mumandpoo

Izzy's First Real Christmas

2012-01-13T13:44:00.001+10:00

We spent last Christmas in Sydney with Isabel, but being just three months old, it was more of a celebration for us rather than her. But now twelve months on she was old enough to know that something was going on.

She came to visit us for the twelve days prior to Christmas,and we really enjoyed having her. Her parents arrived on Christmas Eve and we had a wonderful Christmas Day. Just watching her opening all the presents reminded us just what Christmas use to be like when our girls were young.

It does look like a "Cabbage Catch Kid".

Christmas dinner was fun too.

The Fjords of New Zealand

2012-01-12T21:27:00.001+10:00

Years ago back in the 60's I had the wonderful experience of walking the Milford Track. From Lake TeAnua to Milford Sound. It was a great walk and over the last years I have read and seen photos of the walk that can now be done into Doubtful Sound. Only two ways into Doubtful Sound, either by foot or by boat. Well the foot part is now well and truly beyond Poo and I so when we saw a last minute deal on a balcony cabin we decided to go for it. And to sail through Dusty Sound was an added bonus. So a flight to Sydney and we were on our way. A lovely ship, the American Celebrity Line, the ship being Celebrity Century.

Our first stop was Hobart, and oh what a surprise, what should be at the berth beside us but our favorite ship.The Akademik Shokalskiy, our home away from home on both our Antarctic and Arctic voyages. We truly love this little ship, and what we would have given to have been sailing off on her. The large liners may have all the bells and whistles and may be some people's idea of cruising, but no, that little ship to us beats them all. We talked to the crew, she was off to Mawsons Hut. Lucky people. So apt, a photo of our two ships with Mawsons Rememberance in the foreground.

So it was a very enjoyable twelve days. We enjoyed the rest of the ports but it was the Fjords we had gone to see. Another off the list.

Fishing the Rivers

2011-11-28T15:19:00.002+10:00

Spent a week fishing the rivers out on the Downs. Had a wonderful week, nothing worth reporting in the catches but a great restful way to pass the time. All freecamps, and all enjoyable. Marked in the book for a return visit.

First three nights were spent on the Dumaresq River out Yelarbon Way

Dogs welcome at all the camps so Koby had a wonderful week too.

We moved on then to the camp at Yarramalong Weir and had two nights there. Thanks for the photos JW, I was too busy doing nothing to take any. Once again, no fish.

Then on to Bowenville, a camp spot we had heard about but never visited. Great place.

Then back home again for a few days before we headed off to Bigriggen at Rathdowney for our Christmas Party for the 4WD club. Life is great.

Finally, A Caravan Trip

2011-10-22T17:53:00.031+10:00

In the last eleven months the caravan has only been out of the shed once, and that was a weekend trip with our four-wheel drive club.

The terrible Queensland floods last January sure put a stop to our enjoyable camping trips to the river. We dare not even venture to our beautiful spot to see the damage, seeing what the Brisbane River looks like in other places as we drive by, there is no way that our spot didn't suffer the same fate.

September meant it was Isabel's first birthday.

We have made numerous trips to Sydney in the last twelve months but we have either flown or driven the small car in a one day drive so we decided this one would be a little slower.

I have heard and read so many good things about the little town of Bingara on the Gwyder River that I wanted to check it out. And it definitely lived up to my expectations. A very friendly town that welcomes travellers. Some beautiful peaceful campsites along the river and even though there was a little algae it was stilll nice to sit and relax and watch the bird life.

We then drove south stopping at Lake Windemere for the night. A great campground with a view over the lake and at a very reasonable cost.

Then on to Sydney where because of Isabels birthday falling on Fathers Day weekend we had a birthday party that we will never forget and Isabel won't remember so no worries that it was a week early.

Poo and I then ventured south to fill in the days till Isabel's actual birthday came round. We spent a night in Goulburn before heading to the coast and found a gem of a place in Tuross Head.
The most beautiful spot to relax. A caravan spot right overlooking the water. Just delightful.
One of the best kept and run caravan parks we have ever been in.

A beautiful spot overlooking the river where you can dine on the deck. Magic at sunset.

We then left this great place and headed north again to Gerringong where at the Caravan Park there we met up with Isabel and her family and spent a good weekend and celebrated her birthday. The real one.

So we then headed back to Sydney for a night and then spent a couple of days driving up the Pacific Highway . A really enjoyable trip.

Norfolk Island

2011-10-12T17:16:00.049+10:00

Thought it about time I shared the delightful place that Norfolk
Island is.

We spent a week there in July. A very restful spot. Quite different from the adventure holidays we are use to.

Rocky Mountains High…..Colorado

2011-05-31T15:07:00.013+10:00

Our last area to visit was the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. It was a lovely drive down from the Grand Tetons following the Oregon Trail. Old wagons and interesting scenery along the way. We made our way to Grand Lake where we based ourselves for two nights.

The view from our motel

We walked to see the Adams Falls named after the famous photographer (Ansell Adams) who took some great photos in this area

The lake that feeds these falls

We ventured up Trail Ridge Road which is the highest paved road in the USA but because of the amount of snow it was closed towards the top as they where still snow ploughing but nice scenery all the same

We then , because of the road closure took the long way round to the other side of the park and based ourselves at Estes Park. A beautiful town and stayed in a lovely condo for three nights.

Ran into a storm on the way up the mountain and then it started snowing. Very scary for 8 or so miles.

From here we drove from the other End of Trail Ridge Road and wow, the amount of snow they are ploughing through is just unbelievable

The view from Trail Ridge Road

Back in the valley

The frozen Bear Lake

Elk everywhere, in and out of the park

It was then time to leave this great place and make our way back to Denver for our flight to Los Angeles and then back to Sydney

Isabel ready for the last car ride of her adventure

The Grand Tetons & Aren’t They Grand

2011-05-23T12:26:00.005+10:00

We’ve spent three great days in the Grand Teton National Park and wow, this place is just delightful. Still most places are closed with opening day supposedly as Memorial Day on the USA calendar which is next weekend, but by the look of the depth of snow we just can’t see this happening.

Signal Mountain Lodge had been opened for two weeks this season and the view from their dinning room was just breathtaking. We really enjoyed sitting here looking at this at meal times.

And our log cabin overlooked Jackson Lake too.

Jenny Lake (still frozen)

We found a road which lead us to a quant area of barns. Named Morman Row this was where the Mormans had settled quite some years ago. Quite a spectacular backdrop and now the subject of a very popular frig magnet.

Another barn

An original home on Morman Row

Then it was time to leave and head along the Oregan Trail and on to the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Looking back on these spectacular mountains.

Another spectacular place to add to our “Favourite Sights” list.

Yellowstone

2011-05-21T01:33:00.007+10:00

Due to the unseasonal late snow falls, causing lots of mudslides and avalanches that closed roads we changed our route, so after leaving Red Lodge we travelled the Bear Tooth Highway and the Chief Joseph Scenic Way in such a way we could enter the Park.

Changing scenery along the way

Finally after driving through lots of snow at Cooke City we were in the Park.

Waterfalls and huge canyons

Isabel having fun

We did lots of walking and on ice too but Izzy took the easy way

Yellowstone has lots of mud pools and geysers

Izzy with her mum and dad off to see some geysers

Then of course. we sat with lots of others just like all do when they come to Yellowstone, to sit and wait for Old Faithfull

A great few days. One black bear and two wolves.

East from Denver

2011-05-20T07:52:00.006+10:00

Once off our flight from Denver we picked up our hire car and started heading east. Destination Mt. Rushmore. Leaving Colorado we travelled into Wyoming and spent the night in Torrington. Then it was on towards South Dakota. Bison country

Then somewhere I have always wanted to be

In the Black Hills of Dakota

Then our first glimpse of Mt.Rushmore

We drove back in the evening to view it under floodlights, then back next morning for a full walk through. It really was impressive and definitely a sight to see.

By staying two nights in Keystone we were really able to enjoy the area. Keystone is the nearest town to Mt.Rushmore and from there we were able to make a trip to the Badlands. Really interesting country

Then it was time to turn west again and we travelled back into Wyoming for a short time till we entered Montana. Our destination there to be the Little Bighorn Battlefield. It was Poo’s wish to see this. “Custers Last Stand”

The spot on the hill where he fell

The view of the battlefield from the hill

We then turned south heading for Yellowstone National Park

Time for Another USA Road Trip

2011-05-11T15:43:00.003+10:00

A couple of weeks ago we decided it was time to make another road trip to see places we have on our “bucket list”’ . It would be be Poo and I together with our daughter ,son-in-law and grand-daughter. Yes, an eight month old.

