Friday Sept 25/09
There you have the Australian vacation. Now we have to get back to work. Great planning for a trip but it is always nice to be home. Those of you that followed this I say thanks. It's just a day by day log of where we are and we can use it to tell the story with the pictures. Oh ya, you will need about 3 to 4 hours to go through the pictures. Right Mate. DDT
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Bye Australia
Thurs Sept 24/09
Well the time has come and the vacation is coming to an end. We woke up early, couldn't sleep. Excited about our trip to Canada. Bags are down stairs in the lobby ready for the shuttle bus. Being early is good, we walked right up to the Air Canada counter and got our boarding passes and then we could spend the time in the shops. Time to board. These jets are nice, big lots of leg room and they gave us three seats in the middle and no one with us. They have TV. Radio Games Music right in your seat. Need something to pass 15 1/2 hours away. We flew in the dark all the way. Arrived in Vancouver right at day break, changed planes and heading for Calgary. There wasn't a cloud in the sky so we could watch the ground all the way across the Rockies. We could see the school near Kristine's place. Ric and Cocoa picked us up at the airport, nice to see both. We are very tired my eyes feel like they are full of sand. We went to bed for a few hours so we could be with the kids later. We must of done something wrong. We have to do Thursday all over again. Nice to be home. DDT
Well the time has come and the vacation is coming to an end. We woke up early, couldn't sleep. Excited about our trip to Canada. Bags are down stairs in the lobby ready for the shuttle bus. Being early is good, we walked right up to the Air Canada counter and got our boarding passes and then we could spend the time in the shops. Time to board. These jets are nice, big lots of leg room and they gave us three seats in the middle and no one with us. They have TV. Radio Games Music right in your seat. Need something to pass 15 1/2 hours away. We flew in the dark all the way. Arrived in Vancouver right at day break, changed planes and heading for Calgary. There wasn't a cloud in the sky so we could watch the ground all the way across the Rockies. We could see the school near Kristine's place. Ric and Cocoa picked us up at the airport, nice to see both. We are very tired my eyes feel like they are full of sand. We went to bed for a few hours so we could be with the kids later. We must of done something wrong. We have to do Thursday all over again. Nice to be home. DDT
Red dust day
Wed Sept 24/09
I think we are ready to head back to Sydney. We drove 1691 klms and 104 litres of gas while here. We saw lots of N.Z. and all it's beauty. WE checked the luggage to make sure we didn't have any sharps in the carry on. Wendy paid the room and I sat the bags in the line up to load onto the shuttle bus. A short drive to the International and unload the bags. What's this our plane is cancelled. More than one plane is cancelled. We lined up anyway to get our boarding pass. Why no plane? Finally Wendy went to another desk and spoke to someone to get any infor she could. A Dust Storm has closed Sydney Airport and Harbour and all of down town Sydney. I find that hard to believe but anyway we get boarding passes to Brisbane and then we will go to Sydney from there. When we get to Brisbane we could see this red brown haze and lots of wind from the window. We landed, and then customs and then back onto another plane heading for Sydney. By the time we took to the air the sky was getting red. Almost 8000 feet when we flew out of the dirt. I'm sure Brisbane Airport was the next to close. When we got into Sydney there was red dirt everywhere and everything was dirty inside and out. They said we were lucky to get a place to park the jet as the airport was full and backed up people everywhere. We watched the news in our room then went for a nice supper. We did check on the internet if our plane to Canada was still booked. It was. Good night. DDT
I think we are ready to head back to Sydney. We drove 1691 klms and 104 litres of gas while here. We saw lots of N.Z. and all it's beauty. WE checked the luggage to make sure we didn't have any sharps in the carry on. Wendy paid the room and I sat the bags in the line up to load onto the shuttle bus. A short drive to the International and unload the bags. What's this our plane is cancelled. More than one plane is cancelled. We lined up anyway to get our boarding pass. Why no plane? Finally Wendy went to another desk and spoke to someone to get any infor she could. A Dust Storm has closed Sydney Airport and Harbour and all of down town Sydney. I find that hard to believe but anyway we get boarding passes to Brisbane and then we will go to Sydney from there. When we get to Brisbane we could see this red brown haze and lots of wind from the window. We landed, and then customs and then back onto another plane heading for Sydney. By the time we took to the air the sky was getting red. Almost 8000 feet when we flew out of the dirt. I'm sure Brisbane Airport was the next to close. When we got into Sydney there was red dirt everywhere and everything was dirty inside and out. They said we were lucky to get a place to park the jet as the airport was full and backed up people everywhere. We watched the news in our room then went for a nice supper. We did check on the internet if our plane to Canada was still booked. It was. Good night. DDT
Last day in New Zealand
Tues Sept 22/09
We have to leave Turangi and start back to Auckland. We have lots of time so will sight see as much on the way as we can. We are going up the west side of the country. We will not go right to the west coast. We drove through the Pieriora Forest Park then up and over to Waitomo Caves. We sat at a camp table to eat and decided that the caves wasn't something we wanted to do and the time could be used to see more country.We drove up highway 39 got onto the state highway # 1 freeway. Tom did a fine job of getting us back to the front door of our Hotel without a single problem. Believe me it was nice to walk into our room and not have to drive anymore. I'm happy we are safely back. Lots to talk about and tell you about the country. DDT
