tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75214211116059597772024-03-13T15:25:13.760-05:00Monty's TravelsMonty Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03411063545405721095noreply@blogger.comBlogger95125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7521421111605959777.post-58864869942826687222016-09-25T03:10:00.001-05:002016-09-25T03:10:09.146-05:00Alas–All good things come to an end<p>Our trip is rapidly coming to an end. Tomorrow we “fly”…..and make up for that day we lost coming over. We leave here at 11:20 AM, September 26 and arrive in Omaha at 10.05 PM. I know that sounds like only 10 hours and 45 minutes……except total hours elapsed is 25 hours and 45 minutes. I guess that is the price we pay for coming “down-under”.</p> <p>The trip has been really great and a much slower pace than past trips. That gave us lots of time to play and get to know the local area a little better. Thanks for Roy & Sylvia for their hospitality. </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eGIabDMRDKM/V-eF6x2S41I/AAAAAAAAEps/yuxsvPkZSCo/s1600-h/IMG_2610%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2610" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_2610" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JuzWEGYxzBs/V-eF7Q6FYZI/AAAAAAAAEpw/H1GB1O4PdWg/IMG_2610_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="544" height="337"></a></p> <p>And out thanks to Missy for her presence.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AkMOVyeaLI0/V-eF78kY9NI/AAAAAAAAEp0/5SeIQMDDCZw/s1600-h/IMG_2581%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2581" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_2581" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uuXLzPxitYY/V-eF8bQxD8I/AAAAAAAAEp4/oapdsFCUrdo/IMG_2581_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="544" height="337"></a></p> <p>The almost daily walks along the Esplanade and breakwater were great. We enjoyed watching the tides change and the boats (wind powered and engine powered) leave and enter the harbor, the birds (all different from what we normally see), and the flowers (things we see but they grow in the ground here instead of in pots under controlled conditions)!</p> <p>Because it was a more relaxed trip we had time to enjoy afternoon pastries. You often see shops and cafes with yummy goodies on display……</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-prLNemYGdSk/V-eF9BBYLSI/AAAAAAAAEp8/Q54TQkxvKiQ/s1600-h/IMG_1716%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1716" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_1716" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9ssHp3EORXk/V-eF9mfr09I/AAAAAAAAEqA/RC_9u2D5Z5c/IMG_1716_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="544" height="410"></a></p> <p>Yesterday we went to Cleveland (south of Manly). We sat outside and enjoyed our eats and drinks.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xeRxC5ZWJsE/V-eF-fB4xlI/AAAAAAAAEqE/OLdaS8U2ipI/s1600-h/IMG_2606%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2606" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_2606" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0HRZOJqVZUo/V-eF-xoL9tI/AAAAAAAAEqI/SQ3PQ6mfQ9E/IMG_2606_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="544" height="398"></a></p> <p> </p> <p>Watching the birds cavort is always fun…..Here is the “duty” seagull that was “posing” for us.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-P1igSH46pAw/V-eF_RrjhNI/AAAAAAAAEqM/CN0bDIwK_Ug/s1600-h/IMG_2604%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2604" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_2604" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YnH5oWaxQFI/V-eF_z91IXI/AAAAAAAAEqQ/k9KetyfJbNE/IMG_2604_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="337" height="544"></a></p> <p>We also had a little bit of business in Wynum so were able to see a little bit of that town.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-F0tN9jNuHFk/V-eGAr33CZI/AAAAAAAAEqU/nKT0xC2PWkk/s1600-h/IMG_2598%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2598" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_2598" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aLFy7Dk8Kyg/V-eGBL1bfWI/AAAAAAAAEqY/iauMPMgnI-U/IMG_2598_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="453" height="544"></a></p> <p>Today we went to the North Shore of Brisbane (just across the Brisbane River) for breakfast. The Blueberry pancakes and Eggs Benedict were yummy.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-T7Fcqxyltz4/V-eGBnh4IkI/AAAAAAAAEqc/gspxtZG_pnM/s1600-h/IMG_2619%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2619" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_2619" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xXCQiOfxRI0/V-eGCM6w_hI/AAAAAAAAEqg/XPbbzGGfySQ/IMG_2619_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="337" height="544"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Lt2FTXAPHTQ/V-eGCuqQllI/AAAAAAAAEqk/v_NteuOgr9E/s1600-h/IMG_2620%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2620" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_2620" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-I5NslfUjPec/V-eGDHgtsEI/AAAAAAAAEqo/wPi45t_bgoU/IMG_2620_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="526" height="544"></a></p> <p>From there we drove up to Shorncliff where we saw the train station that was built in 1868! As you can see it is still in active use.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Fzyc4FSR_6A/V-eGEOxNA9I/AAAAAAAAEqs/N2yHMCG59xU/s1600-h/_DSC9653%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC9653" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="_DSC9653" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RbC0pAKfM2E/V-eGEhOyaXI/AAAAAAAAEqw/eEHcVQ2ls3k/_DSC9653_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="544" height="364"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lsoDNCrsXBs/V-eGFU1WGhI/AAAAAAAAEq0/o4FTqf5cuMc/s1600-h/_DSC9655%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC9655" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="_DSC9655" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qrFx44cApW8/V-eGFyCO75I/AAAAAAAAEq4/3nU0XrYUTwI/_DSC9655_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="544" height="364"></a></p> <p>We have enjoyed looking at the local homes. Many of them are built in the Queenslander style. Originally, they were open under the house, but over the years the lower level has been filled in. They all have a unique charm.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aFuxoSnWQPI/V-eGHfODFII/AAAAAAAAEq8/rcKhZUzAwcI/s1600-h/_DSC9614%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC9614" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="_DSC9614" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-u-pfgJ-MQpM/V-eGH_bNHjI/AAAAAAAAErA/8OED9yn1Rco/_DSC9614_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="544" height="364"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--GDnDb1lMTE/V-eGIh_SeII/AAAAAAAAErE/O8teK-6e9-0/s1600-h/_DSC9616%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC9616" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="_DSC9616" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-T30mmVLbNwY/V-eGJNfaa6I/AAAAAAAAErI/gQhCMbLO_S8/_DSC9616_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="544" height="364"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FDQSs0e4udg/V-eGJ5Yab0I/AAAAAAAAErM/lRAlh0xVsZ4/s1600-h/_DSC9660%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC9660" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="_DSC9660" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j2GGIi57_Dw/V-eGKTWbyaI/AAAAAAAAErQ/gCsRI3fg7uQ/_DSC9660_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="544" height="364"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fStw0r9TROk/V-eGLKvxh8I/AAAAAAAAErU/NHMRPuPwE6w/s1600-h/_DSC9661%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC9661" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="_DSC9661" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CHrtR04DftE/V-eGL3Wks-I/AAAAAAAAErY/2TPvN8_ysYk/_DSC9661_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="544" height="396"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2RxJkqtHrZs/V-eGMga7BBI/AAAAAAAAErc/sMdq3pUHW4w/s1600-h/_DSC9674%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC9674" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="_DSC9674" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-i6ussPInEqo/V-eGNHhG29I/AAAAAAAAErg/PhZvoLtNqR0/_DSC9674_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="544" height="432"></a></p> <p>Finally a few miscellaneous pictures.</p> <p>Sylvia and Katie</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uX3wpzXgTGM/V-eGN6tdX9I/AAAAAAAAErk/LqeIAb7-qqw/s1600-h/_DSC9603%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC9603" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="_DSC9603" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rcl_EhbrHMY/V-eGOep2_jI/AAAAAAAAEro/X4mbPcZomVM/_DSC9603_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="544" height="364"></a></p> <p>The local mall had these that could be rented – $10 for 20 minutes. They were for the children to ride around the mall on. We asked, but the operators felt we were too big. (Katie says that’s a fib.)</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CylXtgjvTt0/V-eGPdRi0QI/AAAAAAAAErs/Ds789FoNf3M/s1600-h/IMG_1664%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1664" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_1664" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XF8aqUtz7kg/V-eGP_U3LTI/AAAAAAAAErw/Q_UsZKe8Ihs/IMG_1664_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="544" height="439"></a></p> <p>Lebanese version of a Runza. That is lamb inside a dark bread. Served with yoghurt.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6PdNs7QESQg/V-eGQowkhsI/AAAAAAAAEr0/pb0Lw1evyQE/s1600-h/IMG_1680%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1680" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_1680" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IEL2npoui3Y/V-eGRA2coAI/AAAAAAAAEr4/_q5FcG9QyHc/IMG_1680_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="544" height="410"></a></p> <p>Bouquets of flowers at the local market. You don’t see these flowers in North America.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FteNSw9yefo/V-eGR4RGgbI/AAAAAAAAEr8/rbOvCzg0M7A/s1600-h/IMG_1693%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1693" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_1693" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-edM-1p9B8KE/V-eGScWJKKI/AAAAAAAAEsA/PGHI-GbS_KE/IMG_1693_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="544" height="410"></a></p> <p>Local gas prices. Looks cheap but this is the price per Liter (slightly greater than a US quart).</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WXSoXoG73Uo/V-eGTNaLZoI/AAAAAAAAEsE/zbPQUx3COR8/s1600-h/_DSC9681%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC9681" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="_DSC9681" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xHNAVTM21Lw/V-eGTjIvMPI/AAAAAAAAEsI/3rimKovWGgU/_DSC9681_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="544" height="490"></a></p> <p>Monty and Sylvia relaxing on the back deck.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ng-_F7vy5UI/V-eGUQGQsoI/AAAAAAAAEsM/_snVXSImd8c/s1600-h/IMG_1650%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1650" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_1650" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-32EEpd-GAeU/V-eGU_ExcFI/AAAAAAAAEsQ/EdHPQ0g-3-g/IMG_1650_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="544" height="424"></a></p> <p>Roy and Monty…..tree sitting in downtown Manly</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TDsdbb-mpzU/V-eGVl5z6xI/AAAAAAAAEsU/Qeio-bZ8mc0/s1600-h/IMG_4066%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4066" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_4066" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-h6YsAbrmuQA/V-eGWX4ME-I/AAAAAAAAEsY/zG39vuJSN7c/IMG_4066_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="544" height="497"></a></p> <p>Finally…..a last view of the Manly Harbor and Moreton Bay. It has been fun watching the boats and tides.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-e_VZ-P7gH-0/V-eGXMVD3CI/AAAAAAAAEsc/wO_9LMmQoEY/s1600-h/_DSC9612%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC9612" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="_DSC9612" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OL_CKZ4r4v4/V-eGX-xrkKI/AAAAAAAAEsg/Eq_z9ypVS7k/_DSC9612_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="544" height="432"></a></p>Monty Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03411063545405721095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7521421111605959777.post-61210155915368839352016-09-21T06:24:00.001-05:002016-09-21T06:24:21.424-05:00North to the Ginger Factory<p>Some years ago, we were presented with a jar of ground ginger from Australia. Our supply was running low, so one of the stops we wanted to make on this trip was at the Ginger Factory, Buderim Ginger Factory in Yandina. Yandina is located about an hour and a half north of Brisbane. The four of us drove up late morning on Tuesday and spent the afternoon at the factory and along the Sunshine coast area. The only problem was the factory no longer makes ground ginger so that part of the trip was a bust. We will have to replace our supply with ground ginger made somewhere else after we get home. But it was a fun day anyway.</p> <p>We drove past the Glass House Mountains. These are a series of carsts and are plainly visible from ships at sea. When the sun shines on them at certain angles they apparently glitter and look kind of like glass. This is an example.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iSYUbu47z6k/V-JthdkGSsI/AAAAAAAAEnI/WucZ7Roxmik/s1600-h/_DSC9518%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC9518" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="_DSC9518" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HMSpbEfKcPY/V-JtiJVIswI/AAAAAAAAEnM/ECH40gBl8DM/_DSC9518_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="544" height="366"></a></p> <p>We have spent time in this area on past trip to Australia (see October 9, 2013 past entry on this blog).</p> <p>At the Buderim Ginger Factory there are many things to do in addition to shopping for their products.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jXXS0CyE3k4/V-JtjEBfL3I/AAAAAAAAEnQ/8MN8iL-iJEY/s1600-h/_DSC9553%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC9553" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="_DSC9553" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aALlmAN6YdA/V-JtjjzFyAI/AAAAAAAAEnU/054O4ZkriGo/_DSC9553_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="544" height="364"></a></p> <p>We had a nice meal at the Ginger Cafe</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ww1URB7pqZY/V-JtkYoicKI/AAAAAAAAEnY/FhkLpGLBntM/s1600-h/_DSC9526%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC9526" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="_DSC9526" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7V_jki2Dxrs/V-Jtk2By0oI/AAAAAAAAEnc/OqmBsf7juko/_DSC9526_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="544" height="364"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Zn_a7CtqvCk/V-JtlpU4DLI/AAAAAAAAEng/qLI7mndhOfk/s1600-h/_DSC9539%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC9539" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="_DSC9539" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-y9-x0E5N1pI/V-JtmOBaK8I/AAAAAAAAEnk/rFycHWaVZ6Y/_DSC9539_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="544" height="364"></a></p> <p>Since they didn’t have any ground ginger the only thing we bought was some Ginger Chocolate sauce for Ice Cream. Yummy!</p> <p>Of course we took pictures with the Ginger Bread Men.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KTRs-e7B49c/V-Jtmoo1v9I/AAAAAAAAEno/PhKl0eA4hEU/s1600-h/IMG_1629%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1629" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_1629" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7f2fFp15Suk/V-JtnW7iHJI/AAAAAAAAEns/pEhH2BX-V24/IMG_1629_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-K5SgoIIlFbk/V-Jtn80QUXI/AAAAAAAAEnw/JVjNttg8ebc/s1600-h/IMG_2568%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2568" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_2568" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Q5DTJO-juWA/V-Jtod0KBiI/AAAAAAAAEn0/ubDrU_ZwoNM/IMG_2568_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="588"></a></p> <p>We thought of Dan the Engineer while we were there.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-t9tXxoOtXLw/V-JtpGiyYJI/AAAAAAAAEn4/pO_HdVmAjSw/s1600-h/_DSC9542%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC9542" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="_DSC9542" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GXiGqcAGFx0/V-JtpkTP-4I/AAAAAAAAEn8/4XTjxsV-aa0/_DSC9542_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="544" height="364"></a></p> <p>The engine at one time was operated by steam but now is driven by a gas engine located in the tender.</p> <p>Here is the Ginger equivalent of Dan the Vala’s Engineer. The real difference is this train is a one man show. The engineer is also the ticket taker and conductor.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Lz6JK2njAM8/V-JtqTh851I/AAAAAAAAEoA/szm-Z6ZGw8A/s1600-h/_DSC9543%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC9543" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="_DSC9543" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EyY-bAd5GeU/V-Jtq4SMUfI/AAAAAAAAEoE/EZDIPM1UNXM/_DSC9543_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="544" height="364"></a></p> <p>We enjoyed the various flowers in the gardens. These are flowers that we don’t see in gardens in Nebraska. Here they grow readily</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-43eMP4sDE6g/V-JtsE0svuI/AAAAAAAAEoI/O-wLQJs2OjU/s1600-h/_DSC9535%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC9535" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="_DSC9535" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WeDZwfbLf8k/V-Jts_Kj-XI/AAAAAAAAEoM/zjOwxnkYpW0/_DSC9535_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="544" height="364"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WmrkETxIWDI/V-Jttc5QXCI/AAAAAAAAEoQ/O9CqK8mJgnQ/s1600-h/_DSC9536%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC9536" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="_DSC9536" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2auM4HsS7y4/V-Jtt5sk9KI/AAAAAAAAEoU/N0DhP8zMJI8/_DSC9536_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="544" height="364"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eByHCnrcTcg/V-Jtup8k9HI/AAAAAAAAEoY/-Bkua9b4pyw/s1600-h/_DSC9537%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC9537" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="_DSC9537" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kHRhhJTaDlg/V-JtvL2ESeI/AAAAAAAAEoc/6xqs8KNf1Rg/_DSC9537_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="544" height="364"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-k6drRB9pCpA/V-Jtvs-FOTI/AAAAAAAAEog/k6LDEIcBGlY/s1600-h/_DSC9559%252520%2525282%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC9559 (2)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="_DSC9559 (2)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Qb_WZXDaHgQ/V-JtwaVZLKI/AAAAAAAAEok/rt3_VyRdTh4/_DSC9559%252520%2525282%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="393" height="544"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MNO-Dtr2Sus/V-Jtw8yrC8I/AAAAAAAAEoo/GVD2NfUkEvE/s1600-h/_DSC9565%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC9565" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="_DSC9565" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3oFxCFsPA14/V-JtxtceHvI/AAAAAAAAEos/7M_jTtSRG9A/_DSC9565_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="544"></a></p> <p>On the way home we drove a little ways down the coast and enjoyed the views of the Coral Sea from Mooloolaba and Caloundra (Sunshine coast area).</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cxqR2XfCzTg/V-JtyBpyChI/AAAAAAAAEow/urFFxo5CJcQ/s1600-h/_DSC9572%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC9572" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="_DSC9572" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YnXyQJDw4Vc/V-Jtynb_8iI/AAAAAAAAEo0/DYrUrTazhmo/_DSC9572_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="544"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DPswnJD9mCk/V-JtzPODmcI/AAAAAAAAEo4/r_ZNeQXsRWU/s1600-h/_DSC9585%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC9585" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="_DSC9585" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kndsPjXyAr4/V-Jtz-Q2gmI/AAAAAAAAEo8/yluIZfQQx14/_DSC9585_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="544" height="364"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QdcUh8o5GqU/V-Jt0VgvNDI/AAAAAAAAEpA/GnedTWt9Jio/s1600-h/_DSC9599%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC9599" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="_DSC9599" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DjchpQzXCy0/V-Jt08oy2UI/AAAAAAAAEpE/E78-q2sbNQ4/_DSC9599_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="544" height="364"></a></p> <p>Here are a couple more flowers growing in gardens. These are in my sister’s garden around her house.</p> <p>Poinsettia</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UaxPodKZ66Q/V-Jt1ofYHaI/AAAAAAAAEpI/PlQic_iCykQ/s1600-h/IMG_2561%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2561" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_2561" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SejYUxNRaPA/V-Jt2MDDdXI/AAAAAAAAEpM/zQkklU-RFUU/IMG_2561_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="337" height="544"></a></p> <p>Amaryllis</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VOfq4lmku-g/V-Jt3ReomTI/AAAAAAAAEpQ/FcO1iG4FejQ/s1600-h/IMG_2571%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2571" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2571" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5mrrL45tGQc/V-Jt31eCy6I/AAAAAAAAEpU/LmfUowJyPIg/IMG_2571_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="544" height="337"></a></p> <p>I leave you this evening with a rainbow from this evening. A rain storm moved through late this afternoon and as the skies cleared we had this partial rainbow visible over Morton Bay.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3ssVYevftf4/V-Jt4XBtc5I/AAAAAAAAEpY/pitErkxcHlg/s1600-h/IMG_2574%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2574" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_2574" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-b0WEMyzwG78/V-Jt4wGunEI/AAAAAAAAEpc/sIRIIwMm7MI/IMG_2574_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="544" height="348"></a></p>Monty Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03411063545405721095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7521421111605959777.post-43488760299465381132016-09-18T20:39:00.001-05:002016-09-18T20:39:41.558-05:00Update–Around Manly & Brisbane<p>It has been a few days since I have updated the travel blog. We have been moderately busy visiting, and seeing the local sights in and around the local area. In the past few days we have visited One Pine Koala Sanctuary, McArthur’s Brisbane headquarters and the local flora and fauna. It is hard to believe we have been here three weeks and are on the last week of our visit.</p> <p>We have enjoyed the variety of birds in the area. The Lorikeets are particularly colorful and fun to watch on the bird feeder. </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hLOCg6uww9A/V99BVRqlmaI/AAAAAAAAEjo/i1FXLoxhgt0/s1600-h/_DSC9356%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC9356" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="_DSC9356" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lYZOpcMufk4/V99BV8AR9XI/AAAAAAAAEjs/TtZTL4LRbu8/_DSC9356_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="577" height="388"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HVW-NqBBVzE/V99BWiIURTI/AAAAAAAAEjw/lJYTQb5WRRM/s1600-h/_DSC9364%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC9364" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="_DSC9364" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CYgYO0SW7QU/V99BXJfcsNI/AAAAAAAAEj0/sru3CmtX2eo/_DSC9364_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="570" height="384"></a></p> <p>And this little guy was a surprise as I was walking around. It is a Superb Fairywren. Not the best picture, but he is a beautiful shade of blue on his cheeks. Tiny bird.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rkEXlMAgyjk/V99BXi9lGrI/AAAAAAAAEj4/qDSUpG7FYuw/s1600-h/IMG_2515%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2515" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_2515" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wwX1h9C-oaQ/V99BYPBmJmI/AAAAAAAAEj8/_yJ8zct7TOk/IMG_2515_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="438" height="587"></a></p> <p>Here is a Crested Pigeon…..very common bird, but unusual compared to the pigeons in the U.S.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DnQdr5MDOCc/V99BYsfbgTI/AAAAAAAAEkA/glKaG9brZUc/s1600-h/IMG_2553%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2553" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_2553" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-v9BQUWsW-XM/V99BZSoG5OI/AAAAAAAAEkE/r14V05zn_mk/IMG_2553_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="420" height="700"></a></p> <p>and to Cormorants are fun to watch as they dive for fish.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-moF7xnyZUa4/V99BZ2pDzUI/AAAAAAAAEkI/nJbSa5uEZnQ/s1600-h/IMG_2549%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2549" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_2549" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wRKkSqJko0E/V99BaZENYxI/AAAAAAAAEkM/vDfgZL1G8OM/IMG_2549_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="420" height="565"></a></p> <p>One of the day trips we took was to the Lone Pine Koala Sancuary.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vG9GFfZZRX8/V99BbTpwbyI/AAAAAAAAEkQ/02CBg2YD4ag/s1600-h/_DSC9385%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC9385" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="_DSC9385" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pvVZSU4zEwc/V99Bb9nRsGI/AAAAAAAAEkU/zoxzj-RMxag/_DSC9385_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="565" height="378"></a></p> <p> As you can tell from the pictures, they have more than Koalas there. One of the things we saw was working sheep dogs. It was amazing to watch them heard the sheep and move them around the paddock with minimal commands.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7bhTboRBTXM/V99BcnXD-7I/AAAAAAAAEkY/RWV3TMTbygc/s1600-h/_DSC9396%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC9396" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="_DSC9396" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xqKQpkBIi-o/V99BdfXdCqI/AAAAAAAAEkc/tVoeBvPCwMw/_DSC9396_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="565" height="371"></a></p> <p>After they move the sheep in to the pens (in preparation for shearing) the dogs will literally walk on the backs of the sheep.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-i7FkxPlgsjU/V99BeYMeGvI/AAAAAAAAEkg/3AoOVvB1wjU/s1600-h/_DSC9410%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC9410" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="_DSC9410" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-30bsZGAEmVU/V99BexRQK2I/AAAAAAAAEkk/aCs0BgIvkOQ/_DSC9410_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="565" height="378"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1CQymzNn_vE/V99Bf9HME3I/AAAAAAAAEko/vs5KNdL8yVk/s1600-h/_DSC9416%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC9416" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="_DSC9416" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dwFjH_XqLoc/V99BgmY16eI/AAAAAAAAEks/H13tsuy5nx8/_DSC9416_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="565" height="378"></a></p> <p>Of course there were lots of Koalas here.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iQcTCbwZsLE/V99BhRow3dI/AAAAAAAAEkw/sz6qWsFvqw8/s1600-h/_DSC9421%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC9421" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="_DSC9421" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dZ8mmn1KJ4I/V99BiPd--TI/AAAAAAAAEk0/oChd4JvNYnk/_DSC9421_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="565" height="378"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rLv5rAlt8iA/V99BiyI45KI/AAAAAAAAEk4/3xK3p5ocf5E/s1600-h/_DSC9431%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC9431" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="_DSC9431" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sRzaMGChQbg/V99BjYnTNiI/AAAAAAAAEk8/Gb6sit7vwNk/_DSC9431_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="378" height="565"></a></p> <p>Meet Freddy! A gentle soul!</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MCb41RBBbW0/V99Bj-m6P_I/AAAAAAAAElA/JoV5aF-PETk/s1600-h/_DSC9443%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC9443" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="_DSC9443" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VNYVqKuxkKE/V99Bklr-CrI/AAAAAAAAElE/-NUtmMj9S0Y/_DSC9443_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="378" height="565"></a></p> <p>We took the train from Manly to Brisbane and went to the McArthur Museum in downtown Brisbane. It was from Brisbane that the allies in the Pacific planned and started the drive to push the Japanese back toward Japan. The Museum is where McArthur had his offices and an apartment for his family. It has information on McArthur’s planning and the Brisbane story during the war. There were thousands of US troops in this area as the push North was planned and started. I was lucky on the day we visited. I was wearing my U S Air Force Retired baseball cap, which resulted in us getting free admission to the museum and a personalized tour of McArthur’s office.</p> <p>Hallway to McArthur’s office.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vdUaVk60hzw/V99Bk8EasII/AAAAAAAAElI/qPBfrFAe-Eg/s1600-h/_DSC9488%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC9488" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="_DSC9488" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bowmThVNQU8/V99BlvEhmyI/AAAAAAAAElM/h3yN_jJMN9I/_DSC9488_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="378" height="565"></a></p> <p>McArthur’s office.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-98OUB7NU8Dk/V99BnT-LD_I/AAAAAAAAElQ/xX2hJBVpsvg/s1600-h/_DSC9480%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC9480" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="_DSC9480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KWc-u64wUgA/V99Bn5rXUvI/AAAAAAAAElU/wcrPEqEEI38/_DSC9480_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="565" height="378"></a></p> <p>His desk</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dQNv3IEAVCM/V99BoQL6fwI/AAAAAAAAElY/tvskKdpYh9g/s1600-h/_DSC9483%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC9483" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="_DSC9483" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3zz1rE9KHmo/V99Bo5Z_DtI/AAAAAAAAElc/d_CItfY8m7E/_DSC9483_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="565" height="378"></a></p> <p>The result of a personalized tour. I really felt like a special guest of the Museum</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TAOKS3eJ_Ls/V99BpZcOEII/AAAAAAAAElg/lpTGCRZosYI/s1600-h/_DSC9481%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC9481" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="_DSC9481" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WNO8_h1jdqw/V99BqOi1VwI/AAAAAAAAElk/ipbRsJvKqxQ/_DSC9481_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="565" height="378"></a></p> <p>Near the McArthur Museum is Queen Street. It is a pedestrian mall full of shops, stores and restaurants. It was a fun place to be, even on a rainy day.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-W7i5UBKap-o/V99Bq_TxDrI/AAAAAAAAElo/iT1cetiTorU/s1600-h/_DSC9498%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC9498" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="_DSC9498" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0srFDFuFFTE/V99BrcTaL8I/AAAAAAAAEls/XuiPHlfYqx0/_DSC9498_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="565" height="378"></a></p> <p>If Hungry Jack’s looks familiar it is the equivalent of Burger King!!