After what seemed like an ungodly number of hours of flying, plus a two hour van transfer and numerous time changes Doug, Kyle, Kirk, Jon, and I made to Shepparton, Australia today where we met our two other teamates…Hollywood and Hendy.

Shepparton which is located in the state (or maybe it is province I am not really sure) of Victoria is host to the first stage of the  Jayco Herald Sun Tour which starts on Sunday.  Well…….it starts on  Sunday here  but that means it will be Saturday back in the states since there is a seventeen hour time difference that I am trying to get used to!

Aside from being long the flight over was rather uneventful except for the fight I almost got into with the portly man sitting behind me.  Apparently I am suppose to accomodate large individuals and not recline my seat so he has enough room to sit down.  After a few choice works with him I made a comprimise and met him halfway…..but when he went to the bathroom my seat somehow fully reclined and stayed that way the rest of the flight.  A small victory but it felt good!

We did have a short layover in Auckland, NZ where I found out that New Zealanders really do have a different language than us.  Look at the directions on the coffee machine  No wonder why I can’t understand Hendy half of the time!

We eventually made it to the airport in Melbourne and then had to hop in a van and drive two hours to our hotel in Shepparton.  Yes, they do drive on the opposite side of the road here in Australia  which at times can make things very interesting!

After getting to the hotel we went out for a little spin and saw hoards of Kangaroos!  Actually we did not see any Kangaroo’s but hopefully I get to see one while I am down here!

After that Doug O. and I had a little party in our room which was pretty happening!

Okay it is time for bed and I think I am going to sleep for many many hours.

later,g.