We left hotel early with a breakfast bag to watch Ayers Rock in Sun Rise.
There was a dark cloud that worried me…
At the view point, there was as a drink and snack station for us; but I quickly made a hot chocolate to go to bring it to the view point.
Ahhhhh
Ayers Rock is covered by the thick cloud….
It’s time for Sun Rise; but…
Unfortunately, Ayers Rock was still covered with the thick cloud.
It’s not a good sign because according to the tour itinerary, we supposed to climb the Ayers Rock today.
The cloud was cleared by the time we reached to the gate, but the gate was closed due to low cloud and I am aware of IT.
Since we could not climb; we went to walk at Mala Walk.
The common trees that we can observe here is named Desert Bloodtree.
The tree sap looks like bleeding blood.
There are quite number of trees because the area is semi-deserted area, meaning less rain but rich with underwater.
There is a trace of waterfall on the rock face.
There will be a water fall when it’s rained.
There are many caves with purpose.
This is Kitchen Cave.
This is the spot that aborigines cooked bread like naan.
Aborigines didn’t have letters; therefore, they left messages in drawing.
We can find many painting at the various caves.
Are these bird’s foot steps?
This is Old People’s Cave where Elderlies assembled to conduct ceremonies including cooking in the cave.
You can walk through the great nature.
There is even an anthill.
we took many trick art photos with this trace of giant water fall.
This spiky bush, Soft Spinifex, is commonly found in this area.
we can find many trees hit by lightning because rich water inside of the tree can attract lightning.
Kantju Gorge is big waterhole.
We usually don’t see water at the bottom but there are much water from last night rain.
We could see water in waterhole because the rain was strong with thunder and lightning last night; however, ironically, the string rain last night closed the gate of Ayers Rock today.
We continued our walk.
This tree is ageless; when there is not enough rain; this tree can prune itself.
That is why the growth ring and its age doesn’t match.
The nature is great.
There are many more caves.
There are many drawings at the Teaching Cave.
This is called Desert Lantern-Flower; the flower looks like a lantern.
Of course, there are many wild birds as well.
There are few caves look like lip; I wonder how nature have created this?
The gate to Ayers Rock was still closed; therefore, we continued our walk at Kuniya Walk.
This is Bush Plum with some plum fruit.
One of our tour mate is good at finding wild birds and animals.
There is a Mutitjulu Waterhole.
Again, there is much water from the rain.
There is heart and peace shaped holes for Good Luck Fortune for Love.
I hope these will bless me.
There is a story about two snakes: Kuniya and Liru ( https://parksaustralia.gov.au/uluru/discover/culture/stories/kuniya-liru-story/ )
Kuniya attacked Liru: this photo represents Liru and crack caused by Kuniya’s attack.
Kuniya is watching Liru. (Kuniya’s head at left bottom corner is watching Liru in the mountain face).
We returned to hotel before noon.
After getting off the bus, I saw three lady tour mates talking in front of the receptionist counter.
I asked whether they plan to go to Ayers Rock during today’s free time and they replied YES.
At 12 noon, the gate was still closed.
We were informed we could check the status about 12:30 pm.
We returned to the counter at 12:30 pm and was informed the gate has opened!
We quickly checked and planned to Ayers Rock.
We could reach to the gate by Hop On Hop Off Bus (AUD 49) by making a reservation at the hotel.
We could pay the National Park Entry Fee (AUD 25 cash only) directly to the driver.
First, we need to use chain to climb up.
The slope can be sharp as 47 degree.
I thought we are almost at the summit when I finished the chain area.
I was wrong, I started walking following the line.
I soon regretted to wear a normal sneaker.
I should have worn a pair of mountain shoes so that I can get a grip.
Since my shoes was slippery, I had to use my hands like a Spider Woman to climb some area.
You also need to bring 1 litter of water.
It’s 348 m high and some travel information says it takes (ONLY) 2 hours for return trip, but this 2 hours is for athletic person.
On the way to the summit, I was just focusing moving forward.
Ayers Rock can close anytime and I was determined to reach to the summit.
These photos that I’m posting now, I took them on the way down with appreciation.
Yeah, I reached to the summit!
We took the last Hop On Hop Off bus back to hotel.
For the last Hop On Hop Off bus, the Sun Set View is inclusive.
We already watched the Sun Set on previous day, but watched it again.
We returned to hotel happily.
We took a shower before dinner.
The beer tasted good and we happily talked about our adventure over nice dinner at hotel restaurant: ILKARI RESTAURANT.
After dinner, I massage my body, especially my legs.
I’m glad that I brought Egyptian Sandalwood Oil.
Again, it’s worth it to wear a mountain shoes to avoid any pain. hahaha
sonokotchi 