Surprise - Dubai for a Day

January 10th (We think)

So we are really bad at this.  It has been two weeks and we haven't posted anything. We have an excuse though,  we are lame.

So the trip started well, walk to bus, bus to burrito (Anna's!), burrito to T, T to MegaBus, MegaBus to NYC, NYC to PATH train, walk to Wicket's, walk to dinner, dinner to liquor store, liquor store to Wicket's, beer to belly.

The flight started only 1.5 hours late. No problem, 12 hours and many bad movies later we were in Dubai.  Oh except our layover was only 1.5 hours.  So there we was, there we was, Dubai!  Slowly we turned, step by step, inch by inch and went to a hotel.

We are not mall people.

But,we hopped in a taxi with our fellow misplaced travellers Elizabeth & Carolina and went there.  It had an aquarium, an ice rink, a water show, the worlds tallest building and underwear. The last being most crucial- it turned out to be very comfortable.

It was a strange experience.  Huge modern buildings where you would expect George Jettson to be flying around in his jet car. Yet all of the chain stores you would expect at home and some you wouldn't (Fuddruckers? Tim Horton's?).  Women in shorts or burkas, men in white robes.  We walked around somewhat in a daze until Bethany nearly fell asleep in a book store.  Then it was bed time. Tomorrow Melbourne.

Where did yesterday or today go?  Is today tomorrow?

On The Road – East Coast Miles

January 26

Patrick is driving now. He has driven so many of the miles and we are all thankful for his willingness to ride on the wrong side of the road. I have relieved him for only small chunks of time. Mom is reading in the front seat and dad has nodded off in his chair. It rains outside. It is the socked in type of rain that promises to stay with us for the day. It is okay though because we have some miles to put under the tires on our way to Brisbane and the scenery through this stretch is not capturing my attention as much as it did in the far north where most vegetation was more wild and foreign. I think I too might shut my eyes and close the computer. More news tomorrow...

Cairns Day #3 – Sweat and Swimming

January 25

Unfortunately today started out with an alarm clock. We got up early to return our car and pick up our camper van. Also unfortunately the campervan place did not open until 10:00 so we could have slept in. Instead we went for a sweaty walk straight up a hill in the botanical gardens. Oh yes... the red trail. Sweaty. We got to the camper van place and after a nearly instantaneous 45 minutes we were good to go. We picked up our monstrous camper van with a toilet we don't want to use and a shower that we probably wont use and hit the road. First stop – The Babina Boulders for a nice cool crocodile free swim. The next stop was Josaphine Falls. It was a beautiful spot where Patrick, who still had his bathing suit on, got to swim. Jill at the Babina rest stop planned our route along the scenic Canecutter Hwy. In the foreground was sugar cane and in the distance hills. Next up: Cassowary Hunting at Mission Beach. Jill had seen one in thirty years having lived in the area. Surely we would see one in the thirty minutes that we spent at the beach. There were after all 10 billion signs warning of cassowary crossings every fifty meters. The resident population of 40 was too allusive for our keen senses. We continued on to Balgal and stopped at a free camp spot. It is fully free of any air conditioning and hence any sleep. I think I will pick the camp spot tonight.

Traveller Tip: If travelling #1 down the coast, turn off on 25 (Palmerston Hwy) onto Henderson Dr and then onto Canecutter Hwy and then back to #1. It is a nice view and doesn't add that much time.

Cairns Day #2 – Hot and Humid

January 24

What better time to go to the rainforest than summer. After fetching the car, we made the 2 ½ journey to Daintree Rainforest and we were disappointed to find out that the only rain in the forest was the sweat raining down from our brows. Some local happy and helpful hippies fed us some Jack Fruit straight from the tree to replenish some of the gallons of liquid we had released from our pores. There were several wicked cool boardwalk walks that went in and amongst the mangroves and mosquitos.  Crocodile warnings were everywhere but only lizards and birds were to be found. On our way home, after chatting with a pregnant fisher woman we found our prize, a healthy crocodile under the bridge past the hardware store. Patrick's skin revolted. Patrick's skin was revolting. He is not yet molting like he did in the Amazon, but if we stay any longer I fear he will become one giant pustule. One more stop though at Mossman Gorge. It was dusk so it was a short stop with one short walk to an overlook. There was more to see there but it was hard to see under the cover of darkness. We retreated to air conditioning and cooked up some camel burgers, rehydrated and watched Nadal and Federer bounce some tennis balls around the court.

