Rocks in the sand

While we are thinking about rocks sticking up in the sand, here’s another one. This is Chambers Pillar, a 50m high sandstone formation, 160kms south of Alice Springs.
 
The first European to see Chambers Pillar was the Scottish explorer John McDouall Stuart, in 1860. Stuart was attempting to become the first European to cross Australia from south to north, and he named the Pillar after James Chambers, who was one of his sponsors for that expedition. Stuart didn’t make it that year, but did finally make the crossing in 1862. The Stuart Highway, which runs from Port Augusta to Darwin, is named after him.
 
The drive in to Chambers Pillar takes you over red sand dunes so high that you can’t tell if there is a vehicle approaching from the opposite direction. You are advised to use your radio to check if the road is clear, and/or to travel with a flag on a long pole. The sight of Chambers Pillar when you get there is well worth the trip.