Postcards Travel Album
Uluru-Kata Tjuta
Australian Druid Assembly

Episode 12, Saturday 23 June, 2001

After a cold night I get up before sunrise, watch it, and begin airing and drying all my tent pieces so I can be out of the way before the sprinklers come on at 10 am (my section of the campground is now closed to visitors). I go see Heather off, and keep her cabin key for when the others return tonight. I use the cabin to dump my stuff in, and get it all in by 10. I then write a postcard, and rush off to get some walking time in before 12.

I loop through the residential area, look at the school and childcare centre, find the track I walked yesterday and take it back across the dunes to the cabin. While walking, I'm still sort of happy, but annoyed at being rushed. I pack up, clean up, sort out stuff, make it to Reception to give them the key by 12:40, the free bus will be by at 12:45. When it comes, I am surprised - it's the first officious, smarmy driver (or any Yulara staff member) I've seen. He's bossy, by the book, almost unfriendly. If my bag wasn't too awkward, I'd walk to the airport - I know how to get there on my own now - but instead I put up with the bad taste he leaves in my mouth.

At the airport, I check in, then go to Departures. They make me take the mini-knife from my survival kit. I go to the lounge, which is full, then on to the viewing area which has comfortable seats and is empty. Then I wait and write postards. It smells and is dark. I want to be outside again. Just a few more hours, and I will be home.

Love,
T.