Bummer! I cannot believe that I have traveled 2/3 the way
around the world, then flew half-way across a continent, and just because I
could die (or some lame excuse like that), they’re not gonna let me climb this lovely chunk of rock! But, wait,
I’m getting ahead of myself…
+Uluru+13+-+The+Climb+(Closed!).jpg)
He explains that while the indigenous peoples do not climb
the rock themselves, they do not forbid others from climbing it, provided they respect
it! He also points out that the park rules are that if the temperatures are to
be above 30c (86°) the climb will be closed at 08:00. We only have about a ten-mile
(14 kilometer) drive to the climb.
+Uluru+12+-+The+Climb.jpg)
…and he is absolutely correct. The sign is out and the
verdict is high winds at the summit. The anemometer at the base of the mountain
is spinning as if it were possessed. The winds at the top appear to be fairly
strong as they few shrubs near the top are absolutely whipping about! There
will be no climbing today. I am momentarily bummed, but I would later read the
park brochure which clarifies what the guide has told us. While they don’t
object to “The Climb” if you respect
the mountain and the importance of it to their culture, they encourage you not
to climb it in reference to their beliefs. It does not say so, but I imagine
that this would, to them, be somewhat akin to their going into your church and
climbing the stained-glass windows. I feel sort of bad that I wanted to climb
it in the first place.
This place gets more and more amazing the more I learn about it!
So instead of going up we go around. We learn some of the
amazing history of this place and a few of the bits of the lore that we are
allowed to know; the aboriginal inhabitants of the area are protective of their
history.
We learn of the creation story of the two snakes: Kuniya and
Liru
The talk begins at a formation
near the base of the mountain. “You can’t tell me that doesn’t look like a
snake’s head!” The guide declares, pointing out the rock at the top of the pile.
“Does everyone agree that looks like a snake’s head? If you don’t, you’re
walking back to the hotel! Who doesn't see a snake's head?”
“Well, I do now!” I say in exaggerated
mock sarcasm. The guide gives me a jovial nudge and I receive general laughter
in response.
He points out a black stain high on the side of the rock and
explains the story of Kuniya and Liru. One (Kuniya) is the protector, the other
is the destroyer. Kuniya has created in this area a garden wherein the indigenous
peoples live in peach and plenty. The gardens bring forth all manner of fruits
and grains.
+Uluru+09+-+Cranny.jpg)
It is a lovely story, and the area is lovely as well. Under
the shadow if Liru, there are shady caves in the rocks. There are protected
gaps between the toes in the feet of the mountain that get direct sun only a
few hours each day. It is a protected shady area that you can rest in to avoid
the heat of the day. On one of these, the only water for miles around can be
found.
+Uluru+08+-+Reflections.jpg)
The area is beyond words! Just a few feet from this shady,
lovely place it is arid, hot and inhospitable. It is easy to see the reverence
that this piece of rock inspires. I thank the indigenous Anangu people for
sharing it with us!
Wherever you are this morning I hope that you have had an adventure this weekend!
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