Climbing Tales #3; The family that climbs together, stays together

Climbing Tales
This series celebrates Uluru climbing experiences posted online.

#3 in this series of climbing tales celebrates the family climb. A tradition in Australia that goes back to the Foy family who climbed together and added their names at the summit cairn on the 28th of May 1936. Isabella Foy was the first woman to climb and record her name.

One of the sadder aspects of the climbing ban will be the end of opportunities for families to get out and enjoy the natural wonder of Ayers Rock together. The climb provides opportunities for children to learn about their natural environment and be inspired by nature in ways not possible from walking around the base trail. Climbing with children has many benefits including: family bonding, establishing a sense of wonder and inquiry about the natural world, instilling a sense of environmental responsibility in young ones, awareness of safety, increasing their confidence by providing an achievable physical challenge, taking them away from the ever present Ipad and computer screen, and to cap it off it's a fun and amazing thing to do. Who knows how many young people have been inspired to greater things through the simple act of climbing Ayers Rock?

The Dean family capture aspects of this in their record of a family climb on Thursday, 4 October 2012. Some great photos there (Link above).
After a serious talk in the car re safety we arrived at the base and started our ascent. We took our time and had a few breaks along the way. The rock is quite steep in some places, we all needed to get down on our hands & knees to climb up at some parts & use the chain. Once at the end of the chain (about halfway), the girls all lost bit of momentum and started dragging their feet. They all wanted to stop & go back down, ... but after along rest and much encouragement from Jason & Leanne we continued on to the top!!!!! Another rest & many photos then we began our descent.

Thanks deantrekaroundoz for sharing your climbing experience online!

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