got the campervan and took off to piha beach. Took about an hour to get there. The beach was beautiful , and there was surf, but it did not look that good. Kind of blown out and very santa monica-ish. so we got back in the van and decided to head to raglan.
Arrived in raglan right at dusk and went straight to the beach to see what the waves looked like. FLAT.
It was beautiful. manu bay looks like it has potential. I met two brits in passing in the kitchen.
the rain is setting in and we are going to bed. its cold.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
sydney goodbye , hello auckland
Took a bus out to mantraville, where i walked half of a mile in the pouring rain. Did not even bother opening up the surfboard bag to see if it was ok. Called a cab, to get back to the hostel. Laurie was waiting in the entry area, reading her book and looking very warm. I was soaked through to the bone and cold. Thats what i get for riding a 9 foot board.
We got dressed up for our last night in australia and headed out on the town. Had a few beers at the oldest pub in sydney , down near the harbor. We then had dinner at the 4 seasons. We were given a gift certificate as a wedding gift. I enjoyed the sweetbreads, which laurie would not try. Laurie loved the scallops and our lamb was good. We just share everything. I think we look like starving animals when we eat. We can not help but make a mess of the table.
In the morning the cab showed up as planned, we loaded on the surfboards and off we went. At the airport its never easy. We took our boards lugging them around to one place then another, then we were told the wrong directions and had to walk back across the airport, all worrying that our flight was boarding in ten minutes. THrough customs we went. Laurie having forgot to pack some bottles in our luggage, was very upset to lose her dial antibacterial body wash and her hawaiian tropics sun screen. The angry side of laurie was coming out on this poor airport man. I took a step away. So in all we lost facial wash, body soap, sun tan lotion, and a 12 dollar bottle of red wine.
We were flying on air new zealand , but we did not know what to expect. We get on board, and it is the nicest airplane we have ever been on. THere coach is uniteds first class. Oh how we got screwed over having to fly united from LA to sydney. I am definately writing a letter. I watched a movie on my personal tv, while laurie danced to techno and read her new book, Laine beachleys , how i became a world surf champion.
We took a bus to our hostel, and took a walk out to the city center. Found a cheap little indian place . Good night for our first night. I got us lost getting back to our hostel, and its ice cold.
in the morning we took a cab to our campervan place
We got dressed up for our last night in australia and headed out on the town. Had a few beers at the oldest pub in sydney , down near the harbor. We then had dinner at the 4 seasons. We were given a gift certificate as a wedding gift. I enjoyed the sweetbreads, which laurie would not try. Laurie loved the scallops and our lamb was good. We just share everything. I think we look like starving animals when we eat. We can not help but make a mess of the table.
In the morning the cab showed up as planned, we loaded on the surfboards and off we went. At the airport its never easy. We took our boards lugging them around to one place then another, then we were told the wrong directions and had to walk back across the airport, all worrying that our flight was boarding in ten minutes. THrough customs we went. Laurie having forgot to pack some bottles in our luggage, was very upset to lose her dial antibacterial body wash and her hawaiian tropics sun screen. The angry side of laurie was coming out on this poor airport man. I took a step away. So in all we lost facial wash, body soap, sun tan lotion, and a 12 dollar bottle of red wine.
We were flying on air new zealand , but we did not know what to expect. We get on board, and it is the nicest airplane we have ever been on. THere coach is uniteds first class. Oh how we got screwed over having to fly united from LA to sydney. I am definately writing a letter. I watched a movie on my personal tv, while laurie danced to techno and read her new book, Laine beachleys , how i became a world surf champion.
We took a bus to our hostel, and took a walk out to the city center. Found a cheap little indian place . Good night for our first night. I got us lost getting back to our hostel, and its ice cold.
in the morning we took a cab to our campervan place
Monday, May 24, 2010
crocs,birds and waterfalls
Woke up and took one last shower outdoors and decided it was time to head to cape tribulation. The humidity is killing me, although all the locals say its just beautiful, and that i should have been here a month ago for hot and humid.
We headed north to cape tribulation. You have to take a ferry across a croc infested river. Once across you are thrown into the rainforest. Laurie was in LOST, JURRASIC PARK Heaven. The rainforest is beautiful. We did a bunch of forest walks and then made it out to the cape. We turned around and headed to the daintree.
In daintree we did a croc boat trip, which laurie pulled me into kicking and screaming. The humidity was wearing on me, and I had a caffeine headache. I loved the trip more than everyone and even spotted a lizard. I was praised by the boat captain. We saw, birds, pythons, crocs and cattle. Laurie loved the welcoming swallows, who would fly next to the boat.
We decided to head back to cairns and check out the waterfalls.
We asked for are same dog smelling room at the hostel. After talking to the front desk put our ac on and i was in heaven.
Next day we headed out. we drove up a mountain , winding around , we both felt nauseous . At the top of the mountain we hit the tablelands, and i was back loving australia. The humidity was gone and it was cool. We hit our first waterfall milla, milla. I dove in to the ice cold water and swam around. Laurie was too cold and did not come in. Next water fall was beautiful, zilla. You could not swim in this one or the last one of the circuit, but they were all beautiful. We had lunch in a little town, and then decided we needed to head back so we could turn in the car by five.
On the way back we saw josephine falls. I asked laurie do you want to go. SHe made a last second choice of yes, and so i hauled ass down the back roads to get there. We speed walked down the path to the falls, and found the most gorgeous swimming hole and water falls. There were huge rocks that the water fall had carved our and there were two parts to the falls. Laurie found a way to get up the rocks and next thing we know everyone was climbing the rocks and sliding down the moss covered rocks in the falls. we lost track of time were having so much fun. We ran back to the car in our flip flops, and sped for cairns. We were not sure if we could make it to budget in time. We had to be there by 5 15. we made it there filled up with gas at 5:12. We walked back drinking beers in the street. took a shower did laundry and walked what felt like an hour to dinner at a nice little korean place. we wanted vegetarian indian but when we got there the building was condemned. we took a taxi home. I took another shower, since i sweat through all my clothes on the walk.
woke up today and headed to the airport. We are back in sydney and i pick up my longboard tomorrow night. one more full day in australia and we are off to new zealand.
