Australia & New Zealand
March 1, 2014 -- We woke up in Australia!
"It's hotter than a firecracker," Con said, wiping his dripping brow. Good thing he's wearing his DripFit shirt. Humidity in Cairns is so think, I imagine us walking over to the marina without touching the ground.
This is Fall, and the monsoon season in the down under. We're well below the equator, the first time for me, but not for Con. He lived in Australia for a few years in the early 70s.
Birds are beautiful and talkative, and loud. Walking down the main street, Con stepped into a shop but I called him out, "Listen to the birds!"
The lady in the shop called out subtly, "They're not birds. They're bats".
"Bats? In the daytime?"
"Bats, yes in the daytime."
I moved further into the street and then clearly saw them, instantly sprinting to take cover. There were thousands of them in the trees.
"Watch that you don't walk under them," an Aboriginal man standing near me snickered, "they'll shit on you."
The lady in the shop added, "Don't worry, you'll smell them first."
They're a huge colony of Black Flying Fox Bats and they've taken up residency in front of the public library. I won't be visiting the library! They feed on fruit trees and flowers. I watched a few lone bats fly out of their upside down position, circle the perimeter, land upright, and swing upside down to hang. They're extremely important to the eco system cross pollinating the fruit trees and all, but they're creepy.
March 1, 2014 -- We woke up in Australia!
"It's hotter than a firecracker," Con said, wiping his dripping brow. Good thing he's wearing his DripFit shirt. Humidity in Cairns is so think, I imagine us walking over to the marina without touching the ground.
This is Fall, and the monsoon season in the down under. We're well below the equator, the first time for me, but not for Con. He lived in Australia for a few years in the early 70s.
Birds are beautiful and talkative, and loud. Walking down the main street, Con stepped into a shop but I called him out, "Listen to the birds!"
The lady in the shop called out subtly, "They're not birds. They're bats".
"Bats? In the daytime?"
"Bats, yes in the daytime."
I moved further into the street and then clearly saw them, instantly sprinting to take cover. There were thousands of them in the trees.
"Watch that you don't walk under them," an Aboriginal man standing near me snickered, "they'll shit on you."
The lady in the shop added, "Don't worry, you'll smell them first."
They're a huge colony of Black Flying Fox Bats and they've taken up residency in front of the public library. I won't be visiting the library! They feed on fruit trees and flowers. I watched a few lone bats fly out of their upside down position, circle the perimeter, land upright, and swing upside down to hang. They're extremely important to the eco system cross pollinating the fruit trees and all, but they're creepy.
Our good friend Judy formerly from Pacific Pearl was visiting her mom in Cairns and we prearranged a get together.
Our visit aboard a catamaran is now booked for the morning when we'll be viewing the real "down under" through our masks.
Our visit aboard a catamaran is now booked for the morning when we'll be viewing the real "down under" through our masks.
March 3 -- Great Barrier Reef
Stinger suits, masks, snorkel, and fins were provided to protect us from the thumb-sized box jellyfish, dangerously prevalent this time of year. The sting is tiny but creates Irukandji Syndrome, if not treated within 30 minutes, results in death.
It was an amazing one-of-a-kind opportunity viewing the world's largest coral reef, one of the seven wonders of the world. The boat set off in the rain and heavy winds. A cyclone was currently just north moving toward us, so this was the best day to get out there. Unfortunately, about a quarter of the people aboard were sea sick, throwing up, or sleeping (if they'd taken a sea sick prevention pill).
At our first dive sight, they tied the boat to a buoy and we scrambled into our Lycra suits, hitting the water first. It was warm and wonderful. We were covered in Lycra from head to toe, including mitts. The only exposed part was just below my mask and part of my chin. The sights were stunnIing! I turned my head and back again, and incredibly, I WAS STUNG BY A JELLYFISH! Right on my upper lip. It sucked onto my lip and chin. I waited 20 minutes wondering if I had been poisoned, but all was well. It was like a bee sting. I swam to Con for sympathy and all he could say was, "How could you miss it?" Easily!
We didn't have an underwater camera which was a huge disappointment for us. I've shared a few photos from Google.
Stinger suits, masks, snorkel, and fins were provided to protect us from the thumb-sized box jellyfish, dangerously prevalent this time of year. The sting is tiny but creates Irukandji Syndrome, if not treated within 30 minutes, results in death.
