GARY AND GLENDA JENKINS

2011-06-03T22:23:00.000-07:00

We are now in South Africa.A fourteen hour flight from Sydney after a two hour connecting flight out of Brisbane had us arriving at Johannesburg.Only spent one night here in a hotel complex with a casino that reminded us of Las Vegas,all over the top.The next flight into Port Elizabeth on the south coast arrived at noon.Got our hire car and a SA sim for the mobile and we set off for the Kariega Game Reserve about two hours drive.This we had booked for three nights.Very pleased with the set up here.Full board with two game drives on open land rovers each day.The lodge we have been allocated is a three bedroom log chalet all ensuite with a balcony overlooking one of the wooded valleys in the reserve.It does get cold here in the evenings as it is now winter so I have had to master the fire lighting skills of our log fire in the lounge.All very cosy but we always fall asleep in such surrounds.
Interesting to see how the game ignore us allowing a very close approach.All the big five we have now seen including many others.Typing this on our last morning at seven am with the sunrise lighting up the lounge,with some cloud it is a lovely sight.The plan is to leave here and drive the famous Garden Route for five days stopping at wherever we end up with Cape Town the final destination.Our flight home brings us into Heathrow on Friday 10 June.I have to service and MOT the motorhome on the Monday as the New Zealand swap couple are collecting it on the Tuesday,so no more travels for us for a couple of months.This is fine by us as we are looking forward to see family and friends again after being away for best part of five months.We have just also heard the great news that Scott has managed to get a placement for a year out in industry after months of interviews and tests.He deserves it for all his efforts.After that he will have one last year at university. CONGRATULATIONS SCOTT

2011-05-29T04:55:00.000-07:00

29 May
Just a quick update.We have travelled south through very much the Oz outback and the amazingly remote towns.For the most they make sure they have all the sporting facilities and swimming pools.Often a golf course as well which we made good use of.Just recently we hired a boat and went fishing where Glenda caught a Puffa fish.Not knowing what it was as I handled it to remove the hook you could hear it puffing in air and within moments had become a ball!Amazing.Today we went on a jetski which I enjoyed and Glenda hated.Leaving the river and heading out to sea we where taking off over the waves!Anyway we are due to fly into South Africa on Tue 31 May so time to start packing.We have now swapped 4 motorhomes for a period of 8 months here in Oz and NZ and having just checked the motorhome rental companies for the costs if we had hired similar vehicles for that amount of time we would have spent over £40,000 as opposed to zero this way.How about that for a bargain.

2011-05-29T04:51:00.000-07:00

10 May- The weather has now turned much better and we have been slowly making our way north along the Queensland coast.Took a night off from the motorhome and spent a few days and night in a resort hotel on a small Barrier reef Island called Daydream Island.It was sunny but too windy to snorkel or sail as we had planned.For the wedding we had booked a meal at the golf course and for once I got lucky by winning the raffle for a bottle of whiskey.Dont know if it will get drunk by the time we leave but will try our hardest.At Townsville we swam in the sea as they had a stinger net to protect the swimmers from the dangerous jellyfish some of which will kill you!
We spent some time in Cairns and at last made our trip out to the Great Barrier Reef.We both snorkelled and I also tried a scuba dive for the first time.Great coral and multitudes of colourfull fish some very large.The coral itself was not as colourfull as expected but that might be due to the hurricane that went through a few months earlier.Also booked a private flight over the reef which was excellent to get a true picture of its beauty and enormous size.From up there we could view Manta Ray and Sharks.
We are now as far north on the coast that you can go on tarmac road other than going inland to reach Cooktown which time does not allow.We are at Cape Tribulation where Cpt Cook damaged his ship on the reef and made repairs.The interesting part was making a boat trip on the Daintree River to view the wild crocodiles.So much better to see them in the wild than a zoo.The boat Captain had a sense of humour and had us laughing over a croc attack a few weeks earlier on the river.A bloke fishing was suddenly grabbed by the leg and was holding on to a branch to avoid being dragged in.His dog was barking whilst he was shouting for help.He grabbed his dog and threw him in as crocs love the taste of dogs.This had no effect but a friend appeared and shot the croc.He is still in hospital with a leg six inches longer than the other and his dogs not talking to him.

2011-04-26T17:40:00.000-07:00

18 April-A busy week with on and off weather.At Hervey Bay we were camped right next to the beach and as it was such good weather we stayed for two nights to give us a full day on the beach.Also close to the bars and restaraunts meant we went out both evenings.At dusk every evening the sky filled with screeching bats flying close overhead along the boulevard.These are large bats, maybe Fruit bats, and is entertaining whilst sitting outside of the bars for a drink.
We made a point of visiting the town of Bundaberg.Famous for its Rum distillery.We took a tour on a Sat that coincided with a fund raising day that they had laid on for the town.This was to raise funds for the Queensland Flood Appeal.Live music,etc but the main event was the issue of a five year old rum at $40.00 a bottle and people had been camping outside since the Tuesday to get their hands on one of the first 1,000 ! After a interesting tour you are invited to try 2 drinks each from the bar of the various types and as I was the driver it meant one for me and three for Glenda.All this at 11.30 am!
Camped at a small seaside town called Emu Park ,about 20km east of Rockhampton.Again we got lucky as they were having a kite festival on this Sunday.It made for a pleasant day out with the music/dance stage and the many stalls.We purchased a weird looking fruit called a Custard Apple but have not yet tried it yet until it ripens.The day finished off with fireworks.On a small hill they have a large concrete artwork incorporating steel tubes that whistle with wind to celebrate Cpt Cooks Travels.When they first erected it in 2000 it was so loud that the locals could not sleep and dogs kept howling until it was modified to a much lower level.Glenda was surprised this morning by a green frog in a toilet after lifting the lid which I couldn’t resist taking a photo of.
Now experiencing heavy rain for two days so we are making tracks up to Mackay and the Whitsunday Islands for possibly our first trip out to the Great Barrier Reef when the weather improves.
Update-Now the 22nd April and we have spent time playing golf and chilling on the beach at Mackay.But better still was our visit to Eungella NP to walk the rain forest tracks and to view the wild Platypus.A lot of effort required to see these little guys but worth it as many people never manage to see them.They are only about 8” long and don’t remain on the surface for long but we did alright including a night time walk with a ranger and torches.The weather is now sunny and hot at about 30 deg.

2011-04-14T14:39:00.000-07:00

12 April-We decided to travel south from the Brisbane area for a week to avoid rain up north.It is the end of the rainy season soon in the tropical north.We visited some of the National Parks for the walks and views near the town of Tamborine Mountain.Then some time on the beach near Surfers Paradise.On to Noosa Heads ,now north of Brisbane, a very nice seaside location but my attempts at body boarding on the perfect waves were rubbish.Further north at Rainbow Beach we used a wild camp area for three nights for its perfect location on the beach.It was also a good point to visit Fraser Island for a organised day trip.This is the worlds largest sand island.Driving along the beach and very rough sand tracks in a 4x4 coach to see the various sights the highlight being Lake McKenzie.This is a fresh water lake with white sands so perfect you can polish your gold rings and exfoliate with it.Now at a place called Hervey Bay after watching dolphins being fed this morning at Tin Can Bay and last night hundreds of large bats flying overhead our campsite at dusk.The weather is now much improved from the first week.

