Today we alighted in the delightful and relatively small city of Darwin—about 125,000 population. It was named for Charles Darwin who, as we all know, published The Origin of Species in 1859, but mulled over the research for it for several years prior. From what I gathered here today, however, it was only Darwin’s crew several years later that in fact sailed to this port town and not Darwin himself. I guess the crew and town liked the guy!
We are getting to spend a lot of time in Australia as the ports we can land in (or want to) have been severely curtailed. I’m thinking staying healthy is worth whatever disappointment we may have experienced by not landing in any Asian ports apart from Colombo, Sri Lanka. The last few seaports to which we have been—Fremantle, Perth, and Darwin—have had both beautiful parks and people. When Neil and I talk to locals and tell them that we are from Texas and Colorado, they seem to perk right up. These Aussies are about as friendly as you might want. They are quite helpful, and we have gotten into some pretty good and sometimes long conversations with them.
On the days between port landings, we are out at sea. We pass the time reading, walking, and lately, I have discovered that they show movies on the days we are at sea. Some are to my liking; others not too much. I watched “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel,” “Midway,” “The Farewell,” and “Harriet Tubman”—which by the way, got a standing ovation at its conclusion. Since I rarely go to movies, this exercise has been a real spur for me.
Our beds in our room are splendid. Both of us sleep well each night. Since I do not always sleep ideally at home in the parsonage, this good sleep on the ship has really been a bonus for me. It is very tempting to overeat—as anyone who has ever been on an Ocean Liner knows—but I am trying to eat healthy. I try to eat a lot of fish and chicken but do miss the Texas BBQ so many of us love!
We also miss everyone, but deeply appreciate the gift of time the Salado church and our friends have given us for out excellent adventure. It is a wonderful act of benevolence!
Sincerely, your friends,
Neil (the editor & photographer) and David (the author)
David and Neil's Excellent Adventure 
Wow! These pictures display such beauty, and we love the sunsets! We also think the Aussies are some of the friendliest people we have ever met. They were always quick to offer to take our picture if we wanted or start a friendly conversation. From our experience, we have found that like the Brits, the Aussies are receptive, warm, and friendly to us Americans.
We are so glad to hear that you are sleeping well, David. Why don’t you find out the name of the mattress, so you can purchase one when you get home? A good night’s sleep is so important!
Brad is doing a great job in your absence. He is an excellent story teller of the Bible.
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David,
Are you keeping up with basketball?
Bill
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He said “What a ridiculous question.”
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