Away in the Australian Outback

Cloaked in darkness with nothing but small bushes and barren trees around, we prepared for our trek around Uluru. In the middle of the Australian winter, the 40 (F) degree chill in the air prompted us to move quickly until at least sunrise.

Australia--the last item on my (immediate/short-term) bucket list--and scratching it off just happened to coincide with my milestone 40th birthday.

There was something poetic about arranging it so I'd be in the Outback on that day. I flew from Sydney to Yulara or the Ayers Rock Airport and started my journey in the beating heart of the country, or the red centre as it is also called. It was a camping tour, where I joined other travelers (mostly from Europe) as they explored the roads less traveled in Australia. In our short time together, we took turns manning the campsite about a 30 minute drive from Uluru. Frankly, this was the highlight of my visit to Australia--meeting these folks and hearing about their seemingly carefree endeavors on the continent. They left their lives countless miles and time zones away to nurture their curiosity and simply enjoy the limitless gifts of international travel. Inspiring--one day, I hope to just wander around a place or two, going wherever piques my interest, no plans necessarily involved.

On the eve of my birthday, the temperatures dipped below 40 degrees. There were no lights in the tent nor heating, obviously; but we had built a bonfire to keep warm. Across the dark, vast sky were numerous stars--the most I had ever seen. The next day, we woke at 5:30am and ventured to the base of Uluru.

The infamous colors of Uluru: 1) at sunset; 2) at sunrise; and 3) close up in midday.

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