Everything has been conspiring to prevent me from keeping our blog up to date. We're having a fantastic time, and I'm sorry not to have been able to share more of it with you.
First, we did't bring along our ethernet cable, and some hotels didn't provide one - so no internet hookup for us. Then we left our power converter 110/220 behind in one of the hotel rooms and had to wait for about 10 days for it to be mailed to us - again no internet hookup. Some nights I was just too dad-blamed tired to turn on the computer. We had hoped to be able to use a friend's computer and access the internet using our flash memory stick, but it wasn't compatible with her computer - starting to see a pattern here? One night I was able to get on the internet at the hotel and was able to add a little narrative to the blog - but blogger was having trouble and I couldn't upload pictures. Then the next hotel didn't have in-room internet. I tried again tonight - figured I'd start by answering some emails - they all got lost in outspace some place and couldn't be retrieved and it doesn't look like they've been sent - so if you expected a reply from me - it's out there circling overhead in cyberspace.
Can you tell I'm a little frustrated with the whole process at the moment?
I'll try again when we get to Christchurch in a couple of days. Otherwise it will have to wait until I get home. Then I will at least post some of the pictures of this amazing trip. In the meantime thanks for having checked what blog I was able to publish.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Thursday, October 11th - Bronte and Palapah
Another long day of driving for Barb - but she seems to be used to it. We loaded up on groceries and hit the road. Once again we stopped along the way at a bakery for lunch - Barb seems to be able to find a bakery wherever she goes!
Most of the trip was on paved roads. Alongside the roads are "agistment" lands. These are areas where one can take animals to graze if your property doesn't have enough feed. The government has dug ground tanks every so often so that there is water for the animals. It was strange to see animals wandering alongside the highway - no fences to keep them off the roads - between the sheep, cattle and kangaroos, drivers have to be alert.
As we drove along, we had a chance to get a good look at the countryside. It's very flat, very few houses seen from the highway, very dry - but it wasn't as bare as I thought it might be. There are a fair amount of trees and bushes - and the type and amount of vegetation changes frequently, so it isn't boring - just kind of lonely.
We stopped at Barb and David's new place - Bronte - which is just a short drive along a dirt road off the highway. Barb showed us through the house - which has definite potential - but loads of hard work ahead of them to get it fixed up the way they want it. The house is surprisingly roomy - good sized rooms - and I think about 5 bedrooms - one of which will end up being Barb's studio. It's a good sized room and she has already set up a bookshelf for her folk art books, etc. Some of the rooms are going to be gutted and completely redone, others basically just need painting and new carpeting. She has planted a couple of small trees inside the fenceline for the homestead, and they seem to be doing okay - one is a maple! She gave them all a watering while we were there. There are a fair amount of trees in the area of the homestead, and Barb told us about her plans for gardens, etc. Like I said, there's a lot of hard work ahead of them, but it doesn't all need to be done at once. First priority is to install the new poly water tanks for the house and for the stock. Apparently there is good underground water on Bronte - and they have plans to put down a new bore - then they will not need to rely on the ground tanks and be able to pump water to the poly tanks as needed.
Off we went again - to the thriving metropolis of Ivanhoe - I don't know what the population is - but it's a very small town, but the closes town to Palapah approximately 45 kms away. Quite a way to drive if you need a loaf of bread! After Ivanhoe we turned off the paved road onto a dirt road which we followed for 35+ kms until we came to the laneway into Palapah - about 5 kms. Everything in this area is measured in kms. not feet or inches (grin). All the properties are very large.
David fired up the bbq, Barb tossed together some potatoes, onions and mushrooms, and David cooked them on the bbq along with some lamb chops and sausages. David does his own butchering and makes his own sausages. It was a yummy meal, put together in a minimum of time.
Most of the trip was on paved roads. Alongside the roads are "agistment" lands. These are areas where one can take animals to graze if your property doesn't have enough feed. The government has dug ground tanks every so often so that there is water for the animals. It was strange to see animals wandering alongside the highway - no fences to keep them off the roads - between the sheep, cattle and kangaroos, drivers have to be alert.
As we drove along, we had a chance to get a good look at the countryside. It's very flat, very few houses seen from the highway, very dry - but it wasn't as bare as I thought it might be. There are a fair amount of trees and bushes - and the type and amount of vegetation changes frequently, so it isn't boring - just kind of lonely.
We stopped at Barb and David's new place - Bronte - which is just a short drive along a dirt road off the highway. Barb showed us through the house - which has definite potential - but loads of hard work ahead of them to get it fixed up the way they want it. The house is surprisingly roomy - good sized rooms - and I think about 5 bedrooms - one of which will end up being Barb's studio. It's a good sized room and she has already set up a bookshelf for her folk art books, etc. Some of the rooms are going to be gutted and completely redone, others basically just need painting and new carpeting. She has planted a couple of small trees inside the fenceline for the homestead, and they seem to be doing okay - one is a maple! She gave them all a watering while we were there. There are a fair amount of trees in the area of the homestead, and Barb told us about her plans for gardens, etc. Like I said, there's a lot of hard work ahead of them, but it doesn't all need to be done at once. First priority is to install the new poly water tanks for the house and for the stock. Apparently there is good underground water on Bronte - and they have plans to put down a new bore - then they will not need to rely on the ground tanks and be able to pump water to the poly tanks as needed.
Off we went again - to the thriving metropolis of Ivanhoe - I don't know what the population is - but it's a very small town, but the closes town to Palapah approximately 45 kms away. Quite a way to drive if you need a loaf of bread! After Ivanhoe we turned off the paved road onto a dirt road which we followed for 35+ kms until we came to the laneway into Palapah - about 5 kms. Everything in this area is measured in kms. not feet or inches (grin). All the properties are very large.
David fired up the bbq, Barb tossed together some potatoes, onions and mushrooms, and David cooked them on the bbq along with some lamb chops and sausages. David does his own butchering and makes his own sausages. It was a yummy meal, put together in a minimum of time.
Wednesday, October 10th - Echuca to Deniliquin
We started the day with a delightful cruise on the Murray River - in steam paddle boat. While we were waiting we browsed through a little pioneer village they have set up there, and looked at all the artifacts. They had a steam powered tracter (huge thing) running back and forth along the street and were giving kids a ride.
