Once

More about the book

In the early morning, the narrator sets out to photograph a massive monolith standing in the Australian desert. Throughout the day, they walk around Ayers Rock, encountering no other people, but accompanied by a dog that had run ahead from the motel. The heat is intense, and it seems that only a determined individual would undertake such a trek. However, thanks to the guidance of their canine companion, the narrator discovers some wonderful hidden places. This journey reflects themes of solitude, exploration, and the connection between nature and the self, as well as the unexpected companionship found in the most desolate of landscapes. The experience serves as a meditation on the beauty and isolation of the Australian wilderness, inviting readers to contemplate their own adventures and the significance of the places they visit.