It is Finished!

The end has come; I have told as much of our story as I could in the short amount of time and space I had. But trust us, if you want to know or see more, we would be happy to oblige. All you have to do is ask and we would love to share. Thanks again for traveling along with us.

Mike and Janet

6/4/2008 Hamilton Gardens and Home!

We spent the night in Hamilton so we would be closer to Auckland and our flight home. We had several hours to kill so we toured the Hamilton Gardens, had breakfast at the cafe and wandered through the different gardens, particularly the Paradise Gardens which were all patterned after these different areas, including a Japanese garden, a modern American garden, a Chinese garden, an Indian garden, an Italian garden and an English garden. It was a great way to end our weeks of travel; very restful and relaxing and the weather was a warm "fall" day with "just right" temperatures, sun and wind. We left by 1 o'clock to be able to drop off the car and begin our journey home. Every thing went perfect and we arived home safe and sound. We left New Zealand at 9:30 PM on June 4th and arrived at DFW airport at 10:30PM on June 4th!!! Yes, that "1 hour" journey sure seemed alot longer....and it was!

It was a once-in-a-lifetime trip and one that we were both glad we made!!!!!!!

6/3/2008 Waitomo Caves

Another great drive through more hills and valleys took us to our destination at Blackwater Rafting Company. There we signed up to view the Rukura Cave (via the walkways) with it's magnificent limestone creations and beautiful stalagtites and stalagmites. We even got to "spy" on those who chose the more rugged cave adventure that includes abseiling (down on a rope) with an inner tube, some floating, some walking in 60 degree or colder water...made us glad we didn't chose it!!! After an hour and a half we exited back into the sunight for our next cave adventure. Still in the same area, we were escorted down some steps and through caverns to a boat ride in total darkness to experience the lights of the glowworms on the ceiling of the cave. It felt like we were suspended somewhere with a million stars floating above us. The "glow" comes from the luminescent sac at the end of the worms body, while the long, silky "webs" dangle down to catch their prey, insects etc. that find their way into the caverns. We were both really glad we hadn't missed this part of our New Zealand adventure.

6/2/2008 Rotorua, Here We Come!

Finally we were on our way to this town we had heard so much about. Knowing one day was hardly emough to see all it had to offer, we chose wisely. Our first stop was to Te Puia, a Maori Village. We arrived just in time to join the 11 o'clock guided tour. It was very interesting and informative about how the Maori's lived and about their beliefs. It was also home to one of the country's more active geysers...the Pohutu Geyser which erupts 2-3 times an hour and can jet up as high as 60 feet. It is always more active after the rain so we got to see it erupt several times, but only to heights of 30-40 feet. After observing the training at the weaving school and the carving school, we were just in time for the Welcome Ceremony. Of course they needed a male volunteer, and since no one else was willing, Mike stepped forward and became the "chief" to lead us all into the "whare" where the ceremony was held. We were entertained with action songs, female poi dances and traditional stick games and the famous war dance, The Huka (with spears, grunts and scary faces!) After a quick lunch, sandwich for Mike and traditional hungi meal (steamed meat and vegetables cooked in a buried oven) for me, we headed to the Buried Village which was the site of the 1886 volcanic eruption of Mt. Tarawere that buried more than 150 people as well as the Pink and White Terraces (silica and limestone series of steps formed by the geothermal activity) which were known as the 8th Wonder of the World. We couldn't resist the 400m drive to the lookout over the Lake for a beautiful sunset picture.

6/1/2008 Our 1st (and Only) Rainy Day!!!

First order of business was to get a new car or tire, whichever they decided. It turned out it was a car! Once we had breakfast and met the AVIS guy, we were on our way to the mountains. Only problem, once we reached the point where our hike would begin, it was raining and covered in dense fog. With no hope of clearing, we took our time driving back to Taupo and spent several hours at the Taupo Museum where we learned about the volcanic eruption that formed the lake and the mountains as well as toured the award winning outdoor garden depicting many areas of their culture. The weather cleared a bit so we went to Huka Falls on the Waireka River. The highlight is to take a $95 jet boat ride to the bottom of the falls, but we opted to stay on land and view it from above!

Time Out!!!

