Message for 30,000 feet...

We have just departed from LAX and are en route to DFW. 

What an experience we have all had.  We have made new friends, both in Australia and Florida.  We had pushed our own limits.  We tried new things.  We overcame fears.  We laughed.  We cried.  We acted goofy.  We acted grown up.  We were complimented over and over again on how well mannered we were. 

We snorkeled.  We surfed.  We saw the Sydney Opera House.  We held koalas.  We pet kangaroos.  We rode horses.  We hiked mountains. We played in the ocean.  We body boarded.  We ate vegemite.  We searched for Violet Crumble.

Things to ask your kids about:
1.  Click, clack, front and back.
2.  Slip, slap, slop.
3.  Auctions for missed items.
4.  Morning songs
5.  Any Aussie history (they are pretty good at it).

We just want to thank you for sharing your children with us.  They were a joy to travel with and we will miss seeing them every day.  Please keep watching the blog over the next few days as more pictures get posted.  I will also be setting up a smugmug account to be able to share pictures we took along the way. 

Only a few short hours and we will all be home. 

Day 12 - Surfer's Paradise

Can't believe it was our last day here in Australia.  What fun we had today.  We drove down to Surfer's Paradise and tried our hand at surfing and body/boogie boarding.  It was so much fun to watch the students learn about this sport.  They had a blast playing in the water. 

Having to keep it short tonight as a lot of time was spent helping the students get packed up for our departure tomorrow.  I will try to post tomorrow morning from the airport and get some pictures up.

A little more than a day and we will be home.

Day 11 - Murgon and Brisbane

This morning we had to say goodbye to our wonderful hosts at Kroombit Station and are making our way to Brisbane.  Along the way, we stopped at the Queensland Dairy and Heritage Museum.  The students learned about the importance of dairy farming in the early development of Queensland.  Our hosts at the Museum had a fresh made lunch ready for us and showed the students how butter is churned and got to sample the end product.  We learned about early dairy farming from milking cows to early equipment to take care of the fields, including the first riding lawnmower.  The museum also had several historic houses brought onto the property to show visitors how the early settlers lived. 

After our tour of the museum, our students sang our National Anthem to our hosts and they in turn sang the Australian Anthem for us.  It was a pretty cool exchange. 

Back onto the bus and we had our own version of American Idol.  Some of our students can SING!!!  Forming a new group - Future American Idols...Pic to follow probably tomorrow.  We all enjoyed singing on the coach for the ride into Brisbane.  

Once in Brisbane, we took a coach tour around the city just to get an overview.  Once at the hotel, we had supper which ended up being silly time.  We all were laughing so hard - and when we stopped we couldn't figure out why.  

Bittersweet talks tonight with the kids - knowing tomorrow is our last full day in Australia - but it will be a good one learning to surf.  The kids are looking forward to coming home, but are still loving the adventure.  I have to admit, the homesickness has been minimal.  We have all really lucked out with such a great group of students.

Day 10 - Kroombit Station

Today was an action packed day – starting with some horseback riding after breakfast.  We rode in smaller groups of 8 or 9 students – each group with a leader and 2 guides.  While some groups were out on the trails, the other students had free time to play at the station.  Some of the games they played included cricket, volleyball, Frisbee, or just playing in the sand.  While horseback riding, the students learned about the station and the type of vegetation and the “drop bears” that are common in this area. 

 Supposedly the “drop bear” is dark and looks like a combination of a koala and a monkey.  Our students had their eyes peeled hoping to spot one.  Our guides were telling the students that they needed to be especially quiet going through this area because they could just drop out of the trees at any moment.  Apparently, several were spotted…but then the students were disappointed when they found out there was no such thing.  Amazing what the power of suggestion can do.  Kroombit Station staff 1 – students 0.  We were able to cross a creek a couple of times on the horses and see some of the animals wandering about.  It was a great way to start the morning and get a good look at the scenery.  

