Kaikoura came as a welcome stop. The last 20 clicks into the town were difficult. The roads were wet, dark and above all, non-stop bends. Tom went into the back of the van to read as I drove and stopped when we hit the last stretch, as the he was being thrown all over the place!
We stayed at yet another Top 10 Holiday Park, except this one immediately annoyed me as they operated timed showers - they gave you 6 minutes!
Anyhow, the following morning we Whale watched. I phoned from our van early to book onto the 10.30 sailing, only to be told it was hit and miss as the seas were rough and the 07.30 hadn't been able to depart. Ever the intrepid explorers, after our Nutella with twinings tea breakfast, we drove the 500 yards to the whale watching base. We were suitably fleeced and waited to depart.
We set off aboard a catamaran, with winds reaching 15 - 25 knots and swell reaching 2m! It was great fun initially watching the waves crash over the boat as we headed out to see the sperm whales. A safety briefing told us how to survive and what to do if you're sick. They had bags," they're free and we give you more than one". Well at a stop to get some air I thought it a jolly idea to test these bags and with assistance from Twinings appropriately tested more than one! We saw a whale and seals and dolphin. It was a fabulous trip even if I was feeling rather delicate!
A hearty lunch was necessary and we embraced New Zealand's pie culture! Then hit the road for Christchurch, back down the 20 very bendy clicks we'd navigate the night before and the 150 clicks of straight highway - a welcome relief.
Christchurch was just as we had left it a week earlier. However, our standing for the night was more like a bog! The redeeming feature of this site was the shower block, hot; large and powerful ;). The bog got worse though! As the next morning as Tom went out to disconnect the power and turn off the gas, I heard a shriek and exclamation outside the window "the water is this deep". The corner of our standing was under 6 inches of water at its deepest and left us a little anxious to leave before we either started to sink in the mud or get stuck wheel spinning out!
Qantas delivered us back to our families in Auckland, not before getting some money back from the camper van people for all the problems we had experienced.
Auckland is now positively warm for us and we don't understand why the locals are complaining about 10 degs - we've been sleeping in a van below freezing all week!
A van; sleeping below freezing; for a week; what were we thinking!
Thursday, 28 August 2008
Tuesday, 26 August 2008
Out of the Fridge and into the Freezer
With our fate tied up with the weather and with no means of retreat we set out to find what roads where actually still in operation. We knew we couldn't get back east, there was nothing but pacific ocean to the west. So that left north: towards Nelson and Fiordland or south: towards Haast's glaciers and Queenstown.
Unfortunately we could go in neither direction, the gods have not looked kindly on our journey (clearly we weren't sacrificing enough goats) and had us pinned down on a small stretch of the west coast (which have very shiny black beaches!!) with all the passes shut by snow. For a change of scenery if nothing else, we headed south to Greymouth over a rather bendy coastal road and with no goats handy to help with the weather situation we headed over to see the local Fur seal population (just to look at them!).
The day was spent working out how long it would take to walk back to the UK, drinking beer and eating fish and chips! Oh and as we were beginning to get a little smelly, the laundry became a priority :/
The following day Mike went and spoke to the bloke in charge and find out about the state of the roads. Clearly our meager fish sacrifice the night before (not to mention the bacon for breakfast) had done the job, the Arthurs Pass had opened (barely). My job to drive again (even more snow this time - about 2 meters high!) although we switched after lunch at the far end of the pass and I had climbed up a snow covered mountain. Mike then had the long slog over to Kaikoura (north of Christchurch) so we could try and get at some whales (again, just to look at - have you tried to sacrifice a whale!!! - no comments please Elfar).
So we are free of the mountains and snow, back on the open road and with no sign of Gollum stalking us, I think.....
Unfortunately we could go in neither direction, the gods have not looked kindly on our journey (clearly we weren't sacrificing enough goats) and had us pinned down on a small stretch of the west coast (which have very shiny black beaches!!) with all the passes shut by snow. For a change of scenery if nothing else, we headed south to Greymouth over a rather bendy coastal road and with no goats handy to help with the weather situation we headed over to see the local Fur seal population (just to look at them!).
The day was spent working out how long it would take to walk back to the UK, drinking beer and eating fish and chips! Oh and as we were beginning to get a little smelly, the laundry became a priority :/
The following day Mike went and spoke to the bloke in charge and find out about the state of the roads. Clearly our meager fish sacrifice the night before (not to mention the bacon for breakfast) had done the job, the Arthurs Pass had opened (barely). My job to drive again (even more snow this time - about 2 meters high!) although we switched after lunch at the far end of the pass and I had climbed up a snow covered mountain. Mike then had the long slog over to Kaikoura (north of Christchurch) so we could try and get at some whales (again, just to look at - have you tried to sacrifice a whale!!! - no comments please Elfar).
So we are free of the mountains and snow, back on the open road and with no sign of Gollum stalking us, I think.....