We have to leave Turangi and start back to Auckland. We have lots of time so will sight see as much on the way as we can. We are going up the west side of the country. We will not go right to the west coast. We drove through the Pieriora Forest Park then up and over to Waitomo Caves. We sat at a camp table to eat and decided that the caves wasn't something we wanted to do and the time could be used to see more country.We drove up highway 39 got onto the state highway # 1 freeway. Tom did a fine job of getting us back to the front door of our Hotel without a single problem. Believe me it was nice to walk into our room and not have to drive anymore. I'm happy we are safely back. Lots to talk about and tell you about the country. DDT
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Pacific Coast
Mon Sept 21/09
Today we are driving to the east coast at Napier. The scenery was great and Wendy got to see lots of sheep. Napier is a city that was destroyed by an earth quake in 1930 and rebuilt in two years to look just as it was before the quake. We bought a walking tour of the city centre that the guide spoke about the rebuilding and a trust called Art Deco Trust that set controls up for the rebuilding. It was quite a story and a great idea for tourism. This made the city the newest and most modern city in the world at the time. They have kept this stile ever since. Then we drove south and east to the end of the road. That's right the end of the road. Its a cliff if you drove any farther. We washed our hands in the ocean and then started back. It is only 241 klms but the time driving is long, almost 4 hours. Great drive and a long day. DDT
Today we are driving to the east coast at Napier. The scenery was great and Wendy got to see lots of sheep. Napier is a city that was destroyed by an earth quake in 1930 and rebuilt in two years to look just as it was before the quake. We bought a walking tour of the city centre that the guide spoke about the rebuilding and a trust called Art Deco Trust that set controls up for the rebuilding. It was quite a story and a great idea for tourism. This made the city the newest and most modern city in the world at the time. They have kept this stile ever since. Then we drove south and east to the end of the road. That's right the end of the road. Its a cliff if you drove any farther. We washed our hands in the ocean and then started back. It is only 241 klms but the time driving is long, almost 4 hours. Great drive and a long day. DDT
More driving
Sun Sept 20/09
Seems to be more to sight see at the north end of the lake so we drove back to Taupo and checked at the lake boat ride tour. It was 1 minute from leaving so climbed on for the tour. The tour was about 2 hours long and was alright. The information about the lake was one thing I wanted to find out more about and was surprized about some of the history. Wendy make lunch at the room so we stopped in a park and ate. We decided it would be a good idea to stop at a honey farm and look around to see what they had to offer. You should do this sometime, they have more stuff than you can shake and finger at. I didn't know they can make so much from honey! We heard if we were at the damn at 2:30 we couold watch the water release. They let a lot of water go just to control the river level. Then a stop at a glass blowing factory made us feel we couldn't afford this stuff. Nice to look at anyway. Wendy said it would be too heavy to pack anyway. Just down the road the sign said 2 klms to a Natural Thermal Valley. They use the steam and hot water to make power and pipe the heat to the city for home heating. We stopped for 1/2 hour in Taupo and looked around in the shops then headed back down the lake to our room. One more day of sight seeing N.Z. DDT
Seems to be more to sight see at the north end of the lake so we drove back to Taupo and checked at the lake boat ride tour. It was 1 minute from leaving so climbed on for the tour. The tour was about 2 hours long and was alright. The information about the lake was one thing I wanted to find out more about and was surprized about some of the history. Wendy make lunch at the room so we stopped in a park and ate. We decided it would be a good idea to stop at a honey farm and look around to see what they had to offer. You should do this sometime, they have more stuff than you can shake and finger at. I didn't know they can make so much from honey! We heard if we were at the damn at 2:30 we couold watch the water release. They let a lot of water go just to control the river level. Then a stop at a glass blowing factory made us feel we couldn't afford this stuff. Nice to look at anyway. Wendy said it would be too heavy to pack anyway. Just down the road the sign said 2 klms to a Natural Thermal Valley. They use the steam and hot water to make power and pipe the heat to the city for home heating. We stopped for 1/2 hour in Taupo and looked around in the shops then headed back down the lake to our room. One more day of sight seeing N.Z. DDT
Raining
Sunday Septt 19/09
We woke to it raining. At 9:00 the lodge is having a coffee and sizzlers breakfast and meet the tour companies and the other guest. Rain or not we are not just going to set around, so we took off driving. It wasn't far that the rain stopped with some fog and cloud hanging around. The drive took us over to Taumarunui a small town that seems to be in the center of farming and logging. Sheep and dairy is big. On highway 4 we stopped for noon tea and then drove to Raurimei. Here they had to make a spiral cut through the mountain so the train could make the grade. It just so happened a train came along and we could see the different levels it travels. We drove to the National Park and turned on highway 47 and ended up at Mount Ruapehu ski resort. Great views from up here. We had enough for the day so headed for the hotel. Great country. DDT
We woke to it raining. At 9:00 the lodge is having a coffee and sizzlers breakfast and meet the tour companies and the other guest. Rain or not we are not just going to set around, so we took off driving. It wasn't far that the rain stopped with some fog and cloud hanging around. The drive took us over to Taumarunui a small town that seems to be in the center of farming and logging. Sheep and dairy is big. On highway 4 we stopped for noon tea and then drove to Raurimei. Here they had to make a spiral cut through the mountain so the train could make the grade. It just so happened a train came along and we could see the different levels it travels. We drove to the National Park and turned on highway 47 and ended up at Mount Ruapehu ski resort. Great views from up here. We had enough for the day so headed for the hotel. Great country. DDT
