Our wonderful trip Down Under has come to an end.
We made it home safely - after 23 hrs and 55 minutes in the air we went back in time and arrived 6 hours after we left Sydney - at least by the est zone clock!!
Time to get our body clocks turned back around from daylight to dark.
We had a great time - we saw sharks, sea turtles, a manta ray, a reef shark and Rachel found Nemo!!
We could almost touch the clouds in the Skyrail we went thru tunnels dug out by hand.
The weather was fabulous - summer in full swing - even got a tan started.
Back to long pants, long sleeve shirts and warm socks.
Now to get all of the files transferred from the laptop to the iMac
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Time to say goodbye to Cairns and Hello again to Sydney
It has been a wonderful week - lots of new adventures and beautiful places visited.
Rachel's plane took off on time at 12:30 - we were standing on the sidewalk in the rain watching it rise into the sky. Hope she saw us waving to her. We were the ones holding the striped multi-colored golf umbrella.
In 45 very short minutes, we will be hauling our suitcases down the stairs - yes down - no elevator.
It has been POURING rain since before 6am this morning - my plan to walk to the beach to watch the sunrise didn't happen.
After we got Rachel safely on her airport shuttle, Rose and I took one last walk around the town - took all of an hour. It is a small beach town. I have gotten a nice tan started!!
Once we return to Sydney, no internet connection until we arrive home.
We will arrive in Sydney late tonight and will only have time to get to our hotel, sleep, up in the morning, catch the shuttle and head to the airport - no time for sightseeing.
I hope everyone enjoyed the blog and our exciting trip to Australia - I would definitely do this again except I'd only bring only two pair of shoes - flip flops and sneakers!!
If I ever returned to Australia - I'd bring a backpack, hop on the Greyhound bus (they are not scary like at home) and see the country coast to coast staying in Hostels or wherever I could.
See y'all in the good ole USA!!
Signing off from the land down under!!
Rachel's plane took off on time at 12:30 - we were standing on the sidewalk in the rain watching it rise into the sky. Hope she saw us waving to her. We were the ones holding the striped multi-colored golf umbrella.
In 45 very short minutes, we will be hauling our suitcases down the stairs - yes down - no elevator.
It has been POURING rain since before 6am this morning - my plan to walk to the beach to watch the sunrise didn't happen.
After we got Rachel safely on her airport shuttle, Rose and I took one last walk around the town - took all of an hour. It is a small beach town. I have gotten a nice tan started!!
Once we return to Sydney, no internet connection until we arrive home.
We will arrive in Sydney late tonight and will only have time to get to our hotel, sleep, up in the morning, catch the shuttle and head to the airport - no time for sightseeing.
I hope everyone enjoyed the blog and our exciting trip to Australia - I would definitely do this again except I'd only bring only two pair of shoes - flip flops and sneakers!!
If I ever returned to Australia - I'd bring a backpack, hop on the Greyhound bus (they are not scary like at home) and see the country coast to coast staying in Hostels or wherever I could.
See y'all in the good ole USA!!
Signing off from the land down under!!
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Off the to Outer Barrier Reef
I'm sorry to hear about Christchurch - that is an awful thing - two earthquakes in 6 months. We heard about it on our boat ride yesterday. The captain said that the recent cyclone (Yasi) destroyed the tsunami warning equipment - hopefully all will be ok out there - we will be pretty far out today.
Will post more later about our adventure yesterday - it was a long tiring day but beautiful scenery. The rain forest meets the ocean - it was beautiful.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Finally - Photos - not in any particular order
Sunrise from our balcony
Rachel about to swim off for her dive - is this the last image we'll have of her....
We are now even - I only spilled a little Dr Pepper on a chair in the Dallas airport
Rose spilled her beer onto the pizza!! - she is trying to mop it up
Rose leaving the platform in the Scuba Do - or Scooby Doo as she kept calling it.
Ok - this is me - trying to enter the Suba Doo completely wrong - and yes - I whopped myself in the head...
Hmmmmm - which is the left and which is the right??
Jimmie leaving the platform in her "Scooby Do"
Holding a Koala Bear at Kuranda Village
Scary scorpion looking leaf eaters
This croc was so funny - he kinda reminded me of Tallulah only he didn't slobber.
We walked up just as they started feeding them - he just sat there with his mouth open - feed me - feed me - just drop it in - I'm ready!!
Beautiful Barrier Reef at Green Island
Barron Falls in the Rain Forest at Kuranda - it looks Lincoln shaking hands with the falls
Yes - the skyrail really was treetop high and those were TALL trees!!
The Coral Sea from the Skyrail
Feeding a kangaroo at Kuranda Village
Rose and Rachel riding the skyrail - notice how high it is...