2011-04-03T16:07:00.000-07:00

Well here we are in Australia.We are near Brisbane and are due to set off in the motorhome today (4 April) after spending the weekend at the swoppers home.The plan is to explore Queensland over the next two months but take it slowly as we wait for the rainy season in the north to retreat.Our last 2 weeks in New Zealands north island was more hectic than the rest because time was running out to see all the interesting places.The list is long so I will not try to explain it all but suffice to say we enjoyed our remaining time.We played golf,drove up the famous ninety mile beach,did sand dune surfing,visited the Bay of Islands and Auckland,etc,etc

2011-03-23T16:54:00.001-07:00

Hi
Since our last blog on the 5 March we have covered many miles.Through the famous Arthurs Pass with its great views.A trip to the Hanmer Hot Springs and boy they were hot.Up to Kaikoura on the west coast we took a boat out to view the huge sperm whales and I am glad to say we managed to avoid sea sickness unlike some of the other passengers.At Blenheim we needed to borrow some clubs for a round of golf at the local golf course and as it was closing for the day a player gave me his mobile phone to ring him when finished and he would return to open the clubhouse again.How friendly is that!Mind you everybody seem friendly here.We crossed the Cook Straight back to the North Island and spent some time in Wellington,the capitol,before routing north on the east coast.This way we miss the main tourist roads to get a better feel for the place.The towns are very quite usually with just the one hotel/tavern.At one such place called Pongaroa we camped in the local rugby club,they love their rugby out here,and went for a pint on Sunday afternoon.Soon got talking with the locals and discovered one was English who had emigrated and was now the first English Mayor of the area.The large town of Napier was a place I had been looking forward to see as it has the worlds most Art Deco buildings in one town.Due to a earthquake in 1931 it was mainly rebuilt in the new building style.I found it really interesting whilst on a organised town walk.We spent some time in Gisborne.This town is on Poverty Bay ,named by Captain Cook in 1769 as he landed for the first time in NZ and due to a misunderstanding ended up killing five Maori and got no provisions.Used the Bowling club for our night stop and as usual the friendly members had us bowling and then a few drinks in their club .At £3.50 for two drinks we could have stayed all night.
Typing this at our night stop on a beach called Anaura Bay with a almost full moon for lighting.In fact this was Cooks second attempt of a landing point and came upon friendly Maori this time and got his water/food .We now have two weeks left in NZ and are running against the clock to see all the other highlights of North Island.

2011-03-06T13:17:00.000-08:00

The week has been spent driving through and visiting the old gold mining towns.After the gold rush many of the towns remained and grew when they turned to farming instead.This was not an option for the Australian towns we visited last year in desert conditions they became ghost towns.We had a memorable trip to Mount Cook,NZ highest peak,in perfect blue sky weather.You drive along for about a hour on a dead end road that terminates at the Tasmin Glazier.Often covered by cloud we were lucky and on climbing a track also viewed the icebergs floating on the glazier lake.A day later we were at Lake Tekapo for its famous light blue colour and then on to the Banks Peninsular about 50 miles south of Christchurch.This is a huge extinct volcano now a harbour big enough for cruise ships.Free camped on the shore here for two nights whilst touring the various bays and views.

2011-02-27T13:45:00.000-08:00

We have now arrived at Dunedin,the most southern city in NZ.The weather is much like a dodgy English summer.We have been to Milford sound for the spectacular scenery viewed from the boat close up.Managed to fit in a few rounds of golf whilst driving the Southern Scenic Route along the coastline.On one beach we walked close up to a large seal sunbathing !The fields and views here are just the same as back home.We plan to view the Royal Albatross later today as this is the only place they nest on mainland.We should get lucky also to watch the Yellow Eyed Penguins that come ashore on many of the beaches here.To avoid Christchurch and the earthquake area we will drive to Mount Cook ,inland from here.We have eleven days left here on the south island before the ferry back to north island were we should get better weather with three further weeks to explore

2011-02-20T13:24:00.000-08:00

Now at Fiordland National Park.This is where we plan to explore the famous Milford and Doubtfull Sounds.At Te Anau town we booked onto the Doubtful Sound trip and made our way to Lake Manapouri for our night stop as this is the departure point.It was a Saturday and we were surprised to see a wedding reception on the beach.All the adults dressed up with the youngsters stripped and swimming in the lake,saves on a venue expense!The next day was a full day consisting of 1 hr across Lake Manapouri then a tour of the underground hydro electric plant buried inside a mountain.Followed by a coach across the gravel road blasted through the mountains called Willmots Pass until we reached Doubtful Sound.A 3 hr trip through spectacular scenery with seals and dolphins also seen and then the return meant we were 9 hrs in total.

2011-02-20T13:20:00.000-08:00

Here we are at the self proclaimed capital of adventure-Queensland.Much more touristy then Wanaka it certainly provides many activities.Using a camp site next to the gondola lift in the middle of town we made good use of these and the pubs.Had a good trip on a steamship across the lake to a lovely location on the opposite shore of a sheep farm.Much improved for the tourist trade we watched the sheep dogs and sheep sheering along with a superb Devon style tea.We ran out of time to do the jet boat,that we will do elsewhere,but we used the gondola,raced down the Luge track a few times and best of all we both took a Parasail flight from the top of the mountain eventually landing in the local school playing field!A great experience and I am glad Glenda was up for trying it out.She refused the famous A J Hacket Bungi jump though.

2011-02-13T11:04:00.000-08:00

We are using mainly Dept of Conservation campsites that only cost about £6.00 night.They don’t have facilities but then we are fully independant so that is not a problem for us.Often in secluded areas they suit us better than the clinical commercial campsites.Food is much the same price although eating out seems a bit cheaper and diesel is about half the price to the UK.Still travelling down the west coast of South Island in dodgy weather.Due to the mountain ranges it often rains ,so we have taken our time to go on the Fox Glazier Hike until the weather was blue.This we have now done and we both enjoyed the unusual experience of putting on ice crampons and walking on the glazier and through the crevices.Opted not to take the helicopter ride further up the glazier for the same ice walk experience as this would have cost £400 for a 10 minute flight each way !This way we only spent £100 and glad we did the hike instead.Its is amazing how huge these glaziers are and they are unusual in that they come all the way down to the rain forest valley floor without melting.Our DOC sites lately have been on some beautifull lakes such as Lake Paringa and Lake Hawea with great views.

2011-02-06T18:42:00.000-08:00

New Zealand Blog to 6 Feb
Well here we are at a country I have always wanted to visit since my father was unable to emigrate too for reasons unknown to me when I was 9 years old.Our nice swap couple collected us from Auckland airport and kindly put us up for the night,watered and fed us including taking us to the supermarket before sending us on our way .We had a ferry booked for the 4 Feb to take us from Wellington on the North Island to Picton on the South Island so we made quick progress over the few days to meet this deadline.We did make a point of visiting the cave in Waitamo where you cruise along in a boat in complete darkness to view the numerous glow worms above your head.Other than that we just took in all the scenery and and the culture here with eyes wide open.Of the 4.5 million inhabitants 3.5 million live in the North Island and the country as a whole is similar to the UK in size with its 60+ million!
The ferry is a highlight in itself when it sails the approach to Picton through the Queen Charlotte Sound and its great scenic surroundings.As I write this we are now 3 days into the South island at a place called Westport .This afternoon we tried out white water rafting on the Buller river.Glenda was nervous but then settled into enjoying it even though it was grade 3+ rapids! The most is grade 5.I do feel guilty prompting her to try these things but she has always said that if I push her she ends up enjoying the experiences,as in this case.I wonder if she will go for the bungy jump idea ?
Our motorhome is very comfortable-picture included.

