Australia

My lovely aunt, Sheila, is going to be celebrating her 80th birthday in Perth in November.  Now if that was Perth, Scotland it would be really convenient - just 25 miles away - but, no, we're talking Western Australia here.   In a moment of madness I said I'd be there which sort of equates to going to Seoul (South Korea) for the weekend for my cousin's wedding!   But it won't be a weekend - I'm making a big trip of it.

The planning is coming together and is based on investigating the new Australian tour which we will be introducing in our 2009 brochure (you can get the initial outline on our newsletter which is now up and running on the website).   I wanted to go to Lord Howe Island but it really is rather on the expensive side and there are limits!   So I'm contenting myself with Brisbane and the famous O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat which looks stunning.  I met the people there at the Bird Fair last year and doubtless they'll be at Rutland again in August so there will be some familiar faces.

From there I'll fly down to Tasmania and Bruny Island.  At the moment I'm working on the itinerary with the help of one of the island's leading naturalists, Dr Tonia Cochrane who is being terrific.  Trouble is that I think there's a bit too much in it.  I'd really love to see Tasmanian Devil (see picture) and Duck-billed Platypus but might have to cut that bit out.   At the end of all that I'll fly all the way across Australia to Perth and then come home via Singapore or somewhere.   The whole thing will take most of November and will not only be wonderful but make me better able to ensure the trip next March is absolutely perfect for my clients.   So excuse me now while I go back to the planning.