Sightseeing
Fri Sept 18/09
We slept until 8:00 this morning. We must be on catch up mode. We had morning tea at McCafe for less than $15.00 for both of us. WE drove north up to Huka Falls and walked a short ways beside the river, then returned and walked the other way along the falls. After a few pictures we left and drove to the Craters of The Moon. Here go on a walking tour and see hot steam coming out of the ground just anywhere at about 70 c,(our skin burns at 50 c) The walk takes you around and over the places where mud is boiling. Hot stuff. Then we drove to an outlook over the fall we were at but much higher. Then drove to another lookout that you can see out over the city and lake with the mountains in the distance. These are snow covered and are south where our hotel is. After noon tea we drove south to Turangi to find our time share. This is a small town and a fishing village. Checking at the information centre we can take scenic drives that would take us through the country and up the ski mountain. We had supper in the room tonight and take it easy. Long day. DDT
We slept until 8:00 this morning. We must be on catch up mode. We had morning tea at McCafe for less than $15.00 for both of us. WE drove north up to Huka Falls and walked a short ways beside the river, then returned and walked the other way along the falls. After a few pictures we left and drove to the Craters of The Moon. Here go on a walking tour and see hot steam coming out of the ground just anywhere at about 70 c,(our skin burns at 50 c) The walk takes you around and over the places where mud is boiling. Hot stuff. Then we drove to an outlook over the fall we were at but much higher. Then drove to another lookout that you can see out over the city and lake with the mountains in the distance. These are snow covered and are south where our hotel is. After noon tea we drove south to Turangi to find our time share. This is a small town and a fishing village. Checking at the information centre we can take scenic drives that would take us through the country and up the ski mountain. We had supper in the room tonight and take it easy. Long day. DDT
Friday, September 25, 2009
Car Rental
Thurs Sept 17/09 Auckland New Zealand
Time to pickup the car. The rental place is right across the street, good choice I say. Loaded our bags into the car and programed Tom and off we go. How at this point I have no idea if we are heading in the right direction. It isn't long that Tom is very sure that we are indeed heading the right way. I programed Tom to take the shortest way but stay on paved roads. We were treated to country roads and views of farms and rolling green hills. As we drove farther south we climbed up into mountains with forest. The sky is overcast with some rain. It is much cooler and feels good. We drove through Rotorua then to Taupo at the north end of Lake Taupo. We will stay here tonight and look around as much as we can tomorrow. We are told there is more to see here and north up to Rotorua. They have thermal steam coming out of the ground just about every where here. At Rotorua we could smell the minerals in the air as they have hot springs and mineral pools there and in Taupo they are hot water pools (about 40). We will wait until tomorrow. DDT
Time to pickup the car. The rental place is right across the street, good choice I say. Loaded our bags into the car and programed Tom and off we go. How at this point I have no idea if we are heading in the right direction. It isn't long that Tom is very sure that we are indeed heading the right way. I programed Tom to take the shortest way but stay on paved roads. We were treated to country roads and views of farms and rolling green hills. As we drove farther south we climbed up into mountains with forest. The sky is overcast with some rain. It is much cooler and feels good. We drove through Rotorua then to Taupo at the north end of Lake Taupo. We will stay here tonight and look around as much as we can tomorrow. We are told there is more to see here and north up to Rotorua. They have thermal steam coming out of the ground just about every where here. At Rotorua we could smell the minerals in the air as they have hot springs and mineral pools there and in Taupo they are hot water pools (about 40). We will wait until tomorrow. DDT
School Bus
Wed Sept 16/09
I walked Jenna to the school bus and Wendy caught up so we could say good bye to her. After, all of us walked down to the fish market to have fish and chips. They have a play park the kids could play in while we ate and visited. We walked a couple more blocks to wait for the 12:00 train back to Sydney. We picked up our bags at the hotel and a taxi over to the airport to wait for the flight over to N.Z. We arrived in Auckland N.Z about Midnight very tired and in need of a shower. Nite nite. DDT
I walked Jenna to the school bus and Wendy caught up so we could say good bye to her. After, all of us walked down to the fish market to have fish and chips. They have a play park the kids could play in while we ate and visited. We walked a couple more blocks to wait for the 12:00 train back to Sydney. We picked up our bags at the hotel and a taxi over to the airport to wait for the flight over to N.Z. We arrived in Auckland N.Z about Midnight very tired and in need of a shower. Nite nite. DDT
Plains Trains and Automobiles
Tues Sept 15/09
I had help with writing my blog this time. You will find inserts as I go long here. (Unul Dale and Anty Wendy are being nerty) We took the train in Sydney and went up to Woy Woy to stay the night with the Quennelle's. It was nice to see the little ones again. The kids didn't see us as strangers this visit. All of us climbed into the van and went to The Australian Reptile Park. Great park to see many Australian animals. Wayne's kids love this place. It took longer than we had planned at the park so Wendy and I bought takeway for afternoon tea. After we ate I had to help Jenna with her homework. I seem to be #1 with her. She said I look like Grandpa Glen so I must be his brother. I took the time to explain how we are related so there wouldn't be any mistake about Glen and I. Jenna is a bad bear and I'm going to tell Grandpa Glen that Jenna is my favorate bad bear. (do not lison to him plese) We had fun. DDT (ucol Dale bid you noo I love you) Jenna
