Day 139 Uluru (Olgas and Uluru - Ayrs Rock)

Today I joined a group of seven other like minded adventurers to see the outback and learn more of the aboriginal culture including ther spiritual centre Uluru (Ayrs Rock). Our guide "Will" was delighted to have a small group but not so delighted when the van broke down in the middle of nowhere. Not to worry in the stifling heat we had a picnic by the side of the road.

After an hour we were back on track and first stop was a roadhouse where you could experience a camel ride and a camel burger. Camels were first introduced in the 1800s when twelve of the charming creatures arrived to help pioneers make there way across unexplored territory. Eventually as roads and railroads arrived the camels were no longer required and the Government instructed the owners to take them into the outback and shoot them. There is a stong bond between any camaleer and his animal so of course this was necer going to happen. The camels were simply realeased into the wild. There are now one million camels in Australia but nobody has taken the hump over it...(ouch sorry everyone).

We made our way out to see the "Olgas" a rock formation of fair size and the flies in the outback are everywhere. The females require protein to sustain breeding and human eyes and noses are a fine source. My midge net from home finally came out of the rucsac.

Before heading back to camp we were treated to an awseome sunset at Uluru along with champagne in plastic cups.

Back to the campsite to sleep under the stars but first a hearty barbecue. Being away out in the central depths of Australia without light pollution the view of the stars was second to none and as I lay there in my swag I counted five shooting stars and zero spiders....