Hop into the car to head for Dream World.  Only one problem - I think it's north of Brisbane, Dawnise thinks it's south.  Dawnise went back in and checked with the front desk - they agreed with her - it's south.

Driving on the divided highway is a bit easier - but the whole "keep left" thing is still a trip.

We made it to Dream World in about 45 minutes - bought tickets and, once the park opened, made a b-line for Tiger Island, which also wasn't opened yet.

Strange thing - the park opened at 9:30a - the attractions don't open 'till 10a.  Seeing the place empty really strained suspension of disbelief.  One thing Americans do better than anyone else in the world -- entertain.

We waited anxiously for 20 minutes, watching the tigers lounge on their island through the fence.

Once Tiger Island finally opened, we headed for the gift shop and checked in for our photo op.  Our appointment was at 10:30a - we had another 25 minutes 'till the handler would collect us at 10:25a.

The handler and photographer show up right on time, and lead us through a few "Staff Only" gates.  We'll be seeing the same cubs we saw on that Animal Planet special, which, strangely enough, hasn't aired in Australia.   Only one catch - that special was made nearly two years ago - so the cubs aren't quite so small anymore.
 
 

The first tiger they led out was an absolutely beautiful cinnamon color.  Her name was Sita, and she wasn't in the mood to do a photo shoot - wouldn't sit still long enough to get a picture.  They decided to try a different cub.

Out came Taj - the male white of the litter.

We weren't allowed to touch his head, paws or stomach - but that doesn't seem to even register with Dawnise - she was in heaven -- complete heaven.

Their coats are much more course than I expected.  I could never understand how people could kill tigers - and after being that close to a living tiger I have no doubt I'd kill any human attempting to do so without hesitation.

Once it was over, we thanked the handlers and photographer and Dawnise lost the composure she had so carefully maintained for the last twenty minutes.  An experience of a lifetime.  I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

We did the tourist thing at the gift shop - I bought another hat.
 
 

We wandered off to see the rest of Dream Park.  Sorta Knotts Berry Farm, Raging Waters, Magic Mountain & the San Diego Wild Animal Park all rolled into one - and sent through the wash on hot.  Managed to catch sight of a dingo lounging in shade - out of the growing heat of the day.

 

Got to pet Kangaroos!  They're not terribly soft either, but they're cute.  And we had our picture taken holding a koala.  She (the koala) was one and a half - very cuddly, and very soft.  In fact, she didn't want to let go of Dawnise - the handler nearly had to pry her off.

Had sandwiches - chicken with salad - for lunch - tried "Lift" - a local citrus soft-drink - hard to describe, more citrus than Sprite, bright color like Mt. Dew.
 

Saw the tiger show at the BBQ Beer Hut - Sita was done being grouchy.  Got some great pictures.  Heard a Puma purr.  I didn't realize they (puma's) are members of the small cat family.  Apparently, small cats can't roar - only purr, and big cats are the opposite.  Anyway - a Puma's purr is very deep, throaty and rumbly.

Rode the "Sky Link" - like a ski lift - over the park.  The only restraint was a non-locking lap bar -- another thing you'd never see in the states.
 
 

Closed the park (5p) hanging out at Tiger Island.  Saw several natural behaviors, all encouraged by the bribe of milk.  Not special milk - just plain old milk - in plain old cartons.

 

Left the park and headed back to the hotel with plans to head into the city CBD (central business district).  Upon arriving, realized we were both too tired to do any city trekking - headed down to the hotel restaurant for dinner.  I had "Morton Bay Bugs" - a local shellfish - like a miniature lobster.  Similar to lobster in taste - delicate meat -- too much work.  Once again, the service was as good as the food - another tall pitcher of ice water to accompany dinner.

Had a long chat with a native up from Melbourne (pronounced Melbin) on business.  Nice guy - had several suggestions for our visit to Cairns (pronounced Cans).

Back to the room and fell quickly asleep.
 

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