Sorry - gotta turn your head sideways!! Falls as seen from the train
Sea turtle we saw as we were waiting for the boat at Green Island
Wednesday Activities - Palm Cove - Outer Barrier Reef
Well y'all - if anyone is expecting a gift - I just blew the last of my money on a second trip to the Outer Barrier reef. I just could not stand leaving here without going snorkeling again. I got so excited about it, when we got back from town I packed my bag a day early!! I will leave at 8:30 am and return at 4:30 pm. We will snorkel at three different places so I will get to see a variety of things!! I bought an underwater throwaway camera to take pictures with. I will be sure to take the charger for my video camera. I will be alone for this trip - Rose and Rachel are heading up to Palm Coast - they will be seeing the zoo and the Botanical Gardens. There are lots of beaches north of here.
Sorry I can't post pictures - I don't want any surprises with the plan we bought - it did not come with unlimited uploads so I decided the best thing to do is not upload anything.
Sorry I can't post pictures - I don't want any surprises with the plan we bought - it did not come with unlimited uploads so I decided the best thing to do is not upload anything.
Kuranda Village - Train and Skyrail
The train ride up to Kuranda Village took about 2 hours - it was a beautiful ride thru the rain forest. There are 12 tunnels that had to be cut thru the rock when the tracks were laid. It reminded me a lot of the North Georgia Mountains.
Got up to the village and it was pretty much just shopping areas - didn't quite look like what they had on the web but it was nice and shady. Tree lined streets to stroll around in. We went into the Koala place to hold a Koala - it cost to hold one. Only Rachel held it but we could all get in the picture and they took one of all of us with our cameras. We fed some kangaroos - there we a couple of babies there as well.
Because of recent cyclone damage to their cages, the snakes had been moved to a different place.
We wandered around for a while then off to the skyrail. That thing was HIGH!! When they said it went over the tree tops, they meant it!! What a beautiful ride - it took us about 90 minutes to get from the top to the bottom including 2 stops along the way. When we left the last stop, it was only 10 minutes to the bottom - we hopped on and as we topped the last hill - wow - what a view.
Got up to the village and it was pretty much just shopping areas - didn't quite look like what they had on the web but it was nice and shady. Tree lined streets to stroll around in. We went into the Koala place to hold a Koala - it cost to hold one. Only Rachel held it but we could all get in the picture and they took one of all of us with our cameras. We fed some kangaroos - there we a couple of babies there as well.
Because of recent cyclone damage to their cages, the snakes had been moved to a different place.
We wandered around for a while then off to the skyrail. That thing was HIGH!! When they said it went over the tree tops, they meant it!! What a beautiful ride - it took us about 90 minutes to get from the top to the bottom including 2 stops along the way. When we left the last stop, it was only 10 minutes to the bottom - we hopped on and as we topped the last hill - wow - what a view.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
The Great Barrier Reef Adventure
Wow - where do I start!! How about at the beginning...
We were up, dressed and hitting the sidewalk by 7 am this morning. We walked the short 5-6 blocks to the Reef Terminal to catch our air-conditioned fast catamaran out to Green Island. As we got onto the boat, we made our way to the first level, then up to the second level, and finally headed up to the top - kept following the crowd.
As we made our way to the island, the reservations were confirmed and payments made for the adventures that awaited us on the Great Barrier Reef. After much confusion about where to go and who to see and to get the details hammered out so that Rachel and I would be on the snorkel tour together and Rose and I would not be on our Scuba Doo at the same time Rachel was diving. Whew..got it all together so we settled back and finished our beautiful ride out to Green Island.
Green Island was very beautiful - we walked along the boardwalk thru the rainforest and sat by the pool for a while. I walked down to the water and went down the steps into the ocean to remove to plastic bottles that were floating around - people are so careless at times!!.
After two short hours at Green Island, we headed back to the boat to continue our adventure to the Great Barrier reef.
As we were standing in line - a sea turtle popped up out of the ocean. I'd add the picture but the connection is so slow - it is taking a very long time to load the photographs - so it will just have to wait. I'm tired and tomorrow is going to be another busy day.
Got back onto the boat for a 45 minute ride out to the reef. Once we arrived, it was straight over for our Scuba Doo adventure. Yes - I am the one that smacked myself in the head because I tried to enter it incorrectly - pretty funny - Rachel actually got a picture of it as it was happening but then I was under water and you can't really tell what was going on. Once I got my head in the little hole and was properly seated, they removed the scooters from the deck and we were off for our adventure - it was a little scary at first, sitting on a scooter - in the ocean - with your head in a bubble!!
We saw some beautiful fish but alas - no turtles. It was murky underwater but we got to see some really pretty things. We had a guide that "pushed" us around but we ran the motor. I can't imagine diving everyday at the reef - I bet they have seen exciting things.
