Thursday & Friday

Up at 5:30am to catch the shuttle to the airport for 9am flight. Found out our flight was cancelled and we had to fly at 1pm to Sydney.  In Sydney we were on time for out flight to Los Angeles but there wasn't time to get our luggage transfered so we were put on another flight an hour later to San Franciso, .  We were then booked on a flight to Toronto after another two hours wait.  When we got on the plane they announced that we were waiting for the pilot, he had car trouble??? Forty minutes later we left.  Arrived in Toronto about 9:45pm and couldn't find our luggage until 11pm. (This was happening to lots of other people too)  We then had to wait for the air bus from Niagara Falls to pick us up, as he had been there and left hours earlier.  We got home about 1:30am.  Very tired, more than 38 hours on the go.  Bed late.
Friday:  Up around noon.  Went through some of the mail and unpacked suitcases but mostly took it easy today.  Had a great trip and glad to be home.  It is a little cold, went out tonight for groceries  and had to wear a coat for the first time in 2 months.

Wednesday

Ray was up early and went out for coffee.  I slept in a bit.  Went up the hill to Sky City for breakfast.  Walked down to the waterfront(7 blocks)  and took a ferry to Devenport, an area that was an island but is now joined to Auckland by a causeway.  It is a beautiful area with lots of shops and lovely old buildings.  After shopping for awhile we had lunch at a little cafe. Ray walked up to Mount Victoria, which is a cone of an extinct volcano. During the Second World War they had a gun emplacemnet to protect Auckland against the Japanese.   Walked back to hotel and packed a bit.  After took a walk to Albert Park, uphill all the way.  Great old trees, couldn't find anyone to tell us what they were. Must be over a hundred years, with huge trunks and  roots that were above the ground.  We looked for a monument of Albert but all we could find was one of Queen Victoria. Went to a Thai restaurant for dinner. Last night splurge!
Up at 5:30am tomorrow to leave for the airport.

Tuesday

Took a city bus around the city.  Stopped by the waterfront for a coffee.  Ray went to the Auckland Museum.  He enjoyed the history of New Zealand and the Maori people.  I went shopping and found my kiwi earrings! at 12:51pm everyone atopped for 2 minutes to honour the people who died in last Tuesday's earthquake.  I was on Queen St and Ray was in  the museum.  It was quite touching to see so many standing still. There were people on the streets who were handing out stickers that said "Stand Strong ChCh".  Had lunch in a mall across the street from our hotel and then got the bus again to Ponsonby area to window shop.  Dinner at Sky City.  We are so tired after almost 8 weeks and wouldn't you know it, our hotel is on one of the steepest hills in the city.  Tomorrow is our last full day.  At the Imax Theatre,  McDonald's is not working tonight.

Monday continued

We walked through a replica of captain Scott's Antarctic hut (1911) and saw tools and equipment they used a hundred years ago.  Lots of sharks, stingrays, sea horses, eels, one octopus, crayfish, turtles etc.  Came back to our area and had lunch with Susan and had to saw good bye again.  Ray and I walked around this afternoon and went out to a pub for dinner where they served the toughest steak that we've ever had.  On our way back to our hotel and may stop for a snack along the way.  \We are weaning ourselves off the 6 meals a day we had on the ship.  Don't know who won the Oscars, it was on this afternoon here.  From Facebook it seems that lots weren't impressed with the hosts.  We're at the Imax for the internet and Ray went to find out if The King's Speech was playing. ...It was and it was $30.00 each for the tickets.  For that price, I'd want to see Colin Firth in person.

Monday

Went up the street to Sky Tower, which is the tallest in the Southern Hemisphere.  We went to the top and enjoyed looking for landmarks below.  Beautiful view of the islands and the North Shore.  Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand with about 1 1/2 million population.  Saw several do a sky jump off the top and also saw three people do the bungy across from our hotel.  Met our friend Susan at the Antarctic Show.  Saw lots of big penguins from the South Pole, Kings and Gentoos.  Took a ride through in a Snowcat, like a small train.  They are so cute. 