The Murray river is very low, but the paddle steamer can operate in abut 4 feet of water so we were okay. It was a beautiful morning, and it was lovely to sit outside in the sun and watch the river go by.
Off we went again, heading for Deniliquin where we were staying the night at Barb's father-in-law's (Jack Butcher)house. He's about 87 and lives on his own, and he made us very welcome. We ran a few errands in Deniquin - a town of 8200 - one of the largest towns in the area - and went back to enjoy dinner cooked by Jack. I finally understood what "crumbled chicken" was. It was "crumbed" or "breaded" - I had seen this term on menus - and figured it was little pieces (crumbled) like popcorn chicken or popcorn shrimp at home. Funny how we use different terms for things.
The Murray river is very low, but the paddle steamer can operate in abut 4 feet of water so we were okay. It was a beautiful morning, and it was lovely to sit outside in the sun and watch the river go by.
Off we went again, heading for Deniliquin where we were staying the night at Barb's father-in-law's (Jack Butcher)house. He's about 87 and lives on his own, and he made us very welcome. We ran a few errands in Deniquin - a town of 8200 - one of the largest towns in the area - and went back to enjoy dinner cooked by Jack. I finally understood what "crumbled chicken" was. It was "crumbed" or "breaded" - I had seen this term on menus - and figured it was little pieces (crumbled) like popcorn chicken or popcorn shrimp at home. Funny how we use different terms for things.
Tuesday, October 9th - On our Way to Ivanhoe
Managed to make our way to he airport so that we could meet up with Barb Butcher. She spotted me right away because of the blue sick scarf tied around my Aussie hat - thanks again for the scarf Gwen - it sure came in handy. I wouldn't have been able to pick Barb out of a crowd, because she has changed her hairstyle since the last saw a picture of her.
Barb had already drive about 4 hours that morning to meet us, so we decided that we would overnight along the way to her father-in-law's house at Deniliquin. We stopped for lunch at a small bakery in Heathcote and continued on to Echuca - we had first heard of Echuca the day before when we were watching the movie on the bus. We checked into a nice small hotel and then wandered the streets of Echuca, browsing all the little shops, and picking up some sweets in a lolly shop.
Barb took us to supper at a club in Moama - which is apparently across the state border, just a few kilometers from Echuca - Moama also is where the True Blue folk art convention is held. There seems to be a number of these clubs in Australia - you just have to sign in - Gwen and Bob took us to one in Sydney, and we went to an RSL club in Cairns. They have good food at reasonable prices.
Barb had already drive about 4 hours that morning to meet us, so we decided that we would overnight along the way to her father-in-law's house at Deniliquin. We stopped for lunch at a small bakery in Heathcote and continued on to Echuca - we had first heard of Echuca the day before when we were watching the movie on the bus. We checked into a nice small hotel and then wandered the streets of Echuca, browsing all the little shops, and picking up some sweets in a lolly shop.
Barb took us to supper at a club in Moama - which is apparently across the state border, just a few kilometers from Echuca - Moama also is where the True Blue folk art convention is held. There seems to be a number of these clubs in Australia - you just have to sign in - Gwen and Bob took us to one in Sydney, and we went to an RSL club in Cairns. They have good food at reasonable prices.
Monday, October 8th - Great Ocean Road
The Great Ocean Road is a very hilly, winding road along the ocean from Melbourne to Adelaide. Of course we were not able to travel the whole distance today.
The road was dug by hand by Anzac "diggers" who had returned from WWI. For some of them it was the only work to be had. It's an amazing stretch of roadway, and is now paved, but still tricky to drive.
Along the way we stopped at a beach and watched some surfers. It was fascinating to watch them catch a wave, stand up, and ride the curl of the wave till it broke. It wasn't a very warm day, so all the surfers were geared up with wetsuits.
Next stop was Loch Ard Gorge and London Bridge - which used to have two arches, but one has collapsed. Apparently two people were stranded on the remaining part of the bridge when it collapsed and had to be rescued by helicopter.
We also stopped at Port Campbell National Park where we visited a very old cemetery from a ship that crashed on the rocks. Only two people survived - a woman and the cabin boy. The shipwreck is featured in the moving The River Aways Runs, which we watched on the bus on the way back to Melbourne. We took a different, more direct route back as it was about 1-1/2 hours faster, and also because the bus has difficulty negotiating the bends in the Great Ocean Road in the opposite direction.
The road was dug by hand by Anzac "diggers" who had returned from WWI. For some of them it was the only work to be had. It's an amazing stretch of roadway, and is now paved, but still tricky to drive.
Along the way we stopped at a beach and watched some surfers. It was fascinating to watch them catch a wave, stand up, and ride the curl of the wave till it broke. It wasn't a very warm day, so all the surfers were geared up with wetsuits.
Next stop was Loch Ard Gorge and London Bridge - which used to have two arches, but one has collapsed. Apparently two people were stranded on the remaining part of the bridge when it collapsed and had to be rescued by helicopter.
We also stopped at Port Campbell National Park where we visited a very old cemetery from a ship that crashed on the rocks. Only two people survived - a woman and the cabin boy. The shipwreck is featured in the moving The River Aways Runs, which we watched on the bus on the way back to Melbourne. We took a different, more direct route back as it was about 1-1/2 hours faster, and also because the bus has difficulty negotiating the bends in the Great Ocean Road in the opposite direction.
Sunday, October 7th - Melbourne
Up early, and Mike and Beth took us to the airport for our fight to Melbourne - our itinerary looked like it was a 10 minute fight (grin) but that was because Tasmania had gone onto Daylight Savings Time and Victoria had not.
After some hassle finding our shuttle driver - who then kept us waiting till another flight came in, we got driven all over Melbourne, circling the same streets time and again till he finally dropped us at our hotel - 1/2 hour before we were to catch our tour bus to Phillip Island - no lunch for us today.
Our tour was to see the little penguins - also called fairy penguins - which are only about 13 inches high - I believe the smallest in the world. They come out of the ocean at dark - sometimes diving back into the surf before they decide it's time to cross the beach and climb the hills back to their nests to feed their young. It's amazing to see these little creatures climb such steep hills on their little tiny legs - and they do so quite quickly. The young know they're coming and kick up quite a clamour!
