Back out, running down the track again...hooray!

Ch. P. Silver Tassie (Tass).....Is she dancing?

George

Swallow

Tass

Swallow (left) and Tina enjoy a tussle.

The epilogue---from the air.

Our internal flights in Australia were from Adelaide to Brisbane and from The Gold Coast airport to Melbourne. I flew home from Adelaide via Melbourne to Singapore, Heathrow then finally Edinburgh.
I have only just recovered the from jet-lag....and here was I thinking at Crufts that it was because of our long coach journey there that I was yawning!
I must be getting old!

This view of the countryside through the scattered little clouds was taken on the flight from Adelaide to Brisbane

Farther inland we see the mighty River Darling wending across a barren area on its way past a huge reservoir.

The very dry interior between Adelaide and Brisbane.

The mangrove swamps on the approach to Brisbane airport. Here everything is very green and lush due to it being the wet season.

Approaching Melbourne the smoke from a bush fire is visible in the distance. The captain told us not to panic if we smelled burning as that was the cause of it.

Melbourne from the air with the skyscraper Central Business District very similar to that in Adelaide.

This shot was taken from the aircraft on the flight from Melbourne to Singapore. This barren area is somewhere in the outback, south of Alice Springs.

And to my surprise, something I've always wanted to see, the magnificent Ayers Rock. I just managed to grab my camera and photograph it before it disappeared behind us. This was taken at a height of 35,000 feet, so you can judge just how big a boulder it is!!!

Adelaide

We had a very short trip to the city on the forenoon of my departure to UK. It was originally intended to be a full day visit, with little Andrew, who would have hated the experience, being back at nursery again, but we had just discovered the previous evening that my flight was in fact leaving in the early afternoon. Luckily I'm not much of a "shopping "person but I did want to see some of the shops selling opals, the national gem of Australia. I am particularly fond of them and managed to buy a very small one as I always seem to be on a tight budget, unless I really need something....like food! No prizes for guessing my nationality!
The CBD has very modern architecture and the heat in the streets with these towering structures was suffocating.
It is truly a beautiful city with all its many parks and recreational areas. Small wonder the Australians excel at sport.
Obviously, we made it to the airport with time to spare and Julie and Ian, although not travelling, were able to come through security and right to the departure gate to see me off. It's the only airport I've been to which allows this.

A hazy first view of the Central Business District (known as the CBD)of Adelaide, approaching from the south.

The Edinburgh Castle Hotel, a well known "gay"place but now described by the new owners as "happy"!

The 4 bronze pigs in the Rundle Street pedestrian precinct.

We enjoyed a snack at this huge open eating area in one of the big malls.

One of the many parks and big open spaces which abound in the city.

An articulated truck with its huge trailer, one of many, negotiates a crossing in the outer district.

One of the main thoroughfares in the central part.(taken thro' the windscreen, as are very many of the photos!)

Another area of the central district of Adelaide.

Now where was I?...ah, yes..

We're still in South Australia. The showgrounds would appear to be permanent as are the training grounds. There were no breed shows at all while I was there in February. It is the hottest month but on speaking to some of the handlers they said they have never known a show to be stopped because of the heat, although I did read later in an official publication out there that it had been proposed to postpone (or cancel) judging if the temperature went above 35 degrees C. I can tell you, that is hot!

The purpose-built (S)outh (A)ustralia (C)anine (A)ssociation showground, showing the "gazebos" which I am led to believe are used prior to entering your class in the ring. The judging always takes place in the open.

Being from UK, what can I say?

The training park, showing , with the large number of dogs of all persuasions, the huge interest in obedience training.

A Sheltie working.

A selection of breeds at the obedience section training.

Obedience training in progress

Our own Roz, who emigrated from Scotland, with Ian during agility training.

The purpose-built enclosure for instructors' dogs at the training park.

Back at last!

I've had problems with my internet connection and had to resort to professional help which meant that I had no computer for about 10 days! My husband says I've been like a bear with a sore head but I did manage to find time to do some things that haven't been done properly for ages, like dusting etc. Thank goodness I'll now be back to blogging! I feel much better already.

Sunsets down under.

..and also...

Is this how they transport them in Australia?