Down Under

Sorry for the slow blogging, but when you do it only a couple times a year (blog that is), I have to relearn the tricks.  Plus the Internet speed here yesterday afternoon was dial-up slow.   .02 mbs on the down and .012 upload.  I headed to the lobby to see if it was just me and there was a techie right outside with the control panel opened and said everything was nearly down.  Blamed the cyclone that passed through way south of here, but that is where the only cable comes from.

We have arrived in Pt. Douglas, Queensland, Australia after a long day(s) and three flights.  Portland to LA; then to Brisbane, Australia; then to Cairns, Australia; then 1 1/2 hr drive to Pt Douglas.  We left on a Thursday night and arrived at noon on Saturday.

Sunrise in the South Pacific

Returning with wine (Pam on the left)

That seems like a long time, but subtract 18 hours and it's still a long time.  We rented a small suv and drove to Pt Douglas with Paul and Sharon, getting lost along the way a few times.  The turn signal is on the right as is the steering wheel.  The windshield wipers were going off often, even there was no rain.

We have a good group of Jones people.  Our friends from Corvallis, Marta and Mark from Vancouver, and the crazy younger couple on the Morocco trip that loved the monkeys and snakes.

It is HOT and HUMID here.  Not in the travel brochure!!

We go outside for a while and moisten our clothes, then into an air-conditioned room and get chilled.  

We have a very nice room/apartment.  No view, but all facilities are well off the coast and it is quiet.  Two bedroom, two floors, full kitchen, laundry, outdoor patio and upstairs a hot tub, bbq, and picnic area.  I went up the spiral stairs to check it out and declared there was no reason for a hot tub or bbq. It is just too hot.  39 C.  I think that is really hot and add 85% humidity.  I doubt we will see that area again.

A huge pool that is barely refreshing with about 90 degree water.

Spent Pam's birthday in a 2 hour meeting where I announced she was now eligible for Medicare / don't worry we have a two bedroom unit.  

We went with Paul and Sharon to the Wildlife Habitat near by and saw the crocodiles, kolas, birds, and kangaroos.  It was hot and humid.  

The Crocs didn't look too scary

The birthday girl feeding the local rodents

Pam's birthday party in the aviary cafe.  I was too sticky so I headed to the air conditioned gift shop.

We had a nice dinner to celebrate Pam's birthday and Sharon and Paul's anniversary on the same day at Salsa's in Pt Douglas.  Home by 8:30 and called it a night.

Today, the 24th, we are taking a fast boat to the Low Isle to snorkel the inner reef for a couple hours.

Enjoying our time.  Hope all is well with everyone!