Australia
is a land of horizons. Whether you are on the western coast with nothing but Indian Ocean, or whether you are in the dead center of
the continent and you see nothing but red and flat, until the world turns. The
natural wonders here are humbling.
I spent 5 days in the area surrounding Alice Springs
and saw all of the natural wonders that I could fit in. Kings Canyon
and the Olga’s were spectacular, as was Uluru (which I did not climb). We slept
in swags every night in different camp sights and sections of national park.
By far, the best part of the trip was an area called Oak Valley.
Oak Valley is 100 square Kilometers of land
which is lived on and ranched by about 5 aboriginal families. It took the families
8 years to win the land back from the government. We camped there for one night
and were given a small tour of the area by the people who live there.
It is incredible to see the connection that they have to the land. Its
something that cant be explained.
On the political end Aboriginal issues are very hotly contested in Australia
today. It was interesting for me, as a non Australian, to see the reaction of
those who had grown up in the country. One man told me that his trip to Oak Valley
was the first positive experience he had ever had with an aboriginal person. Unfortunately
this is not an unfamiliar statement as many Australians who live in the major
cities rarely have positive experiences with aboriginal people.
For me, the contrast between the European Australian and Aboriginals is the
most troubling and interesting part of the country.