Monday, 18 August 2008
Though the Road is Perilous we Must Ride On
After picking up our motor and stocking up with supplies we began our perilous journey in to the very heart of Middle Earth.
The first port of call was Hamner Springs, nestled just into the east of the mountains. A great little town surrounded by snow capped mountains (we would be seeing a lot more of those over the next few days). Plenty to do there, Bungy jumping (yes I did :)), white water rafting (tick) , jetboat trip through river valley and rapids (check) and of course, spending a couple of hours resting in the natural hot water springs (40 degrees plus!). The pools were lovely, I lost Mike at one point, only to find him chatting up two girls (typical) from the UK - Fiona and Helen.
After all that I finally got to drive the van (and home for the next week) and typically it was chucking down with snow and we were heading further and higher into the mountains over one of the most treacherous roads on the south island, w00t! The drive was fantastic, even had to use the snow chains for a couple of hours! (gave Mike a stinking headache - but I enjoyed it). After that snow filled journey we were left to find shelter in a small coastal town called Westport, where we were told that the road we had just crossed over had been shut behind us!
So I leave you there, sit rep: cold, 19'000km from home, trapped on the west coast with a mountain range and several hundred clicks between us and our eventual exit.
The first port of call was Hamner Springs, nestled just into the east of the mountains. A great little town surrounded by snow capped mountains (we would be seeing a lot more of those over the next few days). Plenty to do there, Bungy jumping (yes I did :)), white water rafting (tick) , jetboat trip through river valley and rapids (check) and of course, spending a couple of hours resting in the natural hot water springs (40 degrees plus!). The pools were lovely, I lost Mike at one point, only to find him chatting up two girls (typical) from the UK - Fiona and Helen.
After all that I finally got to drive the van (and home for the next week) and typically it was chucking down with snow and we were heading further and higher into the mountains over one of the most treacherous roads on the south island, w00t! The drive was fantastic, even had to use the snow chains for a couple of hours! (gave Mike a stinking headache - but I enjoyed it). After that snow filled journey we were left to find shelter in a small coastal town called Westport, where we were told that the road we had just crossed over had been shut behind us!
So I leave you there, sit rep: cold, 19'000km from home, trapped on the west coast with a mountain range and several hundred clicks between us and our eventual exit.
It could almost be Iceland
The blog title for our little (well not so little) Icelandic friend. We have finished our time in Wellington, the capital of NZ and it only has a population of 300,000 (the same as Iceland).
This was a whistle stop tour for us and really an opportunity for Tom to meet up with Dan (his cousin).
Another YHA room with a smelly German and incidently a not so smelly German. This time it was en suite! woo! This just meant the bathroom was smaller than usual and more of a challenge to prevent the 'wet-bottom-of-jeans' situation.
We passed the time on Monday with a flight down from Auckland with Qantas and then a trip to New World, our new favourite supermarket. Suitably stocked up on food we didn't need and too much beer, we made plans to meet Dan that evening and settled in for an hour or 2 of the Olympics.
18.00 came and we wandered out into the cold and met Dan. It was great to see Tom spending time with family, as it my lot he will be subjected to in the states! A curry later and to an English pub! We came all this way to go to a pub. Pool and beer was the order of the evening. However, the evening was still young and we settled into a game of Monopoly when we returned to the YHA! What's going wrong we are turning to an old married couple. Well Tom beat me - I wasn't impressed!
Tom had found out about Weta, the people who did all the SFX for LOTR and others such as King Kong. Being LOTR country and Tom being a massive LOTR fan we headed out to their studios (the same place they mastered the film). I followed Tom in, and I thought he had walked into a land of mirrors, apparently it was Gollum!
The afternoon was spent on the famous Wellington Cable Car, interspersed with rain. A good day had in all and a jolly strole back along the harbour front to the YHA. We cooked up a treat that night again to adoring fans (we are thinking abnout writing a cook book now). Then after beer and Monopoly, where I bankrupted Tom this time, it was bed. For tomorrow we must journey into Middle Earth and all that it holds!
Now where did I put that ring...
This was a whistle stop tour for us and really an opportunity for Tom to meet up with Dan (his cousin).
Another YHA room with a smelly German and incidently a not so smelly German. This time it was en suite! woo! This just meant the bathroom was smaller than usual and more of a challenge to prevent the 'wet-bottom-of-jeans' situation.
We passed the time on Monday with a flight down from Auckland with Qantas and then a trip to New World, our new favourite supermarket. Suitably stocked up on food we didn't need and too much beer, we made plans to meet Dan that evening and settled in for an hour or 2 of the Olympics.
18.00 came and we wandered out into the cold and met Dan. It was great to see Tom spending time with family, as it my lot he will be subjected to in the states! A curry later and to an English pub! We came all this way to go to a pub. Pool and beer was the order of the evening. However, the evening was still young and we settled into a game of Monopoly when we returned to the YHA! What's going wrong we are turning to an old married couple. Well Tom beat me - I wasn't impressed!
