Lake Taupo

We stopped off in Lake Taupo for a night as we make our way to Tongariro National Park for our next stopover. These are really hop and skip as we make our way to Wellington. We visited the Huka Falls whic run exceedingly fast, and are so blue. Wonderful. In Taupo I visited the little museum; had my hair cut; and went out for a lovely mealto an Italian restaurant and had the best carbonarra I have ever had. Early start next morning. Stopped in Waitomo and I went for a trip into a cave where we saw stalagtites/mites and lots of glow worms. Next up I went to see the angora rabbit shearing! I even procured some unspun wool to send home to Stella who has a spinning wheel. In amongst fabulous scenery. The land here is farm land, but because of the limestone there are many sinkholes, and it is not unusual for a cow or sheep to fall through a hole. At our Nat Park stop, the driver cooks us a bbq meal, for which we have bought the provisions together as a sort of bonding exercise. A very good night had by all! Kind of a Glendoll type hostel! Early start again and on to Wellington.

Rotorua

Have now travelled on the magic bus for the first time. We stopped at a couple of places of interest on the way and had a tour of the town before being dropped off at our various places of accommodation. Of course, the first thing that you are aware of is the smell in Rotorua, the sulphur smell from the many hot pools. Also, beautiful flower gardens throughout the town. Rather overcast on arrival, so went to the cinema and saw a New Zealand film, set in the suburb of Ponsonby outside Auckland. The Insatiable Moon. Ex film. Very modern hostel, situated across from the park with many of the pools. Made friends with couple of people - one from Wales, one from USA. We got together in the evenings to exchange stories from our outings and share wine and nibbles. Fabulous museum set in lovely gardens; lovely lakeside walk to St Faith's church;managed to get to church again as organised by Jane. Picked up at hostel by pastor's wife, and invited back to their house for lunch. Met others there too. Lovely afternoon. Took a flight in a seaplane over the Crater Lakes, and viewed many pools from above- a variety of colours depending on what minerals in them. Superb. Then we landed on Lake Orakei, took a ferry over to a geothermal area where we walked for an hour round a boardwalk viewing a variety of features - mud pools, hot pools, geysers. Back to Rotorua on the plane. Ex way to sightsee, as we flew for 1 hour before landing on Lake Orakei, and flew directly back in about 20mins. Missed viewing of film Skin as last showed on day I arrived. Mentioned my disappointment at the cinema and was given a private showing at no extra expense! Great film about SandraLaing in S.A. born coloured to a white family. Worth seeing. Off to Lake Taupo.

Hello, New Zealand

First thing I noticed as we made the descent towards Auckland was the GREEN grass! I had forgotten how green grass can look. met at the airport by Jane, wearing as promised a hat with flowers in it for easy recognition! Jane is the cousin of a friend from church. Again, a very warm welcome. Jane is a stoma nurse (as is Jan in Brisbane), and she had organised most of the week off to show me around. The 2 afternoons when she was required to take her clinics, her friends took on the role! Jane and I got on like a house on fire, and shared lots of laughs. We visited the Gannet Colony, and spring was definitely in the air; One Tree Hill, which has no tree now as a Maori activist chopped it down- made me think of our own Law Hill, only this one has lots of sheep on it. We visited black sand beaches; walked through Duder National Park with fantastic views from the top of the hill (although Jane dive-bombed by a magpie here); saw at least 3 kingfisher while we ate our picnic lunch; visited couple of waterfalls, one of which required a hike of 2 hours all told; drove to lovely villages; took a ferry to Devenport, a very nice suburb, and went up Mt. Victoria, again a bit like the Law(volcanic area as you will have gathered); Kelly Tarlton's Underground Adventure, where we saw penguins and a variety of underwater creatures, including stingrays being fed by one of the keepers. Too many things seen and done to tell you, though I went up the Sky Tower and before I left Auckland, I was taken to a Samoan couple's engagement party; Jane's friend's birthday party; visited two kindergartens gleaning some ideas; managed to get to church twice and attended a women's study evening.

