Brisbane, A nice place to visit, but……….

I arrived safely in Brisbane and made it to the hotel relatively problem free. My only comment is that if you ask someone how far it is from the place you will be getting dropped off with a very heavy suitcase, a travel bag, your purse and laptop and they look at the map then put their fingers a couple of inches apart and say “it is only this far”, you should know that they have no idea how far it is and you should find alternate transportation. I should have know this because that is what I do when I have no idea how far it is from one place to another. I promise to never do that again.




I went to the Australia Zoo today. If this experience doesn’t make a person “go green”, nothing will. The theme of the zoo is educating the public on simple ways to save the wildlife from extinction. They remind you throughout the zoo that it is all about supply and demand. If we don’t purchase things that are made out of wood from the rainforest or from animals that come from the rainforest, the demand for these products will reduce thereby reducing the reason to supply these items. You hear that all the time, but once you experience the rain forest, you know you would miss it and all the animals that call it home if they no longer existed. They don’t do this in a preachy way that would annoy you, they simply state the facts. It is a beautiful zoo and very clean. You don’t even smell the animals. I believe she mentioned they had mostly female animals because the males were want stunk up the place. The animals live in an environment that is as close to their own as possible. There is a zoo keeper with each animal to answer any questions as well as make sure no harm comes to the animals.



The koala’s are all hanging from trees in an open area and they have a designated koala you can pet. You can only pet the designated one because there are very strict labor laws for the koala. They are only able to work 30 minutes a day, three days a week. Don’t you wish you were in their union?

The kangaroos are also in an open area so you can feed them if you so desire. I fed a lazy one that wouldn’t even get up to be fed. He wanted the food, but felt no need to even open his eyes to eat.





They have a pair of otters that were given to them by another zoo because they couldn’t keep them contained properly. The otters would escape every night by stacking rocks up and climbing out of the enclosure. Right before the sun would rise, they would return to their enclosure and put the rocks back exactly where they got them. The only reason the zoo knew they were escaping is they left trails of otter poo all over the zoo. The zoo was quite puzzled as to how they were getting out at nigh so they put a camera in their cage and watched them work.



The most impressive animal to me was the cassowary. These birds are in danger of extinction but can still be found in the wild. You just don’t want to be the one to find them. Apparently they will rip your stomach open until everything falls out. They look prehistoric and very scary.






Polly will be happy to know that everyone here seemed to like Steve Irwin as mush as she did. He was not just a famous name the zoo used for publicity. He was the life force of the zoo and very hands on in the daily activities of the zoo. In fact we crossed a footbridge that the tour guide said he made himself. He had started a zoo expansion and donated large sums of money to get it going. They are still working on that project using his plans.





This is my last day is Australia and I will miss it. However, I have no clean clothes and I just ate my last balance bar, so I think it must be time to go home. Today I am going to do the city tour. This is a bus that you can jump on and off of all day to see the sights. I had planned on going to a National Park, but the hotel clerk pointed out to me that there was no point in coming to Brisbane if I didn’t see the city. I could see her point. Brisbane is a very large city. I feel like I am in San Francisco and it sounds like there is a lot to see.

Change of plans, I left here at 8:00 to walk to the mall to use the internet. At 10:00 I headed back to the hotel to drop off my laptop so it could charge while I was doing the tour. It is now 3:00 and I just found my way back to the hotel. I don’t think there is much left to see on the bus tour that I didn’t see on foot. There will be a lot of Australians watching the news tonight to see if the crazy American ever found her hotel. This is a very nice hotel so it surprised me that no one had any idea which direction it was is in. It didn’t help that I didn’t know what street it was on. I know, always take a card with you. In addition to getting lost, it started pouring down rain while I was wondering aimlessly through the city. I of course, didn’t have a jacket and ended up drenched. All in all, it was a great day. However, I see room service in my future.