I had help with writing my blog this time. You will find inserts as I go long here. (Unul Dale and Anty Wendy are being nerty) We took the train in Sydney and went up to Woy Woy to stay the night with the Quennelle's. It was nice to see the little ones again. The kids didn't see us as strangers this visit. All of us climbed into the van and went to The Australian Reptile Park. Great park to see many Australian animals. Wayne's kids love this place. It took longer than we had planned at the park so Wendy and I bought takeway for afternoon tea. After we ate I had to help Jenna with her homework. I seem to be #1 with her. She said I look like Grandpa Glen so I must be his brother. I took the time to explain how we are related so there wouldn't be any mistake about Glen and I. Jenna is a bad bear and I'm going to tell Grandpa Glen that Jenna is my favorate bad bear. (do not lison to him plese) We had fun. DDT (ucol Dale bid you noo I love you) Jenna
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Good byes
Monday Sept 14/09
The time has come. The bags are laid out on the bed trying to stuff in everything we can. I didn't think we had picked up that much extra. Oh well. One bag will have only the things we will need for one night up at Wayne & Jac. The other bags will go to storage in the hotel and we will pick them up on the way back. Brad and I had a swim before we dressed for the trip. Seems hot here but will be much cooler when we get off at Sidney. We headed for the airport at 11:00 only to find out the plane is late more than an hour. That gave us more time to visit with Brad. Kerrie has work in Perth and is on the same plane as us that far, then we change planes and head for Sidney. A $10.00 taxi ride took us to our hotel right near the airport and we got to bed about midnight Sidney time. We were a bit tired after a long day of travel. Good night. DDT
The time has come. The bags are laid out on the bed trying to stuff in everything we can. I didn't think we had picked up that much extra. Oh well. One bag will have only the things we will need for one night up at Wayne & Jac. The other bags will go to storage in the hotel and we will pick them up on the way back. Brad and I had a swim before we dressed for the trip. Seems hot here but will be much cooler when we get off at Sidney. We headed for the airport at 11:00 only to find out the plane is late more than an hour. That gave us more time to visit with Brad. Kerrie has work in Perth and is on the same plane as us that far, then we change planes and head for Sidney. A $10.00 taxi ride took us to our hotel right near the airport and we got to bed about midnight Sidney time. We were a bit tired after a long day of travel. Good night. DDT
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Fireworks Send Off
Sunday Sept 13/09
We have come to our last day here in Broome. With Kerrie home for the week-end we decided to hang out around the pool this morning. Luka is here on a sleep over so all five of us played in the pool. Today the whole family is going to the Crocodile Farm about 20 klms out of town. At the farm they told us all about the croc and the trouble they cause and it's a place for them to learn about the croc's habits. At 3:00 it is feeding time and You will have to believe me they don't have much in the way of table manners. They have dingos, birds, snakes, bats and 6 or 8 different Wallabies and we got to see a Big Red Kangaroo right up close. It was a big place to tour so by the time we were ready to go we decided to go back to the house and have hamburgers. A very nice day of relaxing and after the company left we watched T.V. and I was on the computer and burnit all the pictures off the camera. ( to CD that is). Then Broome gave us a send off display of fireworks down on Cable Beach. We had a front row seat right on the deck. That was real nice of them. Oh! the fireworks was for WA Victoria Day. Oh darn. This will be the last blog from Broome and if I get to a computer I will write about N.Z. Bye bye. DDT
We have come to our last day here in Broome. With Kerrie home for the week-end we decided to hang out around the pool this morning. Luka is here on a sleep over so all five of us played in the pool. Today the whole family is going to the Crocodile Farm about 20 klms out of town. At the farm they told us all about the croc and the trouble they cause and it's a place for them to learn about the croc's habits. At 3:00 it is feeding time and You will have to believe me they don't have much in the way of table manners. They have dingos, birds, snakes, bats and 6 or 8 different Wallabies and we got to see a Big Red Kangaroo right up close. It was a big place to tour so by the time we were ready to go we decided to go back to the house and have hamburgers. A very nice day of relaxing and after the company left we watched T.V. and I was on the computer and burnit all the pictures off the camera. ( to CD that is). Then Broome gave us a send off display of fireworks down on Cable Beach. We had a front row seat right on the deck. That was real nice of them. Oh! the fireworks was for WA Victoria Day. Oh darn. This will be the last blog from Broome and if I get to a computer I will write about N.Z. Bye bye. DDT
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Birthday
Sat Sept 12/09
Guess what we are doing. We are heading for the beach before it gets to hot. The tide is OUT this morning so we should have lots of beach and we don't have to worry about getting off the beach. The waves were very big at low tide so if you didn't watch you could be knocked down very easy. We spent more than two hours there and it was nice to get back to the house and jump into the pool. After lunch I washed and waxed Kerrie's wee 4x4 and Brad and Wendy went down town to get stuff for my birthday supper tonight. Kerrie's Mom and Dad are coming over and we are having surf and turf off the B-B-Q. Oh Luka and Pep came with Grandpa and Grandma. It was great just to stay at home and visit. DDT