It was an amazing one-of-a-kind opportunity viewing the world's largest coral reef, one of the seven wonders of the world. The boat set off in the rain and heavy winds. A cyclone was currently just north moving toward us, so this was the best day to get out there. Unfortunately, about a quarter of the people aboard were sea sick, throwing up, or sleeping (if they'd taken a sea sick prevention pill).
At our first dive sight, they tied the boat to a buoy and we scrambled into our Lycra suits, hitting the water first. It was warm and wonderful. We were covered in Lycra from head to toe, including mitts. The only exposed part was just below my mask and part of my chin. The sights were stunnIing! I turned my head and back again, and incredibly, I WAS STUNG BY A JELLYFISH! Right on my upper lip. It sucked onto my lip and chin. I waited 20 minutes wondering if I had been poisoned, but all was well. It was like a bee sting. I swam to Con for sympathy and all he could say was, "How could you miss it?" Easily!
We didn't have an underwater camera which was a huge disappointment for us. I've shared a few photos from Google.
On our second dive, we swam over clams the size of small cars! One had purple living tentacles all over, with a large pipe-shaped opening meant to lure fish inside for its dinner. Everywhere we looked, it was teaming with life, fish, coral, tiny creatures floating around us and around the branch-like mushroom-like oddly shaped creatures. We heard the chomp chomp chomp from the Parrot fish eating the coral, creating sand from their poop. Every living creature has a purpose for living, even the bastard jelly fish.
March 3 -- Rainforest in the Rain
Wet is wet, so why not visit the rainforest in the rain. We rode on the historic Kuranda Train and the spectacular Sky Rail in the Daintree Rainforest.
By train, we stopped a few times for close up viewing, passed sugarcane fields and the gorgeous Barron Falls and finally deposited in a touristy village at the top of the mountain.
We experienced the Sky Rail moving high above the forest. It was pouring rain. The trees and what we might have as a house plant, as tall as high rise buildings and the forest so thick we couldn't see the bottom. All of them competing for sunlight. It was breathtaking. At times we saw the crocodile filled rivers below meandering through the forest and on to the Coral Sea. Yes, crocs swim in salt water. At times we passed through rain clouds leaving us with the feeling of being suspended in thick air. My heart was beating fast at the realization of all the beauty and magnificence around us and how very very small we are as humans.
Wet is wet, so why not visit the rainforest in the rain. We rode on the historic Kuranda Train and the spectacular Sky Rail in the Daintree Rainforest.
By train, we stopped a few times for close up viewing, passed sugarcane fields and the gorgeous Barron Falls and finally deposited in a touristy village at the top of the mountain.
We experienced the Sky Rail moving high above the forest. It was pouring rain. The trees and what we might have as a house plant, as tall as high rise buildings and the forest so thick we couldn't see the bottom. All of them competing for sunlight. It was breathtaking. At times we saw the crocodile filled rivers below meandering through the forest and on to the Coral Sea. Yes, crocs swim in salt water. At times we passed through rain clouds leaving us with the feeling of being suspended in thick air. My heart was beating fast at the realization of all the beauty and magnificence around us and how very very small we are as humans.
On our way to Mission Beach, we stopped at a gorgeous beach, viewing it from the cliff side. An Aboriginal man walked over to us, "It's like heaven, but you can't go there." We smiled, wondering why. "Salties swim in them waves."
March 8 -- Watching the Cyclone Closely
A cyclone was expected to hit landfall just south of our new location, Mission Beach, and exactly in the path we planned to travel tomorrow.
A cyclone was expected to hit landfall just south of our new location, Mission Beach, and exactly in the path we planned to travel tomorrow.
To be safe, we stayed another night in Mission Beach, tucked behind thick mangrove trees and right in front of the Pacific Ocean. A cyclone caused extreme damage in the area in 2011, so I was somewhat uncomfortable that night. With the ocean washing up, and salties (crocs) living in the neighborhood, not to mention the enormous dog-sized spiders, the like of which I've never seen before in my life, I had a restless sleep. The proprietor warned, "Keep your screen doors closed at all times!" Snakes. Stephen, the man who checked us in, took this photo of the python devouring the wallaby on the hotel grounds. We checked out before sunrise, leaving our secluded hut, walking tentatively on the narrow unlit path with thick overhanging shrubs to our car. We wanted to get further away from the expected cyclone. Con, bravely led the way, as I feared snakes on the path and spider webs across the path. Once at the car, we checked for snakes that might have made a comfy home inside. I looked up into the trees where the light shone on a spider, larger than any spider I've ever seen!