FIJI

2011-02-06T18:40:00.000-08:00

FIJI BLOG
We are about to leave Fiji after 3 days here at our lovely tropical beach resort.We have a beachside Burr which is a posh cabin with air con,ensuite and a veranda directly on to the beach.During our flight here from Hawaii we crossed the time zone so that we were 12 hours behind London on the 25 Jan and then in a split second we found ourselves 12 hours in front on the 26 Jan.It is the rainy season here but is hot and sunny until about 5 pm when it really pours down in true tropical storm style.Everywhere is luscious green foliage and the obligatory palm trees as we are in a rain forest environment.The staff and Fiji people are extremely friendly and cannot do enough for you it seems.Apart from taxi drives we have not had time to explore this large island but we did take a day cruise on a sailing schooner to the outlying tiny islands.This was the real paradise island area of most peoples perception of the ideal tropical getaway.With twelve passengers and eight crew serving a all inclusive drinks and meal cruise we all had a great time.They even have their own tiny island with just some shades installed to laze under.So small you could walk around it in two minutes,we tried the snorkelling on the reef and the line fishing .Talking to our resort security guy he is on 50 pence an hour !Even in this resort the prices are good,a beer for £1.80 and the most expensive fillet steak meal in the restaraunt is £10.00 ! How cheap it is outside for the locals is your guess.There is a cyclone warning out for Sunday on our departure day but to the north of us so fingers crossed it does not cause us trouble flying out.

HAWAII

2011-01-23T23:55:00.000-08:00

HAWAII
The first part of this blog refers to the island of Oahu.I am typing this in the departure lounge for our inter-island flight to Big Island.I have to say that our overall impression of Oahu is disappointing.This is due to the overdevelopment of the south of the island catering not only for tourists but also the majority of residents.Waikiki beach were we stayed was as I expected it to be but not the amount of housing spread over all the surrounding hills as far as the eye can see,and thats from our 43 floor room!.Driving our hire car was like being on the M25 all the time.It takes ages to make progress in some areas.We drove to the north shore to see the huge waves which were great to view but the general poverty we passed in places is a bit of a shock considering this is a US state.Planning to use a hotel in the north on our travels we discovered this was not possible as all accommodation was based in the Honolulu area in the south.Finding accommodation back in Waikiki is a story in itself.There were some good points.Our visit to Pearl Harbour and the USS Arizona Memorial was excellent with many options to view WWII submarines and battleships.By driving up the leeward side of the island on a dead end road we managed to get away from the masses and found a small bit of our hoped for paradise island experience.Here surrounded by steep green cliffs we had a beach with huge waves almost to ourselves and even some shade under a tree from the 80 f heat.
We have just finished our two days on Big Island and are due to fly back tomorrow to Oahu to catch the international flight to Fiji.This island has been much more fun than Oahu for us.We have stayed at a lovely lodge style accommodation in the village of Volcano.This obviously is the village closest to the active volcano and only one mile from the volcanoes national park.We have spent our time here as this was the main reason for our visit.It is truly an amazing place.We have seen steam vents,sulphur vents,huge old craters and of course the active one which at the moment is a lake of molten lava.At night this plume of sulphur gas is a red glow that looks spectacular set against the famous Hawaii night sky full of stars.You can drive for miles through the old lava flows that are making the island bigger by the day.We viewed the actual live flow of the recent lava but you are kept at a safe distance.Where we stood it had flowed across the road two days before and destroyed a house a few days before that!Wish we had more time here to explore the rest of this interesting place such as the two enormous extinct volcanoes that dominate the island and measures from the sea floor are higher than Everest.Highly recommended but don’t bother with Ohau unless you like a American style Blackpool.

SAN FRANCISCO

2011-01-21T11:39:00.000-08:00

SAN FRANCISCO
After a eleven hour flight from Heathrow on 16 Jan we arrived at a overcast but mild San Francisco airport.Too tight for a taxi we used the train for only $8.00 each to Powell Street which is the equivilent of our Piccadilly Circus.This meant dragging our cases through the busy streets for twenty minutes passed too many tramps asking for money to get to our hotel on Geary Ave.Apart from that small ordeal we have had a good time here.With two full days to explore but also fitting in a visit to some RV dealers ( we are thinking of buying one to tour the USA in the future)we suffered the sea fog one day and a glorious sunshine day the next.The bulk of the sights we fitted into the first day consisting of the Ferry Building,Coit tower,Pier 39,Union Square,Lombard Street,Cable cars and a very good night tour of Alcatraz.On the second day after most of it spent with dealerships we arrived at the Golden Gate Bridge for great views after walking to its centre.We only ever used the trains,trams and buses whilst most of the sights are in walking distance to each other.We are not great lovers of cities but this place seemed more friendly than many-we did wear flowers in our hair to mingle in- and only requires two days to tick all the boxes.Just typing this blog entry on our American Airlines flight to Hawaii as its the first spare moment since arriving.Two hours left of the five hour flight to arrive mid-day local time,the captain has just announced its 68 deg and sunny!

2011-01-12T03:15:00.000-08:00

Only a few days to go before we set off for our 5 month trip.We leave Heathrow on the Sun 16 Jan ,leaving Michael at home all to himself and Scott back at University.We will be going to San Francisco-Hawaii-Fiji-New Zealand-Australia_South Africa.

HOMEBOUND

2010-12-07T01:23:00.001-08:00

Well here we are in the South of France near Marseille after turning the wheels northbound a couple of weeks ago for the meandering journey diagonally across Spain to the Pyrenees.We are stealing ourselves to the fact of returning to the freezing conditions you have back home on the 14 December.Our remaining time in Portugal was spent on the beaches and then the interesting medieval towns and villages whilst homebound.Our route across Spain went just north of Madrid and I was surprised that they have ski resorts only one hour north of the city.However our ski plans were for the Pyrenees so we pressed on.The Spanish ski resort of Formigal was open when we arrived on Tue 30 November but the camping situation did not suit us so we crossed over to France.Here we used a small resort called Arette Pierre Saint Martin.We were able to camp at the bottom of the lifts in a designated area for motorhomes with electricity.

Although it was -8 in the night we had two good days on the slopes with the resort virtually empty.We used the ski chains to get up and down down from the mountain and although a bit wary it all went ok.

The plan now is to call in at the Alps for another couple of days on the slopes and probably a Christmas market somewhere in Germany or France for our last week.

See you soon.

2010-10-30T07:22:00.000-07:00

I don’t often have the chance to correspond without rushing but today we are sitting on a campsite in torrential rain catching up on the laundry.Our arrival into Portugal will be indelibly stamped on my consciousness for its hair raising memories ,if I had hair that is .The descision to cross the border off the beaten track was based on our Michelin road map that indicated a normal road across the mountain range.
The route into the Serra Do Geres national park went fine until we reached the defunct and abandoned border control .As we passed the Portugal sign the road suddenly became a steeply descending single track through a forest with numerous hair pin bends with overhanging branches .Eventually we came upon a village mid way down the mountain where we could stop to cool the brakes that were now hot and to avoid risking brake fade. I enquired with a local ,not by language of course ,but by indicating our campsite destination on a map .He pointed to a winding road that was snaking its way up the opposite side of the valley and my heart sunk.
Cursing the damned Michelin map I thought he must be wrong but after making the same enquiry with two other locals it seemed we had got ourselves into a valley with only one way out to our destination or turn back!
Mentally prepared, we started up the single track road hoping not to meet oncoming traffic ,although it seemed unlikely as we had only seen bulls and goats walking on the road during our descent .Well the nightmare journey turned out to have a silver lining because we were rewarded ,on reaching the mountain top ,with a spectacular view down to the lake at the valley floor with orange roofed villages scattered over the various hillsides .All this in glorious sunshine with the sound of church bells resounding upwards .The adjectives beautiful , stunning or breathtaking for once ring true in this case and it will remain a special memory.
Somehow the descent to our mountain campsite no longer gave cause for concern and apart from the bemused look of two goat shepards viewing a motorhome on what they no doubt thought was their mountain we were relieved when the journey ended .When we cross the border next time it will be via the normal tourist route.