Sunday

Up early for breakfast at 6:30am.  Said goodbye to everyone.  Off by 8:15 and at our hotel by 8:45am.  In the downtown area.  Walked around, back to hotel for a nap, and out for dinner.  Going back early for a good sleep.  Meeting Susan, our friend from Calgary at noon to go see the Antartic show.  Big penguins this time.  Always a let down, after all the people and the activities of the ship.  Ready for some lighter meals now.. Great cruise but I'm now counting the days until we go home.

Friday & Saturday

Friday:  Tauranga, took tour to Agrodome, a show with 14 kinds of sheep, a cow, lambs, ducks, and sheep dogs.  Ray got picked to go on stage and milk a cow.  Then on to Rotorua to visit a Maori village.  Enjoyed a meal that was cooked in the ground.  They gave us the Maori greeting where they touch noses twice. Once to honor the people that have died and once to greet the person in the present.  We then went to a bird conservatory to see lots of birds and finally saw the kiwi, the national bird.  The last stop of the day was Hell's Gate where there were hot springs and lots of sulfer smell. Our friends we've met from Perth, Kevin and Diane had their 50th anniversary today. I arranged with the front desk to have balloons on their door and for them to have a cake at their dinner.  They had a great day and so did we with them.  After dinner we spent a lot of time with our friends, Michael, Kevin's brother and Susan from Calgary, & Brenda from Montana.
Saturday: Packing day today.  Got up early to see the |White Island volcano.  |Don't worry, it's inactive! Then back to bed until we had breakfast in our room at 8am.  Saw show  in the morning where the crew said goodbye.  \|Walked in the afternoon for breast cancer.  5kms or 10 laps around the 3rd deck.  We received t-shirts and wrist bands from the ship.  Very tired but glad we did it.  Dinner was the Chef's Master dinner and they all danced as they served us.  Great fun.  Saw the last show, magic, comedy and singing.  Spent time with friends we've met on the ship.  Lots of hugs and tears!

Wednesday & Thursday

Wednesday:  Took a tour of Wellington sights.  Rode a cable car part way up to Victoria Mountain and the bus for the last part.  Could see all of the city and while up there found a monument that had lines to stand on that pointed to the South Pole and the North.  We stayed in the city and had lunch and shopped for a few hours.  Ray went to the Te Papa museum and saw a giant squid. I found cookie cutters in the shape of New Zealand and a kiwi, their national bird.  After dinner we went to see a magic show.  He was great and told good jokes.

Thursday:  Took a morning tour to Kidnapper's Cove and the Gannet colony.  It was very scenic, lots of hills, very steep roads, sheep everywhere.  On the point there were thousands of Gannets who were nesting there.  They have their young and when they can fly, they leave for the Great Barrier Reef off Australia and fly non stop.  They live there for 2 years and come back to the same area to have their young.  Left port early and had a relaxing afternoon.  Went to see the magician show us some of his tricks.  Signed up to do a walk for cancer on Saturday.  Ray is walking for his mom and I'm walking for Jennie, my aunt. Formal dinner tonight.

Sunday to Tuesday

Sunday:  We docked at Port Chalmers and took the shuttle to Dunedin.  Shopped at the markets in the certre of the city called the Octagon.  Met Jennifer and Bill who are friends of Dinie and Matthew and had a lovely lunch.  Afterwards, Jennifer's dad, Jim drove us all over the Otago Peninsula and up to the Albatross Colony.  We saw thousands of sheep and the beautiful hills of the Southern Alps.  Took in a show,  lady singer from Cairns.  Great!
Monday:  We docked at Littleton and took a train through Christchurch and up to the higher mountains of the Alps to Arthur's Pass.  The views were breath taking.  Had tea and scones on the train.  Came back by coach and stopped at the little town of Springfield and had a great lunch in the community centre.  Then down to Christchurch for a look at the city.  In the city square we shopped and took lots of pictures of the lovely buildings.  On the way back to the ship, our tour guide took us to the areas that had damage from the earthquake this past September.  After dinner we enjoyed a show put on by the Phillipino crew members.
Tuesday:  Took the day off from touring.  Went into town of Picton.  It was raining, but most of the stores had awnings so it was no problem.  Went to a Maori museum.  Went shopping and after only an hour we heard about the earthquake in Christchurch.  Many of the buildings we saw yesterday are rubble today and everyone was crowding into any store that had a tv.  It was very sobering to see the devastation and to know that there are people who died.  A quiet evening on the ship, mostly sitting around talking to our friends.