A rough route planned, we had our sights set on San Fransisco, Colorado, Wyoming, The Black Hills of Dakota, Mt.Rushmore, Badlands, then up into Montana before coming down to Yellowstone NP and the Grand Tetons then to Colorada and the Rocky Mountains, then Denver and Los Angeles for the trip home.

We flew into San Francisco on the second last flight into that city by Qantas. Rather sad they will not be flying there anymore as San Francisco has always been one of our favourite cities. Hired a car and drove down Highway 1.

Isabel ready for the start of her first adventure

First stop was Carmel. A well talked about town and a very trendy place.

Poo and Isabel went walking the streets looking for Doris Day but didn’t see her

We continued down the coast to Big Spur where we stayed the night and next morning we drove further down the coast. The road is closed as there have been land-slips from the heavy rain but we enjoyed the distance we were able to see. The view these houses have from the cliff edge is amazing.

So it was back to San Fransisco where the boys did a tour of Alcatraz and we then had a lovely Mothers Day Lunch overlooking the Bay . Clam chowder at Pier 39, nothing beats that.

Isabel helping her mum and grandma celebrate their first mothers day with her

Pier 39 Clam Chowder was also a hit with Isabel

Then it was an early start to get to the airport for our flight to Denver

Lord Howe Island

2011-01-30T14:42:00.033+10:00

Towards the end of last year a group of twelve of us spent a wonderful relaxing week on Lord Howe Island. What a great place. No hurry, no worries

We stayed at the wonderful guest-house on the island, Pine Trees. A fantastic place to stay. All meals provided, and five star dining it was. On day trips away, packed lunches were provided and if a bar-b-que was your choice your basket was delivered to any spot you wish. The island really knows how to look after their tourists with bar-b-ques scattered all over the island and all wood provided. Delightful. Bicycles are the preferred mode of transport for guests and it was a great way to get around.

The view from the boat-house (the bar) of the Pine Trees Hotel late afternoon at happy hour

And in the morning

As you walk round the island, every outlook was just delightful

We went on a snorkelling trip

The weather man lets off the balloon every afternoon

One of my favourite views from one of the walks we did. Looking toward Mt.Gower.

On my to-do list has always been Balls Pryamid. A couple of us took a boat trip out to have a look. So pleased we did. Great day

Beautiful sunsets from the Boat Shed Bar while having pre-dinner drinks each evening

An absolutely wonderful way to spend a week.

Welcome Isabel Grace

2010-10-28T08:31:00.008+10:00

We are so happy to welcome to our family Isabel Grace. Named after two of her Great-grandmothers she is just so adorable and a joy to all.

Having at just seven weeks of age already taken her first flight and not a murmur out of her, it seems that we can be sure that she will carry on our family tradition of being lovers of travel and our motto of "Never stop Exploring" hopefully will be hers also.

Koby Goes Back to the River

2010-08-27T14:57:00.006+10:00

Koby had his second trip to the river in July when we went for our usual “Christmas in July” week. His first trip there back in 2009 was our Australia Day week and wow, just the opposite in temperatures this time. He had a ball.

Naturally most of his time was spent sitting round the fire

But of course to do that everyone must make an effort to collect the wood

Just popping in to see if the neighbours have more to offer

You would think that they would leave at least a small scrap from breakfast

I.m still here

Six am each morning saw him off for his morning walk. Thanks “My Walking Mate”. Poo wasn’t so pleased when he arrived back. You don’t stay too clean chasing rabbits. Nothing that a sit in the sun and a quick brush couldn’t fix

Not a great lot to occupy our time down there but the men were kept busy trying out the “new toy” one of our friends had bought. An electric chain-saw. Made easy work of chopping wood. Once we stopped laughing at the electrical cords running from the “new inverter”.

So once again, like all our trips with our wonderful group of friends, another good week. Gee, life is good!

To Horn Island, then Home

2010-08-23T16:54:00.002+10:00

Once back from our trip up the Telegraph Track and a lovely farewell dinner with Plods friends at the Bamaga Resort the three of us were up very early next morning for our short drive to Seisia and then a trip on the boat to Thursday Island.

We were lucky to be given a guided tour of the island.

Interesting to walk round the Gun Inplacements. On our first trip here we had visited the Musuem so we did not need to do that again.

We then caught the small ferry to Horn Island and checked into the hotel on the island. Once again lucky to be given another guided tour by one of Plods friends and we got to see so much of the Island. A really beautiful place when you get into some of the quiet corners.

Like Thursday Island there are lots of reminders of how the island was during World War II. Horn Island played such an important part being the island that had the front line airstrip and from where all the action took place and where so many of our troops were stationed.

We spent an enjoyable evening on the Island and next morning was time to say goodbye to Plod as she took the ferry back to Thursday and then again to Seisa and we flew out of Horn Island on the Flying Kangaroo from that airstrip that saw so much action during the war.

The scenery once again was really beautiful

So once back in Cairns, we collected our car from Cairns Airport Parking, so happy we found them, couldn’t have asked for a better service and would recommend them to anyone needing to leave a car in Cairns for any length of time.It was then back on the road and another good road trip home. The end of a most enjoyable few weeks, so pleased we did it the way we did, enjoyed every moment of it. I always have loved tent camping, in my eyes that is really camping.

The Telegraph Track

2010-06-28T12:33:00.002+10:00

Its eleven years since Poo and I drove the full length of the Telegraph Track. A track, which I believe everyone with a love of 4wheeldriving and a love of the Aussie Bush should do once.

Plod , especially now she is up the top, and hearing more and more about it each day as cars drive into Bamaga, and she talks to people at the caravan parks, desperately wanted to drive down to the “Gunshot” to take a look. In the short time that she has been there she had made an overnight trip down the track to Nolans Brook where they camped on the north bank and watched cars on the way up tackling the last creek crossing.

So we planned an overnight camping trip down to the Gunshot and then we would camp at Twin Falls before our return trip. All to be on the Development Road.

Plod stood at the Gunshot and watched one vehicle winching themselves through and was thoroughly enjoying herself.

We had lunch at Fruit-Bat Falls and then moved on to the camping area at TwinFalls

Sitting round the fire that night she told us she wanted to give the track a go and see how we went. Lucky for her Poo had insisted on having a snorkel fitted and her vehicle lifted before she put it on the train and barge for Bamaga.

We were lucky enough when getting to Mistake Creek, our first “real creek” after our overnight camping that we had two cars with four southerners who offered to stay with us for the rest of the way. Without them we would not have attempted it. Thanks guys.

So Plod was in her element. After the second creek crossing we knew we couldn't turn back. We knew we could never get back up the bank so we had to go on but the Navara handled it exceptionally well.

The one crossing that was worrying me was Cyprus Brook. The log bridge there when we crossed years ago was the most scariest thing I had done, but lots more logs have been added and it really was a breeze this time.

Nolans Brook was nowhere as deep either, so we arrived at the end all very happy and Plod so ecstatic that she could now cross that one off her list.

So once again another two goods days.

Off to the Top of Australia

2010-06-27T14:31:00.004+10:00

Shopping done for Plod and her goods sent off to the wharf, we were ready for our flight. We don’t realize that those who live and work in these isolated places of our country have to wait for the weekly barge to bring their goods. No popping down to"Bunnings" to grab a few things
So it was aboard Qantas for our two hour flight to Horn Island. Then because of not being able to connect with the ferry from Horn Island to Thursday Island then the ferry back to Seisia we chartered a small plane to fly us back to Bamaga. They live “island time” but eventually we were on our way. Just beautiful scenery from up there.

Plod met us at Bamaga, so good to see her again and then because of work commitments for another couple of hours her good new friends took us up to one of those beautiful spots known only by the locals where we enjoyed happy hour sitting and watching a beautiful sunset.

Plod joined us for the sunset and a lovely meal at the “local” finished off an interesting and exciting day.

The next few days were spent lazily. Drove round through the communities of Umagico and Injinoo and made trips to Loyalty Beach , Punsand Bay and of course Somerset . This trip, instead of having to crawl up all those rocks to get to the the “Tip” we were able to walk on the sand as the tide was out so just a few rocks to walk over for the obligatory photo. The days passed very quickly

And we were there to see the unloading of the Sea Swift vessel which brought in our Cairns shopping

On our Way to the Cape

2010-06-26T19:43:00.004+10:00

Well we finally hit the road for our trip to Cairns to make our flight to Cape York to visit Constable Plod. What started out in the planning to be a six week caravan trip ended up being a nine day car trip. With the installation finally of the new kitchen which they all tell me was fifteen years overdue, time just ran out so instead of meandering up and around slowly we took the small car and tent. And we enjoyed every bit of it. So easy. Our first night was Pomona with rellies, then it was Bargara, a beach we hadn’t been too.