</p> <p>H&M is a clothing store. From the looks I would think it sells high end fashion. It even had a projected movie of the clothes being modeled on one wall.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-n2Bagms3Z0g/V99BsNIwi5I/AAAAAAAAElw/vOwTavxBMUU/s1600-h/_DSC9508%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC9508" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="_DSC9508" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-23Z-FXieYiU/V99Bs6r2IMI/AAAAAAAAEl0/elepAd4r334/_DSC9508_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="565" height="378"></a></p> <p>Typical of most big cities, it has both new and older buildings. We thought this one was particularly interesting.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UT1bYDYbJ64/V99Bti4ZBuI/AAAAAAAAEl4/YoqvpRgwumM/s1600-h/IMG_1599%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1599" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_1599" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NYzn_SE1n5s/V99BudqRe6I/AAAAAAAAEl8/PxHeo53j_J8/IMG_1599_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="565" height="565"></a></p> <p>Other found objects we saw. This may be a good place to get a hair cut.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bL3XyxFkoLI/V99BuwIChcI/AAAAAAAAEmA/9telm-yqr8M/s1600-h/_DSC9336%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC9336" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="_DSC9336" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-s2NSzDLpbk8/V99BvdGq8jI/AAAAAAAAEmE/DgnyvVbEbG8/_DSC9336_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="378" height="565"></a></p> <p>I didn’t try one of these but a gelato donut sounds kind of good</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XU6aM6SyAek/V99Bvx4mt_I/AAAAAAAAEmI/dhghlXemftQ/s1600-h/_DSC9504%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC9504" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="_DSC9504" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4ofhZ-DxnMo/V99BwX4wtFI/AAAAAAAAEmM/KcNSK9-qRnM/_DSC9504_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="565" height="378"></a></p> <p>However, the chocolate croissants are really good here.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-n3pgy7_ecA8/V99BxGN-e4I/AAAAAAAAEmQ/sqZJ1ctU3ys/s1600-h/IMG_2501%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2501" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_2501" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZDeV6BJ0n3c/V99Bxrn3MoI/AAAAAAAAEmU/MWRBxPc_hb0/IMG_2501_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="425" height="565"></a></p> <p>As the end of this edition of this blog, I leave you with some pictures of flowers and trees in the local area. They are so different from what we have in the US.</p> <p>Bottle Brush tree</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5eAgsvt990I/V99ByhEj5mI/AAAAAAAAEmY/UcEGk3QrJp8/s1600-h/IMG_2432%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2432" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_2432" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nDLsfRRe9eg/V99BzBYFLlI/AAAAAAAAEmc/fNzNiZQ-jKs/IMG_2432_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="426" height="565"></a></p> <p>Not sure what this is, but really pretty……growing out of a tree.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aeBt8OTPgIY/V99BzgUiCzI/AAAAAAAAEmg/iyFc1GYx52c/s1600-h/IMG_2434%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2434" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_2434" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0Z0NCsDkPV0/V99B0OtlDeI/AAAAAAAAEmk/6B5UoPF4b2U/IMG_2434_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="425" height="565"></a></p> <p>Bird of Paradise…….very common</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Q0Bpr8-qrEs/V99B1PhFeKI/AAAAAAAAEmo/Vt7tYvd2vTU/s1600-h/IMG_2489%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2489" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_2489" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TCW04z_f6no/V99B1jJ8oJI/AAAAAAAAEms/bWRa7GkF-Vg/IMG_2489_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="565" height="426"></a></p> <p>Jacaranda tree. The blossoms are a beautiful lillac color. They are just starting to bloom as Australia moves into spring.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XLr33Zku8mM/V99B2L9Lh2I/AAAAAAAAEmw/x1-vRGie_TE/s1600-h/IMG_2555%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2555" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_2555" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XZoaEyrYbGc/V99B25Rx_uI/AAAAAAAAEm0/XzyBtZcUlSQ/IMG_2555_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="345" height="565"></a></p>Monty Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03411063545405721095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7521421111605959777.post-91821488016668767002016-09-13T07:29:00.001-05:002016-09-13T07:29:44.906-05:00Darwin–> Manly<p>Yesterday morning, our last half day in Darwin, I took a walk around the park across the street from our hotel. Other than humid conditions, it was a nice day for walking. </p> <p align="center">Banyan Tree in the park.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iXTI6XZURo4/V9fwxgDTS3I/AAAAAAAAEg8/W0PfiWzxlU4/s1600-h/IMG_2344%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2344" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2344" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-a2eaC--V7ic/V9fwyEbAXEI/AAAAAAAAEhA/54sbEjyMKMQ/IMG_2344_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="483" height="365"></a></p> <p>One of the things we have noticed is that every town/city in Australia seems to have an Anzac memorial. Anzac was a major battle that took place during World War I. In Australia these are the equivalent to our Veterans Memorials.</p> <p>Here are a couple of pictures of the Anzac memorial in Darwin.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FQmgWFireJ4/V9fwzRaqQ_I/AAAAAAAAEhE/QRZJbhB1f_E/s1600-h/IMG_2348%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2348" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2348" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2C4r_zeVpzs/V9fwzxirBQI/AAAAAAAAEhI/Z4scsTpJAVw/IMG_2348_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="480" height="363"></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gn2C1IA9iKQ/V9fw0zSOwFI/AAAAAAAAEhM/8XaVh9UfnkQ/s1600-h/IMG_2358%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2358" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2358" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cSgwqH8MY_Y/V9fw1Y5s6XI/AAAAAAAAEhQ/G456GAzH7Xg/IMG_2358_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="485" height="367"></a></p> <p align="left">There are plaques with names of individuals that gave the ultimate sacrifice. Like our memorials, they include multiple wars.</p> <p align="left">Most trees in Australia are Eucalyptus Trees. They have unusual bark depending on the variety. This is one example I saw that caught my eye.</p> <p align="left"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-O-crKdxz_lo/V9fw2IfddnI/AAAAAAAAEhU/GyHURV1UyJs/s1600-h/IMG_2378%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2378" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_2378" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GL6W7UCkX4M/V9fw2kx97mI/AAAAAAAAEhY/fkn63g32bds/IMG_2378_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="321" height="430"></a></p> <p align="left">We enjoy looking at the variety of birds we see. These are the Orange-footed Scrubfowl.</p> <p align="left"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--tird7MO0kE/V9fw3SmasCI/AAAAAAAAEhc/ReABNnAw8Io/s1600-h/IMG_2390%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2390" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_2390" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yrDA7A7sK18/V9fw4I4CCxI/AAAAAAAAEhg/LNabc-QbLVg/IMG_2390_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="463" height="469"></a></p> <p>Other sights along my walk.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Lxj_TBEoF6U/V9fw41anmGI/AAAAAAAAEhk/NoFZlIzwhGY/s1600-h/IMG_2381%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2381" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_2381" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MAqWHBJ79jg/V9fw5l-kDwI/AAAAAAAAEho/_mnwJv3lbmU/IMG_2381_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="466" height="354"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WKPFILoZHwQ/V9fw68svxaI/AAAAAAAAEhs/Sa38JWyN3dw/s1600-h/IMG_2384%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2384" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_2384" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--q-TWQ1gsxs/V9fw7bscb4I/AAAAAAAAEhw/PEnMlxbY1to/IMG_2384_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="466" height="355"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0H3JUagRMg4/V9fw723KOtI/AAAAAAAAEh0/lqCoQ53SpLk/s1600-h/IMG_2393%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2393" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_2393" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-V5xVm0c46DM/V9fw8cI8_bI/AAAAAAAAEh4/gpVczTSE1EI/IMG_2393_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="328" height="438"></a></p> <p>There is nothing like fish and chips where the fish is Barramundi. It is a white fish that is local to this part of the world. It is my favorite.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-E0Y3fOZgoRM/V9fw9ADzqCI/AAAAAAAAEh8/2wlL8q977_M/s1600-h/IMG_2396%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2396" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_2396" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iW3-8G43_xE/V9fw9gzGIAI/AAAAAAAAEiA/E7WaS9Y5m1g/IMG_2396_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="468" height="353"></a></p> <p>We flew from Darwin back to Brisbane arriving back here yesterday evening. This morning I took a walk around Manly. I will say it was much cooler than in Darwin.</p> <p>This is the Manly Anzac Memorial.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VkIGfndwJj4/V9fw-SUamVI/AAAAAAAAEiE/XH1ZsW2qgBo/s1600-h/IMG_2397%25255B17%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2397" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_2397" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QJgHwa4dxlI/V9fw_EcPTcI/AAAAAAAAEiI/Q_IrZWazPK8/IMG_2397_thumb%25255B14%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="328" height="436"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_-eQcxfy8oA/V9fw_3AMiAI/AAAAAAAAEiM/06rTLwaF08Q/s1600-h/IMG_2400%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2400" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_2400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dxTimhWy-6c/V9fxAoeIofI/AAAAAAAAEiQ/Gyb4Ure6It8/IMG_2400_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="328" height="436"></a></p> <p>This is the Manly harbor. I didn’t count but there are over 1,000 boats located here.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KTi3H8vba4c/V9fxBTp9C-I/AAAAAAAAEiU/GKkxs--BKT8/s1600-h/IMG_2402%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2402" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_2402" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uSq6TvUh1uY/V9fxBwjTpEI/AAAAAAAAEiY/f03yJ2wqyWs/IMG_2402_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="436" height="329"></a></p> <p>The blue object in this picture is a jelly fish that got caught at low tide. They are common during certain times of the year and I was told they are starting to show up. Another reason to not swim in the ocean here (the other being sharks……in Darwin it was Saltwater Crocodiles, or Salties).</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yqr3-j7rE34/V9fxC00XzxI/AAAAAAAAEic/d5ZyKeqYbms/s1600-h/IMG_2405%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2405" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_2405" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qEfLDHIDt2w/V9fxDfzhLyI/AAAAAAAAEig/zuv0ngs49aI/IMG_2405_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="436" height="329"></a></p> <p align="center">High tide</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-czUn43LzlPg/V9fxER5_gaI/AAAAAAAAEik/aO6xDBUHiF4/s1600-h/IMG_2417%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2417" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2417" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3IPznvSarjM/V9fxE9gUUEI/AAAAAAAAEio/Acyenmfgyng/IMG_2417_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="436" height="330"></a></p> <p>We had an unusual experience today. Some of the McCafe restaurants use computer screen to order your meal. Using the screen you can have lots of choices of how your want your sandwich. We tried one today. If our experience means anything we don’t think they are ready for prime time. Here are a couple of screen shots…..</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_D51wFdfdtA/V9fxFoejIVI/AAAAAAAAEis/4OPog7AAjKU/s1600-h/IMG_1449%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1449" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 25px 0px 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1449" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--wOuGITAOE8/V9fxGXvJIMI/AAAAAAAAEiw/AobvtaiyIJo/IMG_1449_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="259" height="344"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JYugWX7SQYk/V9fxH6lT20I/AAAAAAAAEi0/4WKMhMLKICU/s1600-h/IMG_1461%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1461" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1461" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Zz5AIWIe35g/V9fxIY2Z0PI/AAAAAAAAEi4/QisaU_Yvp04/IMG_1461_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="259" height="344"></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kHqgdtihRH0/V9fxJlz9WeI/AAAAAAAAEi8/l2jMAYiAH7I/s1600-h/IMG_1464%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1464" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 25px 0px 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1464" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qe0I_6MWfmU/V9fxKZtQIfI/AAAAAAAAEjA/n3gnIsguJhU/IMG_1464_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="259" height="344"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-A_u_bFIXUDM/V9fxK0T1H_I/AAAAAAAAEjE/uEbLPe3AvTs/s1600-h/IMG_1466%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1466" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1466" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yVqmuyowhdY/V9fxLTmyMwI/AAAAAAAAEjI/7BfdLW-Hsl8/IMG_1466_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="259" height="344"></a></p> <p>Beetroot and fried eggs were not offered, as they usually are included on a hamburger. A single cheeseburger meal with fries and small coke was $12.45 Australian, or $9.23 USD. </p> <p>We did get a kick out of the name of their Wi-Fi however!</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-r45f6F_wWT0/V9fxMDfzEOI/AAAAAAAAEjM/oJC7JzUpCpQ/s1600-h/IMG_2413%25255B3%25255D.png"><img title="IMG_2413" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_2413" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FSNMYpjbRhE/V9fxMk-e98I/AAAAAAAAEjQ/cfYzycotWyE/IMG_2413_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="259" height="457"></a></p> <p> </p> <p>I’ll leave you with this picture of an unusual flower I saw this afternoon. Anyone know what it is?</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Q76H6wXnalM/V9fxNVS8F3I/AAAAAAAAEjU/FrL-BbV_pzA/s1600-h/IMG_2418%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2418" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2418" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dEFuKFz6lRo/V9fxN1VDYRI/AAAAAAAAEjY/BQ_rtBw6qRQ/IMG_2418_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="259" height="343"></a></p>Monty Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03411063545405721095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7521421111605959777.post-10659134652070440462016-09-11T07:28:00.001-05:002016-09-11T07:28:40.454-05:00Darwin–Part 2<p>Another interesting and fun day of sight seeing around Darwin. Today we learned some about the history of the city, specifically about the defense of Darwin during WW II and some about the Cyclone Tracy of 1974. The day included a van ride, boat ride around the Darwin Harbor, and another trip to the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory.</p> <p>On February 19,1942, a little over two months after Pearl Harbor, the Japanese attached Darwin Harbor and the City of Darwin. Some of the same aircraft carriers used against Pearl Harbor were used against Darwin. The difference is the February 19 attack on Darwin was the first of about more than 100 bombing attacks against Australia from 1942 till 1943. Cities all along the northern coast were attached from Exmouth in Western Australia to Townsville in Queensland.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--bUm3CKK3t0/V9VNqU1xeZI/AAAAAAAAEes/O7pje7bzbMs/s1600-h/_DSC9241%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC9241" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="_DSC9241" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-n5oaqPG81sk/V9VNq46otZI/AAAAAAAAEew/JKf6RfnTUxc/_DSC9241_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="497" height="311"></a></p> <p>Because of the seizing of the Philippines, the US Navy had started using Darwin as a staging base, so some US ships and seaplanes were located in the harbor and support staff were located in the city. The raid consisted of 187 Japanese carrier based aircraft and a second raid of 54 land based bombers. Three warships and six merchant ships were sunk, and another ten ships were damaged. Additional targets were the RAAF base and civil airfield, as well as army barracks and oil storage facilities.</p> <p>During our tour we visited some of the locations around the city and harbor.</p> <p>This is a boat similar in design to the pearl ships used by Japanese merchants before the war to search for pearls. Some of them also did reconnaissance for the Japanese military. </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ghVdkiHb6Kk/V9VNr-_pwfI/AAAAAAAAEe0/Squ0q1didGE/s1600-h/_DSC9201%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC9201" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="_DSC9201" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_petDmHqhyw/V9VNsfHyzaI/AAAAAAAAEe4/griae2h-zSc/_DSC9201_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="498" height="335"></a></p> <p>This is the current Stokes Hill Wharf. It was here that the ship MV Neptuna was hit by multiple bombs. Because it was unloading depth charges at the time, the ship exploded and subsequently sank, taking 36 of its crew and 9 dock laborers with it.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KvAFtrpuud0/V9VNtA94v6I/AAAAAAAAEe8/39U3JPPxPG4/s1600-h/_DSC9199%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC9199" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="_DSC9199" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Gg0qi43I9gg/V9VNtr0GrjI/AAAAAAAAEfA/GSCKBb1u1N8/_DSC9199_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="507" height="341"></a></p> <p>Also sunk during the raid was the USS Peary. I mentioned the USS Peary in yesterday’s blog.</p> <p>This is the current Parliament house for the Northwest Territory. In 1942 a different building was in this location and it included government offices and the post office. The building was badly damaged during the raid and subsequently torn down.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zSoCIQmlZOo/V9VNudIu5bI/AAAAAAAAEfE/S7sb3ycqG2E/s1600-h/_DSC9206%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC9206" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="_DSC9206" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0f__gAmGBcs/V9VNu58tidI/AAAAAAAAEfI/HUEgTZHGAlo/_DSC9206_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="534" height="363"></a></p> <p>This cliff is on the east side of Darwin along what was Larrakeya Army Base. If you look closely at the cliff just below the light house tower, you can see where a machine gun was located. Some of the defense locations around Darwin were put in place after England went to war in 1939 but proved to be inadequate for the times.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-c8SEbK2htyU/V9VNvrwyfzI/AAAAAAAAEfM/CoZ7hUXAoYQ/s1600-h/_DSC9222%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC9222" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="_DSC9222" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dXQAmvR3VwQ/V9VNwdlj5UI/AAAAAAAAEfQ/o31qCnGXbk0/_DSC9222_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="503" height="367"></a></p> <p>This is one of the anti-aircraft sites located throughout the city. One of the gun foundations is in the foreground and the buildings in the background are for command and control of the guns.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-E__XOE0ud-8/V9VNw2h4xLI/AAAAAAAAEfU/bNPCkjK1BqQ/s1600-h/_DSC9234%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC9234" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="_DSC9234" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VnjlZ3sopgw/V9VNxufyQvI/AAAAAAAAEfY/IftQo6Gw5rM/_DSC9234_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="509" height="343"></a></p> <p>In the fence post you will note a hole. This is the result of strafing runs made by the Japanese fighters during the raid. There are still quit a few locations around the city that show such damage. </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-unNhHiHAn2M/V9VNyUGr4bI/AAAAAAAAEfc/tEBiuvzP10c/s1600-h/_DSC9233%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC9233" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="_DSC9233" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Zua9sJiX3gw/V9VNy8fNikI/AAAAAAAAEfg/hIVUTlJNslY/_DSC9233_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="509" height="341"></a></p> <p>The map below shows the major targets hit during the raid. As you can see they were widely dispersed around the city. The damage to the city was pretty extensive.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nKx-ZebUgYM/V9VNzRTy7YI/AAAAAAAAEfk/I3LPP0sVpAw/s1600-h/_DSC9248%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC9248" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="_DSC9248" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1tVCBvlbWm8/V9VN0WuhurI/AAAAAAAAEfo/7xYVD2KKBJk/_DSC9248_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="368" height="599"></a></p> <p>While we were out touring the harbor we went by some military ships that were in the harbor. </p> <p>This one is a Japanese Navy Ship, Kind of strange going by this ship as we were exploring events that happened many years ago.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3sBI9Rgl7iI/V9VN1GgWclI/AAAAAAAAEfs/nmjS6CnROKg/s1600-h/_DSC9203%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC9203" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="_DSC9203" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BbGLuwcBL_A/V9VN1qT1jGI/AAAAAAAAEfw/KqTL74Cuh9o/_DSC9203_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="526" height="352"></a></p> <p>This is a Canadian Navy Ship that was approaching the harbor. </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ye-bnqb9d8o/V9VN2INQ8JI/AAAAAAAAEf0/FusTSHANaGk/s1600-h/_DSC9211%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC9211" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="_DSC9211" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-56MZ5pExQtc/V9VN2tK2PfI/AAAAAAAAEf4/ZCvFf9JHT9A/_DSC9211_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="523" height="352"></a></p> <p>We also cruised by an Australian Navy Submarine.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-y5lYv6qogfI/V9VN3AKkqFI/AAAAAAAAEf8/3fl4L4hMNgk/s1600-h/_DSC9218%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC9218" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="_DSC9218" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WY3gqF2kpek/V9VN3pCSNbI/AAAAAAAAEgA/JicRC4gCcjc/_DSC9218_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="521" height="352"></a></p> <p>On December 25, 1974, Cyclone Tracy hit Darwin. Although it was known to be coming, its force was much worse than expected. Winds during the Cyclone were known to be over 200 MPH but the exact speed is not known because all of the wind instruments were destroyed. The winds were estimated to be over 270 MPH based on the damage to city. The City was extensively damaged as a result. The result is that most of the buildings in Darwin were constructed after 1974. Much of the city was built in the style of the Burnett house (the name of the architect). But because of WW II and Cyclone Tracy only 5 of them exist. The houses are built on stilts and have louvers in all walls for cross ventilation. In the era before air conditioning, it helped keep the houses cool. What looks like lapped siding in the picture below is actually louvers that can be opened as needed.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7S9ZCRQBVPA/V9VN4p79GoI/AAAAAAAAEgE/0fYJjez-chA/s1600-h/_DSC9228%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC9228" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="_DSC9228" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1aGkr8vom_I/V9VN5Ichq8I/AAAAAAAAEgI/OcEOeKV6KqI/_DSC9228_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="517" height="348"></a></p> <p>That was our day. Tomorrow we leave Darwin and fly back to Brisbane. We leave you with some pictures from today’s sunset. Darwin is known for their beautiful sunsets.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RJ1QUEBj2NQ/V9VN5hrx1RI/AAAAAAAAEgM/Hv3t-JdZ5_Q/s1600-h/_DSC9260%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC9260" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="_DSC9260" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-b6vV5fgV-As/V9VN6IUgTCI/AAAAAAAAEgQ/0xx6EX5DwG0/_DSC9260_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="316" height="476"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yXQfzLQwCOI/V9VN6mp6PpI/AAAAAAAAEgU/aEfgsQyMCZY/s1600-h/_DSC9300%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC9300" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="_DSC9300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fwRwmEywOeY/V9VN7KkF4fI/AAAAAAAAEgY/HoF_ixx8kFk/_DSC9300_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="312" height="469"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GSlu0xMoUX0/V9VN8PSx_SI/AAAAAAAAEgc/u6nAZ0yvfL4/s1600-h/_DSC9312%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC9312" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="_DSC9312" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-etzb5DNS0Jg/V9VN8gor8SI/AAAAAAAAEgg/drCXGd6Yc-k/_DSC9312_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="309" height="466"></a></p> <p>The city in the twilight</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JAxlfg5ZHjE/V9VN9DgjfhI/AAAAAAAAEgk/kIVj16hXjlo/s1600-h/_DSC9323%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC9323" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="_DSC9323" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-s-3bgTaTCBs/V9VN9kqW1WI/AAAAAAAAEgo/xInz4dv_OyM/_DSC9323_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="502" height="274"></a></p>Monty Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03411063545405721095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7521421111605959777.post-28771422028047144852016-09-10T08:47:00.001-05:002016-09-10T08:47:12.201-05:00Darwin–Part 1<p>On Thursday, September 8 we flew from Brisbane to Darwin to spend a few days getting the feel for a new part of Australia. Darwin is named for Charles Darwin and it sits at Beagle Bay. Darwin is located on the Northern Coast of Australia in the Northern Territories. It is the capital of the Northern Territories. The weather is a lot warmer than most of the rest of Australia. They have only two basic seasons - the dry season and the wet season. The temperature is hot (in the 90’s) during the dry season and isn’t much hotter during the wet season, but the humidity is much higher.</p> <p>We arrived in the early afternoon. We are staying at the Doubletree by Hilton, across the street from a large park that runs along the coast.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aTkejv7aNDM/V9QOTZd8srI/AAAAAAAAEa0/b5pa1xe-qJU/s1600-h/IMG_2334%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2334" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2334" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uWbtKPz90H0/V9QOULRruWI/AAAAAAAAEa4/QTS_CPmGUnw/IMG_2334_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="345" height="462"></a></p> <p>We got checked in and then went out for a quick bite of lunch. We ended up at a place called Ducks Nuts. It had nice snacks.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EDgqWR9UHxc/V9QOUxKxWyI/AAAAAAAAEa8/7Q6O_gZ-4AI/s1600-h/IMG_2328%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2328" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2328" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-w0m0KoCXi_Y/V9QOVVNXFdI/AAAAAAAAEbA/Et6SjjpwMik/IMG_2328_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="515" height="389"></a></p> <p>After that we explored the park across from our hotel.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cc-Ya3nDgRc/V9QOWK4V4FI/AAAAAAAAEbE/XChMEKC3Be4/s1600-h/_DSC8954%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC8954" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="_DSC8954" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9O_yZKLyiaQ/V9QOWzRK2wI/AAAAAAAAEbI/QU9HHGcHjUA/_DSC8954_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="285" height="428"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6QvHHu6wz3g/V9QOXbs98ZI/AAAAAAAAEbM/PbcBhfgUwI0/s1600-h/IMG_4044%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4044" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_4044" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rp6iMX7rnw0/V9QOYGBE_wI/AAAAAAAAEbQ/E4HkCn3tdWI/IMG_4044_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="472" height="357"></a></p> <p>This is one of many World War II memorials throughout the city. This one is a gun from the USS Peary, sunk on 19 February 1942 by Japanese aircraft. She was the first destroyer lost of the Asiatic Fleet.</p> <p>We found trees in the park with strangler figs growing on them. </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-b0f3HvTHOEw/V9QOY5aLTYI/AAAAAAAAEbU/sAHnn_zvELw/s1600-h/_DSC8965%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC8965" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="_DSC8965" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ItM20KgxJoY/V9QOZZ2XY-I/AAAAAAAAEbY/IEKuWmrS6sc/_DSC8965_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="515" height="347"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WnipENYAHYY/V9QOaKlTG1I/AAAAAAAAEbc/aImq2zSFK8E/s1600-h/_DSC8968%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC8968" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="_DSC8968" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YlNC8bsmQT0/V9QOa7yL2PI/AAAAAAAAEbg/ZBh2c49eoaI/_DSC8968_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="341" height="511"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FDPHPh_Ae5E/V9QObVbCA6I/AAAAAAAAEbk/ofeOMxIg1so/s1600-h/_DSC8971%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC8971" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="_DSC8971" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ivM-wpSS2sc/V9QOccfUbAI/AAAAAAAAEbo/KIDWrT2q7xM/_DSC8971_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="339" height="509"></a></p> <p><font size="4"><strong>Friday – September 9</strong></font></p> <p><font size="2">On Friday, we took a ferry about 50 miles north to Bathurst Island, one of the Tiwi Island group. The Tiwi Indigenous Australians live on the island. We spent the day touring the town of Wurrumiyanga with our Tiwi guide. They are a very open people, willing to share their culture. They also played a significant role as part of the defense of Australia.</font></p> <p><font size="2">Because of the distance we were out view of land for part of the trip.