Sydney

Staying in Sydney with the sister of my great pal Maureen. Sandra has arranged for me to be picked up at the airport. Will be someone with my name on a card. Wow. I am to be transported in a limosine - shining black, sleek, leather seats, water bottle to hand, video of David Attenborough's Planet Earth playing. What a start. Warm welcome from Sandra and George. First couple of days Sandra and I went into Sydney to walkabout Darling Harbour; take the ferry over to Circular Quay and visit the Opera House. We booked a guided tour round the Opera House. Very interesting. Whilst on the ferry we saw a plane skywriting a marriage proposal. Wonder what the reply was? Sandra back to work on the Wed; so I went a tour up to the Blue Mountains - and they are. On way up stopped at a village called Leura. Beautiful with spring flowers in full bloom. Later we stopped at lookouts which gave us fabulous views of the peaks called the Three Sisters and the Jamieson Valley. We took a trip on the scenic railway, the steepest in the southern hemisphere, which was originally one of the rail lines to carry coal down from the mine; and the return trip was by gondola. The rail ride was like an amusement part ride - fast and furious, but short I''m glad to say! We visited an animal sanctuary on the way back to town and then giventhe option to complete the trip back by the City Cat down the Paramatta River. A full and exciting day. Thurs saw me complete the Bridge Climb. Although you have to allow 3 hours for the climb, the first hour is taken up with briefing; getting on all the gear; practising climbing ladders and using the harness before you even set foot outside. And oh yes, breath test again! (my first being on the Great Ocean Road). The climb is a great adventure, and of coure, brilliant views as you climb. Fri I went to the State Library to see the exhib Mari Nawi (Big Canoe) which I had seen advertised. As I approached the building I noticed that some statues had been covered in outfits. It was to do with a project by textile/design students which was to make people more aware of the various statues in the town. It certainly drew attention. Before I knew it, back to the airport via the limo again, and departing Australia, sadly.

More of Brisbane

What a wondeful fortnight I spent in Brisbane. Jan and Ken were my hosts and made me most welcome and comfortable. At weekends we met up with other family members; visited Steve Irwin's Zoo and went up Q1 where we stood at a height of 690ft above sea level. From the Q Deck we had a 360 degree view of the ocean, beaches and the residential areas built on reclaimed land- a series of mini canals, with boats parked alongside. The lift in Q1 rises 78 floors in 46 seconds. Jan, and Rhonda in Perth, are members of Jack's family on his mother's side. It was good to be introduced to so many of the family members, and made so welcome by all.
My days in Brisbane were busy and full. I set out each day with Jan at 7.15 as she went to work. I completed the self-guided city walk over a period of days, as I kept being sidetracked in the parks especially. The Botanic Gardens also were splendid. I went on a couple of tours - Byron Bay with it's spectacular views over the ocean and sightings of whales; and Mt Tamborine, where we went on a rainforest skywalk, viewed a superb waterfall, visited beautiful gallery shops and a winery. I enjoyed a trip up and down the River Brisbane, which is busy all day with river craft; went on the Brisbane "Eye"; enjoyed the museum and art gallery in Brisbane. I had many and varied experiences. Having difficulty in getting photos to download, but will try again.

Brisbane Week 1

bottle tree

Roma Parklands in the "Spectacular Garden" as it is called. Plants are changed every 6-10 weeks to ensure perpetual display of colour.

Wow. Was this exhibition worth going to! 100 dresses on display. Fab

K'GARI - aka "Paradise"

I had the privilege to stay with Judi for 3 nights on this island which is a paradise, which incidentally is the interpretation of the aboriginal name for Fraser Island. Judi lives at Eurong Beach, and she met me off the ferry at Wangoolba Creek. Enjoy the few photos I have posted. I still have not got the hang of this blogging, so none of this is in the right order! The inland roads- named M3, M4, M5! Yes, still made of sand. What a wonderful trip we had to go into the rainforest, and to a perched lake. Well done Judi for her "rally" driving. No mean task to negotiate the humpy bumpy roads, with tree roots to go over as well. Oncoming traffic poses its own problems. Not many passing places!

