Sunday, 29 July 2007
Sunday, 15 July 2007
Saturday, 14 July 2007
Sarah's Mini Adventure
It seems in this country that people go away on holiday and leave their prized (and often quite expensive) equipment- cars, boats, even beach houses for their friends to enjoy (abuse)! A, friend of B, rocked up in her bosses convertible Mini Cooper 'S'- What the hey! We are young and reckless.... Hooned up the coast (wind in hair etc etc) to the chi-chi beach resort of Avalon, had a super lunch, complete with bottle of bubbly, wondered around the shops (with me holding my breath and trying not to break anything), then came home again, stopping to look at some of the waves on the way back. Lush!... thanks ladies
Thursday, 14 June 2007
Delicate Nobby's
There had been the long-discussed camping trip, which, to be honest, as it became ever-closer looked as though it was meant not to happen. At every stage of the planning and execution, it looked much more sensible and attractive to cancel or turn back... it all started by key members of the gang being called away on business or to the corners of the earth for one reason or another... We tried a night of concerted planning efforts with maps and travel guides and Dan on the web, which all went down hill after we ate a particularly nice Lamb Tagine (Dan's) and several bottles of Red.
...and then came the weather reports... One of our more wise and well travelled mates made contact mid week (prior to the departure) suggesting we 'check the weather', and maybe 'consider going south?'... it looked pretty bad, with a huge storm hitting north of sydney... Our dreams of rides 1/2 of Kilometer long and nights out roasting marshmellows (or marsupials?) on the barbeqcue began to fade. People were dropping out...Further calls and frantic web checking later, we decided to ignore all advice and stick with the original plan. We thought that driving through the worst of the storm could leave us drier and happier than we would be in Sydney.
Crescent Head here we come!
Then the heavens opened, sat at work wondering why I had booked the afternoon off to be steadily drowned?! The journey that followed was plagued by quite possibly the worst conditions we have ever encountered (whilst driving), and most people know what we have driven through! The solid rock ravines we were driving through became gigantic waterfalls, and when the water began to lap gently over the bonnet it was tempting to close your eyes, then it was clear that the visibility was probably better through ones eyelids than through the windscreen. Still, the bogun-mobile (a bogun is like an Aussie Chav) did us proud in every bit of it's 3.9 litre style... yee haaa!! We nearly turned back when we stopped to refuel and the garage had no power and all around us smaller, newer, but somehow inferior cars where floating by. The garage forecourt was an olympic-sized soggy mess!
Anyway, things improved and the rain just seemed to stop. We made it up there a few hours later and made the bumpy journey down the 8km track to delicate nobby's camping site.
Next day we woke up to blue sky, having had a night of dark and stormies (Bunderberg Aussie Rum,50% proof and giner ale). This is a popular Aussie (& bogun drink, befitting of the car). We had a great day teaching our friend to surf, eating lots and barbeqcuing everything that moved.
We saw plenty of wildlife. Tony the Pony, star of previous camping trips in Wales, has now been joined in the animal hall of fame, by Kevin the Kangaroo, William the Wallaby and Pete the Peacock... other characters also include Craig the Cookaburra and Sally the Sea Eagle. (See Pics)
We had another wild night on the Saturday night, wrapping up at 4am once Sarah had decided that she had thrown herself over every available sand dune/bush in the style of a monkey. Sunday we sat back and watched real surfers ride amazing waves... the storm had caused massive swell to hit which must have been up to 10ft. Surf of 17 metres had swamped a 30 metre boat/tanker locally.
Monday, more surfing followed by an amazing display of surfing by the real experts... a pod of 10-15 dolphins came to ride some waves. Sadly there are no pictures of this, but on an empty beach with miles and miles of surf and sand, we were privy to one of the most spectacular shows I have ever seen and will never forget.
Drove back on Monday, stopped en route at Port Macquarie where we went to the Koala Hospital where they treat and rehabilitate these cuddley creatures after bush fires and RTAs. We actually saw a wild one too (he was bl~~dy furious!!). Also saw more dolphins playing in the rivermouth and took some very unsuccessful photos.
Anyway, made it home. lots of love Sarah and Dan
...and then came the weather reports... One of our more wise and well travelled mates made contact mid week (prior to the departure) suggesting we 'check the weather', and maybe 'consider going south?'... it looked pretty bad, with a huge storm hitting north of sydney... Our dreams of rides 1/2 of Kilometer long and nights out roasting marshmellows (or marsupials?) on the barbeqcue began to fade. People were dropping out...Further calls and frantic web checking later, we decided to ignore all advice and stick with the original plan. We thought that driving through the worst of the storm could leave us drier and happier than we would be in Sydney.