Tuesday to Saturday

On Tuesday we went on a tour in Melbourne to  the Dandenong Ranges National Park.  In the little town of Belgrade we took a ride on the Puffing Billy train, a narrow gauge steam train.  Great fun.
Wednesday we arrived in Burnie, Tasmania.  Tasmania is an island off the south coast of Australia and is also one of the seven states.  On a tour we took a ride into the countryside and was suprised that is was so fertile.  Lots of farms and cows, horses and sheep.  Stopped at a honey farm and had ice cream.  Had lunch at a wildlife park and saw lots of kangaroos, wombats, tasmanian devils, eagles, galahs, kookaburras and really enjoyed our last look at the animals.  On our way back to the ship, we had a tour of a chocolate factory and had dessert and hot chocolate there
Thursday and Friday we were at sea. Saw lots of shows, singers and dancers, a great piano player and ate lots of wonderful food.  Met lots of nice people from all over the world.  Some nights are casual and we've had two formal nights.  Last night we each had lobster and loved that.  We've been shopping in the shops on board and playing bingo, doing trivia contests and listening to the various musical groups. 

Today we got our first glimpse of New Zealand.  Went through Milford Sound at 6:30am, Doubtful Sound at noon and Dusky  Sound at 2pm.  We sailed into the fiords and the mountains were unbelievable.  Tomorrow the first time we go ashore..

Sunday & Monday

Yesterday we shopped at the market outside our hotel after breakfast.  We got a taxi to the Volendam around noon.  After the boarding was over, we had lunch and found our room.  Ray took a tour of the ship and I looked around, too.  We had a welcome party at 5pm and sailed at 6:30pm.  Watched Sydney sights and then got dressed for dinner at 8pm.  Afterward we saw a live show and bummed around for awhile.  I was feeling a bit rocky because it was choppy for a bit.  Okay this morning.  We've been at sea today.  Lots of food. Invited to the captain's brunch at 11am, held for anyone who has sailed with Holland  America before.  Had dinner at the Pinnacle Restaurant (finer dining) because it is Valentine's Day.  After dinner, we did a pub quiz in the Crow's Nest and then saw the show again.  In between we met the captain and crew. Champagne three times today and more food than we should eat in a week.  Back to Melbourne tomorrow to pick up more passengers and we are going to do another tour.

Saturday

We watched the vendors set up stalls outside our hotel while we were having breakfast. Called Clayton and Bax and had a chat, couldn't reach mom. Then took a free shuttle downtown to do our laundry. Walked around while it was washing and saw two streets that were close, one was Mary and the other was Foster. We thought that they met but they didn't. Got a picture, anyway. (My mom's maiden name was Mary Foster)On our way back we watched Psycho Sam, a street performer. He did a lot of crazy things, including swallowing an inflated 3 foot long balloon. Spent the afternoon shopping at the outside market and meeting lots of interesting people on the patio of our hotel. Out for dinner and spending our last night in Austalia. Almost 5 weeks here. Things are a little different here. North is warmer than South, this is Summer, Burger King is Hungry Jacks, Woolworths is a supermarket chain, and there's not a Walmart in sight.

Friday

Started early again this morning. Went on a tour of Sydney and the suburbs. We are in the Rocks area and we saw Chinatown, Darling Harbour, Kings Cross and Double Bay. Sat in Mrs. Macquarie's Chair and spent time at Bondi Beach. Passed Russell Crowe's Condo on the water (we could buy one for only $13 Million! Back home shortly after noon. Had lunch at the Circular Quay and went shopping at a market that was set up for the weekend around the corner from our hotel. After dinner we took a bus to Darling Harbour to look around the area. Walked back to the Quay and listened to a jazz combo. On our way back to our hotel. May stop for a desert.

Thursday

Bus arrived early for our trip to the Blue Mountains. We were still eating breakfast but we made it. We stopped first at Featherdale Wildlife Park and had a great time seeing all the wildlife. Lots of koalas, kangaroos, wallabys, wombats, dingos, cassowaries, all kinds of other birds, snakes and crocodiles. Stopped for lunch at the town of Leura and shopped around for a short time. We stopped at Govetts Leap on the way up to the mountains to see the view of theJamison and Megalong Valleys below and it was unbeleivable. Then we stopped at Scenic World and took the steepest train in the world part way down the mountain, and saw an old abandoned coal mine before taking a cable car back up. Saw the "Three Sisters", a rock formation on one of the mountains. Not a place to be scared of heights but the scenery was great. On our way back we toured the Olympic Site (2000) and drove down to the dock at Parramatta and took a boat back to Sydney, going under the Sydney bridge and passing the Opera House on the way. After a short rest, we are out for dinner and the internet.