Tom had found out about Weta, the people who did all the SFX for LOTR and others such as King Kong. Being LOTR country and Tom being a massive LOTR fan we headed out to their studios (the same place they mastered the film). I followed Tom in, and I thought he had walked into a land of mirrors, apparently it was Gollum!
The afternoon was spent on the famous Wellington Cable Car, interspersed with rain. A good day had in all and a jolly strole back along the harbour front to the YHA. We cooked up a treat that night again to adoring fans (we are thinking abnout writing a cook book now). Then after beer and Monopoly, where I bankrupted Tom this time, it was bed. For tomorrow we must journey into Middle Earth and all that it holds!
Now where did I put that ring...
Tuesday, 12 August 2008
Latex gloves
Tom's camping knife has been a very useful tool on this trip but also is a source of amusement. He is required to declare it at very port and embarkment ponit.
So friday was the time to arrive in Auckland and go through their stringent customs and quarantine procedures. Off Tom went followed by a bemused Iranian guy to a separtate queue in the airport and to the Latex gloves. I went thruoght the 'I'm not a criminal' queue and met my sister the other side in arrivals. It was a good 7 minutes before Tom arrived and he was walking funny, he says the gloves weren't used but the jury is out.
Auckland it was for the weekend. I spent it with my sister, husband and sons and Tom with his aunt, uncle and joined by his cousin, husband and son. Two contrasting weekends but we were both glad to report that the large double beds and bathrooms had been our highlights!
For me some much longed for time with my family, even if getting up at the crack of dawn on Saturday morning to watch my nephew play soccer in the rain, was necessary.
Suitably, frozen yet refreshed (there was a restaurant in Singapore with a similar tag line wasn't there?) we were ready to begin our NZ trek. We had not been prepared for the cold. NZers seem to cope with the lack of insulation and heating, but us Brits straight in from a distinctly warmer Oz couldn't. I have a bag full of warm things and have left the sun lotion and sunier aparrel in Auckland.
The following week will keep us entertained with new and exciting experiences and then back to the family in Auckland for more R&R and collect all the stuff we left there to make our bags lighter!
As we do not have a broadband ready campervan you may not hear from us for a while, so until next time, have fun - we will be.
So friday was the time to arrive in Auckland and go through their stringent customs and quarantine procedures. Off Tom went followed by a bemused Iranian guy to a separtate queue in the airport and to the Latex gloves. I went thruoght the 'I'm not a criminal' queue and met my sister the other side in arrivals. It was a good 7 minutes before Tom arrived and he was walking funny, he says the gloves weren't used but the jury is out.
Auckland it was for the weekend. I spent it with my sister, husband and sons and Tom with his aunt, uncle and joined by his cousin, husband and son. Two contrasting weekends but we were both glad to report that the large double beds and bathrooms had been our highlights!
For me some much longed for time with my family, even if getting up at the crack of dawn on Saturday morning to watch my nephew play soccer in the rain, was necessary.
Suitably, frozen yet refreshed (there was a restaurant in Singapore with a similar tag line wasn't there?) we were ready to begin our NZ trek. We had not been prepared for the cold. NZers seem to cope with the lack of insulation and heating, but us Brits straight in from a distinctly warmer Oz couldn't. I have a bag full of warm things and have left the sun lotion and sunier aparrel in Auckland.
The following week will keep us entertained with new and exciting experiences and then back to the family in Auckland for more R&R and collect all the stuff we left there to make our bags lighter!
As we do not have a broadband ready campervan you may not hear from us for a while, so until next time, have fun - we will be.
Sunday, 10 August 2008
The Two Towers
With Middle Earth, sorry, New Zealand soon approaching we want to get in as much of the sights and sounds of Sydney as we can on our last full day here. First stop, the Tower! The seconds highest structure in the southern hemisphere and twice as high as the harbour bridge, it is a must for anyone wanting a good look at the city. The views were magnificent and well worth the rather arduous airport style checks on the way up.
After a good trek around the tower (no wizards in sight unfortunatly) we headed back to our friendly Inn for a touch of supper that even the most stout of Hobbits (such as myself) would have been proud of, half a loaf of bread, hams, cheese, chrisps (not bloody chips!), bananas and not forgetting a good cup of tea.
Then onwards to the rather perilous animal world, which thrilled us with close ups of animals of both the cute and fluffy (Koalas, Kangaroos (mmmmm kangaroo (am I now going to hell?))) and venemous variaties (everything else :/ ). This was closely followed by the aquatic world which housed many sharp teethed beasts aswell as an impressive array of living coral reefs! Quite an achievement keeping such a dynamic ecosystem going in such a confined place.
Well with the thrills of the day we have to say goodbye to Sydney, it has been fun, especially planning revenge on the thieves (though that story can wait for another day) and the Opera house. Well with one tower conquered were are left the journey deep into Middle Earth in search of the second, rumoured to be housed in Auckland - the largest settlement of Men on the north island. Wish us good luck, and pray that we are not waylaid by marauding Oruc Hai or Blarogs on our journey.