Crescent Head here we come!
Then the heavens opened, sat at work wondering why I had booked the afternoon off to be steadily drowned?! The journey that followed was plagued by quite possibly the worst conditions we have ever encountered (whilst driving), and most people know what we have driven through! The solid rock ravines we were driving through became gigantic waterfalls, and when the water began to lap gently over the bonnet it was tempting to close your eyes, then it was clear that the visibility was probably better through ones eyelids than through the windscreen. Still, the bogun-mobile (a bogun is like an Aussie Chav) did us proud in every bit of it's 3.9 litre style... yee haaa!! We nearly turned back when we stopped to refuel and the garage had no power and all around us smaller, newer, but somehow inferior cars where floating by. The garage forecourt was an olympic-sized soggy mess!
Anyway, things improved and the rain just seemed to stop. We made it up there a few hours later and made the bumpy journey down the 8km track to delicate nobby's camping site.
Next day we woke up to blue sky, having had a night of dark and stormies (Bunderberg Aussie Rum,50% proof and giner ale). This is a popular Aussie (& bogun drink, befitting of the car). We had a great day teaching our friend to surf, eating lots and barbeqcuing everything that moved.
We saw plenty of wildlife. Tony the Pony, star of previous camping trips in Wales, has now been joined in the animal hall of fame, by Kevin the Kangaroo, William the Wallaby and Pete the Peacock... other characters also include Craig the Cookaburra and Sally the Sea Eagle. (See Pics)
We had another wild night on the Saturday night, wrapping up at 4am once Sarah had decided that she had thrown herself over every available sand dune/bush in the style of a monkey. Sunday we sat back and watched real surfers ride amazing waves... the storm had caused massive swell to hit which must have been up to 10ft. Surf of 17 metres had swamped a 30 metre boat/tanker locally.
Monday, more surfing followed by an amazing display of surfing by the real experts... a pod of 10-15 dolphins came to ride some waves. Sadly there are no pictures of this, but on an empty beach with miles and miles of surf and sand, we were privy to one of the most spectacular shows I have ever seen and will never forget.
Drove back on Monday, stopped en route at Port Macquarie where we went to the Koala Hospital where they treat and rehabilitate these cuddley creatures after bush fires and RTAs. We actually saw a wild one too (he was bl~~dy furious!!). Also saw more dolphins playing in the rivermouth and took some very unsuccessful photos.
Anyway, made it home. lots of love Sarah and Dan
Outing to Palm Beach
May was a bit of a damp squibb because Dan was ill for a week or so with a stomach bug. He's now fully recovered, and fortunately we did still manage to get out and have some fun.
Our new mates AW and MT dragged us out to Palm Beach. Palm Beech is the setting where all the Home and Away exterior shots are recorded. We saw such sights as 'the Surf Club- complete with mention of 'Ya-Flamin-Gallahhhh-Alf Stewart' and 'the fence of contemplation' where all the stars stare out to sea and reflect upon their 'crazy lives' (see pics).
It was a great setting, we had a superb walk up to the lighthouse, sweating out all our alcohol from the night before. The view made it worthwhile, clambering up through the bush to see a wonderful view over the sea and spit... (see pic). We sat there for a while, checking out the wildlife etc. The lighthouse was good to wonder around, and seemed to be surrounded by a plethora of memorials to those ex-keepers who had met their maker having been struct by lighting... needless to say we didn't hang around in case the weather changed!
After our walk, we rewarded ourselves with a bottle of champers and some Kangaroo at one of the BBQs by the beach (they are superb!).
Our new mates AW and MT dragged us out to Palm Beach. Palm Beech is the setting where all the Home and Away exterior shots are recorded. We saw such sights as 'the Surf Club- complete with mention of 'Ya-Flamin-Gallahhhh-Alf Stewart' and 'the fence of contemplation' where all the stars stare out to sea and reflect upon their 'crazy lives' (see pics).
It was a great setting, we had a superb walk up to the lighthouse, sweating out all our alcohol from the night before. The view made it worthwhile, clambering up through the bush to see a wonderful view over the sea and spit... (see pic). We sat there for a while, checking out the wildlife etc. The lighthouse was good to wonder around, and seemed to be surrounded by a plethora of memorials to those ex-keepers who had met their maker having been struct by lighting... needless to say we didn't hang around in case the weather changed!
