Part 4 in Queensland

Our first house sit was a total success (and our local friend Heather liked the bike ride she joined us on from there, despite earlier comments about how far out in the boonies we were) - but our second house sit was a 'learning experience', and from now on we will always make sure we have plenty of pictures before signing up. We mostly got take outs as I didn't want to cook in the old and messy kitchen, but the sit was only for 4 nights, and now we know.
We lost most of one day to a missing cat at this house,  but if this is the biggest problem of our trip so far, I think we are doing well. The cat finally showed up, and had been hiding indoors all along, when we were afraid he was outside somewhere.
So the next day we left early, and the outdoor time these cats normally enjoy, would have to wait until the owners came home.

Our last week in Queensland





We had a beautiful ride up/down the road to the top in Lamington National Park. Nice views, lots of bird sounds riding through the rain forest part, and courteous drivers.
More walks in nearby parks, and then a drive to Mooloolaba to visit with my (Scottish) niece Melissa and her friend Megan! They arrived in Australia the week before, and will work & travel here for 2 years. They have a visa for young people that also helps rural & agricultural communities here, by providing labor by these youngsters for a total of 3 months during this time.
I am very happy Melissa is doing this, and it was great to hear how positive their first week had been - including the fact they felt welcome by the locals, despite there being many other young foreign people doing the same thing.

We have come to realize what great travelers Australians are! Not only Heather and her dozens of friends, but e.g. the lady at the train station booth, our first house sit hosts, and our first Airbnb hosts. Maybe it has something to do with being so far away.. but whatever the reason, we hope we get notified of any trips to New England, as we have experienced the most wonderful Australian hospitality, and will do whatever we can, to make Heather & Friends feel welcome in the USA!

We are now in Tasmania, and today was the first time we thought it looked like the U.K. here. It is cold, and rainy, and what little we saw walking around a residential part of downtown Hobart, reminded us of the colonial past. LOTS of roses in bloom in their gardens, and the low, stone single family homes are totally different than those in Brisbane.
We start another house sit later this week, and look forward to different scenery, and hope the sunny and warm weather forecast is correct.