March 30, 2012 Fri Day 50 Sydney

This one is for you Jennie.  Cat Whiskers. 

Packing up to leave the gorgeous campground and villa that was home for 8 days.  We got to the airport, to return the rental car,  then remembered we didn't fill up the gas tank.  Our last U turn and one last wiper instead of signal turn. Good thing U turns are legal here.  

Leaving Cairns.  Our 6th flight.
Going through customs I was asked to read a form a security officer handed me to allow them to do a full body and bag search.
I asked if I could refuse and she said "sure you can, but we won't let you go any further'.
So, I said "yes".  She scanned my purse and camera case and said OK, you can go.  Phew.  

Beautiful clear day for pictures.

Landing in Sydney

Sunny and 25c in Sydney.
We went to Budget to pick up our SUV we ordered in Cairns to accommodate all 6 of us.
They didn't have a SUV we had ordered.  Then they offered us a huge vehicle for 8 people, but the price was crazy.  So, we said.  Forget it, we'll take the small one for $123.  When they printed up the bill , it was $362.  I then showed them the original order for $123 I took with me from Brighton.
At this point they got the manager.  She said,  "yes, we have a SUV, 4 wheel drive, for 4 people.
Nope, that's not what we ordered.  So, she gave us a large van, with only 1700 k on it for the same price.  It seats 8.  Saved over $300.  Gorgeous van with all the goodies.    

On our drive home we passed a whole row of  pylons (witches hats).  But we decided not to kill any again. They didn't get in Peter's way like they did in NZ.  They live to see another day.
  When we arrived home, we were greeted by Chrissy with open arms, and  Karena was in the middle of making cupcakes for us.  What a great welcome.      

Thrilled to spend our last days in Australia with them all. 

Didn't take us long to dig into the finished cupcakes! 

Hamburgers for supper. 

A cozy dinner with wine and lots of travelling stories.
Home sweet home.