Doing the rounds at Uluru—the base walk
It’s more than 10 kilometres and it’s worth every step. I’m talking about the walk around the base of Uluru (Ayers Rock).
The first time I did this walk was in February 2000. Five of us flew there, including friends from the USA, one of our daughters, our very first exchange student, Jean-Mi from Belgium, and me. Poor John got left behind to work, and look after Aunt Esther (more about her someday) and the dog.
Jean-Mi had arrived two days earlier, from a cold and snowy Europe. Within 48 hours we were in 45°C weather and he was saying it was ‘the hottest I’ve ever been in my life’. It was also the day he learned that wearing sunscreen and a hat makes a whole lot of sense—and that wearing sandals and socks is just not done in Australia.
Three of us thought about climbing the rock, but realised our shoes and water bottles weren’t up to the effort. So in addition to doing the Mala Walk, we chose to walk around the rock—the whole thing.
The perimeter of the actual base is only 9.4 kilometres, but the walking route is a little longer at 10.6 kilometres. Some of the walk skirts around highly sensitive areas that the Anangu people believe shouldn’t be viewed and/or photographed.
These areas are part of Tjukurpa and Tjukuritja.
Tjukurpa (pronounced chook-orr-pa) is the foundation of Anangu culture and refers to the creation period when their ancestral beings created the world. It tells of the relationship between people, plants, animals and the physical features of the land. It also provides answers to questions about rules for behaviour and for living together.
Tjukuritja is the physical evidence that the ancestral beings created the world—meaning the trees, rocks, caves, boulders, cracks, waterholes and more. The Anangu believe the ancestors and their spirits still inhabit the land. And when you walk the base, you can’t help but feel they are right.
So here are some more of the views you’ll see when you do the entire base walk.
Where to next? 
Leggy Peggy,
Ever hear of a “couch Potato” will I am a “computer potato.” Sitting comfortably at my computer, looking at your photos of Ayers Rock. And not doing the hard walk around this rock like you have…. exhausting yourself in the heat, but good exercise! With it being so hot, I think you need that
“Tomato and Cucumber Juice” cold ice drink which was posted on “What’s Cooking On Page 32.”
http://cookingonpage32.wordpress.com/2012/03/17/63/
Skipper/Sy
LikeLike
Hi Sy, I have to admit that I’m a bit of a computer potato too. And now that you mention it, I am thirsty as well, so I’ll go make that tomato and cucumber juice. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Tolle Erlebnisse, ihr seid zu beneiden
LikeLike
Thanks so much. I do feel very fortunate.
LikeLike
Ich freue mich für Euch
LikeLike
Thanks.
LikeLike
I found my way here via your most recent post, “The Marree Man.” It brought back a good memory of our 1986 visit when it was still called Ayers Rock, we weren’t sensitive to the Anangu people’s feelings, I was much younger and joyfully jogged to the top of the rock.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh wow, I’m impressed that you could jog to the top. I’ve visited the rock three times and doubt that I could drag myself up. Glad Pauline Hanson couldn’t do it either. Hahaha
LikeLike