40 degrees, six kilometers, and the honest realization: Heat changes everything 🥵

Experience Report – Kata Tjuta, early afternoon

Today was not a day for heroic tales.

Today was a day for perception, respect – and very honest thoughts.

We went hiking in Kata Tjuta. Two to three kilometers in, two to three back. Manageable on paper. In reality: extreme heat. It accumulates between the massive rock walls, it doesn’t move, it envelops you. No wind, no avoidance. The body is working non-stop.

A real difference came from two things a friend of my daughter gave us – she is from Japan. In Asia, heat is everyday life, not a state of emergency.

First: Dehydration tablets.

No “I’ll drink a bit,” but constant sipping from the water bottle. Management instead of feeling. Without that, the day would have been significantly harder.

Second: Cooling towels that cool down to minus 5 degrees.

Nape, face, arms – seconds of real relief. Not luxury, but function. In our group, I was temporarily the most desirable person because of that. Not because of orientation or experience – but due to cooling.

With this constant drinking, I couldn’t help but smile thinking of my wife (Bibo).

For her, this would be a nightmare: constantly drinking, again and again, without a break. Here, it is crucial for survival – dehydration is one of the most common causes of death. I’m sure she would learn this here. Very quickly.

Today, I also had to think of my nephew and business partner for the first time.

“Hey Ralle, wonder if you’ll manage the heat.”

Today, I knew exactly what he meant.

At 14:40, I’m now sitting inside writing. Outside, it is simply too hot. The pool hardly helps. It’s “only” up to 40 degrees – it gets even hotter here. I also truly understand the warning signs now. Yesterday was all new. Today is reality.

The second part is known, spectacular, photogenic. My older daughter puts it plainly: “Looking at rocks.”

And in some ways, she’s right. Pure hiking – especially when it gets steeper and less paved – doesn’t give me much personally. I do it with focus and care, great photos come out of it. Internally, it stays calm.

For us, the mix is crucial: hiking alternating with guided e-bike tours. Experiencing the landscape, without just collecting kilometers. Just hiking alone is almost boring for me. I’m a tennis player. Movement with dynamics – that’s my approach.

What deeply impressed me today:

We are just before the desert. A few millimeters of rain a year are crucial. And yet, people have lived here for thousands of years. They gather food, medicine, and guidance from plants that initially seem inconspicuous to me. That relativizes much.

There were animals too. A spider visit at a lodging (not mine). At my place, another animal – removed because it was unclear if there was danger. In Australia, you don’t negotiate with small animals. Later the feedback from the Chief Experience Officer: no danger. Reassuring, but the feeling remains.

Then a small iguana. I would have never seen him. They roam freely here. Perfectly adapted, inconspicuous. Maybe that’s one of the most important lessons here: perception instead of dominance.

Today for the first time, I thought: How old am I actually?

This is supposed to be relaxation. In fact, it’s continuous action. My wife doesn’t relax at home – dog. I don’t relax here – Australia.

And yet: fantastic trip. Great experiences. Wonderful people. Lots of fun.

But this heat is real. And it demands respect.

Short addition: Sydney & Bondi Beach

Today, Chris, our Chief Experience Officer, sent the program for Sydney. Bondi Beach has been completely removed from the program. Everything canceled.

We have been following the events. It is unbelievably sad what has happened there. Personally, it is less of a problem for me – I know Bondi, have seen everything already. I consciously took the lifeguard photos for my daughter.

What’s important: here, they react immediately. Responsibly, clearly, thoughtfully. They ensure that we are not drawn into such events.

Outlook

This evening at 18:30: Sundowner, canapés, sunset.

I’m letting that come at me intentionally.

Current status today:

Adventure. Adjustment. Respect. And above all: heat. Heat. Heat.