Australia – Sydney (Day Three)

Okay so I am going to apologize for what I know will be an extremely short post, but tonight I am so tired that I can barely keep my fingers moving on the keyboard.  This morning we went to the Avis rental place to pick up our car and after all papers had been signed and the navigation system issued, we find out that we are getting a standard transmission vehicle.  So Tara looked at me and said “You’re driving.”  Tara is great at driving a standard, but hasn’t had as much experience as I have so I nervously took the drivers seat. 

Long story short is that we got lost in Sydney (WITH THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM) for an hour, but we finally made it onto the freeway and started our 2 1/2 hour drive into the Hunter Valley.  The drive was great and we actually saw some sunlight for  the first time since we have been here!  We pulled inot the bike shop at a little after 11:45 and started our touring by eating lunch at a cafe by one of the vineyards.  Then it was off to three others where we were educated on the finer points of the wines and what to look for in each.  The biking was great, but our hinies are tremendously sore

We drove back into Sydney successfully and dropped the car off at the Airport (it stayed open later) and then caught the train back into town.  I know that you all would love more details about the driving experience, and believe me there are TONS, but I am just too tired to put them all into words.  Tomorrow we fly to Ayers Rock (pronounced Airs Rock) and will be there for two days.  Right now I need to repack my luggage and get some much needed sleep (I only got 3.5 hours last night and with all the pressure, nerves and excitement of driving in Sydney and in the Valley, I am exhausted).

Tune in tomorrow for more tales from the Outback!