Chambers Pillar

In a somewhat frantic attempt to get to as many of the sites around Alice Springs as we can, we've started taking a number of "day trips."  This last one was to Chambers Pillar (from Wikipedia: Chambers Pillar (Aboriginal name 'Idracowra' or 'Etikaura') is a sandstone formation some 160 km south of Alice Springs in the Northern Territory of Australia. Erosion by wind and rain has left an isolated pillar of 350 million year old sandstone, rising 50 metres above the surrounding plain.  John McDouall Stuart was the first European to see Chambers Pillar, reaching the site in April 1860, and naming it after James Chambers, one of his South Australian sponsors. During the subsequent years numerous visitors have added graffiti by carving names in the soft sandstone at the base of the pillar.)

It took us nearly 3 hours to get there, including stopping several times to open and close cattle gates on the way in and out.  Apparently, it was an important landmark for travellers making the trek to Alice Springs before the railway was completed.  Can you see it?

No?  Maybe this will help...

Still can't?  Well, imagine what the kids thought after driving on bumpy roads for 3 hours.  ;)

Coming into focus

 

Castle Rock

 

My favorite initials from 1970