After a good trek around the tower (no wizards in sight unfortunatly) we headed back to our friendly Inn for a touch of supper that even the most stout of Hobbits (such as myself) would have been proud of, half a loaf of bread, hams, cheese, chrisps (not bloody chips!), bananas and not forgetting a good cup of tea.
Then onwards to the rather perilous animal world, which thrilled us with close ups of animals of both the cute and fluffy (Koalas, Kangaroos (mmmmm kangaroo (am I now going to hell?))) and venemous variaties (everything else :/ ). This was closely followed by the aquatic world which housed many sharp teethed beasts aswell as an impressive array of living coral reefs! Quite an achievement keeping such a dynamic ecosystem going in such a confined place.
Well with the thrills of the day we have to say goodbye to Sydney, it has been fun, especially planning revenge on the thieves (though that story can wait for another day) and the Opera house. Well with one tower conquered were are left the journey deep into Middle Earth in search of the second, rumoured to be housed in Auckland - the largest settlement of Men on the north island. Wish us good luck, and pray that we are not waylaid by marauding Oruc Hai or Blarogs on our journey.
Saturday, 9 August 2008
Two Russians and oysters
A trip to the Sydney tower late Wednesday morning suggested that scaling the tower was expensive and best combined with the Aquarium and Wildlife Centre. However, we had a prior engagement at 16.00 and didn't wish to rush the aforementioned attractions.
We diverted to Bondi. To the east of Sydney, sits another beach. What's the fuss about? Think Singapore Slings in Raffles, Rainforest trekking in the Daintree, why would you do it anywhere else when you've arguably experienced the best and original. So to me, Bondi wasn't a patch on Cape Trib.
This didn't stop it raining! We huddled under a tree for 10 minutes and watched the surfers. Then decided to stroll up to the Icebergs Surf Rescue club. The guide book said they were famous, and they had a pool that was washed 'clean' by the ocean swell. It was interesting to see. The book also said that atop of the clubhouse was one of Sydney's finest restaurants. This couldn't be missed, and a drink turned into a light lunch of oysters and olives!
A walk along the beach to North Bondi and a lookout was pleasant. Time was catching us up and we headed back to the YHA. Where a supplementary sandwich was in order after our light lunch. We caught him. Well at least one of them. Food thief. They ad our food earlier in the week, and this time one Korean guy took one of our beers from the fridge in front of Tom. The thief didn't seem to understand the concept of it being ours and had to be told to put it back. They are the lowest form of scum in the hostels and had we not been in such a rush we would happily have shopped him to the YHA staff.
The rush was due to our 16.00 engagement, that had become a 17.00 engagement as Matt & Sarah, who we were about to meet, had in fact done the tower and aquarium! We met them under 'the main sail' a mistake on my part, as the main sail is in fact in the middle of the building, never the less we met at the Opera House.
It was good to meet up with them, as I had worked with Matt at IBM and was great to spend some time with the two of them. We went round to the Rocks area of Sydney and had a yummy dinner of Kangaroo! Time was of the essence as we were booked to see a performance at the Opera House.
A quick call home to wish my grandmother a happy birthday (she was delighted to hear I was still alive and doing well!) and the Tchaikovsky started. I was glued to the edge of my seat for the majority of the performance of his first Piano Concerto. Stravinsky's Firebird suite followed the interval. There were times that the ballet was needed but overall another fabulous performance by the Sydney Symphony.
We joined Matt and Sarah again for a drink at the pub before they turned in for an early flight the next day.
In all a truly student type day: oysters and drinks at Icebergs, dinner at Wolfies in the Rocks, and a show at the Opera House! - oh yeah, maybe not a student day :) - a great one none the less we will both testify.
On to the next one and maybe that illusive tower.
We diverted to Bondi. To the east of Sydney, sits another beach. What's the fuss about? Think Singapore Slings in Raffles, Rainforest trekking in the Daintree, why would you do it anywhere else when you've arguably experienced the best and original. So to me, Bondi wasn't a patch on Cape Trib.
This didn't stop it raining! We huddled under a tree for 10 minutes and watched the surfers. Then decided to stroll up to the Icebergs Surf Rescue club. The guide book said they were famous, and they had a pool that was washed 'clean' by the ocean swell. It was interesting to see. The book also said that atop of the clubhouse was one of Sydney's finest restaurants. This couldn't be missed, and a drink turned into a light lunch of oysters and olives!
A walk along the beach to North Bondi and a lookout was pleasant. Time was catching us up and we headed back to the YHA. Where a supplementary sandwich was in order after our light lunch. We caught him. Well at least one of them. Food thief. They ad our food earlier in the week, and this time one Korean guy took one of our beers from the fridge in front of Tom. The thief didn't seem to understand the concept of it being ours and had to be told to put it back. They are the lowest form of scum in the hostels and had we not been in such a rush we would happily have shopped him to the YHA staff.