</font></p> <p><font size="2"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DSRsvrR5K3s/V9QOcxdsk1I/AAAAAAAAEbs/eAg9VT4lr4E/s1600-h/_DSC9012%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC9012" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="_DSC9012" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3_tO9GEPrgw/V9QOdbyxLcI/AAAAAAAAEbw/7gKmfrP6Luk/_DSC9012_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="327" height="491"></a></font></p> <p>Our approach to Bathurst Island. We landed directly onto the beach.</p> <p><font size="2"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8ha9b_h0IlE/V9QOd-uQmTI/AAAAAAAAEb0/NOZSDjG-8nA/s1600-h/_DSC9016%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC9016" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="_DSC9016" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iWUTbfxM5CE/V9QOehEJE8I/AAAAAAAAEb4/rqV-S3kibvc/_DSC9016_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="327"></a></font></p> <p><font size="2">They have various form of art that they make. Batik, wood carvings, material design and silk screening, to name just a few.</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0XR8qyNCcck/V9QOfZZjEzI/AAAAAAAAEb8/q2Gp9A_eCKk/s1600-h/_DSC9023%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC9023" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="_DSC9023" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LQho0oB0OLQ/V9QOf7_YcOI/AAAAAAAAEcA/cbxM6a-PDQY/_DSC9023_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="346" height="520"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FtAfcPZ6LA0/V9QOgRst5nI/AAAAAAAAEcE/dcOt6nhlpxo/s1600-h/_DSC9024%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC9024" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="_DSC9024" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2TiVDazPyxA/V9QOhF8fSHI/AAAAAAAAEcI/_hKycXnIwfI/_DSC9024_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="350" height="237"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VsX12v_z9f0/V9QOiJ4-X3I/AAAAAAAAEcM/Ucwo9IhwC3I/s1600-h/_DSC9030%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC9030" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="_DSC9030" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4gAVgDL2uY4/V9QOit0vLTI/AAAAAAAAEcQ/14MUA5iR_Yw/_DSC9030_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="269" height="404"></a></p> <p>The wood carving and painting is truly unique. </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_kegf1f44wE/V9QOjS4XEPI/AAAAAAAAEcU/yJSM8qlO99Q/s1600-h/_DSC9029%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC9029" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="_DSC9029" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-100CR4U758A/V9QOjxwX0II/AAAAAAAAEcY/L3jGolMh6Ko/_DSC9029_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="429" height="289"></a></p> <p>The posts are ceremonial, used in burials. The poles remain in the cemetery until they fall down, and then they are left on the ground. </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-deGMB3dU0HI/V9QOkgZUH1I/AAAAAAAAEcc/awn_R468bLs/s1600-h/_DSC9041%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC9041" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="_DSC9041" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ejyRB1AnF_0/V9QOlT2-7iI/AAAAAAAAEcg/uDZOKWfOfBI/_DSC9041_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="268" height="402"></a></p> <p>This is the women’s cooperative where they design and print fabric and make clothes from the fabric.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pHVNxAiNlsQ/V9QOl-6xU_I/AAAAAAAAEck/Vpxyg7P267c/s1600-h/_DSC9038%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC9038" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="_DSC9038" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-x_PGw1n_Qac/V9QOmbPg74I/AAAAAAAAEco/RjYVROU-Lxc/_DSC9038_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="449" height="305"></a></p> <p>We spent part of the afternoon with our guide and his relatives. They talked to us about their culture and customs and demonstrated shell painting. They also did ceremonial face painting and demonstrated some of their traditional dances.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-atBuygB9k6A/V9QOnLI5_GI/AAAAAAAAEcs/BK6VovwinHg/s1600-h/_DSC9048%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC9048" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="_DSC9048" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NlrFQ0OyUkQ/V9QOnqNPcrI/AAAAAAAAEcw/Suq1RtN8cQ8/_DSC9048_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="445" height="300"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-w2sReTP9oyg/V9QOoQRUjvI/AAAAAAAAEc0/Dg89D9TZki8/s1600-h/_DSC9049%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC9049" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="_DSC9049" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vfz5TMB98os/V9QOozYY06I/AAAAAAAAEc4/KqHfiOFdSlc/_DSC9049_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="446" height="302"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9uU-39tSx54/V9QOp-WX1aI/AAAAAAAAEc8/UK9pV27gfdk/s1600-h/_DSC9052%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC9052" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="_DSC9052" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3yHFvElWbXw/V9QOqUXdm1I/AAAAAAAAEdA/EXV2wrXQTjY/_DSC9052_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="299"></a></p> <p>We also had a traditional Australian bush snack of tea and damper (biscuit like cake). (with golden syrup)</p> <p>We visited the town museum, which showed some of the history of the Tiwi and told the story of their exploits during WWII.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oZGMiStGdCc/V9QOq_fOvCI/AAAAAAAAEdE/sR-4LMNtUi8/s1600-h/_DSC9071%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC9071" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="_DSC9071" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8yX1qubqUkI/V9QOrWCLDbI/AAAAAAAAEdI/0m_I59TtCoo/_DSC9071_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="274" height="410"></a></p> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NjDz-LOJGbA/V9QOsQY5dCI/AAAAAAAAEdM/o70cbWmjCO8/s1600-h/_DSC9073%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC9073" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="_DSC9073" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-O9kd_pMglwg/V9QOtM_BK7I/AAAAAAAAEdQ/UjvHDoIQCw4/_DSC9073_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="449" height="304"></a></p> <p>Overall it was a fun and interesting day.</p> <p><font size="4"><strong>Saturday – Sept 10</strong></font></p> <p><font size="2">Today was a day on our own. We had discovered Darwin has a Hop-On Hop-Off bus that will take you to various interesting sites around the city. So we spent the day taking advantage of the bus. These are generally double-decker buses so you get a great view of the city sites as you drive.</font></p> <p><font size="2">Here is the view from our hotel balcony. Everything is lush and green. Note all the palm trees.</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9OdTC5x_CAs/V9QOtrnPx3I/AAAAAAAAEdU/bqT94KMPIsg/s1600-h/_DSC9096%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC9096" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="_DSC9096" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EsZHQrNsLEQ/V9QOuCME9fI/AAAAAAAAEdY/4eiqdTqscoU/_DSC9096_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="337" height="505"></a></p> <p>Darwin is a very water oriented community, so most of the pictures show the various bays around the city. This is Stokes Hill Wharf.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jNyxhhB9Ee8/V9QOvAjrXRI/AAAAAAAAEdc/ZLQhPbfLsu8/s1600-h/_DSC9113%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC9113" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="_DSC9113" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1yrbGeIJPxM/V9QOvmUQ4zI/AAAAAAAAEdg/1Z5V7AbdxUo/_DSC9113_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="473" height="319"></a></p> <p>This is a view from the wharf area along Darwin Harbour</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-702wW7-5Emo/V9QOwLlHaZI/AAAAAAAAEdk/TO00KehddHk/s1600-h/_DSC9118%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC9118" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="_DSC9118" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UrxmsI2k1aY/V9QOwtFud6I/AAAAAAAAEdo/MTYxO4j5i84/_DSC9118_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="475" height="320"></a></p> <p>This is the wharf and docks on the other side of the city called Cullen Bay. Because the tides are so large, some of the harbors are behind locks. The boats are raised or lowered as needed to pass between the harbor and the open ocean.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0mnEkOwgdd4/V9QOxPkYjJI/AAAAAAAAEds/R4-PXKBdOjg/s1600-h/_DSC9128%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC9128" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="_DSC9128" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BKLJrLU37VA/V9QOx4F4GUI/AAAAAAAAEdw/OryZO370VSk/_DSC9128_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="487" height="328"></a></p> <p>One of the lock gates between the harbor and open ocean.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LY1EfdZkKO4/V9QOyqTn8iI/AAAAAAAAEd0/QtDDXUHAM70/s1600-h/_DSC9182%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC9182" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="_DSC9182" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lSm2LdIHPSQ/V9QOzR9HRLI/AAAAAAAAEd4/yJepkIpka3Y/_DSC9182_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="487" height="328"></a></p> <p>We visited the Museum and Art Gallery of Northern Territory. Our main interest was the display of aboriginal art. There are some unique and beautiful items on display in the museum. This is a pelican.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tOM1hxnqM10/V9QOzx5rsoI/AAAAAAAAEd8/AkYXn0CQyy4/s1600-h/_DSC9133%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC9133" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="_DSC9133" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-toxED7HEO_M/V9QO0WITNAI/AAAAAAAAEeA/tVWIWYjuosk/_DSC9133_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="308" height="462"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MdqE82WgEYE/V9QO04xTyqI/AAAAAAAAEeE/4q4SM0yXlG4/s1600-h/_DSC9139%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC9139" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="_DSC9139" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2Q4C5qAhnGM/V9QO1VdiPoI/AAAAAAAAEeI/fsMN3L_K2xQ/_DSC9139_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="308" height="464"></a></p> <p>These are didgeridoo’s</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mOkzHnAEAas/V9QO17fiYPI/AAAAAAAAEeM/98rG5QJuqoU/s1600-h/_DSC9142%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC9142" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="_DSC9142" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QrrJFwMsSb4/V9QO2ljHCJI/AAAAAAAAEeQ/3bP97A3uxP8/_DSC9142_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="309" height="464"></a></p> <p>The museum also had a nice display of various types of boats. Many of them from the countries and lands north of Australia. </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fuZmTEmu5os/V9QO3L4rbfI/AAAAAAAAEeU/QTzmJZ0wB9I/s1600-h/_DSC9146%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC9146" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="_DSC9146" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-u4TRtup61a8/V9QO33yaNEI/AAAAAAAAEeY/qyFhTzBqRjQ/_DSC9146_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="430" height="291"></a></p> <p>We need to go back sometime as there is so much more to see.</p> <p>We also visited a new museum displaying the bombing of Darwin harbor and telling the story of the Flying Doctors of Australia. No pictures to show but was worth the visit. We even experienced a virtual reality display showing how the attack on Darwin harbor took place.</p> <p>That brings you up to date on our adventure…..tune in again soon for more.</p>Monty Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03411063545405721095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7521421111605959777.post-78390622211572067032016-09-07T06:42:00.001-05:002016-09-07T06:42:46.748-05:00Around Manly<p>For the past few days we have been in relaxed mode, mostly traveling around the local area, walking, and generally enjoying the early spring weather. Here are a few of the sights we have seen. Manly is a small community south of Brisbane and is where Monty’s sister and brother-in-law live. The area was originally mostly a boating area in the early 1870’s, but became more of a resort area when the first train was put through in 1879. People camped in the area and a few resorts were built to serve visitors from Brisbane. After the turn of the century when cars started to become popular, people started moving into the community, but it remained an area popular with boaters. The harbor shown below was built in the mid 1900’s. The marina now holds over 1,000 boats. It is fun to walk along the breakwater and watch the boats come and go, and the wind and sail boarders do their thing.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-I9U2vunlzak/V8_89PJaEpI/AAAAAAAAEZA/xyqGxM8OcrE/s1600-h/IMG_1310%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1310" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1310" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZWPwDp9ZUtc/V8_89rDpsfI/AAAAAAAAEZE/1ljAT0J3MDU/IMG_1310_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="508" height="384"></a></p> <p>We took a short trip to the Wynnum Jetty where we found in-laid art work based on Aboriginal art.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Z0WPRIrOvL0/V8_8-CULUiI/AAAAAAAAEZI/z26Hp2LIaCg/s1600-h/_DSC8903%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC8903" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="_DSC8903" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YKF5rJAeYGc/V8_8-jxmQPI/AAAAAAAAEZM/JWlwil0-bHk/_DSC8903_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="378" height="567"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZTMV5_y5WWA/V8_8_oy0ctI/AAAAAAAAEZQ/MckUKWxkc4A/s1600-h/_DSC8906%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC8906" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="_DSC8906" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Xnwj3nOS2eY/V8_9AYdglJI/AAAAAAAAEZU/eRiP452z_-k/_DSC8906_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="545" height="367"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-32Cx9imft6s/V8_9B6IVrKI/AAAAAAAAEZY/XyiBW0o5hZ8/s1600-h/_DSC8910%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC8910" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="_DSC8910" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3AjhzNkUPVE/V8_9CS_mRgI/AAAAAAAAEZc/kcIle_qgYRk/_DSC8910_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="553" height="375"></a></p> <p>And around the playground we found tile art in-laid in the concrete.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RXXHnJ4r8KY/V8_9DNB0pGI/AAAAAAAAEZg/EVFmapYyTRQ/s1600-h/IMG_2314%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2314" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2314" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Bj8oFKtYSMs/V8_9DtQ7uRI/AAAAAAAAEZk/8mqvuru1eck/IMG_2314_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="358" height="479"></a></p> <p>We are always impressed by the variety of birds, all of which are very different from what we have at home. </p> <p>Lorikeets</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NmZdql2u4Z0/V8_9EcT60dI/AAAAAAAAEZo/PMXmhj8ovh8/s1600-h/_DSC8896%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC8896" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="_DSC8896" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZUHWtLNqXHM/V8_9E9WHfeI/AAAAAAAAEZs/ikOUpB9rBTE/_DSC8896_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="475" height="320"></a></p> <p>Ibis</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DOBEXsGkfSY/V8_9FivbwGI/AAAAAAAAEZw/v7FCPb--_LE/s1600-h/_DSC8914%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC8914" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="_DSC8914" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HgShQ6gMwo8/V8_9GK7bjSI/AAAAAAAAEZ0/JPggYCGUWpI/_DSC8914_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="474" height="319"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1rj3tYjvRzA/V8_9G4MDWoI/AAAAAAAAEZ4/uGphj92hF_o/s1600-h/_DSC8917%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC8917" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="_DSC8917" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yR8BZ_6W5f4/V8_9HetLQxI/AAAAAAAAEZ8/SyPZW3wCF9s/_DSC8917_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="474" height="320"></a></p> <p>Willie Wag Tail</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hl-aOQ9-qGE/V8_9H1E-XHI/AAAAAAAAEaA/F2D4RVOTnSU/s1600-h/_DSC8936%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC8936" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="_DSC8936" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dmAJEd49LP8/V8_9IlZWdEI/AAAAAAAAEaE/kYCLY0oBysA/_DSC8936_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="462" height="389"></a></p> <p>Egret (ok so we have these in the US)</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8vgADhyP1xk/V8_9JefBwfI/AAAAAAAAEaI/4SuBlGj6QPE/s1600-h/IMG_1286%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1286" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1286" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-T8QfrLZBmGA/V8_9KNPKR1I/AAAAAAAAEaM/TfYXjdasfno/IMG_1286_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="475" height="359"></a></p> <p>Unusual signs you aren’t likely to see in the US.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-at0NDrjZ1ZM/V8_9Ktw3PqI/AAAAAAAAEaQ/y3Jq8hmQDQA/s1600-h/_DSC8933%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC8933" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="_DSC8933" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CWa9A8_Gd28/V8_9LOlwU6I/AAAAAAAAEaU/EVwJag0IVjw/_DSC8933_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="409" height="466"></a></p> <p>And finally food. We ate at a place called Indigiscapes Cafe. Good food but with a twist. The spices and herbs are all “bush” food that add some really delectable flavors. </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_fJbutgg3v0/V8_9L6exf7I/AAAAAAAAEaY/iJr0LX4GlKw/s1600-h/_DSC8939%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC8939" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="_DSC8939" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jYg3XFyZhPo/V8_9Ma7uaNI/AAAAAAAAEac/GdL-t0c7Uks/_DSC8939_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a></p> <p>And of course the pastries in most cafes look really delicious. I have had chocolate croissants and fruit scones. A chocolate croissant hot out of the oven just can’t be beat!!</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oXSwwf-ajp4/V8_9M-RUcZI/AAAAAAAAEag/4kWBwuZeWQI/s1600-h/IMG_1306%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1306" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1306" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pUrvcNfysfA/V8_9Nf17PGI/AAAAAAAAEak/f5t5dcwONaE/IMG_1306_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="244"></a></p> <p>Tomorrow we are off to Darwin for four days. Should be interesting. </p>Monty Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03411063545405721095noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7521421111605959777.post-9494194178693541972016-09-03T20:53:00.001-05:002016-09-03T20:53:06.326-05:00Sunday–Happy Father’s Day<p>Yes, today is the day Father’s Day is celebrated in Australia…..so happy Downunder Father’s Day to all the dads out there. Maybe if you are really nice today you can get another tie!!</p> <p>The past few days have been spent changing our biological clock and catching up with things that never get discussed during Skype calls. Most of the time has been spent in the Manly area enjoying the seaside. I have been taking daily walks down the hill and along the esplanade and out to the end of the breakwater. The weather has been really nice, with clear to partly cloudy skies and temperatures between 10 and 24…….OK for you US people that is between 50 and 75. The rain we have had has come at night, so it hasn’t bothered us at all.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mbtAXi1Yy20/V8t-Vupy4XI/AAAAAAAAEXg/-47_0DwqGg0/s1600-h/IMG_2282%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2282" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2282" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JOdZ8GK5nTE/V8t-WBqIk7I/AAAAAAAAEXk/WDsSred32II/IMG_2282_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="653" height="495"></a></p> <p>Walk on a cooler evening…Roy, Katie, Sylvia</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TBKs8R09xgw/V8t-W3I0TcI/AAAAAAAAEXo/7WHdFn219UA/s1600-h/IMG_2286%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2286" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2286" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CzXOJYgYnSg/V8t-XRxcwLI/AAAAAAAAEXs/m_H80Y15Ehw/IMG_2286_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="658" height="498"></a></p> <p>View of Moreton Bay from one of the hills.</p> <p>Here are some typical Queensland style houses. These houses were originally built above the ground level but now they often have ground level rooms. I’ll try to add more pictures later.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eap26xRCnEA/V8t-YMCshdI/AAAAAAAAEXw/0-XL_wjkTiI/s1600-h/IMG_2291%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2291" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2291" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-s-enINOEOX0/V8t-YxZCKpI/AAAAAAAAEX0/Yw4PwPt_j_w/IMG_2291_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="654" height="496"></a></p> <p>We picked up a rental car. The local cat decided the “spoiler” was a great place to take a nap.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-F6yKMSP0l7w/V8t-ZADg9ZI/AAAAAAAAEX4/5zTkfmUzemY/s1600-h/IMG_2285%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2285" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2285" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pJX2gbb9CJk/V8t-Zq_Hb3I/AAAAAAAAEX8/R_0DS2IQYPk/IMG_2285_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="522" height="701"></a></p> <p>Yesterday we took a drive North of Brisbane to Redlands. It is popular area with lots of tourist activities. One of its claims is being where the band The Beegees got their start. There is an alley where they played in the early days. The tables are set for the annual Beegees dinner later than evening. We didn’t get our tickets in time lol.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VxiY6C2Dbzk/V8t-afbetfI/AAAAAAAAEYA/UxP2z6pD9_s/s1600-h/_DSC8873%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC8873" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="_DSC8873" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-slAX7dYgMp0/V8t-a75KUeI/AAAAAAAAEYE/rg812R0Uz6c/_DSC8873_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="615" height="416"></a></p> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_FBTb2-YPMM/V8t-bREcB6I/AAAAAAAAEYI/y4eTeyNnKQI/s1600-h/_DSC8876%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC8876" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="_DSC8876" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jv1S59fp-V8/V8t-cPUHhWI/AAAAAAAAEYM/auAV1r-OTqg/_DSC8876_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="610" height="412"></a></p> <p>This statue shows their early days when two of the brothers were young (14?). Below is another statue shows them in their adult years.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xFQy-zqnBXI/V8t-cqlpUtI/AAAAAAAAEYQ/hJU7M9D15Lw/s1600-h/_DSC8877%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC8877" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="_DSC8877" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PhnwBOaBM2c/V8t-dBHa5iI/AAAAAAAAEYU/ABZZ50fTGcc/_DSC8877_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="619" height="418"></a></p> <p>The area has lots of wind and sail surfers. It was a windy day yesterday so these surfers were really scooting along. Sometimes the sail surfers will get lifted out of the water…..board and all.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jn2HziwQmXc/V8t-d7zfWEI/AAAAAAAAEYY/cbVqhMqaPLs/s1600-h/_DSC8867%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC8867" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="_DSC8867" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FSiFof_mGKY/V8t-ec1j-yI/AAAAAAAAEYc/SA2IrsOwPQQ/_DSC8867_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="627" height="424"></a></p> <p>Along the esplanade is this interesting sculpture called Opto. Erected in 2011, it reacts to the wind by changing directions and speed of the two counter-rotating hoops. </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YfwcH_wvL0c/V8t-e1sW_MI/AAAAAAAAEYg/9XaEGRk2JxQ/s1600-h/IMG_4022%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4022" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_4022" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-twvwsfn6l24/V8t-fQpzj6I/AAAAAAAAEYk/lmoOQacsSbU/IMG_4022_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="412" height="542"></a></p> <p>And of course no trip would be complete without a picture of the local Ibis. These birds are fairly common to the area and don’t seem to have any fear of people. Kind of like pigeons are in the US.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7ZeuNMuq_Z0/V8t-f7COuUI/AAAAAAAAEYo/pqkgeHPhZg8/s1600-h/_DSC8884%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="_DSC8884" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="_DSC8884" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-d4SjomBNwSI/V8t-gPehgYI/AAAAAAAAEYs/H-1bzaFB_1Q/_DSC8884_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="539" height="363"></a></p> <p>We have made plans to take a side trip to Darwin, in the Northern Territory. We are looking forward to seeing that part of Australia.</p>Monty Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03411063545405721095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7521421111605959777.post-17161989830890122152016-09-01T01:19:00.001-05:002016-09-01T01:19:06.924-05:00Long Day<p>It has been a few days since I have added anything to my blog. My excuse is it has been a long day and a couple of days to recover. Where to start…..</p> <p>We left Norfolk on Sunday (August 28) early afternoon. We were lucky to meet with Dan, Alaina, Dayna, and Anne in Omaha where we had an early dinner with them. It was a wonderful afternoon eating, chatting, and ended with some time on the playground at Elmwood Park. It was a little bit of a warm day, but by the time we got to the park, the temperatures were starting to cool some.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-y44LWMP2QpA/V8fIHSZpswI/AAAAAAAAEVc/2oclwxfJPIE/s1600-h/IMG_1243%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1243" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1243" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-utzrx-Z76fw/V8fIHxQAHLI/AAAAAAAAEVg/tcs-QJUcsaE/IMG_1243_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="329" height="441"></a></p> <p>Anne and Lottie looked so cute in matching outfits. </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-i3CJ6UjErQA/V8fIImLAK0I/AAAAAAAAEVk/zdLxNlgKlKc/s1600-h/IMG_2220%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2220" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2220" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Wx6zAOSjH0Y/V8fIJBpEu2I/AAAAAAAAEVo/0xKEAM-LcbQ/IMG_2220_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="329" height="362"></a></p> <p>A little swing time in the park</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KaTgIBZedBk/V8fIJoTjbGI/AAAAAAAAEVs/PxN8XUiJJck/s1600-h/IMG_2224%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2224" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2224" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fP-rjqS2Km0/V8fIKCBLkGI/AAAAAAAAEVw/vCsdal8dkMU/IMG_2224_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="329" height="442"></a></p> <p>Spider girl?</p> <p>After a lovely afternoon, Katie and I headed for the hotel and an early bedtime. Tomorrow starts early and will last for many hours.</p> <p>Monday was the official start of our adventure. We were at the airport in Omaha by 7:15 AM and checked in for our flights to Los Angeles. We went from Omaha to Las Vegas and then to Los Angeles. A few sights from the air:</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dcvPYX8FgL8/V8fIK1R2bkI/AAAAAAAAEV0/1UXteuPFtcU/s1600-h/IMG_2228%25255B14%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2228" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2228" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1w0nBxzEzvk/V8fILcphFuI/AAAAAAAAEV4/TIUVnOhY1Gc/IMG_2228_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="403" height="305"></a></p> <p>Departing from Omaha, shortly after takeoff. See you in about a month!</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WtLcovklFc0/V8fIMK670BI/AAAAAAAAEV8/NPIatCJOeMU/s1600-h/IMG_2229%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2229" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2229" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tyJNIV_bgWI/V8fIMa-eBzI/AAAAAAAAEWA/s8BV3kuhk58/IMG_2229_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="306"></a></p> <p>I had to take this picture. We flew just south of Ashland, NE, the home of Dan and Alaina and their two daughters.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Bws0xO0MeRw/V8fINNFG_qI/AAAAAAAAEWE/uCt2ZGeKEF0/s1600-h/IMG_2247%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2247" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2247" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MN5OG4BpBNk/V8fINUdZ2MI/AAAAAAAAEWI/bbsC4hASrlk/IMG_2247_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="405" height="306"></a></p> <p>I am always interested in watching the terrain we fly over if the weather is clear. This is Bryce Canyon in Southern Utah. The terrain is so varied. From 36,000 feet, you get a really nice overview of the variation.</p> <p>We arrived in LA early afternoon. We went through the drill of claiming our bags from Southwest Airlines (our favorite domestic airline), getting the LAX Shuttle to the International Terminal, and then rechecking our bags with our overseas flight airline, Air New Zealand. The only issue we really had was the top handle on Monty’s bag was broken and no opportunity to shop for a new bag. But mission was accomplished, we got our bags checked, and ourselves checked in for our overseas flight.</p> <p>Our layover was about 10 hours…….we filled the time, with a nice (really nice) lunch. All of the eating places are after security. We found a place called III Forks. It had white table cloths, real glasses, excellent food and not busy. Nice place to kill some time.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qcYWsAWoBJU/V8fIOcEdinI/AAAAAAAAEWM/iO_PNwEsE28/s1600-h/IMG_2260%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2260" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2260" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jwhbxrkB8YA/V8fIOocKppI/AAAAAAAAEWQ/JlStfPmrBhY/IMG_2260_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="428" height="325"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zRFnYTuBTnY/V8fIPcfDKoI/AAAAAAAAEWU/LjeOmkTAFNo/s1600-h/IMG_2258%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2258" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2258" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_OSCcK3q2uo/V8fIPzPsi9I/AAAAAAAAEWY/HLeagoGRXP4/IMG_2258_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="427" height="323"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0RiRr45l6ug/V8fIQdtHsOI/AAAAAAAAEWc/KzlsJvhATOc/s1600-h/IMG_1261%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1261" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1261" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nQQofKLmc4o/V8fIQxzBFcI/AAAAAAAAEWg/sbi2zxJWJjM/IMG_1261_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="423" height="535"></a></p> <p>The clock in the main concourse was worth a gander for a while.