Although we’ve stayed mostly on the coast, I’ve been stunned by Australia’s beauty. Noosa stands out because of its national park, which covers 7,000 acres of gorgeous coastland.

I’ve constantly been snapping photos of birds and trees!

Kookaburras, subject of the song I grew up singing, are actually aggressive and will steal your food if you eat outside!

On Saturday morning Shemara, Mike, and I rented kayaks to glide through the Everglades. Mike and I had a double kayak, with him situated in the back because the kayak guy said that’s the person who has to do most of the work. Unfortunately Mike had bad leg cramps and I ended up rowing us nearly the whole time, not particularly easy to do from the front!

He was moaning whenever he tried to row, so I told him to just relax! I enjoyed the kayak trip in spite of all the rowing. Mike perhaps not so much!! 😂

Later that day we walked along the coastal trail in Noosa National Park, one of the most beautiful hikes I’ve ever taken!

And the most exciting thing of all: whales!! Exhilarating!!

The next day we sat on the beach for a bit before departing and watched the sunbathers, surfers, and swimmers.

Australia has one of the highest skin cancer rates in the world, and I could see why!

We also learned a term for Speedos men wear at the beach: budgy smugglers!!

Typical Aussie humor, the name suggests that the swimsuit’s fit makes a man’s genitals look like a bird (budgy) is being concealed.

On the way back from Noosa, we stopped in Brisbane to see a young African man whom Shemara has helped. He had a gorgeous view from his apartment!

Back to Sydney we went! Shemara gave up her business class upgrade to Mike, who was thrilled to have VIP treatment!!