We headed north to cape tribulation. You have to take a ferry across a croc infested river. Once across you are thrown into the rainforest. Laurie was in LOST, JURRASIC PARK Heaven. The rainforest is beautiful. We did a bunch of forest walks and then made it out to the cape. We turned around and headed to the daintree.
In daintree we did a croc boat trip, which laurie pulled me into kicking and screaming. The humidity was wearing on me, and I had a caffeine headache. I loved the trip more than everyone and even spotted a lizard. I was praised by the boat captain. We saw, birds, pythons, crocs and cattle. Laurie loved the welcoming swallows, who would fly next to the boat.
We decided to head back to cairns and check out the waterfalls.
We asked for are same dog smelling room at the hostel. After talking to the front desk put our ac on and i was in heaven.
Next day we headed out. we drove up a mountain , winding around , we both felt nauseous . At the top of the mountain we hit the tablelands, and i was back loving australia. The humidity was gone and it was cool. We hit our first waterfall milla, milla. I dove in to the ice cold water and swam around. Laurie was too cold and did not come in. Next water fall was beautiful, zilla. You could not swim in this one or the last one of the circuit, but they were all beautiful. We had lunch in a little town, and then decided we needed to head back so we could turn in the car by five.
On the way back we saw josephine falls. I asked laurie do you want to go. SHe made a last second choice of yes, and so i hauled ass down the back roads to get there. We speed walked down the path to the falls, and found the most gorgeous swimming hole and water falls. There were huge rocks that the water fall had carved our and there were two parts to the falls. Laurie found a way to get up the rocks and next thing we know everyone was climbing the rocks and sliding down the moss covered rocks in the falls. we lost track of time were having so much fun. We ran back to the car in our flip flops, and sped for cairns. We were not sure if we could make it to budget in time. We had to be there by 5 15. we made it there filled up with gas at 5:12. We walked back drinking beers in the street. took a shower did laundry and walked what felt like an hour to dinner at a nice little korean place. we wanted vegetarian indian but when we got there the building was condemned. we took a taxi home. I took another shower, since i sweat through all my clothes on the walk.
woke up today and headed to the airport. We are back in sydney and i pick up my longboard tomorrow night. one more full day in australia and we are off to new zealand.
Great barrier reef and back
Woke up early and had our toast and coffee. Wavelength picked us up at 8 am and drove us down to the docks.
We were asked who got sea sick and a few hands went up, but laurie and I thought we would be fine. I guess surfing helps out, since you are always rocking on your board.
We take off and the seas are little rough, i felt a little queasy , but only when i look back into the boat. Laurie was running around the boat, hanging out up top, on the front, and she brought her A game sea legs. We were handed our fins, mask and these little sun suits which we both loved. Took about an hour and forty minutes to reach the first spot.
We dove in. Laurie and I took off together and we were in a whole new world. The reef look great and the day was windy, but with clear skies. Very good visibility. The coral was beautiful and we saw the little nemo fish and the parrot fish, and angel fish, and giant clams. We kept pulling at each others fins to point something out.
We got back on board for coffee and muffins.
Next spot had a giant fish waiting for us. THey called it a maori fish. THis huge green blue fish was so personable. He just hung out near us and would swim around us. He took an instant liking to laurie , who took an instant liking to the fish. She is now talking about getting a maori fish one day. We have some great pictures with are new friend. This spot had even better coral, and we explored the different chunks of coral.
Back on board we had lunch. buffet style. Laurie not liking buffet lunches where people could touch things, opted for packaged crackers and tea. I ate her portion.
Next spot had turtles and sharks. I got caught in a current and taken far away from the ship. I looked up and i was all by myself. whoops.
We got back on board and headed back. On the boat we met two Canadians from vancouver island. One carlo looked just like anthony. We are set to meet up with them again later in the summer when we go surf tofino. We had beers with them and invited over the captain JR and the marine biologist Mike for beers. We drank beers for about two hours and made a plan to meet carlo for dinner.
The captain JR runs a boat to swim with whales in august. Laurie wants to come back and swim with mink whales now. He was so nice and offered to store laurie's surf board while we headed up to cape tribulation and the daintree.
Dinner was at a little thai restraunt. FOod was ok. My favorite was when i asked for one large soup for the three of us. INstead he brought three large soups for each of us. Thats a 16 dollar for one and 48 dollar for three mistake. I was good in a good mood, so we did not say anything. SOup was good, not 50 bucks good. but good.
said goodnight to carlo and then drove to the gas station , since laurie was craving chocolate ice cream. went through a drunk driving check point. glad i did not have a beer with dinner. Got home and continued our ping pong battle. we ended up tied 5-5 in games, but i call that a success against laurie aggasi miller.
We were asked who got sea sick and a few hands went up, but laurie and I thought we would be fine. I guess surfing helps out, since you are always rocking on your board.
We take off and the seas are little rough, i felt a little queasy , but only when i look back into the boat. Laurie was running around the boat, hanging out up top, on the front, and she brought her A game sea legs. We were handed our fins, mask and these little sun suits which we both loved. Took about an hour and forty minutes to reach the first spot.
We dove in. Laurie and I took off together and we were in a whole new world. The reef look great and the day was windy, but with clear skies. Very good visibility. The coral was beautiful and we saw the little nemo fish and the parrot fish, and angel fish, and giant clams. We kept pulling at each others fins to point something out.
We got back on board for coffee and muffins.
Next spot had a giant fish waiting for us. THey called it a maori fish. THis huge green blue fish was so personable. He just hung out near us and would swim around us. He took an instant liking to laurie , who took an instant liking to the fish. She is now talking about getting a maori fish one day. We have some great pictures with are new friend. This spot had even better coral, and we explored the different chunks of coral.
