The Rock

Day 15:
Much in the way that my trip was focused on diving the Great Barrier Reef, Jill’s was focused on climbing Uluru. The problem is that this is somewhat difficult to do.

Jill and I got up early (even for us) at 05.00 to go to the Rock. Even this, it turned out, was a little late as we saw an entire convoy of tour coaches leave the resort before we’d left our hotel room. Some of you may be wondering why we’d gotten up so early and why the entire resort would do the same. It all comes down to temperature. The park service here dislikes having to pick up dead people during the summer and so has some rules about climbing. The big one is that if the predicted temperature for the day is supposed to be above 36C, the climbing route is closed at 8.30 in the morning. Because of this, everyone wants to get started as soon as it opens which is 30 minutes before sunrise.

We managed to see the sunrise as we were driving in (the coaches leave so early because they stop at a lookout and make breakfast for the riders) and after having some trouble finding the climbing trailhead, parked and started getting ready. It is an interesting fact that some Aboriginal residents dislike people climbing up the rock and as such the climb is not marked on any map, in any guidebook, or on any sign post. In truth, Jill and I drove around the entire Rock once before we figured out the correct location using nothing but guess work.

As we approached the trailhead, we saw a horrible notice; the climb had not opened because of high-winds at the peak! We were there at the right time (the climb would have closed in a couple of hours with the 40C predicted high anyway), but another rule kicked in and we didn’t have a chance to even start.

It wasn’t the end of the world though. We had 3 more days on-site to try the climb and there is another great hike that takes you around the base of the Rock. This is a 10km walk and so we got started a little before 7.00. The walk is completely flat and in many places is shaded by large trees. In addition, there are a million little nooks and crannies to pop you head into. One of the most interesting things though are the watering holes complete with Aboriginal cave paintings. We also got to see a couple of sacred sites along the walk with nice explanations about the legends surrounding them. All of this is very interesting to look at and made for a very enjoyable day.

Jill Update:
After two weeks Jill still doesn't hate me. This is important because it's the longest period of time Jill and I have ever spent together.