Whitsundays - Dive, sail, restore any day of the week

The Whitsundays' 74 islands make up the southern most part of the Great Barrier Reef's 1,600 miles.  These islands sport powdery sand, lush vegetation and endless opportunities to explore.  Although generally uninhabited, there are a few, including Hamilton Island, where one can let colorful foliage and sunsets simply wash over the spirit.

A couple of days diving on a skippered catamaran makes life seem just about perfect.

Here's a sneak peak of one of Steve's underwater photos. 

Click here for little Great Barrier Reef sunshine

Sydney icons get a colorful makeover

Those colorful irreverent Sydneysiders love having a little fun with their icons    

 Click here for Opera House & St Mary's Cathedral possibilities

"Vivid Sydney" is in its second year and attracts nearly a quarter of a million visitors. See what else the festival has to offer.   

Check out Vivid Sydney

"Pub crawl" or "Bridge Crawl" ?

Hey, anyone can tip a few dozen pints, but how many can climb across Sydney's Harbour Bridge.  Lured by a spectacular view, Karen overcomes her fear of heights, while Steve smiles through his second time climb.  

In Sydney? Give the climb a go.  

Breaking news - Kaufman dukes it out with the local wildlife

And we all thought those hopping long tailed fuzzy beasts were cute.

They are, but don't take their picture without getting asking them to sign a release, or they just might land one on your jaw.

Karen asks Steve if her camera is ensured.

Kiwi - fruit or fowl?

New Zealand's national bird - or - national fruit?  You decide.

• The bird does not fly and there's debate if there really are wings.
• The fruit outwardly quite similar in appearance.

Small, fuzzy, brown - they both look awfully similar. Do you think the beak is real?  Or part of a disguise.

On the Road Again - New Zealand

Some people having a mid life crisis buy a Ferrari.  So what might two corporate retirees do to break out, go a little crazy and "find themselves"?

MAYBE they grow a beard, don tie-died clothes and go on a road trip to New Zealand.  Or maybe not.  We'll never tell.

Honey I don't think we are in OZ anymore

Want dense forest,  dessert or glaciers?   Maybe you prefer placid rivers, rapids, waterfalls or deep water gorges?  Vineyards or ranches? Oh, mountain peaks are what you are in the mood for. No worries.

Just cross "The Ditch" from Australia to New Zealand and you can have it all and then some.

The South Island has Queenstown, which at 45 degrees latitude is the as Eugene, OR - just on the other side - so the red wines are amazing!  Doubtful Sound is really a fjord and its Tasmanian Sea waters are some of the roughest in the world. There are also deserts, glaciers, forests and ranches of cattle and deer.  You may have heard they have a few sheep.  At about 43 million, that's 10 sheep for every person.  Escape to Glenorchy's Blanket Bay and you are in heaven and the land of the Lord of the Rings.

The North Island's warmth suggest you are thousands of miles away.  Auckland boasts more sailing vessels than any other city in the world.  Useppa - with a little effort we could take them on!
Click for pics - look for the latest Maori fashion in Auckland
Music from "The Piano"

Kaufman's raise funds to extend trip

Yes, we have been away for a LONG time.

Wondering how we can afford all this travel?

There's our man at work.

Baby needs a new pair of airline tickets!

Strangely Magnificent

Australian birds don't sweetly sing.  They scream, mimic, "caw" and screech with gusto, but rarely a twitter is to be heard.  However, they are amazing to see.  

Did someone open up the pet shop cages? Is Paul Miller available for a consult?

Click here to see birds galore

For the MUMs!!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

We saw thousands of "stickies" posted on the outside of a window display in  Auckland, New Zealand.  Passers by were invited to fill out a special message for their Mum.  Great idea!

It's been up for days!  Can you imagine that anywhere in the USA? 

Well, maybe we should just give it a go! 

