Dealt with automated idiots in LAX. We managed to finally get the seats of our choice. But only on the LAX->SFO leg. Apparently, after that we were on our own.
Nineteen hours later w had some very good scrambled egg just before landing in Cairns at 10:30.
Walked half a mile with bags to rental car and got a car called a Holden Commodore. That's a made up car I think, just like all those animals people told me about.

This was in the male "toilet" (as they call restrooms in Australia, and England too now that I think about it) in the airport:

And here's the blurb at the bottom:

They originally had me and Mike sharing a queen bed, but that got cleared up. Now we have two single beds on wheels on a tiled floor. It's like sitting on a giant roller skate: sneeze and the bed rolls around.

Also, it's fucking raining, and it looks like rain for the next few days. Good job there is n't one of those once in a lifetime eclipse events happening at 6:38am on Wednesday morning: Thanks baby Jesus. Thanks!

And also, "the kids" have planned a giant rave just outside Cairns (http://www.eclipse2012.com):

"There will be a police checkpoint with vehicle/licence/rego checks and drug/alcohol tests happening around and during the duration of the event"

At least we managed to get the last two spots on a three day scuba trip starting Saturday. Although New Zealand might start a war with Australia and then that'll be cancelled just like the eclipse.