Now for Ayres Rock 20 November 2014

Another early start today I was up at 3am local time finished packing and had something to eat as I was unsure what would be at the airport or plane. The transport shuttle arrived on time the driver was more pleasant as was the drive, I was now getting used to the process that I need to check in rather than use a machine, I accepted help to get to the gate, but when explained there was taken after everyone else in a buggy,  think maybe it would of been quicker just to make my own way. On board the virgin Atlantic plane was pleasant as were the staff plus we were fed despite the fact it was a relatively short trip and there were plenty of soft drinks free.

Soon we arrived at our destination and there was an air conditioned coach that was free to take us to our various accomodation. Mine was Pioneers Outlook and I was booked into a shared room with possibly 3 others at reception the man said as the room I should of been in was being refurbished that I had been upgraded and was on my own.
Now this is where it gets complicated because I had only paid £36 for the night so expected little, well thats what I got in some respects,  just as well I was on my own as it would of been a tight squeeze if there had been 4 also I noticed later it could of been a mixed room, not much chance of privacy. I forgot to say earlier that it was very hot, possibly higher 30s and the humidy was also high the good bit for me was that the air con was quiet and excellent.  There was coffee for a drink but it was bunk beds, well with my bad back the top bunks were out and bending down to get into a bottom one and being tall was also an issue. the shower was great and spacious as was the toilet, there was a fridge for food and soft drinks,  ooops another problem I had to share with a few ants and a couple of other insects that I quickly disposed of, I could not find my insect repellent and the electric one said it did not work well with air con oh dear, wonder why they had not sealed the bottom of the door to reduce the chances of this happening.
I had a wander about and decided to explore how best to get to the rock, there was a free bus that went round the complex which actually was free, so why did I decide to walk to the town centre in the baking heat at midday. When I got there I got some water and drink to make sure I did not dehydrate, then a sandwich.  Then booked a visit for that evening to see the famous rock, I felt that I did not want to dine on my own,  just see it. I went and had a rest for a while after having a shower and caught up with websites and e mail.

Then time to see this famous iconic rock, the coach was on time, it was only a short drive to the rock and we were promised drinks and snacks when we arrived. As I looked round it was obvious that there were sections for different tours, as expected there were lots of selfies being taken, I assisted a couple of families by taking photos of the two of them, how or why particular people I am not sure,  possibly there is a paid job out of this LOL.
I had taken Chico with me so set him up for a couple of photos, some people nearbye gave me rather odd looks,  I noticed this was not very well though of with the small group but also it seemed lonely to be such a place with nobody to share with . I noticed a post that would be good for a photo of Chico , a young couple were there, good news is that they  were happy to chat about how I came to be there with him,  I took photos for them and then took some of me and Chico. Maybe he will acquire more FB friends out of it.
The sun settled down but the clouds were a problem so we did not get one of those special sunsets I had hoped for, it was just darker. It also seemed the time was up so back to the coach and a return to the resort in total we had been away less than 2 hours. I just telaxed for the rest of the evening as tomorrow was going to be another long day.