Larapinta Trek - Day 6 - 2AM hike Up Mount Sonder

The trip description states:   This morning, we are up early for our ascent of Mount Sonder.   An early start allows us to climb in the cool morning air, before the sun heats up the landscape.   Ok, when they say:  early, they mean EARLY!   as in 2 am early!   Yep, we got up at 2 am and climbed all the way up a mountain in the dark for four hours to get to the top by daybreak.   Let me tell you, there was some grumpy people, on that climb.   My self included.  

But, it was worth it!   We got to see the sun rise from the top of one of the highest peaks west of the Great Dividing Range and the highest peak on the Larapinta trek!

Sunrise on Mount Sonder

Preparing tea and coffee in the dark, on the top of Mt Sonder

Yeah!  I did it!!

taking photos and in awe of the view....and freezing our butts off!

Look at the sun shining on this massive crater off in the distance!!

Larapinta Trek - Day 5 - Ochre Pits and Glen Helen Resort

 an

The pits consist of several layers of multi-coloured, layered rock that was traditionally used by Australian Aborigines in ceremonies and played an important role in the continent's economy, being traded with neighbouring clans and "countries", in every direction on the continent.

The mine belongs to the Western Arrernte people. Prior to European settlement of the area in 1880, only certain men were qualified to collect the ochre.

It was considered some of the choicest ochre - soft to touch, vivid, with a slight sheen to it. The colours range from gold to crimson.

After the ochre was mined by the Western Arrernte, it was ground and mixed with Emu fat for ceremonial body adornment.

Glen Helen Resort

http://www.glenhelenresort.com.au/

Our choice was to do another trek at along the Finke River, which is the oldest river in the world.   OR go to Glen Helen Resort and. if you paid $2.00, you could take a shower.   Since I had not had a shower in 5 days, I went for the shower. 

A campground just outside of Glen Helen...wow, magficient!

Rebecca and Jen sitting in front of the "resort".

around the back of Glen Helen Resort

around the back of Glen Helen Resort

Larapinta Trek - Day 5

Section 9 - Serpentine Bush Camp to the Ochre pits (Ochre Pits in another post)

Our trek today takes in crossing the ranges at Inarlanga Pass, as well as the vibrant colour of the Aboriginal quarry at the Ochre Pits.

Inarlanga Pass

little frog

Our Guide

My camera battery died at this point.  I was so devasted!!!   TIP:   Always bring spare batteries.  Ofcourse, my camera doesn't use standard batteries, but, it would be worth buying one!   Luckily, one of the ladies on the trip had an extra camera, so, she let me borrow it for the rest of the Larapinta hike.

Inarlanga Pass is an amazing place!   I wish I had more photos of it...guess I will have to return!

Aboriginal Tjukurpa

Brolga

Long ago, when all had been made but was in total darkness, Brolga and Emu disputed as to the need for light in the world.   Brolga said no, things were fine as they were.  Emu said the animal people were forever bumping into each other and were unable to find their things when they had put them down.   Brolga got very angry and clipped Emu's wings, making he a flightless bird.  Emu avenged herself by tossing a brolga's egg into the sky.  The egg exploded and became the sun.   Now everybody can daily admire the great work of the Sky Father.

This story is virtually a replica of the stories found commonly among the Americn Indians.   In their tales, Emu is replaced by Grandmother Spider, who, of all the animal people, was the only creatue able to bring the gift of light into the world.