9 Jan: Canberra (ACT).

The day got off to a leisurely start with a run for Jill and +McD (one of our very gracious hosts), and a swim at a local outdoor pool for +Marc. It was pretty hot out so it wasn't the day to tour around the city on bikes. For those of you who don't know, Canberra has hundreds of kilometers of bike paths and they are well used by the locals. Tomorrow is supposed to be cooler, so Marc and I hope to get out then on the bikes.

Another great public swimming pool in Australia

We checked out a section of town called Manuka, where we had lunch with McD and her Mom (visiting from the States). Ashley, McD's husband, had to work -- hey, someone had to! And the kids were off at summer activities. It was nice walking around and we found a local wine merchant, where we were able to ask the proprietor questions about some of the Aussie wine regions we will be visiting. Very handy!

Jill and McD at lunch

Had a lovely BBQ at the house and just enjoyed the "cooler" weather. At the end of the evening, we did smell some of the smoke in the distance from the brushfires. We are not in danger where we are as the fire is 60+ miles away, but an obvious reminder of the situation that some are facing here in Australia, particularly in Tasmania.

We are having fun and learning a lot staying with folks who are residents of Australia. 

And don't forget to check out our pictures at:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/lifeasawaterclown/