It was a fairly relaxed morning around the caravan and we got everything ready for a 9:30 departure, destination Uluru / Ayres Rock. It was the smoothest road we have driven on for a few thousand kilometres which gave us a welcome change and simple drive. During our trip we thought we may have been closer than we were to our destination as Mount Connor has a similar appearance to Uluru from a distance. Eventually Uluru came into view and we sorted out our misunderstanding. Soon the Olgas also appeared and even though they are another 50km from Uluru, they look huge, so we have high expectations for them tomorrow.
Upon arrival we were allocated an unpowered site, but we eventually got that sorted and got set up on a recently converted powered site – then it was off to see the BIG ROCK.
We hurried out there as we felt a breeze starting and we didn’t want to get there and find that the Rangers had closed the climb. Fortunately all was clear for our ascent and we looked up and started. It is STEEP and there is nothing to prevent an injury if you slip, so we took it slowly. The first 100m or so is unassisted after which there is a chain that you can use to help pull yourself up with. The gradient changes and there are some easy sections and some really steep ones. Lauren had a little slip early on which scared the baggingers out of her (and us) but we all bravely continued after a little bit of encouragement. The wind did start to pick up with some gusts and we felt quite exposed sitting on the rock with feet firmly planted on the poles supporting the climbing chain. We all got to about three quarter height and decided that that was sufficient – although we would have loved to get all the way to the top, there was not much more to be seen and the consequences for a slip were high. Later in the evening we found out that one of the Pradopoint members did slip and has a suspected fracture in her arm. The descent was tricky too, but we all made it down safely.
A quick dash back to the caravan followed to rustle up some supplies (quasi dinner) and then back to watch the sunset on the rock. It was impressive in some ways – it is not able to be explained adequately without first hand experience, but some small clouds in the west prevented the full “glow” that can occur.
We’ve turned in for another night, planning to rise and go back for the sunrise (7:30am).
Hi there! The Uluru climb will get you all ready for the City to Surf. Looks like Ben can climb and take photos at the same time. A once in a life time experience particularly seeing God's great creation. Love D & M
ReplyDeleteJust caught up with your travels - wow! Sounds tremendous. Hey, after you let the tyres down, who blew them up? Tell you what, while you're enjoying 20ºC weather, spare a thought for the Officer-In-Training, who's doing SST (Single Service Training) for 2 weeks in freezing Canberra - including night navigation! Bet he hopes he doesn't get lost!
ReplyDeleteI can get a sort of hint of the colours and enormity of what you're seeing - thanks for photos. You're giving me ideas!! Thanks.