I don't have a formal bucket list, but I'm at an age where I have to think about when I'll do the things I want to do. At OzFest this past May, I realized that one of those things was to walk around the base of Uluru (Ayer's Rock). I might have been able to do it then, but striking off on one's own would have been somewhat anti-social in a group setting. Besides, I didn't think of it until it was too late to do it anyhow, and I wouldn't have wanted to miss our guide's commentary.

Anyhow, I plan to make up for that omission in just over two months. The current idea is to arrive in Sydney on the morning of Friday, January 9; fly to AYQ (Qantas award ticket using AA or BA miles) at some point that day or on Saturday, spend Sunday and Monday in the Uluru area (getting around by Uluru Express), return to Sydney on Tuesday, and head back to the States on Wednesday or Thursday. All of this can change except the overall timing: I can't leave before Monday, Jan. 5; I must be back for spring classes on the morning of Tuesday, Jan. 20; and I don't want to be away from home much longer than necessary to accomplish the main objective.

I'd appreciate comments, suggestions, and so on. (I know it will be hot. I'm used to hot-weather hiking and not too worried about that aspect of it, especially because it will be flat.) I've been to Sydney several times and don't need more time there, though "off the beaten path" ideas are always welcome. I don't want to climb the rock. Everything else, within the constraints above, is open to discussion.