Guess what we are doing. We are heading for the beach before it gets to hot. The tide is OUT this morning so we should have lots of beach and we don't have to worry about getting off the beach. The waves were very big at low tide so if you didn't watch you could be knocked down very easy. We spent more than two hours there and it was nice to get back to the house and jump into the pool. After lunch I washed and waxed Kerrie's wee 4x4 and Brad and Wendy went down town to get stuff for my birthday supper tonight. Kerrie's Mom and Dad are coming over and we are having surf and turf off the B-B-Q. Oh Luka and Pep came with Grandpa and Grandma. It was great just to stay at home and visit. DDT
Park walk and photo shoot
Friday Sept 11/09
I got up early and with camera in hand I drove to the golf course to get pictures of Roo's, Walleys and what ever else showed up. I got there just as the sun was coming up and the Roos were grazing on the fairways. I got my camera ready and was about ready to get my first shot and they all run away. The course keeper came along in his cart and chased them away. So I waited and they did come back. I did get a prize shot of a peacock. Then I drove to a park that takes you on a path in the brush and up to the backside of the huge sand dunes. No one wanted to come with me and now I know why. HOT. Then back to the house for a cool swim in the pool and get ready to go for morning tea someplace. Jake and Marlyn are flying out this morning so Brad and Kerrie took them for breakfast and Wendy and I went to the Zeebar for breakfast. After breakfast we went to Willie Pearls and shopped for a gift for Wendy. She found a necklace that she liked so she has her birthday and anniversary gift all in one. We got back in time to go to the airport to see Jake and Marlyn off. Kerrie and Wendy had hair appointments and Brad and I carried on with the oil changes and fixing. At 5:00 we went to Dean's for a beer and then out for evening tea at Roey's Bar. That about does it for the day. DDT
I got up early and with camera in hand I drove to the golf course to get pictures of Roo's, Walleys and what ever else showed up. I got there just as the sun was coming up and the Roos were grazing on the fairways. I got my camera ready and was about ready to get my first shot and they all run away. The course keeper came along in his cart and chased them away. So I waited and they did come back. I did get a prize shot of a peacock. Then I drove to a park that takes you on a path in the brush and up to the backside of the huge sand dunes. No one wanted to come with me and now I know why. HOT. Then back to the house for a cool swim in the pool and get ready to go for morning tea someplace. Jake and Marlyn are flying out this morning so Brad and Kerrie took them for breakfast and Wendy and I went to the Zeebar for breakfast. After breakfast we went to Willie Pearls and shopped for a gift for Wendy. She found a necklace that she liked so she has her birthday and anniversary gift all in one. We got back in time to go to the airport to see Jake and Marlyn off. Kerrie and Wendy had hair appointments and Brad and I carried on with the oil changes and fixing. At 5:00 we went to Dean's for a beer and then out for evening tea at Roey's Bar. That about does it for the day. DDT
Beach B-B-Q
Thurs Sept 10/09
Before Breakfast Brad took us for a drive to another beach out near the Pier. Now that the tide is out we can walk on this beach and I can take some pictures of the rock formations that are cut out by water and sand. One of these big rocks has a hole through it and also one that goes up and out the top. Brad climbed up and stood on top so I could take his picture. We didn't go for a swim today as the tide will be up to high and the beach will be under water until later in the afternoon. Brad and I loaded the big B-B-Q and coolers into the truck and all the family met down at the beach for a B-B-Q and cold drinks. The tide was so far out we had to walk along way to have a swim. Kerrie's Mom and Dad arrived here last night all the way from Victoria. I think he told me 4 days of straight driving. So everyone was here for a great time and watch the sun go down once again. Two more swims left before we have to leave here and start our journey home. Oh I'm full bye. DDT
Before Breakfast Brad took us for a drive to another beach out near the Pier. Now that the tide is out we can walk on this beach and I can take some pictures of the rock formations that are cut out by water and sand. One of these big rocks has a hole through it and also one that goes up and out the top. Brad climbed up and stood on top so I could take his picture. We didn't go for a swim today as the tide will be up to high and the beach will be under water until later in the afternoon. Brad and I loaded the big B-B-Q and coolers into the truck and all the family met down at the beach for a B-B-Q and cold drinks. The tide was so far out we had to walk along way to have a swim. Kerrie's Mom and Dad arrived here last night all the way from Victoria. I think he told me 4 days of straight driving. So everyone was here for a great time and watch the sun go down once again. Two more swims left before we have to leave here and start our journey home. Oh I'm full bye. DDT
Friday, September 11, 2009
090909
Wed Sept 09/09
We are heading out again for more outback. We have to drive about 20 minutes to get on a boat tour of Grekie Gorge. This is a boat ride on a river lake up and down a gorge that takes about an hour. This tour made the stay over night worth not having anything for a sleep over. We saw birds, crocs, and a rare view of a short hair Wallaby or Rock Wallaby. Brad spotted it and pointed it out to the guide or we would of missed it altogether. The over hanging cliffs and the story about the floods in the rain season that flood everything for up to 18 klms on the plains. After the tour we went back for breakfast tea and then hit the road for Broome. A long drive but every mile was worth it. If you want to see pictures and hear the story when we get home I will be happy to tell you all that I can remember about every picture. Lots of nature. DDT