After our walk, we rewarded ourselves with a bottle of champers and some Kangaroo at one of the BBQs by the beach (they are superb!).
Mother's Day Classic
Hello everyone... been a bit busy over the last few weeks... The ususal.. working, surfing, drinking, regretting drinking so much... some things don't change. We have met lots of new friends who are enjoying the challenge of helping us explore Australia and all it has to offer.
Have been keeping ourselves pretty healthy with regular surfing and running. Sarah completed an 8km run for Charity on Aussie Mother's Day, all done in 45 minutes... was in the first 3rd to finish, although was a bit put out on announcement that the first woman completed it in 27 minutes. Long way to go! Both Dan and Sarah have now registered for the City to Surf, a 55,000 runner-strong race running from the Centre of the CBD in Sydney to the legendary Bondi Beach. It's 14km and might just kill us?! Nothing worse than thinking you are skipping along at top speed when you see a man legging-it along with two kids in a double buggy! The concept of the UBER-DAD is alive and well here, you often see men running full pelt with their little darlings being pulled a few feet ahead at break-neck speed by a German Shepherd. weird.
Have been keeping ourselves pretty healthy with regular surfing and running. Sarah completed an 8km run for Charity on Aussie Mother's Day, all done in 45 minutes... was in the first 3rd to finish, although was a bit put out on announcement that the first woman completed it in 27 minutes. Long way to go! Both Dan and Sarah have now registered for the City to Surf, a 55,000 runner-strong race running from the Centre of the CBD in Sydney to the legendary Bondi Beach. It's 14km and might just kill us?! Nothing worse than thinking you are skipping along at top speed when you see a man legging-it along with two kids in a double buggy! The concept of the UBER-DAD is alive and well here, you often see men running full pelt with their little darlings being pulled a few feet ahead at break-neck speed by a German Shepherd. weird.
Sunday, 29 April 2007
Dan's birthday and Anzac day
Hi all, we had a great night out at Doyles for Dan’s birthday great views, superb food, MASSIVE chocolate Birthday cake and a few choruses of Happy Birthday from the Italian waiter… perfect. Viv, Martin's other half was out for the night too (she was out here for a family wedding), so it was great to have a special guest appearance and to catch up more on all the family fun!! Only problem is, We followed it up with 5 bucketfuls of margaritas. Consequently Sarah was so hung over at work she could barely see, even after eating a kebab at lunch, and Dominoes pizza for dinner.
We had a public holiday on Wednesday for Anzac day which was weird- having a day off mid week. We had a good time though. We took Zoe out for a meal on Tuesday to thank her for putting us up and feeding us when we arrived. The restaurant was gorgeous, really nice views and top seafood... I had a plate full of shell fish: scampi (not all battered etc like england, still in their shells etc), mussels, oysters (with bacon and balsamic vinegar... mmm), scallops, massive prawns... you name it! It was really lovely... reminded me of France. The restaurant had a series of big screens around the place where you could watch the chefs cook with close ups of them plating up... was fascinating like a combination of can't cook won't cook and big brother. They are also very into their moules here which is a real treat. We also went out the next day to the pub where they traditionally play a game called 'two-up', where they toss 3 clay coins up in the air and everyone bets on the outcome... I think it was the game they played in the trenches before they went 'over the top'. Seemed like a very quick way to lose lots of money, so we drank beer instead. It's been raining here loads which seems a contrast to the UK, where it seems you are having a bit of a heat wave! Typical!
We had a public holiday on Wednesday for Anzac day which was weird- having a day off mid week. We had a good time though. We took Zoe out for a meal on Tuesday to thank her for putting us up and feeding us when we arrived. The restaurant was gorgeous, really nice views and top seafood... I had a plate full of shell fish: scampi (not all battered etc like england, still in their shells etc), mussels, oysters (with bacon and balsamic vinegar... mmm), scallops, massive prawns... you name it! It was really lovely... reminded me of France. The restaurant had a series of big screens around the place where you could watch the chefs cook with close ups of them plating up... was fascinating like a combination of can't cook won't cook and big brother. They are also very into their moules here which is a real treat. We also went out the next day to the pub where they traditionally play a game called 'two-up', where they toss 3 clay coins up in the air and everyone bets on the outcome... I think it was the game they played in the trenches before they went 'over the top'. Seemed like a very quick way to lose lots of money, so we drank beer instead. It's been raining here loads which seems a contrast to the UK, where it seems you are having a bit of a heat wave! Typical!
