On February 1, we woke up to snow in Fort Collins. It was time to head south of the equator.
Green Ride to Denver, Southwestern to Los Angeles, Qantas to Brisbane, and finally Qantas to Cairns. An extra couple of hours in Los Angeles, then a missed connection in Brisbane, but eventually we made it. The next day we learned what it is like to raise cane sugar.
Then a bit more excitement as we learned about raising crocodiles. We first took a boat ride through a lagoon full of hungry crocodiles, teasing them with chunks of chicken on a string.
Then we learned the commercial aspects of raising a crocodile for its valuable belly, which may eventually turn into a $4000 purse.
The same farm also had numerous koalas
and kangaroos.
That evening we had kangaroo meat for dinner. There are kangaroos everywhere and are a common source of meat.
Our next adventure was a gondola ride over the treetops of a rainforest. Not surprising, it was raining. It was still a fantastic way to view such a forest.
Our main goal in visiting Australia was to visit the Great Barrier Reef. This turned out to be a disappointment. We put on lycra suits to protect against the jelly fish and joined hundreds of other snorkelers as we looked through murky water. The best part was a ride in a boat with seating and windows below the water line.
We enjoyed our visit to Sydney. Our hotel was in North Sydney and our room had a great view. The Opera House is just out of view just to the left of the bridge and behind some tall apartment buildings.
Our first tour was to the Opera House. We were fortunate to be able to listen to a pianist in the large concert hall as he prepared for his next concert.
Other activities included a visit to an aquarium, a harbor cruise,
lunch at Bondi Beach
and a visit to a zoo. Here is a picture at the zoo that explains the difference between a kangaroo and a wallaby.
Our next stop was in New Zealand.