Day 16 of the connections tour were off to da rock, Uluru / ayers. to sleep under the stars. Took off for our journey to the rock, the outback really is empty. 3 hours driving with 2 right hand turns, the rest is a dead straight road. we stopped at the only 2 places we passed for a quick bog break, and some minor liquor purchases of course. there were a few other rocks and things on the way but we would stop at these on our way back as there were still 2 members to join the tour at ayers. dropped our stuff off at the campsite and then off to da rock after a quick swim (a pool on site) and lunch. When we reached uluru our first stop was the cultural centre, history of the rock but mainly the history of the aborginginal culture. i found it interesting, but we only had an hour there i wish i had more time. We then took the coach all the way round the rock, with full commentary. shapes in the rock looked like crocs, rabbits, brains etc. markings on the rock all related to the aboriginal believes. Snakes and stuff. we stopped at the base of the rock to walk to the watering whole and some old cave paintings. I wasnt expecting uluru to be as spectacular as it is, when you are up close it really is and awesome sight, so glad i extended the tour now. we then head off to watch the sunset over the rock from a designated site, there was a bushfire caused by some aboriginals who were upset that the local police did not give them a lift somewhere, unfortunately it almost burnt down thir village. sunset at da rock, i will show you the pictures. back to the campsite for a few drinks and dinner, food was good. then off to bed under the stars in our swag bags. basically an oversized sleeping bag made of canvas. the stars were truly an amazing site, blew me away how much you could see in the clear outback skys. most people were paranoid about snakes, bugs, spiders and lizards climbing into the swags. i had my own defence. as i was trying to look up at the stars i ended up sleeping on my back, i snored. as was clearly pointed out to me in the morning. ha ha