Then a stop at the Clairview Caravan Park. What a great night. Home cooked meal and a great singalong band. Really enjoyable. Morning coffee with a view like this

On then to Proserpine, Airlie Beach and Shute Harbour.

Thats where Poo decided he had found the block of his dreams. How would the view be if you built here.

Did spend a night at Bowen but decided that Bowen was the most unfriendliest town we have ever been in and that we will never return. One side trip we did make was to the Wallamann Falls outside Ingham. The highest falls and yes they were really worth the trip.

We then made our way on to Cairns after a night at Kurrimine Beach and drove on up over the Daintree Ferry to have a look once again at Cape Tribulation. A really beautiful area of Queensland.

Then I crossed another off the “bucket list”. Have a few times now driven up the coast from Cairns and always said I would love to camp at Ellis Beach. That park right on the beach has always taken my fancy so we decided to take the opportunity and stay for two nights. Took a beachside cabin and it was just paradise. One step off the deck and you were on the sand.

Feeling relaxed we drove back into Cairns itself, had a few shopping chores to do for Plod before we left for the Tip, so another two nights in Cairns and we were ready to board the Flying Kangaroo. A great few days .

He’s Home - Wishes do come True

2010-04-22T23:29:00.007+10:00

Nearly two years ago out of strange circumstances we had come to stay with us from Sydney a beautiful Samoyed Dog named Toby. He quickly found his way into our hearts. How could you not love him, just a beautiful natured dog. All samoyeds are known for their nature but he was just unbelievable.

It was to be a three month stay but three turned in to eight months and we started to feel that he may be with us indefinitely but sadly we had to say goodbye.

To our surprise we recently received a phone call telling us that Toby in the twelve months he had been back in Sydney was not happy and would we like to have him back. So he was missing us just like we missed him. In three days we were at the airport to pick him up and it is so good to have him back. It might be just over twelve months since he has been here but he has not forgotten us or the life he had here or the fact that his name has gone from Toby to Koby.

Straight back into bringing in the paper.

Then there is sitting with Poo for that morning coffee and planning the day ahead

In the car and ready for a drive

We started breeding Samoyeds in the early 70’s so any wonder that both daughters who don’t live at home have Samoyeds of their own.In the last month we have been babysitting Moscow and Mikesha from Sydney and we have a semi-permanent border in Kimba while Constable Plod is at Cape York for six months. So what a full house.

We have now made a car trip to Sydney to return the southerners to their brand new home so life is a little quieter and there is just a little less white hair all through the house but we wouldn't change it for the world. So we are back to three and little Heidi doesn't feel so outnumbered now.

It is just so good to have him back, especially knowing this time, he is ours forever.

Not a lot of trippping for a few weeks till we take off for Cairns to then fly to Cape York to spend a week with Constable Plod. Looking forward to that.

The Scenic Rim

2010-03-27T09:00:00.002+10:00

Seems ages ago that we had two trips to “The Gorge” within a reasonably short time.

The Gorge at Aratula is a “primitive” camping area, one step up from bush camping, but still a delightful place to spend some time. We all know its the company we share campsites with that matters most, and our two trips certainly filled this bill. Our first was for our 4wd Club Christmas party and being retired, a group of us ventured up earlier in the week for some R & R. Happened to be one of the hottest weeks of the summer and the only cool place was spending the days in the creek. Nothing like watching a lot of retirees floating down on tubes having a ball.

The creek that flows past the camping area

Our second visit was with our group of friends we call “The Old Farts” We make a habit of camping Monday to Friday as this is the best time for getting away and having peaceful campsites. No weekend warriors to annoy us. Being such a hot summer we again went back to the Gorge thinking we would be able to spend our days in the creek. But alas, they were not letting water out of Moogerah, so the creek was not running. Lucky for us the weather was nothing like it was in December and it wasnt at all hard to fill in our time.

We decided on a day out and went driving up to Moogerah Dam for a looksee.

Good to see water in the dam, but since this trip, all the rain in Southern Qld has added a lot more

A great view of Cunninghams Gap from here

From there we spent some time driving through the district and then after a walk through the town of Boonah we went to the Dugandan Hotel for an enjoyable lunch. After that a trip up to Mt French to admire the view.

An easy way to spend a day and add to the great week.

Ten Days at the Beach

2009-11-22T22:48:00.004+10:00

I always say that if you are going to holiday at the sea, you must be right at the beach, no point in having to walk too far to dangle your toes.

Well you can’t get much closer than this. We have just had ten wonderful lazy days with ten of our friends, camped right on the beach at Double Island Point in the Cooloola National Park.

How good is this

The view from the camper trailer window as we woke up each morning

The rest of the mob

Time was spent relaxing with some fishing thrown in and a day trip half way through to restock the food supplies and enjoy a counter lunch at the surf-club at Rainbow Beach.

One morning we ventured over the Leisa Track to the Bay to spend some time swimming and walking the rocks.

Half of the group chasing the sun down the beach one afternoon at happy hour.

Only thing missing was our nightly fire, with a Total Fire Ban that was out of the question. The Weber Baby Q got plenty of use for all our meals and the customary scones , bread and carrot cake. So once again, thanks for the great company, ten most enjoyable days of fun and laughs.

To the Gulf and Home Again

2009-10-26T13:07:00.005+10:00

Its remarkable just how much you can do in a few days.

I left Brisbane last Tuesday morning for Mt.Isa aboard the Flying Kangaroo. Constable Plod had returned to the Isa from her holiday at Alice and the Rock so she met me and we left at lunch time for Normanton.

Naturally a quick stop at the Burke and Wills Roadhouse before continuing on

Then to Normanton. Funny thing, Monday night both in different places and both thinking of the Gulflander Train and both searching the web. Great minds think alike. Timing couldn’t have been better as it leaves Normanton at 8.30 each Wednesday morning for Croydon. So 8.00 am saw us at the station ready for our day out

It was a very interesting trip to Croydon and no mail or deliveries this morning, our only stop other than morning tea was for cattle on the line

Arrived at Croydon round 1.30 and then some relaxing time to take in the sights (and the pub) . What a nice little town.

Then back on the bus to Normanton where we took in the Big Croc and of course a photo of probably one of the most photographed hotels in Australia

We then decided that seeing we were just so close to Kurumba we might as well make the effort and have a look.

So the tent was down so fast and we headed for the water. Made it to Kurumba in time to get my tent up again and be ready for the sunset. And what a wonderful sight to be sitting at the Sunset Hotel looking out over the Gulf.

A beautiful meal at a local restaurant finished off what was a most enjoyable day.

We left in the morning and drove back through Croydon again and Mt.Surprise and decided to spend the night at Innot Hot Springs. That was also a wonderful way to spend the evening.

From there we headed through Ravenshoe and Milla Milla and down to the coast to just south of Innisfail. Through the outskirts of Townsville, to Charters Towers then to Clermont for Friday night , Mundubbera Saturday night and we arrived home yesterday morning. At least I did, then Plod had to go on from here. So in five and a half days we travelled a fair distance. Thanks for having me along for the ride, I enjoyed it immensely.

Back to the River

2009-10-19T14:09:00.002+10:00

It doesn’t take much for us to head for our favourite camping spot. A mention by a friend at a 4WD meeting that he would like to try out his new caravan bush camping soon had four couples making tracks to the river for five days of relaxation. Two vans on their maiden voyages so plenty to keep the men happy fiddling and tweaking.

The river always looks good

Acting like teenagers floating down the river on tubes, gee this retired life isn’t bad

Poo and the dog enjoying themselves

Good chance too for me to try out the new Webber Baby Q.

Bread was the first try. Made a great small loaf, just perfect for Poo’s lunch

Then carrot cake for morning tea. Cooling, waiting to be iced. Delicious

We also cooked scones, a larger loaf of bread and a roast and all other meals for the five days were cooked on the Webber. Not a failure. Definitely, a good investment. Lives up to the accolades given it on the forum.

So another great time with once again, great company as always. We are so lucky to have a wonderful haven so close to our homes. Yet as we sit round the fire, you could be miles and miles away from civilization.

This week sees me flying to Mt.Isa to spend a week driving back with Constable Plod who has just enjoyed a holiday to Alice and the Rock. So its tenting for mother and daughter as we make our way back through Qld. Wonder what I’ll have to report on that trip?

Lasting Memories

2009-08-16T23:19:00.004+10:00

Well, that’s another adventure over. We left our ship in Longyearbyen on Tuesday morning and after many connections which had us landing at Tromso, Oslo, Copenhagen and Bangkok we finally arrived in Sydney on Thursday morning. We spent the night with our daughter and son-in-law and then back to Queensland on Friday arriving home at 5.30 pm.

