Well it is Christmas eve today, and I am highly annoyed at technology. Let me explain, last night, at around 1 am I was trying to get my videos on my video camera onto my computer, and lets say it wasn't going well. There is some kind of conversion issue. Something to do with the fact that Sony (my camera) has it's own special type video file that nothing else in the electronic world recognizes. It was like making a dog talk in cat language, which is why I hate Sony. So around 1:30 I notice I have another camera built into my laptop, that has literally been staring me in the face for the last 30 minutes. So I go and record the Christmas greeting again on my computer, edit it, add some pictures from the trip so far. This was completed by 3am. Proud of myself I went to bed, got up 6 hours later and hit the library. Expecting to e-mail them back home, and then get on with my day. That was 5 hours ago. This is what happened, the movie files were to big to attach to the e-mail, so I went to U-tube and tried to upload them there, but that didn't work either. So I went back into the movie editor and chopped them up into smaller bits. Unfortunately they still wouldn't attach to an e-mail, for some reason, they would get to 99% but never attach, kind of drives you nuts hu? At this point I am looking for a tall building to throw my computer off of. In the end I went back to the one thing that shouldn't fail me, the keyboard. Key word, shouldn't, as my computer froze halfway through the original blog. So this is my second attempt at this, and I already know that pictures won't load, so even this is almost a failure.
Anyway Christmas in Australia is kind of hard to wrap your head around, current temperature 30. And the only storm rolling in is what is left of a Cyclone that came all the way from Darwin. The weirdest part by far is hearing Christmas music, as the sweat is pouring off your face, "I'm Dreaming Of A White Christmas", not quite. In fact in Hobart instead of ice sculptures, they make sand sculptures. Though this heat does make me wonder how Santa's suit designed for snow and cold takes the Australian heat? I wonder if he secretly doesn't run his routes down here in a speedo. Anyway, that is enough yakking from me for Christmas. I hope everyone's their Christmas, I certainly do miss you all.
Love from Adelaide
Adam
Merry Christmas
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Monday, December 21, 2009
Mick
December 16
Well today was an interesting day, and let me start with that. It started by Chris and I navigating back from the edge of the river to the main road in Redclifs. And that is where the "stuff" comes in. Well we hit the road after 5 minutes off roading, and pulled over beside a cashew field, due to the fact that I was hearing weird noises from the car, we popped the hood and discovered that......the fan belt had jumped off of the main drive, I was trying to figure out how to best fix it when a guy in a Yute stopped by and asked if we needed any help, luckily I said yes. It turns out this guy, Mick, is a mechanic, and he was able to diagnose the problem, it was the harmonic balancer that went, throwing the main drive pulley for the fan belt out of alignment, making the belt jump off. Once we got it back to his shop, and had a closer look at the balancer we found out that the seal to the crank case went covered the rubber balancer with oil, (which would explain why we went through 4 liters of oil in 4,00km) causing the pulley on it to slip. Mick had to run for parts for another car he was working on, in the meantime he pointed to the tools on the bench and said whatever we wanted to do ourselves would be fine, and everything else he would finish. He pointed to his house and told us we were welcome to use the tv room and have a shower if we got to oiled and stuff. If you have ever worked on a car like mine, you would know that we have to do some major work, with respect to the fact that we needed to get as far in as pulling the timing belt, which was handy, because I wanted to replace that anyway. So while Mick went for parts Chris and I attacked the car, we pulled the radiator, the air conditioner, the fan, the skid plate, and finally the timing belt cover finally came off. With the help of Mick, we pulled the balancer off, and ran into our fist big snag, there was a gear on the timing belt between us and the busted seal, that we couldn't get off, we also found out that the balancer and the timing belt had to be ordered in and wouldn't be in until 10:00 the next morning. So since we couldn't do anything more we sat down and cooked some supper on his BBQ. He then said we could sleep in his 2 empty rooms that night, so that we didn't need to set up the tent. We talked for a while, had a couple of drinks, watched a movie before we hit the sack. The next morning we ran into Mildura and picked up the balancer, a timing belt, and a couple other things we were going to need. We came back, and Mick pulled the bottom gear off the timing belt (Long story involved with this, only mechanics would understand, will skip for now, just say not easy), replaced the seal in behind, and started to put our littleist hobo back together, though I an not tempted to call our car Humpty Dumpty. The car was finished and running by about 4:00, which was a relief, in total we must have put about 12 hours each into fixing the car, and Mick was there for about 7 of them. Since it was late that day Mick offered us the use of his house for another night. We cooked supper for him that night as I thought he was being more than generous. In the end Mick only wanted 150 bucks for the use of his tools, 7 hours of labour, letting us stay at his place for 2 days, running us to town to go get parts, feeding us a couple of meals, and giving us a few beer. You know if we had broken down anywhere else, this would have been a disaster and a nightmare, but because we broke down beside an almond field 3 minutes from Mick's house, because he just so happened to be driving by getting parts for another job while I was leaning into our engine compartment, and because Mick is such a wonderful cool guy, this turned out to be a major highlight of my trip so far. I originally believed it was unfortunate that our car broke down, but in the end I believe it was actually fortunate that we did, and that it did so in Cliffside, rather than anywhere else in the country, or else we never would have met Mick. If we had of brought it to a garage, it would have coasted us well over 1200 including parts. I am planning on doing something special for him to say thanks from the bottom of my heart, I am going to send this story to the CBC's Vynal Cafe and nominate him for an Arthur award, for a magnificent act of Kindness to a pair of strangers that goes so beyond what most people would have believed possible. Not just for helping us with the car, but for inviting a pair of strangers to stay at his house after only meeting them 10 minutes before. Sometimes you wonder which is in control of the Universe fate chance, or luck? I remember John saying not to worry about things, that the universe will present a solution to a problem as long as you think positively, well if you are reading this, I think you can site this as an example to all of your friends, because it seems to work. It felt good to be knee deep in grease and oil, I haven't had that much fun since I got on the plane.
Adam
Well today was an interesting day, and let me start with that. It started by Chris and I navigating back from the edge of the river to the main road in Redclifs. And that is where the "stuff" comes in. Well we hit the road after 5 minutes off roading, and pulled over beside a cashew field, due to the fact that I was hearing weird noises from the car, we popped the hood and discovered that......the fan belt had jumped off of the main drive, I was trying to figure out how to best fix it when a guy in a Yute stopped by and asked if we needed any help, luckily I said yes. It turns out this guy, Mick, is a mechanic, and he was able to diagnose the problem, it was the harmonic balancer that went, throwing the main drive pulley for the fan belt out of alignment, making the belt jump off. Once we got it back to his shop, and had a closer look at the balancer we found out that the seal to the crank case went covered the rubber balancer with oil, (which would explain why we went through 4 liters of oil in 4,00km) causing the pulley on it to slip. Mick had to run for parts for another car he was working on, in the meantime he pointed to the tools on the bench and said whatever we wanted to do ourselves would be fine, and everything else he would finish. He pointed to his house and told us we were welcome to use the tv room and have a shower if we got to oiled and stuff. If you have ever worked on a car like mine, you would know that we have to do some major work, with respect to the fact that we needed to get as far in as pulling the timing belt, which was handy, because I wanted to replace that anyway. So while Mick went for parts Chris and I attacked the car, we pulled the radiator, the air conditioner, the fan, the skid plate, and finally the timing belt cover finally came off. With the help of Mick, we pulled the balancer off, and ran into our fist big snag, there was a gear on the timing belt between us and the busted seal, that we couldn't get off, we also found out that the balancer and the timing belt had to be ordered in and wouldn't be in until 10:00 the next morning. So since we couldn't do anything more we sat down and cooked some supper on his BBQ. He then said we could sleep in his 2 empty rooms that night, so that we didn't need to set up the tent. We talked for a while, had a couple of drinks, watched a movie before we hit the sack. The next morning we ran into Mildura and picked up the balancer, a timing belt, and a couple other things we were going to need. We came back, and Mick pulled the bottom gear off the timing belt (Long story involved with this, only mechanics would understand, will skip for now, just say not easy), replaced the seal in behind, and started to put our littleist hobo back together, though I an not tempted to call our car Humpty Dumpty. The car was finished and running by about 4:00, which was a relief, in total we must have put about 12 hours each into fixing the car, and Mick was there for about 7 of them. Since it was late that day Mick offered us the use of his house for another night. We cooked supper for him that night as I thought he was being more than generous. In the end Mick only wanted 150 bucks for the use of his tools, 7 hours of labour, letting us stay at his place for 2 days, running us to town to go get parts, feeding us a couple of meals, and giving us a few beer. You know if we had broken down anywhere else, this would have been a disaster and a nightmare, but because we broke down beside an almond field 3 minutes from Mick's house, because he just so happened to be driving by getting parts for another job while I was leaning into our engine compartment, and because Mick is such a wonderful cool guy, this turned out to be a major highlight of my trip so far. I originally believed it was unfortunate that our car broke down, but in the end I believe it was actually fortunate that we did, and that it did so in Cliffside, rather than anywhere else in the country, or else we never would have met Mick. If we had of brought it to a garage, it would have coasted us well over 1200 including parts. I am planning on doing something special for him to say thanks from the bottom of my heart, I am going to send this story to the CBC's Vynal Cafe and nominate him for an Arthur award, for a magnificent act of Kindness to a pair of strangers that goes so beyond what most people would have believed possible. Not just for helping us with the car, but for inviting a pair of strangers to stay at his house after only meeting them 10 minutes before. Sometimes you wonder which is in control of the Universe fate chance, or luck? I remember John saying not to worry about things, that the universe will present a solution to a problem as long as you think positively, well if you are reading this, I think you can site this as an example to all of your friends, because it seems to work. It felt good to be knee deep in grease and oil, I haven't had that much fun since I got on the plane.
Adam
Matilda
December 19
Well today's blog will be coming to you from the newest member of the hobo team, Matilda. yess it is I the wooden duck, The reason I am writing this blog and not Adam is because he is still in bed, as is Christian. Neither one of them seems willing to move at the moment. The only thing discernible that either have said so far was about bright lights and killer headaces. I beleive they are suffering from a condition you humans call a hangover. I don't really know what they are, I have never had one, after all I am made out of wood. I think it was caused when last night Adam and Chris ran into these guys on a houseboat who invited them on for a couple drinks. I think they were a work crew celebrating their Christmas party, but I am not sure, they left me here in the tent, all I know is that they came back very late, Chris wearing a tie with a leather vest and Adam was wearing a pink button up shirt. They were both singing Waltzing Matilda. I can't tell you much more yet, as I said they still be sleeping. So before my crew abandoned me for a houseboat the other day we spent the day wondering around Moldura exploring the city. It is about 20,000 people, so just a nice size place founded believe it or not by a pair of Canadian brothers. Everything up here is based on the Murray river, irrigation, all the towns drinking water, hydro-electric dams, the wildlife, everything. What you may not know is that the river is in major trouble, because of all the development, and draw on the river, the natural cycle of the river has been destroyed, and now with this 10 year drought, it is really starting to show. The water level doesn't look so bad, but that is because they keep the river dammed up using locks so that it doesn't dry up. If you are ever in Muldura be sure to jump on the P.S. Melbourne, an actually steam paddle wheeler, very cool apparently, but it didn't run yesterday, so we couldn't ride on it. Ok, boys finally moving now, will finish blog tonight when Adam not looking.
Ok, back now
We followed the course of the Murray river and stopped in a little place called Blanchtown, where they actually have a real paddle steamer ,
they even have the boiler and that exposed so you can see how it runs, really cool. We also crossed into Southern Australia where they have perminent fruit fly check quarentine. Which meant at the border we had to dispose of all our fruit, which was a full box of oranges we got from Micks neighbour, shucks hu? It turns out you are not allowed to carry fruit through state borders, so that fruit fly's don't spread. Yet when we went to the supper markets here the fruit on the shelves came from Victoria, Adam made a comment that it was a lot of B.S. Anyway in Swan Reach we watched a documentary on the Murray river and how it has been changed by humans, and all the problems that now face the river. One thing I personally learned was that this water comes from as far away as Northern Queensland, in NE Australia, it goes a really long ways. Anyway tonight we camping on river again beside Swan Reach, we had to cross the river on a Ferry to get here. 
Anyway, goodinght.
Well today's blog will be coming to you from the newest member of the hobo team, Matilda. yess it is I the wooden duck, The reason I am writing this blog and not Adam is because he is still in bed, as is Christian. Neither one of them seems willing to move at the moment. The only thing discernible that either have said so far was about bright lights and killer headaces. I beleive they are suffering from a condition you humans call a hangover. I don't really know what they are, I have never had one, after all I am made out of wood. I think it was caused when last night Adam and Chris ran into these guys on a houseboat who invited them on for a couple drinks. I think they were a work crew celebrating their Christmas party, but I am not sure, they left me here in the tent, all I know is that they came back very late, Chris wearing a tie with a leather vest and Adam was wearing a pink button up shirt. They were both singing Waltzing Matilda. I can't tell you much more yet, as I said they still be sleeping. So before my crew abandoned me for a houseboat the other day we spent the day wondering around Moldura exploring the city. It is about 20,000 people, so just a nice size place founded believe it or not by a pair of Canadian brothers. Everything up here is based on the Murray river, irrigation, all the towns drinking water, hydro-electric dams, the wildlife, everything. What you may not know is that the river is in major trouble, because of all the development, and draw on the river, the natural cycle of the river has been destroyed, and now with this 10 year drought, it is really starting to show. The water level doesn't look so bad, but that is because they keep the river dammed up using locks so that it doesn't dry up. If you are ever in Muldura be sure to jump on the P.S. Melbourne, an actually steam paddle wheeler, very cool apparently, but it didn't run yesterday, so we couldn't ride on it. Ok, boys finally moving now, will finish blog tonight when Adam not looking.
