Two happy people in Calgary, ready to depart.

Now we’re in LAX, leaving in a few, for Sydney. I wonder what happens to February 13? We leave on the 12th and arrive on the 14th! Guess we’ll find out in a few hours.

We’re in Calgary, staying at the old homestead, waiting for our ride to the airport. Calgary got more snow than we did in south Alberta, and the temperature is currently -27 degrees Celsius…-17 Fahrenheit! So here’s what it looks like in Calgary.

Looking out my front door to -14 Celsius with wind, while packing for this once-in-a-lifetime experience, I can’t wait to rediscover temperatures above freezing. Sarah and I are meeting up with The Common Cup Company and spouses to visit Australia–and then we journey on to the north island of New Zealand.

While my home layout may languish, and the South Alberta Model Railway carries on without me, this trip will not be without exposure to trains. (More on that later!) But for now, one last service to preach, the final packing to complete, and away we go!

So, if you care to follow, join us for a “down-under” adventure.