After the scuba doo - Rachel and I headed over for our guided snorkeling tour. This is the first time I have snorkeled - once I figured out to keep my mouth completely shut, it was great - salt water tastes awful. The coral was beautiful - I didn't swim over it very much in fear of not only hurting it but I didn't want to get cut. the water in some places was about 20 or so feet deep but over the coral, it would be 2-3 feet - just enough room to paddle over. I was very glad I put on a life vest - it enabled me to just float. I used my underwater video camera and the videos came out pretty good. The one time I needed it - of course I left it on the platform - that story later. Rachel and I pretty much ditched our guide - we kept going here and there - so much to see. The really blue parts of the reef are actually where there is no coral - it is the sandy bottom.
We got so excited about the snorkeling, we made it to the platform just in time for Rachel to gear up for diving. Rose was getting on the submersible & I stayed behind to photograph Rachel's diving experience. It was really neat - just as she got off the platform, I was able to go below and take photos of her swimming off.
Suddenly I was alone - Rachel diving, Rose in the submersible. It was very hot so I decided to go snorkeling again and cool off. Only had a few minutes to float around so I left the camera behind. BIG MISTAKE. I was floating around minding my own business enjoying the beautiful coral and there it was - a SHARK- swimming under me less than 10 feet away on the bottom!! I got very still and wasn't completely sure what to do. I kept thinking don't swish around - don't swish around. I did watch him - oh for about 5 seconds and slowly turned around and started paddling like hell back to the platform - thank goodness for fins!! I kept looking up to see where I was before I had gotten a ways out - I'd paddle then look up - I guess the lifeguard saw me and kept watching - I was not about to have a jaws moment and yell SHARK - so I quickly got my fins off and quietly told him I had seen a shark - he said - oh it was just a reef shark - they won't hurt you. Sure they won't. I ran over and grabbed my underwater camera hopped back in and went looking for him. Nothing - we had 10 minutes left at the platform and I was determined to see him again. But alas, my shark encounter was brief at the reef but hey - I saw a shark up close in the wild - not in a tank and not on tv -but in real life in it's world. I ran out of time and had to pack up and get back onto our boat - didn't see him again - I snorkeled til the last minute.
Got back onto the boat for our 45 minute ride home. Sat up top again and enjoyed the view. There were some guys from Japan (?) that kept looking at Rachel and when I took a picture of her - so did they - one of them hopped in asked to have his photo taken with her - she says it happens all the time - she is really tall 5 11 & 1/2
As we got closer to shore, it was raining on land - it was so beautiful - the clouds were low on the mountains and there was a rainbow down the side of one.
Got back to land and walked around town - we were tired and hungry so we stopped for pizza and a cold one. Found a great pizza place and just as they put the pizza on the table....Rose spilled her beer all over it!! It was very funny! Beer soaked pizza is actually pretty good. We ate, made our way back to the hotel - saw those scary bats again - settled down and prepared for our next adventure.
Today we are headed out to the Kuranda Village - taking the train and the skyrail aka bucket in the sky!!
Connection too slow for picture posting ;-(
Must get ready - only an hour before they pick us up!!
Tune in next time for our Bucket in the sky report
WOW - what a day
We were up, dressed and hitting the sidewalk by 7 am this morning. We walked the short 5-6 blocks to the Reef Terminal to catch our air-conditioned fast catamaran out to Green Island. As we got onto the boat, we made our way to the first level, then up to the second level, and finally headed up to the top - kept following the crowd.
As we made our way to the island, the reservations were confirmed and payments made for the adventures that awaited us on the Great Barrier Reef. After much confusion about where to go and who to see and to get the details hammered out so that Rachel and I would be on the snorkel tour together and Rose and I would not be on our Scuba Doo at the same time Rachel was diving. Whew..got it all together so we settled back and finished our beautiful ride out to Green Island.
Green Island was very beautiful - we walked along the boardwalk thru the rainforest and sat by the pool for a while. I walked down to the water and went down the steps into the ocean to remove to plastic bottles that were floating around - people are so careless at times!!.
After two short hours at Green Island, we headed back to the boat to continue our adventure to the Great Barrier reef.
As we were standing in line - a sea turtle popped up out of the ocean. I'd add the picture but the connection is so slow - it is taking a very long time to load the photographs - so it will just have to wait. I'm tired and tomorrow is going to be another busy day.
Got back onto the boat for a 45 minute ride out to the reef. Once we arrived, it was straight over for our Scuba Doo adventure. Yes - I am the one that smacked myself in the head because I tried to enter it incorrectly - pretty funny - Rachel actually got a picture of it as it was happening but then I was under water and you can't really tell what was going on. Once I got my head in the little hole and was properly seated, they removed the scooters from the deck and we were off for our adventure - it was a little scary at first, sitting on a scooter - in the ocean - with your head in a bubble!!
We saw some beautiful fish but alas - no turtles. It was murky underwater but we got to see some really pretty things. We had a guide that "pushed" us around but we ran the motor. I can't imagine diving everyday at the reef - I bet they have seen exciting things.
