Good morning from Townsville, Australia. This morning we woke up to rain and overcast skies. But it’s hot and humid just as we expected. We went off to the Lido for breakfast, after sterilizing our hands of course. We noticed an increased staff presence as know all food has to be served to the passengers. The staff is doing a wonderful job. Most everybody is still smiling and going above and beyond to accommodate the guests during these times of change. We took a tour to the Billabong Sanctuary today. There were lots of local animals there and it was highly interactive. We got to pet a wombat (Wanda), hold a baby crocodile, hold a boa, and then stand next to a koala (Mallee) and have our pictures taken. My understanding is that under normal circumstances they allow guest to hold the koalas, but since there were 3-bus loads of passengers from the ship they said it was too stressful on the animals to be subjected to that may people holding them. We also got to see the feeding of their 5 meter, 15 foot, crocodile, Bully. Lastly, we also had the opportunity to feed and pet kangaroos. Being such animal lovers we do really enjoy these excursions. We try to balance they history, museums, and culture with a fun event like this one from time to time. I mean we are in Australia; you can’t come here with out hanging out with some of the “locals” right? We also had the chance to drive through Townsville and see the main shopping area peppered with colonial period buildings. We did have an opportunity to purchase some souvenirs at the sanctuary and then there were local vendors at the port building as well. So retail therapy was had by all. Guess what? The girls bought MORE stuffies. I’ll have to get you a count of how many new ones have been purchased since we’ve been on the trip. More then I can count. Thank goodness for the two extra, empty suitcases I brought along. Tonight was dinner in the dining room and then off to bed . Tomorrow we will wake in Cairns, Australia and another adventure awaits us there. Enjoy all the great pictures and big smiles!! Love and hugs. Debra
Live Vicariously Through Debra 
OMG what an awesone day. Never dreamed I would be doing and seeing upclose and personal the things I saw and did today!!! Definately did not have enough time to do all the things available at this sanctuary of animals of Australia!!! Tour has a schedule. To think animals Ive read about I touched and crocodile I heard his jaws chomp together as he missed his treat hanging above him by the guide!!! Dingos didnt want to come out and turtles came to us thinking food was due!!! Retail therapy to end the day…talking with local people in the market so informative!! Another day tomorrow in Cairns hoping as wonderful as today’s adventure…!!! Full heart…
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You had me with you until I saw the crocodiles! No thank you! That one picture…did the girls actually pose next to a real 15 ft crocodile?! Wowers, another great adventure. LOL, how is your brain going to hold all this information in??
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What an amazing experience. Loved the kangaroos. The snake – well maybe not. :>) Miss you all. Much love.
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There was a beautiful rainbow over Cayucos tonight. I swear it looked like it touched the earth in the middle of your neighborhood.
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Love the pictures. Makes we remember our time there. I remember petting and feeding kangaroos and holding a koala. I remember bat filled trees too in Cairns. It was weird and strange. That was when all the twilight movies had come out too. Glad you are safe and well.
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