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OJRboHCEHPg/V8fIRaGNulI/AAAAAAAAEWk/nzkjq1YxeiY/s1600-h/IMG_2256%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2256" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2256" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8YdfV2qCXgQ/V8fIRzknPBI/AAAAAAAAEWo/zNd_b8z_v_M/IMG_2256_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="423" height="320"></a></p> <p>It is animated with dancers, and lots of moving gears. Fun to watch for a while. It isn’t always a clock…later it was an underwater scene with divers. Of course the people-watching in an airport is always fun. But eventually our flight was called and we boarded our Air New Zealand Boing 777. We like this airline because of their premium economy seats. Very comfortable, with lots of room to stretch out.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qvUyy4lcEBk/V8fISfKzoiI/AAAAAAAAEWs/OPSkEvt3pIs/s1600-h/IMG_1262%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1262" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1262" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3KmbRLDoPdg/V8fISwVhkEI/AAAAAAAAEWw/VSQHbUMalOE/IMG_1262_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="387" height="518"></a></p> <p>Twelve hours, two meals, and some sleep later we arrived in Auckland, New Zealand, where we changed planes for our last flight, into Brisbane. Roy (Monty’s brother in law) met us at the airport and brought us to Manly and the Willie home. Total time from leaving the motel in Omaha to their home was 38 hours…..no wonder we were tired.</p> <p>Now as I write this it is September 1st, the first day of spring (still August 31 in the US). We got a good nights sleep and have been out for a walk along the bay. This is a mangrove swamp at low tide.</p> <p> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FKbL2uy3z9Q/V8fITqgXpVI/AAAAAAAAEW0/hIUrGXEefdI/s1600-h/IMG_2269%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2269" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2269" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qQDRaYLhdPA/V8fIUP30xkI/AAAAAAAAEW4/Z94dsTua1Fk/IMG_2269_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="317" height="423"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kkRbCCxJzzs/V8fIU6baeQI/AAAAAAAAEW8/kO9OZB_NwyM/s1600-h/IMG_2273%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2273" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2273" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EQYdXgjSo90/V8fIVP8pCMI/AAAAAAAAEXA/92EB6WOFDrU/IMG_2273_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="401" height="312"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-41xyMlJEHV8/V8fIV-MCHkI/AAAAAAAAEXE/I4T-pS2UP6s/s1600-h/IMG_2275%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2275" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2275" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PojBZfBfp4k/V8fIWbROGvI/AAAAAAAAEXI/JdcCyr6dVYU/IMG_2275_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="279" height="372"></a></p> <p>We are glad to be here and will probably be more adventuresome after our body clocks get totally adjusted. Until next time!</p>Monty Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03411063545405721095noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7521421111605959777.post-25689558323271479132016-08-26T23:55:00.001-05:002016-08-26T23:55:48.447-05:00Australia 2016<p>Well, we are off on a long trip again. After two years of being around home and somewhat limited travel, we are headed back to Australia. We are leaving on Monday, August 29 and expect to be back home on Tuesday, September 27. The next couple of days will be the typical rush to get packed, and make last minute arrangements.</p> <p>I’m not sure we are looking forward to being away from a bed for over 35 1/2 hours, but that is what it takes to travel 10,857 miles. Of course that includes plane changes along the way. We fly from Omaha to Los Angeles, to Auckland, New Zealand and then into Brisbane, Australia. The long flight (12 hours) is at night so I expect we will be napping in our seats. </p> <p> I tried to show our route on a single map, using Google Earth. However It isn’t to see it in a single map, so I have included three screen grabs.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RrNaPQem8W8/V8EdTU67T5I/AAAAAAAAEU4/-X2RQ_dXnfM/s1600-h/OMA-LAX%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="OMA-LAX" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="OMA-LAX" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WI_ZxbhyMls/V8EdThRfZOI/AAAAAAAAEU8/_Weiw2GZnXA/OMA-LAX_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="402" height="385"></a></p> <p>First map shows the flight across the country to Los Angeles and the start of the flight over water.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--voKxN9w66Y/V8EdTyyMRPI/AAAAAAAAEVA/V8xCGkdnmuE/s1600-h/LAX-NX%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="LAX-NX" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="LAX-NX" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AKcNvIyYBJI/V8EdUGn030I/AAAAAAAAEVE/sghL458nOVA/LAX-NX_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="393" height="365"></a></p> <p>This is the bulk of the trip from Los Angeles to Auckland, New Zealand. We get a three hour layover there to change planes and stretch our legs.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wOSSvdR59PQ/V8EdUgNEcKI/AAAAAAAAEVI/qT_8XlIbMLc/s1600-h/NZ-OZ%252520MAP%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="NZ-OZ MAP" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="NZ-OZ MAP" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Vf55IbWwp8M/V8EdUy0vzJI/AAAAAAAAEVM/g0mlmxuo5DI/NZ-OZ%252520MAP_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="405" height="236"></a></p> <p>And the final leg from Auckland into Brisbane, Australia.</p> <p>The plan for this trip is to spend most of our time in the Brisbane area, visiting Sylvia and Roy (Monty’s sister). We don’t have any definite plans at this point but may take a few days and visit Darwin in the Northern Territory. There is still a lot of places to explore around Brisbane so doubt that we will get bored. If we do get to Darwin, then we will have been able to travel to points along all four coasts. We have been able to see much of Australia on our previous three trips, including parts of the East Coast (Brisbane, Sydney, Gold Coast, Fraser Island, Blue Mountains), We have been to Melbourne (south coast), Canberra, Uluru (Ayers Rock), Kings Canyon, Perth (west coast) and some of the Southwest coast.</p> <p>I probably will only add to this blog as we visit interesting places and see unusual sites. So come back once in a while and see what we have been up to. As always, we like to hear your comments. My next entry will be after we arrive.</p> <p>Cheers!!</p>Monty Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03411063545405721095noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7521421111605959777.post-29195755440987087952014-08-30T19:06:00.001-05:002014-08-30T19:06:30.781-05:00To Eugene – Eugene<p>It has been a few days since I have added to the blog.  It isn’t because I was lazy, but was to busy visiting with people along the way.  We are in Eugene as I write this.  It has been a scenic drive with lots of visits with Monty’s relatives.</p> <p>We left North Platte and drove to a cabin in the Rocky Mountains west of Denver.  We visited with Marion and Woody, They have a lovely cabin just north of US 40 between Winter Park and Granby, Colorado.  The cabin is in the woods at 9,000 feet.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_67LBPBXd9A/VAJmkaJZdSI/AAAAAAAAEB0/f0-ISm2cV0g/s1600-h/DSC_5365%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_5365" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_5365" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-mFJq1-ko1x8/VAJmlL2WX8I/AAAAAAAAEB8/HpO8C8N0yBQ/DSC_5365_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="570" height="385" /></a></p> <p>Marion and Woody were gracious hosts.  We had a lovely time visiting them.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ayhUN9WJfnM/VAJml7-xKcI/AAAAAAAAECE/DaDFiB5UhHc/s1600-h/DSC_5362%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_5362" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_5362" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5djOYQ9TUZ4/VAJmmpual5I/AAAAAAAAECI/KKPEJMIOxQ4/DSC_5362_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="407" height="545" /></a></p> <p>We had fun watching the hummingbirds,</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-mtYkGd24bk4/VAJmnRTq2VI/AAAAAAAAECQ/WC1VU0DR2m0/s1600-h/DSC_5331%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_5331" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_5331" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XxD_oI8gcSg/VAJmn9MseEI/AAAAAAAAECY/VofdPXePmzk/DSC_5331_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="546" height="414" /></a></p> <p>The fox that came very close</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-K7kRBPg4S20/VAJmov7_M2I/AAAAAAAAECg/ZGgjNk13a0E/s1600-h/DSC_5342%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_5342" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_5342" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-PD7-xM7V7vw/VAJmpCYnIyI/AAAAAAAAECo/Jy6cFggWcv0/DSC_5342_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="425" height="565" /></a></p> <p>and the deer just up the hill from the cabin</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-1ioUVLvFrNQ/VAJmpm7NXfI/AAAAAAAAECw/fgKdGFsQevg/s1600-h/IMG_3054%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_3054" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_3054" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-py8PJ4gpUqc/VAJmqD65unI/AAAAAAAAEC4/NDjDB2R25Fw/IMG_3054_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="601" height="453" /></a></p> <p>Since they are just off Highway 40, we had a really scenic drive across Berthoud Pass and Rabbit Ears pass.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vn4Kr6pN4Qc/VAJmq6qcXiI/AAAAAAAAEDE/uQo9oNpjB58/s1600-h/DSC_5394%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_5394" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_5394" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5F5ODh9bYlk/VAJmsNHy-iI/AAAAAAAAEDI/ZDMXnKGouQ8/DSC_5394_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="589" height="446" /></a></p> <p>From there we drove to Sandy Utah and had a nice visit with Pat, Marion’s sister.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6BuhEKgS0XA/VAJmso3-mYI/AAAAAAAAEDU/1RnSqpXi-iI/s1600-h/DSC_5436%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_5436" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_5436" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-T-ja7J6zV4c/VAJmtbXe-FI/AAAAAAAAEDY/1d81os4_H0Y/DSC_5436_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="371" height="559" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p>Of course we had to take a picture of the Pink Dinosaur in Vernal Utah.  Kind of reminded us of Pink Flamingos.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1iEciT-mxgA/VAJmt08FuXI/AAAAAAAAEDg/ojofDH_Kt5M/s1600-h/DSC_5411%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_5411" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_5411" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4O0sfPdA7b0/VAJmuQcBrnI/AAAAAAAAEDo/YDAeUQ7NoHk/DSC_5411_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="387" height="514" /></a></p> <p>On Wednesday we drove up to Kaysville to another cousin Doris.  She and her husband Dennis invited her sisters and their families to a lovely cookout in their back yard.</p> <p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-OHep9slZrlc/VAJmvLxxcZI/AAAAAAAAED0/cRN9NtkGJh4/s1600-h/IMG_3062%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_3062" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_3062" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-UfCxAdOksPs/VAJmvubNUEI/AAAAAAAAED8/NipmamOVL1U/IMG_3062_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="595" height="451" /></a></p> <p>On the way to Doris’s home we drove by the house where Monty’s Mom grew up, and visited the gravesite of Monty’s Grandfather and Grandmother (his Mom’s parents).</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-LyTShSCUUUI/VAJmwi-zkEI/AAAAAAAAEEA/oVxeFlwAaDI/s1600-h/DSC_5439%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_5439" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_5439" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1AGdJWhBWzQ/VAJmxXhMflI/AAAAAAAAEEM/_n0y80Vt-i4/DSC_5439_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="602" height="405" /></a></p> <p>The headstone marks a family grave site where not only is Grandfather Woodmansee buried, but his two wives, his parents, and his sister.  I’m glad we took the time to look it up.</p> <p>At the cookout we had a really nice visit with Doris & Dennis and also Loretta, Annette, and Rita.  With some of their children there and their families it was a really nice visit.</p> <p>Thursday we were on the road again toward Eugene.  We drove through varied landscapes to Boise, ID.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Z_cCsHQmW-Q/VAJmxvygqeI/AAAAAAAAEEQ/kZX5Smk9I8A/s1600-h/DSC_5465%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_5465" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_5465" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-mKlMQ9H8dJI/VAJmyReVK_I/AAAAAAAAEEc/pIWhrRRro_E/DSC_5465_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="621" height="419" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-sp2CyKdoL4U/VAJmzO1A6iI/AAAAAAAAEEg/LcyZfjp61Hs/s1600-h/DSC_5470%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_5470" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_5470" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3jQ5MMdHZSc/VAJmzjHwgcI/AAAAAAAAEEo/m-TaTgm9hsg/DSC_5470_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="618" height="468" /></a></p> <p>We had dinner at Barbacoa, a lovely restaurant in Boise.  It is beside a local park and overlooks a lake.  We had a table outside.  It was a little warm, but they had misters to keep us cool.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-PK6R1zpgirE/VAJm0ElB84I/AAAAAAAAEE0/IwQY8okO9pI/s1600-h/IMG_3083%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_3083" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_3083" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-tyfiQn7hfxc/VAJm07bt3KI/AAAAAAAAEE4/pBvIBQpsT5k/IMG_3083_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="630" height="478" /></a></p> <p>Our meals were excellent.  Lamb Chops</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vUADjRCQ8kc/VAJm1Vd6mcI/AAAAAAAAEFE/1bs2gLvrqyo/s1600-h/IMG_3085%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_3085" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_3085" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-vNUe2ge5XC4/VAJm2FLpThI/AAAAAAAAEFM/o_TLQwHIkjQ/IMG_3085_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="633" height="480" /></a></p> <p>and Fajitas</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-MKX7TQepeto/VAJm284jZ9I/AAAAAAAAEFU/Rhg3xTsFbp4/s1600-h/IMG_3084%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_3084" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_3084" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Nxf2u7mPdhI/VAJm3uVhSHI/AAAAAAAAEFY/5oGwTjkogFM/IMG_3084_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="627" height="475" /></a></p> <p>On Friday, we left Boise and drove to Eugene.  We drove across Oregon on US 20 to Sisters and then Oregon 126 to Eugene.  This is a pretty drive through high desert, mountains and then across the Cascades into Eugene.  Leaving Boise we saw hot air balloons ascending into the morning sky.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-m1VfPzmNnzY/VAJm4XrtNXI/AAAAAAAAEFk/3XR2H0WHurI/s1600-h/IMG_3093%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_3093" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_3093" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-SXWBWHIZPF4/VAJm5XraJsI/AAAAAAAAEFo/APrVocj8Md8/IMG_3093_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="588" height="443" /></a></p> <p>Some of the terrain as we crossed the state.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-FwZUNGguhQ0/VAJm5wtd5qI/AAAAAAAAEFw/YXU-I_HUK1s/s1600-h/IMG_3098%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_3098" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_3098" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XC8_MEICGwc/VAJm6Yn-tLI/AAAAAAAAEF4/rBuKdQKerlk/IMG_3098_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="588" height="446" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Ah5yObaoD_A/VAJm66ACoEI/AAAAAAAAEGE/vsAtYNoOhog/s1600-h/IMG_3105%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_3105" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_3105" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2JJ0Y_cmzbo/VAJm7ekkHVI/AAAAAAAAEGI/UKc7qTpAkW8/IMG_3105_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="586" height="444" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-QNp4cs2eCeM/VAJm8OCMy4I/AAAAAAAAEGU/6mD5FrIeD6k/s1600-h/DSC_5474%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_5474" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_5474" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-cQZkrNGVLUE/VAJm8jqml6I/AAAAAAAAEGY/TlrPqDI-_lY/DSC_5474_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="596" height="401" /></a></p> <p>Of course any self respecting quilter has to stop at The Stitching Post in Sisters.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-HdcUUPAubWw/VAJm9EFMnyI/AAAAAAAAEGg/rfUmmflj5bY/s1600-h/DSC_5488%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_5488" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_5488" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-VawEm0hQMgQ/VAJm9nwPI3I/AAAAAAAAEGo/B43QjISJEw8/DSC_5488_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="593" height="400" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-drwggZEdhMc/VAJm-JMDn0I/AAAAAAAAEG0/izwy6kwNOak/s1600-h/IMG_3127%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_3127" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_3127" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-nikucWAdPTI/VAJm-190bWI/AAAAAAAAEG4/xLxB5Ca8Ia4/IMG_3127_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="590" height="447" /></a></p> <p>That brings us up to today (August 30).  This morning we went to the Eugene Saturday Market.  This takes place each Saturday in downtown Eugene.  They have lots of venders selling their wears. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-X6_iqRhGh1g/VAJm_TTezJI/AAAAAAAAEHE/4HBLUzAnD9Y/s1600-h/IMG_3131%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_3131" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_3131" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Fe7oWSmfkFg/VAJm_6qtAII/AAAAAAAAEHI/NlmCzR8dyY8/IMG_3131_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="598" height="453" /></a></p> <p>Of course Ruby had to get her face painted,  this time with a raccoon.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-a_Pm8raPuk4/VAJnAbdsljI/AAAAAAAAEHQ/ewRljSzyTDY/s1600-h/DSC_5504%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_5504" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_5504" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Y3hMIpF314o/VAJnBDg3eTI/AAAAAAAAEHc/XP2asTCtzJM/DSC_5504_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="597" height="402" /></a></p> <p>That brings you up to date.  Tomorrow will be another adventure yet to be determined.  Until then……enjoy your day and thanks for reading along.</p> Monty Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03411063545405721095noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7521421111605959777.post-76708808390543722872014-08-24T22:50:00.001-05:002014-08-24T22:50:18.443-05:00To Eugene–Grand Island and North Platte<p>It was a nice day for a drive today.  We had partly cloudy skies and good roads all day.  Our first stop today was at the Nebraska State Fair, primarily to see the quilts that are on display there.  There are 662 quilts on display.  There were so many that the large quilts have to be hung overlapping.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4DuP7UgztX4/U_qyF51qPiI/AAAAAAAAD-Y/GOxFEv0Qij8/s1600-h/DSC_5224%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_5224" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_5224" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1P8zPLojvQQ/U_qyHAFQmVI/AAAAAAAAD-c/HmaHAreJxfg/DSC_5224_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="435" /></a></p> <p>This quilt was made by two grandmothers for their (our) granddaughter Anne.  No awards, but we think it should have won something.  After all it is our granddaughter (right, Janiece)!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-jCBpKTbhsig/U_qyH-GZHwI/AAAAAAAAD-o/rsoLb27_r6Q/s1600-h/DSC_5232%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_5232" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_5232" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1mtG-QsZwmk/U_qyIzOegjI/AAAAAAAAD-w/aUHch28KhWQ/DSC_5232_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="356" height="536" /></a></p> <p>Some other quilts your author liked.  I like this optical illusion done in a quilt.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-EwR6j5fWLe4/U_qyKGwv1XI/AAAAAAAAD-4/PQaF_BBj_Mk/s1600-h/DSC_5234%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_5234" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_5234" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-OVwlpd8iGfY/U_qyLK6SkeI/AAAAAAAAD-8/qxc5x4NwMz0/DSC_5234_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="343" height="459" /></a></p> <p>The quilt on the right is one of Katie’s and won a second place ribbon.  it is an African sun-dyed fabric closely quilted on the machine.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-fS1zCKgA0_w/U_qyL9YB3zI/AAAAAAAAD_E/7wUqxsNF29c/s1600-h/DSC_5235%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_5235" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_5235" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-BCeREAqNIaw/U_qyM4S2mdI/AAAAAAAAD_Q/Umt9VPXwTRQ/DSC_5235_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="570" height="431" /></a></p> <p>Some other pictures from around the fair.</p> <p>The Midway</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-caPhfa1ZiGc/U_qyNdYFJEI/AAAAAAAAD_Y/fyL2HhvDBWU/s1600-h/DSC_5227%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_5227" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_5227" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xgQQ4Z563LE/U_qyOE13cOI/AAAAAAAAD_g/9ei7KcW2Ob4/DSC_5227_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="576" height="388" /></a></p> <p>The People Mover and some of the buildings used for various exhibits.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-J4VVp7d7FaI/U_qyPFT6jTI/AAAAAAAAD_o/PKcz0m7MC-c/s1600-h/DSC_5228%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_5228" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_5228" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ntLswJ0AniQ/U_qyP6o5GyI/AAAAAAAAD_s/6-b8qO4yBsI/DSC_5228_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="571" height="386" /></a></p> <p>And of course just a few of the many food vendors.  You name it and it was probably available either on a stick or deep fat fried!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-D_MVKqdP4pw/U_qyQnCzW9I/AAAAAAAAD_4/ydvMqpLDdDg/s1600-h/DSC_5229%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_5229" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_5229" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-SLYFIighhBc/U_qyRYidjAI/AAAAAAAAEAA/nLkcKV6leTo/DSC_5229_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="572" height="387" /></a></p> <p>From the fair we drove to North Platte.  North Platte was once called Hell on Wheels when it was first founded as a railroad town during the construction of the transcontinental railroad.  The Union Pacific is still a major employer with the largest train yard in the US.   You can see the Bailey Yard in operation from the Golden Spike Tower.  From here you can see “more trains than you can keep track of”.  It has two classification humps where they change the makeup of freight trains. Each car rolls down a gentle incline and connects onto the proper train. In addition they do minor and major maintenance work on their engines.  Some views from the tower.</p> <p>Part of the engine maintenance yard and classification yard.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-OEWfOHx5ShA/U_qyTRx61II/AAAAAAAAEAE/sCCXGEhSGvo/s1600-h/DSC_5240%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_5240" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_5240" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-M6tCzAuIxrk/U_qyUb_G2-I/AAAAAAAAEAQ/XszQzdFQWdg/DSC_5240_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="558" height="376" /></a></p> <p>Engine Maintenance building.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-oP0mtpFi0os/U_qyVBKAKkI/AAAAAAAAEAY/LCBiBEOA-1w/s1600-h/DSC_5244%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_5244" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_5244" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-MT94Z5N01Ek/U_qyWNgP47I/AAAAAAAAEAg/PWmlh8vcCNI/DSC_5244_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="555" height="375" /></a></p> <p>View east of the rail yard.  This picture also shows a typical corn field….another major industry in Nebraska.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-prOzUtE6cBo/U_qyXQG2ffI/AAAAAAAAEAk/1KodWZYT5KE/s1600-h/DSC_5246%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_5246" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_5246" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qryJnYqo17s/U_qyYPwd0AI/AAAAAAAAEAs/v956lfqVzpM/DSC_5246_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="555" height="375" /></a></p> <p>The yard is 7 miles long and 2 miles wide.  It operates 24 hours a day.  The tower has other displays and a nice gift shop.  Worth a stop if you are in the area.</p> <p>We also visited the the 20th Century Veterans Memorial.  Located just south of Interstate 80, this is a park that honors veterans from the wars of the 20th Century.  That includes, WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, and Operation Desert Storm.  The centerpiece is the carved brick wall that depicts these wars.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-X-HTWU9z--Y/U_qyZK8VX6I/AAAAAAAAEA4/ZTNAMfA40is/s1600-h/DSC_5259%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_5259" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_5259" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-MWehKl40LMY/U_qyZjowzII/AAAAAAAAEBA/BCfp6m5zarU/DSC_5259_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="559" height="376" /></a></p> <p>In addition there is a memorial to the ladies that served so many soldiers at the North Platte Canteen from 1941 to 1946</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-YL3E3pDiLfE/U_qyaWuYf_I/AAAAAAAAEBI/Wm3CbyalubI/s1600-h/DSC_5253%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_5253" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_5253" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-byaUdziWuJ8/U_qybiEfabI/AAAAAAAAEBQ/HWlfUrsnIdg/DSC_5253_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="557" height="376" /></a></p> <p>In included this bronze statue</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-fkiVwbx2hWA/U_qycWNiksI/AAAAAAAAEBY/kKwPAEFNDps/s1600-h/DSC_5255%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_5255" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_5255" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-yq2P8-HVWRM/U_qyduHc_EI/AAAAAAAAEBg/nEjtWdJlvsM/DSC_5255_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="311" height="467" /></a></p> <p>Tomorrow we are off to Colorado and a visit with one of Monty’s cousins.  We are looking forward to seeing and driving through mountains again.  </p> Monty Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03411063545405721095noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7521421111605959777.post-18893239784843613182014-08-23T21:34:00.001-05:002014-08-23T21:34:06.378-05:00Driving to Eugene–Lincoln, NE<p>Well we are on the road again. This time we are taking a driving trip to Eugene, Oregon and back.  We like road trips and seeing all the scenery along the way instead of from 39,000 feet.</p> <p>The planned route is Norfolk, Lincoln, North Platte via the Nebraska State Fair, Northwest of Denver, Salt Lake City, Boise, Eugene.  Then return via Twin Falls, Rock Springs, Cheyenne, and Home.  Along the way we are visiting family (cousins) and of course our son Tom, Holly, and granddaughter Ruby.</p> <p>Today was a very short day with a drive to Lincoln, NE.  Our youngest granddaughter Anne turned 3 this week so we got a chance to wish her a happy birthday and some swimming in our motel pool.  It was a good day.  </p> <p>Anne had a good time opening her presents.  She now has a Bitty Baby doll.  We heard on good authority that the baby’s name is Charlotte.  </p> <p>Some pictures:</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-SOIWmUzSVCc/U_lO6iP1PfI/AAAAAAAAD8w/9RktFiE5P2o/s1600-h/DSC_5202%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_5202" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_5202" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-kuIVdtlPNS4/U_lO7xoM4xI/AAAAAAAAD84/19cg4cDLWHQ/DSC_5202_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="356" height="476" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ckOt10dMmWw/U_lO9k2YatI/AAAAAAAAD9A/DfGqkWFdhAs/s1600-h/DSC_5205%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_5205" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_5205" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-V7PG3y66OYE/U_lO-pTsHAI/AAAAAAAAD9I/XQHXvZYBQ3Q/DSC_5205_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="615" height="463" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-QgB8YL2bNAQ/U_lO_tZYbcI/AAAAAAAAD9Q/S9reCRQTZAs/s1600-h/DSC_5207%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_5207" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_5207" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7BjJ6I0kmMY/U_lPAabjCUI/AAAAAAAAD9Y/xoSXhrXLAz0/DSC_5207_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="617" height="416" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-rOKOBUmWpYo/U_lPBpIQurI/AAAAAAAAD9g/bAeitahNRfE/s1600-h/DSC_5210%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_5210" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_5210" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-eKpsG2NxFpQ/U_lPCydlxoI/AAAAAAAAD9o/4MRcRiKRMYw/DSC_5210_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="612" height="412" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zi762Vw4kNY/U_lPD5sOVWI/AAAAAAAAD9w/GTBthi434LM/s1600-h/DSC_5217%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_5217" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_5217" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-PU_mGiBGNbQ/U_lPE4WTm_I/AAAAAAAAD94/6DYdH0KvqIM/DSC_5217_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="619" height="468" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-zYVhZobYrUk/U_lPGKhucuI/AAAAAAAAD-A/udvwgNaDVxE/s1600-h/DSC_5219%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_5219" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_5219" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-z7F6O_FhUFY/U_lPGzLUKeI/AAAAAAAAD-I/QSMRGUx2Ets/DSC_5219_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="621" height="470" /></a></p> <p>Tomorrow we are off to North Platte, NE with a stop at the Nebraska State Fair in Grand Island to look at the quilts.  </p> Monty Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03411063545405721095noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7521421111605959777.post-51740427764735918012014-06-09T20:29:00.001-05:002014-06-09T20:29:57.225-05:00Final Day and Home<p>We are home after a fun filled three weeks in Western Australia. It is always fun to visit places we have not been, see new places, and have new experiences and adventures. But it is also good to be home and sleep in our own bed, eat familiar food, and get clean clothes.</p> <p>Our last day in Perth was spent doing some laundry and repacking suit cases. But the day was not all work. We took the Red CAT (Central Area Transit) bus to the CBD to mail a package to ourselves and spend a few more hours in Perth. You can tell the CAT buses by the CAT painted on the side.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-c-PFOfDR9XI/U5Ze9W0Eh_I/AAAAAAAAD4Y/ymfRHhANkIE/s1600-h/DSC_4872%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4872" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4872" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qQ9EcktoOq0/U5Ze_cHXVnI/AAAAAAAAD4g/i-1h9b_shN0/DSC_4872_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="578" height="391"></a></p> <p>In the public art department we saw a series of bonze statues called Footsteps in Time that depict businesspeople through the ages. First represents the Dutch exploration around 1697.