b'Climb Every Mountain(continued from page 31)Finally, I saw a small group of people standing in the distance. I realized it was the destination I had been aiming for. When I arrived, it was all I could do to keep from being blown off the mountain. I signed the book and received my well-deserved certificate. Now came, what I anticipated would be the easiest part of the journey; the way back.Well, let me tell you, I have never been more wrong about anything before. Heading back across the top was as rigorous as it had been getting there. The hills and valleys were the same height, except I was a great deal more tired by this time. The chain, referred to as Chicken hill stops after a short time. When I arrived at the downward slope, I quickly learned the easiest way to conquer this challenge was with my hands behind my back, planted firmly on the stone. I am sure I looked like a crab, clumsily crawling down the side of the rock. Fortunately, others were do-ing similar maneuvers, some sliding on their behinds and others on their hands and knees. The satisfaction came from people heading up whom, judging by their expressions, were developing second thoughts about continuing. I too, would have questioned the trek, ex-cept when I went up there was no one heading down.I finally made it to the bottom, after a mere five hours of the most strenuous exercise I have ever had. A British explorer discovered Ayers Rock, and named it after the Secretary of South Australia in 1873. The Climbing is treacherous and takes about 5 hours. traditional Aboriginal name is Uluru, and both names are used.The area is sacred to the Indigenous people and stewardship was handed back to them in 1985. Uluru Sailing a 4 night Key West & Bahamas Cruise hasspiritualmeaningandclimbingwasbannedin 2019. The chicken chain was removed, and the rock 03 March - 07 March, 2022 is once again part of nature.I have a new respect for mountaineering, and al-Rates in Canadian Funds per person though I have climbed the steps of Chichen Itza and (for CRUISE ONLYbased on double occupancy including taxes & prepaid tips) conquered Mount Kilimanjaro (albeit only three metres of it), my mountain climbing days have come to an end, Balcony Stateroom (Category 2B) Thisbeautiful ship has many differentsuiteand stateroom options. CAD $110000 each (cruise only) Ratesfor tripleandquad cabins available upon request. and now I only travel in well-secured cable cars.Cruise: Arefundabledeposit of $210per cabinis dueattime ofbooking for most double catagory types. Final payment is due25 Nov 2021. There are only a limited number of cabins available at above rate.Air:At time of printing it is too early to secureairfare. Let me knowwhat datesyou are interested inandI can advise of costs as they becomeavailable.(This isan excellent opportunity to use up some points if you can) Jonathan van Bilsens photosNtravel TV show can KeyWest,Florida Sailing Itinerary be watched on RogersTV and YouTube.To follow Day Port / City Arrive DepartThe top of Ayers Rock, which appears flat, is anything but. Jonathans travel adventures visitphotosNtravel.com03 Mar Fort Lauderdale, Florida 4:00 pm04 Mar Key West, Florida 7:00 am 5:00 pm05 Mar At Sea06 Mar Nassau, Bahamas 7:00 am 6:00 pm Nassau, BahamasKeyWest,Florida 07 Mar Fort Lauderdale, Florida 6:00 am START THE SHIP!Join our Celebrity Cruise group departuresNassau,Bahamas Nassau,Bahamas 26 November 2022 Optionalinsurance canbeadded atnalifdesired. Passports mustbevalid six monthsbeyond return date.Rates can change anytime prior to depositsbeingpaid.- 7 Night Mexican Riviera SailingFor more detailsand yourcopyofthebrochure, call Virginia Frew at30 January 2023 TM - 10 Night Ultimate Southern Caribbean Sailingvirginia.frew@marlintravel.caTico#4577532 158 Casimir Street, Suite 101, Port Perry Ask for details TICO #4577532 www.celebritycruises.comvirginia.frew@marlintravel.ca905.985.2268158 Casimir Street, Port Perry32 FOCUS - FEBRUARY 2022TM'