Slip, slop, slap
Feb 27, 2000

Greetings mates, Lots of sun and fun here. We have spent the last 2 weeks traveling the coastal route between Melbourne and Sydney (about 1000 km). We started on Phillip Island, a Melbourne holiday spot, where Mike took his first real surf lesson. All was going great, he was even able to stand up, unfortunately his afternoon ended with some bruised ribs on a nasty 6 foot wave wipe-out. It was hard as the surf babe on the beach to watch the disaster. But he can once again be hugged hard and is looking forward to upcoming surf sets.

Then we explored one of Australia's favorite National parks, "The Prom", Wilson's Promotory. We were tramping around for 3 days in the heat, 38 degrees Celsius, over 100 F. Crazy hot here. Anyway beautiful beaches, with warm water, great for swimming and body surfing.

We spent the remaining days at random caravan parks, beach resorts and National Parks. We have met heaps of locals, very friendly and extremely helpful, plus interesting to talk to. Australia is much more "Americanized" than NZ. Faster pace, busy lifestyle and growing problems. Sad to see them catching up to the states. But, we really are amazed by the beauty we've seen. The beaches and wildlife are spectacular. We enjoy camping along with the Aussies in their big canvas tents and giant cooking set-ups. They are well prepared, to say the least, and very generous about sharing what they have with us.

We had a camping disaster 3 nights ago when a possum bit a 6 inch hole into the side of our little 2 person tent to reach our fresh food, he got a bit of a nectarine and some bread and caused us both possum nightmares and a restless night. But, luckily Mike can sew, and we are back in business.

Most of the school kids here where large brimmed hats as part of their uniforms and adhere to the "slip, slop, slap" method before exiting the schoolroom for lunch or recess. Slip on a shirt, slop on some sunscreen and slap on a wide brimmed hat. Very concerned about the effects of the hot sun here, the skin cancer capital of the world. Great to see them dressed in their gingham outfits with this big hat upon their heads.

Tomorrow we go on to Sydney, the big city, some like it, others can't stand the place. I guess we will judge for ourselves. Saturday night is the giant Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade, apparently quite a party.

We miss you all, Cheers and Love,
Mike and Linda

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