Day ending in Penguins

It was a big day today.  We started with a general tour of Melbourne, we stopped at a large Gothic cathedral, visited a Veterans Memorial where a band was playing, went up 86 floors to the observation deck of the tallest building in the city, had lunch then ended by driving to Phillip Island.  Out there is where a large population of penguins come in after a week of so of fishing at sea to walk up the beach to their nests.  We were very close and it was a terrific time.  For the health of the birds, they would not let us take photos so I took a couple from the web.  Enjoy!!!

Day 1

It seems like weeks ago that we boarded our flight in Seattle, but it's only been a couple days. Yesterday we had a great time seeing Australian animals at an animal sanctuary, but I'm pretty sure I was sleep-walking before we even went to dinner.  I cant complain though, I was really excited to see some kangaroos! Now I'm feeling awesome after a very long night's sleep, and the weather seems to have improved! Bring it on, day 2! :)

P.S. Dr. Powell, even asleep, those things are terrifying. Our tour guide told us all about how they can rip you to pieces with their adorable little claws...

Day 1

Well? we arrived and the students look none to worse for the wear after 27 hours of travel.  We met our guide and they took us directly to an animal sanctuary where we saw many of the indigenous animals of Australia we are all familiar with and others I was not.  It was a good idea to keep us moving for the entire day because we CRASHED right after dinner.  Also it rained while we were at the sanctuary, we got a little wet.  I will post a few photos.  I am hopeful the students will    use this blog.  I know some have already been on Facebook.  Enjoy!  Today we are sightseeing around Melbourne then to Phillip Island to see more creatures.  Primarily Penguins!

Josh not exactly please with his Vegemite Sandwich

Roos

Look carefully there is a leg sticking out of the pouch

My daughter, lover of all birds!

Apparently the most poisonous snake alive!

This majestic dingo was posing for us!

Hey Kim!!!!  A Drop Bear!!!!!

How could that face, eat yours?  Can't :)

And we are HERE!!!

After only 27 hours of travel, WE ARE IN AUSTRALIA!!!!  Now? Customs!

Aukland!

The tour of international Airports continues. Next stop?  Melbourne! 

LAX

3 hour layover

On the Road!

Loader Up!

Pre-Australian Thoughts

Hello family and friends of the PLU Wind Ensemble!

This is Kelsey speaking, I thought I would try on my blogging shoes before I left for the trip.

First of all, I'm really excited to go on this trip.  Ever since high school it's been on my bucket list to go here, and now I am privileged with the opportunity to go!

When my family and I travel, we are the type of travelers that like to take in as much of our environment as possible! We don't take many vacations where we lounge by beaches, so this trip will be right up my alley! I finally am researching about all of the towns that we are going to, and finding fun places to visit when we have free time.

One of the things that I am most looking forward to are the animals that we will see! Since my major is in biology, naturally I must love animals right? Naturally I became very excited when I found out that on the first day we're going to a wildlife reserve to see all of the quintessential animals of Australia.

Another thing I'm really looking forward to is the FOOD. It might be a little bit challenging since I'm a vegetarian, but it's always fun to try new foods when traveling.

Anyway, I would just like to thank PLU for providing this opportunity for all of us to be able to spread music to the world.  Also I would like to thank my parents for all of their support too, since I would not be able to come on this trip without their help.

--Kelsey

We leave in 8 days!!!!!!  Time is flying!

Two weeks and counting!!!!!!