This is the Life

After another overnight flight we reach Sydney Tuesday morning and have almost four hours layover before the flight to Hamilton Island, part of the Whitsunday Islands. Once there our luggage mysteriously disappears as we are whisked off to our luxury apartment. Everything is luxury on this island.

01 Meeting on the Balcony

Less than an hour later, Dawn and Marcus arrive having come by boat. It takes awhile to reorient to where East and West are (and are we in the East or where) and get used to the path of the sun. In the evening we have a wonderful sunset meal by the harbor and watch the flying foxes (fruit bats) take flight.

Wednesday we took a bus trip around the Island that includes a visit to the Fauna Park to see the native animals including kangaroos, koalas and fed the crocodile. After which we all change into swim suits, paddle out a short distance into the sea to try and feed the fish. We have an Aussie barbie by the pool, and then sit in the shade while Dawn and Marcus prove to be excellent sailors on a catamaran. Marcus did better than most at wind surfing. In the evening two chickens substituted for a turkey for an early Thanksgiving Dinner. Although fixing an elaborate dinner was a challenge with limited cooking equipment, we managed. Menu: Oven Roasted/Stuffed Chickens, Onion/Buttered Carrots, Potatoes delicately mashed and seasoned, finest salad greens, mushrooms, and for dessert a choice of pumpkin pie or cake.

01.5 The Observatory.

The next day we had an early start to take the catamaran out to The Great Barrier Reef. This included snorkeling, underwater boats and an excellent lunch spread. In all we had an interesting if rather tiring day that did not put us in good stead for Trivia Night. We went searching for dark skies and found upside-down constellations including Taurus and Orion and saw a red kangaroo, several gray kangaroos, bushed tailed possums and other wildlife. Dawn was excited as these were her first roos in the wild.

Friday morning, unfortunately, it was time to leave Hamilton Island and go our various ways. We know in a few days we will be wishing to have the peace of Hamilton Island back again.

02 The Great Barrier Reef

Peter and I land in Melbourne to much cooler temperatures and pouring rain. This is much welcomed in Melbourne as they are in the middle of a drought. We manage to master the public transportation system, taking the bus to the train station and the train to our hotel.

Saturday we go out and explore Melbourne walking miles. First we visit Queen Victoria Market containing over 1000 stalls undercover. We do our own walking tours looking at the facades on many buildings, seeing the old gaol where Ned Kelly famed outlaw was hanged, and the old mint. Because of the drought all the many decorative fountains are turned off in Melbourne. We visit Melbourne Central where the new protects the old and try a new-old form of public transport (a wooden tram) for a circular city tour after our feet can walk no more. Then we walk miles to the National Gallery of Victoria (closed for renovations), Queen Victoria Gardens where there is a floral clock and on to the Royal Botanic Gardens - very impressive.

02.5 Dawn and Marcus Snorkling.

The four of us regroup at our hotel later is the afternoon. This is so different with much cooler temperatures, no sun and occasional rain. We hope for better weather as the 4th. approaches.

02.8 Stitching the Barrier Reef

03 Relaxing at the pool bar.

04 Beach Weddings

06 Mavis, Peter and Dawn.