Up early again, not much sleep got, again! Hoping and hoping for sunrise to be seen. It was dark when we were getting breakfast and packing up so we weren't sure what the weather was like. But it wasn't to be. Above is my sunrise photo, nothing there! See how the colour is a bit different, though. I was really disappointed that we got no sunrise and sunset. I felt a bit cheated. But it was on with the day.

The guide took us up to the Rock where he gave us some history, some cultural lessons and some info. We had the option of doing the base walk or not. Of course we were going to do it. We had missed so much due to the weather that we were not going to miss this. Some people were lazy and didn't bother, but most people did the walk. Just as we were about to set off, what does it do, p*ss. This is just not funny anymore. We were absolutely soaked the day before and not really interested in a repeat performance. So we stayed under the wave cave and the guide told us some stories. Stories are part of the Aboriginal culture so he told us some child stories about the origin of the rock and kata tjuta. Child stories are the simpler stories that are told to children, to be passed onto their children. There are adult stories also, but only aboriginal people are privy to these. This is how their culture is passed down to each generation.

So after a few stories, still raining we had to get on our way. it wasn't too heavy. A few moans but we might as well get on with it. I am very glad that we got to do the base walk. If the weather had been similar to the first day, around the 45 degree mark, there is no way we could have done that walk. So, in a way, the bad weather was a blessing. We could walk the whole base of the rock, without risk of death from dehydration!!! It was really a great walk, seeing the rock up close and how different it actually looks up close, seeing the different shapes and crevices etc. There are certain areas along the rock that you cannot take photos of, these areas are considered sacred. But I have to say it is a privilege to see this cultural symbol up close. We saw some rock art, waterfalls, and Caitriona flicked wet red dust up all over her legs from the flip flops. I'm a messy walker! People were laughing at my legs cos of the red splashes all over them! The base walk took about 2 hours and it was great. It did make up a little for not getting sunrise. I am really glad I got to do that part of the tour.