2010-10-25T23:39:00.000-07:00

We took about 10 days driving through France before crossing the Spanish border .There is a problem in getting fuel here due to a strike over the pension age rising from 60 to 62 but we managed to get enough to get through the country.Never using the motorways we have the roads to ourselves. We have seen some lovely villages and the sun has been out all the time.Now in the mountains of Picos De Europe in north Spain and the weather is still holding up.Again the villages here are ancient often with old castles with a time warp atmosphere and no tourists at this time of year.Should get to Portugal in about a weeks time.Our 30th anniversary on the 25th and we forgot to get each other a card but we do have a hand made one from a friend to open on the day.Difficult to buy each other a present in a foreign country when you are always together so a packet of sweets swapped will have to suffice!

FIRST GRANDCHILD

2010-06-29T11:32:00.000-07:00

On 7 June our first grandchild was born.Holly.More hair than I have!
Born at Queens hospital in Romford at approx 8 am she weighed 7lb 8 oz

2010-02-28T01:20:00.001-08:00

The Blue Mountains were better than I expected as the viewpoints reminded us of the Grand Canyon in America.Off course not as large and deep but still a great sight.You have a fair walk to some of the views but its worth the effort.Unlike the UK here you can walk up to the cliff edge,you take responsibility for your own safety here,as we have noticed on many occasions.As it was my birthday we tried a Indian for the first time in Oz and did not expect much but it turned out well but different to our way of eating a Indian meal.Much better than our attempt in Canada once with Paul & Gloria and a comment was made to the owner of not being spicy enough and she replied that we “really pissed her off ! “
As we were having lunch by a roadside picnic spot enroute to Sydney the loud rumble of bikes were followed by well over a hundred Hells Angels on their Harleys passed us .A first for us to see so many together and they carry a reputation out here for the biker gang fights that make the tv news out here.
We are now just north of Sydney in the seaside resort of Narrabean on a perfect pitch by the sea.The plan was to chill out and use the beach on Sunday and we could not believe our bad luck when the tv news warned of “Blue Bottles” washing up on the shores (small jellyfish with a nasty sting) and then a warning of a Sunami arriving within the next hour caused by the Chilian earthquake !
Apart from some campers packing up quickly and leaving the campsite most were laid back about it since the tv speculated that it would lose it power as it crossed the Pacific.We joined others by going up to the Life Guard station and watched from there.Here we learned that there had been a shark warning for the previous few days.The beach was closed but many were out surfing!I guess they were hoping to catch the wave of their lives.
As we were camped right on the beach the twist of fate was not lost on me how we had just come down from the high ground of the Blue Mountains.When the danger had passed by midday we joined others for a swim in the sea with the water temperature at 24 deg.
We will catch the ferry tomorrow from Manly bay.not far from us,to Sydney for some tourist stuff and visit Bondi Beach as we are becoming the proverbial beach bums.
Can not upload photographs as I dont have 4 hrs spare for this rubbish connection

2010-02-28T01:20:00.000-08:00

2010-02-22T14:19:00.000-08:00

Now in Canberra.I like this city as its well laid out and not too large.We visited Parliment yesterday and managed to watch the Prime Minister at Question time from the public gallery.We have had a unwelcome passenger for about a week in our van.We think ,according to a Aussie,that it is a Huntsman Spider.Poisonous but not deadly.He appears in the cab area but darts away quickly.Last night Glenda looked up above where she was sitting and he was above her head underneath the overhead cabinet!About the width of a tennis ball and hairy she did not stay seated for long.At last I could whack him with the fly swatter.One chance only or he would have got away and mad.I disposed of him well away from the van incase he revived.
Sunny today abouth 30 deg.

Victoria

2010-02-17T23:04:00.000-08:00

The Great Ocean Road enroute to Melbourne was as good as the brochures say.Busy at the Twelve Apostles with the Japanese tourists but other than there it was not too busy.We stayed with a friends mother who lives in Melbourne ,very close to the centre.Using her parking permit we left the van parked up and she kindly put us up for a few nights.Using the trams we could reach city centre in 10 minutes ! Enjoyed the Botanical Gardens,the old shopping malls and the very good museum.Many of the houses are original with ornate rendering and wrought iron features.
As we are not to happy in cities we only stayed two days for the main parts then moved on to a place called Phillip Island.Some might know this for its GP track and although I did visit ,the main reason was to watch the famous Penquin Parade.At dusk every day of the year these small Fairy penguins arrive a a particular beach and make their way up to the nests in the grassy sand dunes.Fun to watch especially when they get scared of possible predators and scarper back into the sea.Eventually they get enough courage to make a dash for it in small groups.The boardwalks are amongst the nests so you get very close to chicks and parents.
After a free camp on Paradise beach we moved into the Alps region.Not nearly as high as Europe but tall enough for ski resorts.One place called Valhalla was a old gold mining town and retained a lot of old character with buildings along the steep road and a graveyard at 45 deg angle.
Since arriving at Melbourne it has been intermmitantly raining and did not stop for 5 days.We are now in glorious sunshine 32 deg at a place called Bright.This is after driving up the Great Alpine Road with great views.
A few more days in the mountains including a climb of Mt Kosciuszko at 2228 mtr(Australias highest mountain) and we will be at the capital- Canberra.

Adalaide to Melbourne

2010-02-09T22:36:00.000-08:00

Well we gave Adalaide a day of our time as we are not into city stuff.Rode the tram to their popular beach area.Did a museum and the inevitable walk around the shops.Using a get you everywhere all day ticket for public transport was only £4.00 each !
Went south along the coast to a place called Port Elliot the following day and spent a couple of nights there.It was overcast and cool on our day off from driving.Shame as it had a great beach and the campsite was right next to it.Spent time on walking the cliffs and later using the bikes to get to the next town.Had a game of pool and a drink in the towns hotel/bar at lunchtime and realised that all these places have women always on the fruit machines called “pokies” here..
Gambling in all its forms are common here and most pubs have the betting shop in the bar area.
Visited a pleasant town called Handorf which is Australiass oldest German settlement.As you would expect it had many German products and food for sale in the original town shops.It was here that we took a walk into the forest on advice and found,at last,the wild Koala Bears.Spotted 6 in total all sleeping with slow movements when we approached them.
Typing this blog entry on the raod while Glenda is driving enroute to a place called Southend-on Sea.
Addition to above-We have been driving along the Great Ocean Road and it has been a great drive.Also met a French family by co-incidence that we spent Xmas Eve with in WA !

2010-01-30T02:22:00.000-08:00

At last we have seen the Opera House and Bridge in Sydney.Along with Ayres Rock these are the tourist musts.Have met with two couples in last week that we are swapping with.They lead such different lifestyles to us.Large detached properties with pools and of course ,good weather.They put us up and made us very welcome.
Drove up to Brisbane staying on the Gold Coast and Surfers Paradise.Vary busy and very different to WA.Now inland going south to Adalaide.Have at last seen Koala bears and yesterday at our free camp the swimmers rushed out of the river with a brown snake crossing the river on to our camping pitch area.This is one of the most poisonous snakes in the world.

