I'm afraid to say that I didn't make the Barrier Reef, as shocking as that may sound. The weather was unseasonably questionable when I arrived back in Cairns and I was tired from long days in the mountains, so lounged around and wandered the streets before heading back to Sydney on the 2 hour flght aboard Virgin Blue with some beer swilling Aussies at 10:30am. Fosters for breakfast it seems.
The first day or so in Sydney was pretty miserable weather so I spent it in or near the hotel vegging and watching movies, which was just fine by me. The first day I ventured out I was caught in a very light and brief shower where several raindrops (may have) gotten onto my clothes. The very nice people at the G-Star store were kind enough to welcome me in to safety from the elements, and since I had at least one or two raindrops on me I was forced to take off my ruined clothes and buy all new ones.
I also went out riding for the first time in many years (won't say how many) in Centennial Park which was great. A refresher lesson in the stable then off for a trot through the park.
Back to San Francisco on United. And so the Fat Lady sings on an amazing trip. Australia has so much to see that I'll be back. 3 weeks just scratched the surface.
- C -
