ROCK-N-REEF

Our journey has taken us where the rain forest meets the sea and the outback back meets the rain forest. We've gone through the hinterlands, tablelands and I-lands. After three weeks, two flights, a rental car, and a 1700km road trip we've only experienced a fraction of Australia. It's one bloody, big country.


ULURU, the Aboriginal name for Ayres Rock, along with Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) is quite the landmark in the middle of the outback. So what does one do at the biggest rock in the world? To start things off you get up really early, well not early enough, which makes the drive a little more exciting and race in your car to see the sunrise, where the light turns the rock a lovely shade of red. Then you walk the ten kilometers around, so you can admire it from every angle, and if that's not good enough provided you're not suffering from heat exhaustion , a little dehydration and craziness from the relentless flies swarming about your face, there's only one thing left to do, CLIMB IT! After finishing our trek around we sat down to relax, happy that we didn't have to decide whether to climb the rock since it was closed due to high winds. Climbing is a point of contention since it is a sacred place to the Anangu people and 34 visitors have died trying. Unfortunately for us the climb was re opened and we were faced with a decision, to climb or not to climb. After chatting with some Aussie mates we were convinced that climbing the rock was something we would remember for ever and "it would only take 20 minutes to get to the top ." How many times have you hear that? So the climb began with a steep ascent, totally relying on the soles of your shoes as there was nothing to grab onto. Carin was a bit nervous in the beginning but with warm encouraging words from her husband ( and a big shove ) upward she went. When the climbing became dangerously steep. there was a section of chain to grab onto. After about forty-five minutes we thought we'd made it to the top to find out that we were only a third of the way. With the water supply running low, blisters on our feet and the temperature rising we finally made it to the top. Ah, the thrill of victory. Except now we had to get down, and that was scarier than going up, at least for Carin. As we descended Mike took on the roll of Uluru cheerleader, encouraging both young and old climbers that they were doing great and to keep it up. By the end Carin thought he was going to get a job as an official guide. One last sunset, a load of laundry and off we flew to Cairns.

THE GREAT BARRIER REEF is Earth's biggest reef system, in fact it is the only living thing that can be seen from outer space. After renting a car , driving to Port Dougie ( as the locals like to call it) choosing a reef tour company from the 500 or so ( we of course chose the one that looked like it had the best lunch), fins and snorkel in hand we were ready to check it out, that is until the two hour boat ride. For those of you who may not know this, Mike gets a little sea sick on the open waters. As the captain cruised along at record breaking speed and the waves splashed up to the windows, Mike began to sweat like crazy and turned a lovely shade of greenish gray. The Canadian couple that we were sitting with asked " do you think he'll be alright? " as he crawled off to buy some motion sickness medicine. No worries, the boat stopped, Mike felt a hundred percent better and we found ourselves part of the most beautiful under water world .

A ROAD TRIP is just what you need to meet the locals and see the country. We traveled north to Danetree and up to Cape Tribulation where the rain forest meets the sea. Hiking, relaxing on the beach and enjoying the company of fellow travelers and great hosts at the B & B's. From there we drove a bit west and many hours south stopping in small towns along the way, enjoying national parks, looking for Kangaroos ( only road kill) and singing along to the great radio stations. Mike was really enjoying seeing how many trucks he could pass at one time on the narrow two lane road between Cairns & Brissie. The highlight for Carin was the " I told you so moment" after the police pulled him over for "dangerous overtaking." Luckily no ticket just a warning.

FRASER ISLAND the largest all sand island in the world (are we noticing a trend here?) .What a blast. The only way to get around is by 4 wheel, so we rented a Jimmy, watched a fifteen minute video on the do's and don'ts , received five minutes of instruction, signed a liability release and boarded the barge. There are no paved roads, the sand is soft and deep in spots, the tracks are rutted. The four wheelin was full on. Mike was in heaven. What makes this island so amazing is the clear fresh water lakes on the interior and ocean surround. Driving up and down the beach trying not to get caught in high tide made things a bit more exciting. We managed to only get stuck once. It turns out Carin is quite the 4 wheeler.

BRISSIE, our final destination. We were lucky enough to be the guests of the "cousins" Lisa & Alan their son Callum and Ruby their great big dog. Their daughter Maltilda was away at university in Tasmania. The minute we saw Ruby we thought of Sony which brings us to our connection -Dave & Lisa Compton. Aussie Lisa, who grew up in the USA , is Dave C's first cousin. They have been so wonderful, showing us around the city, taking us on a bike ride, up to the beach house and treating us like family. They really are quite amazing hosts considering when we arrived they were also hosting Christopher, a student from Germany. Brissie is a great city with wonderful parks, terrific public spaces, a world class arts complex all located along the Brisbane River. It was so nice to have a few home cooked meals and share thoughts and experiences with such lovely people that we can now call our friends.

A few shouties to our mates back home;

- Dennis & Diane, Carin is wondering if there are any tickets left for the concert in NY. She thinks it's worth the 22 hour flight. Keep the sports updates coming.
- Sue S, Your China pics were great. We will exchange travel stories. Good luck to Mark in his new school.
- Mom & Joe, Loved hearing your voices. What can you tell us about NZ?
- Ivi, You know we love you guys. You're always on our list. Thanks for checking in on the girls, and we hope to help you move into your new home in Boulder when we return in June. Ha ha.
- Dave & Lisa, The cousins are amazing, thanks.
- Cyndy, South Africa is known for having some pretty good golf courses. Check your May schedule.
- Jess, Love everything your doing.
- Hannah, Our little drama queen, thanks for keeping things exciting. (This one comes from dad.)
- Hannah, You are such a delightful daughter. Counting the days til December. (This one comes from mom.)
- Brit, Happy Birthday. Sorry Mike's cantina was closed due to extended travel. Should be reopened for the big 21.
- Lee, You are the best!! The eagle has landed and the trip will go on. Thanks for keeping us connected. Loved the extra goodies. See you in Cambodia.
- To all, enjoy the fall and stay in touch.