After some hassle finding our shuttle driver - who then kept us waiting till another flight came in, we got driven all over Melbourne, circling the same streets time and again till he finally dropped us at our hotel - 1/2 hour before we were to catch our tour bus to Phillip Island - no lunch for us today.
Our tour was to see the little penguins - also called fairy penguins - which are only about 13 inches high - I believe the smallest in the world. They come out of the ocean at dark - sometimes diving back into the surf before they decide it's time to cross the beach and climb the hills back to their nests to feed their young. It's amazing to see these little creatures climb such steep hills on their little tiny legs - and they do so quite quickly. The young know they're coming and kick up quite a clamour!
Saturday, October 6th - Hobart
Beth's husband Mike went golfing this morning, so Beth, George and I headed for the Salamanca Market. It's a huge street fair with hundreds of booths selling everything under the sun. Very colourful and very busy. After leaving the requisite number of tourist dollsars behind, we headed back to the house. In the afternoon, Beth and I dabbled in a bit of paint in her studio, and had a nice relaxing afternoon. Around suppertime we noticed that Eastern Rosellas had come to her feeder, so we watched them and tried to get some pictures. Australia has gorgeous birds! Beth made us a lovely curry dinner, and we dawdled over a nice glass of Tassie wine and chatted away the evening. Our visit with Beth was was too short, but it was so nice to be able to meet her.
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Friday, October 5th - Richmond and Hobart
Explored a bit more of the Tasman Peninsula and the pretty little town of Richmond before heading to Hobart. We had three choices of tours in Hobart - Cadbury's Chocolate Factory, Cascade Breweries or a walkig tour of historical Hobart. We learned that the Cadbury tour was cancelled as they had a major power outage and all workers had been sent home. Neither of the other tours interested us, so we arranged to meet Beth at the hotel at 1:30 instead of 5:30. Recognized Beth as soon as she came into the hotel. She looked just like the pictures I had seen of her.
Beth and Mike took us for a driving tour around Hobart, pointing out plqaces of interest. Then we headed back to their house - but got stuck in a traffic jam. Some "greenies" had stoped a log truck right in the heart of Hobart, on the main street, to protest a pulp mill that had recently been approved.
Beth and Mike have a lovely new house just outside Hobart proper, in a small community. Theirs is a back lot on the end of a cul-de-sac, reached by a gated driveway, and their lawns and gardens are to die for. We were given a lovely room with ensuite bath - spoiled us rotten.
Beth prepared a fest for us - if we ate like that every night we'd return home fat as pigs. We had roasted chicken, 4 or 5 different vegetables, and home made Pavlova for dessert, along with crackers and local cheeses. We shared the bottle of wine that Toni had given us with Beth and Mike, and had a lovely evening getting to know them. Great people, and gracious hosts. We've been so lucky to meet so many wonderful people on this trip.
Beth and Mike took us for a driving tour around Hobart, pointing out plqaces of interest. Then we headed back to their house - but got stuck in a traffic jam. Some "greenies" had stoped a log truck right in the heart of Hobart, on the main street, to protest a pulp mill that had recently been approved.
Beth and Mike have a lovely new house just outside Hobart proper, in a small community. Theirs is a back lot on the end of a cul-de-sac, reached by a gated driveway, and their lawns and gardens are to die for. We were given a lovely room with ensuite bath - spoiled us rotten.
Beth prepared a fest for us - if we ate like that every night we'd return home fat as pigs. We had roasted chicken, 4 or 5 different vegetables, and home made Pavlova for dessert, along with crackers and local cheeses. We shared the bottle of wine that Toni had given us with Beth and Mike, and had a lovely evening getting to know them. Great people, and gracious hosts. We've been so lucky to meet so many wonderful people on this trip.
Thursday, October 4th - Port Arthur, Tasmania
Beautiful drife along the Wielangta Forest Drive on the Tasman Peninsula to the Port Arthur Historical Site. This was a penal colony in the 1800's and all that remains is ruins of the buildings. The grounds and the ruins are beautiful, and it's a pity that it's history is of a penitentiary.
A guide expkained a bit about the penal system that was in place at Port Arthur - only hardened criminals were sent thee - and expalined about the way of life for the prisoners and the guards and their families. The prisoners were given the opportunity to learn a trade to make something of themselves - some took advantage and went on to lead productive lives - some didn't. There is a narrow neck of land on the peninsula that was garded by dogs chained close enough together that a man couldn't pass through them - and of course anyone who tried to escape that was would cause the dogs to bark to alert the guards. There were very few successful escapes from Port Arthur wich is surrounded by water.
Everything at this lovely site was confict built - from making the bricks to quarrying the stone to doing the carpentry, building and farming. It was very self sufficenit.
Our hotel for the night overlooked the prison grounds. Some people took the ghost tour at night, but I think it would have been a very chilly tour. We chose to do some much needed laundry and dawdle over dinner in the dining rom. We had a great table fo people and we sat and talked until it was obviously that the staff wanted to close.
A guide expkained a bit about the penal system that was in place at Port Arthur - only hardened criminals were sent thee - and expalined about the way of life for the prisoners and the guards and their families. The prisoners were given the opportunity to learn a trade to make something of themselves - some took advantage and went on to lead productive lives - some didn't. There is a narrow neck of land on the peninsula that was garded by dogs chained close enough together that a man couldn't pass through them - and of course anyone who tried to escape that was would cause the dogs to bark to alert the guards. There were very few successful escapes from Port Arthur wich is surrounded by water.
Everything at this lovely site was confict built - from making the bricks to quarrying the stone to doing the carpentry, building and farming. It was very self sufficenit.
Our hotel for the night overlooked the prison grounds. Some people took the ghost tour at night, but I think it would have been a very chilly tour. We chose to do some much needed laundry and dawdle over dinner in the dining rom. We had a great table fo people and we sat and talked until it was obviously that the staff wanted to close.
Friday, October 12, 2007
Wed. October 3rd - Freycinet Park
Today we travelled the most twisty road we've met so far - and that's saying something! We travelled along the east coast of Tasmania - and I swear the front of the bus was into the next turn before the back of the bus had finished with the last turn.