After the scuba doo - Rachel and I headed over for our guided snorkeling tour. This is the first time I have snorkeled - once I figured out to keep my mouth completely shut, it was great - salt water tastes awful. The coral was beautiful - I didn't swim over it very much in fear of not only hurting it but I didn't want to get cut. the water in some places was about 20 or so feet deep but over the coral, it would be 2-3 feet - just enough room to paddle over. I was very glad I put on a life vest - it enabled me to just float. I used my underwater video camera and the videos came out pretty good. The one time I needed it - of course I left it on the platform - that story later. Rachel and I pretty much ditched our guide - we kept going here and there - so much to see. The really blue parts of the reef are actually where there is no coral - it is the sandy bottom.
We got so excited about the snorkeling, we made it to the platform just in time for Rachel to gear up for diving. Rose was getting on the submersible & I stayed behind to photograph Rachel's diving experience. It was really neat - just as she got off the platform, I was able to go below and take photos of her swimming off.
Suddenly I was alone - Rachel diving, Rose in the submersible. It was very hot so I decided to go snorkeling again and cool off. Only had a few minutes to float around so I left the camera behind. BIG MISTAKE. I was floating around minding my own business enjoying the beautiful coral and there it was - a SHARK- swimming under me less than 10 feet away on the bottom!! I got very still and wasn't completely sure what to do. I kept thinking don't swish around - don't swish around. I did watch him - oh for about 5 seconds and slowly turned around and started paddling like hell back to the platform - thank goodness for fins!! I kept looking up to see where I was before I had gotten a ways out - I'd paddle then look up - I guess the lifeguard saw me and kept watching - I was not about to have a jaws moment and yell SHARK - so I quickly got my fins off and quietly told him I had seen a shark - he said - oh it was just a reef shark - they won't hurt you. Sure they won't. I ran over and grabbed my underwater camera hopped back in and went looking for him. Nothing - we had 10 minutes left at the platform and I was determined to see him again. But alas, my shark encounter was brief at the reef but hey - I saw a shark up close in the wild - not in a tank and not on tv -but in real life in it's world. I ran out of time and had to pack up and get back onto our boat - didn't see him again - I snorkeled til the last minute.
Got back onto the boat for our 45 minute ride home. Sat up top again and enjoyed the view. There were some guys from Japan (?) that kept looking at Rachel and when I took a picture of her - so did they - one of them hopped in asked to have his photo taken with her - she says it happens all the time - she is really tall 5 11 & 1/2
As we got closer to shore, it was raining on land - it was so beautiful - the clouds were low on the mountains and there was a rainbow down the side of one.
Got back to land and walked around town - we were tired and hungry so we stopped for pizza and a cold one. Found a great pizza place and just as they put the pizza on the table....Rose spilled her beer all over it!! It was very funny! Beer soaked pizza is actually pretty good. We ate, made our way back to the hotel - saw those scary bats again - settled down and prepared for our next adventure.
Today we are headed out to the Kuranda Village - taking the train and the skyrail aka bucket in the sky!!
Connection too slow for picture posting ;-(
Must get ready - only an hour before they pick us up!!
Tune in next time for our Bucket in the sky report
WOW - what a day
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Great Barrier Reef and Green Island
Will have to post our adventures tomorrow - has been a very long day in the sun and I am just too tired to post everything right now - we had a blast and did a lot of fun things.
Tomorrow we are off early to the Kuranda Village
Tomorrow we are off early to the Kuranda Village
Friday, February 18, 2011
Cairns - Rachel has landed!!
We had a very nice day - took it easy - walked around the town - went to the MALL and got sandwich stuff - too expensive to eat out.
The mall up the street has two grocery stores - Coles and Bi-Lo of all things - they are from one of the Carolinas.
The Target does not have food stuff - not even paper towels or washing powder - speaking of paper towels - there is apparently a price war going on over here between the grocery stores on paper towers and toilet paper - big enough it made the news this morning.
It is very hot and at the last minute I took my hot weather shirts out of my suitcase - off to Target I went looking for something cool to wear. Dang - clothes are expensive here - makes Disney look cheap!! I went over to their "clearance rack" but wow - 25 bucks for a clearance t-shirt!! But...fear not - bargain hunter Jimmie zeroed in on a tiny red ticket stuck to the front of a shirt this lady was carrying thru the store - I knew right away there had to be a clearance rack somewhere that was not immediately visible!! Sure enough - there they hung beautiful COOL tank tops - who cares if they are really pjs - it is HOT and there are t-shirts thinner than this on the regular racks. I was ecstatic when I saw the tag 5.86!! Now that my friends is a bargain in the land down under - I got TWO of them and better yet - when I got to the checkout - they were 4.10!! Yes - my reputation as being cheap is still intact!!
Whew - we got our purchases home - had lunch - and off to the pool we went.
