Uluru to Alice Springs

We rise early to see the sunrise at Uluru. Derek completes his slow but steady transformation from tour guide to school bus driver by dropping us off at the start of the trail around the rock offering some vague and ultimately insufficient statements on when and where he will pick us up.

That the stores open late the next morning is a reminder that it is Christmas. We hike Kings Canyon that afternoon. The trail starts with a steep climb but then eases into a remarkable landscape of steep cliffs, weathered sandstone, and stark vegetation. I make friends with this bird.

In the evening, Jen takes this picture of Kata Tjula.