Sounds of a Scam?

The next morning after we waved farewell to our new pals Alex, Bear and their gorgeous pooch, Pascoe we jumped on the scooter to check out those other massive boulders that had been catching our eye since we?d arrived in Yulara.

However, Kata Tjuta (aka The Olgas) seemed to have moved further away overnight. By the time we?d ridden over 35 km?s out there, even though it was a good road, it felt like my bum had been beaten, flattened and remodelled into the exact shape of the scooter seat!

We both eagerly swapped our helmets for daypacks and broad-brimmed hats. Not forgetting that stylish piece of headwear all the well-equipped hikers are wearing, our fancy fly-nets (thanks to Marg & Ed for the heads up there!). We were so glad to be finally stretching our cramped legs that we almost bounded up the steep rocky path – all the way to the top of the sensational Kara Lookout.

While I was remarking on how well we?d done, the driver casually suggested that we continue down into the next boulder filled winding gully – but I was onto his scams this time. I had previously consulted the trail map and knew this next part of the track was marked ?steep and difficult terrain?. There was no way I was going there!

Instead we took the ?medium grade? path into the gorge. It was still a bit of a challenge (for me!) but there were such amazing sights throughout it took my mind of the heat and my aching muscles. The striated brown, red and gold of the rocks glistened against royal blue water filled crevices all surrounded by lush greenery and colourful wildflowers. Then to top it all off, from the trail?s highest point the surrounding desert was so green from the recent rains it could almost be mistaken for bucolic pastureland.

The next item on our itinerary was the much anticipated (by me!) ?Sounds of Silence? dinner. The driver hadn?t been that keen on forking out so much for a meal but I had heard, from some very reliable sources that it was an unmissable event.

However, although we enjoyed some wonderful company that we hope will last well beyond the night, my advice would be – don?t go out of your way to do it!

The entire township of Yulara is like a ?pretend? piece of oz outback and the ?SOS? dinner is its gala panto performance. Which is a great pity considering the natural beauty of its mighty neighbours out in the national park.