Ok, back now
We followed the course of the Murray river and stopped in a little place called Blanchtown, where they actually have a real paddle steamer ,
they even have the boiler and that exposed so you can see how it runs, really cool. We also crossed into Southern Australia where they have perminent fruit fly check quarentine. Which meant at the border we had to dispose of all our fruit, which was a full box of oranges we got from Micks neighbour, shucks hu? It turns out you are not allowed to carry fruit through state borders, so that fruit fly's don't spread. Yet when we went to the supper markets here the fruit on the shelves came from Victoria, Adam made a comment that it was a lot of B.S. Anyway in Swan Reach we watched a documentary on the Murray river and how it has been changed by humans, and all the problems that now face the river. One thing I personally learned was that this water comes from as far away as Northern Queensland, in NE Australia, it goes a really long ways. Anyway tonight we camping on river again beside Swan Reach, we had to cross the river on a Ferry to get here. Anyway, goodinght.Love Matilda
The Murray River Basin
December 15, 2009
Well for the last 2 days we drove from Melbourne up North along the Murray River stopping yesterday Kendrook, and today we stopped just outside of Mirat. We found free camping both times along the river. I like this river, it reminds me of the rivers at home that roam through the prairies, except this area is drier, much drier, which comes to the reason I am blogging. I have always wanted to come here since last winter when I read a national geographic article on the Murray river and how it is in serious trouble. If you haven't heard Victoria is now 10 years into a drought, a very bad drought, which is why last years wildfires were so bad and killed over 200 people in Victoria alone. Anyway, the Murray river is the life blood for most of Northern Victoria, it is the only river at all in the area, so in the 50's they tossed 2 major dams on it for power, and then started drawing huge amounts of water for irrigation, problem is, that may have done more harm than good. Let me explain, when they built the dams they created large lakes that flooded out large amounts of trees, these trees it turns out would suck up huge amounts of moisture during wet years and then release the water into the air during a drought helping it rain, one small whoops. These lakes also hold a huge amount of water, enough that each years rain fall cannot fill them due to the extended drought. This causes problems downstream where the decreased flow of water due to the with holding of the water. Ever since the fifties arid land has been developed for fruit and other agriculture by drawing irrigation water from the river. Due to the damming of the river, and no rainfall, and the drought, this is becoming more difficult, if you want to see what a wheat crop with no water look like have a look at this. This area is littered with abandoned fields because there is no water left to irrigate them. Today I saw something even more powerful. We came across this small little town called Boga Lake,
which is a resort town surrounding the edge of a lake with the same name. It has everything a lakeside resort town need, lawn bowling pitches, motels, campground, beaches, boat launch, dock, and a yaught club including clubhouse. It is only missing one thing, 
water. 8 years ago it was a lake filled to capacity, today it is a flat, dry, dirt basin. Not a single drop of water, the docks stretch out into open air, the boat launches are covered in dirt and grass, the beaches overgrown, and the yaught club sits abandoned. This was a big lake, and today I walked into the middle of it, across broken glass bottles, old tin cans tossed out before I was born
and other waste of humanity that litter the bottom of all resort lakes. Makes me wonder what I would find if Pigeon Lake or Red Dear Lake went dry. Farther in I found the half buried skeletons the animals who died as the water dried up,
how I pity their last moments, the dirt that coveres them were from the dust storms that rage through the region, mother nature burying her dead. On the way out of town we passed a sign well over 10 years old, saying "Goodbye Boga Lake" it was meant as a parting wave to travelers, I wonder now if it is more for the residents who watched the lake turn dry. This area is changing, and maybe that is why I seem so interested in this area, it makes me feel like I just walked into the dirty 30's. I think I am now understanding what Grandpa went through.
Well for the last 2 days we drove from Melbourne up North along the Murray River stopping yesterday Kendrook, and today we stopped just outside of Mirat. We found free camping both times along the river. I like this river, it reminds me of the rivers at home that roam through the prairies, except this area is drier, much drier, which comes to the reason I am blogging. I have always wanted to come here since last winter when I read a national geographic article on the Murray river and how it is in serious trouble. If you haven't heard Victoria is now 10 years into a drought, a very bad drought, which is why last years wildfires were so bad and killed over 200 people in Victoria alone. Anyway, the Murray river is the life blood for most of Northern Victoria, it is the only river at all in the area, so in the 50's they tossed 2 major dams on it for power, and then started drawing huge amounts of water for irrigation, problem is, that may have done more harm than good. Let me explain, when they built the dams they created large lakes that flooded out large amounts of trees, these trees it turns out would suck up huge amounts of moisture during wet years and then release the water into the air during a drought helping it rain, one small whoops. These lakes also hold a huge amount of water, enough that each years rain fall cannot fill them due to the extended drought. This causes problems downstream where the decreased flow of water due to the with holding of the water. Ever since the fifties arid land has been developed for fruit and other agriculture by drawing irrigation water from the river. Due to the damming of the river, and no rainfall, and the drought, this is becoming more difficult, if you want to see what a wheat crop with no water look like have a look at this. This area is littered with abandoned fields because there is no water left to irrigate them. Today I saw something even more powerful. We came across this small little town called Boga Lake,
which is a resort town surrounding the edge of a lake with the same name. It has everything a lakeside resort town need, lawn bowling pitches, motels, campground, beaches, boat launch, dock, and a yaught club including clubhouse. It is only missing one thing, water. 8 years ago it was a lake filled to capacity, today it is a flat, dry, dirt basin. Not a single drop of water, the docks stretch out into open air, the boat launches are covered in dirt and grass, the beaches overgrown, and the yaught club sits abandoned. This was a big lake, and today I walked into the middle of it, across broken glass bottles, old tin cans tossed out before I was born and other waste of humanity that litter the bottom of all resort lakes. Makes me wonder what I would find if Pigeon Lake or Red Dear Lake went dry. Farther in I found the half buried skeletons the animals who died as the water dried up, how I pity their last moments, the dirt that coveres them were from the dust storms that rage through the region, mother nature burying her dead. On the way out of town we passed a sign well over 10 years old, saying "Goodbye Boga Lake" it was meant as a parting wave to travelers, I wonder now if it is more for the residents who watched the lake turn dry. This area is changing, and maybe that is why I seem so interested in this area, it makes me feel like I just walked into the dirty 30's. I think I am now understanding what Grandpa went through.Sunday, December 13, 2009
Melbourne Again
December 12
Well good morning everyone, last time you heard from me I was on a ferry crossing the Bass Strait, I would like to report we made it. Now here is the interesting part of the voyage. About halfway, we ran into a little storm, that was creating some, not so small waves. Every once in a while a big wave would hit and send a shock wave through the whole of the ship requiring you to grab hold of your drink before it became one with the floor. I spent most of the evening playing cards with Chris and a nice Austrian girl named Jasmine who just so happened to be sitting beside us. Chris went to go watch a movie around 10:00, but Jasmine and I played cards for about another hour before she went to bed and I went to go watch a movie. It should be noted that walking on a tilting rolling ship is not as easy as walking on dry ground, and gives one the impression that one is actually drunk. As Jas said "It is all the fun of walking drunk, without the enjoyment of the alcohol". Anyway, went to bed after the show and did my best to try and get some sleep, once again not easy in a ship that keeps on shuttering and jerking. Chis later told me that he wishes I hadn't vividly told him the story of how the Danish ferry sunk, as it kept him up well into the night. I just couldn't sleep period, though I am not surprised really. The next morning was hard, after getting about 3 hours sleep we then spent most of the day walking around Melbourne, hitting the market, and killing time. Jasmine came and walked around with us for a while as well, until we split for supper. For supper I had a nice fire baked pizza with shrimp, calamari, and scallops. Around 9 I got a message from Jas and we met at a bar that I swear was right out of the 70's with weird pictures and art on the wall, but very comfortable couches to sit and relax in. We shut down early as we were all tired from the ferry ride.
Quote of the day:
Jasmine "I know my English is not best."
Adam "Don't worry, your English is better than my German."
P.S. Today was the first time I ever used text messaging, wow, I feel so behind the times.
December 13
Met Jas again this morning at Victoria market, bought lunch which was an almond croissant, I think. Also bought food for supper. Walked around a bit and caught the free city center tram for no other reason than it was free, and I really wanted to ride the tram. Favorite part of trip, seeing a sculpture of a cow in a tree. Anyway we played pool, and ping pong until about 10:00 then called it a night as everyone was still feeling the effect of the ferry trip the night before. Chris went to bed, and I walked with Jas over to Fed Square where we spotted a Christmas Tree (you don't know how weird that is, especially since I was wearing a t-shirt and shorts, it is like Christmas in July). Oh, ya, I should also announce that a third team member will now be riding in the littlest Hobo (if you haven't heard, that is now the official name of our car). She flew a long way to be here, everyone I want you to meet
Matilda, our new mascot. I thought that since the voting was so close between Matilda and the Littlest Hobo, we would call our mascot Matilda. Anyway Matilda will be joining us for the trip, and appearing in some special locations.
We start heading off to Adelaide tomorrow, and Perth after that. Well, that is all for now, hope everyone is well.
Well good morning everyone, last time you heard from me I was on a ferry crossing the Bass Strait, I would like to report we made it. Now here is the interesting part of the voyage. About halfway, we ran into a little storm, that was creating some, not so small waves. Every once in a while a big wave would hit and send a shock wave through the whole of the ship requiring you to grab hold of your drink before it became one with the floor. I spent most of the evening playing cards with Chris and a nice Austrian girl named Jasmine who just so happened to be sitting beside us. Chris went to go watch a movie around 10:00, but Jasmine and I played cards for about another hour before she went to bed and I went to go watch a movie. It should be noted that walking on a tilting rolling ship is not as easy as walking on dry ground, and gives one the impression that one is actually drunk. As Jas said "It is all the fun of walking drunk, without the enjoyment of the alcohol". Anyway, went to bed after the show and did my best to try and get some sleep, once again not easy in a ship that keeps on shuttering and jerking. Chis later told me that he wishes I hadn't vividly told him the story of how the Danish ferry sunk, as it kept him up well into the night. I just couldn't sleep period, though I am not surprised really. The next morning was hard, after getting about 3 hours sleep we then spent most of the day walking around Melbourne, hitting the market, and killing time. Jasmine came and walked around with us for a while as well, until we split for supper. For supper I had a nice fire baked pizza with shrimp, calamari, and scallops. Around 9 I got a message from Jas and we met at a bar that I swear was right out of the 70's with weird pictures and art on the wall, but very comfortable couches to sit and relax in. We shut down early as we were all tired from the ferry ride.
Quote of the day:
Jasmine "I know my English is not best."
Adam "Don't worry, your English is better than my German."
P.S. Today was the first time I ever used text messaging, wow, I feel so behind the times.
December 13
Met Jas again this morning at Victoria market, bought lunch which was an almond croissant, I think. Also bought food for supper. Walked around a bit and caught the free city center tram for no other reason than it was free, and I really wanted to ride the tram. Favorite part of trip, seeing a sculpture of a cow in a tree. Anyway we played pool, and ping pong until about 10:00 then called it a night as everyone was still feeling the effect of the ferry trip the night before. Chris went to bed, and I walked with Jas over to Fed Square where we spotted a Christmas Tree (you don't know how weird that is, especially since I was wearing a t-shirt and shorts, it is like Christmas in July). Oh, ya, I should also announce that a third team member will now be riding in the littlest Hobo (if you haven't heard, that is now the official name of our car). She flew a long way to be here, everyone I want you to meet
Matilda, our new mascot. I thought that since the voting was so close between Matilda and the Littlest Hobo, we would call our mascot Matilda. Anyway Matilda will be joining us for the trip, and appearing in some special locations. We start heading off to Adelaide tomorrow, and Perth after that. Well, that is all for now, hope everyone is well.Highlights of Tasmania
December 11
I am on the ferry steaming away from Devenport heading back to Melbourne, I am leaving Tasmania, finally. Not that I hold anything against the state or it's people, in fact I like the people, always friendly and talkative, but it's weather, leaves much to be desired. We have been there for 2 weeks, and it rained the whole time. I can count the times I have seen the sun using only 2 fingers. I miss the sun, I miss the feeling of being dry, hell, after sleeping in the tent that one night, I would have preferred the snow, it was cold enough for it. I have to admit I probably would have enjoyed Tasmania better if we had come a week earlier, or later, or had brought my heavy duty rain gear, unfortunately none of that happened, and I leave cold, wet, and feeling almost slighted. The week before we arrived, it was hot and dry, the day we arrived 2 inches of rain, by the end of the first week we were close to 8, and it hasn't stopped. I am on the ferry, and according to the weather forecast for the island it will be 28 and sunny for the next 5 days...............I hate Tas. My experience for Tas can be summed up like so, we arrived, got wet, got wetter, got cold, saw some water falls, saw some trees, got soaked, left. If it hadn't have been for the trip to the chocolate factory and brewery, and the consumption of products made by such factory, I might have tried to swim back to the mainland last week. I have to admit chocolate and beer do miracles for moral. Anyway highlights of Tasmania, Hobart as a city is really nice, not to big, yet has enough to get by, also has 2 very important features, Cadbury Chocolate Factory, where you can pick up dirt cheap chocolate, which was very much needed, Hobart also has the Cascade brewery, which was really cool to tour. On the Peninsula I loved Fossile bay where the most powerful waves crashed in making a deafening sound which sent chills down my spine, I filmed it for later analysis. On the West side my 2 favorite features were Montisuma falls, and the drive down the old railroad bed to get into Kelly's Basin. On the North side of the state my favorite thing by far was the chainsaw carvings of the WW1 veterans in Legerwood, by far the coolest thing. Well Tas I am happy to say you are in my rear view mirror, and I think I like you better that way. Well I have to write some other blog stuff, most importantly I need to get my Convict blog together, since it is a very important part of Tasmania's history, hopefully get it written before I reach Melbourne.
Hope everyone is well.
