Climbing Down |
For those who have been with me from the inception of this trip, it has been a long day! Interruptions and delays have abounded and sometimes it even seemed that we might be stranded here forever. If you have the advantage of joining us after the event, so to speak, you will feel like you've just arrived, and wonder at our sighs of relief as we get up and brush ourselves off, stretch the muscles in preparation for the climb down, and head off toward the chain rail with an air of determination. As I have said before, a promise is a promise, and I have set my face toward Alice Springs, and ultimately Adelaide, the old home city. Though there are days, and more recently weeks and months, when I haven't had the mental energy to string five words together, we will finish this trek together (and with a little encouragement, I will set off across the ocean to New Zealand with those who are interested, and give you a blow by blow description of my wonderful 5 months living there in 1988-89.) It's hard to tear myself away from this spot, I have to admit. What a view. I'd like to build my house up here, but the climb up and down would be a bit of a drawback when it came to going shopping! Knowing I may never have the opportunity to return, I gaze hungrily at the horizon, trying to burn the image onto that mysterious photo-plate in my brain's memory bank. Of course a camera works better in a practical sense, but nothing can capture the completeness of the place like our amazing brain, and I hope I have been able to convey at least a little of the atmosphere and grandeur of Australia's pride and joy. It really is breath-taking up here, and it isn't easy to capture in words. Some of you have wonderful imaginations though, and I can tell by your reactions that you are right here with me in spirit! Coming down is a breeze compared to the struggle on the way up, but we need to keep our wits about us, so no talking now. Concentrate on where you're putting those feet, and keep a tight hold on that rail.
Click me for yet another fuzzy photo |
