We may not go to Mt Augustus
By Judy Evans
@JudyEv (381925)
Rockingham, Australia
September 17, 2020 7:33am CST
The photo is of Uluru, an Australian monolith which is in the Northern Territory.
I started off to write about Western Australia’s monolith, Mt Augustus, which I always thought was larger than Uluru. But I read on one site that Mt Augustus is an inselberg or monocline, not a monolith. Then I read that there are two other monoliths, both claiming to be larger than Uluru. So I don’t think I’ll say any more about Australia’s monoliths or big rocks. 
When we head north in a few weeks, we will be passing within several hundred kilometres of Mt Augustus. We were tempted to include it in our itinerary. However, there have been three deaths in three days in the area which is a bit disconcerting. The area is very remote and the walk trails are challenging, especially so if you don’t carry enough water. We are not too concerned as we don’t intend to do a lot of hiking but it does bring home just how dangerous some of these areas are.
Mainly because of time constraints, I think we’ll be giving Mt Augustus a miss this trip.
When we head north in a few weeks, we will be passing within several hundred kilometres of Mt Augustus. We were tempted to include it in our itinerary. However, there have been three deaths in three days in the area which is a bit disconcerting. The area is very remote and the walk trails are challenging, especially so if you don’t carry enough water. We are not too concerned as we don’t intend to do a lot of hiking but it does bring home just how dangerous some of these areas are.
Mainly because of time constraints, I think we’ll be giving Mt Augustus a miss this trip.22 people like this
21 responses
@ptrikha_2 (49753)
• India
19 Sep 20
Do many people try to go to hiking to these places? And are those deaths due to the climate or topography or have anything to do with Covid?
2 people like this
@ptrikha_2 (49753)
• India
20 Sep 20
@JudyEv
Are there any local administrators, town sherrifs etc or other folks who can guide people about risky places?
1 person likes this
@FayeHazel (40230)
• United States
17 Sep 20
I've always wanted to see Uluru - awesome photo, thanks! I heard it described as "World's biggest rock".....
Ah, that bit about Mt.Augustus is a bit scary. Whichever you do, I hope you are safe first of all
2 people like this
@FayeHazel (40230)
• United States
19 Sep 20
@JudyEv Fairly safe? I mean at the bottom? Is the roads up top?
2 people like this
@JudyEv (381925)
• Rockingham, Australia
19 Sep 20
@FayeHazel There are no roads to the top but there are walking trails, some of which are more strenuous and potentially hazardous than others.
2 people like this
@DocAndersen (54399)
• United States
17 Sep 20
Best to stay away, better safe than sorry
2 people like this
@JudyEv (381925)
• Rockingham, Australia
19 Sep 20
@DocAndersen True but our only new cases are coming in from overseas.
1 person likes this
@DocAndersen (54399)
• United States
18 Sep 20
@JudyEv plus the ever-expanding reality of the virus
1 person likes this
@m_audrey6788 (58468)
• Germany
17 Sep 20
That`s ok. It`s better to be safe than sorry. 
Have a great day
Have a great day 1 person likes this
Take Care and Enjoy @JudyEv (381925)
• Rockingham, Australia
19 Sep 20
@m_audrey6788 Thanks. We'll do that.
2 people like this
@snowy22315 (208801)
• United States
18 Sep 20
@JudyEv There does come a point where it is just tiring. I have never been able to sleep in a car either.
2 people like this
@JudyEv (381925)
• Rockingham, Australia
19 Sep 20
@snowy22315 I can't either. And I haven't yet driven the car and caravan so that probably wouldn't happen unless it was particularly necessary.
1 person likes this
@Tampa_girl7 (54714)
• United States
17 Sep 20
It’s so beautiful. What a shame it is so dangerous.
1 person likes this
@crazyhorseladycx (39503)
• United States
17 Sep 20
if'n 't makes a feel any better, i'm prone to callin' birds the wrong thingy here :) 'tis sad that 3've lost their lives there. sounds a bit like palo duro canyon near amarillo, tx. 'tis not wise to venture there durin' the summer months 'nless very well prepared. the temps there can reach o'er 120 degrees. 'tis'n my bucket list (close by) to get there'n the spring, when wildflowers come to life. 'f course, we're gonna need a wet winter fer such'n e'ent.
i'm sure yer itinerary 'tis quite full :) can't wait fer the tells 'n pics 'f such'n 'dventure! i hope to leave home someday, so i can've me one, too.
1 person likes this
@crazyhorseladycx (39503)
• United States
18 Sep 20
@JudyEv that 'tis true. many a rescue performed't palo duro 'n 'lso the mountains 'round albuquerque/santa fe new mexico due to such.
aw, what a bummer! still sounds a most intriguin' 'dventure. 'f course, all'd be new 'n 'xcitin' to me, lol.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (381925)
• Rockingham, Australia
19 Sep 20
@crazyhorseladycx I'm sure there will still be plenty to enjoy.
1 person likes this
@Dena91 (17038)
• United States
17 Sep 20
I understand about time constraints. When Mike and I drove out west we wanted to see more of New Mexico but time hindered us. We did get to Santa Fe and took a cable car up into the mountains. We got to see mountain lions while going up. We didn't wear our jackets going up, it was 62F 16.6C down below and when we arrived at the top it was snowing!
Looking forward to hearing about your trip.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (222285)
• United States
17 Sep 20
I'm sure it's for the best! Stay safe and have a lovely Friday!
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (381925)
• Rockingham, Australia
17 Sep 20
We are still going to Karajini; just not Mt Augustus
@wolfgirl569 (135643)
• Marion, Ohio
17 Sep 20
It can be hard to fit everything in.
1 person likes this
@nawala123 (20871)
• Indonesia
18 Sep 20
It is awesone place. I picked up it as one of my nickname in other online forum "uluru"
