Hunter Valley Wineries

Our " go for broke trip" to Australia ironically ended up in Broke Australia. Yes, there is a story behind this. Stay tuned for that.

We are happily back in the world of free wifi, real coffee and beds big enough for both of us to fit in.

Board our train for Chicago tonight.

laughing kookaburra

We had a bunch of fun figuring out this maze. Took this picture for the wall at Zukey Lake where they post people from around the world wearing Zukey stuff. Yesterday we spotted a Kookaburra. And if that gets you started on the laugh Kookaburra song, a gum tree is a eucalyptus tree. Kookaburras are considered useful birds as they devour small rodents, snakes and harmful insects. Also saw a lizard about a foot long. The front office called it a blue tongue lizard, "Where there are blue tongue there won't be snakes."

Mt Buffalo

Hi all, Had a fabulous day yesterday. Spent the afternoon exploring Mt Buffalo National Park. Walked to the summit (The Horn) of Mt Buffalo, 1725 meters up (over 5500 ft) Mt Buffalo is part of the Australian Alps, over 1.6 million hectares of mountains and parks preserved as a national heritage reserve. The views were amazing, I think I took 200 pictures. Waterfalls, gorges (where you can jump off of the Mt. and parasail to the bottom.

Then maybe 1/2 mile from our resort there is an open field where we saw a bunch of kangaroos. If its a gaggle of geese and a pride of lions, what is a group of kangaroo. Anyway I was so excited I almost peed my pants, took lots of pictures and some video. Still can't believe it! Today, not quite so exciting, but spotted Wombat poop :-)

We visited the Australian War Memorial today. As you can see from this sign it is in the suburb of "Reid" named after Sir Joseph Reid, Australia's 4th Prime Minister. (also where our hotel is two blocks away) The brochure boasts this as "One of the World's Great Museums". It lived up to that and then some.

Here was saw a film about the fledgling Australian Flying Corp during World War One, produced by Peter Jackson (remember us visiting Weta Studios in Wellington NZ, the same guy who produced Lord of the Rings). The place was amazing. Keneth and Mark, got lots of airplane pictures.

catching up

Token picture from our zoo visit, wait til you see the video of this big lazy lion!
We're back in Aussie-land after driving 4 hours up and over 2 mountain ranges to Aukland airport. 3 hour flight back to Sydney and then driving 4 more hours to get to Canberra, the Australian capital. Resting today, tomorrow we head for Bright in the state of Victoria. This is out in the middle of nowhere (6 hours from Melbourne) so don't know what service will be like.

Thanks to Donna for the Kiwi update. They get their name from the sound they make "kee-wee".

Article in todays newspaper about a gentleman who saved a Platypus. Thought they were extinct, but this little guy looked real enough to me.

After visiting Haruru Falls I took the 5km path back through the Kiwi Preserves. Speaking of Kiwi...did you know that Kiwi are the only birds to have nostrils at the tips of their beaks. Yep it's true.

Tree ferns are a striking feature conjuring up impressions of the time when dinosaurs walked the earth. The frond of the silver fern is proudly worn by New Zealand sports teams as an emblem of their country.

Took the little ferry from Pahai (where we are staying in the Bay of Islands) to Russell. Known before as Kororareka, this was a station for shipping and gained the reputation as "hell hole of the Pacific" due to a lack of law and order. This PG site will not allow me to go into further details...

This is a Morton Bay fig tree planted in 1870 also the year Manganese was found and mining began in Russell.

American Writer and Sportsman Zane Grey made this area a popular fishing and tourism site.

NZ History

1300 (approx.) East Polynesian people arrive
1642 Abel Tasman first european to see NZ
1769 James Cook arrives in NZ and claims it for Great Britain
1835 Declaration of Independence signed by 34 Maori chiefs
1840 Treaty of Waitangi signed
1865 Wellington replaces Auckland as NZ capital
1893 NZ becomes the first country to give women the vote (see Kate Sheppard)
1987 Maori declared official language alongside english
2010 Paul T. Reid abolishes the practice of drinking instant coffee

I thought this sign was very clever.

"You can have a lot of fun with an Elizabeth and a pair of Kates"

(theatre and entertainment tickets)

signs and Aukland Zoo

Determined to see a Kiwi while here (not an easy thing to do, as they are nocturnal birds), we head out to the Aukland Zoo, where they have a nocturnal house. Couldn't take pictures, but got to see two Kiwis hunting for grubs, cool. Not usually a big fan of zoos, but this one was exceptionally nice. We were within a foot of two cheetahs, a couple yards of some magnificent lions and much more.