Back on board we had lunch. buffet style. Laurie not liking buffet lunches where people could touch things, opted for packaged crackers and tea. I ate her portion.
Next spot had turtles and sharks. I got caught in a current and taken far away from the ship. I looked up and i was all by myself. whoops.
We got back on board and headed back. On the boat we met two Canadians from vancouver island. One carlo looked just like anthony. We are set to meet up with them again later in the summer when we go surf tofino. We had beers with them and invited over the captain JR and the marine biologist Mike for beers. We drank beers for about two hours and made a plan to meet carlo for dinner.
The captain JR runs a boat to swim with whales in august. Laurie wants to come back and swim with mink whales now. He was so nice and offered to store laurie's surf board while we headed up to cape tribulation and the daintree.
Dinner was at a little thai restraunt. FOod was ok. My favorite was when i asked for one large soup for the three of us. INstead he brought three large soups for each of us. Thats a 16 dollar for one and 48 dollar for three mistake. I was good in a good mood, so we did not say anything. SOup was good, not 50 bucks good. but good.
said goodnight to carlo and then drove to the gas station , since laurie was craving chocolate ice cream. went through a drunk driving check point. glad i did not have a beer with dinner. Got home and continued our ping pong battle. we ended up tied 5-5 in games, but i call that a success against laurie aggasi miller.
Hiking with the snakes.
We stayed at a dumpy little hostel in cairns our first night. Since we were delayed 5 hours and ate and drank at the airport in Brisbane, we were just ready for bed.
We open our door , and found two twin beds, and the smell of wet dogs. Good to be home.
I have to say, I was so disappointed in the hostel, but after falling a sleep at midnight and not waking up till 9am, this little place with a little engine who could air conditioner and its pitch black no window room, gave me the best sleep i have had since the wedding.
We woke up and got our free coffee and white bread toast. We decided to head to port douglas.
We choose a nicer place in the lonely planet and decided to splurge a little. We choose the Pink flamingo . Laurie was sold at outdoor shower and the jungle in the background. It just happened to be the gay friendliest accommodation in Oz. We got a mini tour of the pool, game room with ping pong, and our villa with outdoor bath and shower, and lauries favorite pink bar with a disco ball and cher playing on a little stereo.
We decided to live it up and the pink flamingo through in a bottle of champagne for us. We lit some candles and started drinking , bathing, laying around in the hammock, and watching all the birds and bats flying above.
Day two we drove to mossman gorge and took a swim in a beautiful creek with boulders and rushing water. Laurie made friends with a tour guide , who showed her how to scale rocks and jump into the rapids. I was chased around by a black fish who tried to eat my pinky toes.
Refreshed we hiked home to outdoor showers and more hammock swinging. It was carnival that night so we headed out on the town. THe streets were packed, and we had a nice seafood dinner. THe energy was electric. We were having a blast.
Next day i handed over the planning reigns to laurie, and she decided hiking was the call of the day. First hike, up a creek bed to a waterfall and swimming hole. Well we had trouble finding the start of the trail. I parked on someones front lawn. they looked gone. We hiked down a dirt road and found the creek. There were no trail makers, so we just winged it. we started first trying to make our way around the side of the creek. 30 minutes of climbing through vines and jungle, thinking about snakes every step. Laurie opted for just hiking through the knee high water. I was more a land man. We would shout to each other when we got out view. About two hours in I decided one more bend in the river and if we did not see a water fall we were going back. My shoe had a come apart and the sole of my shoe was flapping around. Thank you 200 dollar lowe hiking boots from a16, bought 4 years ago and used twice.
Well no waterfall so we turned around. Laurie was afraid of snakes so she just hung out in the river. I liked land with my broken shoe, so i hugged the side. FInially i found an abandon road and decided it was better than going through the bush. We ended up in some tall grass. I was being attacked by mosquitos. Laurie had a cut on her arm that had swollen up. we made it back to the car and decided to try the other hike.
WE could not find the other hike so we asked at the croc farm. Laurie made friends with this lovely lady who scolded us for not wearing long pants and not carrying a snake kit and an ace bandage if were were to hurt ourselves. SHe smoothered on some random ointment on lauries arm. Laurie came back to the car and relayed the news on to me. that the hike was close by, but we had to go through two football fields of over grown snake grass , with two of the deadliest snakes in australia in the area. We decided to go check out the beach, with the no swimming signs , due to salt water crocs. Home we went, back to outdoor baths and candles.
We open our door , and found two twin beds, and the smell of wet dogs. Good to be home.
I have to say, I was so disappointed in the hostel, but after falling a sleep at midnight and not waking up till 9am, this little place with a little engine who could air conditioner and its pitch black no window room, gave me the best sleep i have had since the wedding.
We woke up and got our free coffee and white bread toast. We decided to head to port douglas.
We choose a nicer place in the lonely planet and decided to splurge a little. We choose the Pink flamingo . Laurie was sold at outdoor shower and the jungle in the background. It just happened to be the gay friendliest accommodation in Oz. We got a mini tour of the pool, game room with ping pong, and our villa with outdoor bath and shower, and lauries favorite pink bar with a disco ball and cher playing on a little stereo.
We decided to live it up and the pink flamingo through in a bottle of champagne for us. We lit some candles and started drinking , bathing, laying around in the hammock, and watching all the birds and bats flying above.
Day two we drove to mossman gorge and took a swim in a beautiful creek with boulders and rushing water. Laurie made friends with a tour guide , who showed her how to scale rocks and jump into the rapids. I was chased around by a black fish who tried to eat my pinky toes.
Refreshed we hiked home to outdoor showers and more hammock swinging. It was carnival that night so we headed out on the town. THe streets were packed, and we had a nice seafood dinner. THe energy was electric. We were having a blast.