Stopped at East Coast Natureworld where we learned all about the Tasmanian Devel - which aren't nearly as large as we had imagined them to be. They're actually quite shy - it's just their ferocious growl that gives them the name, and their jaws which are more powerful than a pit bull, so they can crush bones. The Tassie Devils are being plagued by a facial tumour which affects their throat and jaw so they cannot eat and basically starve to death. Research is being done to find a cure as there there is the fear that they will become extinct.
The guide also told us about the tiger snake - one of the most poisonous in the world, and he picked one up for anyone who wanted to touch it. No thanks! He used two forked sticks to trap it's head and then grabbed it behidn the head wo it couldn't bite, but I stil wasn't interested in touching it.
From there we went to Freycinet National Park where again the scenery was gorgeous, and pristine. They ask us to stay on the marked paths so that we don't transfer spores from one area to anothe rthat could cause root rot.
Tonight's lodging is in cabins in Freycinet Lodge - and what cabins! A huge suite with bed, sofa with hide-a-bed, easy chairs, coffee table, asnother bed in a window seat, walk out to a deck overlooking the water, huge bathroom. Only problem was that it was COLD. We turned on the heater and figured by the end of dinner the cabin would have warmed up - but not so. Later in the season it would have been a slice of heaven to stay there. We piled a thick comforter on top of all the blankets and were quite cozy for the night - but the cold morning air didn't encourage you to jump out and head for the shower. Brrr! However, the meals made up for the chilly room - the hot breakfast sure was enjoyed tis morning.
Stopped at East Coast Natureworld where we learned all about the Tasmanian Devel - which aren't nearly as large as we had imagined them to be. They're actually quite shy - it's just their ferocious growl that gives them the name, and their jaws which are more powerful than a pit bull, so they can crush bones. The Tassie Devils are being plagued by a facial tumour which affects their throat and jaw so they cannot eat and basically starve to death. Research is being done to find a cure as there there is the fear that they will become extinct.
The guide also told us about the tiger snake - one of the most poisonous in the world, and he picked one up for anyone who wanted to touch it. No thanks! He used two forked sticks to trap it's head and then grabbed it behidn the head wo it couldn't bite, but I stil wasn't interested in touching it.
From there we went to Freycinet National Park where again the scenery was gorgeous, and pristine. They ask us to stay on the marked paths so that we don't transfer spores from one area to anothe rthat could cause root rot.
Tonight's lodging is in cabins in Freycinet Lodge - and what cabins! A huge suite with bed, sofa with hide-a-bed, easy chairs, coffee table, asnother bed in a window seat, walk out to a deck overlooking the water, huge bathroom. Only problem was that it was COLD. We turned on the heater and figured by the end of dinner the cabin would have warmed up - but not so. Later in the season it would have been a slice of heaven to stay there. We piled a thick comforter on top of all the blankets and were quite cozy for the night - but the cold morning air didn't encourage you to jump out and head for the shower. Brrr! However, the meals made up for the chilly room - the hot breakfast sure was enjoyed tis morning.
Tuesday, October 2nd - Laucneston, Tasmania
Breakfasts and dinners are included witht his four day tour, so we took full advantage and loaded up with bacon, eggs, fruit, toast, etc. Most of the time we have just been having muffins and coffee in the hotel room, so this was a real treat. We walked off breakfast by exploring a bit of the neighbourhood arond the hotel, and went into a beautiful old Anglican church for a look around.
Our toour today took us to the gorge where we took a chairlift to the top - it was like an open ski chairlift - great view of the valley below us - and in summer you would be able to see huge rhodendron bushes in bloom - they were just in bud when we saw them though. There were 5 or 6 male peacocks on teh grounds at the top of the chairlift, and some of them raised their gorgeous tails for us to admire.
We stopped at platypus house, and were amazed at what unusual little creatures they are - I had thought they would be much larger. They are made form all God's spare parts - duck bill, webbed feet, egg laying mammals, ith a spur on the hind foot like a rooster, which contains poison like a snake, with a flat tail much like a beaver, and they swim like an otter. They swim so fast that we weren't able to get very good photos of them.
Back at the hotel we had complimentary wine and hot canapes before going into the dining room. We had made arrangements for Toni and her husband to meet us in the piano bar just off the front entrance of the hotel, but they were serving Pavlova for dessert and I just had to find out what that was all about. Yummy meringue with custard and fresh fruit and cream. Kept Toni waiting a bit while we had dessert, but she was kind enough to wait. It was her birthday and she was kind enought to share some of her special day with us. They brought is a lovely bottle of Launceston white whine, and we chatted and chatted until the staff started to make it very clear that they would like to close up. Both Toni and her husband had to work the following day, so we had to be hapy with just a brief visit. It was so nice to be able to put a face to yet another name that I've only known through the internet.
Our toour today took us to the gorge where we took a chairlift to the top - it was like an open ski chairlift - great view of the valley below us - and in summer you would be able to see huge rhodendron bushes in bloom - they were just in bud when we saw them though. There were 5 or 6 male peacocks on teh grounds at the top of the chairlift, and some of them raised their gorgeous tails for us to admire.
We stopped at platypus house, and were amazed at what unusual little creatures they are - I had thought they would be much larger. They are made form all God's spare parts - duck bill, webbed feet, egg laying mammals, ith a spur on the hind foot like a rooster, which contains poison like a snake, with a flat tail much like a beaver, and they swim like an otter. They swim so fast that we weren't able to get very good photos of them.
Back at the hotel we had complimentary wine and hot canapes before going into the dining room. We had made arrangements for Toni and her husband to meet us in the piano bar just off the front entrance of the hotel, but they were serving Pavlova for dessert and I just had to find out what that was all about. Yummy meringue with custard and fresh fruit and cream. Kept Toni waiting a bit while we had dessert, but she was kind enough to wait. It was her birthday and she was kind enought to share some of her special day with us. They brought is a lovely bottle of Launceston white whine, and we chatted and chatted until the staff started to make it very clear that they would like to close up. Both Toni and her husband had to work the following day, so we had to be hapy with just a brief visit. It was so nice to be able to put a face to yet another name that I've only known through the internet.
