The National Park encompasses both Uluru and Kata Tjuta (Ayers Rock and the Olgas), significant rock formations that are geologically different yet are only about 18 miles apart. They are geologically interesting, but the true significance is how sacred these places are to the Aboriginal people.
It’s spring break here for children in several of the Australian states and families are on the move. Our Australian friends warned us that it might be a little crazy. They were right. In addition, the National Park will permanently close access to climb Uluru on October 26th. So, it is even more crazy. The park and its campground are flooded with hundreds of people from all walks of life and nearly every nationality. Everyone wants to climb Uluru before it closes. Out of respect for the wishes of the Aboriginal people, we will not climb it. Besides, there are way too many people on the dangerous slick route up The Rock.
All these people make it a little harder to do just about everything, but still, we have found ourselves in some special moments listening to an aboriginal elder share the sights and wonders he holds dear and on a Ranger lead walking tour about the ancestry and environment.
We’ve found special places and times to just sit, close our eyes, take a breath, and listen to the Rock and feel its spirit. Enjoy the photos; they tell the journey we’ve had despite the crowds.
Travels with RK Caton 
Wow, what a trip!
Hi Ron! Hope all is well there. We’ve enjoyed your posts too!
I’ve recently started following you more and love the photos and commentary. Stay healthy my friends and thanks for sharing your adventurous life.-Merlene
We were thinking of you and the Oz slide show in 2007… Hope all is well.
Fantastic photos! Love the feather pictograph and the rich colors of the landscape at sunset. It’s good the National Park is stopping access to climbing on a sacred site. People don’t need to go everywhere just because they want to.
A conversation between two white Australians related to us by a third party:
Q: “Why do you want to climb it?”
A: “Because it is my right.”
Note: According to Australian law, it is no longer that persons right to climb the rock. The Rock was given back to the local aboriginal people. They and federal legislation allowed the climb to continue until the number of people that climbed it every year dropped below a certain threshold. Climbing will be shut down October 26th.
This is definitely a place I would love to see in person. Amazing. Especially Uluru at Sunset! The pictographs. Amazing. I am so glad you mentioned that you would not be climbing Uluru out of respect. I hadn’t heard that before but I am happy to be educated… And I agree with Laurel. People don’t need to go everywhere just because they want to. People need to show some respect. Thank-you.
I should mention that we were stunned by the shear size of the Rock. It is immense!