Australia continued...

Our second day in Australia was just as full and rewarding as the first. We journeyed north to Glenworth Valley, a very large outdoor adventure centre that operates on 3,000 acres of wilderness at Peats Ridge. It is family owned and operated and a wonderful experience for Ronnie and me. We were able to capture a glimpse of Australia on horseback. Though I was hesitant about riding an unknown horse in an Aussie saddle, I couldn't have enjoyed myself more! Ronnie rode Gilford and I rode Cruiser, a tall gray gelding that was born at Glenworth. We started out in the group of other riders making our way up and down hills, past Popran Creek, over some bridges and through the trees. It was a warm, sunny day with the sounds of birds and cicada echoing through the air. I was enjoying the mist that occasionally swept across my shoulders and face, thinking that there must be natural springs in the hills and a bit disheartened to learn that it was instead coming from the cicadas. Ronnie and I broke from the group and enjoyed a nice, slow ride back to the stable area, commenting that it would be a great place to return and camp with the girls!We met up with the Linda and all the kids at the IMAX Theatre. Our next stop was Wildlife Sydney Zoo. Part of the trek there was air conditioned, which was a very nice touch. We walked through the butterfly habitat, past crocodiles, wallaby's, kangaroos, a variety of snakes and spiders, and finally to the long awaited koalas.And then to ending the day with the wonders of how small the world really is...dinner with friends from afar! It was our first time to meet Herb and Beverly McInnes. We were introduced by my dear friend Shirley LaVergne. Their son lives in Austin, Texas and works with her. After meeting on Facebook it was quite wonderful to meet them in person! And the long anticipated reunion with Meegs and Peter Hodges, who we have now known for years, was fantastic. Meegs is a stage 4 colon cancer survivor and huge inspiration! She was one of the first patients treated with SIR-Spheres having received her treatment in April, 2004! She has no active cancer and gives me hope every day...she and Peter are the dynamic duo. The six of us shared a beautiful evening at Whitewater Restaurant in Manly. It was a relaxed and beautiful setting overlooking the ocean and a marvelous place to end the day with friends.