Monday, October 1st - Adelaide and Tasmania
Today is Labour Day so most of the stores are closed. We had a little sleep in, and then a short bus tour of Adelaide - a little late as we're leaving Adelaide this afternoon, but still interesting as we saw lots of beautiful old buildings and learned a little about the history of the city. This city is very well laid out, easy to find your way around, and has lots of parkland (squares) which provide venues for picnics and the like. Nice to see a city with so much greenspace planned into the layout of the city - these areas are not allowed to be developed, so they will remain parklands for everyone to enjoy.
While waiting for our pick up to take us to the airport we wandered a few blocks from the hotel and found the nicest little park with a pond in the middle, and watched the ducks, other birds, and children rowing boats on the pond. What a nice way to while the time away.
It was a short flight to Melbourne where we changed planes to fly to Launceston, Tasmania. Our hotel here is the Grand Chancellor - and is it posh! We had a huge room, nicely furnished with two queen beds, antique looking furniture, etc., and a bathroom half the size of our house (well almost). Had a message that Toni Johnston had called and wanted to meet us for coffee, so I left a message on her answering machine to call me in the morning.
While waiting for our pick up to take us to the airport we wandered a few blocks from the hotel and found the nicest little park with a pond in the middle, and watched the ducks, other birds, and children rowing boats on the pond. What a nice way to while the time away.
It was a short flight to Melbourne where we changed planes to fly to Launceston, Tasmania. Our hotel here is the Grand Chancellor - and is it posh! We had a huge room, nicely furnished with two queen beds, antique looking furniture, etc., and a bathroom half the size of our house (well almost). Had a message that Toni Johnston had called and wanted to meet us for coffee, so I left a message on her answering machine to call me in the morning.
Sun. Sept. 30th - Kangaroo Island
Very scenic, but very long coach ride to Cape Jarvis to catch the ferry to Kangaroo Island. The ferry was a large catamaran, and we sat at the very front (inside) for the whole trip. It was a kind of rough crossing - when looking at the horizon one minute the bow of the boat was way below the island, and in the next instant it was way high in the sky above the island - more than once we hit a wave that s0plashed all over the window. It was a 45 minute crossing, and I wasn't sorry when it was over.
Our tour guide was a hoot - teased, joked and realy kept us entertained. We stopped at Seal Bay and walked right down onto the beach to see the seals - a lot were sleeping, but many were moving about - almost close enough to touch. They go to sea for 3 days and 3 nights to fish, and then come ashore for three days and 3 nights to sleep. The young are left on shore while the adults are at sea, so the pretty much cukle for the three days that Mom is ashore, whether she's sleeping or not.
Stopped at Flinders Chasse National Park and saw koalas in their natureal setting - not caged in any way. They are hard to spot sleeping in the trees because their fur colour is so close to the colour of the bark of the eucalypts they are in. Did see quite a few that were awake and eating.
Next stop was Remarkable Rocks - they didn't look like much from a distance - just three large rocks on top of a rocky plateau - boy were we surprised. They are the only granite rocks in the area - everything else is sandstone. The wind has sculptured these rocks into fantastic shapes, created caves, etc., and we really enjoyed wandering around looking at them. There is also a lighthouse there, built of sandstone that must have been built fromt he inside out - via the circular stairs, as it's too high to have been done by scaffolds.
Had a short flight back via REX air (Regional Express) - sure was glad that I didn't have to go back by ferry - glad I didn't have to make that rough crossing again - and the flight got us back to the hotel about 3 hours ahead of those going by ferry and coach. It was a long tiring day as it was.
Our tour guide was a hoot - teased, joked and realy kept us entertained. We stopped at Seal Bay and walked right down onto the beach to see the seals - a lot were sleeping, but many were moving about - almost close enough to touch. They go to sea for 3 days and 3 nights to fish, and then come ashore for three days and 3 nights to sleep. The young are left on shore while the adults are at sea, so the pretty much cukle for the three days that Mom is ashore, whether she's sleeping or not.
Stopped at Flinders Chasse National Park and saw koalas in their natureal setting - not caged in any way. They are hard to spot sleeping in the trees because their fur colour is so close to the colour of the bark of the eucalypts they are in. Did see quite a few that were awake and eating.
Next stop was Remarkable Rocks - they didn't look like much from a distance - just three large rocks on top of a rocky plateau - boy were we surprised. They are the only granite rocks in the area - everything else is sandstone. The wind has sculptured these rocks into fantastic shapes, created caves, etc., and we really enjoyed wandering around looking at them. There is also a lighthouse there, built of sandstone that must have been built fromt he inside out - via the circular stairs, as it's too high to have been done by scaffolds.
Had a short flight back via REX air (Regional Express) - sure was glad that I didn't have to go back by ferry - glad I didn't have to make that rough crossing again - and the flight got us back to the hotel about 3 hours ahead of those going by ferry and coach. It was a long tiring day as it was.
Saturday, Sept. 29th - Barossa Valley Wine Region
Travelled a very winding, hilly road along the Torrens River - beautiful scenery, but I'm glad we weren't driving - especially as we would have been drinving on the opposite side from at home. Stil not quite used to travelling on the left side of the road - not too bad while going straight - but confusing when you have to turn - or meet up with one of those dreaded roundabouts.
We stoped at the Kangaroo Creek Dam and reservoir - this is a huge high dam shaped in a semi-circle almost. If you stand by the wall at one end of the dam, you can easily talk to someone across at the far side of the dam - the dam acts like a parabolic microphone. Unbelievable how you can hear and talk in a normal voice - not yelling or anything.
We really enjoyed our visit to the Langmeil winery - it's small, old, picturesque and has the oldest vines in Australia - 164 years old, and still producing enough grapes to make about 300 bottles of wine per year. Of course they have taken cuttings of these vines and have started new vines, but the old ones keep on going.
Had lunch at another winery - Kaesler - we had kangaroo done in a wine sauce - absolutely delicious. Afterwards we had "Icky Sticky Date Pudding" with caramel sauce and cream - gave me a real sugar high, but it sure was good.
