Sep 09, 02 | 12:02 am - Adelaide (The Beginning)

Charlotte, Chicago, Los Angeles, Sydney, Adelaide. 23 hours in the air over 2 days. Yes, there are easier ways, but my parent’s 50th wedding anniversary was not to be missed. 80 relatives and friends gathered in Illinois to show love and appreciation. We were warned by Bill James, a friend they had not seen for 40 years, that the shock could cause a heart attack, and it almost did. Mom was so shocked she needed a 10-minute break before she could enter the room. All worked out well though. And the first photo of the journey goes to them. William M. and Barbara S. Perkowitz, I hereby dedicate this trip to you. (see more photos of the even at http://outlookwindowfashions.com/50)



I’m finally in Australia! And my first Australian expression, a quaint Australian saying from Stuart: “You can beat an egg, but you can’t beat a root.” It’s more profound than it seems.

We finally put foot down down under on a cool (50f), Monday morning. Stuart Clement met Lisa and I at the unusually small for a city of 1 million airport. We planned to get my bike and ride, but after checking in, going over to Bernie Jones Cycles to get the bike, lunch, and a minor medical issue, it was already after 3:30P. With re-supplying, regrouping and dinner at 6:30, we blew off the ride.



Thanks to Jeff Loader and his team (Jeff and Lynn above) at Bernie Jones Cycles, who imported, well assembled and well accessorized a “hand-made in the USA” Trek 520 for me.

Stuart did a great job escorting us around Adelaide during our preparations, and hosted us for dinner at an Egyptian restaurant. Adelaide, with one restaurant per 30 people, has lots of great food at great prices. More on the city when I get back there at the end of October. Below is a picture of Dot (forgiveness please), Lisa, me, Martin (sitting), Stuart and his wife Glenys.



I’m ready for a 7A into the cold and rain departure to Menengie (how many ways can you mispronounce this town name?) via Murray Bridge. I now "crash" (American for sleep).

MORE...