Thursday 9th August - The big day! David's parents and Melinda, Laura and Dave flew in to Ayers Rock to meet us and stay for a few days. Unfortunately, Dylan was unable to come due to work commitments. The flight was about an hour late but it was so good to see them. I usually see my girls most days so 6 weeks without them has been hard. The first evening we took the kids to the sunset viewing area located within the park. They, like us and everyone else there, was thrilled to be a witness to this. We opened up the camper and had wine and cheese and bikkies - very civilised. The next morning we took Warren and Olive and the kids to a drive around the rock and a closer look. It was quite windy so the climb was closed - not that any of us were going to do it. We then drove out to Kata Tjuta for morning tea and then a walk. We chose Valley of the Winds because it was so recommended to us. The walk to the first lookout was OK but certainly I would recommend the walk to the 2nd lookout. It's classed as a Grade 4 difficult walk and would take 2 1/2 hours. They were not walking with my kids! I think it took us 1 1/2 hours - phew! It was harder in parts and a bit of a climb but so worth it. David just wandered around the lower part of the walk with his folks. We all had a great time. We did "Sounds of Silence" for dinner tonight.
This is such a great thing to do. I would recommend everyone who visits this area to do this. It was $169 each which I thought was quite expensive but we were picked up from the hotel and the campground at around 5.20 pm and driven to a location where we could see both the rock and the Olgas. Champagne and canapes were served on arrival and then after sunset we were directed down the sand dune to a setting which was quite magical. There were about 10 tables with 10 to a table and one of those outdoor heaters located at the end of each table. Again, we were given a choice of wines or beer and these were topped up constantly all night. The food was a buffet style but absolutely delicious. Barramundi, crocodile caesar salad, lamb, kangaroo, veggies, salads ...... yummo. Then we were given a talk about the stars which was really interesting. After the talk, they had 2 telescopes set up where we could view Saturn and also a star cluster. Dessert, tea, coffee and port then the night was over (boo). Transferred back to our residences by around 10.30 - 11 pm. Once you count the wine, food, education and transfers - it was quite good value really. They certainly do it well and it is very popular. I found out that the cost to book it once you arrive and the cost that Qantas Holidays charges is the same, so really it's better to book it as part of your package before you leave ..... that's the travel agent in me talking!!

The next day was sunrise at the rock, then Laura, Melinda and Kerry took the 10.5 km walk around the base of the rock. Very spiritual!! So many caves to see and side tracks that we took as well. There are some very sacred sites which the local people ask that you don't photograph which we did respect. When the walk was finished it was time for a camel ride. This was Laura's bright idea (pfft) which Mel and I weren't real keen on. We were dragged onto the camels and really it was quite entertaining. The camel wrangler (or whatever he was) was very entertaining and had a great sense of humour. Unfortunately for us, Mel had to leave to fly back to Sydney to begin her ski holiday.

Sunday was another big day for Grandpa. When I went walking with the girls around the base of the rock, I saw a lovely short walk that I knew would impress Grandpa. There were caves with rock paintings and a lovely waterhole. Just up from the walking section I took him to a spot where he could actually stand on the rock. That was a great photo opportunity.

Monday - time to farewell the visitors back to Sydney and we are again on the road!!! It has been a wonderful experience sharing with our loved family.