Pic needs no introduction.
Up early, entered the park at 6:30 and off to the sunset viewing platform. Proper cold it was, of course everyone else has the same ideas. Trying to take pics over the heads of those in front of us. Was an amazing experience seeing Uluru in all her splendour. We then started driving around the base. Stopping at a hole - to be fair it's a waterhole when it's been wet, so we just saw a hole. A few rock drawings etc which was cool. Continued driving and admiring her beauty and the we spotted the climbers. I saw climbers as I don't really think you can call them walkers!
There are plenty of metal poles and chains between them so that you can use both arms and legs to climb Uluru. She is only 386m tall, but golly josh every step felt like a milestone. What a mission, going up I felt lightheaded and I wasn't sure if that was the sheer effort or the 'I'm not great with heights' thing. Nevertheless slow and steady and we got to the top - it was breath taking being able to see both sides of her. A fabulous effort and stunning reward. Coming down we both thought would have been more of an issue, but actually it was ok. Couple of times you held onto the chain and walked backwards down like absailing. So glad I climbed it. Took heaps of pics up there and of the Olga's 50km in the distance.
We then drove to the cultural centre and had a great look around. A shop there as well where I bought an painted emu egg - now to get it home in one piece lol.
After a couple of snacks and drinks we headed to the Olga's. We then did a hike up Walpa Gorge- both of us feeling our calves from Uluru, we didn't break any records here either. The plan was the climb into the start of the gorge have a pic of one hand on each massive rock and that would have been far enough. Little did we realise that the track stopped before this was ever possible... of well a good stretch of the legs again.
We headed back to the Yulara resort and looked through the shops as we needed a pot scourer to clean last nights pans. Purchased a few items and then into the grocery shop.
Cleaned up the camper and having a quick lie down before we go camel riding. I don't think Josiah is used to a holiday at this pace! Still he is smiling and all is well. Great bloke to be in the outback or anywhere also with. Flies are pretty good here too.
So camel riding is a unique experience. They weigh about 800kg and carry half their body weight - 400kg comfortably. Josiah and I are well under that! They mostly have castrated boys as the ladies attract the wild ones from the desert. Both Josiah and I went on a camel called Lassy. He is lazy by nature but loves cuddles. When they stand up they start at the back end and finish at the front. So as riders you have to lean as far back as you can when the camels get up. Even then you feel like you could easily fall over the handlebars! Thankfully no one did though. They sort of sway when they walk. Had a nice ride around the sand dunes and then back to the yard. They have quite smelly breath... they have three stomachs so regurgitate food and chew a cud similar to cows.
Getting off is a similar system. They drop at the knees first, so again you have to lean far back. Once down you slide off the side. Finished off with damper / dips and drinks. Whole experience was worth it. A great day. We filled up with diesel on the way home. Crazy expensive here at Uluru. $2.19/litre.
Decided to view the field of lights in the way home, however fully booked. So back to the camp ground - spinach quiche for dinner - hot shower and bed. Was a great plan bar there was no hot water... cold showers - brrrr, and bed.
A long day, a great day, we should both sleep very well!