March 7--CRUISING THE TASMAN SEA.Even though the seas are still pretty rough, breakfast on the balcony is wonderful. Sure could get used to room service. Good day for doing laundry and organizing pictures. Another day of unbelievable meals. I think we've gained ten pounds already. Had lunch with a lady that grew up in same town as Randy.

March 8

A smidge of color in sky this morning; overcast most of day. Breakfast outside watching the ship cruise past outer islands and into Brisbane Bay.

Australia Zoo & Glass Mountain Tour (8 hrs)

Boarded bus for about an hour's drive along Blackall Range Mountains Tourist Drive

to the Australia Zoo. Photo with an adorable koala (tourist must). Croc Show, nothing fantastic. Very beautiful park with animals in natural habitat. Favorites: kangaroos tame enough to hand feed, Tasmanian devil, cassowary bird. Spent about 2.5 hours here. No Irwins present today.

Mary Cairncross ParkDrove further north to a lookout over the Glass Mountains (interesting legend about the names of the different peaks).

 

Malaney, a small mountain village. Cute place with a pretty little creek on the edge of the town. Spent about an hour; guess many people like to spend time shopping. About 1.5 hour drive back to ship. 

Nice sunset over the mountains surrounding Brisbane as we left port.

Randy is all stuffed up; don't know if it was something at the zoo or getting a cold. 

Dinner today in the Asian-style restaurant; the most delicious fish dinner ever--sea bass with miso sauce; melted in mouth.