A satinay tree. These were logged and transported to e.g. London Docks and Suez Canal, as wood resistant to marine bore. This is not the biggest example of this tree, but the easiest to access and photograph.

Roll the trousers up and get into Lake Birrabeen. It is a perch lake. Look at the crystal-clear water I am standing in. A perch lake is formed over hundreds of years as layers of organic matter such as leaves, bark and plant life settle and harden to form an impervious lake-bed. The collected rain water stays pure and clear.

Looking up through the rainforest. Luckily, no rain for us that day.

These attachments are known as stags, for obvious reasons. Their spores attach themselves to trees and are nourished by the falling leaves from the tree.

Still in Paradise!

How much beach? 75 miles to be precise. The island at 90miles long is the largest sand island in the world. Renowned for its extensive system of sand dunes, rainforests, crystal-clear freshwater lakes and streams and diverse flora and fauna, Fraser Island is considered one of Australia's natural wonders.

Red Canyon and The Pinnacles are made entirely of solidified sand. Surrounded by lush vegetation they display striking bands of compacted ochre sand, of which there are estimated to be around seventy-two different colours.

My new-found friend, and hostess, Judi, sitting at the top of Indian Head. We were so lucky to be the only people there at the time. Judi said there are usually lots on Indian Head when she visits. Who told them I was coming?!!

View from Indian Head of the ocean to one side, and a pristine beach in the middle of the vegetation, the result of a sandblow.

Paradise!

Yes, even planes land on the beach to drop off and pick up passengers!

The beach is a highway on this island of sand. The rule of the road is to keep to the left. It has been designated as an actual road by the Queensland government. Obviously, heed of tides must be taken, and sand movement means the road is never the same two days running.

Beautiful view of the ocean.
View from Judi's balcony. What an absolute delight!

Judi's house.

My wonderful stay on a Whitsunday Island.

Just back from an hour and half walk through the forest, during which I saw all the butterflies. Also, paths down to various bays. Very hot morning, but not so bad in the shade of the trees. Decking around some of the accommodation. An obliging wallaby passed by about 20mins before I had to go for the ferry.

Back from my R&R

6/9/10

Arrived here in Airlie Beach last Thursday, and thought I'd landed in a massive 18-30's club! By early on Friday, decided action needed to be taken. At advice from YHA receptionist, I booked to stay 2 nights on Long Island. I left on the 8am ferry on Sat, and returned tonight on the 6pm ferry, making the most of my stay away. What a haven of peace - oops, missed out an E. Heaven I should say! The room was most comfortable, and just on the edge of the beach. Birds wandered past at will - I paid to go on a bird walk in Darwin to see these birds! Obligingly, a wallaby hopped passed just before I departed today. I went for a lovely walk yesterday up through the forest, where butterflies abound. No exaggeration to say they were to be seen 20 in number at a time. Lots of varieties, too. I took full advantage of the break by not doing much at all except read the weekend Aus paper (akin to Sat Times); read my book; and generally revel in the setting. On my return to Airlie Beach, I note that Mon seems to be a relatively quiet night; and the dorm is only half full too - 3 instead of 6, the best of it being I'm on a lower bunk this time. What bliss, aas I can tell you these tubular rungs to get you to the top bunk are not designed for comfort on the feet! Tomorrow,I continue on my train journey south, on the overnight leg. I am booked into a sleeping compartment, in the middle of the 3-high bunk. Hey-ho! Next stop, Fraser Island on 8/9/10!

Heaven, I'm in Heaven!

These pictures are from my get-away holiday on Long Island, one of the Whitsunday Islands. They include - my little beach appartment; view from my beach appartment; cheeky birds landing on my patio table, the sulphur-crested cockatoo and a lorikeet; and the bush stone-curlew.