The rush was due to our 16.00 engagement, that had become a 17.00 engagement as Matt & Sarah, who we were about to meet, had in fact done the tower and aquarium! We met them under 'the main sail' a mistake on my part, as the main sail is in fact in the middle of the building, never the less we met at the Opera House.
It was good to meet up with them, as I had worked with Matt at IBM and was great to spend some time with the two of them. We went round to the Rocks area of Sydney and had a yummy dinner of Kangaroo! Time was of the essence as we were booked to see a performance at the Opera House.
A quick call home to wish my grandmother a happy birthday (she was delighted to hear I was still alive and doing well!) and the Tchaikovsky started. I was glued to the edge of my seat for the majority of the performance of his first Piano Concerto. Stravinsky's Firebird suite followed the interval. There were times that the ballet was needed but overall another fabulous performance by the Sydney Symphony.
We joined Matt and Sarah again for a drink at the pub before they turned in for an early flight the next day.
In all a truly student type day: oysters and drinks at Icebergs, dinner at Wolfies in the Rocks, and a show at the Opera House! - oh yeah, maybe not a student day :) - a great one none the less we will both testify.
On to the next one and maybe that illusive tower.
Friday, 8 August 2008
We finally did it
Darling Harbour, it is home to many of Sydney's attractions and itself, a pleasant place to pass the time. So we set off, in high spirits for another day of exploration, however we didn't expect it to end like as it did.
We had been thinking about it for a while. We always knew there was a strong bond there and something had to come of it. We toyed for ages as to which package to go for and it all came down to a money to size ratio. Plus the man in a shiny suit.
Well... we bought a boat! Monte Carlo 37 only $389,000. In fact we spent the day at the Sydney International Boat Show. We stumbled on it really. As I mentioned Darling Harbour was the order of the morning but we arrived to find it full of boats and the 6 hall Sydney Convention Centre full of wondrous nautical things too. The morning became afternoon and the 'somewhere else' I had thought about for the afternoon never happened (bit of luck as neither of us really knew what we were going to do with our afternoon!
The convention centre was full of smaller boats and associated technology! including some real tat. We were both immensely impressed with a camera for mounting on the top of your boat. It swivelled and zoomed all over the place - well it kept us amused for 10 minutes. Tom decided that a 'super shammy' from a overly-American Canadian bloke was a good idea - well it wasn't, it doesn't fit in my bag.
The afternoon drifted into evening and a stroll down the harbour was in order. Sydney at night is an impressive sight and we enjoyed taking in the vista from the edge of Darling Harbour. We wandered back to the YHA over the Darling Harbour bridge just as it was opening for a boat to pass. We were held back for our safety, although Tom had suggested it would serve as a good opportunity to get in some parkour :). There was a small American child bugging his mother as to how they were going to cross now, we both felt like suggesting he swam across!
A jolly day had and some marvellous food and beer inevitably ended our day.
[btw the boat will be delivered in about 20 years when we can afford it]
We had been thinking about it for a while. We always knew there was a strong bond there and something had to come of it. We toyed for ages as to which package to go for and it all came down to a money to size ratio. Plus the man in a shiny suit.
Well... we bought a boat! Monte Carlo 37 only $389,000. In fact we spent the day at the Sydney International Boat Show. We stumbled on it really. As I mentioned Darling Harbour was the order of the morning but we arrived to find it full of boats and the 6 hall Sydney Convention Centre full of wondrous nautical things too. The morning became afternoon and the 'somewhere else' I had thought about for the afternoon never happened (bit of luck as neither of us really knew what we were going to do with our afternoon!
The convention centre was full of smaller boats and associated technology! including some real tat. We were both immensely impressed with a camera for mounting on the top of your boat. It swivelled and zoomed all over the place - well it kept us amused for 10 minutes. Tom decided that a 'super shammy' from a overly-American Canadian bloke was a good idea - well it wasn't, it doesn't fit in my bag.
The afternoon drifted into evening and a stroll down the harbour was in order. Sydney at night is an impressive sight and we enjoyed taking in the vista from the edge of Darling Harbour. We wandered back to the YHA over the Darling Harbour bridge just as it was opening for a boat to pass. We were held back for our safety, although Tom had suggested it would serve as a good opportunity to get in some parkour :). There was a small American child bugging his mother as to how they were going to cross now, we both felt like suggesting he swam across!
A jolly day had and some marvellous food and beer inevitably ended our day.
[btw the boat will be delivered in about 20 years when we can afford it]
Thursday, 7 August 2008
Into the Mountains
We couldn't come all the way to Sydney without checking out the world famous Blue mountains (they really are blue you know, or at least they look blue at a distance). To get the best out of them we had booked a day tour, much of the Uncle Brian's ilke, but far less silly, and without the swimming in horrifically cold waters, OK, it was just a tour!