Next day i handed over the planning reigns to laurie, and she decided hiking was the call of the day. First hike, up a creek bed to a waterfall and swimming hole. Well we had trouble finding the start of the trail. I parked on someones front lawn. they looked gone. We hiked down a dirt road and found the creek. There were no trail makers, so we just winged it. we started first trying to make our way around the side of the creek. 30 minutes of climbing through vines and jungle, thinking about snakes every step. Laurie opted for just hiking through the knee high water. I was more a land man. We would shout to each other when we got out view. About two hours in I decided one more bend in the river and if we did not see a water fall we were going back. My shoe had a come apart and the sole of my shoe was flapping around. Thank you 200 dollar lowe hiking boots from a16, bought 4 years ago and used twice.
Well no waterfall so we turned around. Laurie was afraid of snakes so she just hung out in the river. I liked land with my broken shoe, so i hugged the side. FInially i found an abandon road and decided it was better than going through the bush. We ended up in some tall grass. I was being attacked by mosquitos. Laurie had a cut on her arm that had swollen up. we made it back to the car and decided to try the other hike.
WE could not find the other hike so we asked at the croc farm. Laurie made friends with this lovely lady who scolded us for not wearing long pants and not carrying a snake kit and an ace bandage if were were to hurt ourselves. SHe smoothered on some random ointment on lauries arm. Laurie came back to the car and relayed the news on to me. that the hike was close by, but we had to go through two football fields of over grown snake grass , with two of the deadliest snakes in australia in the area. We decided to go check out the beach, with the no swimming signs , due to salt water crocs. Home we went, back to outdoor baths and candles.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
THe Longest Day, thank you jet star.
Wake up and clean the van. I even dumped the toilet waste on the van for the first time in three weeks. We gave away all our extra stuff (food, cleaning supplies, etc. ). We made good time, and decided to get up to the airport early to check in.
Get to the airport around 12 pm. We take all our stuff. Two bags each and two surfboards to the check in. Its about ten minute walk lugging all our stuff. I get a hole in one of my bags some how. Get to check in, and we find out our plane is delayed to 9 pm at night. There goes dinner in cairns.
We then find out my surfboard is too big and they will not take it. We find out we can not check in this early either. F U jet star right now.
A fire alarm goes off and they all have to evacuate , so they do not even give me help on how to get my board to places.
I call sean knight a friend of Dave and mindy cunningham my cousins. He and his dad, give me a number of a guy in sydney they know. I call him, and he concieves a plan to ship him the board via a company i have no clue where they are in brisbane. We have two hours to turn in the van. Laurie starts driving in the city, which she does not like, but she drives great. I am on the phone trying to figure out how to get this surfboard somewhere.
we find the place with an hour to go. I walk up with the surfboard and the guy looks at me like , WTF. TRucks are flying by, since this is a huge shipping company. I mean big rigs.
They say i have to go back and get the campervan and drive up to the window. SO we drive the van in with the big rigs and circle this huge shipping center. ITs really surreal. We park next to a truck and i walk up to the counter. I am wearing a bright orange safety vest. Company rules.
The Australians and the company NQX were so nice, they could not believe that jet star would not take my board. I got a shorter board so it could fit on plane flights. Well in the board bag I said goodbye to my board. It was being shipped to a guy in Sydney whom i never met.
We then barely make it back to the maui center to turn in the van. We then pay 30 dollars for a cab ride to the airport. They make an exception to check us in early at 4 pm, for a flight that was at 5 :30 now at 9 pm.
We spend about 100 dollars on dinner and drinks at the airport and make the best of a long long day.
Flight went smooth and our hostel picked us up from the airport in cairns. Are room was dark and we got a great sleep in. We are now ready to start the adventure again. No surfing but some rainforest to see and some reef snorkeling. Maybe i will get to eat some crocodile and mud crab while up here.
Laurie loves it here so far. Its like the amazon and hawaii put together.
Get to the airport around 12 pm. We take all our stuff. Two bags each and two surfboards to the check in. Its about ten minute walk lugging all our stuff. I get a hole in one of my bags some how. Get to check in, and we find out our plane is delayed to 9 pm at night. There goes dinner in cairns.
We then find out my surfboard is too big and they will not take it. We find out we can not check in this early either. F U jet star right now.
A fire alarm goes off and they all have to evacuate , so they do not even give me help on how to get my board to places.
I call sean knight a friend of Dave and mindy cunningham my cousins. He and his dad, give me a number of a guy in sydney they know. I call him, and he concieves a plan to ship him the board via a company i have no clue where they are in brisbane. We have two hours to turn in the van. Laurie starts driving in the city, which she does not like, but she drives great. I am on the phone trying to figure out how to get this surfboard somewhere.
we find the place with an hour to go. I walk up with the surfboard and the guy looks at me like , WTF. TRucks are flying by, since this is a huge shipping company. I mean big rigs.
They say i have to go back and get the campervan and drive up to the window. SO we drive the van in with the big rigs and circle this huge shipping center. ITs really surreal. We park next to a truck and i walk up to the counter. I am wearing a bright orange safety vest. Company rules.
The Australians and the company NQX were so nice, they could not believe that jet star would not take my board. I got a shorter board so it could fit on plane flights. Well in the board bag I said goodbye to my board. It was being shipped to a guy in Sydney whom i never met.
We then barely make it back to the maui center to turn in the van. We then pay 30 dollars for a cab ride to the airport. They make an exception to check us in early at 4 pm, for a flight that was at 5 :30 now at 9 pm.
We spend about 100 dollars on dinner and drinks at the airport and make the best of a long long day.
Flight went smooth and our hostel picked us up from the airport in cairns. Are room was dark and we got a great sleep in. We are now ready to start the adventure again. No surfing but some rainforest to see and some reef snorkeling. Maybe i will get to eat some crocodile and mud crab while up here.