The third winery was a very modern "factory" type place - while others sampled wine, I took pictures of the flowers and a family of ducks taking thier ducklings for a swim. I was stil on a sugar high and didn't need to add wine to the mixture.
That night we met with Cheryl (Chezza R) and Lynne Elze and their husbands. They treated us to dinner, and we shared lots of conversation and lots of laughs. They are really nice people and we enjoyed their company so much. There was a lot of teasing back and forth between the six of us. We had a great time.
We stoped at the Kangaroo Creek Dam and reservoir - this is a huge high dam shaped in a semi-circle almost. If you stand by the wall at one end of the dam, you can easily talk to someone across at the far side of the dam - the dam acts like a parabolic microphone. Unbelievable how you can hear and talk in a normal voice - not yelling or anything.
We really enjoyed our visit to the Langmeil winery - it's small, old, picturesque and has the oldest vines in Australia - 164 years old, and still producing enough grapes to make about 300 bottles of wine per year. Of course they have taken cuttings of these vines and have started new vines, but the old ones keep on going.
Had lunch at another winery - Kaesler - we had kangaroo done in a wine sauce - absolutely delicious. Afterwards we had "Icky Sticky Date Pudding" with caramel sauce and cream - gave me a real sugar high, but it sure was good.
The third winery was a very modern "factory" type place - while others sampled wine, I took pictures of the flowers and a family of ducks taking thier ducklings for a swim. I was stil on a sugar high and didn't need to add wine to the mixture.
That night we met with Cheryl (Chezza R) and Lynne Elze and their husbands. They treated us to dinner, and we shared lots of conversation and lots of laughs. They are really nice people and we enjoyed their company so much. There was a lot of teasing back and forth between the six of us. We had a great time.
Fri. Sept,. 28 - Adelaide
A short plane flight - 1/2 hour - back to Alice Springs to change planes for Adelaide. We are in a lvoely hotel in Adelaide, and already like this city. We saw so many old buildings with elaborate architecture on the trip from the airport to the hotel. We're located just a block from the Rundle Mall shopping district - a rabbit's warren of shops and boutiques. It's a pedestrian mall so we can wander at will without having to watch for traffic. Of course we just had to pick up some souvenirs.
Had pizza for supper at a restaurant right beside the hotel - was quiet when we went in there, but boy did that place start to hop once the locals got off work. The noise level was incredible.
It weas a nice relaxing day where we could download our pictures, rest and read a bit. Not too much time to do that so far on this trip.
Had pizza for supper at a restaurant right beside the hotel - was quiet when we went in there, but boy did that place start to hop once the locals got off work. The noise level was incredible.
It weas a nice relaxing day where we could download our pictures, rest and read a bit. Not too much time to do that so far on this trip.
Thurs. Sept. 27 - Uluru
Had to get up at an ungodly hour this morning - 4:15 am - to go and see the sun rise over Uluru - and man whas it cold! We sure glad of the mugs of hot coffe and tea that our bus driver Sue Anne supplied.
After sunrise, some people were dropped off where they could climb to the top of Uluru - they're nuts! Most of the way you have to hand onto a chain to keep upright, practically on your hands and knees, and to come down, you're pretty much down on your bottom in places. By the time they got to the top they were mere specks - looked like ants. It's 348 meters high.
We took a walk around part of the base of Uluru - it's 9kms around, so we didn't do it all. Amazing rock formations, and pieces that have broken off and fallen to the ground. Lots of caves, etc., and of course more rock paintings.
We hiked to a tater hole - yes it actually did have water in it - and I imagine it would be a breathtaking sight in a rain, with the water cascadind down the side of Uluru into this pool.
Back at the hotel I had a quick dip in the pool, and then we went to the shopping centre which was right beind the hotel to get a few souvenirs, something for breakfast, etc.
At 6pm the bus picked us up for the Sounds of Silence Dinner - diner at tables set up on top of a sand doon with a view of Uluru - linen cloths, china plates, real cutlery - and a fantastic hot and cold buffet. We tried kangaroo, had a crocodile Caesar salad, some barramundi (fish), and loads of delicious salads and desserts, wine - the whole ten yards. An "atronomer" pointed out the various constellations, and we really enjoyed him - he had a very dramatic presentation - and made it fun for all. We were able to pick out the Southern Cross which before that had been hard to see because of electric lights. It was pitch black out there once the candles on the tables had been extinguished. It wasd a magical night, and we had some very good conversations with our table mates.
Before dinner we were entertained by a young man who played the didgeridoo - he was absolutely fantastic - should have been playing in a band. He got right into his music and you could tell how much he enjoyed the music. I could have listened to him for ages, but he only played for about 1/2 hour - actually two 15 minute sets where he played non-stop. That's a lot of puffing and blowing!
After sunrise, some people were dropped off where they could climb to the top of Uluru - they're nuts! Most of the way you have to hand onto a chain to keep upright, practically on your hands and knees, and to come down, you're pretty much down on your bottom in places. By the time they got to the top they were mere specks - looked like ants. It's 348 meters high.
We took a walk around part of the base of Uluru - it's 9kms around, so we didn't do it all. Amazing rock formations, and pieces that have broken off and fallen to the ground. Lots of caves, etc., and of course more rock paintings.
We hiked to a tater hole - yes it actually did have water in it - and I imagine it would be a breathtaking sight in a rain, with the water cascadind down the side of Uluru into this pool.
Back at the hotel I had a quick dip in the pool, and then we went to the shopping centre which was right beind the hotel to get a few souvenirs, something for breakfast, etc.
At 6pm the bus picked us up for the Sounds of Silence Dinner - diner at tables set up on top of a sand doon with a view of Uluru - linen cloths, china plates, real cutlery - and a fantastic hot and cold buffet. We tried kangaroo, had a crocodile Caesar salad, some barramundi (fish), and loads of delicious salads and desserts, wine - the whole ten yards. An "atronomer" pointed out the various constellations, and we really enjoyed him - he had a very dramatic presentation - and made it fun for all. We were able to pick out the Southern Cross which before that had been hard to see because of electric lights. It was pitch black out there once the candles on the tables had been extinguished. It wasd a magical night, and we had some very good conversations with our table mates.
