Livin La Vida Volvo

Silverton, outside Broken Hill - replica Mad Max cars in the background

From Canberra to Alice Springs, we've spotted LOTS of Toyota Prados (hi J&J!), some Pajeros, a few Territorys, and even a Porsche Cayenne. But there's only been one Volvo XC60.

It's attracted a few comments. Mostly along the lines of "no wonder you can afford a Volvo" when people find out we're public servants. I'm attempting to spread the word about the professionalism of our wonderful public service of today. Sometimes it's an uphill battle :) The election shenanigans aren't really helping my cause.

Taking in the sights in the packed out Coober Pedy caravan park (lots of people on their way to the trucking hall of fame reunion in Alice)

Flinders Ranges clay

Taking on a road train on the way to Uluru

Red Centre adventures

We've spent the last 3 days at Uluru/Kata Tjuta. I wasn't quite sure what to expect, a bit worried that it would be over-run by tourists. While it's busy there's still the chance to find some solitude and enjoy the beautiful area. We seem to have packed quite a bit into our 3 days but are also feeling quite relaxed so something has definitely gone right (apart from our van - housekeeping has gone downhill today and it's a bit of a bombshell. sigh).

Day 1 (M's birthday)

The morning was devoted to magic aqua sand (penguin palace), a little pet handbag, and me doing a mountain of washing.

I can't believe she's 7

In the afternoon we paid our first visit to Uluru. I was surprised how beautiful it was at the base. We struck it lucky in that the rain had just cleared the day before. Lots of little waterfalls were still running off the rock. I couldn't believe how many people were choosing to climb, and how steep it was! We saw a kid Matthew's age nearly fall down the side, trying to get down.

At the base of Uluru

Day 2 - Valley of the Winds (Kata-Tjuta)

This walk was amazing, words and our pictures don't really do it justice. We walked th whole circuit, 7.4 kms, which was about 4 kms too far for the kids. Lots of whingeing. However it was worth it (just).

Valley of the Winds, Kata-Tjuta

Day 3 - Camels at sunrise

Part of M's birthday present was a camel ride at Uluru. Unfortunately they were booked out on her birthday and the only time we could get was a sunset ride. It was cold but lots of fun, the views were fantastic and the camels were quite lovely, not smelly as I had imagined.

Sunrise

Their camel was called Wombat (because he's a bit fat)

A very tired M after walking 13 kms in 3 days

Behind our campsite is a lookout to Uluru. I love that we can just wander up there whenever we feel like it, to have a peek.

Our beautiful 7 year old

Action man Chris at 'our' lookout