Leaving on a Jet Plane….
Originally uploaded by MikeWilcox.
Well, I knew we wouldn't get anywhere with access during the last week, so here's the last report from Oz itself. With luck, I'll get a chance to write some more reports during the journey back, and load them when we get home.
Many thanks to all the people who've made the journey exceptional – and especially to Rod & Sue for spending most of the last week with us – at least the bits during the day, anyway ;-) - and showing us around a bigger selection of places than we'd seen so far. We've enjoyed it immensely, and are very sad to go!
The Wedding
Originally uploaded by MikeWilcox.
A quick taster of the photos from the wedding.
As you can see, Gabby & Samantha had an important job to do, spreading the rose petals around Rod & Sue.
The wedding was outdoors (just warm enough) at a vineyard in the Yarra Valley, just north of Melbourne. Very different & individual, but a touching affair. Tissues were needed…
In Melbourne
We're safely in Melbourne, and off to the wedding now. Don't know when I'll get chance to write again…
Ah… Dinner
Originally uploaded by MikeWilcox.
An excellent shot this – I think by Ann.
This was from the underground area that juts out into their enclosure, leaving you with a view through glass rather than steel mesh.
I'm sure he wasn't looking at Samantha with thoughts of dinner though…
The Endeavour?
Originally uploaded by MikeWilcox.
We spotted this in the Maritime Museum in Darling Harbour, and wondered whether it was the replica of the Endeavour that we saw in Hull a few years ago?
This was the closest we could get from outside the museum, so couldn't see any notices.
Fruit Bats
Originally uploaded by MikeWilcox.
One afternoon, we saw this fruit bat land in the tree outside the apartment. He was pretty busy scouring it for things to eat. And he wasn't small.
Later that evening, as we walked into town, we discovered he was part of an invasion… there were loads in the trees, squawking away, and frequently taking flight.
These weren't the cute, small, almost silent bats that I've watched around the canals in the UK. They're huge… and have a terrifying wingspan when you catch them against the darkening sky. Think Dracula…
Ann didn't say anything, so I'm sure she wasn't impressed.. but Sam was.
Harbour Bridge at Night
Originally uploaded by MikeWilcox.
You can't beat having a view like this.
It's well worthwhile going for a club room in the Intercontinental hotel, giving you access to the club lounge on the top floor.
Free drinks between 5:30 and 7:30, and this for a view…
Arrived Ok
Just to let you know that we’re here – arrived all present & correct.
Samantha’s been very excited, and seems to be handling jet-lag well.
I’m not sure that e-mail is working right now, nor is Mike’s phone. Call Ann’s if needed…
I’ll update you if/when things change!
Shopping to do now, then off to Aussie rules football this evening!
love to all
Finished in Melbourne, for now…
… but we'll be back in 2 weeks.
We got back (this afternoon) from visiting Rod's parents on Philip Island, and have now packed for an early flight to Cairns tomorrow. Hopefully I'll catch up on the reports then.
