And finally

Thanks to Dave for suggesting I write the blog to record the trip. It will greatly assist my ailing memory and I hope his students weren't too scornful! Hope those of you that read it enjoyed it.
My final observation is the contrast between the richer nations we visited and the poorer. The friendly Fijians who welcomed everyone to their country with a musical bula and waved you off with a melancholy farewell song at the airport. Both parents actually play with their children and men waving at you with machetes don't arouse any fear as they chop wood and collect coconuts by shinning up (unfenced) trees.
Contrast with LA where airport security is intrusive barrier to entry, where some of the richest people in the world (with their dogs in polo neck sweaters) drive by numerous beggars on the street and sleeping rough near the beach (the most we saw anywhere).
We left our footprints on the beach in Fiji and our fingerprints at the airport in LA!
You didn't think you would get away without a bit of politics did you? Bye

New Zealand

The seals and views of Kaikoura and the thermal wonders of Roturua.

Fiji kingfisher

Sitting on our fence in the rain waiting to catch the frogs.

The Orcas playing and feeding near our boat

Australia

View of the harbour from botanic gardens in Sydney, Some Inhabitants of Daintree forest and the coral reef from inside the submersible.

Back home safe and almost sound

Finally made it home after 24 hours in transit and crossing numerous time zones. Our first flight cancellation of the trip was our last one - the one hour flight to Manchester!
Minor mystery water leak in the kitchen when we got home. Our thanks to the Gebbie family for keeping an eye on things, managing the leak and not least for the welcome provisions thoughtfully left for our return home tired and hungry.
Signing off with lots of fantastic memories and a few previously un-posted photos of a great trip.

Final dip before the long trip home this afternoon