In early March, Julian joined us in Sydney, having spent several weeks in Japan. We met him at the airport prepared to fly to Tasmania. Shortly before our scheduled take off, we noticed huge black clouds heading straight for the airport.  A short time later thunder, monsoon rain and lightning filled the air. Over the loudspeaker it was announced that the airport was on shutdown.  No landings, no takeoffs.  Then we saw on the large flat screens around the airport that the big story on local TV stations was the superstorm that had shut down the airport. We boarded a rescheduled flight the next morning

Our hosts throughout Australia have contributed greatly to our experience. We had a week’s stay with Air B&B hosts Juanita and Richard just outside Hobart in Tasmania. They and Rosie (a native Tasmanian, living part time on Whidbey) were very helpful in making the most of our time. We had the lower level of the house, two large rooms and a small kitchen and a lovely garden. Located high on a hill above Blackmans Bay, we had spectacular sunrises and, from the top of the driveway equally lovely sunsets. It was a great place to set out each morning to visit the southern portion of this large island state. We had some lovely hikes and saw a few of Australia’s signature animals.

We made our way to Port Douglas so that Julian and David could get some time in at the Great Barrier Reef, while I spent time with a local aboriginal man learning much about the rain forest plants and their uses and hearing stories of the spirits that inhabit this area.

While in the area, we had a lovely stay with Catherine and Nigel, staff members of the Antarctica Expedition. It was quite a change for all of us to be dressed in clothing to suit the tropical climate of northeast Australia. No wellies or polar jackets in sight!  The spectacular home they have designed and built themselves really suits this location, a round two story stone house which totally opens to welcome the outdoors.

We enjoyed a swim in their nearby crocodile-free swimming hole after a day exploring the Daintree Rainforest.

Cynthia

On March 15, Julian and I selected Wavelength Marine Charters for a full-day boat trip to the Outer Reef of the Great Barrier Reef from Port Douglas, Queensland. It was a good selection. It took about an hour and a half to reach the outer reef and we visited three different sites. There were two marine biologists on board who helped us identify corals, sea cucumbers, sea stars, crabs and fish. We were surprised to find a place where the reef was still in such pristine condition—many fragile corals with colorful fish ranging in size from three quarters of an inch to five feet from nose to tail.

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