Still the mountains were quite spectacular, the blue hugh being caused by evaporated oil from the Eucalyptus tree forests or some such witchcraft. Got plenty of good views of the main ravines and peaks all full of waterfalls and rainforest as far as you could see! After a guided tour down into the depths via cable car we learned how the 100's of kilometers of coals mines weaving their way through the mountain's depths were constructed by skilled Cornish miners (among others) who were particularity suited to this sort of work as they were short and stocky.......cue inevitable short joke from Mike. I did find it rather amusing however that the metal statue of an average miner was taller than me!
As with all good tours they always end up in a gift shop (we had already stopped at a large candy shop! :) ) and after looking around the usual tat we found ourselves being pulled towards the hat stand (no we didn't buy a hat stand, although it was a particularly nice hat stand!) we bought some hats!! Much to the amusement of our tour guide, who thought we looked like a pair of pornstars! Cheek, well, I mean, Mike did, but I just looked good!
We were rather glad of them on our journey home (a cold, windy ferry). Not only were we not a cold as everyone else but we looked good with it! Chilling in style.
Only a few days left in Sydney now, plenty to look forward to and even though our stockpile of beer is rapidly diminishing, we will continue to venture further into this strange and daunting land.
Still the mountains were quite spectacular, the blue hugh being caused by evaporated oil from the Eucalyptus tree forests or some such witchcraft. Got plenty of good views of the main ravines and peaks all full of waterfalls and rainforest as far as you could see! After a guided tour down into the depths via cable car we learned how the 100's of kilometers of coals mines weaving their way through the mountain's depths were constructed by skilled Cornish miners (among others) who were particularity suited to this sort of work as they were short and stocky.......cue inevitable short joke from Mike. I did find it rather amusing however that the metal statue of an average miner was taller than me!
As with all good tours they always end up in a gift shop (we had already stopped at a large candy shop! :) ) and after looking around the usual tat we found ourselves being pulled towards the hat stand (no we didn't buy a hat stand, although it was a particularly nice hat stand!) we bought some hats!! Much to the amusement of our tour guide, who thought we looked like a pair of pornstars! Cheek, well, I mean, Mike did, but I just looked good!
We were rather glad of them on our journey home (a cold, windy ferry). Not only were we not a cold as everyone else but we looked good with it! Chilling in style.
Only a few days left in Sydney now, plenty to look forward to and even though our stockpile of beer is rapidly diminishing, we will continue to venture further into this strange and daunting land.
Tuesday, 5 August 2008
The Road Goes Ever On
Hey all,
Well we have been in Syders for a few days now and I should really report in our latest intel on the city. First thing that we checked out was the local sights and sounds, they were mainly backpackers of the female variety so it took some effort to move out and explore our surroundings.
First stop, the opera house. I know we are going there in a few days time anyway, but that experience will be of the interior (going to see some Tchaikovsky! Yay - I'm not an old fart honest...) . It is rather impressive, even more so when the sun is setting and the 'Sails' are highlighted in that late evening glow.
We spent the second day walking around the Bridge and learning about it (is this meant to feel like a school field trip - oh wait, I can have lots of beer, that makes it far more interesting "It took them how long!?!?! Give me a hammer and a few bits of wood and I could do better while playing peggle with my free hand!). Again, rather more impressive up close, but of course, like a lot of impressive things here in Oz (Mike and I included) it is an English design.
This has been our first few days with no specific plans in place or traveling to do and I think the break has done us good. Lots of beer, lots of walking and exploring but of our own accord and pace. The city is quite impressive (keep seeing sets from the film 'The Matrix' which is rather un-nerving) and the weather feels rather more like Autumn in the UK than winter. Either way it is a stark contrast with the Sun, Sea and flowing Rain forest that we have been accustomed to so far on our trip, only time will show us the surprises that this city has to offer us.
Farewell fare readers and may your comments flow like the beer is here - copiously.
Well we have been in Syders for a few days now and I should really report in our latest intel on the city. First thing that we checked out was the local sights and sounds, they were mainly backpackers of the female variety so it took some effort to move out and explore our surroundings.
First stop, the opera house. I know we are going there in a few days time anyway, but that experience will be of the interior (going to see some Tchaikovsky! Yay - I'm not an old fart honest...) . It is rather impressive, even more so when the sun is setting and the 'Sails' are highlighted in that late evening glow.
We spent the second day walking around the Bridge and learning about it (is this meant to feel like a school field trip - oh wait, I can have lots of beer, that makes it far more interesting "It took them how long!?!?! Give me a hammer and a few bits of wood and I could do better while playing peggle with my free hand!). Again, rather more impressive up close, but of course, like a lot of impressive things here in Oz (Mike and I included) it is an English design.
