In 1996 we took a little trip, across the Pacific and down under! We flew SF to LA  to Sydney to Cairns to Melborne. The primary purpose of the trip was to see the Australian Open [Tennis, not golf].

First stop was Cairns. From there we took a 2 hour boat trip out to the Great Barrier Reef.

Gregg on the platform, near the reef. Laura was suited up, but couldn't swim because she was still recovering from her torn achilles tendon.

Leaving the reef behind. Swimming here was a real treat. The water was so concentrated with salt that you couldn't sink if you wanted to. Makes me want to burst out in song --- I could have swam all day, I could have swam all day, and still have been on top....

While we were in Cairns, we took a little train trip into the local mountains .

And then, there was Melborne . The cable car came right down main street in front of our hotel, where we also saw Melborne's annual parade . The Trolley  took us across the river to the site of the Flinders Open !

 One evening we took a charming cable/dinner car trip around Melborne. We could see out while we dined, but they couldn't see in. It was lots of fun! 

Melborne has a wonderful indoor/outdoor market close to center city and We took these shots near there. And, of course, no trip to Australia is complete without a visit to the Zoo .

Once the tennis was over, we scheduled a bus trip to the wine country not too far from Melborne.     Cheers to all!