THE AYERS ORDEAL! (Part 2)

WEDNESDAY, up at 3.30 AM for box breakfast in the lounge at 4.00, [after check-out]. On the coach at 4.15, [yes, all of this is in the very very early morning!]


Out to Ayers at 5.30 to see the sun come up, right on schedule. The same 1000 as last night were there to check and make sure it was on time. At 6.30 we pulled away and visited the rock, stopping and exploring on numerous occasions.


Back to the hotel at 10.30. [Of course we were checked out 6 hours ago so no room to freshen up in, so we grabbed a pizza and a drink. [At first they did not want to serve us because we did not have a room key!] Personality prevailed. On the coach at 12 and drove to King's Canyon some 305 ks from Ayers. Arrived at 5.00. Checked in, showered, had a leisurely dinner and in bed at 8.5. There was a bit of Country Australian entertainment during our BBQ dinner that loosened our laugh buds for the first time in several days.

PS We did not climb to the top of Ayers Rock, it was well within our capability but the heat was killing.

THURSDAY, up at 5.30 AM for a quick coffee and out in the Canyon for an early two hour hike. Great to be out in that time of the morning before the heat gets unbearable. Nothing spectacular but it was great. We have seen so much in our three weeks that it now takes something spectacular to generate massive enthusiasm.










Back to the camp for a fantastic full breakfast at a leisurely pace. Another cool shower before we get on the coach for the long journey back to our overnight in Alice. Distance 447 K. Arrived Alice 6.10 PM. Bought some internet time and have a cool beer and catching up.


All of the foregoing can be yours for way too much money. This is obviously not the way to see this part of the world. The best way, in my opinion, would be to drive here from Darwin in a rental van, take your time and explore this unique part of the world at leisure, then toodle down to Adelaide or Melbourne or Sydney. It is likely a once in a lifetime thing for most people. I also think that only a small percentage of people would put Ayers Rock on their hit list if they truly understood the logistics of the place. Australia is huge and the terrain is foreboding in the north and interior.

A visit to Ayers rock is not a week in Maui!

We are looking forward to seeing Rod and Lyn in Brisbane tomorrow!!!