Final Countdown

The countdown is now in the single digits. In just five (4) days I'll be on sabbatical. No work for two months. Actually getting there with wrapping things up at work with most key things buttoned up. Only one major dangling sword. How much do you want to bet that one will bet resolved at 5:05 Friday?

There really isn't a lot new to say about the trip, but a couple of eager fans have pressed me for an update. My lunch with Diane Bell has been confirmed and the directions to her home are in "the folder." These directions include taking a dirt road, something that's apparently ubiquitous in Australia. Two whale watch trips from Hervey Bay have also been finalized. Both will be morning trips which my experience says is a good thing. By afternoon, whales seem to tire of we invaders of their space. That said, I may still take an afternoon trip on the second day as well depending on conditions (my own and the weather's).

No connection yet with my friend's friends in Sydney, but still hoping. Turns out they are Trekkies which will give us something in common. We can raise a glass of something green in memory of James Doohan.

I did buy a hat, a really good one. As mentioned in an earlier post, Genevieve listed this as an essential for travel to Australia, especially South Australia. This one is light-weight, packs well, broad-brimmed, and has a flap that covers the neck. Will be great for whale watching.

My girls are very lucky kitties. No ordinary cat sitter coming in to feed and play and then leave. These girls have their Uncle Howard staying with them most of time I'll be gone. They love their Uncle Howard. Not that they don't love their Uncle Darren, but he doesn't sleep over. They'll probably get to spend time with him, too, since Howard's car has bitten the dust.

This will likely be my last post before the trip. Will try to write often from the road and, with luck, will include pictures. In the meantime, I'm accepting gift list requests. The only restriction is that I can't bring back anything alive. That includes koalas and hunky men. Sorry.