This has been our first few days with no specific plans in place or traveling to do and I think the break has done us good. Lots of beer, lots of walking and exploring but of our own accord and pace. The city is quite impressive (keep seeing sets from the film 'The Matrix' which is rather un-nerving) and the weather feels rather more like Autumn in the UK than winter. Either way it is a stark contrast with the Sun, Sea and flowing Rain forest that we have been accustomed to so far on our trip, only time will show us the surprises that this city has to offer us.
Farewell fare readers and may your comments flow like the beer is here - copiously.
Saturday, 2 August 2008
Swimming in the sun or flying?
Our last day in Cairns marks a end to many things.
Firstly the weather. Sydney is next for a week then 2 in New Zealand, it won't be til the end of August that we see the sun again in Vancouver. This is something we have both been enjoying and will miss.
Secondly the activities. The schedule of non-stop things to ends. Our week in Sydney is more relaxed than our time so far. however, don't get me wrong, the reason we have been so busy is because we wanted to be. And we have loved it. Sinagpore and the slings; Port Douglas and the beach and beer; Cape Trib and the rainforest and beaches; Cairns and Uncle Brians and the Barrier Reef. These were all things I certainly longed to do, Tom was sceptical at first with a couple, more ignorance than concern, as he will happily admit. We leave Cairns completely content, if not a little lighter in the pocket, but content never the less.
The morning was spent sleeping, partly. The tours always start early and this was our first morning to sleep in. A breakfast with Fabian and then handed him the perishable goods we couldn't transport to Sydney. We were late checking out :) we had a tannoy call to get out! Anyhow, with bags in the baggage store we headed down to the Lagoon.
We were told it was a must do while in Cairns (pronounced cans I'm finding). There are pictures of it on the blog. It is a large outdoor swimming pool essentially, with sand around and then grass with a BBQ area. Friday morning was busy there and we enjoyed soaking up the atmosphere. Tom went to find the bird he'd been after for a couple of days while I kicked back with the iPod. I had not been swimming for a few hours and was in need of a dip, so a plunge into the 'refreshing' (we have come to understand the true meaning of that word already ;) ) water.
There was good reason for this interlude, well I thought there was. We had a few hours to kill before our 16.10 flight to Sydney. Lunch was had by the lagoon, and then a strole back to the YHA to grab our bags for the coach transfer to the airport. Well after 15 minutes past our departure time we were concerned. The YHA phoned Sun Palm and we were reassured only another 10 minutes. 45 minutes after our departure time the coach turned up - Justin our driver had just come off the Port Douglas route we had been on earlier in the week - he explained the company were running behind. Hey it didn't matter that 16.10 depature was a while yet.
Justin, very informative with Bristolian grandparents, helped us into an empty airport. This is odd, were my first thoughts, I've travelled enough to know that even the smallest airports in the world busy themselves before departures. Well, all was about to be explained as I asked to check in for 'the Sydney flight'. It appears that the 16.10 departure was actually a 16.10 arrival at Sydney, yes I had missed our flight by 3 hours! It was bound to happen sometime in my life!
The checkin clerk directed us over to the sales clerk, who tried to get us on our original plane, for some reason still on the ground (must have gone tech on arrival or delayed). Alas it was not to be, so I clenched my teeth for the financial penalty of being a plonker. Then reallity took hold as the sales clerk's good nature reminded me that this was Qantas and not some tin pot carrier, transfered to the 17.15 departure with a long wait ahead.
Dinner was plastic on the plane. My faith in Qantas died rapidly as they expected me to pay for wine with my dinner! Anyhow Sydney Airport is well located and 4 stops on the Airlink we were at Sydney central witha 2 min strole to our hostel.
The night was spent in Scubar (the YHA bar), initially for a drink but ended up boogying the night away to a DJ who could not mix tracks to save his life, shame I left my collection at home...
Firstly the weather. Sydney is next for a week then 2 in New Zealand, it won't be til the end of August that we see the sun again in Vancouver. This is something we have both been enjoying and will miss.
Secondly the activities. The schedule of non-stop things to ends. Our week in Sydney is more relaxed than our time so far. however, don't get me wrong, the reason we have been so busy is because we wanted to be. And we have loved it. Sinagpore and the slings; Port Douglas and the beach and beer; Cape Trib and the rainforest and beaches; Cairns and Uncle Brians and the Barrier Reef. These were all things I certainly longed to do, Tom was sceptical at first with a couple, more ignorance than concern, as he will happily admit. We leave Cairns completely content, if not a little lighter in the pocket, but content never the less.
The morning was spent sleeping, partly. The tours always start early and this was our first morning to sleep in. A breakfast with Fabian and then handed him the perishable goods we couldn't transport to Sydney. We were late checking out :) we had a tannoy call to get out! Anyhow, with bags in the baggage store we headed down to the Lagoon.
We were told it was a must do while in Cairns (pronounced cans I'm finding). There are pictures of it on the blog. It is a large outdoor swimming pool essentially, with sand around and then grass with a BBQ area. Friday morning was busy there and we enjoyed soaking up the atmosphere. Tom went to find the bird he'd been after for a couple of days while I kicked back with the iPod. I had not been swimming for a few hours and was in need of a dip, so a plunge into the 'refreshing' (we have come to understand the true meaning of that word already ;) ) water.