SURFING STAR

2010-01-25T00:36:00.000-08:00

2010-01-25T00:34:00.000-08:00

Not had the stomach to write about our travels lately since the heartbreaking news of our dear friend Dennis who has lost his battle with cancer.
Since Ayres rock we have flown to Sydney,picked up our second van swap ( 4 year old merc on auto box).They live in a town called Caloundra and have a secluded house on a hill in the countryside looking out to the sea.They are surrounded by wildlife including kangaroos all over the garden,needing a fence around the pool to keep all out.A perfect setting but they intend to sell up soon and return to England as they miss the 4 seasons.Then visited another couple near Brisbane who we will swap with next year.Stayed at theirs for two nights whilst they looked after us ,showing us around,using their pool and going for a spin in his E-type Jag.They have travelled extensively ,having retired at 40 after becoming a millionare,they intend to use our van in Ireland.
Driving down south through the inland route to Adalaide.Completely different from WA with rolling green fields and large towns.Have started to free camp instead of campsites as this van is fully independent including solar panels on the roof for charging of batteries.One was by a old country pub/hotel which we took a drink in as the landlord was providing a free camping field.Very basic with the farmers looking rather sullen and not very talkative.It shut at 7.30 pm !Seems plenty of drink driving going on in the sticks.Second free camp was by a grassy site next to a little stream in the town of Guyra.They were having a town show and we watched,for the first time,a outside movie in the park.
Yesterday we were in Tamworth for the Country Music Festival and had a great time with all the shows for free and lots of booze and atmosphere.One group having a well known (in Oz) guest musician called Pixie Jenkins!
Camping tonight in the Warrabungles NP ,lovely views shame about the ants.

2010-01-18T16:31:00.000-08:00

Flew into Alice Springs for our 4 day “4x4 Safari” on Jan 3.The town is large but has many aboriganies sleeping around and trying to sell their dot art .
During the 4 days that followed we enjoyed many different things with our friendly international travellers.Sleeping out under the stars,sleeping in tents all for the first time.Eating Kangaroo,Camel & Emu!.Walking in Kings Canyon and the Macdonald Ranges.The highlight being our walk around Uluru ( Ayres Rock) and watching the sunset whilst sipping champagne.

2010-01-18T16:26:00.001-08:00

Busy over the new year.Arrived in Freemantle for our last stop in WA.Visiting all the sights and then the sights in Perth over 4 days.On the 31st we had a very long day,starting sightseeing at 10 am,a 3 hr sail on a tall ship,and then the evenings pubs of Freo getting back at 1.30 am.The sailing ship wasn’t one of my better ideas as we both felt seasick but it was a interesting experience.The live music in the evening at most of the pubs was heavy rock ,which seems popular out here,reminding me of the early seventies.

photo

2010-01-18T16:16:00.001-08:00

winery

2010-01-18T16:15:00.000-08:00

Boxing day-left for a new campsite in Cowaramup.This is central to the Margaret River region.We have ,over the last week,been exploring this region from our previous campsite and it is a really special place.The countryside has either farmland or vines and reminds us of our English hills.There are over 40 wineries you can visit,taste and purchase along with 4 breweries serving customers in the same way.Most have great restaraunts in garden settings with verandas overlooking the estate.Within 10 mins of the countryside you are on the coast with great beaches ,some with the best surfing in WA.There are many quality shops to spend your money in if you have any left from the vineyard expenses.We have just got back from visiting a small animal/reptile zoo allowing you to feed the kangaroos who roam freely,stroke the dingoes and the colourfull parrots just land on your arms.Along with crocodile feeding and the butterflies it was well worth the visit.This was followed by the chocolate factory ,a nut and fruit farm style shop and then a great brewery.All this on the way to our new campsite (small tasters for me,no pints honest!)
Turns out that there is a winery next to our campsite and a cheese outlet with discounts for the campsite users!
They have a huge bouncy pillow here for adults and kids so after a few beers we will give that a go, before dinner of course.
FLIES,FLIES ,FLIES the only downside to a perfect location with some of the most expensive properties in WA.
Just got off the line to Marion during which Glenda had to rush out of the van as a goat had stuck its head through the fence and was starting to chew our electric cable.Got to him just in time otherwise no electrics and one dead goat !

happy new year

2009-12-31T16:55:00.001-08:00

Hi to all you pommies.Have a happy new year .It is no 9 am here after a boozy night in Freemantle

Love Gary & Glenda

PHOTO

2009-12-27T03:59:00.000-08:00

TREE TOP WALK

2009-12-27T03:57:00.000-08:00

SOME PEOPLE HAVE TOLD US THE PHOTOGRAPHS ARE TOO SMALL.IF YOU CLICK ON THE PHOTO THEY ENLARGE TO FULL SCREEN.

2009-12-27T03:51:00.000-08:00

Watching the possums on the xmas eve evening with our camping neighbours they invited us to have a drink with them.There were 2 motorhomes together,one a hire van and the other with a French number plate.Both families being French they had met whilst out here.The large French van had a family which had been travelling for the last 4 years !.All around North & South America and now 10 months in Oz ,shipping it as they go.I assume the childrens schooling was through the internet just like a Australia family we met last month doing the same extended travel.Interesting stories made for a good evening.
Xmas day was spent with the morning at the pool followed by a booked meal at a resort nearby and the afternoon at the beach.Xmas is not such a big deal here compared to the UK.They have decorations in the streets,etc but all rather low key.This was the case at our meal where it was lacking in xmas atmosphere due to a very large dining room with little decoration and many customers had already finished their buffet lunch and were leaving as we arrived at ,what we thought, was a early 1.30 pm.
Anyway it saved us cooking and cleaning that day and refer to it as our xmas present to ourselves.

2009-12-26T00:13:00.000-08:00

2009-12-24T02:41:00.000-08:00

We are now at a seaside town called Busselton for a week over the xmas.A lovely spot with a huge bay and even though there are hundreds of houses ,when you look back from the beach they are all hidden by the foreshore trees.Just booked our xmas lunch at a hotel as our present to each other.I am typing this sitting outside the motorhome under a peppermint tree.In these trees are Ringtailed Possums and as its about 6 pm they are coming out and walking the branches eating the leaves directly above us.If you rub these leaves between your fingers they leave,obviously, a peppermint smell.The aboriginies would use them a for fresh breath so I guess the Possums breath is the freshest of all animals ,including many humans.The forecast for Xmas day is 36 deg so we will do the beach before lunch then lounge around the pool afterwards with a few tinnies no doubt stuffed to the eyeballs as you do on Xmas day.
After going to the movies in town last night we left at 10.30 pm and walking into the main street for a beer was amazed to find the place deserted.The xmas lights were on but all bars etc were closed and not a single person or traffic.Considering it was very busy when we went in to the movies it seemed almost spooky.
We enjoy meeting all these people here who have various lifestyles not least the young English couple with their 3 year old daughter on site here.They have a hire motorhome and I expected the usuall 3 to 4 week holiday from the UK.However they live in Shanghai ,China and have 2 week breaks here .Even their daughter speaks fluent Mandarin and they have servants and drivers .He works for a import/export shipping company and was sent out 6 years ago.I wasn’t expecting that from their northern accents.
It is now xmas eve and we had a morning on the beach trying out our bodyboards in large waves as the “surf was up” then back to the boring laundry.As its now 7 pm I think its time for a tinnie and possum watching.

