Day 05 - 09/30 - Canberra to Melbourne

It was another lazy get up day. But the day went a bit differently than planned. I had booked us standby seats on Virgin Australia flight 274 to Melbourne, but as we surveyed our luggage from 75 plus days of traveling, we were over VA's weight limits. So we ate a quick breakfast and took a local bus to the end of the line and found an Outlet Mall. Inside this large enclosed mall we found an Asics store and a $30A duffle bag which would meet our needs. We hopped on the next #56 bus back to the Ibis hotel, repacked spreading our the load with our new bag. 

We checked out of the hotel and attempted to purchase an additional baggage allowance, but the website would not allow it and required a call to VA customer service. I made that call and their system would not allow any changes be mwade to the itinerary. We'd have to do it at the airport at a higher fee. So we hailed an Uber which came in about 3 minutes. The Asian driver was already on his way to the airport so he was glad to get a fare.

At the airport we checked in, paid the excess baggage fee of $70A ($51US), and received assigned seats as the plane was all that full. This airport has NO services outside security, so we lounged outside and consumed our soda water. There was a fully restored to flying condition Lockheed Hudson bomber from WWII on static display.

After passing through security (no iD check), there were limited services, but a really nice news stand with good snack prices. There was no WIFI and few charging ports in the terminal except in Airline lounges, nor any water fountains. The terminal is quite new, but not having basic services was a bit disappointing.

The incoming plane (a 737-800) for our flight was a bit late, and we departed about 10 minutes late following a very quick turnaround. The land we could see from the air certainly looked dry. We landed about 10 minutes late, collected our luggage, and headed for the Melbourne Flyer which for $19.75A whisked us into the Southern Cross railway station. Elizabeth was there waiting for us and it was good to see her again after 3 years.  

We walked a few blocks to her parking garage and then drove slowly in dense traffic to get on the expressway. We talked all the way home and it seemed like yesterday that we were just here. Arriving at her home we were warmly greeted by her son, Ethan, and husband, Rhett.  

We enjoyed a lovely and simple lasagna dinner before watching 'The Masked Singer and then chatting over hot tea and Milo until bedtime. And so ended our first day in Melbourne.