Laurie loves it here so far. Its like the amazon and hawaii put together.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
up and down
Noosa was a flop for waves. It was flat, cold and rainy. We missed a swell down south at snapper. Our camper site in noosa was sad and crammed. Wde decided to head south again.
we got down to kirra again, and the swell had passed. what do you do when there is no surf and cold weather? you shop around. we picked up skype head phones, and still can not stomach paying 90 bucks for an ipod radio tuner. the radio in australia is sub par. you get one station out side of the big cities.
we decided to make big dinners at night, and went all out. first night we had fresh big prawns and mullet. both were superb. second night we had tiger prawns, mud bugs, kingfish and a fish i have never heaRD of . mud bugs are like stretched out craw dads, that look like they are from the dinosaur era of time. look up morton bay bugs. they were good.
so we drove south to balina , where we found some surf,but also a memorial to a 17 year old who was taken by a shark two years ago. we decided to watch. we then checked out every spot from balina to snapper, and they were all flat. we decided to go to the airport an move our tickets up a few days. we are headed north to Cairns, the reef and the rainforest.
we did get a surf in at duranbah , it was waist high and quick. laurie killed it, i got lots of sand in my shorts.
we got down to kirra again, and the swell had passed. what do you do when there is no surf and cold weather? you shop around. we picked up skype head phones, and still can not stomach paying 90 bucks for an ipod radio tuner. the radio in australia is sub par. you get one station out side of the big cities.
we decided to make big dinners at night, and went all out. first night we had fresh big prawns and mullet. both were superb. second night we had tiger prawns, mud bugs, kingfish and a fish i have never heaRD of . mud bugs are like stretched out craw dads, that look like they are from the dinosaur era of time. look up morton bay bugs. they were good.
so we drove south to balina , where we found some surf,but also a memorial to a 17 year old who was taken by a shark two years ago. we decided to watch. we then checked out every spot from balina to snapper, and they were all flat. we decided to go to the airport an move our tickets up a few days. we are headed north to Cairns, the reef and the rainforest.
we did get a surf in at duranbah , it was waist high and quick. laurie killed it, i got lots of sand in my shorts.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
surf and hike
woke up in burliegh head, and it was flat. Laurie still wanted more surf so we headed back to snapper rock. Got a good 3 hours of surf in and then were left with the question what to do next. A couple on the beach suggested going inland. After some reading and info booth talking we decided to go up into the hills to mt warning. stayed the night at mt warning, where it was cold. Morning we hiked the hour and half up the mt., to great views and fresh air. Part of the hike involved using a chain and scaling rocks . laurie loved it. I sweat through everything i owned. we had lunch at the parrot cafe. Laurie's choice. she was sucked in by the tourist trap pamphlet.
we got back downin the mt record time, and decided to drive to noosa.
we got back downin the mt record time, and decided to drive to noosa.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
gold coast
we surfed the rainbow bay area for three hours. laurie paddled over to snapper rock, where she fought teenagers for waves. we mostly hung out at green mount.
currently in buriegh head,
currently in buriegh head,
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
byron bay
we actually spent the night in lennox head but laurie did not like the looks of the wave so we went to byron. no breakfast just coffee we surfed for four hours.
first ten minutes we see a guy get pushed off a wave and told to f off. we then see another guy shout , i should punch you in the face.
yet another then tells laurie and i , if you don't like get the f out. its the topanga of australia.
but i met heaps of great people and they think have some trash here and so you turn your head and you bring goodvibes.
we are loving it here. we can here the waves from our capervan, and as laurie puts it. WE ARE HAVING THE TIME OF OUR LIVES.
first ten minutes we see a guy get pushed off a wave and told to f off. we then see another guy shout , i should punch you in the face.
yet another then tells laurie and i , if you don't like get the f out. its the topanga of australia.
but i met heaps of great people and they think have some trash here and so you turn your head and you bring goodvibes.
we are loving it here. we can here the waves from our capervan, and as laurie puts it. WE ARE HAVING THE TIME OF OUR LIVES.
crescent head , aka Aussie malibu
showed up and the waves were pumping. laurie went right in. toget out you walk down to the pt and walk around huge rocks till you get t a little hole and then you jump right into the line up. we loved this place so much we stayed two nights.
night one we used the barbie, and had lamb. night two we ate with a guy i met in the line up from perth. they lived on a vineyard.
laurie was killing it. she would get long rides, and she had the scary determined face as the locals called it. all the old guys loved her.
i attemped to catch sea worms with a guy for an hour. you take old fish and run it across the sand. then you see there headspop up. then you take a clam aka pippie and get them to bite on it. when they lift there head yu grab it. easy said, impossible to do.
we loved crescent head but we want to get to byron.
night one we used the barbie, and had lamb. night two we ate with a guy i met in the line up from perth. they lived on a vineyard.
laurie was killing it. she would get long rides, and she had the scary determined face as the locals called it. all the old guys loved her.
i attemped to catch sea worms with a guy for an hour. you take old fish and run it across the sand. then you see there headspop up. then you take a clam aka pippie and get them to bite on it. when they lift there head yu grab it. easy said, impossible to do.
we loved crescent head but we want to get to byron.
blue mountains back to syd
we coveredthe blue mts in a day. you really need atleast two weeks, but we covered it in a day. we did a wonderful hike down the side of a mountain and into a water fall. itwas reccomended by a couple we met from colorado. we drove back down the mountain and stayed at a lame park.
Monday, May 10, 2010
the farm, our new favorite surf spot
we were getting pretty frustrated with the surf, till we found this place. Its near kiama,,,, and after surfing a heavy beach break, we found this gem.
Laurie took off on some bombers, and i caught some great waves. We once again loved australia. we found camping at clovesdale. the local spot sharkies surf beach. no thanks.
cute camp site, we had great thai food.
