Australia-Feb 2006

We left Alaska on February 1, 2006 with temperatures hovering at near -50F. After traveling for almost 2 days, we arrived in Australia where we were greeted with temps hovering near 120F! The following photos and descriptions are only a small representation of our Australian experience! Hope you enjoy it as much as us!

2006-02-11


The Royal Flying Doctor Service is one of the only ways that some folks who live in the Outback are able to see a physician. Posted by Picasa


Our first encounter with the Australian way of posting signs was at the Sydney airport. We finally decided that this means "EXIT"! :) Posted by Picasa


Ariel is an excellent sister babysitter! Posted by Picasa


These horses seem to be surviving the drought well, at least so far they are. Posted by Picasa


A local species....an Emu Posted by Picasa


Miki Posted by Picasa


Ariel & Miki with Annabelle & Granddad. Posted by Picasa


Locky bouncing Jorja and relaxing after a hard day's work. Posted by Picasa


Darla and Ariel chatting while Ariel gives a tour of their yard. Posted by Picasa


The sheep are eating cotton seed that Locky and Reg put out since there is very little else for them to eat due to the drought. Posted by Picasa

1st Blood in Australia


This is Reg with his first goat. It was taken with a Sako in .25-06. Looks like the goat is smiling right along with Reg! :) Posted by Picasa


This work is a LITTLE more physical than working at the hospital! Hum....which does Reg enjoy the most? ;)  Posted by Picasa


Ariel has on Uncle Reg's hat and is ready to work! Posted by Picasa


That's Darla's hair in the foreground with a kangaroo over her left shoulder. Reckon he's in the cross-hairs? :) Posted by Picasa


Ariel is feeding the chooks (chickens!). These Aussie young'uns really work hard! Posted by Picasa


Does he look a little tired? Locky's "whupin' him into shape"! Notice the goats behind him? These are their pets....not to be hunted! Posted by Picasa


These beautiful birds are everywhere! They are called Galahs which also means a fool or an idiot. Not sure why they received that name. Hum.... Posted by Picasa


Kim, Ellen (governess), Jorja, and Locky sitting around, visiting in the cool house. Posted by Picasa


Ben in the back of the Ute! He's ready to work! Posted by Picasa


It's the end of a work day, and we're blessed with a beautiful sunset! Posted by Picasa


Just gorgeous! Posted by Picasa


Ariel, Miki, and Reg with Ben (Kelpie dog) ready to go for a ride in the back of the Ute. All working trucks/vehicles are called Utes which is short for Utility Vehicles. I think they are analogous to a farmer's/rancher's pickup truck. Posted by Picasa


Miki & Ariel with Miki's dog, Biskit. The building behind them is the shearing shed for the sheep. Posted by Picasa


Locky test firing his new rifle, a Savage 12VLP .204 Ruger! I think he's happy with it.....watch out varmints! Posted by Picasa


Glad we're inside the vehicle! Posted by Picasa