Dan or Justy

We investigated a mystery today. The "Mystery Craters" are a natural formation of holes in the ground that appear to have no explanation. Ochre mixed with the sandstone at some time in the distant past and the resultant coloring is pleasing. Water gathers in some, but not others.

The mystery is how this site has become such a hit with tourists. I mean no disrespect here, although I am being cheeky, of course. We spoke at length with the proprieter, a very nice man who is running it in his retirement. He was a talkative sort and we learned much about the area.

The fact is that, despite the large model T Rex and antique farm machinery exhibit (some really weird ones in that lot), or even the rather extensive mineral exhibit, the Mystery Craters aren't that interesting.

We continued on the road with Justy driving and me using various hats to try to shade from the sun. The hats weren't on my head.

The sun-kissed town of Rockhampton sits lightly astride the Tropic of Capricorn. It seems to thrive in the heat, which, blessedly, is not backed up by high humidity. The city centre is renovated, but not gentrified. Residents jog in the heat and appear for appointments in fine clothes. There is hustle, but not much bustle.

We had come to town to enjoy one Rocky's great steakhouses. Our target was the Criterion Hotel, right on the river. We found it without trying and snooped around while waiting for the restaurant to open. It was a charming old building, just refurbished enough to retain charm while still making guests comfortable.

The hotel had hosted an office for General Douglas MacArthur during the war. Around here, they mean WWII. Amongst many Australians, our mutual cooperation in WWII was the beginning of the great US-Aussie friendship. I believe Justine and I benefit from it every day.

While Justine was snapping away, I arranged for us to spend the night. We got the corner suite for a very inexpensive AUD$60. We had our own bathroom and TV w/DVD. Air conditioning (of course). We were deliriously happy, but then had a bit of water and felt better.

We had no sooner grabbed some gear from the van (across the street) when a couple guys approached us with "Are you Americans? Can we buy you a beer?" As a matter of fact, they could.

Bill and Mark have jobs here in Australia that could not exist in the US. Roughly, they facilitate getting citizens and public officials together to solve problems. This gives ordinary folks the hope of having the system work for them.

This is partly possible because of the parliamentary system. We don't use such rational dimensions as issues in our elections. Ours are referenda on personality. And so we get a bunch of characters instead of leaders.

We drank and bantered for hours, but did get our steak dinner. Very good. We exchanged opinions and observations about our countries. It was a most enjoyable evening.