Before dinner we were entertained by a young man who played the didgeridoo - he was absolutely fantastic - should have been playing in a band. He got right into his music and you could tell how much he enjoyed the music. I could have listened to him for ages, but he only played for about 1/2 hour - actually two 15 minute sets where he played non-stop. That's a lot of puffing and blowing!
Wed. Sept. 26 - Uluru (Ayers Rock)
Back on teh bus, this time headed for Uluru - used to be called Ayers Rock. George and I saw a huge flat topped mesa mountain from the bus window and thought it was Uluru - but it was Mount Connor. It's on private land so we didn't get close to it. Shrotly after that we stopped for morning tea at King's Cross Station - where George and I had a short camel ride. While it was walking it wasn't too bad, just sort of a rocking motion, but when it ran it was bump, bump, bump - sure glad I didn't have to travel on camel back from Adelaide to Alcie Springe! It wasd fun anyway. They were originally brought to Australia by the Afghans to transport materials to Alice for the building of the telegraph line. Then they got turned loose and now there are herds of wild camels all over the interior.
Our hotel for the next two nights is the Lost Camel - sa very unusual colour scheme - orange, purple and green. Then I realized that the orange is for the sand, the purple is the colour of the mountains at dawn and dusk, and the green is for the trees. Our room was unusual too - the bed was freestanding in the centre of the room. It had a bookcase-style headboard, and behind that was the sink. Beyond that, agains the outside wall of the motel were two rooms - one contained the toilet - and the other room was the shower. These two rooms contained the only windows for the unit! So you had to be sure to close the drapes when using the facilities as the room overlooked the main driveway into the motel! Leaving the drapes open would subject people to Not A Pretty Sight!
Int he afternoon we visited Kata Tjuta - a formation of 36 rock domes - a huge land mass, with many interesting shapes to the rocks, and some rock paintings as well. We explored a little while and then went to Uluru - where we watched the sun go down while sipping wine and nibbling on cheese, crackers, veggies and dip.
Our hotel for the next two nights is the Lost Camel - sa very unusual colour scheme - orange, purple and green. Then I realized that the orange is for the sand, the purple is the colour of the mountains at dawn and dusk, and the green is for the trees. Our room was unusual too - the bed was freestanding in the centre of the room. It had a bookcase-style headboard, and behind that was the sink. Beyond that, agains the outside wall of the motel were two rooms - one contained the toilet - and the other room was the shower. These two rooms contained the only windows for the unit! So you had to be sure to close the drapes when using the facilities as the room overlooked the main driveway into the motel! Leaving the drapes open would subject people to Not A Pretty Sight!
Int he afternoon we visited Kata Tjuta - a formation of 36 rock domes - a huge land mass, with many interesting shapes to the rocks, and some rock paintings as well. We explored a little while and then went to Uluru - where we watched the sun go down while sipping wine and nibbling on cheese, crackers, veggies and dip.
Tuesday, September 25th - Alice Springs
Arrived in Alice Springs early this morning and transferred to our hotel and later in the day went for a short tour of Alice Springs. We started at Anzac Hill which gave us a great overview of Alice - was windy as anything on the top of that hill, practically tearing the flad of the Northern Territories to shreds. The flag had the Sturt Desert Rose and the Southern Cross on it.
Next we went to the Flying Doctor headquarters where we saw a video telling us about their work, and then wandered through their museum. It was amazing the work they do, the distances they travel, and the equipment they have on board their airplanes. Basically they were like flying ambulances with all the modern medical equipment on board. In the past they gave each family a box of medicines, and a chart to tell the doctor over the radio where it hurt. That way the doctors could receive an accurate description of the pain without seeing the patient, and tell them which medicine to use. Clever!
Our next stop was the School of the Air, which was equally interesting. The building had a beautiful mural on it, depicting children and all kinds of Australian birds and animals. In days gone by, the schooling to children in isolated areas was done by two way radio - with the teacher being able to talk to each child, and the child could talk to the teacher, but the children did not have communication with each other. Today they are gradually changing over to satellite internet so the children can see as well as hear the teachers, and can be in contact with each other. Each child has either a tutor or a supervisor (most times one of the parents) who assist with the schoolwork. At the end of a semester the children are brough into Alice for a week of socializing, sports events, sightseeing, etc. This helps the children to develop some social skills as well.
We visited the old Telegraph Station - which was basically the reason for Alice Springs to exist - they were bringing the telegraph from Adelaide to Darwin. It is now a museum, and it was a very interesting place to explore. Took a picture of George standing in the middle of the river where the "spring" is supposed to be - and he didn't get wet! Although Alice Springs is in the centre of the continent - it does not have a water shortage or water rationing - you just cannot see any water as it's all underground. The guide showed us this by digging a shallow hole in the river near the "Alice" spring, and sure enough, the sand was damp and pretty soon water started to seep in.
Our next stop was the School of the Air, which was equally interesting. The building had a beautiful mural on it, depicting children and all kinds of Australian birds and animals. In days gone by, the schooling to children in isolated areas was done by two way radio - with the teacher being able to talk to each child, and the child could talk to the teacher, but the children did not have communication with each other. Today they are gradually changing over to satellite internet so the children can see as well as hear the teachers, and can be in contact with each other. Each child has either a tutor or a supervisor (most times one of the parents) who assist with the schoolwork. At the end of a semester the children are brough into Alice for a week of socializing, sports events, sightseeing, etc. This helps the children to develop some social skills as well.
We visited the old Telegraph Station - which was basically the reason for Alice Springs to exist - they were bringing the telegraph from Adelaide to Darwin. It is now a museum, and it was a very interesting place to explore. Took a picture of George standing in the middle of the river where the "spring" is supposed to be - and he didn't get wet! Although Alice Springs is in the centre of the continent - it does not have a water shortage or water rationing - you just cannot see any water as it's all underground. The guide showed us this by digging a shallow hole in the river near the "Alice" spring, and sure enough, the sand was damp and pretty soon water started to seep in.