Our memories we will always have ,but just a few things

The feeling of coming “home” to the ship after each zodiac excursion

The wonderful zodiac excursions with great guides, Quark really know how to pick their expedition staff

The reality of only going ashore with our guides and each of them with a gun enforces just what dangerous territory we were moving in but their training meant that any danger was reduced to a minimum. It was brought to us on the last day when a group of our walkers came across a bear at eighty metres. But there was a zodiac nearby to extract them. In all the years Quark have never had to kill a bear, and this is a very serious situation as all bears are protected and if that should ever happen, your holiday is over , whether it be the first or last day, and its a return to port, with very serious consequences.

The colours of the icebergs

And that first coming on to the pack ice and seeing the mother bear with her two cubs and the seal

Wow, what a trip and was it worth it, definitely yes. Like we said before we left home, we didn’t think the scenery would surpass the Antarctic, and we still agree that nothing can beat what’s down there in the south but nothing could take away the thrill of those bears. We were so lucky to see so many and so close.

Really one should not try to compare the two, they are both beautiful but they are both so different. As the saying goes, they really are "poles apart”

I.m sure our bear is saying “See you again next time”

Poo being Poo

2009-08-16T20:44:00.003+10:00

No need to tell you what sort of a time Poo had.

Whether it be out doing what he enjoys most

Watching icebergs from the zodiac

Wishing he had Chivas to go with it

He might have slept on the way back to the boat but he was straight back on the computer to download

Never to be outdone, no fridges in the cabins and hot beer from Longyearbyen, he soon found a way to overcome. It might have been 20 odd degrees in the cabin, but out on the window sill it was still freezing

One Must Never Assume

2009-08-16T17:23:00.003+10:00

Sitting in the hotel foyer in Longyearbyen, the morning our cruise was to depart I noticed an old couple with Quark labels on their packs. My thoughts were, gosh, how is that old man going to manage all the walking and climbing into zodiacs that is going to be happening on this cruise.

Well, once under sail it didn’t take long for me to find that my “old man” was no other than Michael Westmacott, one of the mountaineers who was part of Hilary’s party on the 1953 successful conquering of Everest. (Once back in Sydney I took a quick look again at Hilary’s book and he played a very important part in the expedition.)

What a wonderful man and he and his wife Sally made for the most entertaining company when we were able to sit with them at meal times. What a life. He is still very active in keeping a database of all climbers to the Everest region and when on trips ashore put a lot of us to shame when it came to walking and climbing. And the fact that he is now 84 years old, incredible.

Birds and Animals of the Arctic

2009-08-13T10:53:00.004+10:00

Have to say that other than birds, they were few sightings of animals up here on the tundra.

In sure numbers you would never be able to guess just how many birds there are here

On cliff faces

On ice

Of course the nicest of the arctic I think, the puffin

We saw reindeer, some on ice and some on the green tundra

Not many seals around, but then why would they be up on the ice with polar bears around, you saw the earlier photo of the kill on the ice. No doubt they keep themselves in the water under the ice where its safer. Thanks Sue and Allan for this photo. I missed this one. Must have been arguing with Poo over exposures.

The Walrus. Well, what can I say. We walked for so long and had to be so quiet to get to this herd of walrus. We stood for soooo long and not a movement. Poo whispered “their stuffed” but all of a sudden one slight movement from one

More action from the next days group we came across

Then you could read what this fellow was saying “give me my personal space”

Poo’s Polar Plunge

2009-08-11T19:12:00.004+10:00

When on this ship in Antarctica Poo didn’t attempt to try the waters. He tells me this time that it was a regret so when the time came for the Polar Plunge he was all in. Don’t really feel he did Qantas proud in their pyjamas, but I forgot the swimmers, so they were the next best thing.

Only Poo would be stupid enough to stop in that cold water and wave to the crowd before the return

I.m sure they all go into that freezing water for the nip of vodka they are rewarded with when they get back up the gang plank. Poo was given two nips, they reckon his swim deserved it.

Our Up Close and Personal Bear

2009-08-11T19:10:00.003+10:00

When an announcement comes over the speaker “Bear on Ice” you would not believe how fast forty-five people can jump out of bed, on with the yellow parkas and make it out on deck or to the bridge. That’s what makes this ship so great. Whatever time day or night, a bear is spotted from the bridge its all up.

This bear was lying on the ice at three in the morning. During the next half hour he amazed us. He walked around,looked at us, came a little closer, went back to lying and rolling, then slowly made up his mind he would take a look. Absolutely out of this world stuff.

The number of times he had to cross over onto ice and he still wanted to have a look at us

Bears, What We Came For

2009-08-11T19:06:00.003+10:00

Bears were high on the list for this trip, and you can never be sure you are going to find them, but its what makes a trip here to Svalabard so wonderful. With a Captain who just delights in finding bears on the ice, we were so lucky. Twenty-one bear sightings in all and to see these creatures in their natural habitat makes it even more special.

Our first bear sighting, a lone bear walking along the shore. We watched this one from the zodiac. He was wearing a GPS collar, part of the tracking program up here. The only bear we sighted in the program.

Our second bear, we nicknamed “Salad Bear”. Sadly eating green grass on the side of a hill. Really not the food to keep her alive till the ice comes back.

The wonderful sight of a mother bear on the ice with two babies we will always remember. We saw two of these threesomes.

These babies were so cute as they jumped across the ice. Baby 1

Baby 2

Ooops, didn’t quite make it

They continued to roll on their backs, to cool off

This was one of my best moments. After entertaining us for quite some time,mother bear turns off and takes her cubs off into the distance to do what bears do best. And after being woken by the captain at 2.am we also went back to bed.

One sad moment, we came across a recent kill. Actually the bear was still eating as the ship came out of the fog. We know the bears have got to live, but sadly another seal has died. One thing most noticeable, very few seals lying on the ice. No doubt they have learnt that to survive here they have to keep themselves hidden from the bears.

Beautiful Scenery

2009-08-11T19:03:00.004+10:00

So much to look at and take in, be it from the ship, landings ashore or cruising from the zodiacs.

Glaciers abound

Sheer cliffs teeming with birds

Icebergs in all shapes and colours

On Our Way

2009-08-11T19:01:00.003+10:00

We sailed from Longyearbyen with high hopes of bear sightings during the next 11 days but as always no promises. Our route that takes us all round these islands will take us north above the 80 deg line, but naturally it all depends on the amount of ice and the shifting winds. But being a russian icebreaker, this ship is built to take it.

Because we knew the bar attendant from our Antarctic voyage would be on the ship we carried from Australia a kangaroo. He now sits proudly between the polar bear and the penquin on the ships bar.

We have made many landings and its surprising to see the different terrain. Its all so varied.

They expect these driftwood logs may have come from Canada

Flowers scattered over some

Top of the World

2009-08-01T09:26:00.005+10:00

We’re finally here, on what we worked out to be a 42 hour trip since leaving home and arriving here in Longyearbyen. 74 – 81 N and 10 –35 E

Longyearbyen is a small mining town, the highest town in the world. What started out as a whaling station back in 1600 has now become a mining industry and research centre with tourism third on the list. Its situated on the island of Spitsbergen and with other islands makes up the Svalbard Archipelago. Norway was granted sovereignty in 1925. Its around all these islands we will be sailing when we leave from here tomorrow.

A typical mining town, not what you could call a pretty town, but if the scenery we saw from the plane on the way in is anything to go by we should be in for better things to come in the days ahead.

The main street

The glacier at the top end of town

By looking at the houses you can see that this is a land where the sun sets in October and total darkness prevails till February. And temperatures can be –20 to –30 c . Not a lot of cars but snowmobiles everywhere. Hundreds of them.

Just by looking at the bus stop, you can tell how deep the snow must be

Signs of mining everywhere, even though its a long time since these buckets have been used

Being summer, and now with 24 hour daylight little flowers and arctic cotton bobbing up everywhere

Now as far as we are from home, this sign on the side of a building had us perplexed

“please explain”

Tomorrow afternoon we sail . The Shokalsky to again be our home for the next 11 days. So hoping there’s lots more to report when we talk again.

Camping Again At Last

2009-07-28T17:29:00.002+10:00

Seems we just have not had time this last while to get to go camping. What with overseas trips taking up our days, life has been hectic but then we would have been silly not to use the benefit of having a daughter working for an airline while we had the opportunity . And as we are not getting any younger, the adventurous trips are best being done while we can.

But we were able to organize the trip we try to have each year to celebrate “Christmas in July” down by the river. Six vans this time. The weather was wonderful, although just a little chilly. We had our usual good time. Bush camping in a beautiful place with good company, good food and good wine. What more could you ask for.

The beautiful river, our favourite camping spot

Plenty of room to move

Most of our five days was spent sitting round the fire

Lets hope the next trip to the river won’t be too far away.

