Welcome to the rock

So, it has been an action packed few days.

The good news, is the wildlife count is up. As it stands we are looking at:

2 x cockroaches

5 x wild horses (Brondby's)

Numerous camels

A LOT of Kangaroos (one of which Nadia 'nursed' - more of that later)

2 x Dingos (one that plays the piano and sings - again, more of that later)

1 x Sand Iguana

The past 3 days have seen 3 pre-5am starts. The potted version goes something like this:

Day 1 - following a 5 hr trek from alice springs to Ayers Rock National Park we visited the big rock - otherwise known as 'Uluru' with, possibly the oldest bunch of tourists we've ever encountered. Highlights included watching one trying to descend the rock as quickly as possible (but still at a snails pace) whilst the bus driver was threatening to pull away. We then visited the Olga's (no connection to Nadia's mum) which were an equally impressive rock formation before heading back to Uluru for sundown. All in all, quality, but we could have done with the average age of our party being below seventy five. Then back to the Uluru lodge for an evening packed with cockroach encounters and midnight trips to the toilet

Day 2 - was quality and saw us conquer the Kings Canyon Rim - a 6K 3 hr hike (with a youthful party this time) with some amazing views, water holes and hidden delights along the way.

Day 3 - back at Alice springs started with a hot air balloon rise over the desert at sunrise (awesome - thankyou nadia for this kind b'day gift) followed by a champagne breakfast. you can't argue when you're hangover is kicking in before 9.30am. On returning to Alice Springs we then visited the Kangaroo sanctuary where Nadia had this encounter.

We're now in Cairns. Chilling for a day or so then heading for Port Talbot, Cape Tribulation and Cooktown. Stay tuned.