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-claAP6pQ8t0/U5ZfA5gmg2I/AAAAAAAAD4o/65QfwQ3eXJI/s1600-h/DSC_4868%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4868" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4868" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-QPZAM0V5UhA/U5ZfB9p5oaI/AAAAAAAAD4w/lmsafHVFI8E/DSC_4868_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="377" height="566"></a></p> <p>Next the Anglo – Celtic settlement of the Swan River around 1829</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-v7VAONIoTJk/U5ZfCiC7tpI/AAAAAAAAD44/9bpbHuyevbo/s1600-h/DSC_4866%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4866" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4866" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-iZEF2Pr6vGw/U5ZfD5F6BqI/AAAAAAAAD5A/mWJbN79ZoWQ/DSC_4866_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="378" height="570"></a></p> <p>The Discovery of Gold 1885 – 95</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-MvtEeDKb-yk/U5ZfE3r_v9I/AAAAAAAAD5I/KNjVCr_JvFs/s1600-h/DSC_4865%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4865" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4865" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-HtJnnGObb5g/U5ZfF53XqYI/AAAAAAAAD5Q/dHyyAZUEJQM/DSC_4865_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="376" height="565"></a></p> <p>Post World War II European Immigration – 1945 – 55</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-F2MM0BG_6mk/U5ZfG_nrP2I/AAAAAAAAD5Y/sMXtsSpj8W4/s1600-h/DSC_4864%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4864" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4864" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-pGK4KqxUUJ8/U5ZfHvvh3_I/AAAAAAAAD5g/7eJi1z35u4k/DSC_4864_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="378" height="570"></a></p> <p>and finally Millennium Man – 2004</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-11VPXzQGKcI/U5ZfIgRjRAI/AAAAAAAAD5o/6gSlKKD_msI/s1600-h/DSC_4863%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4863" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4863" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-o9NLqa7YqFg/U5ZfJ76aHNI/AAAAAAAAD5w/SNfsLvKRy_s/DSC_4863_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="377" height="569"></a></p> <p>and I will add one more picture that I believe adds to this public art, and that is a view of the statues with 2014 man on business.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-93iw-PPwFxo/U5ZfLSeEh3I/AAAAAAAAD54/M57neonnjC0/s1600-h/DSC_4870%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4870" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4870" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZXWDKhRpkjU/U5ZfMiTGNbI/AAAAAAAAD6A/wNxmlzpbRks/DSC_4870_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="595" height="402"></a></p> <p>We then caught Blue Cat bus to the museum area just north of the CBD. There we visited the Western Australia Museum. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-i5qWct0k5c8/U5ZfOE0mBxI/AAAAAAAAD6I/q6F3kB1RHvo/s1600-h/DSC_4874%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4874" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4874" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-R_wypZSN_e0/U5ZfPcD8UNI/AAAAAAAAD6Q/H0o-NJnuU94/DSC_4874_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="593" height="399"></a></p> <p>The museum has a variety of displays including the history of Western Australia (closed because of the Dinosaur display), local animals, information on the aboriginal natives, and lots more we didn’t have a chance to see.</p> <p>Of course we had to stop at the Ben and Jerry’s Airstream trailer for an ice cream!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-HA-6P6cyLGg/U5ZfQiws3xI/AAAAAAAAD6Y/fHlDnGnJSN0/s1600-h/DSC_4886%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4886" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4886" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-fxPMG1YBzVI/U5ZfRwzsxKI/AAAAAAAAD6g/OLLg_zkuXmI/DSC_4886_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="618" height="417"></a></p> <p>The museum area also includes the Art Museum, and the State Library. There is a large public space with a large TV screen. While we were there, it displayed moving color blobs, short movies, and a live picture of the area with computer generated dinosaurs that appeared to be moving around the area.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qmhw7Pp254U/U5ZfS8gMMAI/AAAAAAAAD6o/uE0x327tSeo/s1600-h/DSC_4888%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4888" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4888" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Vefmzpfvlhs/U5ZfUYqGg6I/AAAAAAAAD6w/q4kDG7Vib9Q/DSC_4888_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="623" height="419"></a></p> <p>There were wide steps, where people congregated to talk or watch the screen.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-QzIC0K6nUiI/U5ZfVR7BvsI/AAAAAAAAD64/3pNpU3OIGLQ/s1600-h/DSC_4891%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4891" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4891" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-K24ea3ld1fA/U5ZfXNbcLTI/AAAAAAAAD7A/V-qHcU_PH_s/DSC_4891_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="620" height="418"></a></p> <p>Later, on our way back to the hotel we say St Mary’s Cathedral.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-dG4fnDi7Sok/U5ZfZYQHySI/AAAAAAAAD7I/dEkjx9k-4lQ/s1600-h/DSC_4897%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4897" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4897" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-542RlDkX-Vs/U5ZfbPtYd4I/AAAAAAAAD7Q/PRicZmIItss/DSC_4897_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="619" height="418"></a></p> <p>On Friday, we flew from Perth to Melbourne where we stayed overnight before catching our airplane home. Then Saturday was the long flights. We flew from Melbourne to Auckland, had a two hour layover, and then flew 12 hours to Los Angeles.</p> <p>Our last view of Australia</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-GO83cirYeM0/U5ZfcS9R4MI/AAAAAAAAD7Y/d_qhMuavRrs/s1600-h/DSC_4908%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4908" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4908" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HDaD57B3MJ0/U5ZfdmWjmUI/AAAAAAAAD7g/le7geyp827I/DSC_4908_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="618" height="417"></a></p> <p>The coast of New Zealand as we made the approach into Auckland</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-zvi-wj90Vbc/U5ZffBIibcI/AAAAAAAAD7o/UTBjwlhxu7w/s1600-h/DSC_4920%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4920" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4920" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--bOJzIARyh0/U5Zfg0kqTjI/AAAAAAAAD7w/M2Durns-GIM/DSC_4920_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="617" height="415"></a></p> <p>We flew in the Premium Economy seats like we did going over. The space is wonderful, the food good, and the service on Air New Zealand excellent.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-fpXWsiZE87I/U5Zfi1R2FyI/AAAAAAAAD74/JSx2SiyiokY/s1600-h/DSC_4911%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4911" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4911" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Z6RwPdER3Wc/U5ZfkcPUhII/AAAAAAAAD78/L_gSsSEWs4o/DSC_4911_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="374" height="563"></a></p> <p>Because of the landing time in Los Angeles, there were no flights to Omaha, so we stayed overnight and flew home on Sunday. On arrival we had a nice surprise when Dan, Alaina, Dayna, and Anne greeted us at the airport. That also gave us a reason for one more restaurant meal before we headed home.</p> <p>Overall, this is been a great trip. We were discussing the some of the events and places and couldn’t come up with a single favorite. All of the places we saw and things we did were fun. Seeing and visiting the Magpie group was lots of fun, and of course being with Sylvia and Roy was the icing on the cake.</p> <p>This was our third trip to Australia. We have been a lot of places during our trips, including Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra, Gold Coast, the Blue Mountains, Uluru, Kata Tjuta, Kings Canyon, Melbourne, Perth, Freemantle, Fraser Island, Margaret River, Augusta, Albany, Wave Rock, The Pinnacles. We walked at the tops of the trees (twice), and have seen lots of unusual animals and birds. And we have just scratched the surface of the variety of Australia. Australia is a great country with friendly people. Even with the long plane ride, it is well worth the effort.</p> <p>We don’t know what is next for our travels, but we have some trips we are thinking about taking…..probably road trips yet this summer. So, check back periodically…….you just never know what adventure we will think up next time.</p> Monty Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03411063545405721095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7521421111605959777.post-52791017348740812612014-06-04T23:14:00.001-05:002014-06-04T23:14:14.754-05:00The Pinnacles<p>We had a lovely day for a drive through the country.  It was a bright sunshiny day with temperatures in the low 20’s…………..(that would be the low 70’s for us).  </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Z2gi0WSH3C8/U4_stcyTemI/AAAAAAAAD1A/7hG712408Uw/s1600-h/DSC_48495.jpg"><img title="DSC_4849" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4849" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-UHAQbnVAGnE/U4_syr6ULcI/AAAAAAAAD1I/4g9NUAQ1sqs/DSC_4849_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="679" height="458" /></a></p> <p>The drive north from Perth was 220 kilometers, mostly along two-lane roads.  But traffic was light, weather was good, and the roads were great.</p> <p>I have shown a picture of our Hyundai ix35 (the copper chariot).  It has been a terrific car for our travels around Western Australia.  We have driven well over 2,000 kilometers, at an average of 7.5 liters per 100 kilometers.  It is very comfortable to drive.  Roy has been my navigator the entire trip, so I didn’t have to worry about how we got there.  That makes things much easier when driving on the “other” side of the road and on the “other” side of the car.</p> <p>The road was mostly through bush country and past small coastal towns.  Our first stop was at Cervantes where there is an information center for the Pinnacles and Nambung National Park.  The information center was actually a small variety store.  The store clerk was very helpful in providing us a couple of maps and information.  I say variety store, but the variety was very different from what most people would expect.  It had a whole wall of bolts and nuts (1/2” bolts 5” long, and bigger).  A display of needle and thread…..but no fabric, lots of fishing tackle and bait (live and artificial), magazines, and of course tourist “art” objects.  It was fun just wondering around the store.</p> <p>From there we went to the Lobster Shack for lunch.  This area is famous for its lobsters.  It was an outdoor eatery and had four items on the menu.  Fish and Chips, Sea Food Medallions, and Lobster 1/2 or whole).  The food was great.  I got a kick out of the sign in the middle of the restaurant.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Ejevgm2O4QM/U4_s3Z3UswI/AAAAAAAAD1Q/Tat-0jIkfvY/s1600-h/DSC_48125.jpg"><img title="DSC_4812" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4812" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-RKCn6sgjrWA/U4_s_au9EnI/AAAAAAAAD1Y/5PxQLwGHQLg/DSC_4812_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="669" height="452" /></a> </p> <p>This is the first time I have been to a place where the distance to Cape Town, South Africa is a shorter distance than New York City!</p> <p>After lunch we found a place where Katie could put her feet in the Indian Ocean.  This has been her tradition since she was a little girl.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-tuxd5XcnrZc/U4_tCali7XI/AAAAAAAAD1g/FHOODin9q0I/s1600-h/DSC_48185.jpg"><img title="DSC_4818" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4818" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-cGnES3Lygw8/U4_tF-iXMrI/AAAAAAAAD1o/i8YD4ez-ouM/DSC_4818_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="403" height="606" /></a></p> <p>She has now waded in the Atlantic, Pacific (from both sides), The Southern Ocean, The Indian Ocean, The Tasman Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and the Caribbean Sea.</p> <p>From there we went to Nambung National Park and The Pinnacles.  This is a desert area just inland from the Indian Ocean, where thousands of limestone rocks have been exposed.  The rocks stick up out of the stand like little pinnacles.  </p> <p>When you drive into the area, it is hard to believe they are there because it looks like just bush country.  This is the board walk leading to the interpretive center.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-QJzbV3j-3Zo/U4_tLH5_L3I/AAAAAAAAD1w/pab_kpn5jEQ/s1600-h/DSC_48216.jpg"><img title="DSC_4821" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4821" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-VYqingT7V6s/U4_tNsSz3vI/AAAAAAAAD14/DUJCNTzsgiA/DSC_4821_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="676" height="456" /></a></p> <p>But just a short distance you find this.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-tM81gpDaVKI/U4_tUZM76VI/AAAAAAAAD2A/UWiCwgaJVjo/s1600-h/DSC_48256.jpg"><img title="DSC_4825" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4825" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Ktx54ceYs8Y/U4_tX0MhF7I/AAAAAAAAD2I/cevMeG_AMog/DSC_4825_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="675" height="457" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-fM0TKtuADgs/U4_tfvGzoOI/AAAAAAAAD2Q/T34u8_ZQB2o/s1600-h/DSC_48264.jpg"><img title="DSC_4826" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4826" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-UezFt12LDyo/U4_tkJsP2aI/AAAAAAAAD2Y/hhD9wJqbLN4/DSC_4826_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="668" height="449" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-N8hb38PajN8/U4_tpB5YvvI/AAAAAAAAD2g/5LdyyLLpWjk/s1600-h/DSC_48306.jpg"><img title="DSC_4830" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4830" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-OiNxv7v344k/U4_tsTQkA-I/AAAAAAAAD2o/_V-rT2b-CfU/DSC_4830_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="666" height="450" /></a></p> <p>This view is looking toward the coast and Indian Ocean.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-kKv6u78icFc/U4_txPp1kgI/AAAAAAAAD2w/f9AcvobhpVI/s1600-h/DSC_48385.jpg"><img title="DSC_4838" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4838" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lEpKOOdD7n8/U4_tz8k8O5I/AAAAAAAAD24/Cq8HR4MO8B4/DSC_4838_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="669" height="451" /></a></p> <p>There is road through the area with lots of turn outs so you can stop and explore the area.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-mzlYFzYzVCE/U4_t4mQca8I/AAAAAAAAD3A/-hmmdIMiew8/s1600-h/DSC_48436.jpg"><img title="DSC_4843" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4843" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-bH8Y0m6bbbg/U4_t7BDyKxI/AAAAAAAAD3I/lMF8iqZupt4/DSC_4843_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="669" height="454" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--URBUzzou_s/U4_t_I0vsoI/AAAAAAAAD3Q/xJ6bl8RXS_E/s1600-h/DSC_48445.jpg"><img title="DSC_4844" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4844" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-dNi3B4JV9Ag/U4_uBflj0SI/AAAAAAAAD3Y/SSFKcUra95w/DSC_4844_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="668" height="451" /></a></p> <p>This will give you and idea of the size of the pinnacles.  As you can see the size varies.  These are not boulders sitting on top of the sand, but the tops of bigger rocks that have been exposed through erosion over thousands of years.  Think icebergs where most of the rock is below ground level.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-kJYgK4Al4J4/U4_uH5HOA2I/AAAAAAAAD3g/K7wbBwNC-Bc/s1600-h/IMG_29206.jpg"><img title="IMG_2920" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2920" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-q4V-YofImUg/U4_uOHygDSI/AAAAAAAAD3o/TasE8I0SX48/IMG_2920_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="661" height="503" /></a></p> <p>Here is a picture of the four of us at the Pinnacles.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9s0gJV12RsA/U4_uTAjpHdI/AAAAAAAAD3w/tn46TIPsHE8/s1600-h/DSC_48425.jpg"><img title="DSC_4842" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4842" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--8yRVm8OnxU/U4_uWAlwIdI/AAAAAAAAD34/RnXhwg9PL8k/DSC_4842_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="658" height="444" /></a></p> <p>I will leave you with this final picture of “public art” from Perth.  We have passed it many times during the day and though it was interesting, but at night, with the shadows from by the multiple layers of metal really makes it look like a lot of kangaroos are passing by.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-21nFe92hPRc/U4_ud8snigI/AAAAAAAAD4A/lO9gRsw--1A/s1600-h/DSC_48565.jpg"><img title="DSC_4856" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4856" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9_uQ7YsYBOk/U4_ukjY4N_I/AAAAAAAAD4I/8Sn2NVfaLMU/DSC_4856_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="650" height="490" /></a></p> <p>This will probably be our last entry in the blog until we get home.  We start our journey back tomorrow with a flight to Melbourne.  Then Saturday, we fly from Melbourne to Auckland to Los Angeles and on Sunday we fly from Los Angeles to Omaha via Denver. </p> <p>This has been a fun trip.  We thank Roy and Sylvia for flying over from their home in Brisbane to join us for these almost three weeks.  And a special thanks to Gilly and Terri for organizing all of us during the Magpie meet up week.  We got to see a part of Australia we didn’t expect to and meet some great people.</p> <p>Until the trip wrap-up…..thanks for coming along.</p> Monty Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03411063545405721095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7521421111605959777.post-9773142273815132772014-06-03T09:02:00.001-05:002014-06-03T09:02:26.659-05:00A day in Perth<p>Today was the most we have done in the City of Perth itself.  When we were here a few days ago we did a lot, but most was in the surrounding area. </p> <p>This morning we caught the CAT Red bus and went to a large pedestrian mall in the Central Business District (CBD).  This is one of four bus routes that goes around the CBD.  The cool thing is these buses are free.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-xiMPO-skmFM/U43SiNGawDI/AAAAAAAADsY/PdtZzsZyH-A/s1600-h/DSC_4686%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4686" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4686" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-VYFw8U8yLrU/U43Skix0cRI/AAAAAAAADsg/Dbl5oczD3UM/DSC_4686_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="351" height="526" /></a></p> <p>The mall was about 10 blocks from our hotel.  It consists of a 2 block by 3 block area that is full of stores of all types and sizes.  All vehicles go around this area, so it is totally open to pedestrians.  As the saying goes, if you can’t find it here, then you probably don’t need it!</p> <p>this is a narrow walkway that used to be an alley.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-GQ3eVBio_Cw/U43SoPXLzmI/AAAAAAAADso/7zH5HUGuyH4/s1600-h/DSC_4689%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4689" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4689" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-RGo7kMjJkGw/U43SqdrqHBI/AAAAAAAADsw/c005ovaI5fw/DSC_4689_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="346" height="521" /></a></p> <p>This is a view along one of the main walk areas that used to be a street.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-nIC1PAGrXzw/U43SyquaS_I/AAAAAAAADs4/TIHsFdnucfM/s1600-h/DSC_4692%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4692" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4692" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-mZU8sLnTkvA/U43S16Vt6cI/AAAAAAAADtA/3gZyEUFeqcY/DSC_4692_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="673" height="454" /></a></p> <p>This is another “alley” that is made up to look like a London shopping street.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-kTifggejwbs/U43S5m59elI/AAAAAAAADtI/tiPWGviwQAo/s1600-h/DSC_4695%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4695" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4695" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wlYyArldkpc/U43S9GY7bTI/AAAAAAAADtQ/ZBd-_tnMEtA/DSC_4695_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="676" height="459" /></a></p> <p>Complete with a painting of Henry VIII.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-dOfCUZFCBDU/U43TCtnpR4I/AAAAAAAADtY/GY5rpCjzEpA/s1600-h/DSC_4699%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4699" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4699" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Tq2e6AiiWjk/U43TGLZgHkI/AAAAAAAADtg/09zx454YcIg/DSC_4699_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="676" height="459" /></a></p> <p>Of course there were street entertainers</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-EwBkY8jESMQ/U43TJSH6-WI/AAAAAAAADto/_GGeRuLN-mM/s1600-h/DSC_4691%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4691" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4691" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-SyOxmBdSrW8/U43TLdJQYlI/AAAAAAAADtw/HRlg_NHK0Ik/DSC_4691_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="367" height="492" /></a></p> <p>and public art</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-NXnnNjxZ3nk/U43TRCBJmZI/AAAAAAAADt4/teDLab_7844/s1600-h/DSC_4706%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4706" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4706" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-73i9D6bJdAo/U43TU2DEmSI/AAAAAAAADuA/eDJgxogFcIo/DSC_4706_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="669" height="451" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-b8W3kwkc554/U43TaF890MI/AAAAAAAADuI/ruF9fw7TQ-w/s1600-h/DSC_4716%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4716" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4716" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6kxt08CzM1k/U43Td8O1ZqI/AAAAAAAADuQ/k80z4zeha9g/DSC_4716_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="670" height="452" /></a></p> <p>After our shopping we got back on the Red CAT and rode it all the way around its route.</p> <p>This is City Hall.  It was built by the convicts many years ago.  The rumor is the “arrow” windows were copied from the arrow pattern on the convict’s clothing.  They did it as a “joke”.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-irwYRUHUphw/U43TiCza6KI/AAAAAAAADuY/k5kyFt5xFYM/s1600-h/DSC_4708%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4708" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4708" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gAuuhH8wsEQ/U43TlIYWnTI/AAAAAAAADug/7pwK-xsf-8U/DSC_4708_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="381" height="574" /></a></p> <p>We enjoy the lattice work found on many of the balconies on the older buildings.  This is fairly common all over Australia in the bigger cities.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Sm8wRycSU1s/U43Tpt4zUFI/AAAAAAAADuo/7PTBbm3PnmY/s1600-h/DSC_4713%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4713" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4713" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--CnyMMzyc2s/U43Tshe5GfI/AAAAAAAADuw/Ostlb9o4Y8U/DSC_4713_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="669" height="451" /></a></p> <p>This is the Swedish Hotel near the mall.  We ate here during our earlier visit to Perth.  What we didn’t realize until today, is the building is purple.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-TD4LpOCGYMs/U43TxbAjjNI/AAAAAAAADu4/gujmzKqrohY/s1600-h/DSC_4717%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4717" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4717" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-p6-TQelgreQ/U43T0B1OTRI/AAAAAAAADvA/Ku_3SJjAZgk/DSC_4717_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="662" height="448" /></a></p> <p>This afternoon we went to Kings Park and Botanical Garden.  It is a large park just West of the CBD.  It overlooks the city and the Swan River.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wCo78fNFvA4/U43T47J0iFI/AAAAAAAADvI/K3GVaVK1EIM/s1600-h/DSC_4741%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4741" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4741" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Z1JjVyq-3os/U43T7qAFIcI/AAAAAAAADvQ/crSKMYdWltc/DSC_4741_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="672" height="453" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-30xHuBDQQGA/U43UASYpM0I/AAAAAAAADvY/Ypqp4LfdHKA/s1600-h/DSC_4744%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4744" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4744" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-YY7bNj7FYIA/U43UDJGz5JI/AAAAAAAADvg/T5xaRmkwQ6s/DSC_4744_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="673" height="454" /></a></p> <p>We had lunch at the Botanical Café,</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-VHClHlniQ7k/U43UHS2CQpI/AAAAAAAADvo/TgiLVV5fWOA/s1600-h/DSC_4730%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4730" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4730" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hiCLAwCg550/U43UMimJ34I/AAAAAAAADvw/9q0xTmzaQE4/DSC_4730_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="669" height="452" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ZP4Awtbk5Lc/U43UQXqeyfI/AAAAAAAADv4/SAaCNw55MTQ/s1600-h/DSC_4731%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4731" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4731" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-q8FbbjCL5OM/U43US_1BLlI/AAAAAAAADwA/TA-fPCTZlg0/DSC_4731_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="667" height="450" /></a></p> <p>and then walked among the plants and trees.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5bJkfEag8_k/U43UYYCYQfI/AAAAAAAADwI/P_QQa4wXyN0/s1600-h/DSC_4769%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4769" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4769" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-wxw0W7bNlQw/U43Ub7nv7PI/AAAAAAAADwQ/T8Xju4jP0ko/DSC_4769_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="668" height="451" /></a></p> <p>Snake Eremophila</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-mFHQ6rfLqiY/U43Uf52QmRI/AAAAAAAADwY/g1CcdweSROQ/s1600-h/DSC_4757%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4757" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4757" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-lsyVjcpUjy4/U43UiXkDZwI/AAAAAAAADwg/lsCOWhZf17A/DSC_4757_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="553" /></a></p> <p>Not sure what this is because it was unmarked, but a succulent from South Africa.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4H-fgp9rs3s/U43Uog8JGZI/AAAAAAAADwo/2z0y7BNJubA/s1600-h/DSC_4759%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4759" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4759" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-kWn76rUtALU/U43UsZ-LUaI/AAAAAAAADww/_0VX8YkC6-A/DSC_4759_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="676" height="456" /></a></p> <p>View of the water garden</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-OXCNYa0bbog/U43UzHFgFQI/AAAAAAAADw4/2sKSOIUGiXE/s1600-h/DSC_4775%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4775" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4775" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Dki2PbL8CT4/U43U2wt6EqI/AAAAAAAADxA/PggwJGcPdSc/DSC_4775_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="674" height="453" /></a></p> <p>Fountain along the path we took.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-nXlBENS39Zs/U43U6mbooZI/AAAAAAAADxI/24poTNKY9S8/s1600-h/DSC_4781%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4781" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4781" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-XmT7du1v3BA/U43U9Hx5-3I/AAAAAAAADxQ/FWkRtuf4TLk/DSC_4781_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="671" height="453" /></a></p> <p>Boab tree.  This one is over 200 years old.  The trunks are so big because they store water.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-DtGdeZnSnnk/U43VCK1BHkI/AAAAAAAADxY/TMUJpojmCAE/s1600-h/DSC_4764%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4764" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4764" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Q0PJy2ruj-Q/U43VFNSMsAI/AAAAAAAADxg/nVDP9iK6NpI/DSC_4764_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="376" height="566" /></a></p> <p>Needless to say, it was a lovely afternoon in the park.  </p> <p>This evening we went to Restorante Italiano, located a couple of blocks from our hotel.  On the menu this evening was</p> <p>Lamb Shank stew (and Corona beer complete with lime wedge)</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-IJqt__i18tE/U43VNdk6ElI/AAAAAAAADxo/AiPdT4KN854/s1600-h/IMG_0433%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_0433" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0433" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-oZH-sAYg0sk/U43VQl1lX2I/AAAAAAAADxw/Ug4Uv7M69S4/IMG_0433_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="609" height="462" /></a></p> <p>and Lasagna and salad.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hllD1U_yD4k/U43VWjFiaCI/AAAAAAAADx4/adSmiX3401s/s1600-h/IMG_0434%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_0434" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0434" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-l4yTEBPb84w/U43Vaoxh0SI/AAAAAAAADyA/VoA0TGTNPE4/IMG_0434_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="596" height="451" /></a></p> <p>Tomorrow we are headed North of Perth to an area called the Pinnacles and to put our feet in the Indian Ocean.</p> Monty Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03411063545405721095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7521421111605959777.post-40649679611254887452014-06-02T08:09:00.001-05:002014-06-02T08:09:24.024-05:00Return to Perth<p>Today was mostly driving from Hyden to Perth.  We started out in fog but by the time we had driven about 50 to 75 kilometers, we were out of the fog and into beautiful sunshine and blue skies.  </p> <p>We drove through wheat and grass lands with cattle and sheep ranches between the farms.  We drove through the Darling mountain range as we neared Perth.  </p> <p>Today was Western Australia Day so all of the town restaurants and cafes were closed.  Even  the grocery stores that advertise open 7 days a week were closed.  We ate breakfast and lunch at “Roadhouses”, which are combination gas stations and fast food outlets.  In Australia fast food is usually premade sandwiches and meat pies.  One place we stopped even had fried chicken.  We even found that the public restrooms that all towns have were locked.</p> <p>Traffic was light and weather was good (after the fog), so we made good time back to Perth.</p> <p>Not to many pictures today.  The majority of them are in the category of public art.</p> <p>In Hyden we found a park full of metal sculptures.  A grant was made to some of the small towns in the area (included the towns of Kondinin and Karlgarin).  Hyden chose to depict people of the area (for the most part).</p> <p>Echidna</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZYk7MJZQdMQ/U4x2WGMOmkI/AAAAAAAADqQ/VLOtNexw6SI/s1600-h/DSC_4650%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4650" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4650" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xyAFb15V59M/U4x2YUXnP5I/AAAAAAAADqY/sdnQFVjwi3Q/DSC_4650_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="599" height="405" /></a> </p> <p>Mile, Man of Measurement.  Milo Prince was one of the early surveyors that marked out the first farming blocks in the area.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-mWh8yaOUbB4/U4x2cktkSwI/AAAAAAAADqg/kmVv1Bc9Di0/s1600-h/DSC_4651%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4651" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4651" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-566MnLCOQnA/U4x2fhGepJI/AAAAAAAADqo/pbicrt7XK6M/DSC_4651_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="412" height="619" /></a></p> <p>Johnny the Mechanic.  A busy man particularly after World War II when more mechanization was introduced/</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-JuvXFlQGg2s/U4x2nLadg6I/AAAAAAAADqw/dhCEmv8FGQc/s1600-h/DSC_4658%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4658" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4658" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-snuNnJYBFtc/U4x2q-CH9oI/AAAAAAAADq4/WXUwy8Ziby8/DSC_4658_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="663" height="447" /></a></p> <p>Hyden’s First Power Station.  This one is just whimsical.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-vhZmUa06A8I/U4x2waydvUI/AAAAAAAADrA/BYcbUv8_xzk/s1600-h/DSC_4662%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4662" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4662" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZI4tZb7chHo/U4x2zYYuhEI/AAAAAAAADrI/2YoSTnBqzas/DSC_4662_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="661" height="447" /></a></p> <p>There are many more of them than what I have included in this blog entry.  This gives a little bit of an overview of the sculpture park.  It was fun to look at each of them.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qmLICPfVjQU/U4x24wYH4jI/AAAAAAAADrQ/ZPxZYwXttck/s1600-h/DSC_4678%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4678" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4678" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0kDpNPtu4L4/U4x2_z5RQsI/AAAAAAAADrY/CdkZZBPGkec/DSC_4678_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="661" height="446" /></a></p> <p>The road we drove on was all two lane until we got into Perth.  It was tree lined most of the way.  We enjoyed looking at the variation on color of the bark of the trees.  They went from brown, to red, to gray, to blond, to white.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Hi6N0g6JFyA/U4x3GPijfOI/AAAAAAAADrg/2m3EZsn9lLQ/s1600-h/DSC_4679%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4679" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4679" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-vUHrSB78ZYs/U4x3KKYE5OI/AAAAAAAADro/4F6gxJdcWSY/DSC_4679_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="660" height="445" /></a></p> <p>Just outside Corrigin, we came across this Dog Cemetery.  It was created in 1974 as a tribute to Mans Best Friend.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-yKW3my33p9A/U4x3QTskS-I/AAAAAAAADrw/up1fVk8Rdhc/s1600-h/DSC_4680%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4680" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4680" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-QcCErUj0yrA/U4x3VSdmBYI/AAAAAAAADr4/M3CF63S5E0Y/DSC_4680_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="666" height="449" /></a></p> <p>There are over 800 pets that have been laid to rest here.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8nM8bzXd51w/U4x3cbcOUtI/AAAAAAAADsA/vKGprBL1974/s1600-h/DSC_4683%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4683" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4683" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-SJvWb1Cf1a0/U4x3gDbZpeI/AAAAAAAADsI/DYKZaGR_xTI/DSC_4683_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="663" height="448" /></a></p> <p>We are back at the All Suites Hotel in downtown Perth.  This afternoon we caught up on some laundry, took a nap and generally rested.  On tap for tomorrow is a little shopping and a visit to Kings Park, the botanic gardens just West of the Central Business District (CBD).</p> Monty Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03411063545405721095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7521421111605959777.post-24291258425258658602014-06-01T07:47:00.001-05:002014-06-01T07:47:11.060-05:00To Hyden and Wave Rock<p>Today was a lot of road time.  We left Albany this morning about 9:00 AM after a nice breakfast at the Dome.  The Dome is an Australian franchise that serves breakfast and lunch along with espresso coffee.</p> <p>We drove about 400 kilometers through the Stirling Mountain Range and through ranch and farming areas.  It was a nice drive with stops in a couple of small towns enroute for snacks and lunch.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9nU_YyEkOHA/U4sfjxfH9SI/AAAAAAAADk0/hXmrVIIlOUg/s1600-h/DSC_4558%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4558" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4558" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Wf8J3WfF8UU/U4sflXAFqHI/AAAAAAAADk8/_nZKS922unA/DSC_4558_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="581" height="441" /></a></p> <p>We passed a dutch windmill at one point.  It was at a ranch and B&B.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Zy_7TyZVwrk/U4sfnOCBYMI/AAAAAAAADlE/5MZNOdHArJA/s1600-h/DSC_4566%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4566" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4566" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VDDrp9oUyfI/U4sfpG-T0RI/AAAAAAAADlM/lGsQD9ioJ7E/DSC_4566_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="586" height="394" /></a></p> <p>The fields had been newly planted with (we believe) wheat.  This is a big wheat area as well as cattle and sheep.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--ccpEUJvwbU/U4sfrp7_zsI/AAAAAAAADlU/YxP2ILArMT0/s1600-h/DSC_4567%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4567" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4567" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-N4mq40TuyWA/U4sftaASKoI/AAAAAAAADlc/atB9UWx8l_8/DSC_4567_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="587" height="396" /></a></p> <p>Some of the interesting flora we saw on the way.</p> <p>These are a type of gum or eucalyptus tree.  What is interesting is all the leaves grow at the ends/tops of the branches.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-pwcQidreZsk/U4sfwKezJmI/AAAAAAAADlk/FiGOW0cCmh4/s1600-h/DSC_4575%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4575" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4575" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-51pdkBFHyQk/U4sfyO-AOkI/AAAAAAAADls/MfP1LT46TxU/DSC_4575_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="581" height="392" /></a></p> <p>In Pingrup, there was a city park with lots of flowering plants and bushes.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-zkC7KaUbb10/U4sfzsqHQ8I/AAAAAAAADl0/RokwzYlfnuw/s1600-h/DSC_4578%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4578" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4578" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-nUiNsQNOwCc/U4sf1semYbI/AAAAAAAADl8/yJmZaHCnrPM/DSC_4578_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="376" height="566" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2E30Yz5VU6Q/U4sf3BQyDAI/AAAAAAAADmE/lLuhlQ1mxVs/s1600-h/DSC_4579%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4579" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4579" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-E3G7FNmsm2c/U4sf4lB6AXI/AAAAAAAADmM/STksxJpbj24/DSC_4579_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="605" height="407" /></a></p> <p>The flowers on this bush were 1/8 inch.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-VijYaW5LF4U/U4sf6TokrXI/AAAAAAAADmU/7eZe2JKSJdI/s1600-h/DSC_4580%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4580" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4580" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-cP75hCADt3o/U4sf8fLkuHI/AAAAAAAADmc/4HFfD2uU4_8/DSC_4580_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="608" height="411" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-vSQwV98ZXjQ/U4sf-KVrY6I/AAAAAAAADmk/u2T7KXogKY4/s1600-h/DSC_4581%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4581" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4581" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-e7pGX3h2sE4/U4sf_l7ypzI/AAAAAAAADms/rlDndK2TgXM/DSC_4581_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="606" height="409" /></a></p> <p>There were two types of Banksia</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-av7rTRXu2rg/U4sgBcEXaVI/AAAAAAAADm0/eKLhDlh-bFA/s1600-h/DSC_4583%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4583" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4583" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-RVHz-pTe_nc/U4sgC2wkU_I/AAAAAAAADm8/4rhGYzMkzb8/DSC_4583_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="360" height="542" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-z_plN0eOb3Y/U4sgFDN4TSI/AAAAAAAADnE/6OC9vFJmEmQ/s1600-h/DSC_4585%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4585" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4585" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-UwbPRiav_Pk/U4sgG7LEZ3I/AAAAAAAADnM/7mRUTiHt13Q/DSC_4585_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="359" height="540" /></a></p> <p>Don’t know what this is, but the flowers are small.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-K9ZlemmaIHQ/U4sgKUjfuOI/AAAAAAAADnU/ls5TukoQQFk/s1600-h/DSC_4593%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4593" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4593" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-nxyoigWOnnE/U4sgNcdpllI/AAAAAAAADnc/r4DZiqz169w/DSC_4593_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="584" height="395" /></a></p> <p>These flowers we very unusual.  The size of a hand.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-fell6sL11cE/U4sgQniBtiI/AAAAAAAADnk/q4PaJao9sT4/s1600-h/DSC_4595%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4595" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4595" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5xJygV8TM00/U4sgSVfpjFI/AAAAAAAADns/vqkHqkg3z88/DSC_4595_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="582" height="392" /></a></p> <p>This is the post office at Pinkrup.  Notice the boxes on the side of the building.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-MuL4UJ8tT0U/U4sgT0UAseI/AAAAAAAADn0/ufQB5hE9wi0/s1600-h/DSC_4600%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4600" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4600" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Nrfj1bqQS9Q/U4sgVQqeeTI/AAAAAAAADn8/2IGnsnLEzM8/DSC_4600_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="581" height="391" /></a></p> <p>We arrived in Hyden in mid afternoon leaving plenty of time to visit wave rock.  This is a natural rock formation, that was formed through geologic action.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-a2WBpMbhj4E/U4sgXYflUgI/AAAAAAAADoE/9TbFT5cYL4Q/s1600-h/DSC_4604%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4604" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4604" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-VVAiL0-UMTI/U4sgZCO-UeI/AAAAAAAADoM/JemFG5DAAPg/DSC_4604_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="578" height="389" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-KjMa9CZvroI/U4sgb0PI0SI/AAAAAAAADoU/99QAWVa32kw/s1600-h/DSC_4611%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4611" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4611" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-zxshw5ibF_U/U4sgdmgTDlI/AAAAAAAADoc/FiDqOLiRZGk/DSC_4611_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="578" height="390" /></a></p> <p>This is the face of an outcropping of rocks in the area.  It was interesting to walk along the face of this “wave” without worrying about getting wet.</p> <p>In another section of the park is Hippo Yawn.  This was caused by the expansion of natural salts contained in the rock.  It cracked from the inside out, causing this Hippopotamus mouth.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Pphqm9uILzE/U4sggELkJeI/AAAAAAAADok/EP6LUi0z6Oc/s1600-h/DSC_4620%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4620" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4620" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-SEZx_j6V2wQ/U4sgh9mTmlI/AAAAAAAADos/35xHIEILXrk/DSC_4620_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="569" height="385" /></a></p> <p>About 20 kilometers from Wave Rock was Mulka’s Cave.  This is a place you can see aboriginal cave paintings.  It was fascinating, although hard to see the paintings because it was fairly dark inside.  There were over 400 inside but we were only able to see a small number of them.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zOhin_ZFL5M/U4sgj3wQJPI/AAAAAAAADo0/MrqrESSEt90/s1600-h/DSC_4634%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4634" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4634" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-x7Vp61jRhDM/U4sglnG1dpI/AAAAAAAADo8/tG2orPsf4Cs/DSC_4634_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="577" height="389" /></a></p> <p>Here are a couple of examples</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-nrk4t1Ge8aM/U4sgnbmIRpI/AAAAAAAADpE/Qh_uWszkufQ/s1600-h/DSC_4623%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4623" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4623" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-AdoINEQlPGw/U4sgpBEsNII/AAAAAAAADpM/Lk4LaYuuRyA/DSC_4623_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="561" height="379" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ZKaUW30ulQE/U4sgrY1wf4I/AAAAAAAADpU/m7WtsdFhtgU/s1600-h/DSC_4625%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4625" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4625" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-G8dhREPcQN8/U4sgs4FC6zI/AAAAAAAADpc/NzZxV1TF44E/DSC_4625_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="555" height="374" /></a></p> <p>We ended the day watching the sun set as we drove back to our motel for the night.  This is our first sunset because for most of our trip the skies have been cloudy.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1oUmyfnmeE4/U4sguIJJj4I/AAAAAAAADpk/lAN6-vfaT4c/s1600-h/DSC_4640%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4640" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4640" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9Xwm8NF-4vc/U4sgvUXwubI/AAAAAAAADps/Ii1zkOKeelE/DSC_4640_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="552" height="374" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-CFIqrqIGKsc/U4sgw-We8FI/AAAAAAAADpw/VSu1QtiZEmM/s1600-h/DSC_4644%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4644" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4644" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-yfAgqpsKkqY/U4sgyHvoUEI/AAAAAAAADp8/onhRikqxIps/DSC_4644_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="543" height="366" /></a></p> <p>Tomorrow we head back to Perth.</p> Monty Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03411063545405721095noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7521421111605959777.post-59293712230637713642014-05-31T09:01:00.001-05:002014-05-31T09:01:24.007-05:00A day in Albany<p>What a nice day we had in Albany.  The town is about the same size as our home town, Norfolk, NE, about 25,000.  It seems to be a regional market town.  The scenery is much different being on the coast and in a hilly/rocky region.  We went downtown to the CBD (central business district) for breakfast and wandered the streets for a little bit.</p> <p>This is one of the downtown hotels.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Inm5GaTYRp4/U4nfDELKCoI/AAAAAAAADdM/cxPyeHXdA8A/s1600-h/DSC_4422%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4422" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4422" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8dZzeTITZGc/U4nfElSYxDI/AAAAAAAADdU/duR1jrroumc/DSC_4422_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="648" height="436" /></a></p> <p>A corner (at a round-about) with shops.  Every block of the cbd has a round-about which moves traffic through the town much smoother that traffic lights (my opinion anyway).</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9gCCQE680xA/U4nfGkowvvI/AAAAAAAADdc/Xqz7RSmn_jg/s1600-h/DSC_4425%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4425" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4425" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6nH2OZ5Z2PU/U4nfH4VIZ0I/AAAAAAAADdk/dzrixEpfpnM/DSC_4425_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="647" height="437" /></a></p> <p>I didn’t know these still existed, and yes there was a pay phone inside.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-v_X_Hrb09do/U4nfMk2GWhI/AAAAAAAADds/P4JOM9YPDnA/s1600-h/DSC_4426%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4426" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4426" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xbA6ojSB9N0/U4nfQzVuRTI/AAAAAAAADd0/iHI8zHgETfs/DSC_4426_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="342" height="515" /></a></p> <p>City Hall building</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Td828wUcxfo/U4nfSr4xkNI/AAAAAAAADd8/7SF0_wijOeI/s1600-h/DSC_4507%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4507" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4507" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-I9hr0TYS53Q/U4nfTvARBtI/AAAAAAAADeE/LKimg3W2Eh8/DSC_4507_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="342" height="514" /></a></p> <p>I have talked about public art we find in a lot of Australian towns and cities.  Here is an example.  We found these every few feet within the central business district.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-rSYAOGMpRmU/U4nfV4vCr_I/AAAAAAAADeM/hFBr7NbqMbM/s1600-h/DSC_4405%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4405" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4405" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-DBAuXb3uxas/U4nfXXrzDJI/AAAAAAAADeU/BI9zzg5FBvM/DSC_4405_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="609" height="410" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-A5EZGA-Qqmc/U4nfavpKJnI/AAAAAAAADec/nkEjvVX5EN0/s1600-h/DSC_4416%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4416" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4416" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-o6VTD8CAdpg/U4nfcMz_qZI/AAAAAAAADek/lmpuL5Ai-K8/DSC_4416_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="607" height="410" /></a></p> <p>Next we drove out the peninsula south of town (Torndirrup National Park) to look at some of the natural attractions.  Our first stop was to view The Gap and Natural Bridge.  This is an area of granite rock cliffs.  Due to wave action and erosion, the rocks have been reshaped.</p> <p>First is Natural Bridge.  It was fun to watch the waves break under the bridge.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-CBRirTI0Ado/U4nfd14WO3I/AAAAAAAADes/-wl4-j_AsU0/s1600-h/DSC_4437%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4437" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4437" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-nUvlcJb5hxc/U4nffE7ifLI/AAAAAAAADe0/j0Hgkcl0XxM/DSC_4437_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="534" height="360" /></a></p> <p>Next was The Gap, an area where the granite cliffs have collapsed..</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-__phgOs7hok/U4nfg-0QrvI/AAAAAAAADe8/y5M7tdglPGQ/s1600-h/DSC_4456%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4456" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4456" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-eVGCa3SoCZI/U4nfiJJjtjI/AAAAAAAADfE/i8g69vm6qjg/DSC_4456_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="531" height="358" /></a></p> <p>You can go out to the viewing platform you see in the right of the above picture.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-zAYr-UtIKv4/U4nfmVYNG_I/AAAAAAAADfM/bUUs5J8sYxI/s1600-h/DSC_4451%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4451" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4451" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-HiJiJrei_7o/U4nfnsbV-dI/AAAAAAAADfU/xIwSL7_nnIQ/DSC_4451_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="526" height="354" /></a></p> <p>and watch the waves break and flow into the gap.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4TZTAMuLI-E/U4nfpRXTOiI/AAAAAAAADfc/jRidIlxkU2E/s1600-h/DSC_4449%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4449" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4449" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-hB8V2UAGwkc/U4nfrM_dDnI/AAAAAAAADfk/Or3exOYICjg/DSC_4449_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="522" height="351" /></a></p> <p>From there we went out to The Blowholes.  Unfortunately, the wave action was not enough for water to be pushed up through the gap in the rocks.  Here is Roy, point to the gap.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-B7rvzG3rzqA/U4nftSgvonI/AAAAAAAADfs/55B4NYzwcoc/s1600-h/DSC_4477%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4477" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4477" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-fIWMcuJiI-g/U4nfvATWD_I/AAAAAAAADf0/RyBJCRES9jc/DSC_4477_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="519" height="349" /></a></p> <p>You could feel the air rushing up through the gap and had the waves been really strong, Roy would have been very wet from standing there.  As you can see, there was lots of wave action, just not right for the blowholes.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XbSjWrHaalU/U4nfxK0A0xI/AAAAAAAADf8/g6KBIohksJw/s1600-h/DSC_4481%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4481" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4481" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-l1EEhjM4h0k/U4nfz1nTouI/AAAAAAAADgE/8aKOC6tEJng/DSC_4481_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="519" height="349" /></a></p> <p>It was still interesting to walk down to the blow holes and back.  The views of the coast were stunning and the flowering plants along the trail were interesting.  I can’t name all of the plants but here are some examples.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-xtEp1JtRZM4/U4nf1jiQatI/AAAAAAAADgM/69FQTncQHy4/s1600-h/DSC_4460%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4460" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4460" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_PF6pIdVV_Q/U4nf2z3N2sI/AAAAAAAADgU/bqqR57esQow/DSC_4460_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="519" height="349" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-twpQqBt1T0g/U4nf4wfAYuI/AAAAAAAADgc/DXV5R2blekQ/s1600-h/DSC_4463%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4463" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4463" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ggUDnBFxcZk/U4nf6SAwABI/AAAAAAAADgk/4HvneHp7oDI/DSC_4463_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="520" height="352" /></a></p> <p>This and the next picture are a Banksia plant with the pods of various ages.  The top picture are mature pods, where as the next picture is a pod just getting started.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-UNNTjiaymu0/U4nf82TPMpI/AAAAAAAADgs/xOfDxpEMQYw/s1600-h/DSC_4464%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4464" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4464" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-OvKj_R_Ijo4/U4nf-BkPq6I/AAAAAAAADg0/R28-rnO4ir4/DSC_4464_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="317" height="475" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-YKmvattgUzA/U4nf_ixvsAI/AAAAAAAADg8/6R9-261qciU/s1600-h/DSC_4472%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4472" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4472" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WeLtr0oc_UU/U4ngAnIWknI/AAAAAAAADhE/Kp47s-RxNBs/DSC_4472_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="317" height="480" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Z268sivQ3Sg/U4ngC5-e3II/AAAAAAAADhM/ylwkojN3wW0/s1600-h/DSC_4476%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4476" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4476" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-nmMNB7-MOkA/U4ngEYsB_iI/AAAAAAAADhU/Yb6SUu5b9jc/DSC_4476_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="606" height="409" /></a></p> <p>These two are the Hollyleafed Banksia plant</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-94zUwp1UcQg/U4ngGGGsclI/AAAAAAAADhc/hNySe28gydo/s1600-h/DSC_4492%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4492" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4492" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Qa9TOKY0dLM/U4ngHSHW4KI/AAAAAAAADhk/2F84rFzsMqA/DSC_4492_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="602" height="405" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Nl1i7RyZHuw/U4ngKBUjoqI/AAAAAAAADhs/IesC9yluQVI/s1600-h/DSC_4501%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4501" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4501" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-AcdYUPhNMuY/U4ngLzwkeqI/AAAAAAAADh0/vAumNrPY-w4/DSC_4501_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="602" height="407" /></a></p> <p>Our next stop was at Stony Hill.  Here you can walk among the protruding rocks.  During WWII this hill had a radar site.  This is a view across Princess Royal Harbour toward Albany.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-AkvWpIYZJ60/U4ngNuYIyHI/AAAAAAAADh8/WUyZ1Kh-MfQ/s1600-h/DSC_4502%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4502" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4502" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Npxk-es0bjk/U4ngOgiBY4I/AAAAAAAADiE/gbj27z4Bf_8/DSC_4502_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="599" height="406" /></a></p> <p>While we were there a flock of black parrots flew over our heads.  In the picture their heads are to the left.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-jIdu-aZExUk/U4ngPp8v_AI/AAAAAAAADiM/ckz4N3HqS2w/s1600-h/DSC_4506%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4506" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4506" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-b32WU21iuO8/U4ngQjieMAI/AAAAAAAADiU/lbsm8v8o13s/DSC_4506_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="599" height="405" /></a></p> <p>Back in Albany we visited the Patrick Taylor Cottage.  This cottage is believed to be the oldest colonial dwelling in Western Australia.  It was built in 1832 and the original two rooms were wattle and daub construction.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-h1NdmYB4Pik/U4ngSb-T_UI/AAAAAAAADic/3iRRUArigXA/s1600-h/DSC_4521%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4521" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4521" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gCsZDoEsLxg/U4ngTaIhhAI/AAAAAAAADik/UlnDQg2zA5w/DSC_4521_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="600" height="404" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--Wz6LRtXeq4/U4ngVTYZyJI/AAAAAAAADis/CMEoFfCjcRA/s1600-h/DSC_4520%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4520" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4520" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Q3C7HADZvt4/U4ngWrjc68I/AAAAAAAADi0/olRxidHcCsk/DSC_4520_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="597" height="403" /></a></p> <p>From there we drove to Mt Clarence and the ANZAC memorial.  This is a memorial to the Australian War dead, originally dedicated to the solders killed at Gallipoli.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-23WMUo9L9CQ/U4ngXxXTwGI/AAAAAAAADi8/Wgco8zpu-vY/s1600-h/DSC_4529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4529" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4529" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-y28Wktk0MMA/U4ngY15GztI/AAAAAAAADjE/lknV2Di3Q94/DSC_4529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="378" height="568" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-pOYVQNrvXQs/U4ngaYazP5I/AAAAAAAADjM/xnESv-GMvZ8/s1600-h/DSC_4533%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4533" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4533" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3VxMZu_oQY8/U4ngbvaFuQI/AAAAAAAADjU/B_K5-2CrDMo/DSC_4533_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="588" height="397" /></a></p> <p>The original statue was in Port Said, but was damaged during the 1956 Suez Canal Crisis.  It was subsequently moved to Albany and reconstructed.  It was from the Albany in 1914 that the ships carrying the solders from Australia and New Zealand left for the middle east and Gallipoli.  It is a very awe inspiring memorial.</p> <p>Our last stop of the day was at Dog Rock.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-cwNbEsGGYlM/U4ngdQi6vqI/AAAAAAAADjc/sUZX88IaLKs/s1600-h/DSC_4552%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4552" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4552" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-gVQDTdHBSMw/U4ngerKPu_I/AAAAAAAADjk/Qo9-q66OZQI/DSC_4552_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="596" height="402" /></a></p> <p>There is a story associated with the rock about a dog that saved a little girls life.  The dog lost its life and was buried at the site of the rock.  A storm came along and the rock in the shape of the dog’s head appeared.  </p> <p>On the menu this evening was lamb rump,</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-sdiCjqvce10/U4nggWNF_0I/AAAAAAAADjs/U_XnV1uzz0k/s1600-h/IMG_2853%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2853" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2853" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-s3hvTE6Pdyk/U4ngh3igB4I/AAAAAAAADj0/Oc0xF7LptVU/IMG_2853_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="570" height="431" /></a></p> <p>Barbeque pork ribs or Barbeque ribs and steak</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-oqvuihO3sqc/U4ngj665bvI/AAAAAAAADj8/33eRQBLzIaU/s1600-h/IMG_2854%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2854" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2854" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8xgnRrw-hFs/U4ngk3WLccI/AAAAAAAADkE/elq2Z3oCyyw/IMG_2854_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="567" height="432" /></a></p> <p>and for dessert was, butterscotch macaroon with vanilla ice cream and whipped cream.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-V05zIBDjb24/U4ngnUOmbII/AAAAAAAADkM/BZa9YbHolpQ/s1600-h/IMG_2857%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2857" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2857" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-DN5BBgBzP3I/U4ngoSPMl4I/AAAAAAAADkU/fnzX73KEptU/IMG_2857_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="558" height="423" /></a></p> <p>or Lemon Meringue pie with Cherry Mash Ice cream and whipped cream.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ApwtXXti4Yc/U4ngqAn2eAI/AAAAAAAADkc/t2vKmpP5r8Y/s1600-h/IMG_2858%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2858" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2858" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-A_Ck5t0-hqg/U4ngreu98-I/AAAAAAAADkk/u8pH8WSXhj0/IMG_2858_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="556" height="421" /></a></p> <p>Tomorrow we head north about 400 kilometers to Hyden and Wave Rock.</p> Monty Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03411063545405721095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7521421111605959777.post-78346967674165097462014-05-30T09:16:00.001-05:002014-05-30T09:16:20.939-05:00To Pemberton and Albany<p>This entry will cover two days of activities.  The place we stayed last night had no internet access………..no cell phone service……….it was really isolated.  It did have all of the other things we have become accustomed to, just no communications.  More about that later.</p> <p>We left the Margaret River area a little earlier than normal and found a lovely place for breakfast about 15 minutes away.  It was the Café Boranup, located in a forested area, well away from any towns. </p> <p> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-98mvC_uotQg/U4iPV9hh32I/AAAAAAAADVU/xlwKuchjp2k/s1600-h/DSC_4153%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4153" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4153" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4Q2R6l8GIFA/U4iPX-CeMTI/AAAAAAAADVc/HHQVpGdX0W0/DSC_4153_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="562" height="380" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-8FNg90Qqlrc/U4iPZiwjhuI/AAAAAAAADVk/aBRv3AfY5yw/s1600-h/DSC_4160%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4160" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4160" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-XJQcsoLkqEY/U4iPbWGd4FI/AAAAAAAADVs/EO0UjeplAEk/DSC_4160_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="330" height="497" /></a></p> <p>It was adjacent to a store that featured articles created by local artists.  Here are a table as an example of they types of items displayed.  It is created from a single piece of wood.  The shop is full of furniture, paintings, metal sculptures, etc.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1orvEtvEgNo/U4iPdgS5-jI/AAAAAAAADV0/Ws4SUlZTIX4/s1600-h/DSC_4166%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4166" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4166" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ea3n9-rRvjw/U4iPfRWWQ-I/AAAAAAAADV8/GWN4siKqmQE/DSC_4166_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="511" height="344" /></a></p> <p>From there we headed south down many roads less traveled.  Most were through woods full of large and beautiful trees.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-EPk-wM5XH-Y/U4iPjPfC_sI/AAAAAAAADWE/T7i2rjlRtEQ/s1600-h/DSC_4172%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4172" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4172" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-kdZtSCjzQoA/U4iPki-dinI/AAAAAAAADWM/dmwFbFTkjlo/DSC_4172_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="515" height="347" /></a></p> <p>We headed to Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse located on the most Southwest tip of Australia.  Enroute we stopped for a snack and had a Willie Wagtail for entertainment.  These birds are called wagtails because their tails are in constant side-to-side motion.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-kX-O3PY5aLc/U4iPnB4czjI/AAAAAAAADWU/Okm6KD6jloE/s1600-h/DSC_4180%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4180" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4180" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ENiB4-JqIcg/U4iPotoPTMI/AAAAAAAADWc/tl4a1cCzN90/DSC_4180_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="516" height="390" /></a></p> <p>The ocean at Cape Leeuwin is particularly treacherous mostly because of the rocks in the area but also because of the currents caused by the meeting if the Indian and Southern Oceans.  The lighthouse is still in active service, but it is automated like most other lighthouses today.  It was built in 1895/6 and was manned until the 1950s.  Even though it is active, you can tour the grounds and the lighthouse itself.  </p> <p>This is looking across the lighthouse keepers homes and outbuildings toward the lighthouse.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-i2IMm0X7jBk/U4iPrX6TLxI/AAAAAAAADWk/RrQYM9TjpDQ/s1600-h/DSC_4194%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4194" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4194" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-iYoMSXRDsVs/U4iPsYu3WWI/AAAAAAAADWs/AQtx0TUb0qA/DSC_4194_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="522" height="351" /></a> </p> <p>Inside the lighthouse showing part of the 176 steps to the top.  It was a fun climb.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qkQlOaiLrQc/U4iPu2aUE4I/AAAAAAAADW0/DN34OimV_-I/s1600-h/DSC_4212%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4212" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4212" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ruddhWYF3hQ/U4iPxnQuj7I/AAAAAAAADW8/LoF079yfs74/DSC_4212_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="521" height="351" /></a></p> <p>This is the lens, a First order Fresnel lens.  The light can be seen for 47 kilometers.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ruiyK72htD8/U4iPzke9mGI/AAAAAAAADXE/tlItX7Se8rA/s1600-h/DSC_4216%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4216" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4216" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XebC1MSIth8/U4iP1ZogWwI/AAAAAAAADXM/Z9tvJfwuARE/DSC_4216_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="526" height="354" /></a></p> <p>The white water in this picture where the Southern and Indian Oceans meet.  Of course the white water is caused by waves on some rocks, but gives you and idea of the meeting line.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-oOryMhLZzMI/U4iP36LeYuI/AAAAAAAADXU/NgVIUsG2v5M/s1600-h/DSC_4225%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4225" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4225" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-fyePnCOMpv0/U4iP5XQDXcI/AAAAAAAADXc/H-3a84CHRi0/DSC_4225_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="516" height="347" /></a></p> <p>This is just to prove I was really there.  With my sister Sylvia and brother-in-law Roy.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-OyKg4YaDQUU/U4iP8Y0WcTI/AAAAAAAADXk/fXlw4s9HeKs/s1600-h/DSC_4229%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4229" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4229" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-If2gAm4kEGU/U4iP91fmYOI/AAAAAAAADXs/zs-tg-DAY7I/DSC_4229_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="395" height="528" /></a></p> <p>From the Cape we drove East toward Pemberton.  Of course a stop was mandatory to put our feet in the Southern Ocean.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-jBkYm4Qrdgc/U4iQAcyqQGI/AAAAAAAADX0/U3P3oZdubcY/s1600-h/DSC_4279%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4279" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4279" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-s7Bi20zUBBY/U4iQBlYgoTI/AAAAAAAADX8/mIU7M4QyBfs/DSC_4279_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="586" height="395" /></a></p> <p>We stopped for an afternoon snack and this time we were entertained by Magpies.  This is the closest we have been able to get to these normally shy birds.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-wAQ7xXPYlk8/U4iQDCoHi2I/AAAAAAAADYE/zg5-iPc5kxM/s1600-h/DSC_4293%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4293" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4293" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-JjRGg6t5yDk/U4iQEZkRWPI/AAAAAAAADYM/1aEvS6UlArk/DSC_4293_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="357" height="477" /></a></p> <p>We stayed at the Kerri Valley Resort.  A lovely place in the woods and alongside a large lake.  When we checked in there were a series of clocks showing the time in various places around the world.  On the end of the bank of clock was one with a blank face that said, Time Kerri Valley Resort….time stops.  I think that may be true because the only method of communications with the outside world was a regular phone.  As I indicated at the beginning, there was no internet or cell phone coverage.  We did have a television in our room, but it only got three channels.  </p> <p>There were Emus on the grounds</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-E4Mj90lbGYQ/U4iQF9QSi1I/AAAAAAAADYU/cfD5sh6KFcE/s1600-h/DSC_4299%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4299" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4299" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-aePtv4ZkfA8/U4iQHPIbFLI/AAAAAAAADYc/wcq4jZHu0YA/DSC_4299_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="359" height="482" /></a></p> <p>Our room was one of the lakeside rooms.  We had a balcony overlooking the lake.  There was a resident duck (lived under the balcony’s for our unit).  </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ijd94j-F-Y4/U4iQJeuCF1I/AAAAAAAADYk/Sh0Wvnikr74/s1600-h/DSC_4300%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4300" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4300" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Vta6R8VFP5E/U4iQL6JIjaI/AAAAAAAADYs/Fr_arZEhfw0/DSC_4300_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="596" height="403" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-tw2p6qvH46A/U4iQNusBUAI/AAAAAAAADY0/7hJj6mDkUBE/s1600-h/DSC_4304%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4304" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4304" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Yjy5dSSpFIc/U4iQO3rY4qI/AAAAAAAADY8/tkUjo9JK8pM/DSC_4304_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="597" height="455" /></a></p> <p>This picture was taken at dusk.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-VK3ygT-RZY8/U4iQQVZXm-I/AAAAAAAADZE/O-16MTr9J7I/s1600-h/DSC_4309%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4309" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4309" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-V5ytcgQxP5A/U4iQRt-bmEI/AAAAAAAADZM/JPvYgtDlFxU/DSC_4309_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="594" height="400" /></a></p> <p>This morning Katie and I stepped onto the balcony to check the temperature and sky conditions.  We were greeted by Ringnecked Parrots and a Kookaburra.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-bH0mtPHgQSk/U4iQS39upRI/AAAAAAAADZU/eETRfXb7KFs/s1600-h/DSC_4325%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4325" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4325" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9tdaFzkCGJo/U4iRTrXyVQI/AAAAAAAADZc/ZaJe4GG_Ji0/DSC_4325_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="592" height="398" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-OldKzrhzgxw/U4iRVBj6owI/AAAAAAAADZk/y8D0QPsFUEQ/s1600-h/DSC_4319%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4319" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4319" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-EEcFVaw9800/U4iRWK47TjI/AAAAAAAADZs/i07v1K76F5c/DSC_4319_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="593" height="401" /></a></p> <p>We stopped by the Gloucester Tree in Pemberton.  It is a large Karri tree, 72 meters (236 feet) tall (it is the center tree in this photo).    </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7VdC5HX8MiE/U4iRX4asb0I/AAAAAAAADZ0/HVstrSqMWKM/s1600-h/DSC_4333%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4333" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4333" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-fmKuS7OzbwI/U4iRZ_24mlI/AAAAAAAADZ8/G1f7mxTCUsQ/DSC_4333_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="329" height="494" /></a></p> <p>It can be climbed to see the view from the lookout tower at the top.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-SSy4xY-f4AM/U4iRc61hsWI/AAAAAAAADaE/64c50IF3l2g/s1600-h/DSC_4338%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4338" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4338" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-PreiHyZtEEs/U4iReSho0LI/AAAAAAAADaM/fuks27wbMko/DSC_4338_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="614" height="413" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-SPJhxpNl_Z8/U4iRgihNkzI/AAAAAAAADaU/__PaOibo894/s1600-h/DSC_4341%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4341" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4341" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ED91-VpSDBs/U4iRh2Arf_I/AAAAAAAADac/dRz1wT2ViZA/DSC_4341_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="321" height="482" /></a></p> <p>We continued our drive east toward Albany.  Most of the roads went through forested areas as you can see below.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ORPtPJp5wS8/U4iRj0m8AJI/AAAAAAAADak/U7_hCeaOJw4/s1600-h/DSC_4344%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4344" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4344" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-kTB5-QmaHhQ/U4iRlXMOvrI/AAAAAAAADas/mbE1DBAkVAc/DSC_4344_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="682" height="461" /></a></p> <p>We stopped to eat lunch at Walpole.  I mention this only to show you a burger I ate.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_onYxDvvCj4/U4iRm44OBPI/AAAAAAAADa0/9WdxUp_-ub8/s1600-h/DSC_4346%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4346" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4346" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-xqO5xqOjy0g/U4iRoWRebaI/AAAAAAAADa8/jXgAWv4iBic/DSC_4346_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="678" height="458" /></a></p> <p>The layers are cheese, egg, bacon, hamburger patty, shredded carrots, tomato and cucumber, lettuce, and barbeque sauce.  It was tasty!</p> <p>We continued our drive to Valley of the Giants and the Tree Top Walk near Denmark. This is an area of tingle trees, which are very tall (200 feet plus).  A walkway has been built to take you over 130 feet above the ground which put you well up into the trees.  Even so, the trees themselves tower above you as you walk among them.</p> <p>This gives you and idea of how tall the trees are from ground level.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-DzdO_u5eSO8/U4iRqDyB8jI/AAAAAAAADbE/4eQalbhr-kk/s1600-h/DSC_4353%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4353" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4353" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-nd0FkU5fGRI/U4iRrszeFvI/AAAAAAAADbM/Y8SYg01JVws/DSC_4353_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="345" height="519" /></a></p> <p>The suspension platforms and bridges takes you well up above the forest floor.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-GzEnwsgwQI0/U4iRunl2-XI/AAAAAAAADbU/3dFHQnmlpQM/DSC_4359%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800"><img title="DSC_4359" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4359" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-2v6nxrIeG_M/U4iSRF3qgVI/AAAAAAAADbc/_5OY5IQAXvk/DSC_4359_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="713" height="481" /></a></p> <p>The tops of the trees still tower over you as you walk along the platforms.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-USCDHDe9X04/U4iSTdIKfKI/AAAAAAAADbk/rdA-4BCD8Y8/s1600-h/DSC_43625.jpg"><img title="DSC_4362" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4362" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-LE7XFl8b3Es/U4iSVJOAXCI/AAAAAAAADbs/-0l7UrG59EA/DSC_4362_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="359" height="539" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-jb9tnxOUTS4/U4iSXj6KNwI/AAAAAAAADb0/LZACV_l_3DQ/s1600-h/DSC_43657.jpg"><img title="DSC_4365" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4365" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4kc5Alo7GUQ/U4iSYwEXVxI/AAAAAAAADb8/FKq5sNMmopw/DSC_4365_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="363" height="547" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-fDlyHYfMiY4/U4iSa1L3QyI/AAAAAAAADcE/c8PVO-Yy_jk/s1600-h/DSC_43734.jpg"><img title="DSC_4373" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4373" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-T4DK0LDZ_Xk/U4iScaB3hMI/AAAAAAAADcM/2AvvsLZ93uI/DSC_4373_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="614" height="413" /></a></p> <p>From the Valley of the Giants we continued our drive East toward Albany in our “Copper Chariot” </p> <p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-TnFDm-dupmk/U4iSe7MbkII/AAAAAAAADcU/oQOnjdmzZ0k/s1600-h/DSC_43894.jpg"><img title="DSC_4389" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4389" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7quhUQ2F3NI/U4iSg398TeI/AAAAAAAADcc/EHKvQSpW2_g/DSC_4389_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="608" height="409" /></a></p> <p>with a stop along the sea shore at William Bay,</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-cltdhCLkk9Y/U4iSkYbJjrI/AAAAAAAADck/APYLs0m9Pso/s1600-h/DSC_43905.jpg"><img title="DSC_4390" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4390" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2cdWFQgb_PI/U4iSoNoV-BI/AAAAAAAADcs/9W1yqwwruJ8/DSC_4390_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="602" height="407" /></a></p> <p>and the little town of Denmark and the Denmark river.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-uMYX0yIs05k/U4iSqVuo35I/AAAAAAAADc0/x5DqWM6THlA/s1600-h/DSC_43985.jpg"><img title="DSC_4398" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4398" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6mkJhOi6qTk/U4iSrplSXJI/AAAAAAAADc8/Bmtn177dRc8/DSC_4398_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="598" height="404" /></a></p> <p>We will be in Albany tomorrow and then head North toward Wave Rock.</p> Monty Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03411063545405721095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7521421111605959777.post-5013979642339687642014-05-28T09:08:00.001-05:002014-05-28T09:08:46.427-05:00Margaret River Area<p>Today we spent the day traveling around the Margaret River Area.  It is an area of small towns, excellent wineries, a chocolate factory, a nougat factory, shopping (of course), beautiful vistas, and even a silk worm farm.</p> <p>We started this morning in the town of Margaret River for breakfast at Morries.  We had a nice breakfast and</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-jPbDpQRNzWw/U4XtIwQvZxI/AAAAAAAADPM/dDzy4CxbS0g/s1600-h/DSC_4050%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4050" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4050" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WpcpdYP5s9A/U4XtJxkdu5I/AAAAAAAADPU/YYdS3_Vv6Qw/DSC_4050_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="631" height="425" /></a></p> <p>enjoyed the pressed metal tiles on the walls and ceilings (we call them tin ceilings).</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-oVl9W56kL1E/U4XtLKEKfuI/AAAAAAAADPc/tQ93h7s5SZQ/s1600-h/IMG_2767%25255B12%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2767" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2767" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zY71CUqyLbs/U4XtMPmhUKI/AAAAAAAADPk/MYE8419b2KY/IMG_2767_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="626" height="475" /></a></p> <p>Margaret River is a nice town full of shops and eateries.  Here are a few pictures from the downtown area.</p> <p>Lovely parks,</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-EReRqLzncG4/U4XtNTkuDHI/AAAAAAAADPs/NKyrJzaOqug/s1600-h/DSC_4051%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4051" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4051" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-sAMZ8LImzIM/U4XtObg-7_I/AAAAAAAADP0/59vZcIHFQIY/DSC_4051_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="614" height="413" /></a></p> <p>Shopping malls</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-AG8ymIl1kl0/U4XtPlxMdXI/AAAAAAAADP8/BkYVqEv8Dtw/s1600-h/DSC_4053%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4053" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4053" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-GBuUVI2npCo/U4XtQvaidHI/AAAAAAAADQE/9PHiaOnLUWk/DSC_4053_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="614" height="413" /></a></p> <p>And stores along the street</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-BFt3q6mlapM/U4XtR7ITTDI/AAAAAAAADQM/Ak_FhJ0BZAw/s1600-h/DSC_4060%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4060" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4060" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZM1DQPX9Fss/U4XtTPAK89I/AAAAAAAADQU/kQJq8SBAwAc/DSC_4060_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="609" height="410" /></a></p> <p>Off the main street but within the downtown district is a more conventional Mall.  The main store is Woolworth’s.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Si6dqJKp0u8/U4XtT1AmOOI/AAAAAAAADQc/BjchCQziMQY/s1600-h/DSC_4055%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4055" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4055" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-LA6YL11f_iQ/U4XtU-oFxpI/AAAAAAAADQk/1qrH04DP4y0/DSC_4055_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="615" height="416" /></a></p> <p>This rose was in one of the city parks.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-oVqbRnp5W_U/U4XtV9qy0AI/AAAAAAAADQs/eOT7FUXDAmI/s1600-h/DSC_4058%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4058" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4058" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XLy5gZWoLFc/U4XtW9yNyCI/AAAAAAAADQ0/xDk2nht3Wm4/DSC_4058_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="612" height="412" /></a></p> <p>One of our first stops was at Silk Road, which is Australia’s first commercial silk farm.  The farm is about five years old.  It produces its own silk worms and cacoons.  It takes time to be fully productive, so they are working in cooperation with silk farmers and weavers in Cambodia.  The Cambodian silk farmers use the silk cacoons from Silk Road along with their own to make silk thread and then weave the thread into products.  We learned about the live cycle of the silk worm while there.</p> <p>The owners raise their own worms from eggs.  They are growing Mulberry trees in green houses, so they have a constant supply of food for the worms.  Below, are some of the worms feeding on mulberry leaves.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-nfQWA2iY2iI/U4XtX3XtW4I/AAAAAAAADQ8/DM0h7U7QVic/s1600-h/DSC_4063%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4063" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4063" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-jnEkDuRGwAg/U4XtY9AptmI/AAAAAAAADRE/6S7Cz4LYVT0/DSC_4063_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="612" height="412" /></a></p> <p>When the worms are fully grown, the then spin the cocoon.  It is from the cocoon that the silk comes from.   Below is a picture of the cocoons ready for thread pulling.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ek-XsCYmnSM/U4XtaC0h5lI/AAAAAAAADRM/I0pOm4iX77M/s1600-h/DSC_4065%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4065" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4065" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-DplFZd4ubCU/U4Xta9QbobI/AAAAAAAADRU/Dzg-6bvVsks/DSC_4065_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="608" height="409" /></a></p> <p>Each cocoon has a fine single strand that is combined with 4 to 5 other strands to create the silk thread. Below is a raw and finished hank of yarn along with a typical woven end product.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1Y9nKNr4mLU/U4XtcKBmvoI/AAAAAAAADRc/_Q9JqmlkOjQ/s1600-h/DSC_4066%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4066" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4066" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-rMt8FVRbBT0/U4XtdZKX4OI/AAAAAAAADRk/n2-d2VNaeUM/DSC_4066_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="602" height="405" /></a></p> <p>A view of their product show room.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-lY9SpeacZFY/U4XteUq7eEI/AAAAAAAADRs/HFHehSLcR1U/s1600-h/DSC_4068%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4068" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4068" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-YAseNSBNpTk/U4XtfAop2OI/AAAAAAAADR0/6HI2BAej9Tk/DSC_4068_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="599" height="403" /></a></p> <p>Our next stop was at the local Chocolate Factory.  They product their own white, milk and dark chocolate and end products.</p> <p>This is a view into the chocolate manufacturing room with white chocolate on the wheel.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3Wlxi8xYBw0/U4XtgPrUtBI/AAAAAAAADR8/nf3ZcrNA0-I/s1600-h/DSC_4085%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4085" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4085" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-P-1lKj5IvLc/U4XthBy6S5I/AAAAAAAADSE/UgLznxjWfJc/DSC_4085_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="594" height="400" /></a></p> <p>In the show room were stacks of various kinds of bars and truffles.  They had a small restaurant.  Here are a some of the deserts that were available…..all locally made of course.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-J6C_AWYdxE0/U4Xti10zZqI/AAAAAAAADSM/Em9RZ399Xa0/s1600-h/IMG_2778%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2778" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2778" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-S5V1nq1mW9A/U4XtkEE9jEI/AAAAAAAADSU/daGPY9Pn6VU/IMG_2778_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="597" height="453" /></a></p> <p>After lunch we drove over to the  small community of Gracetown on Cowaramup Bay to look at the Indian Ocean.  Although partly cloudy with a few rain showers in the area we had a nice time watching the waves and surfers.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-QFkyuVvLXuw/U4XtlFzUBYI/AAAAAAAADSc/fSfmmtk6n2A/s1600-h/DSC_4101%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4101" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4101" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-KztLVdIuqVE/U4XtmE1FyrI/AAAAAAAADSk/FMcNx0FGgJ0/DSC_4101_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="596" height="401" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-tAZcA5-P294/U4Xtn-abRZI/AAAAAAAADSs/yzojY0SQ8mM/s1600-h/DSC_4111%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4111" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4111" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-RM7WoOQDwyg/U4XtoxzEBHI/AAAAAAAADS0/yno4sa_TKKQ/DSC_4111_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="594" height="400" /></a></p> <p>The result of a prevailing wind.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1loyKogTAsM/U4XtqD8vE9I/AAAAAAAADS8/kVSp513goJA/s1600-h/DSC_4112%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4112" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4112" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4Vg9kIah9K4/U4Xtq7-qsNI/AAAAAAAADTE/xASNepTA8HI/DSC_4112_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="594" height="400" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Z7mphVmKlBU/U4Xtr3NvpyI/AAAAAAAADTM/34m8yOWsQu8/s1600-h/DSC_4119%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4119" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4119" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-51cfnDxVO3w/U4Xts0T-mpI/AAAAAAAADTU/Pq8EMEw-rkI/DSC_4119_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="596" height="401" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-bAOnYyjApuA/U4XttxBVQEI/AAAAAAAADTc/e7OlpLIn7Zs/s1600-h/DSC_4141%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4141" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4141" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-EJCADe-1_P0/U4Xtu2B4z0I/AAAAAAAADTk/4NdWVf_UQa8/DSC_4141_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="598" height="402" /></a></p> <p>We had to include this picture of a couple of the roads we have been traveling on.  No, this picture is NOT printed backwards!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-c5x31-udArs/U4Xtv15wQ_I/AAAAAAAADTs/s8BDwCfQSks/s1600-h/DSC_4078%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4078" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4078" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-uc__zJZKqTE/U4Xtww31R0I/AAAAAAAADT0/70zd8CkHcp0/DSC_4078_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="378" height="568" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4kFn4a73SVQ/U4XtxyrR0AI/AAAAAAAADT8/DcuDs7GOvZM/s1600-h/DSC_4146%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4146" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4146" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-y4v6ezsXjbk/U4Xty2MXBRI/AAAAAAAADUE/FG5Kzs_5Czo/DSC_4146_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="593" height="399" /></a></p> <p>We finished the day with a visit to a nougat factory and of course a stop at Millers Ice Cream Shop for a scoop.  The ice cream was as excellent as it looks in this picture.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-a1_vtImmQIw/U4Xtzs7DsTI/AAAAAAAADUM/IjprAINsu08/s1600-h/DSC_4149%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4149" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4149" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-QV8qCemU79I/U4Xt0pSiOFI/AAAAAAAADUU/2ciOyC0E9qo/DSC_4149_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="590" height="397" /></a></p> <p>Here are a few pictures some of the unusual plants we saw today along with one bird we have yet to identify.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-QAGRmKzxKdk/U4Xt1vJAxzI/AAAAAAAADUc/JZLyI3Pd0t4/s1600-h/DSC_4081%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4081" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4081" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hnbUS_ZavEQ/U4Xt2i8aZFI/AAAAAAAADUk/nXHQS9OJj8Y/DSC_4081_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="592" height="398" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-bNbLbId3-zc/U4Xt3onj3AI/AAAAAAAADUs/LO8FNBRxuXs/s1600-h/DSC_4083%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4083" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4083" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-iMdRgwUyzNk/U4Xt4u7UQcI/AAAAAAAADU0/zczSdc4mW0I/DSC_4083_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="590" height="397" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-HAPbVNuIfDc/U4Xt5q4dKjI/AAAAAAAADU8/_1SKcoU_Gxc/s1600-h/DSC_4147%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4147" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4147" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Ky_VTN6RH5I/U4Xt6uKaAoI/AAAAAAAADVE/ulphkQqq5-A/DSC_4147_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="582" height="393" /></a></p> <p>Tomorrow we head South to Augusta, Cape Leeuwin, and east to Pemberton.</p> Monty Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03411063545405721095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7521421111605959777.post-65144801104868540472014-05-27T08:35:00.001-05:002014-05-27T08:35:13.852-05:00Margaret River<p>Today was our first day of our drive around the south part of Western Australia.  We left Perth this morning about 9:00 AM and had a leisurely drive to Margarets Beach Resort.  It is located on the coast just west of the town of Margaret River.  The drive was nice although we did have rain off and on most of the day.  </p> <p>Our first stop was at Busselton to look at the Busselton Jetty.  The jetty is about 2 kilometers long and is the longest jetty in the Southern Hemisphere.  We were planning on going to the end of the jetty where there is a place to view the fish and other sea creatures.  However, the underwater visibility was poor and the viewing area was closed.  Plus there were rain showers that were moving through so we stayed closer to shelter.</p> <p>The jetty was built some years ago because Busselton was a shipping port for the area.  Over the years the jetty was enlarged to its current size.  However, shipping has now moved to better ports, so the jetty is a local tourist attraction.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-eUrdKKRf74A/U4SUHHhD7_I/AAAAAAAADL0/D53K10I5Rb0/s1600-h/DSC_4006%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4006" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4006" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_XCgbQy0d6s/U4SUIXBrwrI/AAAAAAAADL8/Qc9ZpIh_RKM/DSC_4006_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="547" height="368" /></a> </p> <p>To get to the end you can either walk or take the small train that runs the length of the jetty.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-KO_Zbu04eZE/U4SUJSKkwrI/AAAAAAAADME/dVhKNC4Xyng/s1600-h/DSC_4012%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4012" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4012" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-uHFyS5vpN7A/U4SUKtQMDYI/AAAAAAAADMM/2m1050bFNRc/DSC_4012_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="554" height="373" /></a></p> <p>Notice the rubber tires on the engine.  