I am on the ferry steaming away from Devenport heading back to Melbourne, I am leaving Tasmania, finally. Not that I hold anything against the state or it's people, in fact I like the people, always friendly and talkative, but it's weather, leaves much to be desired. We have been there for 2 weeks, and it rained the whole time. I can count the times I have seen the sun using only 2 fingers. I miss the sun, I miss the feeling of being dry, hell, after sleeping in the tent that one night, I would have preferred the snow, it was cold enough for it. I have to admit I probably would have enjoyed Tasmania better if we had come a week earlier, or later, or had brought my heavy duty rain gear, unfortunately none of that happened, and I leave cold, wet, and feeling almost slighted. The week before we arrived, it was hot and dry, the day we arrived 2 inches of rain, by the end of the first week we were close to 8, and it hasn't stopped. I am on the ferry, and according to the weather forecast for the island it will be 28 and sunny for the next 5 days...............I hate Tas. My experience for Tas can be summed up like so, we arrived, got wet, got wetter, got cold, saw some water falls, saw some trees, got soaked, left. If it hadn't have been for the trip to the chocolate factory and brewery, and the consumption of products made by such factory, I might have tried to swim back to the mainland last week. I have to admit chocolate and beer do miracles for moral. Anyway highlights of Tasmania, Hobart as a city is really nice, not to big, yet has enough to get by, also has 2 very important features, Cadbury Chocolate Factory, where you can pick up dirt cheap chocolate, which was very much needed, Hobart also has the Cascade brewery, which was really cool to tour. On the Peninsula I loved Fossile bay where the most powerful waves crashed in making a deafening sound which sent chills down my spine, I filmed it for later analysis. On the West side my 2 favorite features were Montisuma falls, and the drive down the old railroad bed to get into Kelly's Basin. On the North side of the state my favorite thing by far was the chainsaw carvings of the WW1 veterans in Legerwood, by far the coolest thing. Well Tas I am happy to say you are in my rear view mirror, and I think I like you better that way. Well I have to write some other blog stuff, most importantly I need to get my Convict blog together, since it is a very important part of Tasmania's history, hopefully get it written before I reach Melbourne.
Hope everyone is well.
Montezuma
December 10
Well everyone today we hiked up to Tasmania's tallest waterfall, called Montezuma falls. It is a 2 hour walk in along this abandoned railway bed to the base of the falls. It was really impressive, especially the suspension bridge they erected in front of it, which you
can stand on and get a great view of the falls from. As a bonus this waterfall also just so happens to be the worlds biggest washing machine. Here is how it works, toss on your dirtiest clothes and walk right up to the base of the falls. The spray and wind created by the falling water, blasts the fine mist right through your pants peeling all the grease and grime right off of them, it ever removed the oil and grease right out of the pants I was wearing when I installed the new shock, didn't even need soap. 
However it should be noted that getting to close may have the unforeseen result of peeling your pants right off along with some pieces of your anatomy, so use at your own risk. We also did a walk later in the day around Cradle Mountain, not bad, but nothing really special. We are camping back on the North coast a short way from the Nut and Devenport, as we leave Tasmania tomorrow, will see everyone soon.
Well everyone today we hiked up to Tasmania's tallest waterfall, called Montezuma falls. It is a 2 hour walk in along this abandoned railway bed to the base of the falls. It was really impressive, especially the suspension bridge they erected in front of it, which you
can stand on and get a great view of the falls from. As a bonus this waterfall also just so happens to be the worlds biggest washing machine. Here is how it works, toss on your dirtiest clothes and walk right up to the base of the falls. The spray and wind created by the falling water, blasts the fine mist right through your pants peeling all the grease and grime right off of them, it ever removed the oil and grease right out of the pants I was wearing when I installed the new shock, didn't even need soap. However it should be noted that getting to close may have the unforeseen result of peeling your pants right off along with some pieces of your anatomy, so use at your own risk. We also did a walk later in the day around Cradle Mountain, not bad, but nothing really special. We are camping back on the North coast a short way from the Nut and Devenport, as we leave Tasmania tomorrow, will see everyone soon. December 8
Today we went to look at some very tall trees in mount field national park (the second tallest in the world next only to the Redwoods in California. These trees were not overly wide, but man were they tall, up over a hundred meters. If you layed it down, it would take the fastest runners in the world 10 seconds to run it's length, and I imagine even longer if you made them run up the tree while it was still standing. As we walked though the trees we also went for a short walk over to Russel falls, which is what I would call a step water fall, which is where the water cascades over one layer of sedimentary rock, and then onto another one.
They are rather wide falls, not quite as impressive a Niagra, but worth the short walk. We are staying in a campground on Lake Burbany near Queenstown where it is so wet right now the grass is acting more like Muskeg than grass, everywhere you step, it seems the water comes out of the ground and pours into your shoes. At least it isn't raining. Oh ya, I just invented a game where you throw rocks at crows who are trying to steal my loaf of bread, surprisingly enough I did hit one when he landed on our cooking stove, he didn't stay there for long. He did fly away, but they did stop coming for a good 10 minutes after that. Well goodnight.
December 9
Well today we went and visited this place called East Portman, or something like that. It is an old abandoned mining town on the West coast of Tasmania on Kelly's Basin. In order to get into it, you have to drive 5km down this old railroad bed, before walking the last 8km in on foot. It was a really cool drive, because you are driving down where they cut this railroad out of this rock.
You are literally driving down between these narrow cuts of rock dug out 100 years ago, now covered in moss, and in some cases fallen in. It was really cool, and kind of freaky, but well worth it. I would love to do it again though, I filmed it for later enjoyment, whenever I successfully download my camera to my computer. I promise when I get it to work, I will allow everyone to view our wonderful camera shots. Anyway the abandoned town was kind of cool, it was completely overgrown with trees and stuff, only a couple of brick walls and 2 boilers remain behind. I unfortunately lost my sunglasses on the walk back, but I have a backup set waiting in the car. We passed through Queenstown, a mining town, that also has an old running steam locomotive that carries tourists around along the king river valley. We didn't do it, as we were busy walking into Kelly's basin. We are staying at caravan park in Zeehan, which has a kitchen as well as a lounging area, and even a TV. Quite a few of the caravan parks we have stayed at have these types of things, where they supply a kitchen and other stuff in case you stay in a tent and it happens to poor. I have to admit cooking under a roof instead of a rainstorm is very nice. It is really pouring right now, I am standing in the lounging area wondering if I could sleep in here tonight, or maybe the car. I like Tas, but I will also be happy when we get back to a warmer climate, it is only like 8 degrees outside right now, and I haven't been dry for days now. Look out Perth, I am coming to ya.
That is all for today, I will keep you guys and gals updated.
Today we went to look at some very tall trees in mount field national park (the second tallest in the world next only to the Redwoods in California. These trees were not overly wide, but man were they tall, up over a hundred meters. If you layed it down, it would take the fastest runners in the world 10 seconds to run it's length, and I imagine even longer if you made them run up the tree while it was still standing. As we walked though the trees we also went for a short walk over to Russel falls, which is what I would call a step water fall, which is where the water cascades over one layer of sedimentary rock, and then onto another one.
They are rather wide falls, not quite as impressive a Niagra, but worth the short walk. We are staying in a campground on Lake Burbany near Queenstown where it is so wet right now the grass is acting more like Muskeg than grass, everywhere you step, it seems the water comes out of the ground and pours into your shoes. At least it isn't raining. Oh ya, I just invented a game where you throw rocks at crows who are trying to steal my loaf of bread, surprisingly enough I did hit one when he landed on our cooking stove, he didn't stay there for long. He did fly away, but they did stop coming for a good 10 minutes after that. Well goodnight.December 9
Well today we went and visited this place called East Portman, or something like that. It is an old abandoned mining town on the West coast of Tasmania on Kelly's Basin. In order to get into it, you have to drive 5km down this old railroad bed, before walking the last 8km in on foot. It was a really cool drive, because you are driving down where they cut this railroad out of this rock.
You are literally driving down between these narrow cuts of rock dug out 100 years ago, now covered in moss, and in some cases fallen in. It was really cool, and kind of freaky, but well worth it. I would love to do it again though, I filmed it for later enjoyment, whenever I successfully download my camera to my computer. I promise when I get it to work, I will allow everyone to view our wonderful camera shots. Anyway the abandoned town was kind of cool, it was completely overgrown with trees and stuff, only a couple of brick walls and 2 boilers remain behind. I unfortunately lost my sunglasses on the walk back, but I have a backup set waiting in the car. We passed through Queenstown, a mining town, that also has an old running steam locomotive that carries tourists around along the king river valley. We didn't do it, as we were busy walking into Kelly's basin. We are staying at caravan park in Zeehan, which has a kitchen as well as a lounging area, and even a TV. Quite a few of the caravan parks we have stayed at have these types of things, where they supply a kitchen and other stuff in case you stay in a tent and it happens to poor. I have to admit cooking under a roof instead of a rainstorm is very nice. It is really pouring right now, I am standing in the lounging area wondering if I could sleep in here tonight, or maybe the car. I like Tas, but I will also be happy when we get back to a warmer climate, it is only like 8 degrees outside right now, and I haven't been dry for days now. Look out Perth, I am coming to ya.That is all for today, I will keep you guys and gals updated.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Good Day
December 7, 2009
So today was a good day in Tasmania. I woke up this morning, and proceeded to a garage where I borrowed his air gun to bust loose the one bolt on my shock absorber, I thanked him and then drove over to Kettering about 20 minutes away. We then rented 2 kayaks from a company called "Over 40 Ocean Going Kayaking". I love this company, for 60 bucks a piece they gave us 2 kayaks, wetsuits, drybags to store our gear, and anything else we might have needed. I have to admit, I liked these people. We went North for about 1.5 hours, and stopped for lunch on a beach. We relaxed for a while, before we jumped back in and headed across the channel to Bunel Island, 2km accross open water. I have to admit this is when I learned to love ocean Kayaking, there were some decent waves, but these kayaks have rudders, which means that it is way easier to steer these things. The rudder attach to your feet, so instead of doing all this fancy paddling, you steer with your feet, if you want to go right, all you need to do is push your right foot forward, and just like magic, you go right. The hardest part of the day was when we did the 4km trip back across the channel to the mainland, into a rather tough headwind. We returned our gear and rather tiredly found a rest stop so Chris could make supper. Meanwhile I got dirty installing the new shock, and am now happy to report that the vehicle drives a whole lot better. It was a very good day, with only one minor unfortunate brake on my part. Playing crib tonight I witnessed my enemy get a 20 point crib. He dumped 2 fives, I dumped king jack, and a five comes up on the cut, yes that hurt. Adding insult to injury, I only had 2 points in my hand. Yes I lost that game.
If you are ever in Tasmania, drive down to Kettering for a day and rent a Kayak. You will not be disappointed. I must now plan a Kayak trip along the BC coast, makes me wonder if I ever want to go back to work.
Goodnight
So today was a good day in Tasmania. I woke up this morning, and proceeded to a garage where I borrowed his air gun to bust loose the one bolt on my shock absorber, I thanked him and then drove over to Kettering about 20 minutes away. We then rented 2 kayaks from a company called "Over 40 Ocean Going Kayaking". I love this company, for 60 bucks a piece they gave us 2 kayaks, wetsuits, drybags to store our gear, and anything else we might have needed. I have to admit, I liked these people. We went North for about 1.5 hours, and stopped for lunch on a beach. We relaxed for a while, before we jumped back in and headed across the channel to Bunel Island, 2km accross open water. I have to admit this is when I learned to love ocean Kayaking, there were some decent waves, but these kayaks have rudders, which means that it is way easier to steer these things. The rudder attach to your feet, so instead of doing all this fancy paddling, you steer with your feet, if you want to go right, all you need to do is push your right foot forward, and just like magic, you go right. The hardest part of the day was when we did the 4km trip back across the channel to the mainland, into a rather tough headwind. We returned our gear and rather tiredly found a rest stop so Chris could make supper. Meanwhile I got dirty installing the new shock, and am now happy to report that the vehicle drives a whole lot better. It was a very good day, with only one minor unfortunate brake on my part. Playing crib tonight I witnessed my enemy get a 20 point crib. He dumped 2 fives, I dumped king jack, and a five comes up on the cut, yes that hurt. Adding insult to injury, I only had 2 points in my hand. Yes I lost that game.
If you are ever in Tasmania, drive down to Kettering for a day and rent a Kayak. You will not be disappointed. I must now plan a Kayak trip along the BC coast, makes me wonder if I ever want to go back to work.
Goodnight
War Memorials
December 6,
Well I left Hobart today and headed South to Kettering. We dropped by a Kayak place and tomorrow we will rent a pair and go sea kayaking for the day, should be interesting. The rest of the day we went for a drive and ended up in a little town called Cygnet, with a population of 500-1000 residents. We stopped and picked up a roast from a local butcher and then spent about 45 minutes just talking, that is something I love about staying in the small towns, everyone likes to talk and chat as long as they aren't busy, lets you learn a bit more about the area and it's people. Around 9 I went for a short walk through the town, it was short because there isn't much town, but it still has all the essentials a small town needs. Main street has a hotel, a pair of bars, a butchers shop, town hall, library, grocery store, museum, a couple other little shops, and a war memorial. I have been running into these little memorials all over the place, city's like Sydney and Melbourne build these massive monoliths, which are bear down on you, but I find that the small towns have more thought put into the little statues and figures they build. Cygnet has a little monument flanked by a artillery gun and a mortar launcher. In this little place in New South Wales there was this really cool central grassed area in between it's main road that had a monument with all the names of those who went to war from their town, and had a special tribute to 1 person in each of the separate forces, (Naval, Army, Air force). I remember the tribute to the person in the air force was to a fighter ace who died in the battle of Britian, while shooting down an enemy bomber he was so close he was hit by pieces of the exploding bomber he was attacking. There was a miniature replica of a Spitfire, with a picture of him beside it. By far my favorite war memorial was in Legerwood Tasmania. We were heading over this dirt road towards the waterfall canyon when we went through this little town of like 250 people, when my eyes forced me to halt the car and get out to look at these. Here is a little back story, In 1919 the Residents of Legerwood planted a tree for every soldier who went off to the great war and died. In 2007 the trees were inspected and the residents were informed that they were considered unsafe and would have to be removed. The locals were devastated, they loved their trees, and the memory of those they represented, which is when a white knight with a chainsaw rolled into town. He had an idea, he would carve the trees into statues of those who had fallen, giving new life to the trees. And so he created these. I think I took more pictures here than anywhere else,
I love these, by far a highlight of Tasmania. Anyway, I like how all of the small towns take pride in those who have fallen, just like they mark their day of remembrance, not on November 11 like us, but rather on Anzac day, which is the day the Australian forces landed at Gallipolli, the day they died, failed and died, but they are proud of that failure, as I heard many of them say "It was not British blood that ran at Gallipilli, it was Australian. For those of you who don't understand what happened at Gallipilli, it is best you look it up. We Canadians won our independence after our success as Vimy Ridge, they Australians got their independence when the British generals sent them to die at Gallipili. Well that is all for tonight, hopefully will get this up soon.