The Great Barrier Reef

Today was the day we had all been waiting for. We were going snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef. I have no pictures to share, so you will all have to take my word for this one. To get there we had to endure a 90 minute ride in very rough waters. Leaving nothing to chance, we all took a couple of Dramamine and a couple of ginger tablets they were offering on the boat. We must have been the only ones that took the threat of getting seasick seriously, because it doesn’t appear that the others took any precautions against it. There were people getting sick all over the place. I am happy to say that not one person from our group got sick.

When we arrived the crew gave you a quick lesson on what to do. From there you were on your own in the ocean with waves splashing over your head and no land in sight. It was a bit intimidating at first, but once you started looking at the fish and coral, the fear disappeared. They had noodles available for anyone who felt they needed help staying afloat. I started out with one figuring it was the only way to come out of this activity alive. The problem with the noodle was it made it very hard to maneuver around, but I felt safer with it. I kept having problems with my mask filling with water and had to go back to the boat and get a new one. When I went back out in the water, I forgot my noodle.. It probably took me about ten minutes before I realized I didn’t have it and didn’t need it. It didn’t take long for me to realize that there wasn’t much danger of me drowning or even swimming to far from the boat . I couldn’t sink and as hard as I tried, I couldn’t get very far away from the boat. I kicked and kicked and was sure I had gone a long ways only to turn around and see the boat the same distance it was before. The minute I stopped kicking, the waves would carry me right back to the boat. At first I suspected they had placed a magnet in my fins that would keep me from swimming to far away. I finally had to admit to myself that I just wasn’t strong enough of a swimmer to go far. They purposely anchor the boat where the waves will push the snorkelers into the boat instead of away from it. They know the weak swimmers won’t get far. I even asked them if that was their strategy and they smiled and admitted to me that it was. Luckily for me there was plenty to see within 20 feet of the boat. I would tell you about everyone else’s day, but the only time I saw them was at lunch. Apparently I was the only one that couldn’t escape the pull of the boat.

How To Get Arrested in Australia

No, we didn’t really get arrested, but I think if we stayed long enough, it could happen.




Today was another amazing day. I realize that I have probably overused the word amazing, but what can I say, this has bee an amazing vacation. This morning we went in search of the kangaroos we had seen the day before. They were still in the field, but we still could not find a place to lull over. No worries, Wayne will find a way. He decided that if we got off the highway and circled around on the surface streets, the kangaroos would be within our reach. Sounded good in theory, but the execution was a little dicey. When we got to where he thought the kangaroos would be there was a school in the way. Once again no worries. Wayne decides to drive into the schoolyard on a very short unpaved road. The only sign insight was one that said no trucks allowed. According to Wayne, the English interpretation is cars may go wherever they want to. I’m not so sure he interpreted it correctly. He drove through the school field and onto a soccer field. Me, being the rule follower that I am, felt pretty confident that we were not suppose to be there. Wayne, not concerned at all, stayed his course and continued to drive to the farthest end of the soccer field. When he ran out of field it was time to leave the car and set out on foot. I was all for that. My name wasn't on the car, so there was no way top connect me to it if I wasn't in it. As we sat out we encountered a very lovely lady who seemed unphased that we were parked on the soccer fiedl. We explained to her that we were in search of the kangaroos and asked if she knew how we could get closer to them. She was very helpful and told us exactly where we needed to go. We didn’t think she even noticed that we had a car parked in the soccer field, but her directions began with, “I don’t know how you got that car in here” and ended with “there is a policeman at the end of the road. If you have been drinking, you will want to stay clear of him. We had not, but that comment pretty much said it all.








Wayne slowly drove off the soccer field so no damage would be done to the grass. He then proceeded to the spot the lovely lady had told us about. Her directions were right on. Wayne even adhered to the no cars beyond this point sign and parked the car. The kangaroos were hanging out in the horses pasture. We could see them very well, but not close enough for some people.