AHHHHHHH - nothing like a nice dip in the middle February and it felt wonderful! I also practiced for the snorkeling we are going to do tomorrow.
The mall up the street has two grocery stores - Coles and Bi-Lo of all things - they are from one of the Carolinas.
The Target does not have food stuff - not even paper towels or washing powder - speaking of paper towels - there is apparently a price war going on over here between the grocery stores on paper towers and toilet paper - big enough it made the news this morning.
It is very hot and at the last minute I took my hot weather shirts out of my suitcase - off to Target I went looking for something cool to wear. Dang - clothes are expensive here - makes Disney look cheap!! I went over to their "clearance rack" but wow - 25 bucks for a clearance t-shirt!! But...fear not - bargain hunter Jimmie zeroed in on a tiny red ticket stuck to the front of a shirt this lady was carrying thru the store - I knew right away there had to be a clearance rack somewhere that was not immediately visible!! Sure enough - there they hung beautiful COOL tank tops - who cares if they are really pjs - it is HOT and there are t-shirts thinner than this on the regular racks. I was ecstatic when I saw the tag 5.86!! Now that my friends is a bargain in the land down under - I got TWO of them and better yet - when I got to the checkout - they were 4.10!! Yes - my reputation as being cheap is still intact!!
Whew - we got our purchases home - had lunch - and off to the pool we went.
AHHHHHHH - nothing like a nice dip in the middle February and it felt wonderful! I also practiced for the snorkeling we are going to do tomorrow.
After our swim and chillin' by the pool - off we went back down to the oceanfront. Got some fabulous dark chocolate ice cream - yum - walked around a bit and back home to wait for Rachel.
On our way home - we saw these HUGE flying foxes (bats) - I mean HUGE - hanging in the trees. They are the size of the hawk that lives in our back yard at home. About the time we made it back to our hotel - they started flying towards the mountains - wave after wave of them. It's like being in a scary movie. Did I mention there is a FULL moon...the Batman theme song keeps running in my head each time I see one fly by.
Just waiting for a bat signal to appear.
We may rent a car - I'd like to see Coffee World - I love coffee and I love - well ya know - the picture speaks for itself...I'm curious to see if it lives up to the comparison they are making.
Well I'm tired - we have been walking around since Monday for 7-8 hours a day and my hips are really sore.
Rachel just arrived!! YEA!! Our circle is complete!! Going to get her fed and settled in.
Off to the Great Barrier Reef tomorrow for snorkeling, diving and scuba-dooing!!
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Cyclone update and Cairns
Poor Rachel, she is going to miss a whole day in Cairns. The Darwin airport was closed due to Cyclone Oscar. She was able to get a flight out early in the morning but...she has to go all the way DOWN to Melbourne, sit for 8 hours and then fly all the way UP to Cairns!!
Our Great Barrier Reef trip is going to happen Saturday instead of Friday.
Speaking of Cairns - we are here!! Arrived safely & our room is wonderful and very inviting!!
We are 4 blocks from the beach and believe me, I am sweating like crazy - is definitely a tropical location. The hotel is fabulous - this is just the living room - the kitchen - bathroom and bedroom are behind me. There is a courtyard right outside our door - everything is CLEAN and freshly painted - the owners had a PERSONAL welcome letter ready for us! they have beach towels for us. If wishes were horses, we would have left Sydney yesterday.
The kitchen is fully stocked - even has an electric range - yea - Like I'm gonna use that - but there is a corkscrew and it just so happens we are headed out for yep - an alcohol run!!
The pool screams grab a lounge chair and have a beer. have not taken a picture of it yet but one will be coming soon!!
Signing off to run around the town.
Alison - this is for you.
Our Great Barrier Reef trip is going to happen Saturday instead of Friday.
Speaking of Cairns - we are here!! Arrived safely & our room is wonderful and very inviting!!
We are 4 blocks from the beach and believe me, I am sweating like crazy - is definitely a tropical location. The hotel is fabulous - this is just the living room - the kitchen - bathroom and bedroom are behind me. There is a courtyard right outside our door - everything is CLEAN and freshly painted - the owners had a PERSONAL welcome letter ready for us! they have beach towels for us. If wishes were horses, we would have left Sydney yesterday.
The kitchen is fully stocked - even has an electric range - yea - Like I'm gonna use that - but there is a corkscrew and it just so happens we are headed out for yep - an alcohol run!!
The pool screams grab a lounge chair and have a beer. have not taken a picture of it yet but one will be coming soon!!
Signing off to run around the town.
Alison - this is for you.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Cyclone Alert Cyclone Alert
Well - we are not sure what is going on with Rachel - there is a cyclone hitting Darwin at the moment. The airport is closed so we are not sure if or when she is going to make it to Cairns!! Have not heard from her.
We had another great day - toured around Sydney on the bus - I got sunburned on my arms and neck - it really hurts - of course my sunscreen is tucked away in the hotel!!