Going outback with the Indian Pacific

Broken Hill is Australia's longest lived mining town.  It is called the "capital of the Outback." With a population of 2,880 you begin to understand what "going into the bush" really means. Silver was discovered in 1884 and the town boomed.  Zinc appeared in the 1970's and today the city still lives on its mineral resources.  It's also a well known artist enclave.

Nearby Silverton's claim to fame isn't its population of 89. It's   the filming site for "Mad Max" and "Priscilla Queen of the Desert". Looking for vast harsh horizons?  You've found them.
In between is the Stone Symposium, a collection of sculptures amidst a protected nature area.

How to get there?  Hop on board the Indian Pacific railway and watch the reddest scenery you'll ever see go by. Are those sheep or moving red rocks?
CLICK for a trip Outback

Kangaroo Island - the Australian Galapagos

KI is worth a visit whether for fantastic nature, the food or the views.  This World Heritage sight has 4,000 people and 400,000 sheep. The third largest island is slightly larger than Long Island, NY and has two paved roads running along the north and south coasts.  With the oldest bee sanctuary in the world, wineries and farms, you won't starve.  The wildlife is fantastic, the shore line is rugged with limestone cliffs and weathered granite boulders that are - "REMARKABLE." 

CLICK - seeing is believing

Barossa Valley - Magical vineyards and farmland

AH, this is wine country! A scenic one hour drive north of Adelaide and you will be transported to what Napa was - well maybe for a nano second.

Architecture and riesling wine traditions reflect the first 1842 German Lutherans settlers.  Today the valley is better known for Shiraz, Cabernets, Semillon and Chardonnay. AND since 1878 it is home of the world's only continuous collection of fortified wines, compliments of Seppeltsfield.

Not so interested in wine? Meander through Mararnanga, Tanunda, Angaston and stop at the local farmer's market.

Steve got unexpectedly in touch with his early "tractory consulting" roots at the annual Kapunda Farm Fair.  Who knew?  Gar Beckstead did!
CLICK and enjoy!

Elegant Adelaide - the first free colony

In 1836 Australia founded its first free colony and named it after the Queen of then King William IV.  The first settlers were non-conformist from Great Britain seeking a more tolerant society.  Sound familiar?

Carefully planned along the River Torrens and built with money gleaned from mining and agriculture,  many of the city's Victorian Buildings still exist.  The city's central market, asian area and art Festival Centre give energy and character.

Maybe not worth a special trip, but a terrific jumping off point for wine country and some of Australia's most lovely shoreline.
CLICK and take a quick look at Adelaide 

Kaufman's Caravan Road Trip

We've been making the rounds of Australia's southeast cities and byways.  "Caravaning" is an Aussie tradition.  As is bush walking.  Well we may have cheated just a bit on both, but follow the links below to Brizzy, Melbin, Lord Howe - and well you'll see. 

There could be a "man-cation" idea here!  Looking for more on Caravan's? 

Link to Caravans and more. 

Canberra - Australian Capital Territory

Envision Washington DC  cleared of all but its monuments which now look as if a sci-fi loving architect designed them and you have a picture of Canberra.  It is a capital of contradictions.   The center of politics and holding the nation's artistic treasures yet it is a rural city with the occasional kangaroo found hopping down the street.  What it lacks in tall buildings, business buzz and the modernity of other Australian cities it makes up for in a wonderful selection of museums housing national treasures.

In the early 1900's it was decided to end the rivalry between Sydney, the oldest city, and Melbourne, the largest city, by locating the capital in neutral territory.  Naming the previous sheep station area took about a decade.  On March 12, 1913 the Ngambri word for meeting place was officially bestowed on this new capital.

By the way - the Sydney VS Melbourne rivalry still thrives!

National Folk Festival - are you a "folky'?

