Full Moons in Australia
The moon has been a re-occuring theme in our lives since our arrival in Australia.
We have been accompanied by a full moon on many of our trips. At Uluru we witnessed a simultaneous reflecting sunset and full moon rise at one of Australia's most famous icons. In Tasmania we were able to take a moonlit boardwalk hike at Cradle Mountain. At the Pinnacles, in Western Australia, we saw the full moon set as the sun rose. In Sydney the round circle in the sky contrasted with the geometric shapes of the Opera house. At the Flinders Range the full moon was our only company at the deserted Wilkawillina Campground.
In July our attention was drawn to the moon as we celebrated 40 years since the first moon walk. The actual date of this historical event depends on where you live. In Australia it was the 21st of of July, whereas in the United States it was on the 20th of July--because of the time zones. A few weeks prior to the 4 decade anniversary we just happened to rent the Australian film "The Dish". The story, which takes place in New South Whales, describes of the role that the Parkes Observatory played in the broadcasting of man's first steps on the moon in 1969. Prior to viewing the movie I had no idea that Australia played such an important role in the bringing of Neil Armstrong's "One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind." down to earth. Perhaps part of my ignorance is due to the fact that back in 1969 I was only one year old. My Mom, however, did save a newspaper clipping for posterity's sake. I doubt that I am the only one that did not know this important fact.
The same week as the anniversary of the Lunar Landing, we visited the Moon Plain--a section of desert that has been named because of it's lunar-like surface. The Moon Plain is located 15 km north east of Coober Pedy, and is probably best known as the backdrop for Mad Max Beyond Thunder Drome. It is unlike any other place that I have visited. As you stand on the crunchy, "spider" cracked surface, gazing across the barren landscape, it is not hard to imagine that you are standing on the moon.
In July our attention was drawn to the moon as we celebrated 40 years since the first moon walk. The actual date of this historical event depends on where you live. In Australia it was the 21st of of July, whereas in the United States it was on the 20th of July--because of the time zones. A few weeks prior to the 4 decade anniversary we just happened to rent the Australian film "The Dish". The story, which takes place in New South Whales, describes of the role that the Parkes Observatory played in the broadcasting of man's first steps on the moon in 1969. Prior to viewing the movie I had no idea that Australia played such an important role in the bringing of Neil Armstrong's "One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind." down to earth. Perhaps part of my ignorance is due to the fact that back in 1969 I was only one year old. My Mom, however, did save a newspaper clipping for posterity's sake. I doubt that I am the only one that did not know this important fact.
The same week as the anniversary of the Lunar Landing, we visited the Moon Plain--a section of desert that has been named because of it's lunar-like surface. The Moon Plain is located 15 km north east of Coober Pedy, and is probably best known as the backdrop for Mad Max Beyond Thunder Drome. It is unlike any other place that I have visited. As you stand on the crunchy, "spider" cracked surface, gazing across the barren landscape, it is not hard to imagine that you are standing on the moon.
The Moon Plain
Finally, though not directly related to the moon, last June we grieved to loss of the world's most famous Moonwalker, Michael Jackson.
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Hi Maya, great post and beautiful photos. The Moon Plain does look like it could be the moon's surface. Very appropriate name. Thanks so much for sharing.
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