Excitement going on outside - not sure what happened - they are gone now
This will be my last post from Sydney - we are headed to Cairns tomorrow - if the cyclone does stop us.
My 24 hour wifi access is about to run out.
Tune in tomorrow...once I find a connection, I'll let y'all know we got there ok.
We had another great day - toured around Sydney on the bus - I got sunburned on my arms and neck - it really hurts - of course my sunscreen is tucked away in the hotel!!
Excitement going on outside - not sure what happened - they are gone now
This will be my last post from Sydney - we are headed to Cairns tomorrow - if the cyclone does stop us.
My 24 hour wifi access is about to run out.
Tune in tomorrow...once I find a connection, I'll let y'all know we got there ok.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Our day about the town
Oh my - where do I start!!
First a little catching up...
Dallas - 4 hr flight - I was enjoying the Disney movie Secretariat - true story of a triple crown horse - the movie was at the end - the horse had already won the Derby and the Preakness - only one more to the triple crown - they were neck and neck - Secretariat pulling up - fell back - pulled up again - the crowd goes WILD - my heart is racing - will the underdog win - no one is breathing - the movie goes in slow motion - the horses are coming around the bend - Secretariat pulls ahead of his arch rival - the finish line is in sight - the camera pans to the horses' feet - just at the moment the horses cross the finish line - the film stops and I hear - NO JOKE - ladies and gentlemen this is your captain speaking - we are making our final descent into San Francisco 20 minutes ahead of schedule - thanks for flying with us tonight - blah blah blah - I hollered NOOOOO and suddenly realized I had my headphones on and said that quite loudly - it was really funny. Of course the movie is a true story so I knew Secretariat won the race but it was the point...the movie started again but the thrill was gone.
San Francisco - I'm still upset I was fondled.
Passengers getting settled
They handed out pillows, blankets and a little package that contained a sleeping mask, toothbrush and toothpaste (it was for those of us that sleep with our mouths open would have minty fresh breath).
Plane loaded, got all settled in for a very long 14 hr and 55 minute flight.
Glad we had a blanket - it got cold!! Right next to us was not ONE but TWO BABIES!! They started out whiney and crying but settled down pretty quick. Thank goodness!!
Had supper - guess what it was....yep CHICKEN - pretty tasty for plane fare.
Watched a couple of movies and dozed off for a while - ok maybe a few hours. I woke up just as we were crossing the international date line. Only 5 hrs & 20 minutes left to go!!
Almost there - 43 minutes!!!
Descending for our landing! WOOO WHOOO almost there!!
Welcome to Sydney - Finally - off that plane!!
This morning was tough - as I stated earlier - I fell asleep at 3 pm yesterday - and woke up at 1am!! I mean wide awake - I finally dozed off for a bit but tick tock - tick tock - finally at 5 am or so I had to turn the TV back on!! Woke Rose up which I felt really bad about.
We got dressed and went to McDs to grab some free WIFI - don't get me started about our hotel - I finally decided to buy 20 minutes for 2 bucks and was told "it was not available in our room" ugh - minus 3 stars!!
I wandered into the YMCA and found wifi - 10 bucks for 24 hours!! bought a card on the spot!!
Our day was absolutely positively wonderful!! We started out our day by walking to the Harbour. Our first stop was at a war memorial ceremony - very moving - I may have shed a tear - soldiers all around at full attention - beautiful words spoken from veterans. I didn't catch it all but it was the 69th anniversary.
I wandered into the YMCA and found wifi - 10 bucks for 24 hours!! bought a card on the spot!!
Our day was absolutely positively wonderful!! We started out our day by walking to the Harbour. Our first stop was at a war memorial ceremony - very moving - I may have shed a tear - soldiers all around at full attention - beautiful words spoken from veterans. I didn't catch it all but it was the 69th anniversary.
It was a rainy morning but just the right temperature.
We walked by the biggest Apple Store I have ever seen!! THREE floors
Found a grocery store...
hmmm- is this the neck parts after their necks are wringed...
I made this picture extra large so you could see the price...
WOW - 46.99 for carton of Stella!! The Coca Colas were a steal at 2 for $7!!
Things are VERY expensive here.
picked up a couple of bananas (5.98 per kg) and a couple of boxes of granola bars - took the cheaper option - for now anyway.
Off to the Harbour again to walk around before catching the sight seeing bus
Sydney Opera House is beautiful - what an engineering marvel!! It's like a lot of clam shells put together.
Me at the Opera House and yes I'm holding the Crier - long story...
This is on the road as you cross the street - it is VERY important to pay attention so you don't get squashed by the Boston driver wannabees -they just as soon run over you as look at you!!
Not only do they drive on the wrong side of the road, they walk on the wrong side of the sidewalk and up and down the wrong side of steps!!