Well I left Hobart today and headed South to Kettering. We dropped by a Kayak place and tomorrow we will rent a pair and go sea kayaking for the day, should be interesting. The rest of the day we went for a drive and ended up in a little town called Cygnet, with a population of 500-1000 residents. We stopped and picked up a roast from a local butcher and then spent about 45 minutes just talking, that is something I love about staying in the small towns, everyone likes to talk and chat as long as they aren't busy, lets you learn a bit more about the area and it's people. Around 9 I went for a short walk through the town, it was short because there isn't much town, but it still has all the essentials a small town needs. Main street has a hotel, a pair of bars, a butchers shop, town hall, library, grocery store, museum, a couple other little shops, and a war memorial. I have been running into these little memorials all over the place, city's like Sydney and Melbourne build these massive monoliths, which are bear down on you, but I find that the small towns have more thought put into the little statues and figures they build. Cygnet has a little monument flanked by a artillery gun and a mortar launcher. In this little place in New South Wales there was this really cool central grassed area in between it's main road that had a monument with all the names of those who went to war from their town, and had a special tribute to 1 person in each of the separate forces, (Naval, Army, Air force). I remember the tribute to the person in the air force was to a fighter ace who died in the battle of Britian, while shooting down an enemy bomber he was so close he was hit by pieces of the exploding bomber he was attacking. There was a miniature replica of a Spitfire, with a picture of him beside it. By far my favorite war memorial was in Legerwood Tasmania. We were heading over this dirt road towards the waterfall canyon when we went through this little town of like 250 people, when my eyes forced me to halt the car and get out to look at these. Here is a little back story, In 1919 the Residents of Legerwood planted a tree for every soldier who went off to the great war and died. In 2007 the trees were inspected and the residents were informed that they were considered unsafe and would have to be removed. The locals were devastated, they loved their trees, and the memory of those they represented, which is when a white knight with a chainsaw rolled into town. He had an idea, he would carve the trees into statues of those who had fallen, giving new life to the trees. And so he created these. I think I took more pictures here than anywhere else,
I love these, by far a highlight of Tasmania. Anyway, I like how all of the small towns take pride in those who have fallen, just like they mark their day of remembrance, not on November 11 like us, but rather on Anzac day, which is the day the Australian forces landed at Gallipolli, the day they died, failed and died, but they are proud of that failure, as I heard many of them say "It was not British blood that ran at Gallipilli, it was Australian. For those of you who don't understand what happened at Gallipilli, it is best you look it up. We Canadians won our independence after our success as Vimy Ridge, they Australians got their independence when the British generals sent them to die at Gallipili. Well that is all for tonight, hopefully will get this up soon.Santa Rides A Harley
December 5, 2009
Today we were standing at a street corner when Santa rode by on a Harley Davidson, followed by Donner on a Beamer, Blitson on a Kawasaki, Prancer on the yellow crotch rocket, Dancer was riding the classic Black Shadow, Vixon was relaxing on a Can-Am, and I swear Rudolf was bringing up the rear on a shining red Honda. Antlers proudly displayed, all were bearing gifts, to the children of Hobart, but maybe I am confusing you a bit, let me start what I found out later. When standing at the street corner we witnesses about a thousand motor bikes of all shapes and sizes came rolling into town, and many of them were dressed up as santa, reindeer, and in a couple cases, even Elmo.
What I was witnessing was an event called toy ride. It is a fundraiser in which a whole bunch of motorcycle riders get together and make a whole bunch of noise riding into Hobart. Essentially any motorbike in Tas is fired up and ridden into hobart by old boys, riding their toys. Everyone says it is a fundraiser, in which many people bring in children's toys and donate them to charity, which they do, but from the way everyone acted, it was more a reason for everyone on 2 wheels to get together to show off their toys, some things never change. It was still a really cool thing, the noise was almost as loud as the waves that were crashing at fossil bay. I have never seen that many motorbikes together in one place at once, there were some real classic bikes, some really fancy bikes, and more importantly some very funny characters riding them. Many individuals dressed both themselves and their rides up in the Christmas spirit, some as reindeer, some in santa costumes, and with some surprised looks from the crowd, even a couple of Elmo's were riding shotgun. But to give them credit, they did bring in quite a few toys to donate to the Salvation Army. Everywhere I looked there were motorbikes parked in the street and their riders laughing in groups in the bar, I imagine a couple people I know would have been drooling at some of the masterpieces sitting on the side of the road. Anyway, it was really cool and served the double purpose of letting old boys show off their toys, and allowed the salvation army to raise money and toys for the less fortunate allowing everyone dressed as Elmo to have a ball at the same time, why didn't we think of it before hu? Anyway heading out of Hobart tomorrow, and won't be back in cell phone or Internet range until probably next week. Goodnight.
Today we were standing at a street corner when Santa rode by on a Harley Davidson, followed by Donner on a Beamer, Blitson on a Kawasaki, Prancer on the yellow crotch rocket, Dancer was riding the classic Black Shadow, Vixon was relaxing on a Can-Am, and I swear Rudolf was bringing up the rear on a shining red Honda. Antlers proudly displayed, all were bearing gifts, to the children of Hobart, but maybe I am confusing you a bit, let me start what I found out later. When standing at the street corner we witnesses about a thousand motor bikes of all shapes and sizes came rolling into town, and many of them were dressed up as santa, reindeer, and in a couple cases, even Elmo.
What I was witnessing was an event called toy ride. It is a fundraiser in which a whole bunch of motorcycle riders get together and make a whole bunch of noise riding into Hobart. Essentially any motorbike in Tas is fired up and ridden into hobart by old boys, riding their toys. Everyone says it is a fundraiser, in which many people bring in children's toys and donate them to charity, which they do, but from the way everyone acted, it was more a reason for everyone on 2 wheels to get together to show off their toys, some things never change. It was still a really cool thing, the noise was almost as loud as the waves that were crashing at fossil bay. I have never seen that many motorbikes together in one place at once, there were some real classic bikes, some really fancy bikes, and more importantly some very funny characters riding them. Many individuals dressed both themselves and their rides up in the Christmas spirit, some as reindeer, some in santa costumes, and with some surprised looks from the crowd, even a couple of Elmo's were riding shotgun. But to give them credit, they did bring in quite a few toys to donate to the Salvation Army. Everywhere I looked there were motorbikes parked in the street and their riders laughing in groups in the bar, I imagine a couple people I know would have been drooling at some of the masterpieces sitting on the side of the road. Anyway, it was really cool and served the double purpose of letting old boys show off their toys, and allowed the salvation army to raise money and toys for the less fortunate allowing everyone dressed as Elmo to have a ball at the same time, why didn't we think of it before hu? Anyway heading out of Hobart tomorrow, and won't be back in cell phone or Internet range until probably next week. Goodnight. Saturday, December 5, 2009
Tas So Far
December 3
Ok, so I haven't blogged for a while, not because I haven't been doing anything, rather it has been to wet to pull out my computer, so this may be a long blog, so please feel free to poor yourself any required refreshments, grab a bag of cookies, and perhaps use the bathroom first.......................Ok, here, we, go.
We took the ferry across the Bass strait from Melbourne to Devenport. The ferry left at 7:30pm under overcast skies with the odd rainstorm mixed in. We spent the time mostly walking around the ship, taking in the night air. I caught the last 15 minutes of Ice Age 3, before sitting down to watch a movie about the early years of Queen Victoria, which turned out to be rather good. Anyway, shortly after, around 1:00 in the morning, we retreated into our designated "Ocean View Recliners" and did our best to sleep away the rest of the night. We arrived at Devenport 5 hours later, I only just falling asleep then. We then had to got through quarantine, a rather annoying experience, but I understand it was necessary in order to protect Tasmania's unique habitat, it was kind of like going through customs after a long flight with no sleep. Anyway, after clearing them we hit Wolly's (Woolworths, a grocery store) for sausage, eggs and toast. One nice thing about Australia is they have all these free BBQ's which you can use, we found one of them in a park and made a much needed hot breakfast, to wake us up and warm us up. Proceeding down the East coast of Tas (Short for Tasmania) we proceeded to get rained on, quite a bit really. As we found out later, the day before we arrived they were fighting bush fires because of a drought, three days later they announced it is now the 10th wettest year in Tasmanian history, and still a month to go, fun hu. Well our plans for surfing in the sun this week kind of got washed away, the water was right up to the bottom of quite a few bridge decks that we drove over, that should give you an idea on how much rain we had. Anyway, we powered through the rain, the first day we did a canyon walk down this gorge outside of Launcheston that ended in an old power station. We then drove up over a mountain to see some impressive waterfalls and then continued on to the coast where we camped, in the rain. I slept in car, Chris slept in tent. Next morning we drove about 25km down the road where we made a group decision to park and find a Hostel in St. Helens, as the rain was getting worse. We hung up our wet gear, cooked a nice supper and did laundry, as it was sorely needed. That was day 2, and now that I look back at it i wonder why I didn't write my blog then, anyway day three dawned in, you guessed it, another rainstorm. We decided to look for some things indoors, and stumbled across this pamphlet for pancakes on top of Mt. Elephant where we found this little restaurant who makes really good crapes/pancakes. Chris had black forest (Cherry, chocolate, and cream) with ice cream. I had the Apple Cinnamon custard crepe with cream and Ice cream. Needless to say, very good, especially when the rain was pouring down outside. We drove back to the coast and camped at Bicheno in a national park. Day four dawned with cloudy skies, and I took the opportunity to surf, something I was thoroughly missing since we drove by the 3 best surfing beaches in Tas without an attempt do to high winds and cold weather. The waves were impressive and on several occasions found myself looking up from my board as a wave crested over me "this one is going to hurt" followed by "why is this fun again?" Those thoughts are usually followed by the wave hitting me with the force of a 12 ton battering ram, and usually significant amount of pain. However I got through and was able to ride some very nice waves making it all worth while, enough that I would paddle back out there and get pounded on some more. If there is anything I have learned about surfing, is that there is a lot more luck involved than you would think. You have to be in the right place at the right time, and as dad would say, it's a crap shoot. Later that day we decided we would do a 3 hour walk into Wine Glass bay, even though it was raining wallabies and kangaroos. We got soaked, we walked 2 hours in, saw lots of low cloud, hidden peaks, and a wet windy miserable beach. Would have looked beautifully, though I did get one good shot of Chris and a mighty wave. We returned to the car soaked to the bone and headed to a campground at a place called Friendly Beach, even though the beaches didn't sound very friendly at the time. Needless to say, that was a chilly night. The next day we crossed onto the Tasman Peninsula and saw some very awe inspiring sights. Around Eagles Hawk there are 3 main features, the cobblestone highway, which is a natural rock feature that looks like a cobblestone road made centuries ago by some forgotten people, but is actually just caused by the ocean and drying salt. Really cool, but that was a cool warm up for this, fossil bay. This was probably one of the most terrifying things I have ever seen. The waves were crashing with a power I have never seen, or heard before, the power was unimaginable,
and the sound was deafening. Perhaps the irony is that I have been complaining about the stormy weather, but because of that wild weather the waves in fossil bay were so astounding. It made the blow hole, and the poorly named Devils Kitchen pale in comparison. We did a short hike up to waterfall bay and enjoyed the suddenly not raining weather. That night we camped at Fortescue Bay where the waves still pounded with a deafening sound, that had me wishing I had ear plugs. But we did have our first camp fire with wet wood, but I got it going, because it was a very cold night. The next day we hit Port Arthur, which is an old convict colony, it was cool, and I will be writing a blog later about convicts and the history of Australia later, but for now, I was hoping to find more when I went to Port Arthur, problem is, there isn't much left. There used to be over 200 buildings some stone, some wood, but when the prison shut down a tourism wave hit and people from all over (mostly England) came over to tour the old colony in the 1900's. As souvenirs they would take pieces of the stone buildings home with them.