We also were quite entertained by the tour driver, who was quite a wag - and we had a laugh at their Charles River, which was a "gushing torrent of sand". Actually there are two rivers running through Alice Springs. One is ful of gum trees, and the other needed a lawn mower. The have a boat race each year - no bottom in the boats - just step in, pick up the boat and run like hell. The guide told us their wet sesason is usually on a Tuesday - just no telling which one - in other words, the rains are very few and far between.
Sorry No Photos
We've lost our power converter - left it in a motel - so we're limping along and not able to use the computer to full advantage. Also, many motels don't provide the necessary cable to conect our laptop to the internet - so for the time being we will only be able to tell you where we've been gone, and not show you pictures. We will remedy that as soon as we can. Also, some of our friends have allowed us to use their computers, but they have not been compatible with our memory stick, so once again we cannot upload pictures to the blog. As the Aussies would say, Bummer!
Friday, October 5, 2007
September 24 - Ubirr and Guluyambi Cruise
Today was very much like yesterday, but the weather was cooler. The leaving time was civilized too - 7:50 instead of the usual 6:15. George is managing very well, considering he normally doesn't do mornings!
We travelled the Arnhem Highway this time. Often this highway is closed as it is completely under water when the monsoon rains come. Hard to imagine, but we could see how high the water rose by the debris deposited in the limbs of the trees.
Again today we visited an aboriginal interpretive centre, and took a picture of a poster showing the Aussie mosquitos. Luckily, we didn't meet too many of them - but flies were another matter!
We travelled the Arnhem Highway this time. Often this highway is closed as it is completely under water when the monsoon rains come. Hard to imagine, but we could see how high the water rose by the debris deposited in the limbs of the trees.
Again today we visited an aboriginal interpretive centre, and took a picture of a poster showing the Aussie mosquitos. Luckily, we didn't meet too many of them - but flies were another matter!
Later we took another river cruise. Seems to be a pattern, doesn't it? Oh well, at least river cruising is easier than hiking - and we do get to see the animals, etc., right up close. There was a once in a hundred years flood a year or so ago, and it completely changed the look of the river, caving in the shore, creating sandbanks where they had not been before, uprooting trees, etc., and of course bringing in more crocs. We had one swim right in front of the boat, then alongside, up over the sandbank and into the water on the other side. That was quite close enough for me. The guide said he wasn't a big fellow, but he looked pretty big to me.
In the afternoon we had a short walk into Arnhem Land to see the different vegetation, etc., and finished the day at the Window on the Wetlands interpretation centre for a glass of wine, some cheese and crackers, and a variety of lovely fruits. We enjoyed watching the sun set over the wetlands before gong on to our hotel for the night. Not nearly as tired today as yesterday.
In the afternoon we had a short walk into Arnhem Land to see the different vegetation, etc., and finished the day at the Window on the Wetlands interpretation centre for a glass of wine, some cheese and crackers, and a variety of lovely fruits. We enjoyed watching the sun set over the wetlands before gong on to our hotel for the night. Not nearly as tired today as yesterday.
September 23 - Yellow Water Cruise and Nourlangie Rock
Up and at it again this morning - this time we're heading for Kakadu National Park, to view it's wetlands and rock escarpments. Along the way we visited Warradjan Aboriginal Centre for a short time - Would have enjoyed about another hour there as it was really interesting - there were displays, as well as quotes from members of the Warradjan people, explaining a bit about their thinking and their way of life. It was fascinating.
Next we took a leisurely cruise on the Yellow Water billabong where we saw birds of every description - ibis, storks, ducks, geese, eagles and many, many more. We also saw some wild horses, and quite a few salt water (esturine) crocodiles. They're huge - way bigger than the freshwater variety. The guide was very knowledgeable, and was able to get us up quite close to the birds, etc. We saw some of the most beautiful and most unusual birds that we've ever seen.
After enjoying the cruise, we went to Nourlangie Rock were some of the rock paintings were explained to us. This is a very high outcropping, that was a little difficult to climb with the shoes I had on - and it was hot! I mean, it was really hot! Too bad that this part of the tour couldn't have been done in the morning, and the Aboriginal Centre in the afternoon as it certainly would have been more comfortable temperature-wise. Oh, well, while most of the people climbed to the top of the rock, I stopped about 3/4 the way up and sat with my feet in a pool (small round depression in the rock, but I used my imagination to make believe that it had cool water in it) and looked out across the wetlands, which were rapidly drying up - probably a couple of weeks from now they will be dry. During the wet season the water would extend from the row of trees on the far horizon right up to and including the trees in the foreground - right to the base of the rock. Hard to imagine that much rain.
Next we took a leisurely cruise on the Yellow Water billabong where we saw birds of every description - ibis, storks, ducks, geese, eagles and many, many more. We also saw some wild horses, and quite a few salt water (esturine) crocodiles. They're huge - way bigger than the freshwater variety. The guide was very knowledgeable, and was able to get us up quite close to the birds, etc. We saw some of the most beautiful and most unusual birds that we've ever seen.
After enjoying the cruise, we went to Nourlangie Rock were some of the rock paintings were explained to us. This is a very high outcropping, that was a little difficult to climb with the shoes I had on - and it was hot! I mean, it was really hot! Too bad that this part of the tour couldn't have been done in the morning, and the Aboriginal Centre in the afternoon as it certainly would have been more comfortable temperature-wise. Oh, well, while most of the people climbed to the top of the rock, I stopped about 3/4 the way up and sat with my feet in a pool (small round depression in the rock, but I used my imagination to make believe that it had cool water in it) and looked out across the wetlands, which were rapidly drying up - probably a couple of weeks from now they will be dry. During the wet season the water would extend from the row of trees on the far horizon right up to and including the trees in the foreground - right to the base of the rock. Hard to imagine that much rain.
Our hotel for the night was the Kakadu Lodge - very basic accommodations, with a comfort station in a buiding right opposite our unit. I had forgotten to pack my bathing suit for this overnight stay, and said I was going to go into the pool wearing my shorts and blouse, but a girl I had never met before lent me her new, never-before-worn bathing suit. How nice was that? Really enjoyed the swim, and it sure helped cool us down after such a hot day. Had our meal beside the pool, and had an early night to bed. Only after we were in bed did we think to look at the clock and discovered it was only 7:30 pm!!!!!! Can you tell we had an exhausting day?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
