Blogs from Oceania - page 6

Today is an early start. We are expecting decent weather, so we hav earmarked today, based on the weather forecast, to go to The Blue Mountains. The Blue Mountains is a rugged region west of Sydney. It is known for dramatic scenery, and my any waterfalls and beautiful view points. I got up at 6:30, to my alarm, it wasn’t very easy, but I did it! I think Bernard went for 6am! We were showered changed, and ready to go by 7am. Perfectly to the plan! We checked our bags for brollies, snacks, water, phone wires, and phones. Gavin, who apartment shares with Bernard, has really kindly let us use his car, which makes a huge difference for us today. We headed down base level 2, to collect Gavin’s car, we set off, ready for the ... read more

We had been warned. Auckland is damp and freezing throughout the winter months. Thankfully, we would only be there for three days! All of the foregoing is true, but our little stay gave us enough of a flavor of the place to persuade us both that we should return another (warmer) time. Though we were sleeping at a wonderful, peaceful hostel outside the center (Brown Kiwi), we spent the first night resting at an old work colleague's house on the other side of town, where we had been invited for supper (and quite a few bottles of wine). The following day, we cleansed ourselves of the hangover by walking for over two hours back into town, gaining a beautiful sense for the various suburbs on the way back,In addition to the region's often unpredictable weather. Once ... read more

Saturday 6 th April, DampierDampier Caravan ParkCost $39 per night Rated by us 5/10Mileage 16747 travelled 0Late rise after a cool night thanks to thye air con, so glad we got it working, the night temperatures still been in the high 20’s and humid.We had a slow drive around Karratha and Dampier, not much for tourists but then it is a mining, shipping town. G is enjoying watching the ships load and I found a sign with some interesting fun facts about the port. The work that goes on here is fascinating, not sure why there are so many people live here just for the port as the mines are all inland. The one port we are looking at loads 16 ships per week with a blended iron ore all going to china, ... read more

Here we are, on the big island of Tasmania. This is a first for Tanya and I. Oh surprise! Tripadvisor algorithm now believes that I've seen 98% of the world! What a big joke isn't it? The ride from King Island was another short hop on a small Saab 340. Solid rain was forecasted for that afternoon, so I did keep my finger crossed. We indeed had some rain, but nothing to bother too much. Did pick up a way nicer car at the small airport of Burnie...way more expensive rental too...and we drove the short 2 hours ride to Launceston, the second biggest city of Tasmania, population 77,363! Tonight, not only do we have a comfortable bed, but a decent kitchenette too! So once check-in done, straight to the supermarket to stock on some local ... read more

I did set the alarm for 9am this morning, but actually woke up naturally at 8:40. I was so ready for my bed last night! I was the apprehensive all day about the cycle class. As it turned out, for no reason, but hindsight is a wonderful thing. Don’t get me wrong, it was hard work, but I actually enjoyed it. So today is a new day! I thought I might ache, but I think that all the walking, and knowing how to pace myself, allowed me to participate at my level, and enjoy it! So no aches today. I’m going to keep the walking going today. Bernard is at work, so I’m out exploring on my own. As always the first job for me is to have breakfast. I decided to get the train into ... read more