Then the bush fires came through, taking all the wood structures and wooden roofs with them. All that remained behind were the burned out stone shells, and even the stone in the walls were sold for building materials. They have restored some to pale reflections of their former glory, but I was almost disappointed, as I was expecting something more like Fort Louisburg. Anyway, I did learn a great deal about how Australia was founded, but as I mentioned earlier, that will be a whole separate blog. Though I will give port Arthur one thing, they have a real cool playing cards. They have 52 different convict stories, and each convict is represented by a card from a playing deck. When you buy a ticket, you get one of the cards, that allows you to track their story and find out what happens to them. Really cool idea, they made up for the lack of physical presence by reminding you that the buildings house people, and people built the country. The next morning my co-traveler and I walked around the remains of a coal mine and barracks that used to house convicts, cool, and I will explain more in later blogs. That afternoon I dropped Chris off so he could do some 5 hour walk along the cape, and I went looking for a beach to surf on, however I discovered the source of the rattling sound on our car that we have been hearing since we left Canberra. It turns out we blew a rear shock absorber on the car. I spent the next hour pulling the old one off, and then crawling around under the car looking for anything out of ordinary. I found some loose bolts I tightened, but I still have some other questions regarding my car, but will deal with it in Adelaide, until then, still have to replace the shock absorber, should be fun. Anyway, we have since moved into Hobart and spending some time wandering around town. Today we hit the Cadbury chocolate factory and got some good cheap chocolate. It is a very strange story how a chocolate maker from England opened his chocolate factory in Van Diemens Land. I could imagine that conversation with his drinking partner "I know, we are from Buckinghamshire, most of our business, including our best client the Queen, is in London, all our partners live in London, lets open up our first chocolate factory in Australia, a place filled with thieves, rapists, and murderers." Who would have thought that it would have turned into a genius idea. The weather in Tas is the like England, so when Mr Cadbury came over he said "this is just like home" and the factory was set to be built here in Hobart. They get the milk from Tas and sugar is grown and harvested in Quesland. We got so much free chocolate, I think I might get sick. Our afternoon was spent touring and taste tasting the wide variety of the fine drinks made by the Cascade Brewery. 
Founded in 1892 by, believe it or not, by a convicted tax evader. This guy left England with his family and some equipment and built a saw mill on land given to him as a new settler. Apparently he still owed some people back in England several thousand dollars, so he got tried in Aus and sentenced to five years here, and when he got out he converted his saw mill into a brewery, and the rest is history. The most recent history involved is we saw this lone beer tap in the brewery, apparently it used to have 7 friends, what would happen is 4 times a day everyone working would drop what they were doing and have a drink to make sure the quality was good, unfortunately health and safety didn't like the fact that all these employees were drunk, and that tradition was stopped, in 1990, a 100 year old tradition gone, funny thing is when that took effect the production of the brewery actually dropped, so which is worse I wonder, production being high, but all your employees being drunk, or sober employees and poor production. What a strange day, chocolate in the morning, beer tasting in the afternoon, a very good day in Tas. Another thing I should mention is that Tasmania is divided from North South by an invisible line, called the brewery line. in the North they drink only Boggs beer, but in the South they only drink Cascade. You actually have to be care full which one you order in a town, you might have crossed the line and entered into enemy territory. Anyway will blog more later, I am pretty sure you are tired of reading this novel. Goodnight.
Ok, so I haven't blogged for a while, not because I haven't been doing anything, rather it has been to wet to pull out my computer, so this may be a long blog, so please feel free to poor yourself any required refreshments, grab a bag of cookies, and perhaps use the bathroom first.......................Ok, here, we, go.
We took the ferry across the Bass strait from Melbourne to Devenport. The ferry left at 7:30pm under overcast skies with the odd rainstorm mixed in. We spent the time mostly walking around the ship, taking in the night air. I caught the last 15 minutes of Ice Age 3, before sitting down to watch a movie about the early years of Queen Victoria, which turned out to be rather good. Anyway, shortly after, around 1:00 in the morning, we retreated into our designated "Ocean View Recliners" and did our best to sleep away the rest of the night. We arrived at Devenport 5 hours later, I only just falling asleep then. We then had to got through quarantine, a rather annoying experience, but I understand it was necessary in order to protect Tasmania's unique habitat, it was kind of like going through customs after a long flight with no sleep. Anyway, after clearing them we hit Wolly's (Woolworths, a grocery store) for sausage, eggs and toast. One nice thing about Australia is they have all these free BBQ's which you can use, we found one of them in a park and made a much needed hot breakfast, to wake us up and warm us up. Proceeding down the East coast of Tas (Short for Tasmania) we proceeded to get rained on, quite a bit really. As we found out later, the day before we arrived they were fighting bush fires because of a drought, three days later they announced it is now the 10th wettest year in Tasmanian history, and still a month to go, fun hu. Well our plans for surfing in the sun this week kind of got washed away, the water was right up to the bottom of quite a few bridge decks that we drove over, that should give you an idea on how much rain we had. Anyway, we powered through the rain, the first day we did a canyon walk down this gorge outside of Launcheston that ended in an old power station. We then drove up over a mountain to see some impressive waterfalls and then continued on to the coast where we camped, in the rain. I slept in car, Chris slept in tent. Next morning we drove about 25km down the road where we made a group decision to park and find a Hostel in St. Helens, as the rain was getting worse. We hung up our wet gear, cooked a nice supper and did laundry, as it was sorely needed. That was day 2, and now that I look back at it i wonder why I didn't write my blog then, anyway day three dawned in, you guessed it, another rainstorm. We decided to look for some things indoors, and stumbled across this pamphlet for pancakes on top of Mt. Elephant where we found this little restaurant who makes really good crapes/pancakes. Chris had black forest (Cherry, chocolate, and cream) with ice cream. I had the Apple Cinnamon custard crepe with cream and Ice cream. Needless to say, very good, especially when the rain was pouring down outside. We drove back to the coast and camped at Bicheno in a national park. Day four dawned with cloudy skies, and I took the opportunity to surf, something I was thoroughly missing since we drove by the 3 best surfing beaches in Tas without an attempt do to high winds and cold weather. The waves were impressive and on several occasions found myself looking up from my board as a wave crested over me "this one is going to hurt" followed by "why is this fun again?" Those thoughts are usually followed by the wave hitting me with the force of a 12 ton battering ram, and usually significant amount of pain. However I got through and was able to ride some very nice waves making it all worth while, enough that I would paddle back out there and get pounded on some more. If there is anything I have learned about surfing, is that there is a lot more luck involved than you would think. You have to be in the right place at the right time, and as dad would say, it's a crap shoot. Later that day we decided we would do a 3 hour walk into Wine Glass bay, even though it was raining wallabies and kangaroos. We got soaked, we walked 2 hours in, saw lots of low cloud, hidden peaks, and a wet windy miserable beach. Would have looked beautifully, though I did get one good shot of Chris and a mighty wave. We returned to the car soaked to the bone and headed to a campground at a place called Friendly Beach, even though the beaches didn't sound very friendly at the time. Needless to say, that was a chilly night. The next day we crossed onto the Tasman Peninsula and saw some very awe inspiring sights. Around Eagles Hawk there are 3 main features, the cobblestone highway, which is a natural rock feature that looks like a cobblestone road made centuries ago by some forgotten people, but is actually just caused by the ocean and drying salt. Really cool, but that was a cool warm up for this, fossil bay. This was probably one of the most terrifying things I have ever seen. The waves were crashing with a power I have never seen, or heard before, the power was unimaginable,
and the sound was deafening. Perhaps the irony is that I have been complaining about the stormy weather, but because of that wild weather the waves in fossil bay were so astounding. It made the blow hole, and the poorly named Devils Kitchen pale in comparison. We did a short hike up to waterfall bay and enjoyed the suddenly not raining weather. That night we camped at Fortescue Bay where the waves still pounded with a deafening sound, that had me wishing I had ear plugs. But we did have our first camp fire with wet wood, but I got it going, because it was a very cold night. The next day we hit Port Arthur, which is an old convict colony, it was cool, and I will be writing a blog later about convicts and the history of Australia later, but for now, I was hoping to find more when I went to Port Arthur, problem is, there isn't much left. There used to be over 200 buildings some stone, some wood, but when the prison shut down a tourism wave hit and people from all over (mostly England) came over to tour the old colony in the 1900's. As souvenirs they would take pieces of the stone buildings home with them. Then the bush fires came through, taking all the wood structures and wooden roofs with them. All that remained behind were the burned out stone shells, and even the stone in the walls were sold for building materials. They have restored some to pale reflections of their former glory, but I was almost disappointed, as I was expecting something more like Fort Louisburg. Anyway, I did learn a great deal about how Australia was founded, but as I mentioned earlier, that will be a whole separate blog. Though I will give port Arthur one thing, they have a real cool playing cards. They have 52 different convict stories, and each convict is represented by a card from a playing deck. When you buy a ticket, you get one of the cards, that allows you to track their story and find out what happens to them. Really cool idea, they made up for the lack of physical presence by reminding you that the buildings house people, and people built the country. The next morning my co-traveler and I walked around the remains of a coal mine and barracks that used to house convicts, cool, and I will explain more in later blogs. That afternoon I dropped Chris off so he could do some 5 hour walk along the cape, and I went looking for a beach to surf on, however I discovered the source of the rattling sound on our car that we have been hearing since we left Canberra. It turns out we blew a rear shock absorber on the car. I spent the next hour pulling the old one off, and then crawling around under the car looking for anything out of ordinary. I found some loose bolts I tightened, but I still have some other questions regarding my car, but will deal with it in Adelaide, until then, still have to replace the shock absorber, should be fun. Anyway, we have since moved into Hobart and spending some time wandering around town. Today we hit the Cadbury chocolate factory and got some good cheap chocolate. It is a very strange story how a chocolate maker from England opened his chocolate factory in Van Diemens Land. I could imagine that conversation with his drinking partner "I know, we are from Buckinghamshire, most of our business, including our best client the Queen, is in London, all our partners live in London, lets open up our first chocolate factory in Australia, a place filled with thieves, rapists, and murderers." Who would have thought that it would have turned into a genius idea. The weather in Tas is the like England, so when Mr Cadbury came over he said "this is just like home" and the factory was set to be built here in Hobart. They get the milk from Tas and sugar is grown and harvested in Quesland. We got so much free chocolate, I think I might get sick. Our afternoon was spent touring and taste tasting the wide variety of the fine drinks made by the Cascade Brewery. Founded in 1892 by, believe it or not, by a convicted tax evader. This guy left England with his family and some equipment and built a saw mill on land given to him as a new settler. Apparently he still owed some people back in England several thousand dollars, so he got tried in Aus and sentenced to five years here, and when he got out he converted his saw mill into a brewery, and the rest is history. The most recent history involved is we saw this lone beer tap in the brewery, apparently it used to have 7 friends, what would happen is 4 times a day everyone working would drop what they were doing and have a drink to make sure the quality was good, unfortunately health and safety didn't like the fact that all these employees were drunk, and that tradition was stopped, in 1990, a 100 year old tradition gone, funny thing is when that took effect the production of the brewery actually dropped, so which is worse I wonder, production being high, but all your employees being drunk, or sober employees and poor production. What a strange day, chocolate in the morning, beer tasting in the afternoon, a very good day in Tas. Another thing I should mention is that Tasmania is divided from North South by an invisible line, called the brewery line. in the North they drink only Boggs beer, but in the South they only drink Cascade. You actually have to be care full which one you order in a town, you might have crossed the line and entered into enemy territory. Anyway will blog more later, I am pretty sure you are tired of reading this novel. Goodnight.Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Ballarat, The Grantians, and killer Kangaroos.
november 25, 2009
Ok, so i am currently under the influence of the of a thing that the english language currently defines as "alcohol", in other words I am drunker than a Sailor on Sunday, which is making this blog a little harder to write than usual, anyway lets get started.
So I am curently in Melbourne again, we spent the day ine Bellarat, which is a cool city of 60,000 that was originally a gold mining town that has evolved to survive without it's boloved mine. It was abandoned 50 years ago, but it did operate from 1850-1951, wich has allowded several old style brick buildings to rise and stay risen while the mine has fallen away to be buried by time. The difference between this city and other mining towns, is that the mine operated for long enough to allow enough idustry to spring up around the town, that so when the mine shut down, the city didn't just die, the mine brought the city massive amount of money, but it didn't die when the mine shut down, it just kept ticking. There is a massive amount of old 19th century buildings including the old train station still linking it to Melbourne today. The town was just cool, 19th century downtown with the promanode full of trees, grass, and monuments to Victoria, King George, and Robby Burns. Very interesting, but the radio drue my attention as well today. One of the most interesting points of traveling to other countries is turning on the radio and seing what the news of the day is, and boy was I on the floor laughing today. While driving back from the Granthian mountains, the radio on scan, spurted out something truely Australin, killer kangaroos. On the front page of the Melbourne newspaper was about a Kangaroo who was running from a dog, it "Bounced" into a pond, and the dog chassed it, and as the dog swam towards the roo, the kangaroo grabbed him with it's front legs, and drowned it with it's front arms. Aparently, this happens more regularley than I thought, even the radio anouncer didn't beleive it, until about 12 people called in to correct her. As for the Granthians, they are a mountain range I cannot yet explain, they have trees evrywhere, it rarely snows up here, they are not nearly as baren or wild as the rocky mountains, but they are still worth checking out. They are different, but a nice change from the bright, hot beaches of the coast, as well as the pounding surf causing me to loose my balance on that wonderful surf board of mine, but enough shots at the cold Canadian climate, it would be rater rude of me to give shots at those who just got snown upon, but anyways. Anyway funny thing is that chris and I discussed the movie "Cruel Intentions" earlier today, and now I am watching it with 2 German girls in my common area, bring on irony, or maybe I am just drunk. Tomorow we will board a big boat to Tasmania, and hit the Melbourne market, big day, must first find bed, and room, and room key, and maybe shoes to walk to room in....Baby steps Pluim, baby steps. But I due wish that the walls would stop spinning. Anyway, goodnight, must make way to room, when I remeber which room numberr it is. This seemed so much easier when I wasn't drunk.
Ok, so i am currently under the influence of the of a thing that the english language currently defines as "alcohol", in other words I am drunker than a Sailor on Sunday, which is making this blog a little harder to write than usual, anyway lets get started.
