Report by Daniel Kojta
Running through last minute preparation with my chief instructor and coach, Pissy Pete – the.a.inebriation, I slid into bed coaxing butterflies to sloop ready for a 3.30am wakeup from Kate’s faithful alarm clock.
Forcing myself out of my fart-filled bag of warmth, I reached for the clock – 5.00am – in nervous anticipation I had set the alarm for 3.30pm!
After waking up Craig, full of early morning happiness, I went back to continue my morning routine. Chief instructor and outdoor coach, Pissy Pete, had previously arranged a breakfast menu specifically designed for maximum enthusiasm and balance on the climb, but the carton was empty.
I was ready.
Craig and Albert were ready.
We were all ready.
I changed my mind – “go back to sleep, we will do it tomorrow”.
Albert spoke up and his words of wisdom and inspiration woke my sensors.
“I will do it”.
We left the synchronized symphony of snoring (Bush Band) and headed for the Rock.
Craig had prepared the 4WD the previous night.
Nothing would stop us.
The vehicle stopped to a sudden halt. Craig combed his hair, readjusted the mirror and then we were off again.
We arrived at the base of the Rock in darkness. I grabbed my gear, had a final check and went for the summit.
Where do we start? Where’s the chains?
Craig, Albert and I searched the base of the Rock. Vertical cliff faces towered above us, still we couldn’t see the marked route to the summit.
There was no time to look any further, if I was to avoid the onslaught of tourists, I would have to leave then.
I began to climb there. Pulling myself up the Rock and through some boulders, I found an ancient neon sign, brightly and loudly displayed the words “ULURU SUMMIT THIS WAY, PLEASE HANG ON TO AKUBRA HATS” and a series of fluorescent white dots leading to the start of the chains. I then knew I had chosen the correct route.
There were no blizzards blowing. Frost bite hadn’t claimed any fingers or toes. The expedition was running smoothly. I reached the chains and began to pull up my wheelchair.
Craig began climbing.
This man’s climbing ability shone. After hundreds of successful expeditions, living through the hardest, most inhospitable conditions comfortably, and a repertoire of successful climbs such as Mount Druitt, Rooty Hill, and all as expedition leader.
He was a vital member of the Uluru expedition.
I was half way up the chains when our ground crew member (Albert) realised I had forgotten in hast to carry my sewing kit. With visibility almost impossible there was no way he could signal us.
He began the climb.
I was tiring. Craig was tiring. Our morale was lowering. We had no Mars Bars. Then like a blessing Albert reached us.
Albert recited some affirmations he had read in Cleo magazine like a true Guru and our morale was once again in the heavens.
Then it was the three of us. Still no Mars Bars but I had my sewing kit. Everything was complete.
We continued the climb.
After 5 hours of hell the summit was in view. Albert took the lead and pushed us along. Climbing was shorter but at this altitude every step was a 2km walk. Albert’s inspiration together with Craig’s experience and my sewing kit, kept us going.
The team had been separated by high winds but we were there together.
The summit was ours. Albert was the first to reach it followed by Craig then my signature. We were on top of the world.