On the Road Again:

Jan 7 through Jan 12 (Really Behind)

Walkways labeled for tourists. We are so programed to our side of the road, but so far I am crossing without getting hit by someone going the "wrong" direction. I've mastered rotarys, shifting gears in the hills, and driving left (well kind-of). Still turn on the wipers instead of the turn indicator and try to shift with my right hand.

Adrianne, Alan, David (14) and Elaine (David's Grandma) were the very best introduction to Sydney anyone could have asked for. Their kindness and hospitality prevented me from feeling jetlag, city or culture shock. Taking the ferry was the most wonderful to travel! Before departing from the best introduction, we went for Fish 'n Chips at Australia's most famous fish and chip spot, Doyles.

Steve Irwin and I climbed the bridge. That means we're both equally up for an adventure, right?

No photos allowed up top unless you are Steve or Opra. 

Last post I said that I was being "shouted" a trip on the nighttime walk over the Sydney Harbor bridge by Alan and Adrianne. What a treat and amazing experience that was. In each and every direction were  harbors, city lights, high winds and another set of ladders or steps. I even got my first look at the Southern Cross Constellation.  Heights don't seem to worry me much anymore when on a mountain or a cliff, but I have found that human-structures can be a bit of a different story. On the top of the bridge I guess I quit talking when spoken to.  I was totally in awe and was somewhat freaked-out at the precipice while locked in with my companions from Columbia, India, England, and an Aussie couple celebrating. Was told that there have been 6,000 wedding proposals accepted (one $10,000 ring dropped), and 9 woman have turned down engagements. I can't imagine how long the walk off the bridge would have been after being turned down. No proposals, but ticked off one more from the list "100 things you must do in Australia".  So glad for the adventure.

While giving the lowdown of being in high places I admit to going up 88 floors to the sky scape and the edge observation area in Melbourne. Compared to the heights of Dubai's towers, it wasn't much, but it is the tallest in the Southern Hemisphere. Its height is compared to the top of the Eiffel Tower.  Beautiful vistas again. I am going to have to quit talking about the beautiful vistas, because just about every way you turn a spot of beauty appears.

Is that Pam maybe looking fearlesson the top of the highest building in the Southern Hemisphere?

Jody, help, I can't find rotate!

Phillip Island is famous for its "Penguin Parade" which occurs most nights. Between 1-2 thousand exhausted little tuckers get to shore after dodging the seagulls and getting the strength to climb the hills back to their burrows several hundreds of meters away. The Little Penguins (formally known as the Fairy Penguins)  appear in rafts (the name for a group of penguins) of about 10-20. Just below the viewing railing an immodest couple copulated before waddling further up the hill. They chatter, squeal, and chirp all the way home to greet their family members that stayed behind with the downy babies or hunted with a different raft. The Little Penguin, the only type in Australia live in family groups, but the divorce rate is perhaps above 70%. Feelings: I couldn't have been more excited to get the privilege to meet and greet them!

So much time has passed without Internet or oomph to write. Been on the Great Ocean Road which is  more twisty and scenic than HWY 1. The 12 Apostles are down to 7.5 due to erosion, but well worth the sunset visit. Stayed at a lodge down a washboard road with a great variety of birds and marsupials. Took steep stairs down the cliffs for a silhouetted beach stroll:

First koala viewed along the Great Ocean Road

7.5 Apostles

Be on the Lookout for the next post: From Pam's Treehouse and Beyond

glossary:

rotarys: term for round-a-bout
Shout out a round: buy the first round
shout me: to be treated to something
tick: to add a check mark
tucker: small child or cute animal