August 13, 2004

We started the day off with a nice breakfast and then headed off to the airport to make our way to Brisbane. The flight took about an hour and then we were off for a new adventure. After loading all the bags onto the bus we traveled an hour to the Australian Woolshed on a 100 degree bus as the air conditioner did not work. Thus, we were all about to suffer from heat stroke by the time we exited the bus.

After exiting the bus, we were off to see some of the most amazing animals ever. The ranchers started us off slow with showing us baby sheep and how they use dogs to herd the sheep. Next was a show displaying the different type of sheeps in Australia and how they shave them for wool. The one thing we didn't like about the herding and shaving of the sheep was that we thought they were way too rough with them. We are all animal lovers and were just wanting the animals to be safe and not mistreated. Next, we went to see some of the most amazing animals EVER. We went into an open field filled with kangeroos. We actually got to go up and feed them out of our hands. They were the cutest and softest animals in the world. We even got to see a mother with a baby in her pouch. Finally, what we all were waiting to see and hold was the koala bear. We all were willing to pay 15 dollars to hold and get a picture with one. The trainer carefully placed one of the sleepy koalas on each one of our shoulders and positioned its head to look at the camera. We took about a million photos. The only scary thing about holding the koala, was that it had really sharp claws, so we were careful not to make it mad. We didn't want to come back to the states with half a shoulder.

After we were done with the animals, we returned to the city and checked into our hotel to unpack and go out to find something to eat. This city is more laid back than Sydney and we are all anxious to spend the next few days here to see what else we can experience; however, for now we have to get some rest for our next game is tomorrow night.