The Reef! The Great Barrier Reef!

January 23

The boat ride to the reef platform was a bit rough for many. Paper bags and napkins were handed out readily. All four of us were able seamen at least until we got up to walk through the boat as the swells lifted and fell. Mom squealed as she took her unsteady steps, felt her stomach jump into her throat and then burst into laughter. The rest of us enjoyed the amusement as she made her way along the aisle. Each of us put on our own clown show at some point on the ride. Swift Eddy, our crew member, came with his pocked knife to remove Patrick's beard so he would get the proper seal on his mask. Patrick opted for vascaline instead.

After the lifeguard gave the all clear, I was the first one in the water. I put on my flippers and was mobbed by blue and yellow fish, only later to look up and see one of the crew tossing fish food at my feet. I was the one now squealing with laughter. Things were off to a great start. I flopped in, put my mask down and then quickly scrambled back to the platform. JELLYFISH! They were everywhere! I got the lifeguards attention and he assured me it was okay so back into the water I flopped and the colorful world of the reef and its fish was below me. Dad followed and then Patrick and then mom. With waves and a mouthful of salt water, mom shortly opted for the glass bottom and semi-sub which she enjoyed tremendously. The rest of us swam until our fingers were pruny, and then more. My highlight was swimming with a large turtle. A close second was the reef shark that I saw just before we went back to shore.

As we walked back along the esplanade toward our hotel. Bats were flying about. Big bats. The biggest I had ever seen and there were lots.

Our FAVORITE Best Western (see yesterday's post) called us a taxi to bring us to our new hotel. We arrived at the other Best Western in town and there was nothing but a locked door. We ended up getting the driving tour of Cairns while we tried to make it to the correct hotel. Thankfully our driver was patient. We got a suite with two separate bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, a kitchenette, a balcony and a living room at a discounted rate because of the troubles (lack of beds) the previous night. We ordered a pizza, watched the Australian Open Semi-Finals and then crashed.

We had gotten off to a rocky start in Cairns but Day #1 turned out to be a success. Thanks SunSeekers Cruises and the fish at Harvey reef.

Wanted: A full nights rest

January 22

Beep Beep. Cachunk. Cachunk. We listen to the garbage men take away the rubbish in the bins next to us. Why not get up? It is our last day in Tasmania and we can see some things before going to the airport. Most importantly, the gas station opens at 6 so we can be their first customers and then continue on down the road.

Bichino's Blow Hole spouts water in the air with each wave. Curious Patrick sprints away as a shower of water nearly misses him. The fisherman's pier or what they call the gorge shows boats headed off in the early morning water. We don't spend long here but continue toward Richmond. Spikey bridge and spikey beach receive a short visit from us. We pass lots of hills and sheep. A convict built bridge, the oldest in Australia, is the top attraction in the town. It is still used and standing strong on arches reminding us of Roman architecture. We wander the streets of town for a short while and then move on to the Wicked Cheese Company for a tasting. Surprisingly, Patrick prefers the smoked cheese to the whiskey cheese. It is all very good. Dad buys some smoked salmon and I buy a camembert. Both turn out to be incredibly tasty. One more stop at Lost Pippin Cider company and we finish at the Apollo Rental Return. I loved Tazzie. It is full of natural wonder.