Ridiculous to the sublime

Some photos from Airlie Beach. The Lagoon; the boardwalk heading towards the ferry; the ferry; Bird of Paradise flower, related to the heliconia shown in previous blog as seen in Darwin and Bali.

Reef HQ Townsville

Townsville 3

Gift from twin town in China. Chinese settlers came at time of the gold rush.
Golden orb spider

Rock wallaby

Townsville 2

Interrupted during download of photos and wiped them by mistake!

1. Plenty of space on train






2. Butterfly on bush spotted as I walked to the Koala Sanctuary






3. Red-tailed black cockatoo






4. Bearded

Townsville, arrived 31/8/10

What a wonderful train to ride in. I was in the carriage called Sapphire, my favourite gemstone, also my birthstone. I will include a photo of the interior of the roomy carriage. Seat very comfortable. Train travels slowly as old, but great for the sightseeing passengers. Spotted a couple of kangaroos, a cluster of butterflies on the wing, an assortment of cows and a dead ferral pig. Was picked up at station by landlady, and we went off to bus station to pick up one other. Her name was Jami, from California. We got along very well and shared the evening together. We walked along the Strand in the pleasant evening. We were also sharing the same room. Jami is 21 in a few weeks time. She had been sky diving a few days before, and had the video on her computer. She wanted to show me how she had got on - terror etched on her face, even though she was strapped to the instructor! She departed the next day, leaving me her e-mail in casse I should ever go to the US. I was off to Magnetic Island, so called as Captain Cook's compass would not work as he passed it, and thought the Island must have an amount of magnetism, throwing his compass off. Turned out, his compass was NOT working! However, as locals say, if you visit Magnetic Island, you will be drawn back to it magnetically. I can only agree. It is beautiful. One lovely bay after another. I visited the Koala Sanctuary, which houses other animals as well. The animals can all be handled but to hold a koala incurs a cost of about £8. This is in part to keep down the number of people handling the koala; and to raise money for the transportation of the eucalyptus leaves from the mainland. At the end of the tour we went into an area of bush to look for fruit bats. None seen, but I have never seen so many butterflies in one place. They were like a cloud. A thoroughly good day out. On one of my wanders I encountered rock wallabies. Quite the posers! Next day, off to Reef HQ, a government-backed venture. It houses a huge aquarium with living coral, and masses of fish. All the fish I saw when snorkelling, but could not photo, now I could see and photo on dry land! The fish literally swarmed 20mins in advance of feeding time, and they do not get fed every day. Also managed to fit in visit to art centre exhibiting fibre art of the Tjanpi Desert Weavers. Back on the train heading for Airlie Beach. Again, spotted kangaroos, a large vatiety of birds, and quite a few calves. Late arrival in Airlie Beach (9.45pm) but had a wander about to stretch the legs. Think I have landed in the midst of an 18-30's club! Up early today (Fri) and a good look around. Beautiful down by the lagoon surrounded by white sand. Area created as stoney beach. Very warm. Unfortunately, camera battery down so no photos in the morning. By afternoon, wind off the sea, and cloud covering the sun. However, benefit of that to me was could go for good walk. Off to Long Island tomorrow, one of the Whitsundays, for 2 nights at all inclusive hotel. Think I need the R&R- very busy all this travelling and reporting, you know! Thanks to all keeping in contact - it's lovely to hear from you all. I return to Airlie Beach 7pm Mon, and off on train again to Hervey Bay, then ferry over to Fraser Island. I am staying with a 5W contact - Women Welcome Women World Wide. Judi is a year older than myself, and a retired journalist. I look forward to meeting her and hearing more about the organisation, of which I am now a member. Marion Jones in Brisbane is hoping to arrange for me to meet a few members while I am there. I will be staying with a sister of Rhonda's in Brisbane, and staying with another in Coolangatta. Lots of lovely friendships and meeting of family members.

More pics from Cairns

Babinda Boulders

Barron Falls

Milla Milla falls