The Uluru Climb, why we agree with its closure

When I initially suggested to Katie we should do the 10km base walk around Uluru she was a bit hesitant, but after considerate discussion and explaining the aspects we would see and experience, Katie agreed to the idea.

The climb to the top of 'the rock' is being closed from October 2019 for a number of reasons, including tourists climbing an item that is significant to aboriginal culture and in turn being disrespectful. Human health, a number of tourists have died on the climb either because of health issues or falling off and health of the environment, apparently a lot of human waste, litter, and bodily fluids is left on the rock. The scientists have also recorded higher levels of bacteria in the pools that have water runoff from the path. Apparently,
some can't hold on, do it on the rock and it washes off affecting the environment below.

It was reading this too, that encouraged us not to climb the rock and do the base walk.

With the alarm clock sed for 5:30 am we were on our way through the park gates around 5:40 and by 6:10 am we started the walk.  We thought there would be busloads of tourists also with us fighting for space on the path and trying to get a little of the serenity. However, at this lovely hour (and I do mean it, it was lovely), we were alone.  The sun was still below the eastern horizon and the moon full in shape and golden in colour, sitting gracefully on the western side.

The wind was up this morning, but that didn't hinder us, taking the walk in a counterclockwise direction, we could see the sky gently get lighter and lighter.

Note: there are sections of the walk that the local community asks for photos and video not to be taken, these are classed as Sensitive Areas.  One of the main reasons is the stories of these sections need to be told in situ and by the traditional people. I agree, there is no way I would ever be able to put these stories out with the detail and passion they do, but I do take a little exception to the ban.  We did try to limit taking photos in these areas, however, when we did take them it was not to retell the local traditions and stories, it was for our own memories and also to show you how much of an amazing place this is. We don't do this to disrespect anyone and treat these sites as we do other significant sights through the world as we tour. 

Then as we continued along the walk we went past a section we were least interested in, it took us the furthermost distance from the face.  It turned out to be on the other hand just as enjoyable as the other areas.  We thought being taken so far from the face of the rock it would become insignificant to the walk, but with the things we have learned over the past two weeks about the bush trees, grasses, animals, and birds, we were in an element we had not encountered before. Also being further from the rock we could see how it towered over the grasslands and scrub.

As time progressed the sun came up and the rock went through a series of colour changes, most impressive.

Please enjoy some of our photos.

Hat and sunscreen

We finished the walk at 9:38am and in good time too, the track was filling up with tourists and the sun was getting a little warm.

Just some of the cyclists on a rest stop

One of the many Segway powered tours

In the end, we were both very pleased to have completed the walk by taking our time and having little rest stops on the way.  We both recommend the walk to all, but start early to miss the sun and tourists!

The afternoon took in a drive out to Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) which will be our next conquest in a couple of days.

Before our drive out west, it was time to top up the tank in the Forester, it had about 1/4 remaining but out here I never like to run much lower, so into the Shell servo.  Diesel is a little pricey up here with the current rate at $2.209 per litre, so for a 42.89L fill up we hit a total of $94.74.