Ayers Rock (rest day)
We got up early
to watch the sunrise so today was designated a rest day, We
planned to laze around Yularu which is the resort to Ayers Rock.
We couldn't climb
the rock because rain was forecast (it only rains every 5
years!). The cloud cover was ominous...... so we decided
to walk around Ayres Rock. 'It's only 11km'. So we were
sensible (not) and set off to walk in the mid-day sun (the sky
was starting to clear)
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It
was a fascinating walk around the rock, with much to see and the whole
monolith was different at every turn.
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Tree bark
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A sacred site
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The sky was clearing
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...and it started to get warm...
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Kairen spotted a fabulous little lizard
that just posed for a photo
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There's always one!
(little did he know what was coming up later)
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After two-and-a-half hours we arrived back at the start of the walk to find that
the climb was now open!
......a 10 minute rest and we
set off on the 1000 foot climb that has claimed many lives from falls
and heart attacks.
It turned out that the climb was
only open for 1 hour that day.
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The first part of the climb has the benefit of a chain. For the following
three-quarters of the climb the assumption is that if you have made it this far
and chosen to continue then look after yourself!
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The climb is very steep , it's a demanding 1.6km that takes about 2 hours
return. There have been numerous deaths from heart attacks and falls, with
memorials to record it. The first part of the walk is by far the steepest
and the most arduous.
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Laurie made it to the top (first that day)
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There is water at the top!
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A white marker shows the path
across the rugged top of the rock. The going is much tougher
than expected with at times 30' sheer climbs.
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The view from the top was
rewarding
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The 'conqueror' returns!
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'Where's that beer?'
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We gathered ourselves together and settled down at the sunset viewing spot
to see if tonight's performance would be better than the night before...
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Laurie catches up on the
website, but those flies just don't give up!
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It's quite a party atmosphere and there's a chance of a good sunset
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Looks promising!
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Wow!
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The rock just comes alive and
glows...
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Who's a happy pair then?
(but their feet ache and the joints are stiffening up!)
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The colours just keep coming
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And then the finale.....
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woo hooo!
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The sun sets and the colour
subsides
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The show's nearly over
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Have I had a brill day?
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