There was a barbed wire fence around the pasture and I am pretty sure the fence was to keep us out and the horses in. Dana decided there must be someplace to get a better look and took off in the brush behind the pasture. Wayne decide she was right and also took off. I, not wanting to get left out of the excitement followed. We were knee deep in brush and I was a bit concerned about the snakes. The Brazelton’s however are fearless and I apparently am a follower. I kept telling myself it would be better to get bit by a poisonous snake than to go home having missed out on the excitement. While in the brush one of the kangaroos went running right past me which made it all worth it. We circled around and came up on the back of the pasture and the barbed wire fence









Dana and Wayne decided we should climb under the barbed wire fence to get a closer look. I very firmly said no that would be trespassing, then very quickly crawled under the fence before they had a chance to leave me. There we were standing in the same field as the kangaroos.












As you probably guessed, this is a best day everbefore it even began. We were headed to the Skyyrail which takes you high above the rainforest. It is a magnificent sight. When yoiu get to the other side, there is plenty to fill your day.














There was kangaroo or crocodile pie.














We went to the butterfly sanctuary in search of a blue butterfly.

















And got up close and personal with the kangaroos.











Some people got more up close and person than others.
















There were lots birds. What do you suppose was falling from from the sky?




























You can’t leave Australia without having your picture taken with a koala.












It is amazing the things peer pressure will cause one to do. While we were there I had my picture taken with a python.

Cairns

I arrived in Cairns without any incidents. Dana was standing there when I got off the plane waiting to greet me. The house we are staying in is lovely. Our backyard is the rainforest. The birds sound like they are in the house with you and a couple that may have been if given an opportunity. My only concern was the very, very large spider in the backyard.








Before I went to bed last night I opened my window so I could fall asleep listening to the birds, crickets and other wildlife. I woke up at about 4:00 and I decided to peer out the windows to see if I could catch any wildlife running across the backyard. When I got up the back door was wide opened. At first I thought Dana must be outside, but after a while I could tell no one was there. I had to decide whether I was brave enough to go outside by myself in the pitch black darkness. I kept thinking about the humongous spider I had seen the night before and was a bit concerned that it would be on the couch for me waiting for me to sit on it so he would have an excuse to bite me. Irrational I know, but you didn‘t see the spider. I decided it would be safer to just move a chair in front of the door and watch safely from inside. I sat there for about 30 minutes until I couldn’t stand it anymore, so I threw caution to the wind and sat outside. Dana joined me soon after that and we sat there and listened as the rainforest woke up. It is an experience I highly recommend. Luckily, I didn’t find out until later that the spider was missing from where we first spotted it.










After Dana and I felt confident that every animal in the rainforest had said good morning to us, we decided to take a walk. We went to the beach, took our shoes off and went wading in the ocean. The water was surprisingly warm. It was 7:00 AM, we were splashing in waves above our knees and we were warm. It was amazing.








We ran into a dog that was fishing in a little pool of water. The dog had caught a fish the day before, but was having no luck today.






Today’s itinerary included a visit to the wetlands for a sunset tour hoping to catch a glimpse at some wildlife.. It was about an hour from where we were staying over some very windy roads.. On the way there we passed a field full of Kangaroos. Unfortunately we couldn’t find any place to pull over to take pictures, but it was quite a site..

The sunset tour started at 3:30. Unfortunately, the tour guide forgot to tell the wildlife what time it started so most of them failed to show up. We did see a lizard, a couple of birds whose names I can‘t remember. We also saw a couple of kangaroos, however, they wouldn’t be still so we could take their picture.





After the tour we were served wine and cheese and watched a beautiful sunset.

It was quite dark when we left and before we even made it to the main road a very large kangaroo run across the street in front of our car. Fortunately for the kangaroo, Wayne’s spidey sense kicked in and he could sense the kangaroo before he could see it and was able to avoid hitting it.

Things I Have Learned in Tasmania

I am sad to say that I will be leaving Tasmania in the morning. It has been an amazing week and I am greatful that I was able to spend this time with Sue and her family. When I set out on my adventure, I had little doubt that Sue and I would get along fine. Now just 10 days later, I am leaving a dear friend whom I will deeply miss. Thank you Sue and Ken for welcoming me into your home.