A  bit of folk, a bit of country, Gaelic jams and some Motown on the side is what was on at the National Folk Festival over Easter weekend at  Exhibition Park in Camberra.  Dance, unusual craft, interesting folk of all ages and foods for every taste .  And bushmen, don't miss getting your tucker at the stock camp.
Click for pictures - music provided by folky Chris Smither
 And to hear a jam session on U-Tube - click this link

Brisbane - Capital of Queensland

"Brizzy" is Australia's third largest city and known for its scenic beauty.  It's earlier claim to fame came from finding a new home in 1823 for some of Sydney's more intractable convicts who needed more secure incarceration.  It's then remoteness and the bend in its river made escape difficult. Free settlers arrived in 1837, but were not permitted to move closer than 50 miles to the famously harsh penal colony.  The city flourished along with Queensland's natural mineral resources.    Today ferries are the way to commute to this diverse city from its charming riverside suburbs.

Are Sherry and Bill here?

Outdoor movies in Melbourne and at Sydney Botanical Garden?
We had only two questions, where are the Welch's and do we need to bring our own speakers?

Lord Howe Island - 600 km to heaven

Blend a bit of Block and Useppa islands, place it in the Pacific, sprinkle in a few cattle and you might come close to this UNESCO Heritage Site.  Halfway between Sydney and Brisbane, the sense of restful calm washes over you the moment your step off the plane.  The birds, wildlife and flowers are rare even by Australian standards. Four-hundred residents and a handful of cattle share their peace with the same number of guests.  Bicycles and feet are the most common form of transportation.  And although there is a town, stores can be counted on one hand. The water clarity is incredible and the diving is easy.  You want to return before you've ever left. 
Click here to take a peak  (music by Australian - Leah Curtis)

"Marvelous Melbourne" - a little bit of everything

Melbourne's rapid growth was precipitated by the 1850's gold rush, creating enormous wealth and grand public buildings. It was the industrial and financial capital of Australia until 1972.  Today elaborate Victorian architecture mixes with the avant garde.  In a constant competition with Sydney for everything from sport and culture to food and weather, it is a charming city with much to offer.  In one weekend there was fashion shows, skateboard finals, a Thai beauty contest, Food and Wine festival and outdoor movies.  Formula One - that's the following week.  Click to see more of "Mel-bin"

Has Jay franchised?

What are Chad and Louie doing rowing along at St. Kilda's beach?  

The Melbourne coast is a long way from Useppa or has Taylor  branched out?

Brighton Beach Box - aren't they delightful?

And the asking price for these 10X20 jewels?  

A mere $100K plus.

No electric, no running water, strict decorating codes and a waiting list over a generation long. But they are magical!  See the delights of an afternoon at Brighton Beach and St. Kilda - a mere 10km from Melbourne - or -  "Mel-bin".  Click to see a day on the boardwalk

Houseboating on the Upper Hawkesbury River

Is that Captain Steve's new boat?

Join us, with our US friends Fran and Tom, aboard "Serenity" on the upper Hawkesbury River.  Only 60 miles north of Sydney, but you could be hundreds of miles away.  And the boat, well really a house on the water.  4 bedrooms, 2 baths, a full kitchen, hot-tub on the top deck and a "barbie" of course.  Ripping along at 10 knots.  Watch out Blue Chip!
Note - Berowa Waters Inn offers 5 star dining and a mooring, if you happen to be in the hood.

Click to see what we saw!

What's that you're holding?

Let's face it, animals from OZ look, well, like they are from OZ.  What is taken for granted down under, never ceases to amaze those of us from the other side of the equator.

Friends complain about how a Kangaroo & her Joey ruined someone's birdie on the 9th hole - or how a Walabee stares down the neighbors when they go to walk the dog.

Well, living in Sydney, we don't get much of that . So while visiting Brisbane, we took a river cruise to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary - the oldest in Australia. Touching and feeding was believing.

This koala weighs about 15 pounds and sleeps the better part of a day.  Who says a vegetarian diet will keep you slim and full of energy?

Click to see more of him and his "ozzie" mates

Easter in OZ

EASTER - well that's a 4 day weekend mate.

No you don't see many churches about, but it's been over a month since we've had a decent holiday, so everyone will be taking off Friday, oh and Monday as well.

