Brisbane

After a one day stop in the Glass House Mountains with some rainy weather and limited hiking as well as a half day at Australia Zoo, we arrived in Brisy (as the locals call Brisbane) yesterday. We returned the camper that was our home for the last 3 weeks and are spending our first night in a hotel in a long time. Ahhhhhh... a real bed for once... not a camper, not a tent, not a sailing boat! :)

We have to admit, once in a while it's nice to be in a big city. We spent the better part of today strolling past gardens, visiting museums, and enjoying a cup of iced coffee... considering the hot and steamy temperatures. 2nite we are planning an excursion into the Fortitude Valley, one of the fine restaurant districts of Brisy, and possibly a movie after. You have to enjoy civilization while it lasts - in a couple of days it's back 2 the outback.

2morrow our flight to Alice Springs leaves early in the morning and we'll be picking up a 4WD to explore the Outback of Australia. The plan is to do some hiking in the West MacDonald Ranges, then cruise on to Kings Canyon, via back roads on to Ayers Rock and the Olgas only to return after a short 8 days for the flight onto Auckland, New Zealand via Sydney. More as the adventures unfold :)