Uluru

After first visiting the Cultural Centre within Uluru we set off on the base walk. This is to be the first of many biiig walks for the kids. As Benj's bike is out of action, we opt for all on foot. The distance is 10kms. The kids were a tad hesitant, we must admit as were we............but they absolutely out did themselves.

We won't let on that someone might have said to them that if they make it all around the rock without whingeing there would be a reward at the end!!!! Funnily at the end of the 3.5 hour walk they were all so chuffed with themselves and in awe of the rock, that an ice cream and a swim back at the caravan park pleased all.  

If you look at the rock, you will be abe to make out the trail of people walking up the face. Where the cluster of broken rocks are, is named 'chicken rock'. There is a gap between this section and when the support chain begins, a place where many people have decided to turn back. 

Aboriginal artwork on the wall face. A lot of the base walk is at a distance from the rock. You are reminded constantly of the spiritual significance to the aboriginals. we would guestimate that you are asked to not photograph at least 50% of the rock. There are signs inidicating this around the rock. We did our best to honour these requests.  

Hard to believe that this is part of Uluru's formation. From a distance, Uluru appears very smooth. It is not till you get up close  that you realise its incredible texture. Rob described it like a giant ball of rust, layers scaling off, revealing different colours. The kids really enjoyed reading the accompanying dream time stories that explained how the different features of the rock came into being.

 

 

 

 

One of Boaz's favourite past times is throwing rocks. During our visit to the Cultural Centre we read letters from people apologising for having removed pieces of  Uluru. Aborignal culture says that bad luck will befall those who remove any part of the rock from the sacred site. Boaz did not throw one piece of rock the whole time.

 

This does its best to higlight how big Uluru is. And to think that we only see a fraction of the actual size of Uluru as it is mostly under ground.

The home of Wanampi (water snake). This is the most reliable Kapi (water) around the base of Uluru.

Hard to believe that there is a waterhole at the base of the Rock. It even had a small trickle still actively feeding it.

The kids named this part of the rock, 'pac-man'!

We must admit there was one complaint, how come we have to carry back packs and Boaz doesn't??

Yes it was hot!! Yes we did drink water. I believe we carried around 10 litres, refilled the whole lot once and finished the walk with almost empty bottles. There were rest stops with a thatch shelter at the quarter marks.   

We did it!! Not in the picture, but Benj and Boaz, with apparently still plenty in reserve, successfully clambered up the rock making it up to chicken rock.