We are heading out again for more outback. We have to drive about 20 minutes to get on a boat tour of Grekie Gorge. This is a boat ride on a river lake up and down a gorge that takes about an hour. This tour made the stay over night worth not having anything for a sleep over. We saw birds, crocs, and a rare view of a short hair Wallaby or Rock Wallaby. Brad spotted it and pointed it out to the guide or we would of missed it altogether. The over hanging cliffs and the story about the floods in the rain season that flood everything for up to 18 klms on the plains. After the tour we went back for breakfast tea and then hit the road for Broome. A long drive but every mile was worth it. If you want to see pictures and hear the story when we get home I will be happy to tell you all that I can remember about every picture. Lots of nature. DDT
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Outback day
Tues. Sept 8/09
We decided last night we would get up about 4:30 am and take a drive out to the outback and take in some of this countries greatest land scapes. We drove on a road that took us by the mine that Brad works at. He did speek to someone at the mine on his two way radio and had him pass on a message to Kerrie that we were out there. No cell service out there. We drove a bit farther and stopped at Windjana Gorge. About 500 klms. We went on a walking tour over big rocks and down along a river in this gorge. Water has carved this out of lime stone over time. We saw lots of wildlife and nature that we don't have in Canada. That took about ahour to walk and in this heat that was enough. The air conditioning in the truck was a nice welcome. Then we drove farther and stopped at Tunnel Creek. This was something very different. It is a tunnel under the ridge of lime stone made by water that is about 1 klm long and you walk in this tunnel in some water over rocks on sand bars and in dark. A flash light is needed. It was nice and cool in there and I couldn't begin to tell you about it here. I took pictures of old hand paintings on the cliff walls and some inside the tunnel. Then we drove to an old outpost police station that was operating in the late 1800. Then we drove what seemed for ever to a town called Fitzroy Crossing. Brad decided we were staying over night, oh! You should of seen Wendy's face, we didn't have one thing with us to stay over night. Last thing we knew was we were going on a long one day trip. Oh well we will make out. We stayed in a Safari Tent hotel. The only way you could stay in one of these is if the nights cooled down, and it did. Great sleep after a long hot day of travel and walking tours. Good night... DDT
We decided last night we would get up about 4:30 am and take a drive out to the outback and take in some of this countries greatest land scapes. We drove on a road that took us by the mine that Brad works at. He did speek to someone at the mine on his two way radio and had him pass on a message to Kerrie that we were out there. No cell service out there. We drove a bit farther and stopped at Windjana Gorge. About 500 klms. We went on a walking tour over big rocks and down along a river in this gorge. Water has carved this out of lime stone over time. We saw lots of wildlife and nature that we don't have in Canada. That took about ahour to walk and in this heat that was enough. The air conditioning in the truck was a nice welcome. Then we drove farther and stopped at Tunnel Creek. This was something very different. It is a tunnel under the ridge of lime stone made by water that is about 1 klm long and you walk in this tunnel in some water over rocks on sand bars and in dark. A flash light is needed. It was nice and cool in there and I couldn't begin to tell you about it here. I took pictures of old hand paintings on the cliff walls and some inside the tunnel. Then we drove to an old outpost police station that was operating in the late 1800. Then we drove what seemed for ever to a town called Fitzroy Crossing. Brad decided we were staying over night, oh! You should of seen Wendy's face, we didn't have one thing with us to stay over night. Last thing we knew was we were going on a long one day trip. Oh well we will make out. We stayed in a Safari Tent hotel. The only way you could stay in one of these is if the nights cooled down, and it did. Great sleep after a long hot day of travel and walking tours. Good night... DDT
Read tide chart
Monday Sept 7/09
You can guess what we did. Yes we did, we road the bikes down and up around and through the rocks to the beach. The tide is to be at it's high about 12:00 noon. We knew that but we have bikes. I didn't think about the rocks being under water at this tide level of 9.51 meters. We were having fun sun bathing and swimming for more than two hours. When we were ready to head back we can't the rocks are covered. Now we could walk a long way up the beach and go over the sand dunes or wait more than two hours for the water to go out in this heat or climb up the small cliff with the bikes and down the other side and head home. That is what we did. Hot work but they have beach showers at the road that you can shower in to get the salt water off, so we cooled off under them. After we changed we went down to the mall and passed the afternoon away in air conditioning. Just another very hot day. DDT
You can guess what we did. Yes we did, we road the bikes down and up around and through the rocks to the beach. The tide is to be at it's high about 12:00 noon. We knew that but we have bikes. I didn't think about the rocks being under water at this tide level of 9.51 meters. We were having fun sun bathing and swimming for more than two hours. When we were ready to head back we can't the rocks are covered. Now we could walk a long way up the beach and go over the sand dunes or wait more than two hours for the water to go out in this heat or climb up the small cliff with the bikes and down the other side and head home. That is what we did. Hot work but they have beach showers at the road that you can shower in to get the salt water off, so we cooled off under them. After we changed we went down to the mall and passed the afternoon away in air conditioning. Just another very hot day. DDT
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Stat days
Sunday Sept 06/09
Now if you can follow this. We held Canadian Thanks Giving on Canadian Labour Day on Australian Fathers Day. Okay this may help, Australia doesn't have a Thanks Giving or Labour Day. Next Monday is their Victoria Day long week-end. Jake and Marlyn made turkey supper with all the trimings. Wendy and Brad tried hard to find the makings to make Flapper pie but they just couldn't find any. Choc cake with ice cream and also a cheese cake had to make do. This is Jake and Marlyn's last week in Australia. They fly to Sidney Friday and then to Canada. Brad and Kerrie will miss them. DDT
