Ayers Rock

Coming in on the last trek towards Ayers Rock we came across a big rock formation which, if you didn't know,one could have thought was the actual rock. It is certainly a very Ayers rock shape and size but we had been warned and so we passed "MT Connor" without getting too excited.

  But once we came upon the real thing there was absolutely no mistaking it. It is HUGE... After setting up camp in the Resort campgrounds, which are very basic and not very cheap, we headed out to the park. It cost $25 each and the pass lasts for 3 days. So you can visit the rock and the Olgas as many times as you like.

 It is sooo much bigger than ever I had thought. We came to the point where there is the "climb" but one look at the steepness and I knew it was not on my list of things to do. The rail and chain were halfway up the climb so just to get to that required some skillful climbing. If you have a fear of heights then forget it.  Lizzy was very keen to climb straight away but had not brought her proper shoes, but she almost got to the rail. Even she was a bit fearful.

The chain and rail doesn't start until just above the person who is halfway up.

Contemplation...

Lizzy on the way back..

after standing up there for some time (not alone) sitting was a safer way down

 One step wrong or a slip and down you would tumble. There are plaques on the rock in memory of those who have lost their lives over the years.  Close to 40 people on record.

Memoriam plaques of people who did not survive the climb.

That night we watched the sunset on the rock with all its varying changes of colors. Reds, Golds. and Purples. It certainly is something that everyone should see at least once in their lives. 

Gold

Red

Purple

Hi  from Ayers Rock.

There are pools of water around the base of the rock in some spots

Water holes

 and there are "sacred sights" too where you are not only not allowed to go to but also not allowed to photograph. There are $5000 fines for those that are caught.

One of the sacred site areas

 This is the only down point in that the rock is "owned" by the local aboriginal people and do not like tourists here. The aboriginal word for tourist is "Minga" and apparently means termite. They would prefer no visitors.  They ask that you do not climb the rock which is understandable but still people flock to the rock to climb. The rock conditions are closely monitored and the climb can be closed for many reasons as it was on our second day. (Too windy)
On that day Lizzy ran/walked around the base (10.6 ks) 

Running the base



Behind the tree

 We did a tour with the park ranger which took about an hour and a half. It was a great tour and included history, bush tucker and much info about the rock itself.

The "Brain"

The "Kitchen"

Women's business cave



Cave with aboriginal carvings and art work



Apparently they go over previous art work. Last known work was in the 1920s

The Olgas are about 40 or so Kms away and are also stunning in their own right. They look like great blobs of rock and probably similar size to look at as Ayers.

On our way to the Olgas

Big Blobs

The resort is a huge town like complex with a shopping area and several resorts within. There are several swimming pools and accommodation in huge supply. The resort is the only place you can stay so of course busy +++.  Theres no free camping for miles any where near the rock. Lots of red dirt and not enough trees but as its the only camping ground they have you on a hook. The ablutions are very outdated for the amount of people.
We did enjoy our time here though and I have at last seen The Rock...

After 3 days we packed up to begin the journey to South Australia.  Coober Pedy and opals  await.  See you there
love John Sonia n Lizzy