I will not be leaving empty handed. Below are a few of the things I learned on my visit to Tasmania:






Sue has an apple tree in her backyard that yields over ten varieties of apples and a pear tree that yields at least two varieties of pears. You too can have such a tree and I can help you make it happen. All you need is one mature apple tree, branches off other apple trees, a box cutter and some tape. After gathering all of the necessary tools, simply slice one end off the a branch in the tree and slice one end off each of the branches you have collected. Make a groove cut in each so you can stick them together like a puzzle and tape the two pieces together.

Warning: Working with the box cutters can be dangerous and should only be attempted by a trained such as myself..

Pumpkins are not just for Halloween. Baked or mashed pumpkin is delicious and is available all year.

Lamington is a sponge cake cut into squares, dipped in chocolate and coconut.

Vegemite is a spread that is put on toast or crumpets. This strange spread is consumed daily and is considered a staple in the home of moat Australians. The only possible explanation for this is mass brainwashing of the children at a very young age.

Butter is another staple in the home of Australians. If you have a piece of bread, you put butter on It regardless of what else you intend to with the bread, You would never make a sandwich of any kind without spreading the butter on first. Unfortunately, I have found that I like this.




Chips can be either French fries or potato chips. If someone asked you to pick up $2worth of chips, you would know they meant fries. If they asked for a pack of chips, you would know they meant potato chips. Why you would know this, I have no idea, but you do. Apparently it is all in how you ask.




A hamburger with the lot, is a hamburger with a fried egg. This is a popular way to eat a hamburger in Australia.

Ice cream tastes best at 2:00 in the morning.

We Almost Died Today

Ok, maybe I was being a little dramatic, but I got your attention. Today was an amazing day. We had saved the best for last. Thursday doesn’t count because it is the do the laundry, re-pack, do all the little things you said you wanted to do before you left day. Today Ken took Sue and I out on the boat. He is either a very brave man or a very stupid one to go out with only the two of us as his crew. I guess it goes back to his laid back Australian way. If the boat flips it flips, no worries. Did you know they had penguins here? I didn’t until one popped up along side the boat. I tried to get a picture but the little fella was to quick for me. We saw a couple more but they were also to quick to get pictures. Pictures or not, it was very exciting.





We started out on very calm water, but it didn’t stay that way long. This is where the almost dying part comes in. We were traveling through swells. Ken explained how the swells were formed and why they were so bad today, but like everything else he has been so good at explaining, I don’t remember. I just know that they are scary and exciting and back to scary again.







At first, I wasn’t to worried. It was a little freaky watching the swell coming towards the boat and rocking us from side to side. but I kept telling myself that it must be safe or Sue and Ken wouldn’t be out here. Then, I made the mistake of looking at Sue and seeing the terror in her eyes. That is when I began to get a little concerned. Ken assured me we were very safe. Sue then whispered that Ken was a bit of a dare devil and Ken whispered that Sue was a bit of a sissy. Who do you believe? Regardless, it was an amazing ride and worrying that at any moment one of those waves could send us flying, made it that much better, in a sick sort of way.






After surviving the swells, we came across a couple of seals. They were a little easier to snap a picture of.










This is O'Possum bay. Believe it or not, some of these houses are considered shacks. Remember, a shack is a holiday home. At one time Possum Bay consisted mostly of shacks, but many of the shacks have been remodeled and turned into permanent homes.






We made it home safe and sound and I am classifying this as a best day ever.

Somewhere Over The Rainbow

Bright and early Monday morning, we left mum's and headed out on our next adventure. We were off to see the rain forest. The brush was so thick that I am pretty sure if Polly and I went hiking there we would never be heard from again. It was lovely









The most amazing part of the day was the weather. It rained and rained and rained, unless we got out of the car, then it would suddenly stop. The minute you got back in the car, it would start again. In the car rain, out of the car no rain. It was almost a candid camera type of thing. You knew someone was watching to see how you reacted. Sue said her dad was watching over us and turning the sprinkler off and on. At first I thought maybe mom was helping him, but she would have turned the sprinkler on while we were out of the car just to keep us on our toes. Regardless of who was in charge of the weather, it was lovely.






