DAY 1 - Friday, 28 February, 2014: WE HAVE ARRIVED!

Finally, after about 30 hours of traveling, Kathy and I arrive in Melbourne. Dear friend Jaz was waiting for us (and took this photo). Not only did she meet us at the airport and take us to meet up with Gail (at whose home Kathy and I would be staying the next two nights), she also purchased cell phones for us to use while in Australia! We’ll be seeing Jaz again when we return to the city in a few days.

 

After picking us up at the airport, Jaz took us to meet Gail for lunch.

After lunch, we transferred our luggage to Gail's car and proceeded to Gail and Scott's lovely home in Cockatoo, with a stops along the way, first and foremost being an ATM!  Next, Gail took us to Grant's Picnic Ground at the Dandenong Ranges National Park to do a little bird watching.  This is a crimson rosella.

 

I was extremely impressed with the towering mountain ash gum trees (a type of eucalyptus).

 

 

 

Our hosts Gail and Scott's home, nestled in the foothills of the Dandenong Ranges outside Melbourne in the village of Cockatoo is gorgeous. Gail is an avid gardener, and she and Scott have created a woodland fairyland.  They are also great cooks.  For our first dinner in Oz, Gail and Scott and daughter Hannah prepared a feast for us!