The Aboriginal guided tours around the base of the rock are educational and interesting. Just being so close to the rock and able to touch it is special. We loved walking under the shade of its towering walls, exploring the caves with ancient artworks, waterholes and little gorges.
Our friends the "Keigs" rolled in the day after us. After they set up we all went out to Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) for a short walk and sunset. The kids played a game between cars on the hand held walkie talkies for the 50k trip. Kata Tjuta is very spectacular in itself. 36 separate domes rise out of the sand. The tallest being 200m higher than Uluru! Sunset displayed the famous rich iridescent reds and burnt oranges of the red centre. A couple of days later we came back and walked the 7.4km 'Valley of the Winds' trail which led us deep within the domes of kata tjuta, winding through beautiful ghost gum valleys and up to lookouts.
The Climb....The Uluru climb had been closed due to windy conditions. The kids were so disappointed and kept a close eye on the open and closed notice. After watching a chilly 2 degrees sunrise, our bacon and eggs cook up at the rocks base went down like a treat! As it seemed a bit windy we assumed the walk would be closed again and had decided to do another base walk, but on the way past we noticed the ranger changing the sign. The kids were crossing their fingers and toes while I was thinking oh know am I really ready for this. Five minutes later we were clambering up the face of Uluru.
Yes its hard and scary but so worth it! Ben was the second person of the day to arrive at the top (stitches in leg and all!) It was great hearing the kids comments, like "OMG I cant believe I'm climbing Ayers rock, listen Dad it sounds hollow, wow its not smooth on top there are so many ups and downs" It was such an enjoyable family experience.
Talk to you from Kings Canyon......
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