The Animals of Kruger

2009-06-30T00:21:00.003+10:00

Where do I start. Naturally there were impala, but once again we spent lots of time photographing the elephants. What is it about them, no doubt its their size. We visited the elephant house at Letaba and this was really worth a look.

And some more

The smallest one we saw

These had no trouble drinking from this tank

Saw plenty of wilderbeasts

They ran a lot with the zebras

This one just made its getaway, nasty gash

Just like at Chobe, lots of buffalo

Kudu were here in great numbers too, just like Chobe

Sadly a Kudu was the only kill we saw and it was being eaten by lions. This spotted hyena had been eating through the night. ( Note the blood on the neck). We only saw the one hyena but at night at both camps we could hear them.

Monkeys always win our hearts

Giraffes again, this one must be getting on in years, see how dark his colouring is

When your this big, naturally they give you right of way

Now we were a fair way away, and needed binoculars, but this is a leopard in the tree, sorry not a good photo

A long drive back to Johannesburg, another night and more time to spend with “family” ,seeing more sights in that very large city on Friday and it was to the airport and a very comfortable ride home on the flying kangaroo. Thanks kids for taking us with you and giving us a wonderful taste for Africa.

Kruger National Park

2009-06-29T23:57:00.003+10:00

We had an early start for our six hour drive to the Park. We entered the park and drove then to our first camp called Letaba. Great place to start our four days in this park. Accomodation was in great little huts . Satara Camp was the other camp we stayed in at the other end of the park. I didn’t realize the size of this park. Its huge. I think about 400 or more klms long. And quite wide.

These huts were all self-contained with frig, stove, bar-b-que, crockery. So we were able to cook all our own meals. The camps were all made saf e with electric fences so no dangerous animals could enter but this little honey badger was in and having a ball.

And the scenery was great

Hippos at the rivers here too

Many beautiful birds, but so hard to photograph

The Real World in Zimbabwe

2009-06-29T21:05:00.004+10:00

We left Chobe and drove back over the Botswana border into Zimbabwe. Within five klms of being in this corrupt country we saw it first hand. We were stopped on the side of the road by a police officer and his offsider with AK47 in hand. He declared our driver’s licence wasn’t up to date (which it was) and wanted money. Our driver called his bluff, and started to load our luggage into the next bus that came along and told him he was leaving him with his vehicle and we would all be going on and he then would have to explain to his superiors why there was a vehicle sitting on the side of the road. Once he realized he wasn’t getting his money he gave back the licence and let us go. Seeing the four of us he no doubt saw a chance of us paying up just to get on our way to the airport. They tell us the corruption starts at the top and goes all the way down.

Anyway we arrived at Victoria Falls airport in time to catch our plane back to Johannesburg. Lucky too, they changed the route and flew to Livingstone in Zambia,so enroute we got another great view of the falls from the air.Back in Johannesburg we picked up our rental vehicle from the airport and spent another enjoyable evening with Graham’s family.

Sorry no photo, would you be game to point a camera at a guy with an AK47? Not in that country!

Too Many to Mention

2009-06-26T07:27:00.008+10:00

Just no time to show all the animals we’ve seen in the last few days. Could probably say Impala have the most numbers here in Chobe

Hippos everywhere up and down the river

Worthogs, so ugly, only their mother could luv them

Plenty of buffalo

Crocodiles all up the river

And this little one really won our hearts. How’s this for the perfect family

Every game drive ended each night at a spot by the river for sunset drinks and savouries

Last picture of the night

Can’t Get Much Higher Than This

2009-06-26T07:22:00.003+10:00

Giraffes have always been one of my favourite animals . So cute

Would You Want to be Any Closer Than This?

2009-06-26T07:19:00.002+10:00

We had the most amazing encounter with lions. Nine sightings in all. This shows the grab handle of the game truck. We were that close

Yes she came along and lay down right beside us, she and her mate had just tried to chase two antelopes.

Then a big yawn

More shots of her stalking and watching

Then very late at sundown we came across our only two male lions

The Elephants of Chobe

2009-06-26T07:15:00.002+10:00

This park has lots and lots of elephants and it is just great to sit and watch them. This first little fellow Poo nicknamed him Bend it Like Beckem from Botswana. He was getting in practice for the Soccer World Cup 2010. So what, a stone is as good as a soccer ball any day.

This fellow had just had his swim

We were able to sit on the boat, enjoy an afternoon drink and watch these come down for theirs

Chobe Game Lodge

2009-06-26T07:12:00.002+10:00

Well, this place is amazing. A five-star game lodge in a National Park . This is the place where out under a tree in the grounds Elizabeth Taylor married Richard Burton the second time round. Situated on the Chobe River in Botswana. Just imagine sitting on your balcony and you see two impala race along the bank in front of you and then see they are being chased by a lion.

Everything is organized for you, you are taken on game drives twice a day, then a boat cruise as well, so its a very busy time. Then you have to fit in the three meals a day, so hardly time between activities to download photos .

Victoria Falls

2009-06-22T06:29:00.005+10:00

Tuesday we flew British Airways to Victoria Falls and once again you can rely on Trip Advisor to p0int you in the the right direction for somewhere to stay. We stayed in a great B&B. And a very safe town. Zimbabwe has such a bad name but we felt perfectly safe and very friendly people. The first evening we had a beautiful meal at a hotel overlooking a waterhole, and just on dusk, down came twelve elephants. What a sight. To be sitting on the deck for pre.dinner drinks and be within sight of these huge creatures kicking up the dust and playing in the water. Then a huge herd of buffalo came to join them. Wow just magic. Our first night in the wilds of Africa and we saw that. Next morning we walked to the town area and then on to the falls. I know, having seen Iguacu Falls these are in my opinion not as good, but they are still a sight to behold. This season has been the wettest in forty years and there is so much water flowing down the Zambezi.

After lunch we took a helicopter flight over the falls and this is the best way to truly see just what these falls are like. We had the chopper all to ourselves which meant we all had a window seat and were not squashed in as is the norm. Just look how much water is coming down the river, taken through the perspex of the chopper

Notice the spray as the water cascades over

After that we went on a sunset boat cruise and we’re lucky to see some elephants swimming across the Zambezi River, and its quite a wide river

Then our first sighting of a hippo

Then true to name we saw our sunset

Wednesday morning we left Victoria Falls town and called in on a local school to give them all the school books and stationery we had taken for them. The Headmaster took us to his office and told us of his school. How many Aussie principals go to work each day in a suit and tie. And the children were just wonderful. If only the country could get a different leader they could have a future. Then it was back on the road till we got to the border post for our entry into Botswana. A much nicer country, roads were better, just overall you could see the difference. We changed vehicles there to continue on to Chobe Game Lodge in the National Park.

We’ve arrived

2009-06-22T06:25:00.002+10:00

We are here in Johannesburg. Had a great trip to Sydney and then on to here on Sunday. Graham’s parents have shown us this city and today we fly to Victoria Falls. Will talk to you from up there. Luv to all

Emus or Elephants

2009-06-01T15:37:00.005+10:00

We sure never know where our life can take us.We have an opportunity to have a couple of weeks away in June.

Now for the last three winters, I have been endeavouring to get to the Diamantina National Park in South-west Queensland. Along with some other parks, Welford, Idalia, Lochern, Bladensberg, Lark Quarry and the Combo Waterhole. And every year something prevents us from getting there. Last year it was getting back from the UK late, because of the air traffic with the Popes visit to this country. Forgotten the previous years reasons but this year was looking good. And after all the rains, no doubt the countryside would be good too.

So, its decided, we're going!! It will be a campertrailer trip, rather than the caravan so the Cub is brought out of hibernation from down the shed, dusted off and parked in the front yard. Maps all out and fuel quantities worked out. 15th June will be take-off day.

Now we have just had a phone call from our daughter and her new husband. “Will you come to Africa with us."We have talked of going with them at some stage, but not expecting it so soon. This June trip is really meant as their honeymoon , so I suppose we can’t be all that bad as in-laws if they are prepared to have us along.(Perhaps Graham hasn’t known us long enough.)

So you guessed it, looks like the camper will be going back down the paddock to the shed. Perhaps someone up there knows more than me and that I'm just not meant to be going to the Diamantina.

So we leave Brisbane for Sydney on saturday night the 13th, and hope to fly to Johannesburg on the sunday. Then its Victoria Falls and the Game Parks.

I’ll keep you posted

Home Sweet Home

2009-03-29T13:59:00.002+10:00

Well we are back into the everyday life again, so there will not be a lot to report till July 29 comes around when we leave for the Arctic. Same boat, the Akademik Shokalskiy, just the opposite end of the world.

A daughters wedding sees us heading for Palm Cove, Cairns soon but other than that we expect life to be very quiet as we look forward to the next trip.

