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Published: December 14th 2006
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We spent a couple of days in Queesland's state capital and proved that poor planning can still yield awesome outcomes, if luck is on your side.
We arrived without a reservation - stupid really since the town was packed to the brim with the Barmy and Boony Army - England and Australia's cricket fans, respectively. They were all there to watch the 1st test of the long-awaited 2006 Ashes. Unsurprisingly, everywhere we rang was fully booked for the next 5 days and we began to contemplate the prospect of either (a) leaving or (b) sleeping under the stars - neither of which we wanted to do. In a last ditch attempt, we called the Hotel Formule 1 at the airport and thankfully they had a room for two nights. It seemed we'd come full circle having stayed at a similar place at Heathrow the night before we left for this trip.
Day 1 in Brissy was a sight-seeing affair. On a recommendation from a fellow Whitsundays sailor, we boarded the city ferry to take us along the Brisbane river for views of the city. We hopped off under Story Bridge and then slowly ambled back along the river bank
on a gloriously sunny day - perfect cricket weather for the first day's play. The Aussies racked up a huge total off Harmy & Anderson's wayward deliveries and after lunch I chose to ignore the goings-on at the Gabba and enjoyed the stroll, blissfully unaware of England's early suffering.
For our second day in Brissy, we decided we had to visit the late Steve Irwin's legacy: Australia Zoo. It's a fair trek north of the city and so even an early start had us arriving after midday. It's an all day excursion and certainly deserves just that. There are crocs galore, great shows and chances to get up close to the animals. On arriving at the zoo, we had to race to the "Crocoseum" to catch the daily Croc show. We'd just taken our seats when we got a tap on the shoulder and to our surprise, turned to see Ali out old Queenstown boarding buddy, sitting a few seats away! Although we knew each other was in town and plans were afoot to meet for a bevvy later that evening, we'd failed to mention to each other that we were off to the zoo that day - we
were utterly shocked to bump into each other. In another twist of fate/fortune our old Queenstown housemate Mark was also about, again a few drinks had been pre-arranged but what wasn't expected was that he'd have a spare ticket for the third day's play at the Gabba and that he'd offer me first refusal at face value. It required a little flight change to make it possible and obviously since there was only one, for Laura to be cool with me bandoning her for the day. Since she had a day of happy reunion on Bondi beach in Sydney with her "old skool" friend and emigrant, Lisa she was more than happy to go solo. So that was settled and even before lunch and Oz Zoo delights, things were looking very promising - didn't I say planning wasn't necessary for awesome outcomes!
As for the zoo, well we; saw crocs being fed, stroked 'Roos, petted Koalas, watched a Tasmanian Devil devour a rabbit (not for Veggies that one), saw close-up Australia's vast collection of venomous snakes (from behind the safety glass) and even hand-fed Elephants. Plus so much more and all in the shadow of the great Crocodile Hunter's
memory whose image is everywhere, his message is everywhere and his legacy is lasting. A "Top Aussie" we say - the memorial display in the zoo, even made this man's lip quiver.
That evening the Queenstown reunion went ahead with much ale being consumed in the Barmy Army's HQ, the Pig & Whistle. The ticket became reality as I held it for the first time.
Day 3 could only ever be a great day at worst and that's what it was. Laura jetted off early and I headed to the Gabba for some willow on leather action. I strode up the steps to section 44 and my seat high up with a great view from square of the wicket. It was a day of sun, a day of beer and pie, a day of England despair and certainly the day was Australia's but it will be a day I won't forget and will cherish the memories. Despite the lack of cheerable action, a 50 from Ian Bell had us on our feet and we had to applaud Glenn McGrath's 6 England scalps. Thank you Mark for making it possible - come on St. George and (St. - surely)
Freddy - we're keeping our fingers crossed for the rest of the series!
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