Dan

Happy Australia Day, mates!

We've arrived in Bundaberg after our first real distance drive here. A mere 360 km, but a psychological barrier crossed. After leaving the bustle of the penumbras of Brisbane, the "motorway" becomes a one-lane country road passing through evermore tropical environs.

And the weather is monsoony with a vengeance. Great walls of water pulsing through with almost regular timing. It started on Wednesday morning and has not abated, even as we've moved from one area to the next. Far Northern Tropical Queensland is getting pounded so we hear. We won't arrive up there proper for about 3 weeks. At least we won't be tempted to run off-road: we're contractually obligated to stay on sealed roads.

We depart for Lady Elliot Island in just a few hours. This "vacation" is courtesy Andre and Halina who are very cool in-laws :)

We're anticipating much relaxation and my first underwater videomaking. I got good footage of the zoo yesterday, and am slowly building a bit of skill in the shooting department. It's fun.

We'll post what we can upon our return in a week. Thanks for all the great emails and such. No winner yet in the single-pot dinner recipe contest. Stay tuned!