Friday, 13 April 2007
Tuesday, 10 April 2007
Happy Easter Everyone
Happy Easter,
I hope the weather in Blighty was better than here it has absolutely bucketed it down for the whole weekend. Not to be discouraged we went into Sydney's Darling Harbour and watched a free festival of soggy street performers and amazing acrobats. Luckily the rain abated for the afternoon and the show continued.
The next day the rain was showing no sign of stopping so we headed for the aquarium which was fascinating watching large sharks swimming inches away over your head is quite a surreal sensation. In the evening we met up with some people from Cambridge (Thanks Dino), we had a great evening eating at Wagamamma's and drinking until 2.00. Having always been reminded of her 'Champagne tastes and Lager Wallet', Sarah was delighted to learn that here it's the other way around and felt duty bound to avoid the expensive stuff and stick entirely to the bubbly!
Next day and the sun peeped out so we headed for the beach and generally lazed around (no surfing), waves were 6ft+ and mashing up the good surfers!! The hangovers showed no sign of clearing either so we felt the best option was to return to the sofa and come back the next day for our usual morning dip. It's great getting up at 6am, paddling out and watching the sun rise above the water. Sure enough, we got up and it was 4 ft and offshore... mmmm..
I hope the weather in Blighty was better than here it has absolutely bucketed it down for the whole weekend. Not to be discouraged we went into Sydney's Darling Harbour and watched a free festival of soggy street performers and amazing acrobats. Luckily the rain abated for the afternoon and the show continued.
The next day the rain was showing no sign of stopping so we headed for the aquarium which was fascinating watching large sharks swimming inches away over your head is quite a surreal sensation. In the evening we met up with some people from Cambridge (Thanks Dino), we had a great evening eating at Wagamamma's and drinking until 2.00. Having always been reminded of her 'Champagne tastes and Lager Wallet', Sarah was delighted to learn that here it's the other way around and felt duty bound to avoid the expensive stuff and stick entirely to the bubbly!
Next day and the sun peeped out so we headed for the beach and generally lazed around (no surfing), waves were 6ft+ and mashing up the good surfers!! The hangovers showed no sign of clearing either so we felt the best option was to return to the sofa and come back the next day for our usual morning dip. It's great getting up at 6am, paddling out and watching the sun rise above the water. Sure enough, we got up and it was 4 ft and offshore... mmmm..
Tuesday, 3 April 2007
we have arrived!!
We are just about sorted now after having a bit of a tricky time.
Ok starting at the beginning had a lovely week in Krabi lots of snorkeling and we hired sea kayaks and paddled around the islands.
Had a Thai massage which was a painful experience more of that to follow.
Left Krabi for Bangkok only to be refused entry on the flight to Sydney as my visa had my old passport number on it and I had been issued with a new passport.
Bit of a nightmare but we got onto the immigration consultants in Melbourne who issued me with a temporary 3 month visa.
When we arrived in Bangkok Sarah was whisked away to the transfer lounge while I had to check in for my flight with the temporary visa. Unfortunately at customs we were handed each others passports back.. Cue frantic rushing around airport with Sarah on one side of a frosted glass wall and me on the other with several immigration and Thai airlines staff trying to find Sarah and exchange passports.
Finally all sorted out and boarded plane.
Arrived in Sydney early doors and our mate Chaz was there to meet us bless her. Full on day of sight seeing and surfing followed by early night but my back was very sore I put this down to the flight. However next morning could hardly move lower back searing pain no option but see a chiropractor, good thing I did. turns out the Thai massage had opened up my lower vertebrae l4 and l5 and then a 8 hour flight had compressed them at the wrong angle. Much clicking later and ordered back to bed with ice pack on back for rest of the day.
Next day much of the same with another visit to Chiro and more ice. It was Chaz's last night in Sydney so were honour bound to make it a good one meal then clubbing till 4 great night and back felt allot better.
Then off to Bondi for lunch and after getting very lost managed to drop Chaz at airport were she made her flight just..
Then it was the big apartment and car hunting expedition, apartment hunting in Australia is like speed dating they only open the apartment for 15 Min's on a Saturday and you run in grumble at the tiny bedroom the daft weekly rental price and the lack of parking and then run to the next viewing. Finding a car turned out to be breeze by comparison just phoned a couple of numbers in the manly daily (local paper) we bought a ford Fairmont it has air con essential but is a automatic so it's like driving a 1 ton go kart!!
We stayed in a tiny room at the back of a garden for 5 days while we apartment hunted and got a feel for the area. After viewing about 5 apartments during the week which is a lot less stressful than the Saturday shenanigans finally found a place.