Wednesday

Our a/c didn't work last night, it was steamy. Got it fixed this morning. Had breakfast at our hotel and went for a walk around the harbour. We walked to the cruise ship terminal and around Circular Quay to the Opera House. Walked up the steps and went inside to check it out. Pretty impressive! Had a tiny tart and coffee, $22.00 for two of us!!! Arranged for some tours for Thursday and Friday. Walked along Pitt St to the Mall and window shopped on our way back to our hotel on George St. Had a quiet afternoon and dinner at our hotel. Downtown now to see another area of city after dark. I'm enjoying the weather, it's a little cooler and great for walking.

Tuesday

Had a short flight from Brisbane, arrived in Sydney around 3pm. What a beautiful city! We are only a few minutes walk from the Sydney Bridge and the Opera House. Both are awe inspiring. Our hotel is very old and Irish and has large rooms and a bath. The bathroom is huge. Pub downstairs and it seems to be a lively place. We had a drink on the patio and met a couple from England who had stopped for a drink also and we ended up walking with them to the middle of the bridge to watch The Diamond Princess leave port at 6pm. About 15 minutes from the hotel. The harbour is beautiful, lots of islands about that we are going to take a boat trip and visit while we're here. We went back to our hotel for a bangers and mash dinner and then took a walk down to the water and along George Street. We'll be ready to roll tomorrow. Nice and cool here, too about 22 or 23C. yeah!

Monday

We had an easy day today. I know we should have gone on another tour but I was too tired to do it today. We had a lovely breakfast on our hotel patio. Then we lounged around for a few hours. Ray so he could watch the Super Bowl game and I read and soaked my feet. This afternoon we took a cab to China Town and shopped for awhile, then had dinner there. Took a bus back to The Queen Street Mall to use the internet and browse the shops here. Tonight we pack again for Sydney tomorrow. Our last city in Australia. We've been gone 4 weeks today. Almost another 4 weeks left.

Sunday

We left early for the Australian Zoo. Steve Irwin's Zoo. Saw alligators, then fed the elephants, then saw a live show of snakes, birds, crocodiles. Saw the exhibits of koalas, emus, cassawaries, wombats, tasmanian devils, echidnas, kangaroos-including a joey(baby),snakes,more crocodiles. Also camels, alpacas and sheep. Lots of trash turkeys and dragon lizards wandering around. Joke about the trash turkeys: If you want to cook one, you put it in a pot with 4 rocks. Cook until rocks are soft and throw out the turkey and eat the rocks. While we were there it was 32C and humid, plus we had 5 heavy downpours of rain. On the way we saw the glass house mountains. On our way home we stopped at a fruit stand for a snack. After a rest we went downtown for dinner.

Friday & Saturday

We got a flight out yesterday and arrived in Brisbane last night. We are not losing any time in Brisbane because the train ride would have taken more than a day. We went out for dinner last night near our hotel and had an early night. Had breakfast at Queen St. mall today, and arranged to take a city tour. We went to Mount Coot-Tha and we could see all over the city. Th driver showed us where the floods were along the Brisbane river. Some of the buildings aren't opened yet but they look okay from the outside. One of the riverside restaurants floated down the river (we saw that on tv). Saw original convict built building from the 1830's and many other old state buildings. Stopped at Riverside Market and had lunch. On our way back to the hotel we picked up some food and I cooked dinner in our kitchenette. The food was about $25.00, that would have been around $90.00 in a restaurant. At McDonaaald's now for the free wifi.