After everyone had their rides, it was time for a quick lunch and then off for our service project where we learned about erosion and its effects in this region of Australia.

 We filled the back of a pickup truck with rocks and then offloaded them into a cut (or gulley) to help shore up the sides and give a base for the sand and other natural debris to build up and stop the water erosion.  

After that was completed – we headed on an Eco-Walk with Jonathan (our guide) up Sunset Hill.  We made a few stops several stops along the way looking at other types of water erosion and hearing about the effects it makes in different areas.  We learned about the meat ant and how they are deadly they are because they attacked in groups. 
 They have even been none to devour dead animals down to carcasses.  We learned about the Eucalyptus trees and that there are over 700 types and counting.






 Some of the types that we encountered were the Bat Wing Eucalyptus which is known for the shape of its leaves and the fact that leaves are wider than they are long and look like a bat’s wing.  They are also the only deciduous tree in the area losing all of its leaves in the autumn.
 The rest of the Eucalyptus are semi-deciduous and only lose some of their leaves at one time.  Another species of Eucalyptus that we encountered was the Bloodwood.  This species was given its name because the sap looks sort of like blood dripping down the trunk.  The aboriginal people used the sap as skin glue for cuts.  Some Eucalyptus trees, during a drought, can actually cut-off the water supply to some membranes of some of the branches to actually kill off that particular branch in order to save the tree as a whole.  Jonathan told us that the #1 killer of holiday-makers (visitors/vacationers) is not venomous snakes, spiders, sharks, crocodiles; instead of it is actually falling branches of dead trees.

We came across a prickly pear cactus.  This cactus was introduced into Australia by the Spaniards thinking it would make nice natural fences.  However, this backfired and the cactus took over and became the second largest pest in Australia after the Cane Toad.  In order to get these plants under control, they introduced the cactus plaster moth which burrows to the inside of the plant to lay its eggs, then the eggs suck the moisture out and then the caterpillar eats it way out finally killing the cactus.  The introduction of the cactus plaster moth was possibly the greatest ecological success stories in Australia because the moth only killed the prickly pear and not any other plant or animal. 

Once we reached the top, and took in the beautiful view, Jonathan told us a story about the “Beautiful Betsy,” an Australian B29D bomber that crashed into the mountains and was not found for 49-1/2 years.  This bomber had a rich history having been commissioned, de-commissioned, and re-commissioned several times.  On her last mission was to fly from Brisbane to Darwin with a load of potato chips, ice cream, and coca-cola, with 6 Americans and 2 British servicemen on board, a tropical storm came and apparently pushed her off course and they crashed.  The wreckage was found accidently by 2 Norwegian hikers.  Since then, it has been confirmed that the wreckage was the Beautiful Betsy and they have recovered 7 of the 8 dog tags of the service men on board.  The wreckage is still there today in honor of those who lost their lives.  

We made our way back down the hill for a bit of free time and the students had a chance to buy some souvenirs – hats, bandanas, whips, and some other aboriginal items.  The students who bought whips were given safety goggles and a 10 minute learning session on how to use them.  After that, they were packed away until we reached our final US destination.  

That night, we had a bush dance – where Jonathan told the kids they had to have a date for.  This of course sent our 5^th and 6^th graders in panic mode as to who to ask to the dance.  So if you parents want to know who your son or daughter is smitten with, just ask…  J  We learned several line dances, including the chicken dance, boot scootin’ boogie, cotton-eyed joe, cha cha slide.  Once there, the students were all relieved that they didn’t have to pair off at any point and had a great time.  After a long day, the students all cleaned up and slept like babies.

Day 9 - Poets Corner

On the coach ride to Biloela, we put what we learned to use in team writing some poems.  After careful consideration, we came up with the best 4 to post and have made the authors the founding members of the Poets Corner club.  

New South Wales – by Cameron, Dayton, Daniella, and Maddie

New South Wales,

A land with many tales.