P.S. How is my dog doing Sam. You haven't wrote me about her. Are you reading my blog to her??? okay you don't have to do that. Bye. Grandpa
Now if you can follow this. We held Canadian Thanks Giving on Canadian Labour Day on Australian Fathers Day. Okay this may help, Australia doesn't have a Thanks Giving or Labour Day. Next Monday is their Victoria Day long week-end. Jake and Marlyn made turkey supper with all the trimings. Wendy and Brad tried hard to find the makings to make Flapper pie but they just couldn't find any. Choc cake with ice cream and also a cheese cake had to make do. This is Jake and Marlyn's last week in Australia. They fly to Sidney Friday and then to Canada. Brad and Kerrie will miss them. DDT
P.S. How is my dog doing Sam. You haven't wrote me about her. Are you reading my blog to her??? okay you don't have to do that. Bye. Grandpa
Car show
Sat Sept 06/09
Another day at beach land. We went to the beach about 9:20. Tied an umbella to the bike some water bottles and off we go. The waves are bigger and the tide is getting higher as the week goes along. Back home about 11:30 then Brad and I went down to the Car Show on the park. Lots of motor bikes and nice paint jobs. Some old cars, with right hand drive and others still left hand drive. Then we went home and Brad took Wendy down to there to get the rest of the food for Sundays Tea. Brad made reservations at an Italian Cafe for tonights supper. This is Wendy's treat to-night. If we get out of the cafe in time we are going down to the mud flats to see the stairway to the moon in the wet sand after the tide goes out. Big thing around here these tides. Bye bye. DDT
Another day at beach land. We went to the beach about 9:20. Tied an umbella to the bike some water bottles and off we go. The waves are bigger and the tide is getting higher as the week goes along. Back home about 11:30 then Brad and I went down to the Car Show on the park. Lots of motor bikes and nice paint jobs. Some old cars, with right hand drive and others still left hand drive. Then we went home and Brad took Wendy down to there to get the rest of the food for Sundays Tea. Brad made reservations at an Italian Cafe for tonights supper. This is Wendy's treat to-night. If we get out of the cafe in time we are going down to the mud flats to see the stairway to the moon in the wet sand after the tide goes out. Big thing around here these tides. Bye bye. DDT
Day at home
Friday Sept 04/09
We didn't go to the beach to-day. We felt we needed a day off from the sun and heat. Wendy started some lundry, I went looking for parts for Kerrie's wee 4x4 and Brad was finishing up some small jobs around the house. After I put the parts on the wee 4x4 I helped Brad with his jobs. It was very hot and it was best we stay out of the sun. Brad received a call that one of the unit's got rented out for the week-end. So Brad and Wendy got right to it and cleaned the unit. Then we hit the pool to cool off. Wendy made Tea (supper) for to-night. We B-B-Q pork ribs the ones we ordered Wed. remember. Ha you forgot didn't you. With that we had corn on the cob. Good, good, good. I have to finish my wine bye. DDT
We didn't go to the beach to-day. We felt we needed a day off from the sun and heat. Wendy started some lundry, I went looking for parts for Kerrie's wee 4x4 and Brad was finishing up some small jobs around the house. After I put the parts on the wee 4x4 I helped Brad with his jobs. It was very hot and it was best we stay out of the sun. Brad received a call that one of the unit's got rented out for the week-end. So Brad and Wendy got right to it and cleaned the unit. Then we hit the pool to cool off. Wendy made Tea (supper) for to-night. We B-B-Q pork ribs the ones we ordered Wed. remember. Ha you forgot didn't you. With that we had corn on the cob. Good, good, good. I have to finish my wine bye. DDT
Saturday, September 5, 2009
High tide
Thurs. Sept 03/09
High tide this morning when we got to the beach. I drove the truck up around the rocks and found a place to park. Laid out the blankets and Umbella and went for a swim. Was the water that close to the truck, moved the truck back some more, took in some sun, look how close the water is again. The trail to get around the rocks is under water.. Pronder pronder pronder, I think it is going out again. I'm sure it won't get any higher than the weed line! Or can it! Oh good it is going back out. I will make sure I read the tide times tomorrow. Sure leaves you wondering if this was a good move. Got back home for lunch, fish sandwiches good. Brad and I installed the treads on the steps laid the stone pads and presto we have a completed shower at the pool. I mixed a drink for Wendy and I, opps shouldn't have done that we are heading back to the beach for a weiner roast. Someone has to tell my about this sooner. We watched the sun set again while eating and sat until it was dark. Back home to watch some T.V. This was a hot day. Good night. DDT
High tide this morning when we got to the beach. I drove the truck up around the rocks and found a place to park. Laid out the blankets and Umbella and went for a swim. Was the water that close to the truck, moved the truck back some more, took in some sun, look how close the water is again. The trail to get around the rocks is under water.. Pronder pronder pronder, I think it is going out again. I'm sure it won't get any higher than the weed line! Or can it! Oh good it is going back out. I will make sure I read the tide times tomorrow. Sure leaves you wondering if this was a good move. Got back home for lunch, fish sandwiches good. Brad and I installed the treads on the steps laid the stone pads and presto we have a completed shower at the pool. I mixed a drink for Wendy and I, opps shouldn't have done that we are heading back to the beach for a weiner roast. Someone has to tell my about this sooner. We watched the sun set again while eating and sat until it was dark. Back home to watch some T.V. This was a hot day. Good night. DDT
I'm sorry
I'm sorry about the temp over there, but just for you it is 36 here and it is hot.