Laurie took off on some bombers, and i caught some great waves. We once again loved australia. we found camping at clovesdale. the local spot sharkies surf beach. no thanks.
cute camp site, we had great thai food.
rye to the manlacoota
Today we drove 9 hours and arrived at a surf spot with no surf. we would wake up and drive again looking for surf and getting skunked.
we should have gave the van back and flow back to sydney.
no surf in this coast.
we should have gave the van back and flow back to sydney.
no surf in this coast.
may 2nd , big day
we woke up and booked it to the 12 apostles . Its just beautiful and the surf was huge. we have some great pics.
we drove straight through to torque, where we surfed for two hours. Laurie caught some huge waves. I woud see her flying by me screaming, thumbs up. wild woman.
after surf, we decided it was time to head north. we drove two hours to queens cliff, where we made the last ferry. beautiful ferrry ride at sunset. i had my first sausage roll. ground meat in pastry dough. it was awesome. laurie was disgusted.
we then had fish and chips at a little resturant in sorrento. we found free camiing in rye. A nice ranger gave us a list of surf spots to check out . once again it was cold
we drove straight through to torque, where we surfed for two hours. Laurie caught some huge waves. I woud see her flying by me screaming, thumbs up. wild woman.
after surf, we decided it was time to head north. we drove two hours to queens cliff, where we made the last ferry. beautiful ferrry ride at sunset. i had my first sausage roll. ground meat in pastry dough. it was awesome. laurie was disgusted.
we then had fish and chips at a little resturant in sorrento. we found free camiing in rye. A nice ranger gave us a list of surf spots to check out . once again it was cold
may 1st, THE GREAT OCEAN ROAD
we headed out aroud 10 am on what we thought would be a three hour adventure to the 12 apostles, a rock formation on the south coast.
stopped in lorne for some sight seeing of their local breaks. The drive is amazing hugging the coast line and overhanging the ocean. Everyone must do this drive ,who comes to aus. We stopped a few times to see koalas hanging out in the trees.
the surf was up , and we love watching the huge waves crash on the rocks . we drove and drove
we did a 30 minute rainforest hike in flip flops, not so smart.
we arrived at our camper park at night, and found out there were wild kangroos everywhere. Laurie and i put on our head lamps and chased them around for a while.
the night was cold......
stopped in lorne for some sight seeing of their local breaks. The drive is amazing hugging the coast line and overhanging the ocean. Everyone must do this drive ,who comes to aus. We stopped a few times to see koalas hanging out in the trees.
the surf was up , and we love watching the huge waves crash on the rocks . we drove and drove
we did a 30 minute rainforest hike in flip flops, not so smart.
we arrived at our camper park at night, and found out there were wild kangroos everywhere. Laurie and i put on our head lamps and chased them around for a while.
the night was cold......
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Torque, bells beach and Jean juc and my 9 footer
Laurie decides she wants to surf the best place around so we head to bells.
She in her wet suit and out in the surf before I can say bye.
I watch her surf for a few hours while i lounge in the sun and the beach.
We then go get a board for myself and check out some other surf spots.
We surf jean jac. its a little small, but a catch a wave and so i decide to buy the board.
She in her wet suit and out in the surf before I can say bye.
I watch her surf for a few hours while i lounge in the sun and the beach.
We then go get a board for myself and check out some other surf spots.
We surf jean jac. its a little small, but a catch a wave and so i decide to buy the board.
april 30th , time to pick up the van.
We packed up and headed out with all our stuff. when traveling for three months you tend to pack too much and we are now carrying it. we have two big back packs, two small back pack packs, and a duffle bag and some other bags.
we load on to a trolly, then catch a train, then go to far on the train and take bus back to where we walk half a mile. We arrive.
Our van check out takes 2 hours, we have a nice slow guy , who looks new. We head out on our first day in the van.
we miss our first turn as usual and waste 30 minutes trying to get back. We miss another turn two hours down the road, and now we are lost.
We get lunch and directions and our first wrong turn , was the right one.
We arrive in torque and laurie quickly heads to the surf shops.
Laurie finds out she can demo boards and so we borrow some boards. Its too late to go out tonight but we check out the surf any ways. It looks good. great shape and size.
we are now only 5 minutes from bells beach and its our first night in the campervan. We meet Ian and ruth from holland who we plan on meeting up with again in cains. They are going another direction than us.
we load on to a trolly, then catch a train, then go to far on the train and take bus back to where we walk half a mile. We arrive.
Our van check out takes 2 hours, we have a nice slow guy , who looks new. We head out on our first day in the van.
we miss our first turn as usual and waste 30 minutes trying to get back. We miss another turn two hours down the road, and now we are lost.
We get lunch and directions and our first wrong turn , was the right one.
We arrive in torque and laurie quickly heads to the surf shops.
Laurie finds out she can demo boards and so we borrow some boards. Its too late to go out tonight but we check out the surf any ways. It looks good. great shape and size.
we are now only 5 minutes from bells beach and its our first night in the campervan. We meet Ian and ruth from holland who we plan on meeting up with again in cains. They are going another direction than us.
april 29th melbourne
woke up and had our morning coffee. Got direction to the city and took off.
we walked all around the city, and the high lights were victoria market , which was an amazing farmers market and flee market put into one. The other being the chinese restrant we ate at.
We found the restrant by watching anthony bourdaine australia. It was worth it. Everything was supper spicy and super wonderful. we had the anthill noodle dish and a shrip sichuan dish. Sichuan is now our favorite food we have decided.
strolled around some more before taking the trolly back. Drinks and dinner again, off to bed.
we walked all around the city, and the high lights were victoria market , which was an amazing farmers market and flee market put into one. The other being the chinese restrant we ate at.
We found the restrant by watching anthony bourdaine australia. It was worth it. Everything was supper spicy and super wonderful. we had the anthill noodle dish and a shrip sichuan dish. Sichuan is now our favorite food we have decided.
strolled around some more before taking the trolly back. Drinks and dinner again, off to bed.
made it back to hobart, off to melbourne
woke up and started driving, got to the airport early.
everything went smooth, and we were in the air. Landed in melbourne. Caught the bus to our hostel.