Thought for the day: If it's 12:10 p.m. on the 28th of January and at the same time it is 6:00 a.m. in NZ on the 29th...and I send you an email. Does it travel back in time to get to you?

The train and ferry over to Wellington were packed! Turns out there was an AC/DC concert, 35,000 fans. Our train mates, Paul and Beej are both dairy farmers and on their way to the concert as well. They were super funny and reminded us of our friends Dan and Bryan.

Wellington is fabulous! We fell in love with this city of 400,000 people. The most fun we had was a stop at WETA (try google WETA NZ). This is the special affects studio used for so many films not the least of which was Lord of the rings and King Kong. Really great stuff. Then hung out in a few bars/brewerys to get the pre AC/DC concert buzz, packed again. Met a young woman who is in the NZ air force, she gave us the scoop on local bands so will scoop up a few CD's

If all goes well tomorrow we will make our way up to Aukland. All day train trip so no blog update tomorrow

Stayed in Christchurch all day to take advantage of the Buskers Festival. This group of high wire acts from New Zealand, were fabulous. We have video of some of their stunts, really phenomenal. Also saw the strongest "lady" in the world, Betty...hilarious. A gentleman from Germany, diablo extraordiaire! More video to explain...later. Wednesday we take the train to Picton then the Ferry from South New Zealand to North New Zealand where we'll stay in Wellington.

This train ride was a great way to see New Zealand. The most famous spot was Arthur's Pass. Not this picture but one of many that you will soon be forced to watch should you take advantage of our coming home party. 30 million sheep in New Zealand, but only 4.6 million people. The least densely populated country in the world.

It has been rainy and cold the last two days but did not even slow us down. We drove up to Hanmer Springs. Languished in Sulpher natural spring pools. Us and a million other tourists.
Better was the tour of a local olive grower. This couple, Lisa from Plymouth MI (New Zealander for the past 21 years) and her husband Chris, cashed it all in, bought 26 acres on the side of a mountain and built a beautiful b & b and planted two olive groves. Learned tons about olive growing, processing, and tasting. We'll have some of their olive oil for all to taste. The view, as you can see, is fabulous. Their b & b is all first class, wonderful!
Taking the train from Christchurch to Greymouth tomorrow. Everyone, even the locals, tell us it is great. Looking forward to it.

Waipara Valley Wine Country

Saw this sign on the way to Waipara Valley. Laughed! Had a good time at two wineries, both of them beautiful. Pegasus Bay and The Mudhouse. Our pockets are much lighter now. Sent a case home, hope to have the chance to share with everyone on our return.

Alpine Pacific Triangle

After getting our bearings and adjusting to a two hour time change (New Zealand is the closest country to the international dateline and the first to see a new day) we are on the move again. Rented a little car and plan on visiting Waipara, wine country. www.foodandwinetrail.co.nz

May also drive up to Kaikoura, a beautiful sea coast, not sure yet. Then tomorrow, the other leg of the triangle, Hanmer Springs. Natural hot springs and spa.
To see a map...www.alpinepacifictourism.co.nz

Christchurch is very English, feels like we are in jolly good England when speaking with people. Learned about a local sport here, popular with the ladies called "Net Ball" Not sure of all the rules yet, sorta like basketball, but no dribbling, just passing. Do I dare say, it's as popular as rugby and cricket.

Hugs to all!

After a full day of travel, we arrived at Christchurch at 11:30 pm last night. The area we are staying had already rolled up the carpets for the night, but managed to find fast food and water. Today we hope to pick up our rail passes and explore city center. Our timing seems good, as all week they are celebrating the World Buskers Festival. 100s of world class street performers. Hopefully pictures for you tomorrow. check out www.worldbuskersfestival.com
Kangaroo jerky and Crockodile found at the airport yesterday will bring some home for everyone to try.

Here is the little green ant that I tasted. No, I didn't take a bite, just wetted a finger, touched it to the green part and back into my mouth. Very citrusy. Have had questions about the weather . Well, the part of Queensland we just left was 85 degrees and 90% humidity every day. I love it, Terry not so happy. Will be cooler in NZ and certainly in Bright when we return to Australia in two weeks.

