Australian Adventure

WHEW!!! What a summer!

Well, I made it home from Australia about a week ago, and I think I'm finally completely recovered. Jet lag is never any fun, but the problem was compounded for me this year because I had to attend an AP conference every day the week we returned. It wasn't too bad, just tiring. My internal clock was all messed up and I felt like I should be asleep at 1:00pm every afternoon. Adelaide is about 14 hours ahead of us so when it's noon here, it's about 2:00am there.

Mom and Mard at the Sydney Opera House

Anyway, I had a GREAT time Down Under! We started in Sydney, spent a couple nights there then traveled down/across southeastern Australia. We spent nights in the Blue Mountains in a cute little town called Katoomba, then drove through part of the "Outback" to Ballarat. The next day took us to the Great Ocean Road, a viewing of the "12 Apostles," and one night in Warnambool. In the morning we walked around the Griffith Island lighthouse, had breakfast in Port Fairy, and then drove through Coonawarra Wine Country up to Adelaide (our final destination.) Then we spent almost two weeks in my mom's hometown staying with friends, seeing the sites, and visiting relatives. It was FABULOUS. The winter weather was a little chilly, especially at night, but I loved it--around 65 degrees every day--are you kidding. I'd take that any day over the hot, humid summers in Kansas.
Shannon, Rachel and Mardy at the "Three Sisters" in the Blue Mountains. It was beautiful.


The "Twelve Apostles" on the Great Ocean Road. It was a little windy and cold, but a good hug will always warm you up. :)

So, I've included some pictures from the trip. Obviously, my mom went with me since the whole point of going was to celebrate my grandma's 90th birthday, but you'll notice my friends Shannon and Rachel in some of the pics as well. It was their first trip to Australia and I think they enjoyed themselves. It was cool to experience Australia with some folks who had never been. Good Times!
Mard and Grandma at her birthday party. Doesn't she look great!


This was the view from the house we stayed at in Semaphore, South Australia. My mom's friend Heather has a great house right on the beach!

Mardy and Auntie Val at the Port Power Aussie Rules Football Game. I love it!

FISH and CHIPS! in Victor Harbour, SA.


You can't go to Australia without holding a Koala--Right!?! Of course, my little cousin Chelsea is so much cuter than a Koala. This is Chelsea, her mom Emma, and myself at Rundle Mall in Adelaide. My family is great!

Well, that's it for now. I'll try to include more pictures in my next post. Hopefully it won't take me forever to make that happen. School starts next week. Summer's over and it's time to gear up for Golf season. Woohoo! Go Ravens!