Rocking at the Rock

We have arrived at Uluru, or Ayer's Rock, and sunset is in around 80 minutes. We're at the campsite and will be looking from here, but it's a 4.45 start tomorrow to catch sunrise.

As we drove here the landscape noticeably changed, the vegetation becoming denser and greener. There were even a few speckles of rain on the windscreen at one point, though it always remained very hot.

Last night we had high hopes for the pub. Anthony the driver even had his playlist planned for the video jukebox. Unfortunately the jukebox was broken and the barman called last orders at 10.20. Just as the bar shut, some people from another tour came in with speakers and an ipod. Too late, we just had an early night.

MP3 player have really revolutionised driving, by the way. It's been fun.

With the English guys and the Dutch girl gone, there's a lot more room on the bus, though I'm happy wherever I sit. Driving is very relaxing and we've done quite a lot of it today, 770 kilometers to be precise. When we're not karaoking, badly, I'm reading Hammett's 'The Big Knockover' and am thoroughly enjoying it.

This campsite is like a who's who of adventure tours, each with their own cooking area. Our tour, the Groovy Grape, is a small outfit, the main player being Adventure Tours. We passed a few Contiki people on the way here too. (I just see the Wayward Bus have landed beside us). Were it not for the early start we might have had a big party tonight. We certainly stocked up on the beer. Tomorrow shall be the time for drinking. Who cares about dehydration.