So You Have Only Climbed Uluru Once Then

---

This is my second visit to Uluru, but first time I was in and out in a day and did not stay for the night (see Climbing The Rock). This trip included an overnight stay at the huge resort that has been built from nothing just outside of the National Park. Basically just to service the rock.

The full range of incomes and requirements are catered for, from the campsite at one extreme to the $250 a night Sheridan Hotel on the other. I was staying in the Ayers Rock Lodge which was basically one up from the campsite.

Given the lack of a shower in Coober Pedy (see A Life Underground), my first priority was a decent shower and shave, as I had time before our tour left for the Olgas. These are actually much bigger than Ayers Rock, but no where near as spectacular. It is also illegal to climb them.

In the evening we went to the sun-set strip to see the rock changing colour as the sun set. This was quite a dull experience as it does not look that spectacular to the eye. Photographs however appear to add a whole different perspective on it.

The following morning, we made an extremely early start. Unlike the last time I was here, when it was actually quite chilly, it gets extremely hot this time of year and it is recommended that you complete the climb before the sun gets too intense.

So, yes, I have climbed the rock twice, and I've signed the book at the top to prove it!

---

Photos

The Olgas
The Olgas viewed from close by

Weeping Lady
The Weeping Lady shaped rock in the Olgas

Walpa Gorge
The Walpa Gorge in the Olgas

Sun Set
The sunset over the Olgas - my picture of Ayers Rock was rubbish

Dusty Road
The dust road that leads to the Olgas

Steep Climb
The chain to help with the steepest bit of the climb

At The Top
Chilling at the top before the climb back down

Book Signing
Signing the book at the top to prove I've been there for the second time