2009-12-22T17:45:00.001-08:00

PHOTO

2009-12-22T17:43:00.000-08:00

During our time here in WA we have spoken to many people and a common theme is the employment opportunities that exist out here.Something you never hear at home is the term-employment “boom” in the same context as the gold rush boom.This is mentioned in relation to the new mining that is taking place due to new modern methods to make it profitable again and a multi billion oil pipe to China.I am told that they struggle to get workers and now bring in people from places like Afganistan and train them up which then pays large salaries.Articles in the newspapers confirm that large investment is coming in for various projects and domestic airlines have more aircraft on order to cover the expected surge in business.
We have met miners in the towns outback who explain that the company pays for 4 flights a year to bring the family to them or for them to go home in the hope of retaining the labour force.
Unlike the old days the women are just as busy as the men in these open cast mines ,often driving the huge dump trucks and preferred by the company for their more carefull driving.
On a mine tour we where told that £1000 week is not unusual and increases quickly depending on your trade or job description.
A couple on one campsite we were using in a town called Sandstone ( 1 pub,1shop)
had a caravan all set up permanantly with a little garden of sorts and they were working together in a mine for the next 9 months to get a fat bank balance.
Another couple from Norfolk explained they came here at 55 years of age and got work within 2 days and wished they had made the move earlier in life.
All this talk of work is stressing me out so I’m off to the beach.

2009-12-20T05:42:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we climbed a fire lookout tree over 200 ft tall.A somewhat scary climb on the metal pegs that are driven in to the tree as steps.In high winds it can sway up to 5ft in either direction but it was calm for us thankfully.
Next day tram ride in the morning through the forest for a couple of hours followed by us driving on a dirt path through these huge trees because the campsite owner gave us a tip to seek out a place called the Goblins without telling us what the sight was just that “its unique in Australia”.
After making our way past a place called Snottygobble ( its true I have a photo of the sign) and a trek through some bush we found the Goblins.It turned out to be a very unusual sight of gnarled trees in a dark water pool looking like it could be used in a horror movie or Lord of the Rings.
Why this place is not in the tourist info I cannot explain as it is very different.
They were carrying out a controlled burn in the area to safeguard the town.The smoke was all around reminding us of when we spent 3 days at a campsite fire in Canada whilst on holiday with Paul & Gloria,after which they drove us directly to the airport without the chance of a shower.What the passangers thought of our pong on the 10 hr flight back ? whilst Paul & Gloria stayed in Canada for a extra week and straight in to a friends house for a shower.They must have had a good giggle over our smelly flight.

2009-12-19T20:12:00.000-08:00

Make a Smilebox greeting

13 DEC

2009-12-15T02:34:00.000-08:00

Back again

We have been on the south coast for the last week or so.One of our wild camps in a National Park was next to a place called Lucky Bay .A perfect place with apparently the whitest sand in WA and lovely blue water.

Later in the town of Albany we enjoyed a history walk being educated of the tough days of the settlers.A campsite we used has its own golf course which we played the following day but having the unusual problem of kangaroos on the fairways and greens.

On to the town of Walpole where its famous attraction is the Tree Top Walk in The Valley of Giants.These trees only grow in this small area.Called Tingle trees they live for more than 400 years and grow 150ft or more.You walk around the tree canopy on a metal walkway and it was well worth the visit.They are so large at the base that you could drive a car through the largest ones.

Today we hired a canoe and paddled up river on the Fitzegerald River surrounded by this forest which from this view provided a memorable trip.Not many tourists paddle up as far as we did and you really felt the wilderness of it.Never saw any of the black water snakes that the canoe hirer talked of,apparently one of the most poisonous.With no places to land we had to tie off on a sunken branch in the middle of the river for our picnic.

Talking to a UK couple on the beach about our age or older they explained that for their planned trip of 19 weeks they flew into Perth and purchased a old banger car.

With this they sleep in it and eat cold foods mainly.How adventurous is that!

2009-12-09T15:26:00.000-08:00

pics

2009-12-09T15:13:00.000-08:00

Our full day at Hyden began with a walk of the wave rock but there is plenty of other natural sites in the area.Walking along the top of the rock you see many small lizards frantically bobbing their heads and stamping their feet.Not in anger but to attract a mate.Great views of the farmland to the horizon also.Made our way to a rock formation called Hippo Yawn which does look just like that.

Drove about 16km from site to a place called Mulga’s cave.This was our first look at Aboriginal art.Mainly the shapes of hands all over the cave like a stencil spraying the water/ochre from their mouths.It was ,they believe,a form of signature to show the land was owned by a tribe.

As I type this outside in the afternoon we are constantly waving our hands for the flies (its called the Australian Salute by the locals) and scratching around because of the ants everywhere.Still lifting the toilet seats before use incase of those pesky poisonous spiders.The birds around here make the funniest calls.One very loud bird makes a sound similar to Hip Hip Hooray in a lower key.Just what you need at 5 am!

Bye

2009-12-09T00:29:00.000-08:00

Presently we are travelling through the Wheat Fields Area of WA.This is a huge area with the most enormous farm fields .You literally can not see the ends of some of these fields.During these travels we cross dry salt lakes again as far as the eye can see.Sometimes you drive through large areas of burned scrub or trees which is a normal hazard out here with signs giving the risk of fire .At the moment it is showing extreme.

Some of the road signs are interesting to a Pommie like us , beware crossing-kangaroo,emu and today it was camel.

Today we also saw ,again crossing the road, a Blue Tongued Lizard.We took a movie of it while Glenda prompted it with a stick I filmed its angry response.

Before here we were on the south coast wild camping.It amused me that an old boy we were talking to on the beach,who was fishing at the time,explained that for a living he was a Prospector.Being too hot up north in the summer ( our winter ) months he heads south for 4 months.To meet someone who looks for gold to make money seems very unusuall .Not many people in UK with that job description.Apparently he explains that many people make a living this way !

Just arrived at a town called Hyden (not Hayden –Shaun) .This is famous for a geological anomally called the Wave Rock.As the name suggests it looks like a large wave formed from underground erosion then further with rain and winds.They use a info board to give some idea of its age.Assuming the beginning of earth was approx 4.5 billion years ago,using a year for the timescale,that was Jan 1.This rock was formed on Aug 22,being some of the worlds oldest rock,and man has been on the earth for half a second! .A decent campsite with a pool right next to the wave rock.We went for a quick swim and needed to make quite a splash as it had far too many insects doing backstroke for my liking.

Don’t swallow by accident as you wont need a dinner afterwards.38 deg today according to campsite reception.

Writing this in a covered camp kitchen but open at the sides with a thunderstorm overhead and pouring rain.But still hot.These bloody insects are crawling over the laptop screen.Makes it difficult to see if you have put a full stop!

I write these travel logs before going on line for a quick cut/paste job.

Bye for now

2009-12-03T15:58:00.000-08:00

Kalgoorli

We have arrived in the major goldmine town of Kalgoorlie.This place is like a wild west town with all the miners and the bars with barstaff only in bikinis called “Skimpy Bars”.

A work hard play hard sort of feel to it.That isn’t saying its not got its decent parts but with working brothel tours also available you have to look for them.

We found some in the Flying Doctors visitor centre at the airport.Famous for its medical aid to the outback areas we were given a tour of the aircraft by the pilot and the set up .I enjoyed talking plane stuff with him.

They have the gold superpit just outside town.This is possibly the worlds largest open cast mining operation and it is immense.When they do a blasting there are many tourists at the lookout which happens most days.

At the Miners Hall of Fame we were taken down 100ft to a old gold mine and saw gold being poured.The best was panning for gold where Glenda actually panned six very very small pieces within half hour! That made our day.