It is now 10:52 PM New Zealand time and I am going to bed! We leave tomorrow to come home and we are ready!!! We have had such a wonderful 6 weeks (almost) but do need to regroup and just be "normal" again. I still owe you all 3 more days, which were fantastic, but they will have to wait until we get home. I promise to finish this blog and let you know all about the rest of our mountain exploration, the Maori culture and Rotorua, and the Waitomo Caves. Bet you can't wait, huh? Thanks for hanging in there with us. We have enjoyed sharing with you all.
Until later......

5/31/2008 Traversing the Thermal Highway.....

First stop was at Orakei Korako the "place of adorning" by the Maori people, where the geothermal activity was very inspiring and surreal. The morning was cool and the steam hung low over the areas as the pools bubbled and spewed the hot water in the air and over the silica beds which were various colors due to the algae and minerals in the water. Our journey took us past bubbling pools, overlooks, geysers and then on a walk through the bush to the Rautapu Cave, past mud pools, and back through the forest. It was an amazing and very spiritual place. We were lucky to enjoy it almost by ourselves. One thing we have discovered traveling in this "off season" for the area is that there are no crowds or lines to contend with. It has been so great to be able to take our time at all that we have seen and just enjoy. Driving back through Taupo, we grabbed some sandwiches at Subway (yes, more American food) and drove south towards the trio of mountains in Tongariro National Forest, one of which was Mt. Ngaurhoe (Mt. Doom in the Lord of the Rings trilogy). We found what we believed was it; and it had snow on it!!! Surprising because the elevations of the mountains are only between 7,000 and 8,500 feet. We found the Park office and made plans to come back up tomorrow to take a 2km hike to Tanaki Falls and walk part way up into Mt. Doom. Only hiccup this day was a flat tire on the way down (nearly dusk and Mike was changing the right rear tire on the side of a very narrow, winding road!) but he managed just fine. This is the 2nd tire he has helped change (one at Bill's farm) so I hope it's not an omen; we still have 4 days left!

5/3/2008 Traveling to Taupo

We checked out by 10 AM, met the ferry and enjoyed a beautiful morning ride across the Straits of Tamaki with a beautiful view of Auckland before landing back at Half Moon Bay to begin our trek south. After lunch at a McDonald's (no less) on the highway, we picked up some maps and brochures and decided to go to Taupo rather than Rotorua since it looked a little less "touristy" and closer to the mountains (where we could explore!) The drive was about 4 hours and took us to a lovely lakeside area with lots of places to choose from right at the edge of Lake Taupo and surrounded by mountains. We picked a lovely 2 room suite with a view of the lake and it's own thermal water (from the geothermal activity in the area) spa pool right on the deck and a big comfy king size bed! We were in heaven (or at least, I was!!!)

5/29/2008 Waiheke Island in the Daylight!

After letting Mike sleep in a bit, we enjoyed the fresh croissants they had left on our doorstep with coffee and then our island exploration began. We were on the north side near the middle so we first headed west to Oneroa, gathered a few grocerieis, wine and cheese, explored the little main street, then drove to some scenic lookout points. Next we drove back across the island to the opposite end to explore Stony Batter; WWII tunnels and battlement site, named so because the land was peppered with huge boulders randomly in the fields. It was a further walk than we thought, plus the tunnels were closed, so we just drove the countryside, enjoying the steep hills emptying into deep valleys, with lots of sheep and cows grazing. We also caught great views of the water from various heights around the island. We had lunch at a beach side cafe before returning through more beautiful scenery to enjoy a magnificent sunset just down from where we were staying. It had been a fairly warm, sunny fall day that we wrapped up with a soak in the French hot tub which was outside on the back porch, surrounded by privacy shades!!!

5/28/2008 Happy 37th Anniversary to Us!

Our early flight was on time and uneventful. After clearing customs and picking up our rental car we were headed to Half Moon Bay Ferry (which was all the way across town...according to the gal at the AVIS counter) but with her well drawn directions on a city map, we made it with 45 minutes to spare! (And this with traffic and Mike driving on the opposite side of the road). He did a great job! The ferry ride was 45 minutes as well, so when we landed at Waiheke Island it was totally dark and we still managed to find our way to the Palm Beach Bungalows and our cottage. The narrow (dark) steep path to our cottage was tricky but we made it in time to relax, have a cocktail and be ready when Alberto, our personal chef for the evening, arrived at 7:30 to cook us our 5 course Tuscan Meal!!! We enjoyed it so much, along with a bottle of red wine. It was so nice not having to go out and find a nice restaurant to celebrate in! Perfect choice on our part. We loved it. Oh! I also got to wear my beautiful opal necklace and ring for the first time...