After we left the opera house, we caught the sight seeing bus - it was a double decker and we rode on the top.
Bondi Beach, here we come.
AHHHH - the sand fells great to hot sweaty feet!!
HELLO FROM BONDI BEACH!!!
Sorry - could not get this photo to rotate - so turn your head...
Back to Sydney and on to seeing the town on the city route - then - we walked across the Harbour Bridge - the one we are NOT going to climb - hope you can see how high we really are - great shot of Sydney Harbour from my iphone if I do say so myself!!
After a fabulous day of walking around - riding the bus around all of the Bondi Beach area - back to town and all around Sydney - from beginning to end on both routes - it was time for....Fat Yak Beer and it was COLD and tasty and y'all are looking at a cool 15 bucks..
Well - our fabulous day has come to an end - time to get some shut eye and be up bright and early to hop on the bus and head over to the museum of contemporary arts - Annie Lebowitz has a show and it is FREE!
Off to get some shut eye.
Good night from the Land Down Under!!
Day 2
Fell asleep @ 3 pm / woke up just past midnight!! Yuk. Not going to post as much as I had hoped. No connection at the hotel. Headed out to see Sydney on a double decker bus. It is raining ;-(. It'd not cold though!! Off to a day of sightseeing!!
Monday, February 14, 2011
Hello from Sydney!!
We made it!! Man - what a huge double decker plane!!
San Francisco was NOT fun!! They are undergoing construction and we got caught in the international security line from hell!! In case anyone goes thru a body scanner and they "think" they see something in your pocket, touching your junk and patting your thighs is part of the pocket area - even if you pull your pocket out to show it's empty!! Needless to say I was pretty pissed. We made it to the plane just in time to board - rescuing a little Chinese lady along the way that was lost and trying to find the gate. Stayed with her all the way to Australia and handed her off to her son. She was really sweet - her brother had just died.
We have been up for along time - only slept for about 7 hours or so of the 23 hr 55 mn trip.
Finally found a McDonald's that had free wiifi - our rooms are not ready until 2:pm. Oh - the McD's here is like home - dirty bathrooms!! The kid gave me a big smile when he heard me talk - yea - like I'm the one that talks funny.
We have finally eaten and are headed over to the harbour - then back to check in and get settled.
San Francisco was NOT fun!! They are undergoing construction and we got caught in the international security line from hell!! In case anyone goes thru a body scanner and they "think" they see something in your pocket, touching your junk and patting your thighs is part of the pocket area - even if you pull your pocket out to show it's empty!! Needless to say I was pretty pissed. We made it to the plane just in time to board - rescuing a little Chinese lady along the way that was lost and trying to find the gate. Stayed with her all the way to Australia and handed her off to her son. She was really sweet - her brother had just died.
We have been up for along time - only slept for about 7 hours or so of the 23 hr 55 mn trip.
Finally found a McDonald's that had free wiifi - our rooms are not ready until 2:pm. Oh - the McD's here is like home - dirty bathrooms!! The kid gave me a big smile when he heard me talk - yea - like I'm the one that talks funny.
We have finally eaten and are headed over to the harbour - then back to check in and get settled.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Countdown to go time - 3 hrs
Almost time to go - the total time of the flight is 23 hr and 55 minutes from Atlanta to Sydney!!
Off to get ready and start piling stuff at the door.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Beer is not helping
the beer is NOT relieving the stress.
I decided at the last minute to weigh my suitcase...well dang, it weighs 40 lbs!!
I took out two pair of shoes - OUCH - three outfits and a few other things.
Should have done this earlier.
I may have to buy a small duffel over there to bring useless crap back home with me.
ugh - I'm going to bed. The beer didn't relieve the stress but it DID make me sleepy
I decided at the last minute to weigh my suitcase...well dang, it weighs 40 lbs!!
I took out two pair of shoes - OUCH - three outfits and a few other things.
Should have done this earlier.
I may have to buy a small duffel over there to bring useless crap back home with me.
ugh - I'm going to bed. The beer didn't relieve the stress but it DID make me sleepy
Scuba Scuba Doooo
Scuba Dos - this is what we are going to ride under water at the Great Barrier Reef.
Our heads go in the bubble.
They are pretty cool looking..they look like girl robots..
Wonder if Shaggy will be around - ha ha
Our heads go in the bubble.
They are pretty cool looking..they look like girl robots..
Wonder if Shaggy will be around - ha ha
Less than 24 hours
Have I mentioned that packing is stressful - well - I completely unpacked my suitcase and rearranged everything - Jeff keeps telling me to have a beer (or two) - I think I will after this post is complete. Like a friend said...Jimmie, they have stores in Australia!! Eureka - I actually considered only packing a few things - buy clothes over there and donate them before I leave - I still have 22 hours and 30 minutes to decide.
But... if I did that - I could pack....a suitcase full of SHOES!!! I'm up to 6 pair!! Good grief...