Wed Sept 02/09
Wendy and I headed for the beach early to beat the heat. The tide was way down so we had all kinds of beach to play on. We got back home about 10:40 and had a swim in the pool to cool off. After lunch we went down town to mail cards and start picking up food for the week-end and get our order in for pork ribs for a B-B-Q When we got back Brad and I went over to Dean's to weld the steps together for the pool and then hung them and poured cement around the feet. For supper Brad made up some more of the fish we caught with all the trimmings. Boy do we eat over here. The nice thing about 6:00 pm is we can sit outside and talk the evening away and cool off before bed. That's all folks, back tomorrow if I hace time. DDT
Wed Sept 02/09
Wendy and I headed for the beach early to beat the heat. The tide was way down so we had all kinds of beach to play on. We got back home about 10:40 and had a swim in the pool to cool off. After lunch we went down town to mail cards and start picking up food for the week-end and get our order in for pork ribs for a B-B-Q When we got back Brad and I went over to Dean's to weld the steps together for the pool and then hung them and poured cement around the feet. For supper Brad made up some more of the fish we caught with all the trimmings. Boy do we eat over here. The nice thing about 6:00 pm is we can sit outside and talk the evening away and cool off before bed. That's all folks, back tomorrow if I hace time. DDT
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Spring Time
Tuesday Sept 01/09
We are back, it is now spring. Boy the seasons past by fast here. The four of us are up early to be picked up and head out for a Whale watching tour and lunch at a ECO Beach resort. The tour boat was a great boat to ride in at high speed over the waves nice seats and shade. The whales were great sports and give us a good show. The guide said we got one of the best shows. The whales are very playfull and interested in the boat. They got close enough that you could of jumped from the boat on to their backs. We saw sea snakes and flat back turtles. Again more pictures. At the ECO Beach resort we had a short tour of the place and told they work with the environment anyway they can from water to sun power and recyled everything right at the site. This place was brand new and opened in June for the season. By the time we got home we were tired and were off to bed early. Another great day of being on vacation. Bye Bye, DDT
We are back, it is now spring. Boy the seasons past by fast here. The four of us are up early to be picked up and head out for a Whale watching tour and lunch at a ECO Beach resort. The tour boat was a great boat to ride in at high speed over the waves nice seats and shade. The whales were great sports and give us a good show. The guide said we got one of the best shows. The whales are very playfull and interested in the boat. They got close enough that you could of jumped from the boat on to their backs. We saw sea snakes and flat back turtles. Again more pictures. At the ECO Beach resort we had a short tour of the place and told they work with the environment anyway they can from water to sun power and recyled everything right at the site. This place was brand new and opened in June for the season. By the time we got home we were tired and were off to bed early. Another great day of being on vacation. Bye Bye, DDT
Winter day
Mon Aug 31/09
Last day of the month and for you in the far north this is also the last day of winter. To be continued next spring.
Wendy and I are getting very brown, going to the beach everyday. Brad and Kerrie had a room to clean out so we went to the beach. When we got back Brad and I got the outdoor shower working. We need to make a set of steps and lay some pads down to stand on. We had to stop and get ready to head to the beach for our Camel Ride at sun set. After the ride we just sat on the beach with beers and cheeze and crackers until it was completelly dark. Then back to the house for tea. You notice that word BEACH in every write up. Remember it's winter, we have it all wrong in Canada. DDT
Last day of the month and for you in the far north this is also the last day of winter. To be continued next spring.
Wendy and I are getting very brown, going to the beach everyday. Brad and Kerrie had a room to clean out so we went to the beach. When we got back Brad and I got the outdoor shower working. We need to make a set of steps and lay some pads down to stand on. We had to stop and get ready to head to the beach for our Camel Ride at sun set. After the ride we just sat on the beach with beers and cheeze and crackers until it was completelly dark. Then back to the house for tea. You notice that word BEACH in every write up. Remember it's winter, we have it all wrong in Canada. DDT
Mango Pizza Day
Sun Aug 30/09
Let Glen know that I do think of him lots. When I see something dumb or things out of sorts with the rest of the world I think of him. Ha! Ha! just kidding. I have some things or pictures that are just for him and no one else.
Today we drove out to a Mango farm for lunch. Their big thing is cooking pizza in an outdoor oven over Mango wood. They are called Mango smoked pizza. Very good I must say. Then we drove over to the PORT where the large ships dock. A huge cruise ship was in port, you can't vision the size of one of these until you stand beside it. A city on water, not sure I could stand the small space with so many people all in that space. Will have to try it at lest once, right Ruth. You are reading this Ruth. I hope Aaron is showing you this stuff. By the time we got back to the house we set up the B-B-Q and drank wine and more wine. One more day gone. Where is the time going? There is always tomorrow. DDT
Let Glen know that I do think of him lots. When I see something dumb or things out of sorts with the rest of the world I think of him. Ha! Ha! just kidding. I have some things or pictures that are just for him and no one else.
Today we drove out to a Mango farm for lunch. Their big thing is cooking pizza in an outdoor oven over Mango wood. They are called Mango smoked pizza. Very good I must say. Then we drove over to the PORT where the large ships dock. A huge cruise ship was in port, you can't vision the size of one of these until you stand beside it. A city on water, not sure I could stand the small space with so many people all in that space. Will have to try it at lest once, right Ruth. You are reading this Ruth. I hope Aaron is showing you this stuff. By the time we got back to the house we set up the B-B-Q and drank wine and more wine. One more day gone. Where is the time going? There is always tomorrow. DDT
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