5/27/2008 Our Last Day in OZ! (as they call it...)

Busy day! Hedy and Ian were busy making arrangements for their move and we were all getting ready to leave early in the morning...Mike and I did our last trip to the library to update this blog, then met Vania at The Imperial Palace for Yum Cha for lunch. This is one of Hedy and Ian's favorite places to eat where they bring around one dish after the other and you say "yes" or "no" if you want it! Kind of like a buffet that's being served to you! Anyway, we ate whatever Hedy said "yes" to...even Mike tried lots of noodle and rice dishes he'd never had before! It was lots of fun. Later that afternoon we watched "Priscilla Queen of the Desert" an Aussie classic film that was made near Alice Springs and part of Kings Canyon which were places we had just visited. We wrapped up the evening by viewing the "Wayoutback" DVD that Mike had just finished of our trip. We ended our last night much like we had begun our first! None of us could believe the time was over already!

5/26/2008 Taronga Park Zoo

Our last day to explore in Australia....Mike and I took the train downtown and then the ferry to the zoo. We rode the cable car up and took our time wandering around through the exhibits for over three hours. We got to see the elephants during feeding time and also the seals during their training session. Lots of birds, animals and plant life made it a very active and great place to spend the afternoon. Again, the weather was perfect, not too cool not to warm. The fall colors in the trees are really beginning to "pop" out here...not like the 90-100 degrees waiting for us at home! It was a wonderful end to our weeks with Hedy and Ian. Hedy cooked a great meal including fish chowder (which we all enjoyed immensely, except Mike of course) and some yummy chicken with potatoe mash! We are slowing realizing that tomorrow will be a work day for us as we repack and prepare for our next trip...our week in New Zealand!

5//2008 Return to Sutherland via The Jenolan Caves

After the guys checked the fire from yesterday's lunch, we had breakfast and loaded up. Our return trip took us the winding route through the Great Arch at Jenolan Caves where we stopped and walked the River Walk. If I hadn't twisted my knee the day before (jumping over a fence) we would have toured one of the caves, but I wasn't up for it! Arriving back in Sydney around 4:30 we decided to just stop for a few items then go home and relax which is just what we did! We even ordered Thai food delivery for dinner. Looks like that day on the sheep farm wore us all out.....

5/24/2008 A Sheep Station in Australia

We awoke to a completely fogged in valley surrounding their house. Mike took off with his camera while the rest of us gathered food and drinks. After a quick tour of the buildings and gaining an understanding of how a sheep station works, we took off on the day's adventure. This included helping them clear a huge pile of fallen trees into a managable woodpile. Then we lit a fire and burned it down to coals so we could cook our lunch of sausages and chicken wings over the flame. We returned to their house and started another fire so Bill could cook in the camp oven (cast iron covered pot) a leg of lamb with potatoes and vegetables for our dinner. It got a little cooler at night, even around the fire, but it was a lovely and peaceful place to enjoy new friends and great food.

5/23/2008 Katoomba, Three Sisters and Beyond...

After flying home yesterday and staying in Sutherland for a night we were up and out by 7:30 again on our way to the Blue Mountains. Our first stop was at the Three Sisters rock formation. From the overlook at Echo Point we drove to the scenic Railway and took the railcar down into the forest where we walked the trail then took the cableway up. We continued our drive through more little towns, stopping at Govett's Leap overlook and then lunched at the old Imperial Hotel at Mount Victoria. The scenery was fantastic as we continued through the backroads down the other side of the mountains, past Lake Lyell to the O'Connell Pub where we met up with Ian's mate, Bill and his wife Deidre. After a quick tour around their 375 acre property (which included changing a tire that was sliced on the sidewall by a piece of rock!) we returned to the pub for a wonderful dinner and drinks.

5/21/2008 Cairns Finale`!

