Took a 19-hour night bus to Alice Springs. Was wondering if Uluru was worth the heat (108-110 degrees every day for a week) and money. It was. Took a long day tour. The outback around Uluru is mostly desert poplar, desert oak, acacia, eucalyptus, and spinefex. The soil is brilliant red from the high iron oxide content of the soil. Drove through a cattle station so large that it is impossible to fence. Free-roaming cattle, camels, and horses everywhere.

At Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park we visited the Aboriginal Culture Center and then on to the 36 domes of Kata Tjuta/Olga's for a hike among the natural rock formations. Hiked along the base of Uluru (no shade) and consumed a litre of water per hour! Saw aboriginal cave drawings and watched the sun set over Uluru. Nice day.

Back in Alice Springs I visited the Reptile Center and got to get up close and personal with pythons, goannas, blue-tongued lizards, and spikey lizards. Over 100 reptiles and pretty impressive.

Took a tour of the Royal Flying Doctors facility. Their service covers 7,150,000 sq. kms. and they can be anywhere within their service area within two hours. They started flying in 1928 and have 53 aircraft, 21 bases, 964 staff, and have flown a total distance of 23,923,400 miles! Checked out the Central Aviation Museum, Araluen Cultural Museum, and the National Pioneer Women's Museum dedicated to any woman who is a pioneer in her chosen field. All were worth seeing.