So I am curently in Melbourne again, we spent the day ine Bellarat, which is a cool city of 60,000 that was originally a gold mining town that has evolved to survive without it's boloved mine. It was abandoned 50 years ago, but it did operate from 1850-1951, wich has allowded several old style brick buildings to rise and stay risen while the mine has fallen away to be buried by time. The difference between this city and other mining towns, is that the mine operated for long enough to allow enough idustry to spring up around the town, that so when the mine shut down, the city didn't just die, the mine brought the city massive amount of money, but it didn't die when the mine shut down, it just kept ticking. There is a massive amount of old 19th century buildings including the old train station still linking it to Melbourne today. The town was just cool, 19th century downtown with the promanode full of trees, grass, and monuments to Victoria, King George, and Robby Burns. Very interesting, but the radio drue my attention as well today. One of the most interesting points of traveling to other countries is turning on the radio and seing what the news of the day is, and boy was I on the floor laughing today. While driving back from the Granthian mountains, the radio on scan, spurted out something truely Australin, killer kangaroos. On the front page of the Melbourne newspaper was about a Kangaroo who was running from a dog, it "Bounced" into a pond, and the dog chassed it, and as the dog swam towards the roo, the kangaroo grabbed him with it's front legs, and drowned it with it's front arms. Aparently, this happens more regularley than I thought, even the radio anouncer didn't beleive it, until about 12 people called in to correct her. As for the Granthians, they are a mountain range I cannot yet explain, they have trees evrywhere, it rarely snows up here, they are not nearly as baren or wild as the rocky mountains, but they are still worth checking out. They are different, but a nice change from the bright, hot beaches of the coast, as well as the pounding surf causing me to loose my balance on that wonderful surf board of mine, but enough shots at the cold Canadian climate, it would be rater rude of me to give shots at those who just got snown upon, but anyways. Anyway funny thing is that chris and I discussed the movie "Cruel Intentions" earlier today, and now I am watching it with 2 German girls in my common area, bring on irony, or maybe I am just drunk. Tomorow we will board a big boat to Tasmania, and hit the Melbourne market, big day, must first find bed, and room, and room key, and maybe shoes to walk to room in....Baby steps Pluim, baby steps. But I due wish that the walls would stop spinning. Anyway, goodnight, must make way to room, when I remeber which room numberr it is. This seemed so much easier when I wasn't drunk.
Well we didn't expect that
Dear blog
It has been 5 days since my last update.......whoops..5 days, really? Well, lets get cracking.
Well we drove into Melbourne with little to no trouble, avoiding the toll roads (will cost you 13 Aussie dollars if you don't) and made it all the way into the ferry depot where we parked and inquired about getting over to Tasmania. That is where the bombshell broke, the ferry was booked solid for about a full week. I just about collapsed when I heard that, but we booked our tickets for the 26, and decided how we were going to kill 7 days. After some discussion we decided to head out of Melbourne and hit the great ocean road, which is when the worst part of our trip started, we had to get out of Melbourne on a different route than when we came in, still avoiding the toll roads, and as we discovered with no good maps of the city. Well with Christian navigating and I driving we attempted this task. If you could have plotted our route out of the city, I am sure you would have believed it to be an excellent impression of a screwed up artist, or maybe it looked like a crushed snail shell, or maybe it is best compared to what you would get if you asked a drunk Irishman to spell his name in Cantonese. Anyway, our eventual course came out so, starting from the ferry depot we went East, then South, then East, then South, followed by a very quick U turn (as I discovered we were heading up an off ramp onto a freeway, heading into one way traffic) North, East, North, West, South, west, North....and somehow we emerged on the North end of Melbourne at the beginning of rush hour, needless to say we were happy to put the city behind us for the next couple of days. Anyway, it wasn't Chris's fault, we had very poor maps to work with, I did miss one sign, and 2 roads we were going to take out of the city turned out to be toll roads, which forced us to make hasty alterations that were incredibly hard to plan for. Anyway driving in Melbourne, as an Australian experience, 0.5/10. Anyway, enough ranting let me hit some highlights. I bought a surf board, used, and it is incredibly fun, the day I bought it I went out and was surfing beside a surf class, and by the end of the day I was better than anyone in that class. The funnist part for me was when me, and 3 other people went to surf a wave, but only me and the instructor caught it. I was able to ride it all the way in, which is an amazing experience, and incredibly fun. I then went surfing in a bit more turmoil water a couple of days later on Johnston beach (on the great ocean road), which had some 5-6 foot waves on it. It was way harder, as you had to paddle 10 minutes to get out to where they were capping, and even then it was a crap shoot. I was able to ride a couple in, but I got cold, the wind picked up and my camera man got chased back to the car due to a rather large amount of flys. After getting pounded by the waves 4 times in a row I called it a day. Today we hit a much tamer beach near Portsmouth, where I went surfing for about an hour, and then lent my board and wet suit to my camera man. He loved it, and I liked watching him get pounded for a change, as it had taken me 2 days to get the sand out of my hair from Johnstons beach, anyway, he wasn't that bad, but he started to understand what I was talking about when it comes to judging waves. Surfing, 10/10 as an Aussie experience, I think Chris even likes it better than his guitar, though he won't admit it, there is nothing like catching a wave and riding it, as he said. I should probably mention the great ocean road. It is a very neat drive, especially when you stop to see the coalla bears, the 12 apostals, and the bay of islands, but honestly I enjoyed the inland scenery just as much. We drove through different types of farmland that reminded me of home all the way up to the Grampian mountains, all the farms in the area remind me of home, I even saw a canola crop. I like this area a lot, much better than the city's at least.. Great ocean road cool scenery, but only 6/10. Oh ya, should mention this also, we came across a cheese factory and milk plant in Warnenbool (apply named Cheese World). There we tested 12 types of cheeses from herb and garlic, to a Chili flavoured, bought milkshake after do to very powerful, and spicy after taste, they make a very wonderful milkshake as well. Anyway, that is all for now, surf safe.
P.S. Still can't upload pictures, will do so later.
It has been 5 days since my last update.......whoops..5 days, really? Well, lets get cracking.
Well we drove into Melbourne with little to no trouble, avoiding the toll roads (will cost you 13 Aussie dollars if you don't) and made it all the way into the ferry depot where we parked and inquired about getting over to Tasmania. That is where the bombshell broke, the ferry was booked solid for about a full week. I just about collapsed when I heard that, but we booked our tickets for the 26, and decided how we were going to kill 7 days. After some discussion we decided to head out of Melbourne and hit the great ocean road, which is when the worst part of our trip started, we had to get out of Melbourne on a different route than when we came in, still avoiding the toll roads, and as we discovered with no good maps of the city. Well with Christian navigating and I driving we attempted this task. If you could have plotted our route out of the city, I am sure you would have believed it to be an excellent impression of a screwed up artist, or maybe it looked like a crushed snail shell, or maybe it is best compared to what you would get if you asked a drunk Irishman to spell his name in Cantonese. Anyway, our eventual course came out so, starting from the ferry depot we went East, then South, then East, then South, followed by a very quick U turn (as I discovered we were heading up an off ramp onto a freeway, heading into one way traffic) North, East, North, West, South, west, North....and somehow we emerged on the North end of Melbourne at the beginning of rush hour, needless to say we were happy to put the city behind us for the next couple of days. Anyway, it wasn't Chris's fault, we had very poor maps to work with, I did miss one sign, and 2 roads we were going to take out of the city turned out to be toll roads, which forced us to make hasty alterations that were incredibly hard to plan for. Anyway driving in Melbourne, as an Australian experience, 0.5/10. Anyway, enough ranting let me hit some highlights. I bought a surf board, used, and it is incredibly fun, the day I bought it I went out and was surfing beside a surf class, and by the end of the day I was better than anyone in that class. The funnist part for me was when me, and 3 other people went to surf a wave, but only me and the instructor caught it. I was able to ride it all the way in, which is an amazing experience, and incredibly fun. I then went surfing in a bit more turmoil water a couple of days later on Johnston beach (on the great ocean road), which had some 5-6 foot waves on it. It was way harder, as you had to paddle 10 minutes to get out to where they were capping, and even then it was a crap shoot. I was able to ride a couple in, but I got cold, the wind picked up and my camera man got chased back to the car due to a rather large amount of flys. After getting pounded by the waves 4 times in a row I called it a day. Today we hit a much tamer beach near Portsmouth, where I went surfing for about an hour, and then lent my board and wet suit to my camera man. He loved it, and I liked watching him get pounded for a change, as it had taken me 2 days to get the sand out of my hair from Johnstons beach, anyway, he wasn't that bad, but he started to understand what I was talking about when it comes to judging waves. Surfing, 10/10 as an Aussie experience, I think Chris even likes it better than his guitar, though he won't admit it, there is nothing like catching a wave and riding it, as he said. I should probably mention the great ocean road. It is a very neat drive, especially when you stop to see the coalla bears, the 12 apostals, and the bay of islands, but honestly I enjoyed the inland scenery just as much. We drove through different types of farmland that reminded me of home all the way up to the Grampian mountains, all the farms in the area remind me of home, I even saw a canola crop. I like this area a lot, much better than the city's at least.. Great ocean road cool scenery, but only 6/10. Oh ya, should mention this also, we came across a cheese factory and milk plant in Warnenbool (apply named Cheese World). There we tested 12 types of cheeses from herb and garlic, to a Chili flavoured, bought milkshake after do to very powerful, and spicy after taste, they make a very wonderful milkshake as well. Anyway, that is all for now, surf safe.
P.S. Still can't upload pictures, will do so later.
Wave 1 Adam 0
November 18, 2009
We are currently at 90 mile beach, and if you are wondering what it so significant, you should know that this goes on for 90 miles. Very cool. We went for a swim yesterday, and the waves are really powerful here, I got taken out several times, but the funniest episode was by far my cavalry charge into the oncoming surf. Unfortunately for me, several things happened at once that I should have foreseen. First my timing may be considered poor, very poor, secondly I was going full tilt when I hit the wave, thirdly the wave I chose to attack grew from a meager 3 feet to full 7 feet upon my point of impact, fourthly, due to a strong rip tide I was on solid sand, with no water to cushion my fall, fifthly at the point of contact the wave capped and crashed down upon me with the force of a 6 ton baseball bat. When I stood up, all I could hear was Christian laughing, which was the most unfortunate part, as there was a witness to my stupidity, especially since I chastised him for not joining me in my cavalry charge. He later explained to me that my defeat went like so. Adam ran full speed at a 7 foot wave, the wave hit Adam, at point of contact Adam stopped dead for an instant, a very short instant, wave takes Adam out and throws him 25 feet back on to beach, and before he is able to let the dancing stars settle, another similar size wave crashes in and hits him, knocking him over a second time. In boxing terms, it was a one shot knock out for the other guy. Ocean 1, Adam 0.
In other news we finished our mountain drive today, for a major road it looked a lot like a very narrow one lane dirt path, but it was fun all the same. Way up on this road we stumbled across this old school house built in 1860, the only remaining building from a historic town, that was mostly destroyed in a forest fire 5 years ago. We signed the registrar and I asked Chris who the last Canadian was, there were a lot of people in the book, Czech, German, Irish, and a recent Canadian, which sent Chris into fits of laughter, it was my sister's name in the log book. Irony, how you sting. We then spent the next 20 minutes while driving up the road trying to figure out how she would have gotten up here, considering you would have to be mental to take a bus up these roads, which is when we ran into the Oz Experience bus coming the other way, on a blind corner. This both answered our question, and sent the adrenalin pumping all at the same time. We then pulled out our video recorder to tape the extreme road, when we ran into a greyhound bus, just after we mentioned on film, that there is no way a full size bus could get up here, we decided not to make any more comments, as irony seemed to be hard at work. Anyway, off to Melbourne tomorrow, will hopefully catch the ferry to Taz in the next couple of days.
P.S. sorry, can't upload pictures or blog about Canberra, issue with computer, will try later.
We are currently at 90 mile beach, and if you are wondering what it so significant, you should know that this goes on for 90 miles. Very cool. We went for a swim yesterday, and the waves are really powerful here, I got taken out several times, but the funniest episode was by far my cavalry charge into the oncoming surf. Unfortunately for me, several things happened at once that I should have foreseen. First my timing may be considered poor, very poor, secondly I was going full tilt when I hit the wave, thirdly the wave I chose to attack grew from a meager 3 feet to full 7 feet upon my point of impact, fourthly, due to a strong rip tide I was on solid sand, with no water to cushion my fall, fifthly at the point of contact the wave capped and crashed down upon me with the force of a 6 ton baseball bat. When I stood up, all I could hear was Christian laughing, which was the most unfortunate part, as there was a witness to my stupidity, especially since I chastised him for not joining me in my cavalry charge. He later explained to me that my defeat went like so. Adam ran full speed at a 7 foot wave, the wave hit Adam, at point of contact Adam stopped dead for an instant, a very short instant, wave takes Adam out and throws him 25 feet back on to beach, and before he is able to let the dancing stars settle, another similar size wave crashes in and hits him, knocking him over a second time. In boxing terms, it was a one shot knock out for the other guy. Ocean 1, Adam 0.
In other news we finished our mountain drive today, for a major road it looked a lot like a very narrow one lane dirt path, but it was fun all the same. Way up on this road we stumbled across this old school house built in 1860, the only remaining building from a historic town, that was mostly destroyed in a forest fire 5 years ago. We signed the registrar and I asked Chris who the last Canadian was, there were a lot of people in the book, Czech, German, Irish, and a recent Canadian, which sent Chris into fits of laughter, it was my sister's name in the log book. Irony, how you sting. We then spent the next 20 minutes while driving up the road trying to figure out how she would have gotten up here, considering you would have to be mental to take a bus up these roads, which is when we ran into the Oz Experience bus coming the other way, on a blind corner. This both answered our question, and sent the adrenalin pumping all at the same time. We then pulled out our video recorder to tape the extreme road, when we ran into a greyhound bus, just after we mentioned on film, that there is no way a full size bus could get up here, we decided not to make any more comments, as irony seemed to be hard at work. Anyway, off to Melbourne tomorrow, will hopefully catch the ferry to Taz in the next couple of days.