As we could not move in until the following Tuesday and we found it on the Thursday Sarah's boss Zoe very kindly let us stay with her. We had a great time gong out for St Paddy to a Irish bar lots of Guinness and dancing a great night. Next morning feeling a bit worse for wear drove to the harbour and boarded a yacht for the day. We sailed around Sydney harbour on the day of the harbour bridge celebrating it's 75th birthday!! It was great fun and we joined the flotilla of craft to sail under the bridge lots of waving and whistles blowing they had old steam ships and fire boat's spraying water out of there hoses.
Finally moved into our apartment on Tues 20th and I am now just waiting for delivery of fridge/freezer and my computer finally. Currently I am having to work from the Internet cafe which is a 40 min walk from our apartment.
Our apartment is unfurnished so we have been looking out for bargain furniture for sale so far have managed to buy a sofa, stereo and kitchen stuff. We got given a sofa bed by the couple we bought the car off but after a herculean effort by Jermain (Zoe's boyfriend) and myself of carrying this across two roads and up 3 flights of steps only to find it would not fit through the door... How gutted was I! the only option was over the balcony but that was feat beyond us. So we carried it all the way back. So we are sleeping on a air bed at the moment.
Ok starting at the beginning had a lovely week in Krabi lots of snorkeling and we hired sea kayaks and paddled around the islands.
Had a Thai massage which was a painful experience more of that to follow.
Left Krabi for Bangkok only to be refused entry on the flight to Sydney as my visa had my old passport number on it and I had been issued with a new passport.
Bit of a nightmare but we got onto the immigration consultants in Melbourne who issued me with a temporary 3 month visa.
When we arrived in Bangkok Sarah was whisked away to the transfer lounge while I had to check in for my flight with the temporary visa. Unfortunately at customs we were handed each others passports back.. Cue frantic rushing around airport with Sarah on one side of a frosted glass wall and me on the other with several immigration and Thai airlines staff trying to find Sarah and exchange passports.
Finally all sorted out and boarded plane.
Arrived in Sydney early doors and our mate Chaz was there to meet us bless her. Full on day of sight seeing and surfing followed by early night but my back was very sore I put this down to the flight. However next morning could hardly move lower back searing pain no option but see a chiropractor, good thing I did. turns out the Thai massage had opened up my lower vertebrae l4 and l5 and then a 8 hour flight had compressed them at the wrong angle. Much clicking later and ordered back to bed with ice pack on back for rest of the day.
Next day much of the same with another visit to Chiro and more ice. It was Chaz's last night in Sydney so were honour bound to make it a good one meal then clubbing till 4 great night and back felt allot better.
Then off to Bondi for lunch and after getting very lost managed to drop Chaz at airport were she made her flight just..
Then it was the big apartment and car hunting expedition, apartment hunting in Australia is like speed dating they only open the apartment for 15 Min's on a Saturday and you run in grumble at the tiny bedroom the daft weekly rental price and the lack of parking and then run to the next viewing. Finding a car turned out to be breeze by comparison just phoned a couple of numbers in the manly daily (local paper) we bought a ford Fairmont it has air con essential but is a automatic so it's like driving a 1 ton go kart!!
We stayed in a tiny room at the back of a garden for 5 days while we apartment hunted and got a feel for the area. After viewing about 5 apartments during the week which is a lot less stressful than the Saturday shenanigans finally found a place.
As we could not move in until the following Tuesday and we found it on the Thursday Sarah's boss Zoe very kindly let us stay with her. We had a great time gong out for St Paddy to a Irish bar lots of Guinness and dancing a great night. Next morning feeling a bit worse for wear drove to the harbour and boarded a yacht for the day. We sailed around Sydney harbour on the day of the harbour bridge celebrating it's 75th birthday!! It was great fun and we joined the flotilla of craft to sail under the bridge lots of waving and whistles blowing they had old steam ships and fire boat's spraying water out of there hoses.
Finally moved into our apartment on Tues 20th and I am now just waiting for delivery of fridge/freezer and my computer finally. Currently I am having to work from the Internet cafe which is a 40 min walk from our apartment.
Our apartment is unfurnished so we have been looking out for bargain furniture for sale so far have managed to buy a sofa, stereo and kitchen stuff. We got given a sofa bed by the couple we bought the car off but after a herculean effort by Jermain (Zoe's boyfriend) and myself of carrying this across two roads and up 3 flights of steps only to find it would not fit through the door... How gutted was I! the only option was over the balcony but that was feat beyond us. So we carried it all the way back. So we are sleeping on a air bed at the moment.
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