Nature gives surprises every day here. A 100-meter walk from our Port Douglas hotel were warning signs: Beware of Crocodiles.
We are on the lookout for Cassowary birds, many died in the 2011 cyclone so they are harder to spot, despite their brilliant blue colour. They're flightless birds, 6 foot call.
On the highway, our fear is hitting a kangaroo. Many cars have big bars across the front and we see why, passing two kangaroos who became victims of road kill. Our car insurance is high and we know why. Beautiful cockatoo's and other birds fly overhead. It's truly a wondrous sight.
We are on the lookout for Cassowary birds, many died in the 2011 cyclone so they are harder to spot, despite their brilliant blue colour. They're flightless birds, 6 foot call.
On the highway, our fear is hitting a kangaroo. Many cars have big bars across the front and we see why, passing two kangaroos who became victims of road kill. Our car insurance is high and we know why. Beautiful cockatoo's and other birds fly overhead. It's truly a wondrous sight.
March 9 -- MacKay
The cyclone is currently bashing the east coast and appearing to curl back out to sea, leaving lots of rain. We moved on to MacKay, overlooking the marina, watching big waves roll in and listening to 90 km winds through the night.
March 10 -- Rockhampton
We're in the Tropic of Capricorn, the circle of latitude that runs around the world runs through this city. We're standing at the Spire, the spot that marks the most southern point of the sun in its annual journey. From this point and south the weather theoretically is cooler. AND, no, the toilets don't flush the opposite way, that's just a myth. We had to test it though. The sun crosses the sky to the north here.
The cyclone is currently bashing the east coast and appearing to curl back out to sea, leaving lots of rain. We moved on to MacKay, overlooking the marina, watching big waves roll in and listening to 90 km winds through the night.
March 10 -- Rockhampton
We're in the Tropic of Capricorn, the circle of latitude that runs around the world runs through this city. We're standing at the Spire, the spot that marks the most southern point of the sun in its annual journey. From this point and south the weather theoretically is cooler. AND, no, the toilets don't flush the opposite way, that's just a myth. We had to test it though. The sun crosses the sky to the north here.
We walked through the Botanical Garden. Despite being a zoo, it was a cozy seeming place for the animals. There were koalas in Eucalyptus trees, kangaroos, crocodiles and a female Cassowary bird.
Sun finally showed itself. We stayed in a fantastic old restored building build in the 1800s. We drove further south on the Bruce Highway toward Bundaberg City on the Coral Sea, checking into a condo styled two bedroom luxury place with sliding doors all around, open to the sea. Winds are still strong and we're keeping an eye on the cyclone and it continues to run further out to sea.
Sun finally showed itself. We stayed in a fantastic old restored building build in the 1800s. We drove further south on the Bruce Highway toward Bundaberg City on the Coral Sea, checking into a condo styled two bedroom luxury place with sliding doors all around, open to the sea. Winds are still strong and we're keeping an eye on the cyclone and it continues to run further out to sea.
March 14 -- Noosa Beach
Now at the Sunshine Coast, Australia's east coast, south of the Salties and south of the deadly jellyfish, we decided to test the water. The water was a bit cooler. The tiny dots on the waves are surfers. The annual surfing competition is in full swing with semifinals today and finals tomorrow. Lots of surfers are here from California. The waves have calmed down, about a half meter tall, which is likely disappointing for them.
On our way here, Con was pulled over by an Aussi officer. Con was just regaining the correct speed after passing another vehicle and the officer clocked him from the other lane. He walked to the driver's side, flexing muscles instructing Con to come to his car for a breathalyzer test, at 10 am! Of course he passed. The ticket for going 116 km in a 100 km zone was $220!
Now at the Sunshine Coast, Australia's east coast, south of the Salties and south of the deadly jellyfish, we decided to test the water. The water was a bit cooler. The tiny dots on the waves are surfers. The annual surfing competition is in full swing with semifinals today and finals tomorrow. Lots of surfers are here from California. The waves have calmed down, about a half meter tall, which is likely disappointing for them.
On our way here, Con was pulled over by an Aussi officer. Con was just regaining the correct speed after passing another vehicle and the officer clocked him from the other lane. He walked to the driver's side, flexing muscles instructing Con to come to his car for a breathalyzer test, at 10 am! Of course he passed. The ticket for going 116 km in a 100 km zone was $220!
