I also wanted to say thanks to the numerous people that responded on this site with help and suggestions (like "Alan"). My wife, my two daughters and myself had a great trip to Australia. It by far has been our best vacation taken.

Hi, B.C.!<BR>Your kind words are much appreciated. I have never asked the other regulars to this forum (such as Liz and Mina) just why they "write in" all the time, but, for myself, I do it as a "payback". In just about every country I have been to, I have been extremely appreciative of the help I have been given, most times unbidden, by total strangers who, one would have thought, would have much more important things to do than take a stranger in hand. This has made all the difference between a pleasant trip and an unforgettable one.<BR>I hope you will put Australia on your list for a return visit.

Hi BC, so glad you had a great time. Thank you for reporting back.<BR><BR>Alan, it really is so very simple why I write in...I fell thoroughly, unabashedly, and wildly in love with Australia. I envy those of you who live there and know it more than I do.

Hi! I just got back from a fabulous month in Oz less than 12hrs ago. I was supposed to be away for 3 wks, but was having such a fanatastic time, I couldn't bear to leave (and I'd be there still if I didn't have to go back to work to pay for everything). Thanks to Carolyn and Mina and everyone else for helping. The tips I received here on Fodors were terrific, much better info than my supposed "Aussie specialist" travel agent had to offer. <BR><BR>Thanks all!!!<BR>Debbie<BR><BR>PS I hope to post some of my own recommendations in a day or two and 'pay it forward'.

Wow Debbie, has it been a month already? It seems like I posted a response to you just yesterday!<BR><BR>Welcome back! I look forward to hearing about your trip.

Hi,<BR>I've tried several times to post a trip report to no avail. If this message goes through, I'll just attempt to attach it to this thread.<BR><BR>Deb

Hi Debbie- It may not have posted if it was too long. The easiest way to post is to put a few paragraphs in your "question", then reply to yourself, in several sections if needed. This way it keeps all your trip in one piece. What a great trip you had!

Hi Icuy--<BR>Your suggestion was an excellent one but unfortunately I didn't read it until after I broke up my trip report into 3 separate posts. <BR><BR>Thanks for the good idea; I'll remember it for next time.<BR>Debbie

Debbie, it seems like you had a blast! I really enjoyed reading your report.<BR><BR>Lucy's suggestion is a good one. Since you took the time to write all of it, maybe you should just create a new post and cut and paste all the parts onto one post, using the "reply" method. It would be nice to have all your info in one place so it could be topped in the future, and read all in one place. I doubt anyone here would mind if your report was posted twice...