There was good reason for this interlude, well I thought there was. We had a few hours to kill before our 16.10 flight to Sydney. Lunch was had by the lagoon, and then a strole back to the YHA to grab our bags for the coach transfer to the airport. Well after 15 minutes past our departure time we were concerned. The YHA phoned Sun Palm and we were reassured only another 10 minutes. 45 minutes after our departure time the coach turned up - Justin our driver had just come off the Port Douglas route we had been on earlier in the week - he explained the company were running behind. Hey it didn't matter that 16.10 depature was a while yet.
Justin, very informative with Bristolian grandparents, helped us into an empty airport. This is odd, were my first thoughts, I've travelled enough to know that even the smallest airports in the world busy themselves before departures. Well, all was about to be explained as I asked to check in for 'the Sydney flight'. It appears that the 16.10 departure was actually a 16.10 arrival at Sydney, yes I had missed our flight by 3 hours! It was bound to happen sometime in my life!
The checkin clerk directed us over to the sales clerk, who tried to get us on our original plane, for some reason still on the ground (must have gone tech on arrival or delayed). Alas it was not to be, so I clenched my teeth for the financial penalty of being a plonker. Then reallity took hold as the sales clerk's good nature reminded me that this was Qantas and not some tin pot carrier, transfered to the 17.15 departure with a long wait ahead.
Dinner was plastic on the plane. My faith in Qantas died rapidly as they expected me to pay for wine with my dinner! Anyhow Sydney Airport is well located and 4 stops on the Airlink we were at Sydney central witha 2 min strole to our hostel.
The night was spent in Scubar (the YHA bar), initially for a drink but ended up boogying the night away to a DJ who could not mix tracks to save his life, shame I left my collection at home...
Taking the Plunge
Hi All,
Well after having a fantastic day out with Gus we fancied something that promised slightly warmer waters! Another early morning as we needed to get down to the local marina to catch our boat to the Great Barrier Reef.
We had a small panic initially as we couldn't find the boat or check in desk! However a quick chat with a skipper of another vessel put us back on track. We were first on the boat, seated and kitted out, soon to be joined by a friendly girl from the US who had been eying up our stir fry from the previous days cooking back at the YHA.
After basic instructions and techniques it was time to take our first dive. The two other people with us couldn't get to grip with the basic techniques once in the water so it was just me and Mike. Excellent fun if not a little short (only 10 mins or so after the delay) . Then a good 30 mins of snorkeling and back to the ship for lunch.
After the first experience we were keen to get back into the deeper waters and booked a second dive, this time we were under for a good 30-40 minutes. Absolutely great fun. Carried on chatting with Ashley (the girl from the US - Texas) on the way back to the mainland, and decided to go out clubbing in Cairns that night with her friend Casey. This turned into a more interesting evening as we grabbed a few beers and a bottle of vodka and were chatting for ages at the hostel even before hitting the city. The first club we went into started a dirty dancing competition about 10 mins after we arrived, which was a little bizzare :/
Then on to the Wool Shed and several large pitchers of beer and a lot of rather 'enthusiastic' dancing to some acid house music (well that's what Mike calls it anyway. Personally I like to call it, bad music) . We did have a great night though, and certainly made some new friends that shall be remembered for some while to come.
Well after having a fantastic day out with Gus we fancied something that promised slightly warmer waters! Another early morning as we needed to get down to the local marina to catch our boat to the Great Barrier Reef.
We had a small panic initially as we couldn't find the boat or check in desk! However a quick chat with a skipper of another vessel put us back on track. We were first on the boat, seated and kitted out, soon to be joined by a friendly girl from the US who had been eying up our stir fry from the previous days cooking back at the YHA.
After basic instructions and techniques it was time to take our first dive. The two other people with us couldn't get to grip with the basic techniques once in the water so it was just me and Mike. Excellent fun if not a little short (only 10 mins or so after the delay) . Then a good 30 mins of snorkeling and back to the ship for lunch.
After the first experience we were keen to get back into the deeper waters and booked a second dive, this time we were under for a good 30-40 minutes. Absolutely great fun. Carried on chatting with Ashley (the girl from the US - Texas) on the way back to the mainland, and decided to go out clubbing in Cairns that night with her friend Casey. This turned into a more interesting evening as we grabbed a few beers and a bottle of vodka and were chatting for ages at the hostel even before hitting the city. The first club we went into started a dirty dancing competition about 10 mins after we arrived, which was a little bizzare :/
Then on to the Wool Shed and several large pitchers of beer and a lot of rather 'enthusiastic' dancing to some acid house music (well that's what Mike calls it anyway. Personally I like to call it, bad music) . We did have a great night though, and certainly made some new friends that shall be remembered for some while to come.
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