See you next week mate!  Or the week after, 'cause the kids are on holidays

And the egg?

Well we do things big down under.  Just duck if you see one coming at you.

Jakarta? It must be Saturday

Jakarta - A typical large modern wealthy Asian city with 13MM people, traffic to match and spotless streets.  It's motto is "Unity in Diversity."  Clearly many Asian countries are represented here with warm, friendly people. Although primarily moslem, there are not many apparent mosques or calls to prayer.

There are numerous urban malls with more top designer stores than America's 5 largest cities combined - with noticeable economic disparity just  around the corner. Markets and a working harbour are just a few miles away - or 45 minutes in traffic.  March 7 to 9, 2010
 View Jakarta

Bali - Tranquility

Lush, peaceful, provocative - Bali
From the moment of arrival, this is clearly different from other places you have been.  Calm, smiling beautiful faces.  Lush green jungle rushes from volcano strewn mountains to the rice paddies and then the sea.  Nearly all of the 3MM islanders are Balinese Hindu with their altars and small offerings at every turn.  Community focus is devoted to religious matters. Members give half of their income to community elders who orchestrate the care of temples, the building of statues, preparation for worship and costume for participants.  Temples dominate with Buddhist, Moslem and Christian places of worship openly respected.  Stone statues adorned in black and white checked fabrics remind that good balances evil.  These along with fabric design, music, dancing and the sea are the things you will always compare and never forget about this place. March 4 - 6, 2010   Click here to take a peak at Bali

Sydney Opera house in the nude?!

Yes that's us.  The Kaufman's - 12th row back, spot number 23 and 24 from the left. 

Sydney prides itself in having the biggest Mardi Gras bash in the world - after New Orleans.  It is definitely a "gay" affair celebrated by all.  After the partying is over, what to do for an encore?  Invite the entire city to a nude break during their lunch hour.  So, we figured, why not! 
For more details - click this link.  

Are you after a middy or a schooner?

If you think Aussies speak English, well, you'd almost be right.  The words are English - although the spelling may not be - and how the words are used - it might take a bit.  Give this a go and see how you do.


Before I hot up, why not tinney over for a walk-a-bout.  We'll have a chin wag about what's on.  Oh, and don't forget your sunnies!
Translation:  Before I get busy, why don't you take your boat over and meet me for a stroll.  We can chat about what's happening.  Oh, and don't forget your sunglasses!


Oh, "middys" and "schooners" - beer glass sizes and not to be confused with a Five or a Jug.  But then you knew that! 


"What are you after?" No, no, don't turn around and look behind you.  That means "What can I do for you today?" 

We're catching on - but the Aussies do love our accent!

Road Trip - Blue Mountains

Are the mountains blue? 

Not up close, but the waterfalls and rainforests create numerous droplets in the atmosphere. These cause the mountains to appear blue from various vistas.  The 3-Sisters in Katoomba are likely the most well known site in the range.  Legend has is that three maidens were in love with three warrior brothers from a neighboring tribe.  Battle ensued, a spell was cast to "temporarily" turn the girls to stone.  And yes, alas, as always seems to happen in these situations, the person who could reverse the spell died.

However, that doesn't explain the waterfall at Govett's Leap that falls up!
And for those that find God in nature - there is the Cathedral of Ferns.

Click for pics

Happy New Year!

The lunar year of the Tiger was ushered in on February 21, 2010 in Sydney after a full week of activites, carnival and foods galore. Sunday evening the serious celebrating began with miles of crowds and thousands of people standing 10 to 20 deep .  If there was a turkey and giant baloons overhead, you would be certain you had stumbled on the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.  (Okay, and it would also be about 30 degrees colder.)  There were dragons and Yum Cha (that's Dim Sum to the rest of us) rollerskating by.  And naturally dragons galore.  The crowd was terrific and we had a blast!CLICK HERE TO SEE IT ALL!!

But it's not over yet.  The festiviites continue this week with two day so fdragon boat races ending in - you guessed it - fireworks!