P.S. sorry, can't upload pictures or blog about Canberra, issue with computer, will try later.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Short And Sweet
Am currently in the capital of Australia (Canberra) right now in the national library, with free Internet. We have spent the last couple of days camping and moving from place to place. We decided to abandon the coast for a short time due to a need to head inland. I am glad to say it was a good decision, especially since i couldn't find a cheap surf board. We came along this road that was half gravel half pavement, 
really fun drive through the middle of know where, literally. 
We did come across this really cool town that looked like it was pulled right out of the 1920's, the main street looked so cool. 
Anyway we have some cool pictures of the drive. Oh, camped cheap 2 night ago on Jarvus bay, within the bomb testing range, and no I am not joking. There is actually a camp ground withing the military training grounds, 
but they do give cheap camping, as long as you don't mind some navel exercises going on. Anyway, spending the day in Canberra, they have really cool museums, the ones that remind you that a country's history isn't just about the country, but rather about the people who make it their country. Hope everyone is well.
really fun drive through the middle of know where, literally. We did come across this really cool town that looked like it was pulled right out of the 1920's, the main street looked so cool. Anyway we have some cool pictures of the drive. Oh, camped cheap 2 night ago on Jarvus bay, within the bomb testing range, and no I am not joking. There is actually a camp ground withing the military training grounds, but they do give cheap camping, as long as you don't mind some navel exercises going on. Anyway, spending the day in Canberra, they have really cool museums, the ones that remind you that a country's history isn't just about the country, but rather about the people who make it their country. Hope everyone is well.P.S. did anyone at home hear about a lost hiker on green mountain last week, because I ran into one of their friends here, apparently this individual was not one with an over abundance of brain matter.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Out Of Sydney
Since you are probably really tired of hearing me blog, I will let Christian tell you about the beach, the sun and our last 2 days outside of Sydney (http://christian-travel.blogspot.com/). By the way Gary beach better than any part of Sydney we were in. 
Now, I must go, must buy a surf board, if only to counter Chris's guitar.
Now, I must go, must buy a surf board, if only to counter Chris's guitar.
J-Walkers
November 10, 2009
Well today I did as Sydneyers do, I J-walked. Literally, the one notable thing that Sydneyers are very good at is J-walking. They do it every time, right in front of cops sitting in police car, but they didn’t seem to mind, that or they were on their lunch break. Of course, the first time I tried to do it, I made the mistake of looking the wrong direction as I nearly walked in front of a bus. You kind of forget that these people drive on the wrong side of the road, thus you look the wrong way, and get up close and personal with several different kinds of vehicles. I am happy to report though, that both Christian and I have successfully concurred the art of Australian J-walking, and can now do it as well as any native Sydneyer, with the exception that we are wearing t-shirts.
Well, as I bet you will be finding out soon enough, I bought a car today, no not this one,
or this one, 
but this one 
and tomorrow we will be leaving Sydney, which will be nice. Sydney is a nice city, but we are ready to get out of here, it is just too busy, I want to discover the other side of Australia, that and we are going to be back here at the end of our trip, so I am ready to leave. I admit, that tomorrow will be a very weird and hectic drive and a story all on its own. We plan on heading to a city of 250,000 south of Sydney, I forget what it is called, but we need to pick up some more gear, in a city that is a little more car friendly. Well, we will update you when we get back to internet. Talk to you later, I have to finish packing and doing some other stuff. By the way you have no clue how weird it is to hear Christmas music in 32 degree weather? Don’t worry, I won’t brag.
Well today I did as Sydneyers do, I J-walked. Literally, the one notable thing that Sydneyers are very good at is J-walking. They do it every time, right in front of cops sitting in police car, but they didn’t seem to mind, that or they were on their lunch break. Of course, the first time I tried to do it, I made the mistake of looking the wrong direction as I nearly walked in front of a bus. You kind of forget that these people drive on the wrong side of the road, thus you look the wrong way, and get up close and personal with several different kinds of vehicles. I am happy to report though, that both Christian and I have successfully concurred the art of Australian J-walking, and can now do it as well as any native Sydneyer, with the exception that we are wearing t-shirts.
Well, as I bet you will be finding out soon enough, I bought a car today, no not this one,
or this one, but this one and tomorrow we will be leaving Sydney, which will be nice. Sydney is a nice city, but we are ready to get out of here, it is just too busy, I want to discover the other side of Australia, that and we are going to be back here at the end of our trip, so I am ready to leave. I admit, that tomorrow will be a very weird and hectic drive and a story all on its own. We plan on heading to a city of 250,000 south of Sydney, I forget what it is called, but we need to pick up some more gear, in a city that is a little more car friendly. Well, we will update you when we get back to internet. Talk to you later, I have to finish packing and doing some other stuff. By the way you have no clue how weird it is to hear Christmas music in 32 degree weather? Don’t worry, I won’t brag.
Boring Day
November 9, 2009
Well today we went looking at cars again. Started off by taking a bus to Malubrau junction costing 3.80 per person, per direction. It was nice though, the suburb was really cool, not as much traffic, or congestion as in the city center. Most of the houses were made of brick and more of the style you would find in LA. We still haven’t hit Bondi beach, and yes I know that is very embarrassing considering it was like 32 degrees today. Any way, we found a station wagon for 5500 including full maintenance, year warranty, and road side assistance. Only 169,000 km on it, so not bad. Well on the way back to the hostel we hit the notice boards and found a posting for a van with new engine and transmission, as well as a bunch of camping gear. We walked over to have a look, but discovered that it only had a 2nd hand gear box and engine. After a little discussion we decided it wasn’t worth the risk, we don’t know the millage on either of them, though Chris didn’t seem all too concerned about that. On the way back we stopped by Central YHA in Sydney for supper and saw on the notice board a brand new posting for a 1992 4WD with 200,000 km for only 4500. We will look at that tomorrow, and if we don’t like it, we will buy the station wagon tomorrow afternoon. We went to a bar called Scuba tonight, it was packed, so much that I have a strange feeling that we were majorly over fire code. We left after a drink each, to loud, and to chaotic. Well, this is it for today, still working on trying to fix my blog, will talk later.
Well today we went looking at cars again. Started off by taking a bus to Malubrau junction costing 3.80 per person, per direction. It was nice though, the suburb was really cool, not as much traffic, or congestion as in the city center. Most of the houses were made of brick and more of the style you would find in LA. We still haven’t hit Bondi beach, and yes I know that is very embarrassing considering it was like 32 degrees today. Any way, we found a station wagon for 5500 including full maintenance, year warranty, and road side assistance. Only 169,000 km on it, so not bad. Well on the way back to the hostel we hit the notice boards and found a posting for a van with new engine and transmission, as well as a bunch of camping gear. We walked over to have a look, but discovered that it only had a 2nd hand gear box and engine. After a little discussion we decided it wasn’t worth the risk, we don’t know the millage on either of them, though Chris didn’t seem all too concerned about that. On the way back we stopped by Central YHA in Sydney for supper and saw on the notice board a brand new posting for a 1992 4WD with 200,000 km for only 4500. We will look at that tomorrow, and if we don’t like it, we will buy the station wagon tomorrow afternoon. We went to a bar called Scuba tonight, it was packed, so much that I have a strange feeling that we were majorly over fire code. We left after a drink each, to loud, and to chaotic. Well, this is it for today, still working on trying to fix my blog, will talk later.
HMAS Rammer
Well today Chris and I mostly took an easy day. We walked around darling harbor a bit more, and went and visited the maritime museum for free, well the exhibits were free, the
submarine, the warship and a replica of captain Cook’s “Endeavour” were not, much to our disappointment,
so we didn’t get to stand on them, but we did get some nice pictures from the dock and bridge. 
I learned a lot today about Australia’s history, I was reminded that cook explored and mapped the East coast of Australia, but that was the ship’s secret mission. It’s true mission was on behalf of the London observatory, there was a celestial event going on in that, in which Venus passes between us and the sun, and they needed like 17 observatories around the world in order to determine how far the earth is from the sun. So they petitioned King George for a ship so that they could send someone down here and set up a temporary observatory to measure the event. Mapping Australia was a free bonus, oh, and the Endeavour ran aground on a reef while mapping and Cook ordered 6 cannons and come ballast bars to be thrown overboard in hopes of loosening the ship, which indeed did work. Archeologists actually recovered all the cannons and ballast bars, and they are on display in several museums around Australia and also one in London.
I also learned a lot about Australia’s involvement in the fight for the Pacific. After Japan entered the war and took Hong Kong, Australia was kind of on its own for a while. The British sent over force Z (Churchill sent over a couple of big battle ships including 2 battle cruisers, one of whom was the flagship “The Prince Of Whales”) to intimidate the Japanese into backing off (The Japanese instead decided to bomb them with airplanes and successfully sunk both battle cruisers in a matter of minutes, forcing Force Z to flee, tails between their legs) instead the British pulled out of the pacific leaving Australia on it’s own, at least until the Americans could re-group. The Japanese actually sunk a couple of ships in Sydney harbor with their mini subs, including one RAN (Royal Australian Navy) ship. I also learned that in quite a few of the naval battles that occurred in the Pacific was a combination of both American and Australian ships fighting side by side. In fact the Americans named one of their new ships after one of the Australian vessels that were lost while fighting side by side.
Oh and the second version of the battleship HMAS Sydney was sunk by a German battle ship, can’t remember which one right now. Now we get to the aircraft Carrier HMAS Melbourne or as I like to call her “The Rammer”. While on maneuvers in the 60’s I think she accidentally ran over HMAS Voyager, cutting it in 2 and killing 93 men. Three inquiries later, they never did find the answer, but a couple of years later it ran over another ship, this time an American battleship killing 73 men. I don’t know about you, but I would be asking to revoke the captain’s driver’s license.
By the way Chris finally received his luggage today, and everything was there, though apparently it went through Hawaii, I think I was right, it must have been drunk and boarded the wrong plane. Well, I am off for the evening, and I am hoping to get my computer problems figured out soon.
submarine, the warship and a replica of captain Cook’s “Endeavour” were not, much to our disappointment, so we didn’t get to stand on them, but we did get some nice pictures from the dock and bridge. I learned a lot today about Australia’s history, I was reminded that cook explored and mapped the East coast of Australia, but that was the ship’s secret mission. It’s true mission was on behalf of the London observatory, there was a celestial event going on in that, in which Venus passes between us and the sun, and they needed like 17 observatories around the world in order to determine how far the earth is from the sun. So they petitioned King George for a ship so that they could send someone down here and set up a temporary observatory to measure the event. Mapping Australia was a free bonus, oh, and the Endeavour ran aground on a reef while mapping and Cook ordered 6 cannons and come ballast bars to be thrown overboard in hopes of loosening the ship, which indeed did work. Archeologists actually recovered all the cannons and ballast bars, and they are on display in several museums around Australia and also one in London.
I also learned a lot about Australia’s involvement in the fight for the Pacific. After Japan entered the war and took Hong Kong, Australia was kind of on its own for a while. The British sent over force Z (Churchill sent over a couple of big battle ships including 2 battle cruisers, one of whom was the flagship “The Prince Of Whales”) to intimidate the Japanese into backing off (The Japanese instead decided to bomb them with airplanes and successfully sunk both battle cruisers in a matter of minutes, forcing Force Z to flee, tails between their legs) instead the British pulled out of the pacific leaving Australia on it’s own, at least until the Americans could re-group. The Japanese actually sunk a couple of ships in Sydney harbor with their mini subs, including one RAN (Royal Australian Navy) ship. I also learned that in quite a few of the naval battles that occurred in the Pacific was a combination of both American and Australian ships fighting side by side. In fact the Americans named one of their new ships after one of the Australian vessels that were lost while fighting side by side.
Oh and the second version of the battleship HMAS Sydney was sunk by a German battle ship, can’t remember which one right now. Now we get to the aircraft Carrier HMAS Melbourne or as I like to call her “The Rammer”. While on maneuvers in the 60’s I think she accidentally ran over HMAS Voyager, cutting it in 2 and killing 93 men. Three inquiries later, they never did find the answer, but a couple of years later it ran over another ship, this time an American battleship killing 73 men. I don’t know about you, but I would be asking to revoke the captain’s driver’s license.
By the way Chris finally received his luggage today, and everything was there, though apparently it went through Hawaii, I think I was right, it must have been drunk and boarded the wrong plane. Well, I am off for the evening, and I am hoping to get my computer problems figured out soon.
November 7
Chris’s luggage did not show up as he was told today, so tomorrow I will be lending him some shorts and a clean t-shirt. We tried the private listing today with no success, at least in the 4WD market, know body answered when I called, or returned any of my phone calls. We may be buying a station wagon instead as we seem unable to track down a 4WD that we are interested in. We still haven’t completely given up, but it is a much more pain in the ass than what I was expecting. Maybe a station wagon would be better anyway; it will definitely be cheaper on gas.
Well we did a bit more exploring today we walked across the harbor bridge
(that is a lot bigger than what I originally thought, and taller to) and then walked around darling harbor later in the evening. The bridge was impressive, but nothing I wasn’t expecting, of course if I could have climbed the upper arch (you can do so with only a modest charge of 175 bucks. In return they give you a harness, a tether line, and probably a bottle of vodka to slow your quivering knees as you walk/climb/crawl your way to the peak) it would have been very impressive, if I wasn’t shaking like a bowl of jelly in an earthquake that is. That arch actually gets really high up there. Darling harbor
was cool, lots of bars and other entertainment including this guy. 
I saw his show when I was at the fringe in Edmonton, which makes me one of the few people who have seen his show on 2 different continents. This makes me feel special, and reminds me that it is a very small world after all. Well goodnight, lots of walking to do yet.
Well we did a bit more exploring today we walked across the harbor bridge
(that is a lot bigger than what I originally thought, and taller to) and then walked around darling harbor later in the evening. The bridge was impressive, but nothing I wasn’t expecting, of course if I could have climbed the upper arch (you can do so with only a modest charge of 175 bucks. In return they give you a harness, a tether line, and probably a bottle of vodka to slow your quivering knees as you walk/climb/crawl your way to the peak) it would have been very impressive, if I wasn’t shaking like a bowl of jelly in an earthquake that is. That arch actually gets really high up there. Darling harbor was cool, lots of bars and other entertainment including this guy. I saw his show when I was at the fringe in Edmonton, which makes me one of the few people who have seen his show on 2 different continents. This makes me feel special, and reminds me that it is a very small world after all. Well goodnight, lots of walking to do yet.
