Barefoot bowling in Bris with a couple of babbers

Right, 'back on the bus' our journey south continues, Noosa to Brisbane.  Bernie and John, mates of brother Mike and sis-in-law Chan, were our hosts for a few days. It was great to see some fellow Bristolians   especially after 4 odd months on the road. We got to wallow in a king sized bed and had our very own bathroom, oh yes, our very own bathroom.

As of yet Fe was still to get her hands on a koala so  Lone Pine Koala sanctuary was the place for us as this ones been on the 'must do list' since arriving in these fair lands. Lone Pine has been rescuing Koalas since 1927 and was the world's first Koala rescue centre. At present they have around 130 Koalas. Within the centre there are other classic Aussie wildlife; kangaroos, dingos, platypus, various killer snakes, wombats and of course the odd croc. Koalas live on a diet of eucalyptus leaves and sleep for up to 18 hours a day.  Fe met and cuddled Wendore. A male 10 year old weighing in at 8 kilograms.

Whilst close to the centre we opted for a bus into ride to downtown Brisbane which had some great sunday markets.  A brilliant african band were playing, so we stopped to watch (and shelter from the mucho rains!)When it rains in these parts it certainly gives it it's all. 

Done with innercity exploring we headed for the water to catch the citycat taxi boat, and cruised the Brisbane river.

Off at New Farm Park to meet Bernie and John at the 

infamous Merthyr Bowling Club for some along 

awaited barefoot bowls action. Bowling has shed its traditional image of cucumber sandwiches and ancient men in white suits to become a popular weekend activity for the younger Aussie.  So without a ounce of white clobber in sight we 'bowled' in with our baggies and thongs on.  An easy Sunday afternoon of intense sport commenced. A beer in-hand this can't be sniffed at we thought.   It was a tight run traditional game, girls v's boys.  The girls took a early lead and the final spoils, but from nowhere the boys were mounting a big come back, robbing the girls of the final game with the final ball right at the bitter end. You gotta say it though it was a beauty of a final bowl. Right on the money. And as the light fell over the mecca that is Merthyr Bowls Club, attention turned to the barbie and as drinks flowed freely once again one couldn't help but think that if David Bryant, yes he of CBE, would have witnessed such a spectacle even he would have doffed his cap if at such a performance. The sight of 4 youthful upstarts emerging from the modern game that is 'barefoot bowls'. Lord, may it reach English shores in years to come.