Cara George, team member writes:  What a day!  Today we said goodbye to our wonderful Melbourne home-hosts and headed east to Healesville.  The drive was nothing short of breathtaking.  The mountainous region provided sweeping views. 

Our new host rotary club took us to theHealsville Sanctuary http://www.zoo.org.au/Healesville/Unique/Birds_of_Prey_Close_Encounter It was really interesting.  We encountered many of the Australian animals which we’ve seen over the years on t.v. and I have to say, koala’s are as cute in person as they are in the pictures! We also enjoyed a great bird show called Birds of Rapture http://www.zoo.org.au/Healesville/Unique/Birds_of_Prey_Close_Encounter.  It was a wonderful day at the zoo!

From there we continued our journey to Alexandra.  We drove through forests which were devastated by the bush fire last year.  Seeing the contrast between massive trees blackened with soot and green ferns of generative growth was a testament to mother earth’s prowess. I really can’t describe it fully, but it was an amazing sight.

We finished our day at the Rotary Club of Alexandra.  3 clubs met for dinner and fellowship, it was a packed house.  It was a great evening. We enjoyed meeting the local Rotarian’s and were thankful for their hospitality.  This is sure to be an amazing trip and a once-in-a-life experience!