Fraser Island

 The top photo is of Fraser Island ( Maria and I are swimming in the warm clear water) which is the largest island made completely of sand, its a giant sandbar which is 120 km by 15 km.  It has inland fresh water lakes (200 of them) forests, sand dunes, and tropical rainforests.  There are no roads, you can only travel by 4WD on the sand which is packed quite hard.  It can only be accessed by ferry and you can't get on the ferry unless you have supplies (no stores) and a 4 WD.  We went over by boat with our friends and swam in beautiful crystal blue waters with white sand beaches, paradise.  We also swam in a tidal creek (Coomgul Creek) where the current was quite fast due to the full moon.  I could barely swim in place it was so strong.  I also had puffer fish nibbling at my newly pedicured red toes.  Apparently the fishermen use red lures to attract the fish!
The water was so warm that Dan spent most of the time in the water (pictures to come).
We had a lovely dinner on the waterfront, lots of fresh seafood and reasonably priced Australian wine.  We also had a lovely lunch at the beachside pub, wood fired pizza and cold Aussie beer.  Which brings me to the liquor stores.  We visited one that was the size of Canadian Tire (with better service).  There were rows and rows and rows of wine and spirits.  Free samples in real glasses ( in fact I had to tell the girl to stop pouring) and they were their featured fine wines.  (Could have used some in the mediation session).  And the prices, wow, I was like a kid in a candy store!.  They have wine now which they call Cleanskin which is the end of the batch of well known wines.  It has a plain black and white label which tells you the wine and where it comes from.  They are priced from $1.95 to 9.95.  I will not be getting liver function tests done when I return.  Most of the liqour stores give a discount for buying 6 bottles at a time and you get a gas discount coupons with your purchase.  Civilized.
The above picture is of a drive in "bottle shop" or liquor store.  You drive your car in and place your order and its delivered to you car.  No staggering, I mean walking back to your car.
We also have been eating wonderful Indonesian food prepared by our friend Maria, yum.  I will definitely be on a diet when I return.
Having a wonderful time in Oz, sorry to be missing all the dramas, NOT!
Kim and Dan