Cancer Schmancer

Today was zoo day and it was brilliant from start to finish. We caught an early ferry to Manly, where Claire has been living for the last three months. We were too early for her, but no matter; it was a delightful ride in gorgous weather. Once we arrived at Manly, we had a leisurely coffee until Claire showed up to conduct us along a short street or two to the beach. Not too crowded but beautiful by anyone's standards. Then we walked back on The Corso, a pedestrian walkway lined with surf shops and whatnot, clearly catering to the young. Claire stopped briefly to catch up on email, then we boarded a bus for the zoo. We changed buses and got to the zoo about 11:30.

Claire took us in by the employee entrance and we went down right away to see the first Bird Show, for which she was assisting (catching and releasing birds for the presenter). The show is given in an amphitheatre overlooking Sydney Harbour -- fabulous view! After the show, we dashed over to the food place to grab lunch before the seal show, actually starring an American sea lion. Then back up a very steep walkway where Claire's boss gave us a very special personal tour. We walked into an enclosure where they normally entertain school groups and made friends with an old lady grey kangaroo, very sweet and gentle. Next he brought out an echidna, Australia's answer to the North American porcupine. In spite of her armour, she also was really sweet natured and tolerated a sort-of pat. To top things off, out came a baby koala, just a soft and fuzzy as the stuffed kind. We each got to hold her and give her lots of pats, which is actually part of her socialization for future encounters with kids. There were wombats there, too, but they were sleeping, so we left totally high from this special experience with the three stars.

Mom and I cruised through the zoo a bit until it was time for the next Bird Show, starring our very own Claire as presenter. She was outstanding! She had pretty good cooperation from most of the birds and at the end one of the trainers came out to tell everyone how much Claire had contributed and to lead the audience in three cheers.

Finally, Claire led us through the backstage area to meet the avian stars (plus the rats who had a walk-on in the earlier show). It was very clear then how difficult it is going to be for her to leave this marvellous experience behind. Everyone was friendly and commented on how much she will be missed.

We left her there very misty-eyed and walked down to the waterfront to get the ferry back to Circular Quay. On the quay we revived our sore feet, people-watched and downed a refreshing shandy or two. Dinner was fish and chips from one of the quay vendors -- yummy.