Well this has been a busy day. A visit to Mossman Gorge, Cruising down Daintree river, Hiking thru Daintree rainforest...

BUT my personal favorite was a stop at the Daintree Entomological Museum. Thousands of beetles, butterflys, moths from all around the world. This mask is made up entirely of insects. Wow

Our day began aboard the Kuranda scenic rail, built 100 years ago during the gold rush. 15 tunnels up the mountain, all done by hand.

After a short visit to the village of Kuranda, where we toured the butterfly sanctuary, we descended the mountain by sky rail back into Cairns.

There we visited the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Center for reenactments and their history. Uncomfortably familiar to ours and the American Indians. We had lessons in spear throwing (don't depend on Terry or I for dinner) and how to throw a boomerang. Tip: do not throw like a frisbee or it will go straight up and come back to hit you in the head)

View of fellow balloonists over Makeeba Australia at sunrise. Afterward, champagne breakfast hit the spot!

This is farm country growing every imaginable tropical fruit. Mango, kiwi, papaya. Also peanuts and coffee.

Here is the ballloon we went up in today...very cool!

Free Advice

We made it to Sydney then hopped a plane to Cairns (about the same distance as MI to FL) Then rented a car to Port Douglas, territory of the Great Barrier Reef and rain forests. The place we are staying for the next 6 days is lovely. This a picture of the salt water pool right outside our room and right next to the bar. Hmmm, could be paradise.

Leaving Los Angeles at 11:55. Frankly am dreading the 15 hour flight,but have wine and movies and good book to see me thru.

Our friend Gerry had an idea for remembering our trip. Instead of souvenirs, buy a charm at each stop. Then I'll have a charm bracelet of memories. I bought my first charm today. It is called "the lucky horn", handmaid by Mario Daldemian. Mario has been hand making gold jewelry for 20 years. If you see a picture or have a particular design or idea, send it to him at 6225 W. Century Blvd, Los Angeles CA 90045 and he will make it for you. (attn: Marquise fine jewelry). 310-337-6424. Delightful man!

The Lucky Horn, cornuto, corno, or cornicello is an Italian amulet of ancient origin. One wears it for luck or to ward off the "evil eye" something that may be useful on our journeys.

the people you meet...

On the shuttle from the train to LAX we met a woman,a singer, who told us that she had just finished 5 weeks at the Detroit Opera House in "A Little Night Music", one of my personal favorites.
Googled her. She is a soprano and has played in Phantom of the Opera for 8 years and many other professional performances. If you are interested go to www.lisavroman.com

Made it to LA and only 4 hrs late.
Just trying to get organized for tomorrow. Check in with Delta, laundry.etc.
Met a couple on the hotel shuttle, turns out they are going to Australia too! Small world. They are from Ohio. (of course talk turned immediately to football)

If every car on the train is 84 ft long and there are 11 cars, how many times do you need to walk the full length of the train to be able to say you walked a mile?

OK Terry says the train delay was caused by broken track and a freight train was unable to get powered up so they had to bring another engine out to move it out of the way.

For those inquiring minds ... Yes it is exciting try to shower on a moving train. Nope no pictures!

Here we are in La Junta Colorado

Last night stopped mid Kansas with a 5 hour delay. Not sure exactly why but with wind chill it was 16 below zero. Ironically today Terry met a couple, Peter and Pauline who are from Melbourne Australia and are exploring America by train. Started in New York and are headed for California.
No wifi service on Amtrak so fired uo my Verizon broadband and as you can tell it works just fine even in the plains of Kansas. Service seems quick and reliable hope we have as much luck with it down under.
Just went thru Garden City KS moving into Colorado.

Gerald and Michelle saw us off to the Ann Arbor train station early this morning. Everything was great...Bloody Marys and whooping Terry @ gin rummy, until 8 minutes from Union Station when something froze up on the trains signaling system and we got into the station 45 minutes late. Went a couple blocks down the street to Lou Mitchell's bakery and restaurant where we split an olive burger. mmmmm. If you are ever in Chicago, we recommend it.

Thanks to everyone who wished us well. I feel like we have tons of great energy taking care of us as we leave the good 'ol USofA. For those of you who do not want to sign up to this blog, you can reach us via plain old fashioned email too. ptrkmb@chartermi.net
PS We'll be doing some scientific research on the drain direction :-)