we were told that some minor flooding had occured there, but that they were expecting the main waters in a few days. Great that we were able to pass through in between.
We did make a stop at the Devil's Marbles though, how could we not? Some kids, (not all little one's) couldn't resist climbing them.....
while others just stood back and took photo's
Close to Julia Creek we were blessed with a gorgeous sunset which I managed to capture from inside the car while travelling along at around 100K per hour.
The heavy cloud cover coincided with a big increase in humidity of course.
And so, into Townsville. Having been to both Cairns and Townsville I have to say that as a place to live, I would prefer Townsville. Cairns is great, but it's much more of a tourist town, whereas Townsville is more family orientated. I particularly liked the rock pool, which is built out into the sea, uses sea water, but is filtered to keep out any stingers.
In the background is Magnetic Island, which is apparently magnetic and interfered with Captain Cooks compass, hence the name.
When I told Natalie about the pool, we decided to take the children, but when we got there it was empty for cleaning and maintenance. Sad, especially when it hadn't been announced anywhere that I noticed the day prior. Ah well, they are there for at least 2 years, so I'm sure they'll get there sooner or later.
Well folks, that's the trip, now back to every day life, and hopefully my knitting now that we seem to be past the worst of the hot weather.
Take care, and happy knitting.
It sounds like you missed the worst of the floods. My SIL has just moved up to Cairns and is still trying to adjust to the humidity. I dont think I could live up there. I will look forward to see what you have been knitting too.
Posted by: sue | February 09, 2008 at 09:17 AM
What a cool trip that must have been. I love the sunset shot!
Posted by: Stacie | February 09, 2008 at 01:49 PM
What a cool trip that must have been. I love the sunset shot!
Posted by: Stacie | February 09, 2008 at 01:50 PM
What a cool trip that must have been. I love the sunset shot!
Posted by: Stacie | February 09, 2008 at 01:51 PM
Wow that's what I call a trip. Sound like you had a wonderful trip.
Posted by: Helen | February 13, 2008 at 09:55 PM
Hi Sue! You've got 2 swaps over on swap-bot that you've not sent out and I'm getting really worried. This is totally not like you. I hope everything is ok and that you've just been busy and forgotten and will mail these right away. If not, please let me know what's up so I can let your pals know. Thanks! Kerry
Posted by: Kerry | April 04, 2008 at 11:57 PM
Hi Sue,
Just popped round to say howdy and hope you're doing fine. With any luck this message won't show up x3 like the last one did LOL!
Posted by: Stacie | April 08, 2008 at 06:32 AM
Hi Sue,
Just popped round to say howdy and hope you're doing fine. With any luck this message won't show up x3 like the last one did LOL!
Posted by: Stacie | April 08, 2008 at 06:32 AM