We are now at Ayers Rock, so I'm three days behind with posts. I actually have them written, but the time to upload the pictures with the wireless connection I have right now is taking forever, and every six minutes costs a buck, so I'm giving up.
I'll just update you on what has happened since the last post and then give you details and pics when we get home.
On Sunday (2/27) in Cairns we took the SkyRail to Kuranda and had a great experience at the Forestation Wilderness Adventure with a DUCK ride and water excursion through the rain forest, then Aboriginal show including dancing, spear throwing and boomerang throwing. I tried my hand at the boomerang, but bombed miserably. We also went to the Butterfly Sanctuary, where I thought how much my grandson Sammy would have enjoyed this experience. I took some movies, so he will be able to see those, at least.
On Monday we went on a "Billy Tea Bush Safari" into the Daintree National Forest, a fantastic experience with a great guide/4WD driver/cook/fruit purveyor/educator on everything about the rain forest. And for once it didn't rain!
Tuesday we were in Port Douglas at the Sheraton Mirage Resort, a beautiful resort, even when it's raining! We decided to have a "down day" and just relax in the luxury of the resort. It quit raining in the afternoon long enough for us to go swimming in the pools. The seafood buffet that night was the best meal by far we have had the entire trip.
Yesterday (Wednesday) we flew to Ayers Rock, where (by design) our hotel room has a direct view of Uluru, the monolithic rock structure sacred to the Aborigines. It is impressive! Our "Sounds of Silence" excursion (dinner in the desert under the stars) was cancelled due to the threat of.... RAIN! It's not supposed to rain here! We must have brought it with us from the rain forest.
Today (Thursday) we will be going on a tour of Kata Tjuta, another rock formation that everyone says is even more spectacular than Uluru. The sun is shining as I write this, so I have my fingers crossed!
Tomorrow we get up at 4:30 for a 5:30 pickup for "Desert Awakenings," a breakfast where we watch the sunrise over Uluru and Kata Tjuta, then are driven to Uluru for a driving tour around it and a short walk at the base. When we get back to the hotel, it's off to the airport for the flight to Sydney and the drive by rental car up into the Blue Mountains, where we stay at the Lilianfels Spa and Resort for two nights before going back to Sydney on Sunday for our flight to San Francisco, then on to Cleveland, where we'll try to adjust to winter again.
Expect the next posts starting next Monday after we are home. It's been great, but it will also be great to stop living out of a suitcase!
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