Really got to give a shout out to the IPS Australia superstars who took a bunch of us under their wings last month.  We were, of course, unable to attend the Biennial in New Cal due to events there.  But folks like Daryl, Phil, David, and others including Hugh, Stan and Jane, and Kris and Kim Kupsch turned our misfortune into one of the best 10-day palm excursions we could have hoped for.  My apologies for not getting everyone's last name, but you know who you are! 😍  The warmth and hospitality you folks showed was beyond the pale.  The subtropical forests and bursting palm gardens of southern Queensland and northern New South Wales were palm overload - in a very good way!  We are so thankful!

Australia blew my mind.  What a country!

We are very proud of our country. Australians are some of the most friendly people and welcoming with our hearts. Meet an Australian in any country town and they treat you like a friend they have had for life. Plus we love our palms, there are some amazing private gardens out there. We are proud of our gardens and country.

2 hours ago, CLINODAVE said:

Australia blew my mind.  What a country!

You are welcome back anytime

6 hours ago, CLINODAVE said:

Australia blew my mind.  What a country!

Is that Ravenea musicalis! 

The IPS went to Australia in 1984.  We received the maximum in hospitality !  This included a convoy of Toyota four wheel drive vehicles on abandoned logging roads in Queensland.  Pauleen Sullivan was on this trip, and four local  men carried her chair from the vehicle into the bush for a close up look at the various palms.

We attended a seafood lunch at a private garden in the suburbs of Sydney, I ate so much lobster that my stomach hurt !  

Several years ago, before a visit to Lord Howe Island Troy Donovan (Tassie Troy) and I were the personal guests of Colin Wilson, again, the maximum level of hospitality, like family.   

I feel a special bond between the USA and Australia.  

21 hours ago, ASHCVS said:

Is that Ravenea musicalis! 

I am pretty sure it is a Ravenea, but uncertain about the species.  I will ask Zaki.

21 hours ago, ASHCVS said:

Is that Ravenea musicalis! 

According to Zaki, it is R. rivularis.  

I totally agree that the hospitality of the Australians hosting so many of us was unmatched.

Thanks for your posts CLINODAVE and Kim and I look forward to seeing more from all those who opted for Australia or Fiji or New Zealand when New Cal became unsafe.

More below:

 

 

That’s so fabulous Dave, you certainly were in good hands. You will always remember those ‘mates’ and their generosity.

Tim