Talk to you later.

Another Off the Bucket List

2009-03-14T09:27:00.004+10:00

Well, time has come and its nearly all over. We have arrived in Santiago and have some time here to have a look at this city and then its time to make our way home.

We have done the usual city tour. Santiago is a nice city,but as you know, cities are not our favourite places. Just a few photos from what we have seen this morning.

The presidents palace

We were lucky to be taken inside the stock exchange, a beautiful old building, but no photos inside.

The main cathedral

We were quiet amazed at the amount of green park areas and well kept

We leave here tonight and all I can say is that this has been one of the best holidays that we have ever had. Okay, we enjoy all our trips but this one goes up there to the top of the list. We have seen the most remarkable sights and have met wonderful people .

We will remember it all but I do know Antarctica will always be a special place for us. The sights and feelings that we saw and had there just cannot be put into words.

But we come home happy that we have done here what we came to do and ready to start planning the next adventure.

The Arctic, here we come.

Yes, We’ve Done It

2009-03-14T09:26:00.003+10:00

Yes, we’ve slept on an airport bench. The first hiccup on this trip happened when we arrived at Juliacca Airport for our flight back to Lima scheduled for 9pm. We sat and waited for the plane to come in that was to take us to Lima. Juliacca is a little place with just three planes a day and not a real flash airport. Well when one hour after departure time and we are still sitting there. Another hour later when they brought out the urn and paper cups and then a huge big plate of ham and cheese sandwiches we knew things were not looking up. Of course , we were the only english speaking passengers, so could get no information from anyone as to what was going on. All announcements over the PA System were in spanish, and we could see the mood of some of our fellow passengers was not good. Poo thought he may have to intervene in a punch up between airport officials and a couple of them. They came and told us in broken english at 11pm that they had a mechanical problem with the plane and in another hour it should arrive. So finally it arrived and at 12.20am we were able to leave Juliacca.

Now the problem was that we were to connect from Lima to Santiago with the 1.05am flight. Well with a 1hour 20 minute plane trip there was no way we were going to make that flight. And our luggage had been checked through to Santiago. So in that last hour in Juliacca I was trying to get through to them that the luggage would have to be changed to Lima and they would have to get us on the next plane out of Lima. So finally we had a seat on the 7.30 am flight which meant that we arrived in Lima at 1.45 am , checked in our luggage and had over five hours to kill.

Well, we settled in. Thank goodness for the bike chain I carry on every trip and on every trip Poo tells me that its a waste of space and extra weight. We chained up our backpacks and Poo’s camera to the seat and those Quark yellow parkas that we have carried all the way from Antarctica made good pillows It did not worry us at all, as you know my feelings on the subject, I would much rather they spend time and fix a problem with a plane than have it go down. But I will look at sleeping passengers in a different light next time I walk through an airport.

The plane took off on time and we were on our way.

An Awesome Trip on Lake Titicaca

2009-03-11T04:14:00.004+10:00

We made our way to Puno from Cusco on the day train. Lovely scenery as we followed the river with the snow topped Andes in the distance.

Once at Puno, we were met by our guide and taken to our hotel, and wow ,another room with a view ,this time Lake Titicaca.

Next morning , we were collected and taken to the wharf to our waiting boat. Another trip with a large boat for just the two of us ,our guide and the two boat crew.

After a three hour boat ride out through the reeds that make this place so famous, (more about that later) we arrived at Amantani Island where we were to spend the afternoon and night staying with a local family. This was the most wonderful experience. As I said to Poo you can travel by car, bus or train and look into the lives of these people as you flash by, but till you actually step inside their homes and meet them and spend the night with them do you see just how they live, and do you really get to know them. After being met at the dock, we walked the ten minute trail up to the home of Jullian & Lucia, our hosts.

A very modest house made by themselves and their friends and neighbors of mud brick, but a wonderful warm welcome from the family. And a view to die for.

We were then treated to a lovely lunch, cooked by Lucia at her wood stove as we sat and talked, yes, talked, with the help of our guide it was amazing how we could enjoy each others company. I then offered to help with the washing-up.

You girls have been telling me for years, I need a new kitchen. Watching Lucia cook a meal, no benches,no sink, no running water, all just done by sitting on a wooden block. Makes you think again.

After lunch they took us into the garden, and on just a small piece of grass, the rest is completely covered with healthy crops of corn, potatoes, beans and more, they showed us how they spend their time. Lucia and her daughter-in-law knitting hats from lama wool and Jullian carving from stone.

Tea time was just as enjoyable as we gathered in their small kitchen. Our room was upstairs and very comfortable with three single beds and a small table, carved again from stone by Jullian. After breakfast we said goodbye to them and made our way back down the stone path to our boat, no cars on these islands. It looks as though every family has a boat.

We then made our way to Taquile Island where we again climbed to the top, me huffing and puffing for I hadn’t realized that we are indeed even higher in altitude here than at Cusco, here it.s 3700 meters. Another lovely island with friendly, warm people. Poo took a liking to this little girl who spent some time playing with her weavings on his hands. And not even that stare. Out of character eh!

We then had lunch el fresco sitting in the square. The nicest piece of trout that I have ever eaten. Had just been brought in by the local fisherman, apparently the lake is stocked with Canadian Trout.

Then it was a half hour walk along the cliff top back down to our boat. Lovely views all the way. An enjoyable way to spend an afternoon.

Both, going and coming back from Amantani Island we travelled thru the Uros Islands. I can remember grade 5 at my school, learning about these islands of reeds that has been home to so many people for so long. Have always been fascinated by how this could be. We stopped and made a visit to one of the islands. It was wonderful to actually walk on the reeds and visit with them in their homes. The depth of the lake in this part is 15 metres, the island of reeds is about 2 metres thick, and every month a new layer of reeds has to be laid on the top to replace what rots away underneath. A lot of work but they don’t pay taxes. This photo is someone in their rowing boat taking home a new layer.

Notice how even their boats are made of reeds

This is the island we stopped at and spent half and hour with the families. Sat inside their bedroom and talked to them. Showed us how they made the ropes to tie the reeds together. Very interesting

Expect to see Poo in his new hat next winter. He’ll be a man of many hats what with his penguin one and now this

Even the pigs have their own reed island

On the way thru the islands, we passed this girl and her brother, she wouldn’ t have been more than 11, rowing for all she was worth

Then we passed the high school bus. There is a primary school on an island but the older children go to Puno each day

Then we gazed up at our hotel. See why our view was so good from our room. Looks like a cruise ship.

The hotel being on the lake, we were taken by our boat straight to the hotel dock,with just another walk up the hill.

How lucky to get there and find we were given a suite. That’s twice we have come back to our hotel from an excursion away and been given an upgrade. See what I mean about the view.Looking out over the lake and the reeds.

So this afternoon we leave here by road for Juliacca, and then its a flight to Lima and Santiago. Talk to you from there if possible.

Machu Picchu – Lost City of the Incas

2009-03-07T12:39:00.003+10:00

Well, this trip has been incredible, each part has been absolutely wonderful and all different in their own way.

We commenced our trip to Machu Picchu by catching the Vistadome train and beginning our journey by following the river up the gorge to the village of Aqua Calientes.

Then it was a bus ride up the mountain on the switchback road (no cars allowed) to the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Hotel which was our base for two nights.

As soon as we had checked in Pasquale took us for our guided tour of the “Lost City of the Incas” We have all seen the photo which adorns all travel magazines, well they are lucky, they get to take their photos with nobody in sight. This place was crawling with tourists, but we did our best and then went back in the afternoon when the tourists had all departed back down the mountain.

Our views of this most interesting place

The view from the Entrance Gate to their City

You just wonder as to how they were able to build this back in what is thought to be the 1400.s and so much detail. Water ducts all the way through, terraces for farmlands, just amazing. Just look at the quality of the stonework.

Llamas roam free

For the energetic ones who want to walk the four day trail this is where the trail reaches the Sun Gate and makes its way down to the City

This is the advantage of staying at the Sanctuary Lodge, you are at the park and the entrance is just a couple of steps away. We planned this trip so as to stay an extra night, just in case we struck bad weather, February being the rainy season and this also gave us the advantage of being able to be at the entrance when the gates open at 6.00am so we were up early and got another view this time under mist. See just how high up this little hut is.

Well this is it at 6.00am in the mist when we climbed up to the top to get a good view

And the views from the top

Now that mountain that dominates the pictures we see of Machu Picchu is actually Huayna Picchu or known as Young Mountain. The mountain that has the name of Machu Picchu is actually to the left as one makes their way down the Inca Trail. Here’s a shot looking up at the real Machu Picchu.

After spending hours climbing up and down, Poo still had energy left.