We opted for a quick trip to Hartleys' Crocodile Farm in time for the feedings and tours. We arrived in time to see the Cassowary feeding and part of the farm tour before heading to the 10:30 river cruise. On this cruise we saw lots of crocodiles (6-10) and even fed several of them (luckily THIS boat had windows and grates high up on the sides)! After the river cruise, we continued on our walk through the park and stumbled upon a baby Koala, only months old, just out of its mother's pouch (still naked with no fur). The keepers said it was probably the first time she had taken her out!!! We were soooo lucky. We stopped and watched the two of them for a while before heading to the lagoon area for coffee just in time to see three trainers actually enter the riverbank to hand feed a huge croc (Ted) who came when they called him by name! Amazing. With one guy armed with a bucket and one with a long stick, the third one tossed him what looked like a whole (big) piece of meat! After so much entertainment, we decided to go back and spend at least one afternoon on the beach, which Hedy and I did with our books and drinks while Mike walked the beach and Ian rested his back.

5/20/2008 Palm Cove and Cairns

A slow start to the morning before we ventured into Palm Cove (in the daylight this time) to see the shops, cafes and resorts. From there we decided to check out Cairns, about 30 minutes south. We drove through the Port, the Esplanade and walked around a bit. There is no beach as such right at the port, just lots of sticky mud for a long ways out so everyone was lying around on the grassy area on beach towels (just like it was sand!) We ate a late lunch at a place called The Raw Prawn where we very much enjoyed the food, the service and the view. We each spent a little time on the internet (just can't get by without it these days) checking travel plans, emailing, blogging, etc and then went home shortly after dark (which is around 5:40 here now). We spent the next several hours on the deck, listening to music, enjoying each other's company and a beautiful full moon over the water.

5/19/2008 Daintree Forest, River Cruise and Discovery Centre

We headed up to the Daintree Forest in order to be there for the 9:30 AM River Cruise. Apparently, it was too early and too cool since we only saw ONE crocodile on our hour long cruise. Nevertheless, it was a lovely, slow ride on the Daintree River as the day was warming up. After a stop for coffee, we took the 5 minute ferry ride across the river to the Discovery Centre. The self guided audio tour took us through the rainforest along paths and up on top of towers where the view was amazing (at the top of the forest). Since it is fall here, there wasn't as much activity as in the spring, but we really enjoyed the walk and learning about the different aspects of the rainforest. We headed further up the coast for lunch and stopped at a great little place at Lync Haven, a camping retreat with an outdoor restaurant. Back at the cottage we once again relaxed for the evening along with the lizards and curlews as well as our wine and cheese, not to mention the wonderful view of the ocean. We could get used to this.......

5/18/2008 Kuranda Railway and Skyrail

Another beautiful sunrise to start the day and we were off (by 7:45 AM) on our 30 minute drive to Freshwater Station to catch the train. The ride up to the top took an hour and a half, through 15 tunnels and over 23 bridges. It was spectacular viewing from the old, open air rail cars we were in. We walked around Kuranda through various markets, had coffee, then lunch at the Irish Pub on the our way to the Skyrail station. We took the Skyrail down, stopping at two different places to get off, first seeing the views from the Barron Gorge overlook and then taking a walk through the forest with a ranger. Again the scenery was breathtaking, as was the ride in the cable car. We were so close to some of the tree tops in the rainforest you felt like you could touch them! We finished off the day on the deck watching 2-3 little lizards who came to "dinner" around our porch light and photographing the Curlews who wandered by (again).

5/17/2008 The Great Barrier Reef!

Boarding the Quiksilver V we arrived at the reef before noon. We gathered our snorkels, masks and fins and donned our lycra "blue suits" to protect us from the sun and stingers! I must say we looked "fetching", don't you agree? We snorkeled for about an hour before having lunch. The reefs were full of schools of fish and numerous corals of all different shapes and sizes and the water was very clear. After a wonderful buffet lunch, we snorkeled again for a while. Mike rented an underwater digital camera so we have plenty (almost 200) pictures to share if any of you are interested...ha! The day was absolutely perfect, no wind, water temperature was great (about 82) and the seas were smooth....we had a wonderful time.

5/16/2008 Sunrise over the Pacific and More...

