On arriving back in Los Angeles we took a cab out to Anaheim and booked into the Anaheim Motel so as to be walking distance of Disneyland. We got in contact with Grant and Vicky from Dongara (Grant and Avan had played basketball in the same team) who were also holidaying in the USA. We arranged to meet at Disneyland and had a great day seeing the sights, and trying out the rides and getting frustrated with the queues. At one ride we thought the queue was short, b...

We had to wait inside the Airport terminal while conventioneers from each state were boarded onto shuttle planes for the last leg to San Francisco. In a fit of bad organization, even though the WA delegates had come the furthest, they were allocated to the last plane!- talk about being a little annoyed!

We arrived in San Francisco more tired than we have ever been, then to make matters worse our luggage could not be found. After some delirious shouting at airport officials we left for our accommodation (minus luggage) the swanky San Francisco Palace Hotel. We were informed on arrival there was to be a welcome reception, starting in about 2 hours and we were expected to attend. Two days without sleep and no luggage, it was a big ask. But... 40 winks, a shower an...

We were several hours out of Sydney when the pilot came on the intercom asking if there was a doctor on board!! (I know sounds like the beginning of a joke). A few minutes later the request was repeated, then shortly after a new request for any one with medical experience. Following a short delay, the pilots next announcement was we were to make a brief landing in Auckland. The plane landed at Auckland, New Zealand and all passengers were asked to disembark and...

 Our flight from Melbourne to Launceston was only short but a fierce head wind ensured it wasn't boring. Our first night was in Launceston and then it was off to explore Tasmania for 5 days then finishing back at Launceston for a 4 day industry conference . Not being particularly flush we elected to be very budget minded, so with this in mind we hired our car from 'Rent a bomb'. We set off to the east coast passing through some of the oldest rain for...