And one self-portrait

Another first time and it was a humming bird. Never seen one in the real before . So small and cute and don’t stop still for long. Apparently Machu Picchu is home to thousands of them.

Well, now its back to Cusco on the train, and tomorrow we leave by train again for our trip down through the Andes to Lake Titicaca.

Talk again when in email range.

On the Yellow Bus

2009-03-07T12:33:00.002+10:00

This trip has been so easy. At each city we have been met by our guide and driver and we have travelled on our own with them for the entire time we are in their area. I must say Jen from Natural Focus in Melbourne has done a wonderful job in bringing this trip together.

For the Cusco -Machu Picchu area we have travelled in what has become to us as the “Yellow Bus”.Such a big bus for just four people. Pasquale our Guide and Migule our driver with Poo at one of our stops.

Don’t you love the little symbol on the side of the bus

We left Cusco and drove down,thank goodness, from that altitude, to the Sacred Valley. All along the way when you stop to look at the view, there is always someone who wants their photo taken.

We stopped at a Tourist Attraction run by a community of locals trying to keep alive the art of spinning and weaving . Lamas and Al Paccas and very friendly ones at that.

Women sitting weaving with their children quietly sitting beside them

Cant imagine many aussie kids doing this all day. But then of course we didn’t notice any red cordial or fast food around. Isn’t she the cutest.

Another view of the Sacred Valley, notice the snow capped mountains in the background.

We then visited the village of Ollantaytambo and walked thru the Inca Ruins there. A bit of a climb but we made it.

It was then to our hotel for the evening and can you believe it, after a wonderful day spent with all those cute little animals, you guessed it, Poo ordered Al Pacca for his evening meal.

Cusco 3,400 Metres and Don’t You Know It

2009-03-03T13:28:00.004+10:00

Yes, that’s 11,150 feet in the old language and boy, you sure knew when you stepped off the plane. Like Tibet, that same lightheaded feeling. Naturally you have to take it easy in the beginning so we did just a little walk around. Just a photo of the Cathedral Tower right beside our hotel on the first night.

Yesterday we were taken on our City Tour and this place just amazes you. Can you imagine that the Incas built these walls in what they think was 1450.

Then of course in 1550 along came the Spanish and they knocked a lot down to build their Cathedrals etc.

One of the noticeable things is that they are not destroying the old buildings and replacing with modern structures and there is a lot of the old Inca walls still standing.

It is such a colourful city, and seems to have a very casual way of life. Everywhere you look there is someone sitting chatting.

And of course, how could you pass by these children without a photo

Well, tomorrow we leave here to go to the Sacred Valley and then after a night there we travel to Machu Picchu so will talk again from there.

Our Five Days in This Park

2009-02-27T09:03:00.004+10:00

We have spent a lovely five days in this National Park. Here in Chile there is allowed just a couple of hotels to operate within the boundaries. This one “Salto Chico” run by Explora Group is the only one which runs a a fully organized program so everything is there for you. Guides to take you on any of the 25 organized hikes and as I already showed you a wonderful stable operation, and everything you could wish for is here for the asking. The hotel has accommodation for 100 guests and has 135 staff so you can see why we have enjoyed it so much.

As you walk in to the lobby you see a sign which I think sums it up very well.

“ Never stop Exploring”

And another one

“We shall not cease from exploration. And the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time”

We did a small hike on the first afternoon but Patagonia is known for its changeable weather and how the wind can blow so Tuesday morning we walked to the Grey Glacier. I now know how Shackleton must have felt on his way to the Pole. One step forward and three backwards

The next days walk was much more pleasant and we walked round lakes and were so lucky to see many guanacos

We then went on to the Estancia (Spanish for Station Property) outside the park where we we had a bar-b-que lunch. Notice the way here in Chile and Argtentina they cook their lambs.

We then hiked for another couple of hours getting wonderful views of the Tiers of the Park

The view we have from our room window is of the Massiff, its round on the side where we got these good views of the Tiers.

Tomorrow we leave here and back to Punta Arenas airport to fly to Santiago and then on to Lima and Machu Picchu.

Torres Del Paine National Park

2009-02-25T21:30:00.003+10:00

We left Punta Arenas and drove the six hour drive out here to the National Park. This is our first view of one of the most beautiful views I have seen. Afraid Lake Louise has lost its spot as my most beautiful snow scene with lake

As we got closer to the hotel

View from through the room window

View from our bed

There is even windows in the bathroom so you can see the view from the toilet

This afternoon we went horse riding, not a bad backdrop eh!

Constable Plod, these next are for you. How would you like stables and tack room like this

As you can see this is only one half of each, Not bad eh, You must put this place on your must-see list. They tell us their are miles of trails.

Patagonia - And no sign of a Toothfish

2009-02-23T10:29:00.010+10:00

Well, here we are in Punta Arenas. We arrived yesterday and once off the boat and to our hotel, we hit the markets in the square across the road . Then this morning we went on a City Sights Tour and then this afternoon to Fort Bulnes to see where the first Chilean settlement was.
Naturally,all places seem to have one of these boards. Written by the same person who wrote that speech for the Olympics.

I know what you are saying, your mother looks like a bag lady, but why is it that I always seem to attract a dog wherever I go

Poo is so wrapped in everything penguin, he just had to have a scarf to match his new hat.

Have spent some time each evening resizing some of the photos on this blog. Thats the problem with spending nights in hotel rooms. Would much rather be sitting in a National Park round a campfire like we did in North America. Poo is just like at home, turns on the TV and promptly goes to sleep. May as well, its either in spanish or has sub-titles.

We leave here in the morning for the six hour 4wd trip out to the Torres Del Paine National Park. Will be there till Friday when we come back here and fly to Santiago so dont know whether we will have internet connection while at Salto Chico or not, so till then, keep safe and love to all.

From the “Mare Australis” 18-21 February 2009

2009-02-22T07:45:00.004+10:00

This has been a relaxing few days on board this luxury ship. (But still not our cup of tea.) I think we really needed it after the wonderful hectic time we had on the icebreaker. We are enjoying the easy life and the ship excursions, but I know when Saturday comes we will be ready to be up and going again

Sunrise from the top deck

Our cabin

One of the lounges

The Beagle Channel (again) we have actually sailed up or down this channel five times on this holiday

You can tell the strengths of the winds here by looking how the trees grow

Poo enjoying himself on the deck, and by the way, he is enjoying himself elsewhere, this ship has an openbar, we expected house wines, but no, anything you ask for. Carlos the bartender, makes a wonderful Long Island Ice Tea, need I say more.

We made a very enjoyable excursion to the Piloto and Nena Glaciers. Lots of waterfalls at this time of the year as the ice melts

Even though we have seen so many glaciers in this last fortnight, you still look in awe

Poo just waiting for ice to fall

And it did, but just a little bit

Another excursion to more penguins. This time they were Magellan Penguins

But ….none of our visits to penguin colonies goes anywhere close to the wonderful penguin experience we had on that first landing from the Akademik Shokalkskiy in Antarctica. They were just so friendly, they were trying to get into our kayaks, to chew on our trousers and someone took off their parka and in two minutes flat this was what we witnessed. It must have been so much warmer than that cold ice.

Poo is so wrapped in penguins he has himself a new hat

Cape Horn - 19th February 2009

2009-02-22T07:38:00.002+10:00

Well we boarded our boat the “Mare Australis” and oh boy ,so different to our last eleven days at sea. We are in the minority now, the only two Aussies on board, the others mostly Europeans, and wow, this boat is getting up there towards the QE2. but still has a little way to go. We were much more at home on the Shokalskiy , we have had many laughs at watching “would be if they could be’s” trying to get on and off the zodiacs in their patent leather shoes and designer false fur coats. Poo and I are still wearing our yellow coats and rubber boots. At least Poo isn.t entertaining everybody with his jokes like he was last week as there ain’t many speaking English.

We sailed round Cape Horn and then made our landing at the bottom of the cliffs. A hundred and sixty steps to the top to view the lighthouse, the chapel and the memorial built to remember all the sailors who have not made it round this treacherous coastline.

As I stood and looked out to sea, I remembered as a young child, my grandfather telling me of how rough the passage was as he sailed round as a teenager when he left England to make a new life downunder.

Our first view of Cape Horn this morning, you can just see the lighthouse and flag

The steps we climbed

We made it to “Cape Horn” Cabo De Hornos

A view of the lighthouse, one Chilean Naval Officer and family spend twelve months living here, but no doubt for eight months of the year, they would see more visitors than if they lived in suburbia.

