And that's a wrap: welcome to sunny Queensland - um, in the dark and chilly!

Sydney to Brisbane, Australia

TODAY'S HIGHLIGHTS

Welcome home to Australia and a new experience for us because we had ticked two "yes" boxes on the biosecurity questionnaire.

Easy passport validation, duty free purchases (scored an Amarula) and baggage collection and then it was a line-up for Customs and the Biosecurity check.

Didn't quite know what to expect for biosecurity - our bags were coated in red dust and sand and were looking a little bedraggled. But we were only asked had we washed our shoes off! And "yes" we had, I had even picked the burrs out of the soles and sprayed them with the Bearded Chap's hand sanitiser. 

 We had the shoes packed in the outside pouch of the luggage and were ready for inspection, but they weren't interested. Had a good laugh with the biosecurity guy - he asked @ Mac if he had taken his DAUGHTER to Africa! Figured I must have looked as bedraggled and gritty as our luggage for him to be cracking that joke.

Our day of transit had been easy. The only hold up we experienced was in the Qantas transit lounge waiting for the bus to get from the International Terminal to the Domestic Terminal. Sat there for 25 minutes with an increasingly anxious bunch who were not going to make their connecting flight. We had a good 30 minutes up our sleeve at the other end when the bus finally arrived and crammed everyone in - not so lucky for some others who were sprinting to make connecting flights. For a while there was a little confused, feeling Qantas operating on "Africa Time."

Our Friday arvo flight was packed and overhead locker space was at a premium. @Mac somehow squeezed our duty free alcohol in the bags so we could board without incident. I did my usual and fell asleep as the plane reversed out of the gate - think the hours are starting to take their toll.

Simple delights of home!

@Aunty Gail was there as our welcoming committee at the airport and must say that we were expecting a running commentary on the way home of the history of the landmarks, the culture of the people and details of the plants and animals - and fully expected to pull over to check scat and paw prints! Will need to readjust to "just a drive" rather than a "game drive" and also the distinct lack of elephants, giraffe, wildebeest and zebra!

Not only had @Auntry Gail put every light on in the house as a little beacon of welcome for us, but dinner for two nights was stacked in the fridge along with the essentials. Just dumped all the bags in the laundry, settled into pumpkin soup and garlic bread and washed it down with Vietnamese coffee and chocolate muffins. @Mac was quick to put on clean PJs and UGG slippers and even found some enthusiasm for Friday's form guide. Winners all round.

Not bad 20 hours door to door- thinking that was a short one and we should wake up refreshed tomorrow for the 4-week sprint until we take off again.

And Saturday's excitement! So much dirty stuff.

Truly loved our adventures away and thrilled to meet new people and forge new connections. Certainly appreciated our updates from home and the feedback that people provided as we shared our story. 

Can only affirm - if you get the chance - GO TO AFRICA! A truly remarkable experience.

PS a special thank you to the team that provided the support:

• Sharyn Bleakley for impeccable flight arrangements and insurance
• Jude Hartley - Home (masihambeafrika.co.nz) Masihambe Afrika for the off the beaten track, once in a lifetime experience
• Louis Loch - for the expertise and patience in making the dream a reality
• Aunty Gail and Paul for keeping the home fires burning
• Jenny Fugle and Lloyd Wilton for the inspiration at the beginning