Full of rich history,

And much of it is a mystery.

They sing many songs,

And some are rather long.

A million dollar home,

Where tourists will roam.

The bridge is pretty big,

And it make us all look small.

But the bridge does not compare

To the beauty of it all.

Sydney By Taylor, Chance, Trevor, and Emily

Sydney, the place that Nemo calls home,

Where tourists often roam,

Where you can climb a tall bridge,

And look at the beautiful view beyond the ridge,

Where convicts had to stay,

And work but not get to play

The area called the Rocks

Is near the docks

And lastly a million dollar opal can be found. 

Sydney Opera House by Jackie and Jessica C.

Swooping sails of beige and cream,

Inside, voices rising in a beautiful stream.

Inside orchestras of sleek wood and shiny brass

And fire strings play as a band.

 The masterpiece building that was designed by Jorn Utzen,

Who later on resigned.

 Political unrest and money issues almost stopped the scene

As the creations path to completion waited to be clear and clean.

The Sydney Opera House takes your breath away

In every single way. 

Day 9 - The Road to Biloela

We had an early start this heading to Biloela  and our Farm Stay at Kroombit Station.  Our first stop on the way was a lovely little park where the students were able to get out and stretch their legs and use the restroom.  Of course, there was a playground there and I have come to learn that kids of any age love a playground.   

                                

Back on the road again and we had activities on the coach.  We completed an Australian word search with Kianna completing her first and had everything correct.    We also did a matching with Aussie slang.  Jeremiah had the most correct on that one.  Kudos to these two. When we were getting close to Kroombit Station, Miss Elisa, told the students that we would be climbing Uluru tomorrow (in the center of Australia) and when we got to the top, there would be a coke machine and Wifi.  Once again, the students believed her – now it is Miss Elisa 2 – students 0.

When we reached our destination at Kroombit Station in the Outback , they had dinner ready and waiting for us.  The food they served was probably the freshest food they had eaten in a long time, as it was straight from the ranch and cooked over an open fire.  

After supper, we had a campfire and roasted marshmallows and sang songs.  They students learned about the Southern Cross and its importance to mariners and the aboriginal people.  It was a beautiful night and it was easy to spot.  Right below the Southern Cross is a big star representing the 6 States of Australia.  We sang Home Among the Gum Trees and then learned Tie Me Kangaroo Down.  We learned about the working dogs that they got from Italy that are used to protect the livestock from predators, namely dingos.  They have Brahma cattle because they could adapt to the climate/conditions well.  They also have horses, ducks, sheep, goats, chickens, geese, wallabies, grey kangaroos, and many more.  

After the campfire, the students all were tired from the day’s activities and took their showers and went straight to sleep.  Not a peep out of them all night.

Day 8 - The Great Barrier Reef

WHAT A DAY!!!!  That is all I can say!

We had about a 2 hour boat ride out to the Knuckle Reef - one of the many reefs that make up the Great Barrier Reef.  The water was a bit choppy, but none of our students got sick.  The crew was surprised.  Before we left on the boat - the crew offered the teachers a free soda if we could guess the first three students that would get sick.  I guess our students have iron stomachs.

Once out on the reef, the students all quickly changed into their wetsuits and were fitted with snorkels, masks and fins; then into the water we went.  Everyone caught on easily to mouth breathing pretty quickly and we were off to swim to the reef.  The reef was truly spectacular.  The massiveness of the coral cannot be explained in words.  One thing that the students learned was that the sunlight loses colors when it hits the water and so when we look at the coral it looks brown although it is many different colors.  We saw many different types of fish, coral, clams, and other sea creatures.  We even found Nemo!

