Awe struck at Ayers Rock

by Sagar
(Auckland, NZ)

Climbers on Ayers Rock

Gidday! I finally got back home to write a few lines about how amazing my experience was climbing Uluru (aka Ayers Rock). I did have a little thought deep inside if I should really climb due to the controversy surrounding it. But I really wanted to climb considering the fact that I would have come a very long way (from New Zealand).

Well, the time arrived and boy! A simple assymetrical rock but it draws visitors from all over the world... standing out in the middle of nowhere so majestically!

After the sunrise, we (there were 5 of us) set out to climb the rock and it wasn't easy. I am into a lot of outdoor stuff like hiking, kayaking over here in NZ but the climb was no easy task. I think more than a physical thing, you need to be prepared mentally.

At one point, I was completely exhausted after the "almost vertical" climb of the steep rock but was determined to accomplish my mission. It took me about an hour or so to get up to the summit. What a gorgeous view of the desert from there and the sister rocks - Kata Tjuta!!

And then we began to descend, which I thought was way more challenging than going up. We fought the force of gravity, the wind and the physical form of the rock which made it harder but finally finished the whole climb in under 2.5 hours.

I cried and kissed the ground! I had an emotional moment there with the rock in front of me I set my foot on, smiling at me saying "will see you again in the future"

What a challenge it was but definitely worth it. I now wish I could stay somewhere close to Uluru so that I can climb it pretty much every day and stay fit.

I will definitely come back next year and try to beat my time!

Photo by Lyndi & Jason

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Awe struck at Ayers Rock

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so it makes it ok then??
by: Anonymous

(edited)
So sitting on a plane trip from new zealand was so taxing that after coming all that way you thought it appropriate to disrespect someone elses culture and beliefs by climbing the rock.

by: Birgit

You may disagree but that is no reason to get abusive. I edited your comment. State your opinions in a civilized manner or I will delete them.

fit
by: andreas

you not only climbed a sacred site knowing about the problems...........after you did i you think you should climb it more often to keep fit............??
think before you write!!

this is my country too!
by: Anonymous

congratulations on your climb, i too enjoyed the climb back in 2001. If the custodial people of the land are happy to charge you a fair old some of money to climb the rock i am happy to climb it.
i am a 5th generation Australian and welcome anyone to climb ULURU. Enjoy!
Please don,t think i am a racist by my comments but this wonderful country should be enjoyed by all as long as it is respected and kept clean.

Clarification
by: Birgit

Hi anonymous,
Just for clarification, the custodial people don't charge you. The NT government does.
The custodial people had the choice to agree to this arrangement and get their land back at least on paper and seats on the board, or to remain totally without rights and say in matters.

Also, with your entrance fee you do not buy a stake in the rock. You pay for the upkeep of the facilities that make it possible for everyone to visit and learn. The roads, the parking areas, the walks, the maintenance, the rangers etc.

If you pay your entrance fee to the Louvre in Paris that still does not mean you can now do to the exhibits whatever you please.

Access fee to a Botanical Garden does not mean you can collect the seeds and cut the flowers or leave the paths and climb the trees.

If you pay your entrance fee for the Vatican in Rome you still don't buy the right to climb all over the altar.

You pay for the costs involved to make it possible for you to visit.

Your reasoning is so common. What gives people the idea that just because they pay an entrance fee now they have more right to say what goes in a place than the owner?

I respect your and anyone's decision to ignore the wishes of the traditional owners. It's only a request for respect and not a rule. It's your decision to make. I also do not want to argue over whether it should be allowed or forbidden to climb.

But I object to your reasoning that paying the entrance fee means you bought the moral right to climb.

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Submitted by: Birgit

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Comment
Hi anonymous, Just for clarification, the custodial people don't charge you. The NT government does. The custodial people had the choice to agree to this arrangement and get their land back at least on paper and seats on the board, or to remain totally without rights and say in matters. Also, with your entrance fee you do not buy a stake in the rock. You pay for the upkeep of the facilities that make it possible for everyone to visit and learn. The roads, the parking areas, the walks, the maintenance, the rangers etc. If you pay your entrance fee to the Louvre in Paris that still does not mean you can now do to the exhibits whatever you please. Access fee to a Botanical Garden does not mean you can collect the seeds and cut the flowers or leave the paths and climb the trees. If you pay your entrance fee for the Vatican in Rome you still don't buy the right to climb all over the altar. You pay for the costs involved to make it possible for you to visit. Your reasoning is so common. What gives people the idea that just because they pay an entrance fee now they have more right to say what goes in a place than the owner? I respect your and anyone's decision to ignore the wishes of the traditional owners. It's only a request for respect and not a rule. It's your decision to make. I also do not want to argue over whether it should be allowed or forbidden to climb. But I object to your reasoning that paying the entrance fee means you bought the moral right to climb.

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