Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) With Uluru as the monolith, Kata Tjuta is the multi-domed other half of central Australia's most famous double-act. Indeed, the words mean "many heads" in the local Aranda language. At the right angle, many look like Grant. We had set aside 3 days for the stop-over, with a full day reserved for exploring Kata Tjuta via the interesting walking track through the hills and across the plain on the far side. The full 8km track is itself not too strenuous and is easily self-guided, but the heat can be fierce as the sun is not only direct but also reflected off the sheer rock walls around you. Sunglasses are needed, and a litre of water for each person, on a day of the type we had when we visited. (You can refill the bottle at a couple of water tanks along the way). Wearing decent boots will make the walk more enjoyable, as many of those rocks are loose and mighty sharp should you happen to bark your shin.

Kata Tjuta seen from across typical desert landscape for the region. The large trees, some 20 feet high, are Desert Oaks. They begin as a single narrow trunk covered with branches sticking out like bristles before maturing into the magnificent weeping adults. This was another stinker of a day, reaching 38degC in the shade according to the thermometer at the carpark (that's 100degF for our American friends). Whatever happened to that pleasant 25degC we had been promised for Spring?!

It isn't possible to do an exact mirror of the photo we took from Uluru (since not only is climbing banned, you'd also have to be Spiderman to do it). However the viewing platform on the road to Kata Tjuta does give an excellent view of the Rock from a distance.   The rocks take on some vibrant shades of orange and red, through to purple as the sun crosses over them. A small photo is hard pressed to do them and the vast landscape much justice. You generally have the walk much to yourself.

Although the day was hot, the (all too brief) periods walking in the shade of the valleys makes a pleasant change. We had a lot of trouble with this photo as the sun was reflecting of every rock surface and the camera nearly had a mental trying to cope.   Just what you need for dinner after 5 hours walking in the sun... chilli con carne and, urghh, a packet of dried potato that Dale quite remarkably managed to make go hideously lumpy. Mmmm, floury lumps... better get another beer to wash that lot down.

	Explore the rest of Grant & Dale's Outback holiday
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