One of our students was recognized today for overcoming her fear of snorkeling and being unsure of her swimming abilities.  Miss Jadra first went out with the group and within a few minutes took in a mouthful of sea water (yuck - salt water) and wanted to go back to the pontoon boat.  We brought her back in and within 15 minutes she was ready to try again.  Our marine biologist, Crystal, took her out one-on-one and Jadra took to it and in no time she was snorkeling on her own.  When we all had to get out of the water - she was beaming from ear to ear - you could tell she was proud of herself and we were so proud of her - along with all the other students.  I'm not sure I would have had the guts to snorkel the Great Barrier Reef in the winter at 11 or 12 years old.  What an accomplishment for them.

Back onto our boat for our 2 hour ride back to the hotel, the weather and seas were not as kind as going out and the water was quite rough - but once again our students were troopers and only 1 student got a little queasy.   On the way back in - we were treated to a spectacular site - 2 pods of humpback whales.  On of the students, Wills, was able to catch a good picture of one of them that I will post when I can since they have all gone to bed now.   We also had a rock/paper/scissors throw down - Texas v. Florida....Florida won - Texas, of course, is going to demand a rematch.  :-)  Florida won so heavy-handedly, they even got Tex (The Texas delegations mascot) in the kitty. 

Once arriving back at our hotel, we washed up to get all the saltwater off and headed to dinner.  We were going to watch an outdoor movie tonight under the stars, but the students decided they were too tired and just wanted to relax for an evening.

 We did try Skyping a few times, but the internet here (and throughout Australia in general) is just not what we are used to and calls were being dropped all over the place.  Some students were able to make some connections to home and we are glad they did.  We will keep trying when we get to Brisbane.

We will be heading to our farm stay bright and early tomorrow morning and we will not have internet access and probably no cell signal at all until we get to Brisbane in a few days.  I will post as soon as I can we are back and catch everyone up.

Skype

Trying to get Skype to work in the hotel.  The internet connection is not good, but we are trying to find a good place to get it to work. 

Day 7 - Daydream Island

After an early start this morning (5:45 a.m.) we started to make our way to Daydream Island in the Whitsundays.  As we traveled farther north, we left our home of the last 2 days on the Capricorn Coast. We spent time watching a movie, reading and listening to music, while we ventured to our island destination. Before we could jump on the ferry to Daydream Island, we attended an informational session with a volunteer from O.U.C.H. (Order of the Underwent Coral Heroes, a nonprofit organization) learned about the different types of coral, fish we could encounter, along with other sea creatures.  According to him, we are here at the perfect time to possibly spot some humpback whales which come here to breed and deliver their calves.  He was impressed with the knowledge that we already had of the sea life of the reef. Some of us bought t-shirts where 100% of the proceeds go directly to preservation and education about the reef.

Next, we met our ferry and thoroughly enjoyed the short to the island.We were greeted by the resort employees with shell necklaces and a group photo shoot overlooking the edge of the island.  Fiona, the kind lady from Daydream Island, took us to see the local wallaby family, right outside of our hotel and talked about the different activities we will be doing over the next couple of days.  We had dinner and celebrated Miss Hannah's birthday.  

After dinner, some of the students took part in an interactive marine program while others decided to go and watch the final match in the State of Origin Rugby game on the big screen under the stars overlooking the coast.  New South Wales and Queensland were 1-1 going into tonight's game and the title on the line - win or go home.  Most of our students were rooting for NSW because Elisa, our delegation manager, is from there.  Jim, the coach driver, is from Queensland, so for the days leading up to this game, there has been a friendly rivalry between Jim and everyone else.  The students had a blast whooping and hollering for NSW, unfortunately in the end, they came up 1 point short.  

Tomorrow is the biggest day yet - going out on the reef and experiencing what lurks beneath. 

Day 6 - Capricorn Cave and DreamTime

Today was our last leisurely morning of the program.  Breakfast was at 8 a.m. and then we had some free time before we headed to Capricorn Cave.  During this time, some of the students played volleyball with Mr. Colin, some went swimming in frigid water with Miss Kathi and Miss Brenda, while Miss Lori did some emergency  student laundry and bouncing back and forth between all the students activities.

