I cross the country to its center, marked by a single stone.

I join a group to head out into the desert. When the sun rises we are well out-of-town and stop at a place where we meet the descendants of true pioneers.

I am told  that, brought from another part of the empire, they were the dominant means of transportation around here, …

… before cars and trains made their service obsolete. Most were then released into the wild. A few are still in service, providing tourists with a ride, while the true locals watch.

We continue, stop for the sights …

… and fuel, …

… follow the road …

… to our first camp.

Then we go and see the rock, …

… follow the path around its base …

… where the weather is pleasant and fresh green greets us, …

… but you have to see it in context.

Nature has taken a break …

… from scorching the land.

We are told to stay on the path and respect the significance of the place. Most do …

Aren’t there always two sides to everything?

I continue …

… to the other side …

… where the shades are.

Here people once found refuge …

… and water …

… at the Rock.