November 6
November 6, 2009
Well Chris arrived today, clothless, with the exception of those he has been wearing on his back for the last 2 days. By this I mean that he arrived, but his bags decided to go sightseeing in LA and missed the flight that their master was on. They probably were probably staking out Jennifer Lopez’s house and lost track of time. Trust Chris’s luggage to get distracted and forget where they are supposed to be, that or they went to the bar and got drunk. Which raises another question, does his luggage go through security? They are supposed to be delivering it right to our hostel, so who sends it through customs? It is an interesting question, maybe there is a way to smuggle stuff into a country, have your bags arrive 2 days after you.
In other news Chris and I went car shopping today, which is a tale all on its own. The sales person who we were handed was very.......full of spunk. First we jumped in a VW van so that she could run us over to the parking garage where they store all of their vehicles. 2 blocks later we were out of gas and Chris and I are pushing this thing off a very busy road. So somebody comes and picks us up to get as back to the shop. Here we jump into the car owned by the spunky energetic car sales lady which turns out to be one of those cars which are half truck, half car.
A truly Australian creation, and now I have ridden in one (Adam places a check mark on his Australian List), and what a ride it was. You have never lived an Australian experience until you have ridden with a spunky energetic South African (She has lived in Sydney since she was 4, 36 years now) in a truly Australian car, discussing why she should paint it a metallic green (as I recall, I used to have one of those weird cars as a toy, it was strangely metallic green as well, as I told her this she mentioned that the mechanics had never seen one in a metallic green and wanted to buy me a drink when I got back just to boast to them that there was indeed a green metallic car truck. If you think this conversation was erratic, you should have seen her driving. It was energetic, and I will leave it at that. Though I have to admit, most amusement rides don’t get my heart rate as high as that car ride did.). In the end we didn’t buy a car from them, but at least we have something to compare things to. And as an experience it was a once in a lifetime event, because there is no way in hell that I am getting in that car with her again. Tomorrow, I think we will check out the private listings.
Well Chris arrived today, clothless, with the exception of those he has been wearing on his back for the last 2 days. By this I mean that he arrived, but his bags decided to go sightseeing in LA and missed the flight that their master was on. They probably were probably staking out Jennifer Lopez’s house and lost track of time. Trust Chris’s luggage to get distracted and forget where they are supposed to be, that or they went to the bar and got drunk. Which raises another question, does his luggage go through security? They are supposed to be delivering it right to our hostel, so who sends it through customs? It is an interesting question, maybe there is a way to smuggle stuff into a country, have your bags arrive 2 days after you.
In other news Chris and I went car shopping today, which is a tale all on its own. The sales person who we were handed was very.......full of spunk. First we jumped in a VW van so that she could run us over to the parking garage where they store all of their vehicles. 2 blocks later we were out of gas and Chris and I are pushing this thing off a very busy road. So somebody comes and picks us up to get as back to the shop. Here we jump into the car owned by the spunky energetic car sales lady which turns out to be one of those cars which are half truck, half car.
A truly Australian creation, and now I have ridden in one (Adam places a check mark on his Australian List), and what a ride it was. You have never lived an Australian experience until you have ridden with a spunky energetic South African (She has lived in Sydney since she was 4, 36 years now) in a truly Australian car, discussing why she should paint it a metallic green (as I recall, I used to have one of those weird cars as a toy, it was strangely metallic green as well, as I told her this she mentioned that the mechanics had never seen one in a metallic green and wanted to buy me a drink when I got back just to boast to them that there was indeed a green metallic car truck. If you think this conversation was erratic, you should have seen her driving. It was energetic, and I will leave it at that. Though I have to admit, most amusement rides don’t get my heart rate as high as that car ride did.). In the end we didn’t buy a car from them, but at least we have something to compare things to. And as an experience it was a once in a lifetime event, because there is no way in hell that I am getting in that car with her again. Tomorrow, I think we will check out the private listings.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
I hate computers.
I hate computers I have a couple of blogs to add, but these stupid electronic things are fighting me all the way..............Ahhhhhh. I will get it anyway, just know this the next blog is a well described carnival ride.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Give me information oh hatter man
Just bought a cell phone today, so now people can call me down here, in the case of an emergency that is. I haven’t set it up yet, I needed to charge the battery first, and I ain’t sure how long that is going to take. I saw my sister yesterday; she looked good, tired but good. Oh, and my hostel got a little more crowded than it was last night, because like A whole bus load of young people showed up this morning, tonight should be an interesting night. Yesterday’s delirium about this city has retreated with today’s incursion into the city, and with the help of a good night’s sleep. Today I spent mostly walking through different retail outlets in searching for a prepaid phone, and a grocery store. It turns out that the section of the city I explored was the worst for comparing new and old, old architecture and cold concrete, go figure I hit the most confusing part of the city on a day I should have spent in the hot tub. The coolest part of today was by far the market, with fruit, clothes, jewelry, and everything else you would want, except information. I was disappointed though with respect to the hat store I found. It had lots of different outback hats, all of them really cool, but I was disappointed that I couldn’t get any information about any of them out of this guy. I wanted to learn why there were so many different models of the outback hat, if they were specific to any region, were different hats worn by specific professions, that is what I wanted to learn, hell, I would have bought a couple of hats if I could have found out their history. I would have thought that with that many tourists going through the guy would have learned the history of each hat, that way when a tourist tosses one on he could give a short history of it improving the cool factor, it would have worked on me. I haven’t found my book store yet; I need to find some Australian literature that was recommended in my travel guide. I will also begin looking for a car today and tomorrow. I might not be able to pick one up on the weekend, so I need to really look tomorrow. I would like to leave Sydney by Monday, not that there is nothing left to see, but I will be back here at the end of our trip in order to sell the car, so I need to save some stuff for when I come back. Well have to run; I need to do some online research.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
The Dingo Has Landed
Ok, am now at Hostel in Sydney, and my dorm is an old railway car.
I like, Australian customs, just annoying, but anyway after a brutal 16 hour flight, I am now on a whole new continent. Though after catching a train to central station at a rather steep fare of 17 bucks, I am now relaxing and trying to contact my sister. Sydney isn’t that hot right now, but it is really muggy. I tried to post much more, but due to limited internet access quit, sorry about short e-mails right now. I think I will go for a walk.
My original goal today was to cross the Sydney harbour bridge, but I got distracted, by everything else. I am really fighting this city right now mentally and physically. It is really muggy and humid outside and when I went walking down the street I felt sick from all of the exhaust fumes, tunnelling down between the buildings, thank god it was only 19 degrees outside. With respect to the mental struggle going on, that revolves around being tired from a long days travel, and not getting enough sleep (only slept about 4 hours in the last 48), serious change in climate, whenever I cross the street I keep looking the wrong way for the vehicles, and my orientation being completely screwed up. I couldn’t find north with a map, a compass, and a dog pointing me in the right direction. Lastly I can’t nail down an opinion on this place, the architecture seems chaotic at best, and their language seems like something out of a....... well, you know. The only place I found comfortable was the botanical gardens,
which are huge, I liked them better than the opera houses, and they are the main reason I didn’t reach the bridge.
I would like to go back there again if I got time, probably when Chris arrives, but he will be pretty tired to. Another thing that is bugging me is I can’t make up my mind as to weather or not I like this city, at least with respect to its architecture. It is so weird how one new building can tower above the all the old stone and brick,
but the next area a single lone brick structure stands sandwiched between buildings of glass and metal.
There doesn’t seem to be any connection between the old and new architecture, only the simple fact they exist, it seems to me like they are fighting old and new, but they will not blend them together, instead allowing them to fight and argue, but never work together. Boy do I pity Chris, that plane is going to be packed, at least one out of every 3 seats was empty on my plane allowing us to spread out and relax. I don’t think his will have extra room, and he has an 8 hour layover in LA. Depending on how I feel tomorrow I might buy a cell phone, and start looking into buying a car.
Met sister tonight and had cheap pizza, her hostel has more young people in it, but mine has more class though, railway cars seem to add a character that is rarely fund in a hostel.
Usually I would go for a walk in the evenings, but I am to tired tonight, that and my feet hurt. New orthotics, and I didn’t give them enough time to wear in yet, but I am pretty sure they will eventually. I haven’t done this much walking on concrete since Europe last year. I so need to find free WiFi tomorrow, this is too expensive. Also will be buying some groceries, will be cheaper especially for snacks.
I like, Australian customs, just annoying, but anyway after a brutal 16 hour flight, I am now on a whole new continent. Though after catching a train to central station at a rather steep fare of 17 bucks, I am now relaxing and trying to contact my sister. Sydney isn’t that hot right now, but it is really muggy. I tried to post much more, but due to limited internet access quit, sorry about short e-mails right now. I think I will go for a walk.My original goal today was to cross the Sydney harbour bridge, but I got distracted, by everything else. I am really fighting this city right now mentally and physically. It is really muggy and humid outside and when I went walking down the street I felt sick from all of the exhaust fumes, tunnelling down between the buildings, thank god it was only 19 degrees outside. With respect to the mental struggle going on, that revolves around being tired from a long days travel, and not getting enough sleep (only slept about 4 hours in the last 48), serious change in climate, whenever I cross the street I keep looking the wrong way for the vehicles, and my orientation being completely screwed up. I couldn’t find north with a map, a compass, and a dog pointing me in the right direction. Lastly I can’t nail down an opinion on this place, the architecture seems chaotic at best, and their language seems like something out of a....... well, you know. The only place I found comfortable was the botanical gardens,
which are huge, I liked them better than the opera houses, and they are the main reason I didn’t reach the bridge.
I would like to go back there again if I got time, probably when Chris arrives, but he will be pretty tired to. Another thing that is bugging me is I can’t make up my mind as to weather or not I like this city, at least with respect to its architecture. It is so weird how one new building can tower above the all the old stone and brick,
but the next area a single lone brick structure stands sandwiched between buildings of glass and metal.
There doesn’t seem to be any connection between the old and new architecture, only the simple fact they exist, it seems to me like they are fighting old and new, but they will not blend them together, instead allowing them to fight and argue, but never work together. Boy do I pity Chris, that plane is going to be packed, at least one out of every 3 seats was empty on my plane allowing us to spread out and relax. I don’t think his will have extra room, and he has an 8 hour layover in LA. Depending on how I feel tomorrow I might buy a cell phone, and start looking into buying a car.
Met sister tonight and had cheap pizza, her hostel has more young people in it, but mine has more class though, railway cars seem to add a character that is rarely fund in a hostel.
Usually I would go for a walk in the evenings, but I am to tired tonight, that and my feet hurt. New orthotics, and I didn’t give them enough time to wear in yet, but I am pretty sure they will eventually. I haven’t done this much walking on concrete since Europe last year. I so need to find free WiFi tomorrow, this is too expensive. Also will be buying some groceries, will be cheaper especially for snacks.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Long Flight
Location, somewhere over the pacific ocean, about 100km north of the equator, 8 hours into a 16 hour flight. Had free wifi in Vancouver so I posted my Edmonton blog from there, but ran out of time before i could post anything about Vancouver airport as I got into a conversation with a guy who was flying to Sydney with me. Vancouver airport is kind of cool, though at 11:30 at night not much was happening, still like it better than Edmonton’s . Anyway the plane left Canadian soil at exactly midnight, and 15 minutes later the flight attendent asked if there were any doctors on board, nice hu, guy behind us was white as death, but he got better after they administered him some oxogen. Anyway going through Vancouver has one major advantage right now, the olympics, which means the airport is in tip top shape, and all planes flying there are pretty much brand new, with lotys of leg room, wouldn’t want to make a bad impression now would they. I was incredibly impressed with air Canada’s preformance, a 9.5 in my book, good food, decent leg room, and free snacks. There were some major thunderclouds we passed earlier, we were at 39,000 feet, and they were at eye level. The sun will be rising over th horizon soon, I am hoping to get some good pictures of it. Sun rose just as we crossed the Equator, cool timimg hu? 
Will post more when I hit Sydney.
Will post more when I hit Sydney.Monday, November 2, 2009
Operation Dingo
Phase one of operation Dingo is now completed have cleared security at the Edmonton airport, and safely escaping the grasps of my mother, don't worry mom, I am glad you hugged me. Wifi access unsuccessful there, not worth 10 bucks. Was unable to contact travel companion code named Charlie, about inability to obtain flag, Will contact in Vancouver. I have need to report of near epic disaster codenamed EpicFail that occurred today at 12:00 hours. Was adding finishing touches to packing when I noted my little black book, also known as a passport had gone on vacation without me. After an hour of searching a horrifying thought struck me, I found it under a thin layer of plastic in the garbage can. It should be noted when you are cleaning up your room, you should pile your passport far away from where you are piling the garbage. Near epic fail averted. New Note, must thank travel agent, gave me a seat right beside emergency exit, major leg room.
New Location just took off, can see the lights wonderfully from edmonton, stars are beautiful as well. Now practicing foot arch supports as recommended by Jocelyn (hi). I wish I could see the mountains though, but it is to dark.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Aussie Aussie Aussie
Well ladies and gentlemen it is time to start packing. In 6 days I leave this continent for a 6 month stint, and no, I am not running from the law.....yet. My contract came up for my old job, and I decided I didn't want to re-new it. So instead I decided to do something crazy for 6 months before the spring harvest. Somehow Australia popped into my head and there was no turning back. After a passport renewal, visa application, and literally minutes of planning I am going to Australia, and after jokingly mentioning to my unemployed friend how he should come to, now he is. So for better or for worse we are going down under. This could be interesting.
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