Wednesday March 9th - To Melbourne

Today started out at UpAndDowns with a great sunrise and a bit of laundry.  Once we got the day sorted out with some breakfast and beautiful bird display, we headed out for a drive down to Brisbane.  Along the way I was treated to a new delight, lychee ice cream.  I felt sheltered that I did not know what lychee was but then again I am not well versed in fruits and vegetables.  It was very refreshing.  Have you had it before?  Or is it just me!?

We had a great drive through the Australian countryside going down the Bruce (the main highway).  It took a bit over four and a half hours.  We arrived in Brisbane and visited their favorite bike shop.  Picked up a couple of added goodies for the ride ahead and proceeded to the airport for the flight to Melbourne.  

Once at the airport I was astounded at the ease of check in and pass through security.  There was no check of official government ID and boarding pass or scrutiny by a TSA type.  There was no take your shoes off, belt off, all liquids in a quart size bag with no container over 3 ounces, everything out of your pockets, etc.  There was no full body scan and potential additional invasive pat down.  I got through "security" and still wanted to show my ID to somebody.  It felt way too relaxed.  I actually felt uneasy thinking there should be so much more that we should be enduring.  My traveling companions were making fun of me as I searched for someone, anyone that I could show my ID to.  But alas, no one cared.  After all this was a domestic flight I was told.  I think I'm getting to love Australia!