We had been through the original immigration check by Aussies in Sydney three days earlier as we all gathered our passports, then sat and waited to be scrutinized by them in an orderly fashion, actually thumbing through every page of our passports, before finally stamping our passport with such bureaucratic flair, it was indescribable.
Today, even though we had sailed from Sydney to Melbourne it took over an hour for 'local authorities' to even think about letting the over-fed and nearly-dead ashore. Even then we had to sneak down and get in a line of waddlers to the gangway. Once there we all stood like delinquent school children as we were lined up in a row, 'Backs to the wall and place your bag on the floor in front of you". A cute little beagle dog then came down and sniffed our carry-offs. Rumor was that if he sits down you are shot on the spot or garroted.
Once through the "Welcome to Australia Gang" we went to the shuttle bus, and after a 200 yard trip we got off and were greeted by our wild Australian friends, Rod and Lyn, who had been patiently waiting for us.
We jumped into their pick-up and were given a quick tour of some relevant sites, Albert Park where they lived for some time and a few other interesting points of interest. Soon we were out in the Yarra Valley passing vineyards, orchards and farms. It was nice to be off the ship, with friends and in the countryside.
We ended up at the Healesville Animal Sanctuary. First a coffee and some catch-up conversation then a walk-about. Oddly enough Moe and us had not seen any of the interesting down under animals this trip, we had even remarked about it earlier this morning. We were delighted that Rod suggested that we do so.
First was a free flight bird of prey display, fascinating. Then peeks at dingoes, echidnas, platypus, koalas, wallabies, emu and other species endemic only to Australia. Plus a Lyre bird, a first for us. It is amazing how and why there are some animals that are native only to Australia. One would think possibly that New Zealand may have some similar animal population. Not so.
Then to lunch at the sanctuary, we took much longer than usual. We then made the decision to head back to the ship and get there early rather than be, as Rod said, 'one minute late'! [We would have to make our own way to Perth!]
As we approached the pier, there, in all his majestic glory was old friend Keith, and his wife Jenny.
Sometimes, once in a while, things happen that one thinks they are not worthy of. This was such a time, and the whole day for that matter. Keith and I first met in 1960 while skootering around Europe. We have seen each other only four times, [or is it five], in 48 years and this surprise sighting was our fifth [or is it sixth]. It is amazing how conversations pickup as though there was no time gap, even though we may not have seen each other for long periods of time. Such is true friendship.
We only had a half hour of hugs and weepy eyes before saying goodbye to dear and wonderful friends, all of them.
We will see Rod and Lyn in May when they come to Vancouver. Keith and I do not know when we will see each other again. I said that to him today, then added, "we have never known 'when' again for 48 years and it has always worked out!"
Thank you Lord for a wonderful day with special people.
Thank you Rod, Lyn, Keith and Jenny!
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