Last stop of the day, Hastings Caves. Apparently the rest of the world wasn’t having as good of luck with the weather as we were. The place was practically deserted and we were the only two on the tour. It was kind of spooky. The tour guide told us to walk down to the bottom while he went and shut the door. We were left all alone and for a brief moment we were concerned that we would never see the light of day again. He returned a few minutes later and we felt a little better . We were almost relaxed when suddenly I could feel a fourth person behind us. About the same time all of the lights were turned off and the feeling of doom returned.








Eventually we relaxed and were able to enjoy the tour. Since it was only the two of us, the tour guide was able to spend more time explaining the cave which thrilled him. He was very passionate about caving and with only the two of us on the tour he had more time to explore the cave. It was like he was seeing it for the first time, which made you wonder if he was really a tour guide, which gave you that creepy feeling again.... Every once in a while we would ask a question just to remind him we were there. He really was very informative. It is such a shame that neither of us remember a word he said.






Have you ever seen the end of a rainbow? I did today and it was lovely. Unfortunately, someone beat me to the pot of gold.

Sunday was a lovely day

First order pf business today was buying a camera. This is the first picture taken with my new camera while we were still in the store.






Once the camera was taken care of we were off to the Salamanca Market. It is a big Farmers Market that they have every Saturday in the Salamanca District. I think all of Tasmania must congregate there. I found out how small Tasmania really is while at the market because everytime we turned a corner there was someone Sue knew. I am sure you are thinking that I have lost track of the days. I haven’t. The Salamanca Market was changed from Saturday to Sunday this week in observance of ANZAC day.







Our last stop of the day was Glen Huon. This is the town where Sue grew up and her mum and many of her family still live. We were there to attend her nieces’ pre-wedding party or what we would call a wedding shower complete with games, presents and lots of food.






After the party, Sue and I settled in at mum's for the night. It was a quiet but lovely day. Yes, lovely will be my new word when I return home.

Do you know what these phrases/words mean?

Sue and I are spending the night at mum's tonight, so I will not have access to the interent until tomorrow evening. While I am out of reach, you can try to figure out what the following works and phrases mean. Some are easy and others you will never guess. Have fun!




A chop short of the Barbie
Call in
Girls blouse
Blew him
Fairdinkum
Mozzies
Morning tea/ afternoon tea
Budgie Smugglers
Sparrow fart
Dogs breakfast
Dear
Back of burke
Beyond the black stump
Flat out like a lizard drinking
Who opened their lunch
Dummy - pacifier
Spit the dummy
Plonk
Rubbish
Come a gutsar
Ear bashing
Money market
Hole in the wall

Lazy Day

Today was Anzac Day which stands for Australian New Zealand Army Corp. This is the day in 1915 that the Australians landed on Gallipoli. It is celebrated much like our Memorial day complete with parades. Most stores opened at noon and some remained closed all day. Sue and I decided that between the rain and the holiday, this would be our lazy day.






We do lazy days very well. We began our lazy day with a latte. You all will be thrilled to know that I have refrained from offending the Australian’s by telling them how to make my latte. I just ask for a skinny latte and take what they give me. The fact that everyone here automatically makes a latte the way they should be made, extra hot with a thin layer of foam, helps.




Since my camera is cactus, we decided this would be a good day to look for a new one. We did some looking, but finding the perfect camera was to stressful for a lazy day. We will resume our search tomorrow.







Today was our wine tasting day. Sue is not a big wine drinker so she had asked her daughter and son-in-law to join us so I wouldn’t have to drink alone. Gabriella and Andrew met us at Moorilla Winery, which is just a short distance from Sue’s house. In fact, the winery is part of that wonderful view I mentioned on my first day. The wine was nice and the tasting was free. In addition to making wine. Moorilla also brews their own beer that you can also taste for $5. I actually liked the beer more that the wine.


In keeping with this is our lazy day, we were home by 4:00 and have been bums all afternoon. I’m loving every minute of it.