DAY 16 FROM SOUTH TO NORTH - TOP END (NORTHERN TERRITORY) TRIP

10 May 2010

CHAMBER’S PILLAR

Amongst the pillars and mounds

Chambers Pillar can be found

Grand majestic and so tall

Nestled in sand dunes – not hard to fall

What a landmark from afar

A beacon to all from afar

What a record of our past

Too many stories of the past

Roll of honour of those who passed

Early traveller's record to show they had passed

Across the ancient lands

Over many dunes of sand

If the pillar could only talk

Maybe the castle will also talk

Of the tales of the ancient land

Of kinship laws broken in this land

Now as the sun sets it begins to glow

And time just continues to flow

We got up early to see the sun rise ofver the horizon and light up the the surrounding mounds

and pillar.

We then spent the day at Chambers Pillar. There are many faces to the pillar.

We went for walk to the pillar and up to its base.

There was a fabulous panoramic view from here of the area.

Many explorers have recorded there presence here.

The walk around the castle was on a track that was not so well worn. Spinifex crowns lined the path.

There appeared to be a kangaroo sculpted in the rock face.

A beautiful patch of green was so out of place with the rest of the surrounds.

The origins of the pillar – Itirkawara - and the castle – Yayurara - lie in the story of broken kinship rules. A fierce evil warrior chose to live with women forbidden to him under tribal law. When he sat doen to rest he turned into stone – the Pillar, whilst the girl crouching with shame turned away and became castle rock.

Sunset was beautiful at it slowly lit up the rocks and surrounding area.