Vancouver and Victoria are about 3000kms from me (it's a big country) and are beautiful. They are a very different landscape from central/eastern Canada which is equally beautiful in a different way. I've never been to OZ, but plan on getting there someday.
As for my boat woes...I just pitched the old drive system and am installing a more modern (and totally rebuilt) system so we are out on the water for summers to come.
I am ordering Hi Tek exhausts from Austrailia....have you ever dealt with them (Allen)?