March 18 -- New Zealand
We flew from Brisbane into Auckland today, rented a car and drove to Whangarei in the North Island to meet up with cousin Heather. She moved from Canada to New Zealand many years ago, and 30 years later, we met up again.
We've entered the land of lush green. The sheep there have been replaced by dairy cows, not something all New Zealander's like. We drove up to the Bay of Island's, the most popular sailing area there. Along the way, we stopped at a waterfall which brought out the "boy" in Con who had to walk the edge of the falls.
March 22 -- Con's cousin Iman and wife Marriette who live south of Auckland on a pretty hobby farm invited us to stay. It was great catching up for Con.
Returning to Auckland, we did the touristy things, trying the MacPies from MacDonald's, riding the ferry to the island of Devenport, and walking the waterfront.
We flew from Brisbane into Auckland today, rented a car and drove to Whangarei in the North Island to meet up with cousin Heather. She moved from Canada to New Zealand many years ago, and 30 years later, we met up again.
We've entered the land of lush green. The sheep there have been replaced by dairy cows, not something all New Zealander's like. We drove up to the Bay of Island's, the most popular sailing area there. Along the way, we stopped at a waterfall which brought out the "boy" in Con who had to walk the edge of the falls.
March 22 -- Con's cousin Iman and wife Marriette who live south of Auckland on a pretty hobby farm invited us to stay. It was great catching up for Con.
Returning to Auckland, we did the touristy things, trying the MacPies from MacDonald's, riding the ferry to the island of Devenport, and walking the waterfront.
Our friend Judy gave us a list of friends to contact while here. They (Jamie and Renee) immediately created a dinner party with other friends (Erica and Frans) and we had a fun-filled night with so much laughter.
Sunday, we met up the next day with sailing friends Jane and Dave whom we met in Bodrum, Turkey who happen to be in Auckland. The world keeps getting smaller.
Sunday, we met up the next day with sailing friends Jane and Dave whom we met in Bodrum, Turkey who happen to be in Auckland. The world keeps getting smaller.
March 23 -- Last Day in New Zealand
We went up the 328-meter high Sky Tower for a great view of Auckland. Just below us were bungee jumpers. It's the tallest standing structure in the Southern hemisphere.
Later, we were off to the geothermal area of Rotoruna. It was cool, actually HOT! It was once the site of 500 pools. Most of the pools are alkaline chloride hot springs, and about 65 venting geysers which are still active, and spewing up to 30 meters every 30 minutes. In the past 150 years, the area has been altered by active erupting volcanos.
We went up the 328-meter high Sky Tower for a great view of Auckland. Just below us were bungee jumpers. It's the tallest standing structure in the Southern hemisphere.
Later, we were off to the geothermal area of Rotoruna. It was cool, actually HOT! It was once the site of 500 pools. Most of the pools are alkaline chloride hot springs, and about 65 venting geysers which are still active, and spewing up to 30 meters every 30 minutes. In the past 150 years, the area has been altered by active erupting volcanos.
Back to Australia
March 26 -- Last day here
Our stunning hotel overlooked the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The view was incredible to the point where it was hard to take our eyes off it to go out and walk around it. But we did, and set off in comfy weather walking the streets, watching the people, and stopping for delicious sushi eating it outdoor. Just behind the Opera House, on our way to the Botanical Gardens were were dumbfounded by the birds. Colourful, squawking, singing, loud, carefree birds, and spiders and more spiders, hanging proudly in their intricate webs. One must watch where they're going or walk through a web! We couldn't get over the cockatoos watching them for some time. I walked over for a closer look, and two were mating, then flew directly toward my head in attack mode, totally surprising me.
We paid for the ferry passage riding the river from one end to the other. It was a spectacular few weeks in the down under.
March 26 -- Last day here
Our stunning hotel overlooked the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The view was incredible to the point where it was hard to take our eyes off it to go out and walk around it. But we did, and set off in comfy weather walking the streets, watching the people, and stopping for delicious sushi eating it outdoor. Just behind the Opera House, on our way to the Botanical Gardens were were dumbfounded by the birds. Colourful, squawking, singing, loud, carefree birds, and spiders and more spiders, hanging proudly in their intricate webs. One must watch where they're going or walk through a web! We couldn't get over the cockatoos watching them for some time. I walked over for a closer look, and two were mating, then flew directly toward my head in attack mode, totally surprising me.
We paid for the ferry passage riding the river from one end to the other. It was a spectacular few weeks in the down under.