Wednesday & Thursday

We spent Wednesday waiting out the cyclone. The hotel was locked down at 2pm and we received several updates about the precautions that we had to take. After dinner we had to go to our rooms for the night, although they let us out for awhile to go to first floor for drinks and snacks and watch a movie "Forest Gump". Our doors had to be locked, the patio doors had to be locked and drapes pulled. We had to fill our bathtub with water?? Hotel was on a generator after 8pm so we had no A/C/. We heard the howling wind start about 11pm and went to sleep shortly after. Couldn't see much because it was dark outside. This morning we found that the storm wasn't as bad as they expected and there was no loss of life. Lots of trees down around the hotel. We just came into town to use the internet. (that was out at the hotel) Lots of trees and branches down here too. Trying to get a flight out or if we can't we are here until Saturday at the earliest. We were supposed to leave today.

Monday and Tuesday

No blog on Monday. We were late getting back to hotel from dinner and had to move rooms because of the a/c. Monday we took a boat out to the Great Barrier Reef. The Reef we stopped at was the Moore Reef. We were about 1 1/2 hours going out to the pontoon, after stopping at Fitzroy Island to drop off some people. The large boat was tied up to the pontoon that is anchored in the water. We took a ride in a glass bottomed boat and then went in a sdubmarine type boat. The reef was beautiful. Saw lots of fish. Had a great buffet lunch. Back by 5:30pm. Went into town for dinner at an Irish pub!!
Today we were going to have a rest and go on another tour tomorrow but we woke to news that a cyclone is bearing down on Cairns. It is expected in 24 hours. Our tour is cancelled for Wednesday, also our train to Brisbane that was scheduled for Thursday has been postponed until Saturday. It may not leave then, so we are going to try and get a flight. The airport is closed and they are moving people out of the low lying areas. We are safe in the hotel. They have generators if the power is out and will have lots of food on hand to feed the guests. Most of the guests here were supposed to leave but the hotel is putting everyone up for as long as it takes. The wind is supposed to start at 8am tomorrow and we will be watching from the inside. They have closed most shops in town early and taped the windows. Some have brought in sandbags because they expect lots of water too. We are safe and will let you know how it turns out.

Sunday

Today we were up early again. Left for the Daintree Rainforest tour at 7 am. We stopped on the way for a morning tea break and had Daintree tea that they grow in the area. We then took a cruise on the Daintree River, only saw one crocodile. Then drove up the Alexandra Mountain Range to the rainforest. Took a walk through part of it, stopping every 5 to 10 minutes for our guide to explain something in the area. Very unusual trees, plants, ferns, etc. Later we stopped at a roadside inn and had a barby (not sure if this is how it's spelled). We stopped later at Emmagen Creek and had a swim. It was cool and refreshing, the trees keep a lot of sunlight out and it's shady inside. Our guide made a fire (really used gas) and made tea in a billy can. Sort of like we used to do in Nfld when I was a kid. Made another stop at Cape Tribulation on the way back. Beautiful scenery! No swimming in this area at this time of the year because of deadly jelly fish-2 kinds. On our way back we took a ferry across the river and made our way home. Only 9 of us on the tour and we had a great time. Went downtown for dinner. Tomorrow the reef!

Saturday

Took hotel shuttle to City Square in Cairns this morning. Had breakfast in a sidewalk cafe. Shopped until mid-afternoon. Ray went for a swim and spent some time in the hot tub. Tonight we went for a dinner cruise on the Ocean Spirit and sailed out to Trinity Outlet in Cairns harbour. Met two couples who sat on either side of us and we had a wonderful night. Both were from Australia and were here on vacation. Ben and Danille were celebrating their 10th anniversary and Ron and MaryAnn were our age. Tomorrow we start the touring at 7am. It is a little cooler here, around 30C and humid. Lots of tourists about.

Friday

This morning we checked out of our hotel early and went into Alice Springs to look around. It was so hot we mostly stayed in the mall shops. Did eat brunch outside, only 42C today. We flew to Cairns and arrived at our hotel around 8:30pm. First time we've flown Quantas and it was great. Only a 2 1/2 hour flight and we got a drink and snack plus dinner. We are on the 6 th floor with a balcony. Too dark to see much tonight but will have to check out the city tomorrow. It's only 28C here but humid.

