I'm going on an adventure! A real, middle of no where, outback adventure this time! I'm travelling again, and this time ... I'm staying in my own country! I'm heading west ... into the great Aussie outback and the remoteness of central and western Australia. And if all goes according to plan ... I leave in a little over five weeks!!
The opportunity has landed in my lap ... and the timing is perfect. My uncle was planning a trip with my cousin, and my cousin has pulled out somewhat last minute. My uncle is still going ... and he called Friday night saying he was looking for a passenger. Less than 24 hours later, I'd secured myself a seat. He's driving from Brisbane ... and I fly to Darwin to meet him as soon as my assignments and classes are over.
So, the trip ... will be seriously remote! We head south from Darwin to Katherine, then over to Halls Creek in WA. From there, we tackle the Canning Stock Route ... "one of the most remote and isolated four wheel drive tracks in the world". According to road signs, it's over 1900km ... with no water, fuel or services.
From the bottom of the Canning Stock Route, we head back east along the Gunbarrel Highway. This one is 1400km of isolated desert track ... one of Australia's most famous roads, and the first of many built by Len Beadell - "Australia's last great explorer". And at the end of the Gunbarrel Highway ... we'll reach Yulara and Uluru! Yup ... I'm going to see Uluru!
The trip up until this point should take around three weeks, maybe a little more. My cousin is planning on joining my uncle at Yulara ... and my plans after this point are undecided. I might fly home, or up to Darwin to visit my sister. Or I might join my uncle and cousin on their trip around the red centre!
I'm so excited, and at the same time ... a little nervous! The photographer in me can't help but think about all the fabulous photos I'll be able to take! Lots of red dirt, and blue skies. ;) And so much more, of course! The landscapes, the wildflowers, the creepy desert creatures, the never-ending sand dunes, the iconic Aussie outback. And the night sky ... I can't wait to see the stars! Can you imagine how incredible they'll look from the middle of no where!?
At the same time ... I'm not entirely sure what to expect. It will be rough! Seriously rough. Sleeping in swags on the ground beside the vehicle. Cooking outdoors, and carrying all our own food, and water, and fuel. I don't even want to think about washing, and toilets. But many others have done it before me ... I'm sure I'll survive!
It's hardly an experience I can pass up ... it's going to be incredible! Unforgettable. Once in a life time. And it's happening in under a month and a half!
Sandy, April 29, 2007 8:35 PM:
Ooooo wow! How exciting :D
Jen, April 30, 2007 6:19 PM:
Wow! How exciting! Have fun!!