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Keep safe Brian and make sure you've emergency supplies to hand, like cold beers!

Thanks Mike. Both blows are a long way from me, two day's drive in opposite directions, but my heart goes out to all concerned. I've seen too many big ones, especially as an emergency worker, and it ain't pretty.

I worry for Yeppoon. A really pretty place but many of the buildings are quite old, were never built to modern day standards, and won't be there this afternoon.

I wish everybody well.

I am hoping for the best for them too:

For the Americans who probably don't know this, Australia is as large as the US is (which is pretty darned large):

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I remember experiencing one first hand! When on a
business trip too Port Headland. I was staying at the
Walkabout Motel, so it was batten down the hatches,
and then head for the bar, I must say that was scary,
and I wouldn't won't to go through another one.
Hoping everyone kept safe there in far North
Queensland.

Hoppy.

Mark Olson wrote on Feb 19^th, 2015 at 9:40pm:

I am hoping for the best for them too: For the Americans who probably don't know this, Australia is as large as the US is (which is pretty darned large): START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGESTART PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE

Sorry pal, although Australia is a pretty big chunk of Earth...Australia is no where remotely close to the size of the USA.  The largest state, ALASKA, is not included on your "Lower 48" map. ;)

-Gregg in Las Vegas

According to the World Bank - START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE

Australia - 7,682,300 square kilometers
USA - 9,147,420 square kilometers

So Australia is 84% of the size of the USA, which is fairly close(ish).

Mark wrote, For the Americans who probably don't know this, Australia is as large as the US is (which is pretty darned large):

Hi Mark,
Not quite as large as the US, but pretty darn large all
the same  [smiley=lolk.gif]

I noticed Broome was shown on your map of Australia!
Adda and I are heading back there in August for some
R&R. It stands alone as a holiday destination here in WA wether it be excitement your looking for,or just to chill,
Broome has it all.  [smiley=cool.gif]

Hoppy.

Even at 85%, it's pretty darned big.  I flew from Mumbai, India to Sydney once, so I got to look out  of the plane window for a few hours as we flew west to east over a lot of Australia.

I'd love to see more of your great country from the ground.  I spent a lot of time in Sydney in a past life, and a little time in and around Melbourne.  I liked Sydney, but I loved Melbourne and the surrounding area.  I brought back a couple of bottles of really good Australian wine.

I'll have to look into Broome...

Brian wrote, I worry for Yeppoon. A really pretty place but many of the buildings are quite old, were never built to modern day standards, and won't be there this afternoon.

Looks like they wore the brunt of its fury.
Many homes destroyed, and 60,000 without
power, but thankfully no lives lost.

Hoppy.

Mark Olson wrote on Feb 21^st, 2015 at 2:36am:

I'll have to look into Broome...

Cairns is on that map, too, and I can promise you'll be welcome.

Hoppy wrote on Feb 21^st, 2015 at 4:14am:

Brian wrote, I worry for Yeppoon. A really pretty place but many of the buildings are quite old, were never built to modern day standards, and won't be there this afternoon. Looks like they wore the brunt of its fury. Many homes destroyed, and 60,000 without power, but thankfully no lives lost. Hoppy.

Sorry to hear of the damage, but glad no one was seriously hurt.  Mother Nature seems to always find a way to challenge us all from time to time.

Me personally... I LOVED Australia.. spent a month there and loved every minute of it.. I wanna go back!!!

No guided tours.. just took off on my own and did a walk-about. Asked a lot of questions of people on the street and got some great answers.

My grandson and I have a savings account for our Australian trip - and as soon as it builds up enough we're heading your way..  :-*