Habitat hostel was nice, and we were happy. We decided to walk around st kilda where we were staying and found some great places to eat and drink. We like here . Big day of sight seeing tomorrow.
everything went smooth, and we were in the air. Landed in melbourne. Caught the bus to our hostel.
Habitat hostel was nice, and we were happy. We decided to walk around st kilda where we were staying and found some great places to eat and drink. We like here . Big day of sight seeing tomorrow.
Launceton to craddle mountain to ross lake , big day of driving
Woke up and got some coffee and headed to the launceton gorge. Did the hour hike in 30 minutes. we were moving. Then made the decision to go to craddle mountain.
we drove north then south, then north again, to finially east to get where we needed to go. We will waste more time in the future trying to figure out where to go. should have brought the tom tom.
We booked it to craddle mountain. Just beautiful driving. Once there, we got out of the car to 3o degree weather. it was cold and windy and drizzly. we put on our warm clothes and started off.
We decided on the dove lake hike. It was wonderful. the weather was sunny, rainy, windy, and snowing all in two hours. we loved the hike.
we got back to our car through on the heater and started driving, we had a long way back toward hobart.
we finially stopped in ross lake, at a little motel. they had a cheaper option which was a cabin, so we took it. the heater would go off every 40 minutes and it was 40 degrees in our room. laurie slept like a log , i was frozen like one.
we drove north then south, then north again, to finially east to get where we needed to go. We will waste more time in the future trying to figure out where to go. should have brought the tom tom.
We booked it to craddle mountain. Just beautiful driving. Once there, we got out of the car to 3o degree weather. it was cold and windy and drizzly. we put on our warm clothes and started off.
We decided on the dove lake hike. It was wonderful. the weather was sunny, rainy, windy, and snowing all in two hours. we loved the hike.
we got back to our car through on the heater and started driving, we had a long way back toward hobart.
we finially stopped in ross lake, at a little motel. they had a cheaper option which was a cabin, so we took it. the heater would go off every 40 minutes and it was 40 degrees in our room. laurie slept like a log , i was frozen like one.
april 28th , wine glass bay to launceton
woke up in the morning and set off to the national park. There were wallabies in the parking lot which laurie befriended quickly , petting and feeding them bread.
we started off the hike and it was straight up a mountain side. Was not too bad. Beautiful views of the white beaches below.
once we hiked down the other side of the mt, laurie stripped off her gear and ran into the water. I was scared of hiking around damp so i stayed out. Water was ice cold but laurie was refreshed. Because the hour long hike only took us 25 minutes, we decided the 3 hour hike would take only 1.5 hours.
So we all started off. Through the bush, and over tracks next. We found ourselves at another beautiful beach. We then headed up and over the rocks and around the mountain. Walking fast it still took us about 3 hours and not what we had planned for the day. Everyone tells you do not want to drive at night because of the animals so we jumped in the car and headed off. Not sure where were going or how, we just drove. We took what we thought was a wrong turn, and were stuck behind some slow dutch drivers. I almost gave them some LA middle finger love , but laurie calmed me down.
At the top of this slow windy pass, was a cute little town ot st mary. we talked with the group at the gas station who told us we might the right decision to go that way, since the other was two hours longers. we then found some goverment cars flying down the road and got between them and drove fast down the country roads. They saved us atleast an hour. We made it to a cute little B and B in Lauceton.
Hiked down the hill for dinner and then back up. We enjoyed our stay.
we started off the hike and it was straight up a mountain side. Was not too bad. Beautiful views of the white beaches below.
once we hiked down the other side of the mt, laurie stripped off her gear and ran into the water. I was scared of hiking around damp so i stayed out. Water was ice cold but laurie was refreshed. Because the hour long hike only took us 25 minutes, we decided the 3 hour hike would take only 1.5 hours.
So we all started off. Through the bush, and over tracks next. We found ourselves at another beautiful beach. We then headed up and over the rocks and around the mountain. Walking fast it still took us about 3 hours and not what we had planned for the day. Everyone tells you do not want to drive at night because of the animals so we jumped in the car and headed off. Not sure where were going or how, we just drove. We took what we thought was a wrong turn, and were stuck behind some slow dutch drivers. I almost gave them some LA middle finger love , but laurie calmed me down.
At the top of this slow windy pass, was a cute little town ot st mary. we talked with the group at the gas station who told us we might the right decision to go that way, since the other was two hours longers. we then found some goverment cars flying down the road and got between them and drove fast down the country roads. They saved us atleast an hour. We made it to a cute little B and B in Lauceton.
Hiked down the hill for dinner and then back up. We enjoyed our stay.
april 27th , hobart to port arthur to wineglass bay.
woke up and got out early. Found out our car was parked in the days parade route, and they had set up around it. we packed our bags in and off we drove.
Getting use to looking over your left shoulder is difficult and i tend to forget there is a whole side of the car to my left and that i should use more than just the right side mirror.
Beautiful country tassie and we drove a few hours down to port arthur. Port arthur is one of the penal colonies set up by the british for convicts coming from its empire. We went through the 40 minute walking tour with a guide who had the most annoying voice. He sounded like billy crystal in princess bride "marriage is what brings us together today."
we then walked around the site, and locked ourselves up in there solitary chambers. We looked at the map and started driving.
took us about 4 hours to get to wine glass bay. We stopped a few times. At the hostel we met some canadians and americans who we befriended.
Laurie had a kangroo burger and I had a fish burger. Both were horrible. We miss our taco trucks.
we
Getting use to looking over your left shoulder is difficult and i tend to forget there is a whole side of the car to my left and that i should use more than just the right side mirror.