Why in the world did I ever buy a 32 inch rolling duffle bag???
Have been running around all day - Rose and I got our new hairdos this morning - look out Australia - we are looking good!!!
Our reservations have been made for snorkeling, diving and scuba dooing - another thing to strike off the list.
We leave in 22 hours and 15 minutes....
We will be over Sydney before we know it!!
See the Opera House - our hotel is within walking distance!!
But... if I did that - I could pack....a suitcase full of SHOES!!! I'm up to 6 pair!! Good grief...
Why in the world did I ever buy a 32 inch rolling duffle bag???
Have been running around all day - Rose and I got our new hairdos this morning - look out Australia - we are looking good!!!
Our reservations have been made for snorkeling, diving and scuba dooing - another thing to strike off the list.
We leave in 22 hours and 15 minutes....
We will be over Sydney before we know it!!
See the Opera House - our hotel is within walking distance!!
Friday, February 11, 2011
Snow left only a minor dusting - warm up on the way
YEA!!! The snow left a nice little dusting and wet roads - NO ICE
Reservations have been made for snorkeling & diving - yea!!!!
Left on the list is a hair cut, check the suitcase for the umpteenth time and make sure the passport is within reach and more important that it is where I saw it last. ha ha
Then....we wait for the time to leave for the airport!!
One day. We leave in one day!!
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Snow and Freezing Rain in the big "D" Stop #1 on our journey
I can't believe that I am saying this - me - the person that loves snow, has a shirt that says let it snow let it snow let it snow hoping that wearing it will make it snow and has been known to do a snow dance....
Well - I DON'T WANT IT TO SNOW!!
SNOW SNOW GO AWAY
WE ARE FLYING OUT SATURDAY!!!
Dallas may set a record tonight with the temperature of 11 with single digit windchills today
Hopefully the forecast for Friday is correct - it is supposed to warm up and on Saturday, it’s supposed to be sunny with a high around 60. By Sunday, the high could be inching toward 70.
Guess I'd better start watching the big ATL - if snow is in the forecast - well - the picture speaks for itself...not sure if this is this was photo shopped or not but hey - it fits...and that is Skettie Junction and the tags are GA.
Well - I DON'T WANT IT TO SNOW!!
SNOW SNOW GO AWAY
WE ARE FLYING OUT SATURDAY!!!
Dallas may set a record tonight with the temperature of 11 with single digit windchills today
Hopefully the forecast for Friday is correct - it is supposed to warm up and on Saturday, it’s supposed to be sunny with a high around 60. By Sunday, the high could be inching toward 70.
Guess I'd better start watching the big ATL - if snow is in the forecast - well - the picture speaks for itself...not sure if this is this was photo shopped or not but hey - it fits...and that is Skettie Junction and the tags are GA.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
The Packing is Done - We leave in 3 Days!!
Oh my - I am just almost giddy - the clothes packing part is finished and I still have almost 11 inches deep of space left and it only weighs 30 lbs!!!- SHOES - I can pack more SHOES - 40 lbs worth of shoes!!! wooo whoooo...
It is strange to be packing sunscreen and tanning lotion we are under a winter storm warning though.
Yes - in case anyone is wondering - that is a Disney towel with my name embroidered on it. I'm taking my Mickey visor hat too, my Mickey tote, my Minnie hat, etc..
Hey this is the FIRST go somewhere and do something vacation that I have taken and NOT gone to Disney since oh - 2000...!! ok - well I missed 2004 - that is when Ray went to Iraq and I did the Sea to Shining Sea Tour - Pacific to Atlantic in 8 fabulous fun filled days.
3 days - we leave in 3 days -
We'll see The Sydney Opera House
The Great Barrier Reef and Green Island (in the circle)
Ride a train to the Kuranda village
Float above the Rain Forest - ugh - this makes me dizzy just looking at it.
Gaze at the Falls in Kuranda
Coming Soon - the same pictures but with our smiling faces - have no fear - bathing "costume" photos are neck up only....ha ha ha
3 days - 3 very short possibly snow filled cold days before we take off to the wild blue down under summer sun
It is strange to be packing sunscreen and tanning lotion we are under a winter storm warning though.
Hey this is the FIRST go somewhere and do something vacation that I have taken and NOT gone to Disney since oh - 2000...!! ok - well I missed 2004 - that is when Ray went to Iraq and I did the Sea to Shining Sea Tour - Pacific to Atlantic in 8 fabulous fun filled days.
3 days - we leave in 3 days -
We'll see The Sydney Opera House
Float above the Rain Forest - ugh - this makes me dizzy just looking at it.
Coming Soon - the same pictures but with our smiling faces - have no fear - bathing "costume" photos are neck up only....ha ha ha
3 days - 3 very short possibly snow filled cold days before we take off to the wild blue down under summer sun
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