This post is a continuation from the previous one. In this, and subsequent posts, I will be writing about the multiday walks we have completed over the past six years; the preparation I have had to do as a not very athletic individual in my late middle age, the challenges and the joys.
Following on from my last post, in April 2012 I was still in the "contemplative phase" of planning my first multiday walk. Was I capable of walking longer than two to three hours?? If I was unable to do this, I felt there was no chance of me ever being able to walk the distances required for the walk I had in mind. That was, the St Cuthbert's Way in the UK, graded as "easy/moderate"; 100kms divided up over seven days.
My "Challenge One" was to add a 70km hill climb to my regular walking route which I tried to complete at least once a week. (see previous post). I also attempted two shorter walks of 5kms and attended gym twice a week.
Challenge Two was to try a longer distance and walk for three to four hours (2-3x longer than my 'usual'). We had planned a three day visit to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park that April - a place we visited some years previously and loved. We had no desire to climb the Rock, and as of yesterday, climbing the Rock has been banned - it has deep spiritual significance to the Yankunytjatjara and Pitjantjatjara people, the traditional landowners. For me as a person of European heritage even, the whole land reverberates spirit, sacredness and awe (if that makes sense). There are a number of walks that can be done in the Park - our decision was to try the Uluru base walk
As we had no car, we caught a shuttle from our accommodation at Yulara to the Cultural Centre and walked to the Main Carpark at the base of Uluru. This added the extra 5kms to the 10km base walk. It is recommended that people only attempt the walk before 11.00am because of the heat. This was the chance to dust off my (hardly ever worn) hiking boots (Keen Targhee) and daypack with plenty of water, a snack, sunscreen, hat, aeroguard. No wet weather gear required! I was momentarily envious of three tourists we met who were our age and who had bikes to ride around the base, until we encountered them at a half way point waiting for assistance. One of their party was suffering from heat exhaustion. There were some very hot parts of the walk, but that made the shade so much nicer once we reached it. I was surprised to find waterholes (all sacred) at the base in parts. Beautiful peaceful and cool sanctuaries for birds and animals as well as hot walkers.
View of Uluru and start of our walk from Cultural Centre
Uluru Base Walk
Welcome shade and waterhole (no swimming)
Birdlife
Rock carvings
Completed 15kms round trip back to the Cultural Centre and a welcome cool drink. Dusty and tired, but no ill effects. A great confidence boost. Absolutely loved being out in the environment - we didn't push ourselves and we gave ourselves plenty of time to enjoy the environs, .... and take multiple photos.
St Cuthbert's Way booked for May 2013!
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