Went out that night for the bars but not before we had some guy who was camping on our site talking to us about his world view.He was off his rocker ,or just Australian,telling us that Barrack Obama would be on the news by the years end with news of a space battleship hovering 300ft over the Antarctic waiting whilst there were millions of spacecraft orbiting the Earth but using invisibility cloaking devices.Prompting us to get on the internet and check out some sites including one that proves the Vatican has a time machine hidden in the vaults!

We made our excuses and got away sharpish.

P S having trouble uploading pictures ,will keep trying

Bye

2009-12-03T02:18:00.000-08:00

I thought this was interesting-

After spending some time outback amongst the aborigini people who wander around these towns usually worse for drink I was interested how it got to this situation.On reading up here is a quick list of reasons.

They have lived all over Australia for 40,000 years.

They numbered 300,000 in approx 300 tribes.

Each tribe had its own area of land handed to them during “Dreamtime”. This is their description of a very long time ago when the land was allocated from a higher being.

During all those years no tribe would try to take the others land as it would never belong to them.Therefore the land and tribe were bound together.

They never tried to make alcohol.

Then we arrived approx 200 years ago.

We took over the best farming areas and they could not resist but also could not leave their land and were forced to remain on the edges and around white man settlements.This led to the younger ones wanting the white mans lifestyle and also came with drinking.

No real work and no ability to handle the drink they have become the losers in modern Australian society and it has been like this for the last 100 years or so.

We think we have a drinking issue in the UK but out here it seems the whole indigineous population that are smashed out of their heads each day ,save the few that have made a life in the white mans society.

You learn something new everyday.

We were driving to a outback town when two hells angels on Harleys rode past looking all cool.On arrival we saw the two bikes outside the only pub in the ghost town.Entering the pub for a drink I expected two loud heavy drinking guys.They looked the oldest angels around,they had all the gear on and the usuall long beards but I was disappointed to see them drinking coke.They then ordered a bottle of red wine each and rode off in to the sunset ,no doubt for a booze around their camp fire that night.RED WINE ! ??

Our stays in these outback towns have been an eye opener.

2009-11-28T17:32:00.000-08:00

Driving in outback.

We had a very pleasant 2.5 hr drive this morning covering the distance quicker than planned.I should give a quick explaination of why this is of any importance.

The motorhome we have is about 20 years old and has covered 200,000 miles on the clock.On level ground with no headwind we can just get up to 60mph.Over the last few weeks we have become very aware of the wind direction and strength.Head on we can muster only 40 mph and if we get a hill !With distances out here I can leave it to your imagination as to our frustration when this happens.This mornings drive we had wind behind and level roads so we were flying-well 66mph actually-but it felt gooood.To cap it all she is not very fuel efficient with approx 14 miles to the gallon @70pence litre.

Still the old girl is still going strong and the motorhome is doing ok as well.

Its about 38 deg today ( Wed 25 Nov) and we are wild camping at a place called Niagra Dam but it is nearly empty.When it does eventually rain here it will fill within a couple of days and many of the towns get cut off for days at a time.We are the only people here and as dusk came on the kangaroos started to come to the waterhole giving plenty of photo opportunities.It felt like a BBC wildlife programme.When it was dark and the whole sky was awash with stars wildlife spotting was finished and it seemed strange as we sat outside watching a dvd on the laptop in the middle of nowhere.What the animals and parrots made of it ?

As we are this far out in the bush we visited a ghost town up a dirt track called Kookynie,not far from the dam.This is one of the furthest out back hotel/bar you can visit.There is nothing left of the town.

The landlady explaining that some tourists make the effort to get there but it is mainly aborigini out here,along with their drinking issues.A very weird place to be and she is selling up if anyones interested.

Bye for now

2009-11-23T23:06:00.000-08:00

BLOG ENTRY TUE 24 NOV

We are now already into our fourth week of our eight week West Oz travels.Presently in a outback town called Laverton.This is as far into the outback as you can get on a tarmac road.All of these outback towns that we have been to were or still are mining towns,either gold or iron ore.If not for the mines there would be no towns or roads to them giving access to this huge area of land.About half of the places visited are almost ghost towns whilst the others have small communities due to open mines.The average distance between these settlements is approx 150 miles of empty road.Even the road train drivers give you a wave as they are glad to see someone on the roads.These huge four trailer lorries don’t stop for animals and the amount of dead along the roads is shocking,but food for the eagles and dingos.

All the towns have Aboriginal residents who have a general problem with alcohol.You will see them sitting in groups under shade and although they get served in the bars the landlords put a stop at their discrection.You cannot buy alcohol other than in off licences called bottle shops and these close by 9pm to help the problem.Some of the petrol stations in the outback sell a fuel alternative to petrol so that they cannot sniff the fumes!

We are certainly experiencing a different lifestyle and culture.We were laughing at a news article on the local tv showing a white guy in hospital who looked like he had been in a fight and his explaination could only happen in Oz.”The kangaroo was drowning my dog in the pool so I went to help and he turned on me punching and kicking,that roo must have been holding a grudge against me”!

We will make our way slowly down to the south coast this week to a place called Esperance.

Bye for now G&G

19 november

2009-11-19T23:23:00.000-08:00

19 Nov

A long drive up to Exmouth brought us to the Ningoolo Reef in the Cap Range National Park.We camped next to the beach but it was blowing such a gale that instead of snorkelling and camping for a second night we left in the morning.This is the first time the weather has altered our plans.Many Australians do not come up this far north in their summer due to high temperatures and cyclone season.However we did see many rock wallabies and kangarros during our walk in the sand dunes that evening,often disturbing them from their shade they would jump and hop away smartly.No snakes so far though.

On our way out of the park we checked out the loggerhead turtle beach as it was the egg laying period but no signs of activity from the previous night unfortunately.

The plan was to drive to Nanturra roadhouse and stay the night there but it was such a dump we pushed on a further 60km and wild camped in amongst the gum trees.A lonely feeling camping like this in the outback but preferable to the often rubbish campsites here compared to the UK.The only noise were birds and the stars are extra bright out in the wilds.

On to a town called Tom Price,a mining town,using a dirt track for the first time with the van bumbing along we stopped quickly to jump out and snap a large monitor lizard it must have been 3 ft long,then up into Karajini National Park to camp.This is just like wild camping but is a organised spot for independent campers not requiring any services.

Early evening we heard what sounded like gunfire and checking it out we saw a woman cracking a whip to scare off a Dingo !How Australian is that!

Early morning we set off to view the gorge and river walking trails.At 8.30 am we walked down the gorge to a place called Fortescue Falls.All very lovely but we were surprised to see someones trainers,socks,sunglasses.hat and a six pack of beers with a towel just left near the falls and pool.Now this was at 9 am and these beers were warm and no way can you get out of this place without footwear ,also who would be drinking at that time?I went down to the bottom but could find no one .Remembering there was a hire motorhome in the carpark on our arrival we climbed back up,took the van details and drove to the visitor centre 10 miles away.Told them what had happened and later the rangers arrived to discuss with us.They said they would carry out a search .We will never know the outcome as we departed for Newman.But as this place is in the middle of nowhere we can only think he went for a swim last evening and something had happened?Fingers crossed it all worked out ok for him.

We have come to realise that health and safety takes backstage here as many things you do here are risky and you have to look after yourself a long way from help quite often.