Thursday

Marie has done daily blog, but I'm giving her a rest today. OZ is amazing & awesome. Temp between 23 and 47C in mid afternoon. Worn shorts& sandalssince arriving, but no sunburn. Tilley hat works well to keep sun off. Flies by the 1000's are a nuisance. Bought a net to put over hat & head to keep out of eyes, nose & mouth.Seeing animals galore - lots of sheep, cattle on 1,000,000 acre stations. Saw 100's of wild camels crossing road in front of bus. Woke up with fantastic male peracock o?s our motel balcony. Food/meals much same as home, but 2-3 times cost. Rooms are very nice, but only 2 so far with tub for Marie.Saw ULURU at sunset & sunrise - got up at 4:30am. Saw Venus & Southern Cross in night sky.Clear nights; not many clouds. Ozzies very friendly; meeting people from around globe - all friendly.
Todat, toured Alice Springs. Saw Aboriginal Museum, Royal Flying Doctors Services of Australia, Alice Springs School of the Air (they provide schooling for kids over 50 km away and teach them on computer). Saw first Telegraph Station that connected OZ to rest of World. Last, saw Alice from top of ANZAC hill, a war memorial to all th wars. Had dinner tonight with couple from tour, from Thompson, alberta. A full day. Well, G'day. That's my report

Wednesday

Picked up at 4:55am for a drive to Uluru for the sunrise. It was beautiful. Then we stopped at the Olgas, 36 rock formations, about 30 kilometres from Uluru. Back at the hotel in Ayers Rock Resorts for lunch. Left at 1 pm for the 5 hour ride back to Alice Springs. We stopped on the way back at a large cattle station. On the ride today we saw at least 100 wild camels. They were brought here in the mid 1800's to move good around in the deserts and were left and there are more camels here than anywhere else in the world. Now they are selling them to other countries. Also eating them, although we haven't seen it on a menu yet. Lots of emus today as well and one kangaroo.

Tuesday

They were late picking us up this morning. Finally left the hotel at 7am for the drive to Uluru. Stopped several times on the way to our hotel, the Desert Garden. After lunch we took a tour out to The Rock. Stopped at the Aboriginal Centre to view some of their art and to have a snack. Walked in close to the rock. I almost passed out because it was 46C and I thought I was in Hades! We had wine and cheese & crackers while we sat and watched the sun set over Uluru. Came back to our hotel to cool off. Had a steak dinner in our room. $110.00 and it was tough! Early night tonight, as we have to be at the bus for 4:55am.

Sunday and Monday

Could not get to blog last night. We were on the Ghan train from Adelaide to Alice Springs. It was a long ride, over 25 hours. We could move around on the train, roomy seats and a dining car. Lots of bathrooms and even a shower if we wanted. We passed through several small towns on the way. The further north we got, the trees and schrubs got fewer and fewer. It is almost a desert here and it is very hot. It was 39 C.when we arrived. Our hotel is lovely. I have a bathtub again. Large room with a balcony. Went into town for dinner. Lots of natives around, mostly selling art. Tomorrow we're going out to Ayers Rock. Staying out there for the night.

Saturday

Picked up early this morning for another tour. This one around the city. Saw most of the city's government buildings plus churches, Art Gallery, etc. They are very ornate, with lots of wrought iron trim. Stopped for a tour and taste at Haigh's Chocolate Factory. Very yummy! Lunch at the Central Market and in afternoon we took a second tour to Cleland's Wildlife Park.On the way we stopped at Mount Lofty's lookout to see the valley. Saw red and grey Kangaroos, Tasmanian Devils,Dingos,Echidnas,Pelicans,Emus, Wallabies, and we had our picture taken holding a Koala named "Jay". Dinner at the International buffet across the street from our hotel. Last night in Adelaide.

Friday

Today was a full day. We were picked up at 8:15am and went outside Adelaide to the Barossa Valley. This is wine country. We stopped at a German cafe for morning tea, then on to Wolf Blass winery. They gave us 5 wines to taste and then we left for lunch at the Kaesler Winery. We couldn't resist the kangaroo entree, it tasted very good. No fat, just lean meat. (It wasn't the cute one I fed last week) On the way back to the city we stopped in a Bavarin village, Hahndorf. This area was settled by the Germans in the 1800's. Wecame back to the harbour for dinner. I'm now at McDonald's again. I found out last night that they have free internet. Yeah!

