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General Climbing Discussion

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Uluru ethics 28-Apr-2008 At 1:46:11 PM ZERO

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I read a book by Arthur Groom (father of Mountaineer Michael Groom) who, during his time living and exploring central Australia with the local indigenous people in the 1950s, climbed to the top of Uluru with 3 of the fellas from Hermannsburg mission.
None of them had any issues about transgressing a sacred site.
The really important sites are around the base, and these are all fenced off but able to be seen.
The Anangu people, who are the traditional owners, make a good living from park entry fee loyalties.
A few years ago one of the Elders passed away and they closed the climb for ten days as a mark of respect. Almost every tour from Japan cancelled their central Oz leg as a result, with a great financial loss to both the TO's and local economy. Many other tourists would not go if they could not climb.
Having done the chain about 20 years ago I found the geology and rock pools on top of the rock very interesting.
Don't be like some nuff nuffs and try an alternate route down. A few have been benighted while waiting to be choppered out.
Also, there is some climbing to be done around Alice Springs if you have a sense of adventure.
Ormiston Gorge and Glen Helen probably offer the best quality rock. Check the net and see what is there.