September 6, 2014 – We headed out bright and early to Litchfield National Park, a 1500 square kilometer park, 100 km southwest of Darwin. This was Father’s Day in Australia and we were expecting the roads to be busy. Maybe we left before the crowds, or maybe we were just faster than the rest (the speed limit is this part of Australia is 130 kms/hr!!) but, we didn't meet another vehicle until we were well within the park. Termites! Everything in Australia is big! And nothing symbolizes this more than their termite mounds – one type of termite (there are several kinds) build tall Cathedral Mounds that can be over 50 years old! They’re not the kind a cathedral I’m used to, but I did feel a kind a reverence for the tiny creatures that create ... read more

September 5th - Today we rose at 4:30 a.m., stumbled aboard ‘Jack’s Bus’ for the three-hour ride to the Sydney Airport, and boarded an airplane for the four and a half flight to Darwin, or as it’s known in Australia, ‘The Top End’. As we arrive at the airport the weather was not just warm, it was hot! This is the Australia I’ve always heard of!! We ended the evening watching the sun set into a beautiful blue sea from our balcony on the 16thfloor. Our first full day in Darwin was a busy one. In the morning we visited the 130-year old, George Brown Botanical Gardens. A beautiful retreat in the city, this garden has a variety of indigenous tropical plants and trees as well as many others from around the world. How I envy ... read more

September 3rd – The weather forecast was not promising, but David wanted some photos of the coast, so we rose at 4:45 a.m., and off to Newcastle we went. And – the forecast was right – rain, high winds, and terrific waves! David was in his element! Judy and I stayed dry in the car while Mal valiantly kept David company, even losing a hat in the process. After breakfast, the weather improved enough for us to visit the Shortland Wetlands Centre. Here we were introduced to more of the region’s flora and fauna including a poisonous Red-Bellied Black Snake that was warming itself beside the path. Our next stop was the Tomaree Lookout -- unfortunately, the weather had begun to deteriorate and the winds were very strong, so we had only a quick look and ... read more

September 2 - Judy’s touch is evident throughout her home and around the property. Just steps from the back door is her studio – a veritable cornucopia of all things ‘art’! It is what I’ve always thought an artist studio should look like with paints, brushes, and bits and pieces that might someday be woven into a piece of art. The house with its large walls and 12’ ceilings provide Judy with a canvas to create. Bright, bold colors adorn the walls and provide wonderful backdrops to the numerous pieces of art that is thoughtfully displayed. Each piece has a story to tell (If only I had the many months I would need to hear them all!) I felt a sense of warmth, home, thoughtfulness and an ever-present sense of fun and whimsy – perfectly matching ... read more

Tomorrow we lift off!! Ten months ago David and I started planning a trip to the other side of the world! It feels a bit like a ball of string … at first it unwinds slowly … but near the end, it unravels quickly! This will be a very special trip not only because we will be going to see some incredible places, but also because we’ll be visiting some very special people. What will we do for six weeks? I know David will take some fabulous photos. And I hope to answer a few questions I’ve had since childhood like, “When we’re on the bottom of the world, will our feet stick, or will we fall off?” (I have some other questions, but I thought I’d start with the easy ones first.) I hope you ... read more