Beautiful country tassie and we drove a few hours down to port arthur. Port arthur is one of the penal colonies set up by the british for convicts coming from its empire. We went through the 40 minute walking tour with a guide who had the most annoying voice. He sounded like billy crystal in princess bride "marriage is what brings us together today."
we then walked around the site, and locked ourselves up in there solitary chambers. We looked at the map and started driving.
took us about 4 hours to get to wine glass bay. We stopped a few times. At the hostel we met some canadians and americans who we befriended.
Laurie had a kangroo burger and I had a fish burger. Both were horrible. We miss our taco trucks.
we
april 26th , hobart , tasmania and driving on the opposite side of the road
well flight went well, except for them charging us an extra hundred dollars for having too much luggage.
we got our compact car, and I started my first driving experience in australia.
Its difficult and I got a few honks but we made it to our hostel.
Walked to the salamanca market, its very cold down here in Tassie. Very cute little market reminded me of Eugene saturday market . I ate a gypsie lamb roll, and a bratwurst. Laurie was disgusted. We then strolled around hobart and took it easy. That night we got drinks and had some really good seafood.
At ten oclock the pub was loud as we went to sleep. At midnight the pub was still loud and we were having trouble sleeping. at 3 am 3 australians were outside screaming at each other hammered for 30 minutes. never going back to this hostel.
we got our compact car, and I started my first driving experience in australia.
Its difficult and I got a few honks but we made it to our hostel.
Walked to the salamanca market, its very cold down here in Tassie. Very cute little market reminded me of Eugene saturday market . I ate a gypsie lamb roll, and a bratwurst. Laurie was disgusted. We then strolled around hobart and took it easy. That night we got drinks and had some really good seafood.
At ten oclock the pub was loud as we went to sleep. At midnight the pub was still loud and we were having trouble sleeping. at 3 am 3 australians were outside screaming at each other hammered for 30 minutes. never going back to this hostel.
april 25th , sydney
we decided to go to a petting zoo out in blacktown. Laurie hugged every animal in the park. The koalas were so cute.
we had a great indian lunch in a mall, and picked up a cell phone.
we then headed back to sydney and walked around darling harbour. Tomorrow we head to hobart.
we had a great indian lunch in a mall, and picked up a cell phone.
we then headed back to sydney and walked around darling harbour. Tomorrow we head to hobart.
april 24rth sydney
arrived in sydney and went straight to hostel at 7 am. They allowed us to check in. I wanted a nap but laurie did not allow.
We then took the free bus to the ferry and headed over to manly. Beautiful beach and great surf shops, we almost bought boards. Had some lunch and then headed across town back on the ferry on a bus to sydney fish market. It was closing but we still manage to get some oysters and some beers. We then went back to the hostel and showered up. Headed out for some more beers and dinner. I am beat.
Woke up at 3 am. The club in the hostel was still going on. I talked to the night manager. Very nice guy from new zeleand . Laurie slept through the night. I am suffering from jet lag already.
We then took the free bus to the ferry and headed over to manly. Beautiful beach and great surf shops, we almost bought boards. Had some lunch and then headed across town back on the ferry on a bus to sydney fish market. It was closing but we still manage to get some oysters and some beers. We then went back to the hostel and showered up. Headed out for some more beers and dinner. I am beat.
Woke up at 3 am. The club in the hostel was still going on. I talked to the night manager. Very nice guy from new zeleand . Laurie slept through the night. I am suffering from jet lag already.
flight to sydney day one
april 22nd. Arrived at our beloved LAX, to find out our air new zealand flight was now a united flight. 10:00pm take off 6 am arrival. I formed a plan to stay up as late as possible and then wake up at 6 am ready to go.Laurie and I get to our seats and sitting in the window seat is another ex football player. We look at each other and start laughing. He was only 6'3 230. So our row was an average height of 6 feet and weighing 230. There was an open seat ahead of us, so laurie jumped in it. My arm rest did not come up and I was not ready for 14 hours of no movement. A flight attendant came by and we talked for a second. She found out it was our honeymoon, to which she said" You should have got business class." She would say this a few more times till I exploded on her 12 hours into a flight I could not sleep. Well a nice gal from melbourne came to take lauries seat, so i asked if we could switch seats. she would still get an open seat. I could then lift the arm rest and atleast be a little comfortable. The gal in that row got all pissy with laurie since she did want an open seat, but i looked at her , defending my wife and said, "did you pay for it, then get nice quick, because we are sitting next to you for 14 hours. The flight attendant must have overheard us, and found a really nice australian lady who had a row to herself. Once up in the air we were switched, and Carmen, who is australian but lives in houston, switched seats with us. I would help her find her glasses later in the flight and get her stuff out of the overhead storage, and then in sydney help get her bags off the conveyer. Well our new seats were horrible too. Once again the flight attendant said its your honeymoon, you should have paid for first class or business. I said, how about you pay for it. We were starting to not be friends.well we watched something about the morgans. Not very good, i was hoping for blind side.I met some great aussies from perth in the back of the plane. Hung out with them for about an hour. Till my nemisis came and said we were too loud (Flight attendant).Then sat down, and found a somewhat comfortable position, with my head in the seat infront of me and my leg out in the aisle. THe arm rest did not lift in this seat so i was terribly uncomfortable. Flight attendant bumped my leg hard as she was coming down the aisle. all the other flight attendants would give me a little tap on the shoulder or just weave around my leg. She got test with me and said you need to move your leg, to which i said i am just trying to find a little comfort. and once again, you should have bought business class. My reply was the first leg of our trip was cheaper than buying business class so i can tough out 14 hours .still not our last run in.I got about an hour of sleep waking up every so often.On the way to the bathroom i met a nice man doing some strange stretching. He was from tasmania and since that was our first stop, i asked him for some tips on what to see. We talked for about hour and half . He and his wife were just lovely. I got to meet there 30 year old sun who lived at home. We had a lot in common. They would give some great tips on what to see.I then went back to my seat and found by hunging the arm rest in an upright position i could find about 25 percent comfort and i got about a good 40 minutes in, till i was woken up for breakfast by you know who. I thought about tripping her.
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