Catch up later -Bye

13 november

2009-11-14T02:27:00.000-08:00

After leaving a town called Carnarvon we took some local advice and tried wild camping in a place called the blowholes.These are holes worn into the cliffs that shoot a jet of water up like geysers on each wave.Just near here we found a pitch on the beach amongst some other campers who were very friendly and welcoming.In the evening we all got together for a drink and they cooked the colourfull reef fish caught that day.Cooked in batter it was delicious.Everybody brought along a plate of food to the table so plenty for all to eat.With the beer and wine flowing we all played boules untill the stars came out.They are really bright with no light pollution as we were 50 miles fom the nearest town.The Australians are, so far,very friendly and helpful.

Now at a place called Coral Bay and it lives up to its name.It is absolutely perfect.The white sand leading into a light blue sea and palm trees everywhere.We are on the best position we have ever pitched ,right on the beach.You can just walk into the water and at waist height the fish are all around you.Just a little deeper and you are over the coral!

Presently 38 degrees today but there is always a breeze to keep you cool but you must keep suncream applied.I left out my forhead and after snorkelling have now got a sunburn just there.

On our way here there were Emu crossing the road.You have to slow right down for these dumb birds as they can just dart out in front of you we were warned.Unfortunatly you see many dead kangaroos at the roadside killed in the night by the huge road trains which are three trailers connected to one lorry. There are little lizards on this campsite and when they run away they stand on their rear legs and dash off,all very funny to watch.

Bye for now

G&G

5 Nov

2009-11-04T19:44:00.000-08:00

Well we have made it to OZ and it sure is hot here.Making our way up the Western Australia coast in a rather slow motorhome .Presently in a place called Kalbarri National Park and are booked on a canoe trip + a 4x4 into the Gorge.

28 oct Tokyo

2009-11-01T16:11:00.000-08:00

Oct 28- Well here we are in Tokyo ,writing our first diary entry.What a crap flight we had,and it was our fault for picking two seats at the rear which had very little recline.No sleep for the 12 hour flight !.

Arriving in Naritta airport at 9 am ,then a 1.5 hr coach to our hotel meant we fell into bed at noon.Carefull not to mess up our body clock for Japan we only slept for two hours and prepared to tackle the Tokyo tube .Most things have a smattering of English and after a little effort we purchased our tickets from the machine and made our way to a popular city area called Shibuya.This is like Piccadilly Circus x10.Huge adverts lit up the area and the mass of people was exactly how I imagined Tokyo to be.We even bought a coffee just to watch the crowds.Now at the hotel ready for some shut eye before tomorrows early start on a coach tour of the city.Weather is sunny about 20c

First day at university

2009-10-12T09:59:00.000-07:00

We took Scott to his Uni on 5 Oct and were pleasently surprised by the good accomodation.In particular the restaraunt as he is on full board in the first year.It reminds us of Hogwarts in Harry Potter.The main building is over 100 years old looking like Oxford.

glenda at work

2009-09-08T13:10:00.001-07:00

THIS IS JUST A TEST TO SEE IF THE BLOG CAN ACCEPT INFO FROM A EXT STORAGE DEVICE. GLENDA AT WORK IN EARLY 1980s

a visit to torbay

2009-09-08T12:46:00.000-07:00

We spent 4 days in dodgy weather exploring the torbay area.

WALES

2009-06-24T01:08:00.000-07:00

OFF TO WALES FOR QUEENIE FUNERAL.

2008-02-11T12:59:00.001-08:00

sat 9 feb 2008

set off to carsington water near the peak district to see a sailing dinghy for sale.Had arranged to meet the seller on sunday but we took a sneak preview around the boat park .believing we had found the boat i was disapointed with its condition .i had been told it was 6 months old and perfect !

Thinking this was going badly we met him on sunday and was relieved to be shown a great condition boat for a bargain price.he used it only 4 times from new of june 07 !So we are now the happy owners of a Magno dinghy .

Whilst up there we had a roof air conditioner installed so lets hope we get some hot weather this year to use it.South of France looks a good option inbetween the boat meetings we have arranged from cornwall to the lake district.

SKI AT ALPE D'HUEZ

2008-02-03T00:45:00.000-08:00

WE GRABBED A CHANCE OF TWO DAYS ON THE PISTES VIA GRENOBLE AIRPORT AND HIRE CAR ON WED 29 JAN 08.GIDEON HAD LEFT HIS HOTEL ROOM AVAILABLE TO US FOR THE LATTER PART OF THE WEEK.MYSELF,SCOTT,MICHAEL AND MICHAEL KILLIN HAD A GREAT TIME ON THE BLUE AND REDS .WIDE AND GROOMED WITH FEW OTHERS AND NO WAITING AT LIFTS .SUNNY ON THE FIRST DAY.WE JOINED GIDEONS FRIENDS ON THE SECOND DAY IN POOR WEATHER WE DID THE LONGEST BLACK RUN IN EUROPE.OUR GOGGLES KEPT FREEZING OVER AND CLOTHING COVERED IN FROSTY ICE !THE BOYS JOINED IN WITH THE OFF PISTE DESCENTS WHILE I USED THE PISTES .AT THE END OF THE SECOND DAY WE REALISED THAT SNOW WAS FORCAST FOR THE NIGHT AND WITH ONLY A CLIO DECIDED TO GET OFF THE MOUNTAIN THAT NIGHT.STAYED IN A HOTEL TEN MILES FROM THE AIRPORT IN A TOWN CALLED VOIRON.THIS TURNED OUT TO BE A GOOD DESCISION AS PASSANGERS AT THE AIRPORT WERE DELAYED DUE TO A COACH STUCK UP THE MOUNTAIN .HOME BY MID DAY ON SAT MEANT THE WHOLE TRIP PASSED VERY QUICKLY .WOULD BE HAPPY TO DO IT AGAIN BUT NEXT TIME WITH A 4X4 .

BUYING A SAILING DINGHY

2008-01-15T03:23:00.000-08:00

WE WENT TO THE BOAT SHOW AT EXCELL IN THE DOCKLANDS YESTERDAY (MON 14 JAN) .LOOKING FOR A NEW SAILING DINGHY AS I SOLD THE FOLDING ONE ON SUNDAY.USED IT FOR TWO YEARS AND LOST ONLY 350.00 ! LEFT AT THE END OF THE DAY MORE CONFUSED TO THE TYPE TO BUY .AT LEAST IT GIVES US AN IDEA OF SOME TYPES TO LOOK FOR AS SECOND HAND .THE VIBE LOOKS LIKE THE STYLE TO EXCITE .

BOXING DAY

2007-12-27T11:15:00.001-08:00

DAVID AND SARAH CAME OVER FOR A LIGHT BUFFET .

DAY OUT AT BEECHY HEAD AUGUST 2007

2007-12-26T01:25:00.001-08:00

A NICE DAY FOR A WALK ,PIP WAS STILL WELL AT THIS TIME

WEEKEND IN LEWES FOR BONFIRE NIGHT

2007-12-24T10:17:00.000-08:00

THIS WAS A SPECTACULAR TORCHLIGHT PARADE.WE CAMPED IN A VILLAGE 2 MILES OUTSIDE LEWES AND WALKED IN FOR THE EVENING.THANKFULLY WE MANAGED TO FIND A CAB TO GET BACK AS THE WALK BACK WOULD HAVE BEEN VERY DARK DOWN THE COUNTRY LANE.

WEEKEND IN THE PEAK DISTRICT NOV 2007

2007-12-24T09:10:00.000-08:00

A RAINY WEEKEND BUT STILL FUN ,THIS PICTURE WAS TAKEN IN DOVEDALE WITH THE RIVER IN FLOOD.WE WALKED ALL DAY AND NEEDED A CAB TO GET BACK TO THE MOTORHOME !