6:34 Am and I was the only one up! I snapped a few pics then enjoyed the serenity of it all, listening to the ocean, drinking coffee and reading until everyone else got up and around. After a big breakfast we headed to Port Douglas to make arrangements for our Reef Snorkeling Trip. On our way hope we sent to the Mossman Gorge after first having lunch at the old hotel/pub in Mossman in their beer garden. The Gorge was a beautiful walking trail, over bridges and walkways, past swimming holes and back again. That night we were greeted "up close and personal" for the first time by the curlew's, mainly nocturnal bush dwelling wader who's voice is a drawn out mournful "wer - looooo" sounding more like an shreik or a scream. They even came close to the deck to get the crackers we had thrown to them. Very entertaining......

5/15/2008 Ellis Beach!

Arriving in Cairns, it began to rain! By the time we secured our rental car it was pouring!!! First stop was at a Liquorland to stock up and then Coles, a grocery store (priorities, you know). We got to our home for the week, Ellis Beach Bungalows around 4pm. All the while, Hedy kept telling me it was a nude beach...it wasn't, we were grateful! Our accomodations were small, 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, full kitchen, very simple but there was a wonderful deck where we spent most of our time overlooking and listening to the waves crashing on the beach. It is as close as I have ever been to walking into the ocean from my room. Only problem is, they have "stingers" from Nov-May so you can only swim where the protective net is. But it was beautiful and awesome just to sit and be there and enjoy the view!

5/14/2008 Exploring Sydney on Our Own again...

Since we were leaving for Cairns in the morning, we spent some time doing laundry and getting organized. Mike and I took the train down to Sydney and arrived back at Circular Quay by noon. We ate at a "counter" luncheon and then explored "The Rocks", the oldest settlement at Sydney Harbor, right under the Harbor Bridge and across from the Opera House. We then took the ferry to Manly Beach and did some shopping. Mike and I debated about buying a didgeridoo, but decided to buy a CD of the music instead (sorry, Jud!) We caught the train home, stopping at a local market for Hedy and then had dinner with Kedra, Ian's middle daughter. After she left we all got our bags packed for (another) early morning departure.

5/13/2008 Return to Sydney

Before leaving Tuncurry, we met Heather, Ian and Chery'ls daughter and her sons, Jack and Ethan. Cheryl served us fresh apple muffins and coffee and tea before we left. Arriving back at the apt. in Sutherland around 4 pm, Mike and I went to the library while Hedy and Ian met with their realtor. As you can tell, I don't get the chance to "post" very often, but when I do I try to put in a lot!!! Hope you are enjoying "traveling along with us...." For dinner we went to the Futbol Club, where they play Rugby League (not soccer) and then gambled a little at the machines. Hedy was bad luck (just like me) since we didn't win a thing. I did manage to play 10 minutes on a dollar at a penny slot not knowing what the heck I was doing....imagine that???

The picture above is of their place in Tuncurry.

5/12/2008 From Taree to Dyer's Crossing

While Ian and Ian repaired a broken pipe in the front yard, Mike, Hedy and I headed to Taree to pick up his new Cpap (he had only rented one for four days). What a relief! Neither one of us could imagine the next 4 weeks without it. Our next stop was a 45 minute drive from their house in Tuncurry to their new place in Dyers Crossing, a beautiful 105 acres of woods, meadows, a river, ponds, barn and tractor (for Ian)jand a wonderful new home (for Hedy) sitting on the crest of one of the hills. It is gonig to be a perfect new home for the two of them.. The current owners spent an hours and a half very graciously showing us atround and visiting. On the way home we enjoyed a late lunch over the cliffs abouve Tuncurry. That evening Ian's other sisiter, Kay and her partner, Rick came by for dessert and coffee. It was great fun getting to know more of Ian's family.

5/11/2008 Happy Mother's Day to Hedy and Me!

A nice lazy day around the house for all. We took the "tinnie" (small aluminum boat) out for a nice ride around Lake Wallis in the afternoon, then Hedy prepared Oysters Kilpatrick (fresh oysters on the half shell, small slices of bacon and worcestershire sauce) broiled in the oven and fresh prawns, cheese and crackers. They were tasty! And even Mike ate some!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We met Ian's sister Cheryl and her husband, also Ian, who live in the lower level of the duplex, and enjoyed visiting, eating and getting know one another. It was great fun and especially relaxing...just what a "mum" should do on HER day!!!