Australia Day - Boats, barbies, bands and beer!

Australia Day commemorates the arrival of the First Fleet at Sydney Cove 1788, the hoisting of the British flag there on January 26, and the proclamation of British sovereignty over the eastern seaboard of Australia.  Now you know why the Indigenous people refer to this as “Invasion Day”. 

Why would a country celebrate the sending of its motherland’s convicts to fend for themselves in an unknown land? Well it also happens to be the anniversary of the Rum Rebellion, the beverage of choice in 1808. This was the only military coup in Australian History and explains why the holiday is often likened to our Independence Day. Now that sounds more like the Aussies we know and love.

But there is more.  In 1999 the Australia vote to become an independent republic was defeated by a mere 46%.  (That’s even closer than Texas ceding from the US!)  The Queen of England is still the head of state, with an appointed Governor General of Australia.  Prime Minister Kevin Rudd was elected in 2007.  The combative election hinged on a referendum to cede from Britain and change the national anthem from “Advance Australia Fair” to “Waltzing Matilda”.  The next referendum is in 2011, and has gained momentum since, during a visit this month, Prince William got in the back of a taxi instead of sharing the front seat with the driver.  Not very mately!   True story as reported by the BBC – you can’t make this stuff up.

Barbies are fired up, there is beer-a-plenty, antique cars and bands galore.  The harbour is choked with boats following the Ferrython and Tall Ships racing from Harbour Bridge around Shark Island and back.  Hundreds of boats surge along in the highly competitive race where using diversion, including smoke screens, to confuse the competition is legit.  Is that a Kanga I see driving that boat? Click here to join the fun!

What do you MEAN something landed on the car?

Living in "The Rocks" may be convenient to the ferry with a panoramic view of the harbour and Opera House, but there are certain risks.

We laughed when the local realtor suggested he could sell us Boulder Insurance.  "Hey mate, you may have hail storms where you come from, but here our rocks fly during a storm.  Why do you think we cal it The Rocks."

Who's laughing now?

Where exactly do we live?

Click this for pics of our flat

We live at 88 Cumberland St. in The Rocks - the name of our neighborhood, not the building.

The Rocks is Sydney's oldest area.  In 1788, it became the site of the first English settlement. (Much more on that later.)  Today, most buildings are over 100 years old and few are over four stories tall. Few roads are open to traffic.  Located on the harbour, it  is built into the rocky cliff that begins under the Harbour Bridge and cascades down to the the harbour that is home of the main ferry warf, Circle Quay.

For those of you familiar with Sydney, our home is just below the Observatory Hill, on the highest road near the entrance to the Harbour Bridge Climb.  (YES, Steve has and NO, Karen has NOT done that yet.) There is no escaping stairs in this part of town.  They are everywhere, as are pubs.  Life is all about balance!

What does all of this mean?  Our four story building is the equivalent of being over twenty stories high, providing panoramic views of the harbour looking east over the Sydney Opera House.  The building's four residences, are all on its top floor.  It was designed and is owned by the building's architect.  And yes, our 60 feet of balcony space does have a "barbie."  After all, this is Australia.  Take a look at our album.  The guest room could be yours!

You've arrived at your destination.

Yes ladies and gents - we made it!  Boston to New York to visit friends.  Ft. Myers and Useppa for Christmas. Then onto Miami for a quick Dolphins game, Oregon via San Francisco to visit with Jeremy, Erin and Clara.  And finally Los Angeles to take off and spend New Year's Eve in the friendly skies.  Several movies and a little Ambien later, we arrived in Sydney.  Life is wonderful!

New Year's Eve - Aussie Style!

So you think you've seen fireworks before?  Really great fireworks?  Well take a look at how they ring in the new year down under mate, and then let us know if you've ever REALLY seen fireworks.  Click below onto  "Sydney Harbour Fireworks - Wow! and watch the slide show!
Sydney Harbour Fireworks - WOW!!