Our delegation has several new clubs - the American/Australian Polar Bear Club for those who were brave enough to swim to the other side of the pool and stay long enough for a photo.  Ethan, one of the Texas delegates has also inspired a hat trend - and we now have Ethan and his Madhatters.  Mr. Colin has formed the Vegemite Lovers Club - and actually has a couple of members (Miss Elisa, our coach driver Jim, and Anthony).  I have to laugh - only 1 non-Aussie is in that group (their picture will be posted hopefully tomorrow.

On the bus, the kids learned the Vegemite song and Miss Elisa told the students that at Capricorn Cave, they had to wear Vegemite on their faces to keep the bats away...and each and every one of them fell for it - except Cameron who said he couldn't do that because he had to stay gluten-free.  Needless to say, they are planning revenge.

At the Capricorn Cave, we planted a tree in their new People to People Garden; Anthony (Miss Lori's delegation), Jeremiah (Miss Kathi and Mr. Colin's delegation), and Jessie T (Miss Brenda's delegation) were given the honor of doing the planting.  We toured the cave and learned about the different species of bats that inhabit the cave between November and April, sometimes having in excess of 300,000 bats in the cave at a time and producing guano that can be 2-3 feet deep.  We learned that the "Cathedral" in the cave has comparable acoustics to the Sydney Opera House and Kame and Kennedy sang to the delegation to prove it.  We then split into groups to further explore the cave.  The "easy" group took a zig-zagging course through the cave and crossed suspension bridges.  The "medium" group, had to crawl through narrow passageways and slid into a mud puddle.  The "hard" group had to crawl up into the belly of a "whale" and come out the "blow hole."  After we were all outside the cave, the students enjoyed swapping the experiences and comparing how dirty they got.

Then it was off to DreamTime Cultural Center where the students learned about the Aboriginal people of Australia.  We watched a boomerang presentation and found out that they really do come back.  Then it was our turn to try and our students impressed us with how well they did.  As they say, "it's all in the wrist."  We were able to watch a live performance of didgeridoo music, dancing, and had the chance to pose with the aboriginal dancers.  They learned about the Torres Straight and the small islands that are scattered between Port York Australia and Papua New Guinea, and also learned about hand stencil art.  The students were quite interested and asked a lot of inquisitive questions.

Back to the hotel and an early night - for an early tomorrow and off to the Whitsundays and our OUCH program.  Sorry to do this again, but pictures will be posted tomorrow for today as the internet keeps shutting down and I keep losing all the work.

Day 5 - Heading to Yeppoon

Today was the second longest travel day of the program so far, having to travel 568 km (do your own math - mine is a bit rusty)  :-) 

We stopped for lunch at Gin Gin State School where we learned how People to People has helped to enrich their school providing play equipment, irrigation, building upgrades to their 100+ year old building, providing more American reference books than the Brisbane Public Library, and equiping each classroom with an interactive white board over last 21 years.  This is where we donated all the school supplies that we brought with us.  While there, we had lunch and played on the playground or played a bit of cricket.  The students were surprised at the different type of jungle gym they had which included a zipline-type apparatus and a rock wall.  Although, we captured some great photos, again we cannot post tonight, but will be able to tomorrow (hopefully). 

From there we headed to our home for the next few nights in Yeppoon, stopping at the Tropic of Capricorn along the way.  This is the one point on earth where the sun is directly upon you.  The students were able to experience another once in a lifetime opportunity.  How many students their age can actually check this off their bucket lists!  They students were impressed by the imaginary line of latitude that they have learned about in their geography classes. 

Tomorrow we are off to Capricorn Caves to do some spulunking, plant a tree and then have dinner with local Aboriginal people at DreamTime Cultural Center and learn all about the aboriginal culture.  Until tomorrow...know your students are having a great time and we are enjoying spending this time with them.