The Albatross Memorial in memory of the sailors who have lost their lives here

Back on Land - For one day 18th February 2009

2009-02-19T04:06:00.006+10:00

Yesterday we landed on hard ground again, after two days of rocking and rolling up the Drake Passage. But we weathered it well. Neither of us was seasick. We are in Ushuaia again and spent yesterday on the Southernmost Railway in the World. We went to the Tierra Del Fuego National Park on the Railway and then continued on by car. Lovely scenery but as I said to Poo the sights we saw in Antaractica are going to be hardtobeat.

This afternoon we board the "Mare Australis" for our trip round Cape Horn and then thru the Chilean Fiords to Punta Arenas. More zodiac landings for the next few days but we are like pros now and are taking to it like ducks to water. This ship is much bigger than the icebreaker we have been on but I doubt if we could ever top the Akademik Shokalskiy for the wonderful time that we have had.

Talk to you again next time we are in email territory, Be good

Kayaking What Fun!

2009-02-18T10:57:00.021+10:00

Kayaking would have had to be the best part of this trip. We have enjoyed the whole trip but to us kayaking amongst those snow covered mountains and mighty icebergs was just the most wonderful thing to be able to do and words just cant describe the feeling of what it was like.
We had ten paddlers, so thats just five kayaks and our leader so it was just so peaceful and serene to be out there. Having the lessons was worth every bit and no we didnt have to do a wet exit, I think Poo and I did us proud.

The kayaks were so easily lifted from the ship for each landing

The kayaks on the shore all ready for us

Dan our Leader

Just to prove that we did do it

Thought we were on the Titanic

We were able to do eight kayaking trips in all,and in both day and evening, and as you can see these evening times were so special

Icebergs everywhere

See What I mean

From the Ship

2009-02-18T04:19:00.010+10:00

This Expedition Vessel “Akademik Shokalskiy” has given us the most wonderful voyage to the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. With only 45 passengers we have become one big happy family, made up from all round the world. Have no complaints, food is excellent, shore excursions are so well organized and the weather has been absolutely perfect. The leader tells us we have been the luckiest group of the season. We had a couple of overcast days on the way down over the Drake Passage, even with a little sleet, and a little rocking but the minute we touched land, the sun was out. And as I type this we are on our way back up the Drake, and definitely the swell is a lot higher, but Poo and I are going great guns. Probably nice to experience the Drake a little rough, ‘cause no doubt that’s the way it mostly is.

Poo and the sleet on deck

Entering the Lemaire Channel, a most beautiful sight

So many icebergs, this one reminded me of a fibreglass swimming pool

On one of our trips ashore we landed at Port Lockroy , this is an old British Antarctic Base, and now acts as a museum. In this old survey hut is the most southernmost Post Office in the world. We bought our postcards and british stamps and posted them home in the bright red British Post Box. Will be interesting to see just how long they take to reach us.

You can imagine how good it was to take a look at this sled seeing of our interest in sled-dogs

Now this is the place where we first stepped foot on the Antarctic Continent. Graham and Lisa take note, this is my sixth continent, so please get busy and start organizing Africa.

Then would you believe it, here we are back on the boat in this frozen land and we are sitting on the front bow enjoying a real aussie-style bar-b-que, and its not even cold. How many restaurants have a view like this!

Seals , Lots of them

2009-02-18T04:10:00.006+10:00

We have seen lots of seals down here, Fur, Leopard, Elephant, Crabeater. They are all down here and they too didnt seem to be worried about us

Isn.t this one just gorgeous

Perhaps not

What do you think these two are saying?

Whales and of old

2009-02-18T04:08:00.005+10:00

We have been doing lots of whale watching, and its incredible that you can be in these waters and have the whales so close to you

See what I mean, they are so close, especially when you are in a zodiac and down at their level

Of course ,scattered over these islands, are the remains of the whaling stations of the past

A stark reminder of how they lived and died

Camping on the Ice 5 below

2009-02-18T04:06:00.007+10:00

As our best holidays are always camping, how could we come to Antarctica and not do it.

Our tent

Our tent and the view

And not even cold enough yet, to don my bright yellow parka

There were twenty campers able to spend the night on the ice, and there had to be one who had to build the garden path

How could you not enjoy an experience like this when we had views like this to gaze upon.

Penguins, Penguins and more Penguins

2009-02-18T04:04:00.003+10:00

Land of the penguins. We have never before seen so many penguins.Thousands of them. We have found ourselves sitting on a rock just watching the way these cute little things interact. Different types and from all ages, the older ones down to the little chicks. Even one sitting on an egg. Sadly the little chicks that have recently hatched have no chance of survival. Hatching so late in the season means they are just not going to make it.

This one has twins, know just how she feels

This little fellow is dying to get rid of his fur coat so he can go swimming too

Now we were given a briefing on the ship before we went ashore for the first time, and told in no way were we to go within 15 feet of the penguins, Fair enough, but problem is that nobody has given the penguins the same briefing

This one really took a liking to Poo

Notice that Poo is dressed in his dry suit and skirt, more about the kayaking later

On our Way 6th-17th February 2009

2009-02-18T04:02:00.003+10:00

After spending a few hours looking at the old prison and buying the obligatory souvenirs we gathered for our bus ride to the dock to join our ship the “Akademik Shokalskiy” for our trip south.

The next two days were spent sailing the Drake Passage, well known as one of the roughest pieces of water in the world, but we were lucky, the boat rocked a little, but nothing too much. The saying here is “expect the worst and hope for the best.”

Slowly we noticed more and more ice appearing as time went on

The Southernmost Town in the World

2009-02-07T13:43:00.002+10:00

Today we flew into Ushuaia after a very early morning start from Beunos Aries. This is the jumping off point for our Antarctic Cruise. This afternoon we met the other forty three people who will be our sailing companions for the next eleven days and we have a mixture of nationalities from all round the world. Went down town today and then wandered round close to the hotel. A couple of shots and this is the Beagle Channel we will be sailing out of tomorrow afternoon.

Its a nice little town and we will now talk again when we return

The Brazil Side of the Falls (Thursday 5th February)

2009-02-06T09:10:00.007+10:00

This morning we ventured over to Brazil to take a look at the falls from their side. Wow. Argentina may have got the falls but Brazil sure got the view. It was the same feeling that you get when you see the Grand Canyon for the first time. Just breathtaking. We thought the view was good yesterday but to wander along the path and at every turn another waterfall comes in to view. No ordinary photo does justice to this . Hopefully I can makesome panoramas when I get home. These falls are just so wide, and the different levels. So much water. Just amazing.

This morning we flew back to Buenos Aires and at some terrible hour in the morning we fly to Ushuaia to begin the Antarctic sector of the trip. I doubt whether we will have anymore access to internet for some time now so be good and talk to you as soon as possible.

Another Day at the Falls (Argentina side) Wednesday 4th February

2009-02-06T07:54:00.005+10:00

We were up early again today to join our guide for a tour of the falls. First was a walk to the train station where we hopped on a “”Cane train” and made our way to near the top of the falls and then walked along a long walkway over the very wide river to a most spectacular site as the water toppled over.

Then the walk back and a very peaceful boatride down the Iguazu River looking at the flora and fauna of this amazing area. We were lucky enough to get our first picture of a Woody Woodpecker.Well there was two of them actually.

Then another long walk along the higher trail stopping at the the many lookouts of these amazing falls. They are just so wide. Being a big horseshoe shape there is no way you can get them all in one picture. We even got so close we easily could have reached over for that pot of gold.

After more walking and many picture stops we boarded an old Blitz open truck and made our way over 4kls through the rain forest to the river where we boarded a jet boat for a ride to the bottom of the falls.

Then we got completely saturated as we rode right up and under the falls. What a wonderful feeling, (thank goodness for the Canon waterproof case for the G9

And even clearer view of the falls from our room this afternoon

Iguazu Falls (Argentina) Tuesday 3rd February

2009-02-06T07:53:00.004+10:00

This morning after our first nights sleep since Sunday, we flew from Buenos Aires to Iguazu. Flying over the jungle as we flew in was amazing, and the Sheraton Hotel is the only hotel in the National Park so the view from our room of the falls is just beautiful.
From our balcony

This afternoon Poo and I walked down to the the lower level of the falls,and being the widest falls in the world, it was only possible to get a view of just a small section. Tomorrow when we go on a tour, we hope to see more, but on Thursday we go to the Brazil side, and they tell us that is the best view of all.

There is now a storm moving over the falls and its just eirie.

In Buenos Aires

2009-02-03T20:52:00.004+10:00

Have spent our first night in South America. No pictures to show. Cameras have not been out of the bags yet. Had a good trip over, Catch you soon

Fishing at Boondooma Dam

2009-01-04T15:48:00.011+10:00

We were lucky enough to spend time recently camping and fishing with friends at the dam

Out in their boat

Hows this for redclaw!

Cleaning the catch