Australia - the series

June 27th – LA Airport, 9pm
One hour and twenty minutes before Sydney departure; United #815

Exchange rate in Philadelphia $.82 US / Aust $1. $1,000 Australian, Travelers Checks $300 and $400 US cash.

Paid $35 for film and video cassettes, $8 for movie ear phones. “Once Around” with Richard Dreyfus, Philadelphia to LA. Not bad. Stephanie said “blech” and played with her puzzle. Having a beer and Shirley temple waiting for Gail at Gate 77. “Oh, I think I am also collecting free miles for this trip.” Complete Screw up?


Gail arrived thirty minutes before take off – no confirmed seat – last ones on plane. Separated but worked ok. Babies (2) behind us – cried the first seven hours. Steph slept hard for 6 – 7 hour. One fitfully. Omelets for breakfast, bug spray for dessert. Should be on time. Fourteen hours is a long time, but we feel pretty good. High expectations for a good day.

Met Scott, local Aussie on his way him. Recommend Doyles Seafood in Watsons bay and Frazier Island.

What Happened to Friday? – Lost at International Dateline.

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Saturday June 29th - 70° Sunny. 25 – 30mph winds

Got through immigration with ease. Agent saw Steph and I had same Birthday. Lost Gail somewhere between immigration and baggage claim. Customs ok. Got gallons of booze past, no questions asked. Greg Johnson waiting for us, we waited for Gail, she went to the wrong carousel.

Driving on right side strange.

Bentley apartments very nice, two bedrooms, 16th floor Darling Harbour view. Had bloody marys and raison toast at “The Extra” circular Quay to start the new day. Greg gave us a tour of the south beaches including ice cream at Bondi Beach. No white points, too cold. We then did a tour of the Barbour via Captain Cooks Coffee Cruise. It was excellent. Especially middle harbour. Very picturesque with beautiful homes, windsurfing in every cove. After the cruise we changed up and caught the ferry to Manly for dinner at K’s Snapper Inn. Excellent seafood – local wine $45 for three. Steph fell asleep on my shoulder. Bad Dad! Girl on ferry over said we must see Byron Bay.
Back to Sydney by dark and much needed rest. I wanted to go cruising Kings Cross on Saturday night by my body fell asleep.