More on Australia

"The Journey Gives Meaning to Our Destination"

We've been unpacking our bags from our trip  to Queensland.  I finally had time to catch-up with the travel blog.  It was a whirlwind trip.  The Sunshine Coast lived up to it's reputation. There were lots of sunny hot days.  There was only one or two brief downpours at Fraser Island.

   

 Here were  wild kangaroos in the woods after our day of horse riding.  A mob of roos hung out near our beachhouse, nightly.  Of course, we got to feed the roos at the Australian Zoo from our hands. 



     

Dinner with  our Macedonian friends; Branca, Mona, the other Mona, Al, and Lepa

Nightime view of Brisbane

 Beach time for a camel safari

    

  A trail ride on the  beach and thru the bush country, near Noosa, Australia 

     

       Our time in New Zealand is winding down. Al was back at Taranaki District Base Hospital for his last week of work.  He had a weekend of psychiatric call as payback for his vacation.   Now, he  went to a meeting at Christchurch (South Island).  Gabe has about a week of school at New Plymouth Boys High School. There are only 2 more Saturdays for gymnastics.  Maybe, we can squeeze in time for a tramp at the mountain.  Then, we say our goodbyes at the office parties and its"outta here".  

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Wild dingoes and the Southern Great Barrier Reef

Fraser Island:   A World Heritage Site 5 hours north of Gold Coast.
      We stayed overnight on this famous sandy island (the world's largest) looking for the dingoes.  These wild dogs have a reputation as a nusiance by the local farmers.  They are a protected species with a genome older than 3000 years. We did not see any (except at the zoo) as it was crowded with Easter guests.  There were many 4 wheel drive vehicles (including our bus) zipping around the 80 mile beach.

    









It was the first time our tour guide did not spot dingoes.  We were a little disappointed but there was still plenty to see.  We hiked in lush tropical forests, across sandy dunes, and swam in crystal clear lakes.  In the evening, flocks of colorful parrots roosted in the palm trees of our lodge.  No one needed an alarm clock with sqawking birds.

Lady MusGrave Island: north of Bundaberg

       We awoke at the crack of dawn for a long journey--1 1/2 hr. bus ride to the town of "1770".  Then, we spent an 1 1/2 hr. ferry ride with numerous seasick passengers (we were not seasick due to our meclozine pills.  However, I was more than ready to arrive at our calm, turquoise lagoon teeming with marine life. 

     This pristine island was located at the southern Great Barrier Reef (GBR).  It was 2 hours south of the oil tanker crash site the day after our trip. The GBR lived up to my expectations.  There were large sea clams, green sea turtles, purple star fish, numerous remoras, and various tropical fish.  The staghorn and delicate soft coral were beautiful but no sharks.  

    

 The 3 hour return journey went quickly as we were tired. We left the reef in good spirits with dreams of returning.

    

From the dive platform in the lagoon: