The rest of Jeff's trip, and other life tidbits

First of all, how cute is Gunnar? (both of them, really, but I was referring to Jen's little guy *g*)

So here is the 2nd half of Jeff's Australian trek...

July 19-20: Yeppoon
Enjoy lunch in the town of Gin Gin before continuing north along Bruce Highway to Rockhampton. Located on the Tropic of Capricorn, Rockhampton is considered the capital of Australia's beef industry producing 18 million head per year. Head towards the coast as your journey continues to beautiful Yeppoon. You will have time to catch up on your journal before you discover Olsen's Capricorn Caves, well known for their unspoiled beauty and natural formations including the famous Cathedral Cave. Tonight at dinner, take a walk on the wild side at a crocodile farm where, between courses, you can use flashlights to try and spot crocodiles lurking in the dark, murky waters. (Crocodile Dundee, anyone?) Gratuitous educational information: Watch for the telltale red eyes of these ancient and fascinating creatures. Did you know that crocodiles have outlived the dinosaurs by some 65 million years? They are believed to have originated 200 million years ago, and survived what killed the dinosaurs.

July 21-22: The Whitsunday Islands
Along the way to Airlie Beach, explore Mackay, a major center for the sugarcane industry in Australia, and learn about sugar farming. You may get the chance to try a raw stalk of sugar cane to see how it tastes before it is processed! Airlie Beach is the gateway to the 74 Whitsunday Islands, which were named by Captain James Cook on Sunday 4 June 1770 which happened to be Whit Sunday (the seventh Sunday after Easter) - hence the name of the area. Geologically the Whitsunday Islands are all drowned mountains. Prior to the last Ice Age they were connected to the mainland and would have all been prominent mountains in the area. The melting of the polar caps drowned the valleys between the mountains creating a network of islands. Cruise to the magnificent Great Barrier Reef, one of the greatest natural phenomena the world has to offer. Stretching over 1250 miles and covering an area of over 135,000 sq miles, the reef is the only living thing visible from the Moon! The Great Barrier Reef is rich in marine life, including 1500 species of fish. Observe this fragile ecosystem and snorkel in the pristine aquamarine water. Be amazed by the diverse colors and variety of the live coral. Play with the fish as they dart in and out of their watery wonderland. Witnessing life of the reef is truly a magical experience! Color Mom jealous!

July 23-24: Farm Stay
Today, as an integral part of the People to People Student Ambassador program, you will receive a civic welcome from the Burdekin Shire Council. Be sure to have a question ready about local government. Notice how the scenery changes from coast to outback during your journey north along the inland highway. This afternoon, arrive at your farm stay, outside of the historical gold mining town of Charters Towers. After meeting your hosts, enjoy a home cooked meal and country hospitality.
Enjoy a full day of activities in the outback including bush walking and spotting wildlife. Learn how to crack a bullwhip, experience daily life, and see what it takes to manage an Australian ranch with a local family as your guide. Ranches in Australia are called "stations." Stations can cover thousands of acres and hundreds of miles. Be sure to thank your farm stay hosts for sharing their way of life with you.

July 25-26: Cairns
Bid farewell to your hosts at the farm, and enjoy a scenic drive to Cairns. This coastal cosmopolitan city is nestled in northern Queensland amid two of Australia’s most treasured World Heritage destinations, the Wet Tropics Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. A committee chooses World Heritage sites, from several nominated locations all over the world, which represent a significant "cultural or natural heritage." Begin your day on a high as you journey over the Kuranda Range in a unique gondola before reaching the quaint and tropical village of Kuranda, set deep in the rainforest. Next, you will learn about Aboriginal culture, an integral part of Australian history and heritage. The Aborigines are believed to have arrived 40,000-60,000 years ago via Asia. Experience musical and dance performances as well as watch boomerang and spear throwing demonstrations. Explore the rainforest by land and water in a World War II amphibious vehicle called an Army Duck. Additionally, you will learn about rainforest ecology, flora and fauna. Get ready for your close encounter with Australia’s unique fauna, such as koalas, kangaroos, crocodiles and wombats at a wildlife sanctuary. Kangaroos and koalas are marsupials as mothers carry and nurture their young in a pouch. There are three main varieties of kangaroos native to Australia. All are capable of growing to heights 7-9 feet tall, and weighing up to 200 lbs. This evening, "kick up your heels" to Australian folk songs and learn how to bush dance!

July 27 - home he comes!

We haven't heard from him since the lovely message he left last time. His money must be holding out *g*.

In other news, we just got back from a quick weekend jaunt up to Pebble Beach, where we celebrated Bob's grandmother's 95th birthday. Wow. We took Steve on the 17 mile drive and let him play in the ocean up there. Then we stopped in Pismo Beach along the way home, where he also played in the ocean. Steve has such a joie de vive - I love watching him on the beach. Lots of dogs on the beach there, too. Saw one kid dragging his little tiny dog into the ocean to play. The dog so obviously didn't want to go in. I finally had to say something to him. It was just cruel the way he kept dragging the poor little thing in. And it was not a warm day, either. That really irked my shit.

Bob & I are going to see Rush tomorrow night... again. Is it wrong of me to say been there, done that? I love Rush, but I think this is the 4th or 5th time I've seen them, and the last time they weren't so good. I'll cross my fingers that they are better this time.

Life is still completely crazy, and I still miss you all.