Notes from the Return Flight to Melbourne

High above the Outback on our return journey, marveling at the intensity of the rich, warm hues revealed by the sunshine, I must admit that our trip to visit Australia's giant red rock was nothing like I expected. We anticipated searing heat, blinding sunlight, spectacular sunsets, dry earth, afternoons relaxing by the pool, perhaps a couple of brief hikes in the early mornings, and hordes of pesky flies.  Instead we found spectacular thunderstorms, waterfalls running from the Rock, knee deep, muddy red pools of water everywhere we walked, chilling winds, and not a single moment of sunshine.  

While I can't help but deeply regret that moment of sun shining on Uluru that we hung around waiting for to the last possible moment, I also believe there was much we gained by this unusual stretch of weather in the red centre.  It made possible the highlight if our trip, a 7.4km family hike described in all of our guidebooks as strenuous, and something we have not tried doing before with all of our children.   

As they clambered up steep, red, rocky terrain, forded streams, leapt over puddles, and listened for echoes between the giant red domes, our exercise-starved kids were in their element.   Even James hiked for miles before requesting a lift from Ross, something we never dreamed he could do, at least willingly. That we completed the exhilarating, beautiful walk together made for one if those great shared family experiences, the kind that for our family at least can be so elusive.   Feuds between siblings were temporarily halted, and (most) complaining ceased as we pondered the unusual landscape, savored the views from the lookouts, and watched kangaroos cavorting high above us.

This is probably the memory I will cherish most.  It certainly won't be the hours we spent wading through the deep, muddy puddles at the base of Uluru in drenched clothing, the rain dripping from our noses, and all of us cold to the bone.  Those pictures I will share in another post.

Comments

[Deborah]

Beautiful, touching post, Christie. As usual, brought a tear to my eye. You all are making some very special memories.

[Nikki]

What a beautiful time spent together as a family! The scenery is just exquisite!

[Shanda]

What a beautiful post. Those moments are so special, I too had a tear in my eye as I read about your family memory. So happy for you. The picture is perfect!

[Amy Smith]

Ahh, here is a ray of sunshine. What a wonderful family memory. It looks a bit like Sedona, but bigger and better!