After a gorgeous night spent under the stars we were woken early (very early- 4am) for the big Ayers Rock tour. The tour has to start early to avoid the late morning temperature, it is hard to deescribe the immense heat of the Northern Territory it can get up to 48 degrees in some places and there is very little shelter around.

Anna decided she would attempt to climbe "the big rock." However after climbing half way up the first bit she felt like she was slipping and after a major panic attack (heart rate 300bpm) she decided to make her way back to the ground. Well... it was a long way to fall and whilst the thought of being rescued by a hunky flying doctor was tempting, the thought of breaking anything, even a nail in the fall wasnt so appealing! (Sorry to all who received my text from half way up, i slightly exaggerated my climb. You were all impressed for a while though weren't you?)

Claire sensibly decided to do the "full base walk" and had a good gossip with the others on the way round.

Ayers rock (Uluru) is basically just a massive red rock, it felt weird being right next to it although we couldn't feel the "aura" as some people could. The aboriginal community own it and there are so many rules that you have to follow as it is a spiritual site.

Went on yet another hike (oh joy) this afternoon and had champagne, chips and dips as we watched the sunset over Uluru.

Back to the campsite for what we thought would be another gorgeous night under the stars. We kid you not, just as we settled downfor the night, the heavens opened! Thunder, lightening, buckets and buckets of rain, and us! We think you can picture the scene. We made a mad dash for the tent where the local wildlife i.e, creepy crawlies had also decided to shelter. Oh well thats life in the outback!!!!

Brilliant day!!!! only 4 more to go.

Lots of love from Claire and Anna xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx