Our hotel room is amazing... it's even got a separate spa room if we want an in-room massage!
Monday, 29 November 2010
Just checked in to our hotel in Phuket
Our hotel room is amazing... it's even got a separate spa room if we want an in-room massage!
Saturday, 27 November 2010
Lamington National Park
We've just spent a great couple of days in Lamington National Park in Queensland. We got some great photos of the waterfalls and rainforest. Click on the pic to see the rest.
The Hinterland, Brisbane.
We spent 3 nights out in the rainforest. The lodge was in the middle of nowhere. It was over 30km to the next town, along a windy country road, so the car wasn't put to much use there. We did walk quite a lot though. On our first day we did a short 4km walk to Python Rock (luckily no pythons to be seen). It had a lookout at the end of the track with fantastic views over the deep valley and a waterfall. Because it had been raining there was a rainbow across the falls. Nice!
We tried a longer walk the next day through more of the rainforest and across a creek. That was about 12km and it helped to prepare us for a monster walk of 18km the final day. This was not an easy one as the paths were so muddy, narrow in places and in several places trees had fallen across the path so there was some scrambling involved. There were also about 8 river crossings all of them more tricky than the previous day. The water was often quite deep as there'd been heavy rain each night and the rocks very slippery. We didn't fancy taking off our boots and socks to wade through as there were loads of leaches!! They kept attaching themselves to our boots and trousers so we had to keep flicking them off - much easier than getting them off skin, I'm sure.
Today we headed back via the coast road to Brisbane, going through such delightful places as Surfer's Paradise. Yes, it sounds lovely but it's a cross between Las Vegas and Ayia Napa and full of schoolies looking for the nearest party. Eughh! Too old for that. We drove straight through.
Our time in Oz has been great. It was so nice to catch up with the old friends back in Sydney and Melbourne. It also gave us chance to see parts of Oz neither of us have been to and for Colin to revisit some places he hadn't been to for many years.
Tomorrow we fly out of Australia for our final leg of the world trip in Phuket, Thailand. We have about 4 days to fully chill out (not that we aren't chilled already) and try to get tans before returning to cold, wet England and, of course, work. The upside, however, is that we get to see all of you again - and bore you with hours of travel stories!
We tried a longer walk the next day through more of the rainforest and across a creek. That was about 12km and it helped to prepare us for a monster walk of 18km the final day. This was not an easy one as the paths were so muddy, narrow in places and in several places trees had fallen across the path so there was some scrambling involved. There were also about 8 river crossings all of them more tricky than the previous day. The water was often quite deep as there'd been heavy rain each night and the rocks very slippery. We didn't fancy taking off our boots and socks to wade through as there were loads of leaches!! They kept attaching themselves to our boots and trousers so we had to keep flicking them off - much easier than getting them off skin, I'm sure.
Today we headed back via the coast road to Brisbane, going through such delightful places as Surfer's Paradise. Yes, it sounds lovely but it's a cross between Las Vegas and Ayia Napa and full of schoolies looking for the nearest party. Eughh! Too old for that. We drove straight through.
Our time in Oz has been great. It was so nice to catch up with the old friends back in Sydney and Melbourne. It also gave us chance to see parts of Oz neither of us have been to and for Colin to revisit some places he hadn't been to for many years.
Tomorrow we fly out of Australia for our final leg of the world trip in Phuket, Thailand. We have about 4 days to fully chill out (not that we aren't chilled already) and try to get tans before returning to cold, wet England and, of course, work. The upside, however, is that we get to see all of you again - and bore you with hours of travel stories!
Wednesday, 24 November 2010
The Whitsunday Islands and Heron Island.
So, quite a bit to catch up on. We now have an internet connection for the next few days so I'll try to make the most of it.
After leaving Port Douglas at that crazy hour we did quite a bit of travelling. Bus to Cairns, flight to Sydney, flight back up the coast nearly as far as Cairns but landing on Hamilton Island, boat to Airlie beach where we finally got to have a nap before hitting the town for the evening. It did not stop pouring with rain the entire time we were in Airlie. The next morning we hopped on a tall ship which we would call home for the next 3 days.
There were 15 guests and 3 staff on board so it was quite a small gathering meaning that we got to know everyone. Not too much privacy in those kind of conditions!! It was really good fun. Of the 15 guests, there were 5 brits and the rest were germans. Luckily they all spoke very good english so i didn't have to try out my very rusty german phrases! We got to help putting the sails up which was fun (but also made me realise how unfit I'd become).
So we cruised around the islands, stopping off for snorkelling expeditions and beach excursions. Luckily the weather was fantastic. At the risk of making you all green with envy we were sunbathing and snorkelling on the beach before getting back on the boat back to Airlie. But 10 minutes later we found ourselves in the middle of a storm which continued all the way back so it wasn't all plain sailing. (No pun intended). We made it safely back to harbour though and finally dried out.
From Airlie Beach we took the Sunlander overnight train to Gladstone. We did just manage to get off in time. I had sent Colin on a mission to get coffee just before a little man came round to say we'd be shortly arriving at our destination. So, panicking just a little (that he might not have got the same warning, I dragged 2 (almost packed) suitcases, 1 holdall and 2 rucksacks to the door of the train, fearing I may never see my lovely Colin again (but at least I'd have more luggage space!) but then there he was waiting at the carriage door with coffee and ham and cheese croissants. Really, a girl can't ask for more than that, can she? If truth be told, this was not the first time me demanding coffee has nearly made us miss transport but that's another tale!
From Gladstone, a town we now know a surprising amount of trivia about (courtesy of our bus driver, a proud local), we went to Heron Island on a boat. We stayed for 4 days and had 1 .5 days of nice weather. The rest of the time it poured with rain. We got to do a lot of reading! It was relaxing. Did a little snorkelling but the visibility was very poor compared to our previous outings. I think we'd been previously spoilt. At least Colin finally got to swim with a turtle. He had swum away from me when i saw one in the Whitsundays so he'd missed out then. Bad snorkel buddy!! The island is a nesting ground for turtles. It is currently their nesting season, so every night we could see them crawling up the beach to dig big holes and lay their eggs.
Last night we flew into Brisbane before setting off today in our final hire car of the big trip. We had intended to head down to Byron bay for some more beachy stuff, but on hearing that it was going to be full of school leavers who've just finished their exams we decided to pass on that and went to the Hinterland instead. It seems we made an excellent choice as it's beautiful and rainforesty with fantastic walks around. We managed to get a great deal on a retreat place here and we are sitting in the library by an open fire thinking of you all back home. I hear snow is forecast for you? Ahhh!
Funny, it's the first place we've been where christmas decorations are up and suddenly we're reminded that it's not so far away. When you're in a sunny rainforest in Oz, however, it somehow feels a million miles away!
After leaving Port Douglas at that crazy hour we did quite a bit of travelling. Bus to Cairns, flight to Sydney, flight back up the coast nearly as far as Cairns but landing on Hamilton Island, boat to Airlie beach where we finally got to have a nap before hitting the town for the evening. It did not stop pouring with rain the entire time we were in Airlie. The next morning we hopped on a tall ship which we would call home for the next 3 days.
There were 15 guests and 3 staff on board so it was quite a small gathering meaning that we got to know everyone. Not too much privacy in those kind of conditions!! It was really good fun. Of the 15 guests, there were 5 brits and the rest were germans. Luckily they all spoke very good english so i didn't have to try out my very rusty german phrases! We got to help putting the sails up which was fun (but also made me realise how unfit I'd become).
So we cruised around the islands, stopping off for snorkelling expeditions and beach excursions. Luckily the weather was fantastic. At the risk of making you all green with envy we were sunbathing and snorkelling on the beach before getting back on the boat back to Airlie. But 10 minutes later we found ourselves in the middle of a storm which continued all the way back so it wasn't all plain sailing. (No pun intended). We made it safely back to harbour though and finally dried out.
From Airlie Beach we took the Sunlander overnight train to Gladstone. We did just manage to get off in time. I had sent Colin on a mission to get coffee just before a little man came round to say we'd be shortly arriving at our destination. So, panicking just a little (that he might not have got the same warning, I dragged 2 (almost packed) suitcases, 1 holdall and 2 rucksacks to the door of the train, fearing I may never see my lovely Colin again (but at least I'd have more luggage space!) but then there he was waiting at the carriage door with coffee and ham and cheese croissants. Really, a girl can't ask for more than that, can she? If truth be told, this was not the first time me demanding coffee has nearly made us miss transport but that's another tale!
From Gladstone, a town we now know a surprising amount of trivia about (courtesy of our bus driver, a proud local), we went to Heron Island on a boat. We stayed for 4 days and had 1 .5 days of nice weather. The rest of the time it poured with rain. We got to do a lot of reading! It was relaxing. Did a little snorkelling but the visibility was very poor compared to our previous outings. I think we'd been previously spoilt. At least Colin finally got to swim with a turtle. He had swum away from me when i saw one in the Whitsundays so he'd missed out then. Bad snorkel buddy!! The island is a nesting ground for turtles. It is currently their nesting season, so every night we could see them crawling up the beach to dig big holes and lay their eggs.
Last night we flew into Brisbane before setting off today in our final hire car of the big trip. We had intended to head down to Byron bay for some more beachy stuff, but on hearing that it was going to be full of school leavers who've just finished their exams we decided to pass on that and went to the Hinterland instead. It seems we made an excellent choice as it's beautiful and rainforesty with fantastic walks around. We managed to get a great deal on a retreat place here and we are sitting in the library by an open fire thinking of you all back home. I hear snow is forecast for you? Ahhh!
Funny, it's the first place we've been where christmas decorations are up and suddenly we're reminded that it's not so far away. When you're in a sunny rainforest in Oz, however, it somehow feels a million miles away!
Heron Island
Just spent a few relaxing days on Heron Island, a coral cay two hours by boat from the mainland. Took some walks on the beach and did some more snorkelling. Click on the pic to see the rest.
I finally got to see a Turtle in the water
Unfortunately I didn't manage to get a great picture... this was the best I could do.
Whitsunday Islands
Then it was on to the Whitsunday Islands where we went sailing for a few days. Click the pic to see what we got up to.
Daintree and Cape Tribulation
We've got a little bit of catching up to do with pictures now that we're back online.
First, our trip to the Daintree and Cape Tribulation. Click the picture for photo's of rainforests, crocodiles and Kim and I swinging through the jungle like Tarzan.
First, our trip to the Daintree and Cape Tribulation. Click the picture for photo's of rainforests, crocodiles and Kim and I swinging through the jungle like Tarzan.
Tuesday, 23 November 2010
Port Douglas and around.
Ok, now we're finally back to civilisation here is the blog i wrote ages ago but never had an internet connection to post it to you. I'll send an update on what we've done in that time in a few days.
We’ve just spent the past five days in and around Port Douglas, just north of Cairns. After Ayers Rock we were almost used to hot climates but not humid ones so it was a bit of a shock to the system. We had luckily found a place right in the centre of town and it had good air-conditioning so at least whenever it got a bit too much we could just pop home for a chill out.
On one of the days here we went out to the Great Barrier Reef which was amazing. We got to do 3 stops at different parts of the outer reef, where we snorkelled. I’m sure you’ll agree (if you’ve seen the photos) the stinger suits we wore were something quite special!! We didn’t actually see any jellyfish which they’re designed to protect against, but at least they stopped us turning lobster-coloured so I’m all for them. We did see some gorgeous fish and corals too. We hired an underwater digital camera, hence all the amazing photos.
We hired a car and took a day trip to up the coast. Our first stop was at Mossman Gorge where we did a lovely walk through the rain forest. Within 5 minutes we were soaked but it was worth it. Then we drove up to the Daintree river where we went crocodile spotting. Another animal species ticked off the list. We got to see a few adults and an infant. We also got a free pie (beef not croc) at the end so we were all happy. Later on we went to Cape Tribulation, an incredibly small place with a beautiful beach where we spent a bit of time before going to do some jungle surfing. Basically this involves being strapped in a body harness and being winched up onto a platform of a tree house deep in the forest. From there we zip-lined down wires to further platforms, while finding out rainforesty facts. Very good fun, especially upside-down.
Today we had another easy day, shopping, going to the local market etc. Even though it’s only 2130hrs here we are going to bed as we have to be up at 0215hrs for our transfer back to Cairns. Ouch! From there we are heading to Airlie Beach where we are heading out on a sailing cruise around the Whitsunday Islands which look like picture-postcard tropical islands. You may not here from us for a while!!!!
Sunday, 14 November 2010
The Great Barrier Reef
We hired an underwater camera and got some great shots of the reef. Click on the pic below to see the best ones.
Saturday, 13 November 2010
Friday, 12 November 2010
Thursday, 11 November 2010
Red Centre pics
I've just uploaded our pics from Uluru and Kata Tjuta - click on the pic for the rest.
The Red Centre
When people had told me about Uluru (or Ayers rock) I have to admit I couldn't really understand the fascination. Going out into the middle of the desert was bound to be very hot, full of flies and all for the sake of seeing a big rock sticking out of the ground (which most people agree should not be climbed). It was actually all of these things. It was hot (about 36-38 degrees c) but not humid, it was full of flies which were incredibly annoying, buzzy ones (but we did discover a particular repellent which seems to stop them flying straight into your nostrils/eyes, but sadly doesn't make them disappear altogether) and there was a blooming big rock there - and it was much more impressive than I ever imagined it would be.
The aboriginal people don't like people climbing the rock for cultural reasons so it is frowned upon but not forbidden. Colin did the climb when he visited around 15 years ago but there weren't quite the same anti-climb vibes then. The path is also closed frequently for weather reasons too. They close it if the temperature is forecast to be 36 or above or if it will be windy as it would be too dangerous. It was closed for the entire time we were there so we wouldn't have been able to climb even if we'd wanted to. There is a climbing ladder to help but this is apparently going to be removed in the next 2 years so it will be virtually impossible then.
The evening we arrived we went on a Sounds of Silence trip. This involves being taken out into the desert, being plied with champagne, watching a beautiful sunset, eating a nice al fresco buffet, followed by a spot of star-gazing. We got most of these. While still chewing my last mouthfuls of kangaroo caesar salad the guide informed us we had 2 minutes to get back to the coach as there was a storm coming. They weren't wrong. The wind whipped up and within minutes we got heavy rain. They had timed it perfectly. I guess they have a bit of experience in these matters. Everything was transported back to one of the hotels where we had dessert and drinks. The only thing we missed out on was the star talk, for the obvious reason that no stars were visible.
On our 1st full day we decided to do the walk around the base of Uluru which was just over 12 km (including a short walk to the cultural centre at the end). It was a very nice walk, but, with hindsight, doing it in the heat of the day was not sensible for someone like me who does not cope terribly well with extremes of temperature. By the time we reached the cultural centre people were looking at me in a very concerned way. I'm not sure if they thought I was going to collapse or if they thought they'd catch something from the sweaty but shivery me. I had drunk loads of water but clearly not as much as i should have. A lesson learned!!
The next day we were rudely awakened by the alarm clock at 0330hrs to get up to view sunrise. Another memorable trip. I'm sure you'll agree the photos are pretty good. This was followed by a short guided walk to parts of Uluru which we had seen on our self guided walk, but it was nice to hear some of the legends of the aboriginal people. We had the afternoon to relax by the pool and have a siesta.
On our final day we took another guided walk but this time at Kata Tjuta (otherwise known as the Olga's). This is the more knobbly group of mountains on the photos. I was a bit reluctant to do another bigish walk after nearly dying at Uluru! But I was persuaded as it looked really cool. As it turned out part of this walk was also closed due to extreme temperatures so we could only go to the first lookout and back and then did a 2nd walk through Walpa Gorge which was beautiful. After this we got to see another amazing sunset followed by another gorgeous buffet. This time we did get to see the stars and it was so clear. Although I still missed the 2 shooting stars that everyone else saw!
Overall I now think the red centre is really quite an amazing place. But unlike many other places we've visited on this trip, I couldn't live there.
The aboriginal people don't like people climbing the rock for cultural reasons so it is frowned upon but not forbidden. Colin did the climb when he visited around 15 years ago but there weren't quite the same anti-climb vibes then. The path is also closed frequently for weather reasons too. They close it if the temperature is forecast to be 36 or above or if it will be windy as it would be too dangerous. It was closed for the entire time we were there so we wouldn't have been able to climb even if we'd wanted to. There is a climbing ladder to help but this is apparently going to be removed in the next 2 years so it will be virtually impossible then.
The evening we arrived we went on a Sounds of Silence trip. This involves being taken out into the desert, being plied with champagne, watching a beautiful sunset, eating a nice al fresco buffet, followed by a spot of star-gazing. We got most of these. While still chewing my last mouthfuls of kangaroo caesar salad the guide informed us we had 2 minutes to get back to the coach as there was a storm coming. They weren't wrong. The wind whipped up and within minutes we got heavy rain. They had timed it perfectly. I guess they have a bit of experience in these matters. Everything was transported back to one of the hotels where we had dessert and drinks. The only thing we missed out on was the star talk, for the obvious reason that no stars were visible.
On our 1st full day we decided to do the walk around the base of Uluru which was just over 12 km (including a short walk to the cultural centre at the end). It was a very nice walk, but, with hindsight, doing it in the heat of the day was not sensible for someone like me who does not cope terribly well with extremes of temperature. By the time we reached the cultural centre people were looking at me in a very concerned way. I'm not sure if they thought I was going to collapse or if they thought they'd catch something from the sweaty but shivery me. I had drunk loads of water but clearly not as much as i should have. A lesson learned!!
The next day we were rudely awakened by the alarm clock at 0330hrs to get up to view sunrise. Another memorable trip. I'm sure you'll agree the photos are pretty good. This was followed by a short guided walk to parts of Uluru which we had seen on our self guided walk, but it was nice to hear some of the legends of the aboriginal people. We had the afternoon to relax by the pool and have a siesta.
On our final day we took another guided walk but this time at Kata Tjuta (otherwise known as the Olga's). This is the more knobbly group of mountains on the photos. I was a bit reluctant to do another bigish walk after nearly dying at Uluru! But I was persuaded as it looked really cool. As it turned out part of this walk was also closed due to extreme temperatures so we could only go to the first lookout and back and then did a 2nd walk through Walpa Gorge which was beautiful. After this we got to see another amazing sunset followed by another gorgeous buffet. This time we did get to see the stars and it was so clear. Although I still missed the 2 shooting stars that everyone else saw!
Overall I now think the red centre is really quite an amazing place. But unlike many other places we've visited on this trip, I couldn't live there.
Wednesday, 10 November 2010
Saw some fantastic sunsets & sunrises over the past few days!
Sunset over Kata Tjuta
Sunrise over Uluru
Just a sunset
Friday, 5 November 2010
Photos from the Great Ocean Road online
Click the pic for more, Koalas, waterfalls and dramatic coastines included.
Wednesday, 3 November 2010
Sydney, Melbourne and the Great Ocean Road
We've just spent a few fantastic days catching up with several old friends and a new baby addition in Sydney and Melbourne. We had a great time. Not much time for much sight-seeing but, as we'd both been to these cities before, the main purpose was to visit friends.
After Melbourne we hired a car (not a campervan!) and started out on the Great Ocean Road, a fabulous drive going west from Melbourne. We had more time than we thought we'd have there so were taking it steady, which was nice because we got to see bits that Colin didn't see
when he did a coach trip out here 2 years ago. The first night we stayed in a place which was right out in 'the bush'. A very rural place, which meant it had spiders with meaty legs, but it was very quiet and nice to have our own space. Well it was quiet until the parrots and cockatoos started having a squawking competition in the early hours.
The next day we visited the Erskine falls which were just down the road from our lodge and then carried on along the ocean road, passing some more waterfalls, some lovely beaches and some small towns. The next night we stayed in Port Campbell, which we thought was tiny, but is actually one of the big towns around there! We stayed in a fairly normal motel, but it had views of the ocean so it was a nice view to wake up to.
On our final day we backtracked along to the Twelve Apostles (the tall rocks sticking straight up out of the sea). It's a very dramatic coastline around there. We also drove out to a lighthouse and saw lots of koalas in trees at the roadside.
Toady we took the faster, less scenic route back to Melbourne where we will catch up with another friend tonight and then tomorrow we fly out to the middle of the desert where I've heard there's a great big rock . .
After Melbourne we hired a car (not a campervan!) and started out on the Great Ocean Road, a fabulous drive going west from Melbourne. We had more time than we thought we'd have there so were taking it steady, which was nice because we got to see bits that Colin didn't see
when he did a coach trip out here 2 years ago. The first night we stayed in a place which was right out in 'the bush'. A very rural place, which meant it had spiders with meaty legs, but it was very quiet and nice to have our own space. Well it was quiet until the parrots and cockatoos started having a squawking competition in the early hours.
The next day we visited the Erskine falls which were just down the road from our lodge and then carried on along the ocean road, passing some more waterfalls, some lovely beaches and some small towns. The next night we stayed in Port Campbell, which we thought was tiny, but is actually one of the big towns around there! We stayed in a fairly normal motel, but it had views of the ocean so it was a nice view to wake up to.
On our final day we backtracked along to the Twelve Apostles (the tall rocks sticking straight up out of the sea). It's a very dramatic coastline around there. We also drove out to a lighthouse and saw lots of koalas in trees at the roadside.
Toady we took the faster, less scenic route back to Melbourne where we will catch up with another friend tonight and then tomorrow we fly out to the middle of the desert where I've heard there's a great big rock . .
Tuesday, 2 November 2010
Just spent a great couple of days in Sydney
It was fantastic to catch up with everyone... now on to Melbourne!
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