Have not left yet.

It's Sunday at 4:30 PST.  We are packed and ready to go 8 hours before takeoff, which is 11:50 PM PST. Kevin emailed me earlier today that he was on his way to work and that he would see us in about 24 hours. Bob Jr is going to take us to the airport at 7:30 PM. We are leaving early because it is thanksgiving weekend and we expect some traffic. Plus it is raining a bit so that may contribute to any traffic delays.

Helen did a great job of getting us all ready washing clothes right up to packing so we have clean stuff for the trip. We are taking some goodies for the Australian Sherwoods including 8 pounds of prime Costco bacon that is not available in Australia. Kevin has signed us up for an all-day scuba/snorkeling cruise on the great barrier reef during our Hamilton Island 5 day side-trip-December 6-11.  It is starting to be a real adventure. We are leaving our tennis rackets and golf clubs at home to keep the luggage to a minimum.

I checked us in on-line which was pretty smooth, seat assignment, passport numbers and emergency contact. For Australia, I registered for and received a special number, cost was $20, that is associated with your passport. I understand we use that number when we check-in to verify that Australia has agreed to let us visit. We are approved to visit for 4 months. Right now we are scheduled to arrive back in Los Angeles 6:30 AM on January 7. Bob Jr says he will pick us up.

Australia Prep

Today it's off to Costco to load up with all the stuff that can not be purchased in Australia. We will have 3  large suitcases and one overnighter. The overnighter is mine. It contains a few pair of shorts, some undies, 3 pull overs and 2 pair tennis shoes. After all, it is just for 5 weeks. We have set up an inventory staging area for clothes, non-essential gear, bacon, sunscreen, passport and essential items, like vitamin pills, medicines, toothpaste and hairbrushes. The staging ares is at Bob's home in Valencia where we spent thanksgiving.

I called my goto scuba guy, Michael Murry, he has done more than 100 dives, in Texas and asked him whether or not my heart was strong enough for scuba. He said he doubted it, but that I should try it anyway, but he suggested I do not go down deeper than 100 ft.  He asked me if I was claustrophobic. I was not sure, but replied I do not like to be in most confined spaces. Any way, I was thinking more about a 6 ft depth limit and no more than an arm's length from the boat.  Helen is excited to wall-dive and explore the dark habitats of sharks, manta rays and sea turtles. We shall see how brave she is and I will report the facts on this blog sometime after December 9th.

Kevin has set up a 5 day adventure for us on Hamilton Island. I will report on this later. It is one of the only islands in a 74 island chain that has a landing strip for planes. Then you are offloaded to golf carts for the remainder of the trip. No cars are allowed in the island. I searched Google for information on Hamilton island. It has a fascinating history and currently owned by a 5th generation Australian. He spotted the island while touring in his 160' yacht, liked the look of the island and bought it. I recently bought a golf hat in pretty much the same way.

I am envisioning golfing with the wallabies and the kangaroos, catching reef fish and grilling them on the barbie.

More later on the Aussie trip.