Our third day in Sydney involved riding a ferry boat to the Taronga Zoo, walking across the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and more walking in “The Rocks” (old town) section of the city. We walked a mile more than we did yesterday (7 miles). We could lose a lot of weight if we made this much exercise a habit!

With continuing pleasant weather hovering in the mid-70s, we took a ferry boat across the harbour to the zoo. Along with the expected zebras, giraffes, elephants, and seals, we also viewed Tasmanian devils, quokkas, meerkats, and a plethora of poisonous critters. I mainly wanted to see the koalas and kangaroos, but all of these creatures were terribly lethargic, so much so that John suggested they must have been drugged. (He’s joking!) We learned that koalas take 20 hours to digest their standard fare of eucalyptus leaves, so that might explain their sluggishness. But I think the kangaroos were all lazy. Not a single one would hop for me. At least two saw me coming and flopped over on their sides. How rude! Grrrr.

After returning on the ferry boat, John and I walked up many flights of stairs to the end of the bridge, then proceeded to trek across it. He had wanted to walk up the bridge arch, but between my vertigo and parsimony, we stayed on the horizontal surface, passing several security guards along the way. We took the train back into the main part of the city and then wandered through rows of street vendors to purchase a few Australian-made trinkets. We heard and saw several street musicians, including one didgeridoo player.

A late dinner at a wonderful Italian restaurant capped our day. Of course, I’m bushed but satisfied with another adventurous day.