Thursday

We returned our rental car this morning and walked a few blocks to the Adelaide Central Market. Lots and lots of shopping and many places to eat. We had lunch and bought a few gifts. Then took a free tram (the only thing free in Australia) to Rundle Mall. A little more upscale, but I liked the other one better. We arranged some tours for Friday and Saturday. Then back to mall one for a few more hours. Bus back to the hotel in Glenelg. Needed to rest, it was over 35 C today. Everyone says it is a dry heat, but hot is hot. Out to dinner...at McDonald's. We are now in the state of South Australia and are in a half hour time difference. I always thought the Newfoundland was the only place with 1/2 hour time zone.

Wednesday

Today we Stopped at Tantanoola Caves Conservation Park and Ray walked to the top of the cliff. Stopped at Rope for a coffee and had lunch at Menengie. Saw two emus on the way. Arrived in Adelaide in late afternoon. No bathtub again and no free internet. Went out for dinner near the pier. We are close to the water. Lots of people around, we watched some street performers that were pretty good. Tomorrow we start to case the city.

Tuesday, Jan. 18th

We stopped at Otway National Park this morning to see the oldest lighthouse at Cape Otway. On the way in to the lighthouse, we saw 13 koalas, including a mother and baby, in the trees. Later we saw the 12 Apostles, large rocks that stand tall in the water, close to the cliffs. Tonight we are staying at Mount Gambier. The hotel is old and beautiful. The room is as big as a suite, wish we were staying here more that one night.

Monday

Today we rented a car and started along the Great Ocean Road on our way to Adelaide. Tonight we stopped at Apollo Bay after lunch in Geelong and coffee break in Lorne. Ray is driving on the left side for the first time. And the road has many twists and turns. What a drive! The views are unbelieveable.

Sunday

Last full day in Melbourne.  We had breakfast downtown and visited the Melbourne Museum in the afternoon. Heard a native play the digerdoo and he told stories about the aboriginal people.  Spent some time watching street artists and shopping.  Tomorrow we leave for the Great Ocean Road drive to Apollo Bay.  Ray is going to be driving on the left side for the first time.

Saturday

Today we went to the Melbourne Aquarium.  Saw lots of King Penguins, Sharks and Stingrays.  After lunch we returned to the market to shop.  Dinner was Chinese, a great restaurant in ChinaTown.  Meeting lots of interesting people, from many different countries.  Also, the Australians are so friendly.  Can't do enough for us, giving directions, telling us places to go, etc.  Today we met a couple at a cafe and they gave us a couple of pints of strawberries at the market. Also met a couple on the bus who gave us their number in case we do make it to Brisbane.  They want to show us some sights outside of the city.  Brisbane is cleaning up after the flood and we may have to change our plans for that area.  Will know later if we change from train to plane.

Friday

Today we took a tour out of Melbourne to Philip Island and Churchill Island.  We saw Wallabies, kangaroos, koalas and emus.  Also saw local sheep shearing on a working farm.  Enjoyed seeing boomerang throwing and trying it out as well.  At the end of the day, we watched the Penguin Parade.  These penguins are called Little Penguins and are only 12" high.  They come back at dusk from the sea after a day of eating and make their way back to their sand burrows to feed their young.  Loved all the animals and had lots of fun with the people on the tour.  Rain also stopped today and it was sunny and warm.

Melbourne

After breakfast at a little cafe outside our hotel, we took a free tourist shuttle and toured the city.  We stopped at Victoria Market and spent hours shopping at the flea market type stalls.  Also checked out the food stalls.  There's lots of outside restaurants and cafes.  This is a large city, over 4 million people.  We are 5 minutes from the Yarrow River and there are several brdges that connect the city.  It is very clean and looks very modern.  It poured rain today, but we don't have the problems that they have to the north.  More about Brisbane later.

Still Wednesday

Forgot to mention that I only have access to the internet for 15 mins at a time.  The going rate to hook up mine is $10. per hour.  Will try to upload pictures later.

Melbourne, Australia

Arrived in Melbourne. Beautiful city. Over 4 million people. We went up the Eureka tower and had a look at the city. Today was a rest day after 25 hours of travelling.Walked a few blocks for dinner. I had pizza with barbequed lamb,and it was pretty good. taking a tour of the city tomorrow.

Ready to go

Three more days!

Leaving for Melbourne, Australia via Los Angeles on Monday, January 10th. Follow our adventures.