Rather than turning the entire train around, using the tires, the engine can uncouple, drive off-rail to the other end of the cars and recouple.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-I3Ia3xhyC4c/U4SULZ9cmRI/AAAAAAAADMU/KIvEiA-0kdw/s1600-h/DSC_4014%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4014" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4014" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ednk0yzqGLQ/U4SUMa82PVI/AAAAAAAADMc/NifEPTFImWk/DSC_4014_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="365" height="550" /></a></p> <p>This bronze statue was next to the jetty.  Like I mentioned yesterday, you never know where public art is going to show up.</p> <p>From Busselton we drove to the Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse.  Built in 1903, this is still an active lighthouse and marks the headlands to Geographe Bay.</p> <p>  <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ia7GxSz_4e8/U4SUNUkZUqI/AAAAAAAADMk/udvWkwU-JBI/s1600-h/DSC_4027%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4027" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4027" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8HDVsxHrEMg/U4SUObQjOvI/AAAAAAAADMs/KAdptIzGXgc/DSC_4027_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="571" /></a></p> <p>From this point, because of the way the point of land lays, it is possible to watch the sunrise over the water from a west coast.  The lighthouse is only 40 meters tall (~120 feet), but sits 100 meters above sea level.  The light is viewable from 25 miles out to sea.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ofeLSQrpxU8/U4SUPTfixRI/AAAAAAAADM0/_a970OwJ96I/s1600-h/DSC_4021%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4021" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4021" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZDWqN5cBxTU/U4SUQjglkJI/AAAAAAAADM8/i38oecglL0U/DSC_4021_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="572" height="386" /></a></p> <p>From the lean of the trees, it is easy to tell the prevailing wind is from the Southwest.</p> <p>The Margaret River area is a major wine producing part of Western Australia.  We stopped at Vasse Felix winery.  The grounds were lovely.  While there we saw an interesting bush called the Ivory Curl Tree.</p> <p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-BLCXjT-57ik/U4SUR8ja6GI/AAAAAAAADNE/bqkctEvmQVQ/s1600-h/DSC_4038%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4038" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4038" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-HCk729HKLS4/U4SUS2RW1fI/AAAAAAAADNM/gkPHMk2Snok/DSC_4038_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="582" height="392" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-r00HFSf5J1s/U4SUT-iXYKI/AAAAAAAADNU/_Feo1edHU9s/s1600-h/DSC_4031%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4031" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4031" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-zLfbY3FMdg8/U4SUVKgMGEI/AAAAAAAADNc/h-C8yLovIQk/DSC_4031_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="587" height="395" /></a></p> <p>Of course there were grape vines everywhere.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0X6p_mzVjmQ/U4SUWYHSo6I/AAAAAAAADNk/lWNwlAguAPQ/s1600-h/DSC_4034%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4034" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4034" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-JocfzS8GiG8/U4SUXVQnuII/AAAAAAAADNs/X6fZmqIeIus/DSC_4034_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="589" height="396" /></a></p> <p>And birds on the grounds.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Uig6jKYB3jw/U4SUZIt58gI/AAAAAAAADN0/w1uNtbLCVx8/s1600-h/IMG_2757%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2757" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2757" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8_PdM2IBMao/U4SUaeTGmkI/AAAAAAAADN8/nLdcrd4X-7w/IMG_2757_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="585" height="443" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-70go4JtmBcw/U4SUbwP5QMI/AAAAAAAADOE/JB9W0dCF7P8/s1600-h/IMG_2758%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2758" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2758" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-UhZ2hXBcPhg/U4SUdM9g7YI/AAAAAAAADOM/FnOdSYgOI8w/IMG_2758_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="588" height="446" /></a></p> <p>From there we headed to our stop for the night, Margarets Beach Resort.</p> <p>On the menu this evening was, Porterhouse steak, Fish (Hake) and Chips, and pasta with  Pork Shoulder.<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-nTMXRj9Z36w/U4SUeWAeOwI/AAAAAAAADOU/14EN55e8hrQ/s1600-h/DSC_4047%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4047" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4047" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-gMZ5Kgx26zI/U4SUfaZ8BnI/AAAAAAAADOc/nwyBkYKA_os/DSC_4047_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="591" height="398" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Nhw0ZFebx_c/U4SUgb1_RTI/AAAAAAAADOk/UVuvlYPbh5Q/s1600-h/DSC_4048%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4048" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4048" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-3Qu-FwAwmBY/U4SUhYYBLzI/AAAAAAAADOs/OctmxVL73KA/DSC_4048_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="592" height="398" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-jBefFE6iOm8/U4SUiuIKd7I/AAAAAAAADO0/qoefRtiugpQ/s1600-h/DSC_4049%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_4049" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_4049" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-3dSG72W_VN4/U4SUjurozVI/AAAAAAAADO8/1R00vSlfGWA/DSC_4049_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="592" height="398" /></a></p> <p>Tomorrow we are going to explore the Margaret River area.  Hopefully the rain will move out and we will have some blue skies to show.</p> Monty Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03411063545405721095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7521421111605959777.post-19269018351536051912014-05-26T04:32:00.001-05:002014-05-26T04:32:23.365-05:00Public Art & Fremantle (again)<p>One of the things we have enjoyed around the area is the public art that is on display around Perth, Fremantle, and other towns in the area.  You never know where they may show up.</p> <p>On a street corner</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-A8nKnlWRXtE/U4MHjgO9vnI/AAAAAAAADHY/u7jbfKKe_EY/s1600-h/DSC_3768%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_3768" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_3768" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-56PJKx0hJ80/U4MHnLJxjZI/AAAAAAAADHg/8OlmG4cOsQI/DSC_3768_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="649" height="437" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-s8R0KHXAXR4/U4MHqGFXiHI/AAAAAAAADHo/Wal7U1o7EFk/s1600-h/DSC_3766%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_3766" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_3766" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4cH12d0ravw/U4MHsbK0tRI/AAAAAAAADHw/fi3rupIwww8/DSC_3766_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="330" height="495" /></a></p> <p>This gentleman is John Septimus Roe, the first Surveyor General of Western Australia.</p> <p>You may see the art at a public fountain like these Kangaroos along a street.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xsvyr_7zc2o/U4MHwLR3i3I/AAAAAAAADH4/zx7xd3CHZqQ/s1600-h/IMG_2733%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2733" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2733" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ttZh8FcJ1xY/U4MH0BBJvVI/AAAAAAAADIA/vYzgQllV5Is/IMG_2733_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="561" height="422" /></a></p> <p>In a small green space like the spear point or pen nibs (we couldn’t decide which),</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7ehIst7015Y/U4MH37ykaVI/AAAAAAAADII/93oGxavjocI/s1600-h/IMG_2734%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2734" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2734" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vYcMPkJ0btQ/U4MH7PkOs0I/AAAAAAAADIQ/nu2WXw3d34k/IMG_2734_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="563" height="428" /></a></p> <p>Or these two immigrant children in front of the Maritime Museum in Fremantle.  The is dedicated to The Maltese boys and girls who left their homeland to brave an unknown future in Western Australia.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-gW-2mOAzd3c/U4MIAIwLjWI/AAAAAAAADIY/AL5cXOSU054/s1600-h/DSC_3976%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_3976" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_3976" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-E0GqdYADYLI/U4MICnEg4yI/AAAAAAAADIg/EsgEmYAEoqg/DSC_3976_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="329" height="494" /></a></p> <p>Where even it shows up it is always unexpected and nice to spend time looking at.  We think it adds interest and beauty to any city.</p> <p>Yesterday when we were in Fremantle we found that the Maritime Museum has a newer Diesel Electric submarine that could be toured with a guide, however all of the tours were filled up, so we made a reservation for a tour for today.  As a result we were back in Fremantle for the third day in a row.   It was a very interesting tour.  Our guide used to serve on HMAS Ovens (this submarine) so he was knowledgeable of its dimensions and operation which added a lot to the tour.</p> <p>The HMAS Ovens was Commissioned in 1969.  It was one of the last Diesel Electric class submarines built by the British Navy.  This view is of the bow with the sonar dome and the forward dive planes.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-f-qS-F4redc/U4MIygvr0TI/AAAAAAAADIs/Lo9oPYUEF3I/s1600-h/DSC_3896%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_3896" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_3896" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5IlA6Lh05mo/U4MI021eJiI/AAAAAAAADI0/wOPSaIemafE/DSC_3896_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="575" height="387" /></a> </p> <p>The tour took us from the forward torpedo room all the way through to the aft torpedo room.  Here are some of the highlights.</p> <p>Forward torpedo room and the emergency escape hatch.  There are six tubes forward and were four aft, but the aft tubes were later decommissioned.  The HMAS Ovens is one of the few conventional subs to launch a Harpoon missile (torpedo tube launched, but flies at wave top height).</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-jsbAa3VtSBM/U4MI7FVM9sI/AAAAAAAADI8/q35G6EYfv6E/s1600-h/DSC_3937%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_3937" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_3937" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2ODgeHb2mrA/U4MI-QhvwGI/AAAAAAAADJE/KluPowrb7f8/DSC_3937_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="568" height="382" /></a></p> <p>This is the galley.  Much smaller than most kitchens but served 62 crew members three meals a day.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7So3QDXXSv0/U4MJAxR_E0I/AAAAAAAADJM/L2nvgmAsYpU/s1600-h/DSC_3943%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_3943" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_3943" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-flihxmLGhb8/U4MJCsssg1I/AAAAAAAADJU/V0kwKpMugkE/DSC_3943_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="358" height="538" /></a></p> <p>Control room.  This is the central hub of the sub.  On the left is the helm.  One crew member “flew” the sub through the water.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-r43AyYrZ7wc/U4MJIafafBI/AAAAAAAADJc/jM2hPSDyBlU/s1600-h/DSC_3946%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_3946" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_3946" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-mXK-ejqCFsI/U4MJLMTaotI/AAAAAAAADJk/iCa413JdRRA/DSC_3946_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="608" height="409" /></a></p> <p>One of the latrines.  This one is larger than most since it also has a sink.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ZG33kv_Ao9w/U4MJN7IrPEI/AAAAAAAADJs/8uvRMQAwRpY/s1600-h/DSC_3956%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_3956" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_3956" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-oguNA1-fO_8/U4MJQMXVV_I/AAAAAAAADJ0/cItFjdiNprE/DSC_3956_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="354" height="532" /></a></p> <p>The engine room where the diesel engines are located.  They were only used while on the surface or at periscope depth.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZeybjGybMrQ/U4MJWbByg1I/AAAAAAAADJ8/yDGnL55HlcQ/s1600-h/DSC_3960%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_3960" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_3960" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3YGmE0uz7XY/U4MJZWlPjgI/AAAAAAAADKE/2rzdzUIAAfI/DSC_3960_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="590" height="397" /></a></p> <p>Battery and electric motor control panel.  There is no mechanical coupling between the diesel engines and the propellers.  They propellers are driven by electric motors that are supplied by either the batteries or the generators attached to the engines.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Pv_YPpCsmmg/U4MJfR2dBXI/AAAAAAAADKM/zEWBosrgQhg/s1600-h/DSC_3962%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_3962" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_3962" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qMQWrIGIDwM/U4MJkneQ3jI/AAAAAAAADKU/sRiujFKHB7Y/DSC_3962_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="594" height="400" /></a></p> <p>This is a display of a single battery cell.  There are 440 of these batteries in the sub in two banks of 220 each.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-THBWebMdWPY/U4MJoYXskfI/AAAAAAAADKc/Sh9CDW3j_6E/s1600-h/DSC_3932%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_3932" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_3932" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZkNkyM9Kngc/U4MJqa8aDgI/AAAAAAAADKk/qAngvZ83JXA/DSC_3932_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="382" height="574" /></a></p> <p>This is a typical hatch.  There is one of these between each compartment of the ship.  Each hatch is round, but as you can see equipment is partially hiding the right side of this one.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-BRE5nLrUolk/U4MJtit_LFI/AAAAAAAADKs/NQ5NSSU3aNo/s1600-h/DSC_3965%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_3965" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_3965" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-uOAVJ9ZUVyU/U4MJvskJX3I/AAAAAAAADK0/nBghqn4Wh7s/DSC_3965_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="358" height="539" /></a></p> <p>Here is a view of the starboard propeller and shaft.  You can see the aft dive planes just behind the props</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-nRvlE6kRTXE/U4MJ0FSR7tI/AAAAAAAADK8/CQVzIlPt2uk/s1600-h/DSC_3972%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_3972" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_3972" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4fyo-u9Yz7Q/U4MJ2thTFZI/AAAAAAAADLE/MXVkEGJnfjo/DSC_3972_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="609" height="410" /></a></p> <p>After the sub tour we spent the rest of our time walking through the museum.  Well worth our third trip to Fremantle.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4xvp4RzqGLU/U4MJ51lrNcI/AAAAAAAADLM/5UQYhbSwuQw/s1600-h/DSC_3985%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_3985" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_3985" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-yRub4f1D2u0/U4MJ76izWfI/AAAAAAAADLU/kfsb1rQUcx8/DSC_3985_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="603" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-E0EquJ2kGkc/U4MKA1AD_QI/AAAAAAAADLc/Me0Im5x8fZo/s1600-h/DSC_3986%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_3986" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_3986" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-E8EbRICYvIY/U4MKHo0L9KI/AAAAAAAADLk/rtGdDfn1hIM/DSC_3986_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="673" height="456" /></a></p> <p>So tomorrow we start our drive south and east along the coast to Albany.  Join us again for our next adventure in Western Australia.</p> Monty Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03411063545405721095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7521421111605959777.post-818720389119796372014-05-25T19:43:00.001-05:002014-05-25T19:43:31.298-05:00Return to Fremantle<p>While we were in Fremantle yesterday we noticed a poster for a show by emerging textile artists called Salvage/Selvedge. As a result we decided to return to Fremantle today to see the show.  It was a show full of art quilts that were being auctioned off to raise money for The School of St Yarred, Ethiopia.  The quilts were made from donated fabrics….basically Salvage and Selvedge or left over fabrics from tailors and other businesses.  The quilts were really beautiful and the few examples below show</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-coNxHNf_J8E/U4KM8LE20tI/AAAAAAAADEA/-JnaLkv62A0/s1600-h/DSC_3867%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_3867" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_3867" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Ckeim3ELnAw/U4KM-wj_FqI/AAAAAAAADEI/h4JKFkpelAQ/DSC_3867_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="387" height="581" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ekkuXwrHh54/U4KNCDvbj6I/AAAAAAAADEQ/q-6MvuODwvc/s1600-h/DSC_3868%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_3868" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_3868" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-3C0n-fu7ENc/U4KNEQBPagI/AAAAAAAADEY/wNet9eNvK5E/DSC_3868_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="387" height="586" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-nMPsBIwkOZI/U4KNJhpjFCI/AAAAAAAADEg/G-SlUwCn3tk/s1600-h/DSC_3871%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_3871" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_3871" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FZcPxzLJCaQ/U4KNNUldN6I/AAAAAAAADEo/Za3pXttCDlc/DSC_3871_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="575" height="387" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--FfnZPL2Tw4/U4KNQKrf-5I/AAAAAAAADEw/IsiBJBzmKqA/s1600-h/DSC_3883%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_3883" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_3883" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-39Lx9E4RiCQ/U4KNR5qsP-I/AAAAAAAADE4/XgpF03XF8qc/DSC_3883_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="402" height="611" /></a></p> <p>(Katie here) The quilt below was an interpretation of a Gee’s Bend quilt.  Judy Stevens called it With the Beat of a Drum.  I’ve always though that quilt looked like a spider!</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-NHOp15Fqjqk/U4KNW4PDvSI/AAAAAAAADFA/vrdC3-u9HPk/s1600-h/DSC_3886%25255B11%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_3886" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_3886" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-sjkwomy76PE/U4KNYt9mILI/AAAAAAAADFI/uoNeCpivjWo/DSC_3886_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="548" height="370" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p>The show was in the Moores building, an old factory building that once manufactured wind mills.  It was the perfect setting for the quilt show/auction.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9_RFSUzsO9c/U4KNcxSMBFI/AAAAAAAADFQ/CdWNQkUn7tQ/s1600-h/DSC_3863%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_3863" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_3863" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-AH_1uJvQucM/U4KNe4mSIlI/AAAAAAAADFY/qAVJCuaC-Bg/DSC_3863_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="612" height="412" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Hcz6b4pqE-Q/U4KNjFJlzQI/AAAAAAAADFg/5jotUFS4upk/s1600-h/DSC_3892%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_3892" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_3892" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-eIgU-BAAVdA/U4KNlhll1OI/AAAAAAAADFo/tiuoyDWX_kQ/DSC_3892_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="609" height="410" /></a></p> <p>This is the floor on the second floor.  It is hard to tell but there are gaps between the well worn floor boards.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gq5sf8XAxEY/U4KNovKvjNI/AAAAAAAADFw/6vIGVLZBSo4/s1600-h/DSC_3888%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_3888" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_3888" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-T01xIjDnUYA/U4KNqWFZbiI/AAAAAAAADF4/nhAIF9W58YQ/DSC_3888_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="359" height="539" /></a></p> <p>I loved the steps going to the second floor.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-1BShROJdzQ0/U4KNsxy8zjI/AAAAAAAADGA/B8JFBz-E2mY/s1600-h/DSC_3890%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_3890" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_3890" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-OBZfDci5SrM/U4KNv34ZIeI/AAAAAAAADGI/osQjadj4_tU/DSC_3890_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="357" height="541" /></a></p> <p>After a nice lunch at the Moores building, we made our way over to the Fremantle Prison.  The prison is a key part of the history of the area.  Fremantle and the area were just small communities that were not growing very well until the mid 1800’s when the city fathers asked to have convicts shipped to their area.  It was the convicts that were used to build the community and caused the rapid growth that eventually became Fremantle and Perth.  One of the early buildings built was the prison.  It remained in use as a prison until 1991 when it was finally closed.</p> <p>We took the exterior tour which featured stories of people that escaped or attempted to escape from Fremantle Prison.  In any case we saw a good cross section of the prison.</p> <p>The prison is a large complex built out of mostly limestone.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4o7mYdX6fz8/U4KN05061KI/AAAAAAAADGQ/m0sha2UmeTk/s1600-h/DSC_3903%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_3903" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_3903" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-xbe3b5sp35Q/U4KN3GH5MTI/AAAAAAAADGY/Vc7iNif6djE/DSC_3903_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="547" height="368" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-SDKRP8e-cKU/U4KN9ZyW8OI/AAAAAAAADGg/ZkUZdw_QiwA/s1600-h/DSC_3911%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_3911" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_3911" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0C5YlruXFAs/U4KN_hxS3fI/AAAAAAAADGo/kOYVNlwyoZU/DSC_3911_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="545" height="369" /></a></p> <p>This is a typical cell block</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-p1NebHSU7TM/U4KOCxZju5I/AAAAAAAADGw/qs6f5oyixlU/s1600-h/DSC_3929%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_3929" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_3929" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wtW62yAEIhE/U4KOFDiDmHI/AAAAAAAADG4/Bgm_yJNEeNk/DSC_3929_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="340" height="512" /></a></p> <p>This is the art work that was on the wall of one of the cells.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4y93U6rLO0s/U4KOJur5uaI/AAAAAAAADHA/sL5a_0D84f4/s1600-h/DSC_3924%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_3924" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_3924" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Wkm0lBy8IhU/U4KOL5RpvAI/AAAAAAAADHI/nuuMpjdOWb8/DSC_3924_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="549" height="370" /></a></p> <p>Yesterday evening we had a lovely dinner and last gathering of the Magpies at Bill and Gilly’s home.  We must thank Gilly and Terri for the wonderful time we have had here.  They organized meals, trips, sight seeing, etc.  We all had a wonderful time.  And us husbands appreciated being included in this trip and having the opportunity to tag along.</p> <p>Tomorrow, back to Fremantle and then getting organized for our road trip south.</p> Monty Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03411063545405721095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7521421111605959777.post-14113108345486678402014-05-24T20:02:00.001-05:002014-05-24T20:02:30.609-05:00Freemantle and up the coast<p>We had a somewhat leisurely day.  We didn’t assemble as a group till late morning and then drove to Freemantle.  This is a community on the outskirts of Perth.  The area has been a trading port for centuries, but the town itself was founded in 1829.  It is the main port as well as a tourist destination.</p> <p>The day was rainy and windy but we still enjoyed the trip there.  We had a nice lunch (fish and chips, my fish was Barramundi and Katie’s was Cobbler fish).  We then explored the area.</p> <p>View of the Indian Ocean.  Lots of white caps.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8GBCAEV-zjw/U4E_uiOvKfI/AAAAAAAADA4/1P3ueFHTuLo/s1600-h/DSC_3829%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_3829" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_3829" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-pTVNWD3zw_c/U4E_w94IitI/AAAAAAAADBA/ncxRoSaYdm8/DSC_3829_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="572" height="385" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7SdL2EhfTFg/U4E_2oqYavI/AAAAAAAADBI/bxe-X8FMaiE/s1600-h/DSC_3834%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_3834" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_3834" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-p3lzMgD6k6s/U4E_47JGslI/AAAAAAAADBQ/5LzFMmVqfk8/DSC_3834_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="574" height="386" /></a></p> <p>Have you ever seen a chaise lounge on tracks?  It really doesn’t look very comfortable.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-UUQMAGg5aeY/U4FAAInLPYI/AAAAAAAADBY/HVJB7b1qMvQ/s1600-h/DSC_3831%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_3831" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_3831" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vNBhI7gz6bs/U4FADh1mkLI/AAAAAAAADBg/UfUY4GFcWPw/DSC_3831_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="573" height="387" /></a></p> <p>We have enjoyed the public art around the Perth area.  This bronze is on a park bench.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-vkQUtd0lUg0/U4FAJzkXrrI/AAAAAAAADBo/U5WeS5X3PzU/s1600-h/DSC_3835%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_3835" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_3835" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-k8zzmJpuMEQ/U4FAMbr_XCI/AAAAAAAADBw/ek9wk3b9cuc/DSC_3835_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="569" height="383" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5zNF_nbzk9U/U4FASPEIiKI/AAAAAAAADB4/5I-y3_zfJNY/s1600-h/DSC_3836%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_3836" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_3836" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Vx5_cSfxCIk/U4FAUtIdPoI/AAAAAAAADCA/CZCD94Wfo3I/DSC_3836_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="574" height="386" /></a></p> <p>No port would be complete without a fishing fleet.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gE7odA8IkUI/U4FAYhpdhEI/AAAAAAAADCI/Lnz0o1-4wr0/s1600-h/DSC_3838%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_3838" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_3838" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ylr5L3_cK3g/U4FAcRjjTWI/AAAAAAAADCQ/k0D7CG2HNaY/DSC_3838_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="583" height="392" /></a></p> <p>We also visited the Museum to Shipwrecks, part of the Maritime Museum complex.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ariICPXL8cE/U4FAhhTZKgI/AAAAAAAADCY/E11msvgaY5I/s1600-h/DSC_3841%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_3841" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_3841" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5A-dj4sMpNk/U4FAkY5u40I/AAAAAAAADCg/B_WjEZyu7sc/DSC_3841_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="585" height="394" /></a></p> <p>This ship steam engine had been in the salt water for over 100 years when it was discovered and brought up.  It is being restored.  So far they have been successful in turning the main shaft.  Amazing considering it was in salt water for so many years.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5LnFkkraCeE/U4FApWGRsoI/AAAAAAAADCo/YhlzAcWszvU/s1600-h/DSC_3843%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_3843" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_3843" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-WFGfzcBTu6I/U4FArrdEaAI/AAAAAAAADCw/N6RyNHDpnYQ/DSC_3843_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="594" height="401" /></a></p> <p>From Freemantle we drove up the coast to Cottesloe Beach.  By the time we got there the wind had increased.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-d8j32tx2V5M/U4FAvjS-z0I/AAAAAAAADC4/UeilvVUGCP0/s1600-h/DSC_3849%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_3849" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_3849" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-cNTaJ2Zd_NY/U4FAygxW-fI/AAAAAAAADDA/5-rlfoHGV5Y/DSC_3849_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="597" height="403" /></a></p> <p>As you can see the ocean is really turbulent.  It could have been much worse, but there appeared to be a reef some distance out that was keeping the waves from being much bigger.  There were a lot of kite surfers out.  The wind was blowing strong enough that as we drove along the coast, they were going faster than we were.</p> <p>We continued north along the coast to Hillary’s Boat Harbour.  This area has been turned into a tourist area with lots of shopping.  It was covered and out of the wind so much more pleasant.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-aV1UhJitw_o/U4FA2p4CctI/AAAAAAAADDI/Rmu_bjn8IL4/s1600-h/DSC_3860%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_3860" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_3860" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-n0eIVzxhqls/U4FA5D2_7sI/AAAAAAAADDQ/4j0OpNTMSKc/DSC_3860_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="597" height="402" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-dYq_o2EPVkw/U4FA9WjfCPI/AAAAAAAADDY/nM4FVMoFKyk/s1600-h/DSC_3861%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_3861" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_3861" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-KJSZAfa53WE/U4FBAJ0qUEI/AAAAAAAADDg/cf2Ed_2xjjw/DSC_3861_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="596" height="401" /></a></p> <p>Finally, I’ll leave you with an “official” picture of the Magpie group.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-VFkYxy7gJ8w/U4FBFWApPqI/AAAAAAAADDo/6ER8p5_Ymsg/s1600-h/DSC_3859%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_3859" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_3859" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ZB0fbrtPJgo/U4FBIqSZ3KI/AAAAAAAADDw/TrLzWnBVZvM/DSC_3859_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="583" height="392" /></a></p> <p>From left to right is MJ, Terri, Gilly, Katie, Carolyn, Jean, Nann.  We have had a wonderful time with this group.  Not in the picture are husbands, travel mates, and my sister and brother-in-law.  They aren’t magpies.</p> <p>This was the last chance to get a group photo, because they will be moving on, either to home or to other destinations starting on Sunday.  Our thanks to Terri and Gilly for the wonderful arrangements and guided tours around the Perth area.</p> <p>Tomorrow…….on our own.</p> Monty Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03411063545405721095noreply@blogger.com0