5/10/2008 Family, Foxes and Forster

We awoke to the lovely sound of birds chattering and after a quick breakfast at the beachside cafe (again...life is sooo rough, ha!) we were on our way. Saying goodbye to Gary and Kathy, we headed up to their daughter's place, high on a hilltop overlooking the most beautiful valleys. Everything was so green and lush (and this is their fall!!!). They live in a mud brick and cedar house built by Craig and his mates during his bachelor days. It was home to their family of five, 2 Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Gina and Rusty, an opussom, a guinea pig plus 5 horses!!!

After coffee, tea and "bickies" (cookies/biscuits)we headed down to Wingham Brush where we were hoping to see the flying foxes fly out at sunset, but a local gent told us most of them had flown south for the winter already so we just walked through and saw them hanging from the trees. These suckers were big!! Body the size of a cat with a wingspan of about 4 ft when fully extended! We stopped at their favorite place in Forster for "fish n chips" (the British influence you know) before getting back to Tuncurry.

5/9/2008 Hunter Valley Wine Country and Beyond

After a complete day of rest and organizing, we headed out for an early breakfast at an outdoor cafe on the beach at Forster. The drive up to the wine country was beautiful, winding our way through small rural towns, hills and valleys. The trees were spectacular. We tasted (and bought) at several wineries and also a cheese factory and then had lunch at the Hunter Valley Garden's Village before driving to Port Stephens where we were spending the night with Gary and Kathy, Ian's brother and wife. We arrived right on time to watch the sunset right out the back of their house over the water. They have this amazing "wall of doors" that folds up so you feel you are outside in a tropical garden! Beautiful!!! We sat outside enjoying dinner and wine and conversation until we couldn't anymore!

5/7/2008 Tuncurry

After making arrangements to rent a Cpap for Mike in Taree (which is minutes from Hedy and Ian's place up the coast) we were ready to head to Tuncurry. First though, a trip to the chiropractor for Ian and pedicures for Hedy and Janet from Vania, Ian's daughter. Seems like we did a lot of damage to our bodies at the Outback..... Four hours later we arrived in Taree, picked up a machine for Mike and settled in at their place in Tuncurry. It is a lovely up and down duplex that faces the waters of Lake Wallis, which is tidal with lots of birds and marine life and beautiful sunrises! A lovely place to rest relax and regroup for a few days.

5/6/2008 Shopping in Alice Springs and Opals

Before our flight out at noon, we decided to trek downtown (about a mile) once again to shop! And as luck would have it, we managed to find the most beautiful natural opal pendant in a sterling silver setting (plus a ring) with my name written all over it! Mike generously offered to buy it for me and I accepted! What a great trip/anniversary momento for our 37th!!!! We then arranged for the digeridoo/artist Tom Crow who had performed at Toddy's that first night to bring in his artwork for us all to chose form. Hedy and Ian, Bestsy, Mike and I all purchase some! Then it was on to the airport and back to Sydney only to find that Mike's Cpap wasn't working........

Day 5 Gorges, Waterholes and Trees

Our last day! No rush to get up and go so we savored the early morning fire and most were looking forward to a bed, a hot shower and toilet that we knew were waiting for us at the end of the dayl! We made several stops in the West MacDonnell National Park ranges to see beautiful gorges and swimming holes. Several went in the water at Redbank Gorge, but Mike and I were waiting for it to warm up and we finally tooke the plunge at Ellery Creek Bighole where the water temperature was sooooo cold (we're guessing about 50 degrees) it literally took your breath away!!! After a few more stops on our last one was at the two trees Numajare painted as a landscape portrait. He was the first aborigine to paint an object as seen looking at it straight on, rather than from above looking down as was they way aborigines viewed things. At that point, we were only a few miles from Alice Spings and Toddy's where we were spending the night before flying out. We said our goodbyes and hugged everyone and then we were off! Only to see each other again, one more time, at dinner that night. It was a great ending to a wonderful trip. We all agreed we wouldn't have missed it for anything.