Hobart to Melbourne, Melbourne to Cairns, Airport to Hotel, Hotel to Bed. We hoped. All was fine until we opened the door of our hotel room. The oddest of rooms was in front of us. A queen bed on one side as you would expect, and then a single set up sideways where you would have expected a second queen bed. This was not welcome after arriving at midnight, when we had woken up at six. Our reservation most certainly said four people and we had four people. No one was at the desk so we were routed through a call center. They refused to do anything about it., not even any spare sheets. Dad valiantly took to sleeping on the box spring. Traveler Tip: Stay clear of the Best Western in Cairns.

Thoughts on Tasmania

There is so much untouched landscape on this island It is a treasure for nature lovers. I love it. I recommend visiting with a good pair of hiking boots and some time. The winding roads lead you past sheep and farmland, over hills and through forests. Although there is some human presence, you often forget and feel that the place is all your own. If I were to count the number of vehicles we pass and the number of less fortunate animals who are still along the white line of the road, I believe the numbers might come out even. The island feels wild still. It makes me wonder what the rest of the world would be like had humans not changed the landscapes for our own purposes. Luckily we did not add to the road kill count. Patrick was fortunate to miss the two hopping pademelons (think small kangaroo) that jumped darted in front of the Apollo van at dusk. The brakes were fully engaged later when a chubby wombat waddled across the road. This is their place.

Lucky Charms for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

January 21 Happy Birthday Eric!

Okay I know it may be time to stop talking about the weather but hokey smoky! Can we get any luckier? While other parts of the country are HOT HOT HOT we enjoy a nice night with a cool breeze perfect for sleeping and a day warm and sunny but not too hot. (Mom says she is a bit cool. I wonder if she is really from Canada). As far as I am concerned it is a great day for a hike to Wineglass Bay and a dip into the ocean. After throwing some sausages on the barbie we climbed the steps to the lookout. A scene of turquoise blue water below awaited us. Dad, Patrick and I continued down to the beach and I went for a swim. The on looking boys only dabbled their toes and waded to their knees. The water was clear, cool and refreshed me before our two hour hike back along Hazard Bay. The biggest hazard – wind whipping some sand into our faces as we crested the hill onto the beach but from there on out it was a nice walk on the sand with big crashing waves and then into the forest with hopping marsupials. Grey clouds blew in but as we seem to carry a lucky charm when it comes to weather, rain followed only after we had visited the lighthouse at the last overlook in Frecenet Penninsula. It rained as we drove and in Bincheno when we got out of the van to go to see the Ferry Penguins at dusk, the rain stopped. Luck had already been so gracious to us today and it continued to be generous. Instead of signing up for the tour, we talked to the locals who pointed us toward the beach where it was common to spot the penguins. We finished up dinner and walked to the beach. As our feet touched sand, so did the flippers of five Ferry Penguins right in front of us. No need to wait hours or join the guided tour – there they were. We continued down the beach but found only the other tourists on the tour. They had only spotted two and had been waiting for quite a time to see them. While we walked back to the car a lonely sole penguin stopped on the beach and gave us a good look at him. A nice end to a lovely evening. Now if I could only get rid of this runny nose!

Cradle Mountain Summit

January 20

We drive from our camp spot and bull into an overlook. The ground is specked with orchids and we enjoy the view into the valley below. I am glad that we headed east of Cradle Mountain to camp or we would have missed this treasure. The forecast was wrong: no rain in sight. The vew clouds above us are fluffy white and do not obstruct the view to the top spires of Cradle Mountain. Mom and dad choose to take the trail around Dove Lake while Patrick and I take the opportunity of such a lovely day to summit the mountain. When it rains 270 days of the year here, we nearly feel it is our duty to appreciate the clear views from the top when we arrive on such a lovey day. We pass by lakes, scrample up rocky faces, weave through forest and in the last hour, clamber over large rocks before sumitting. For some, their hearts beat fast because of the exertion and cardio. I am reminded of my fear of heights and my heart beats fast for an all together different reason. Upon reaching the top, I am calm and the sun is warm with a nice breeze. We can see for miles in ever direction. Peaceful. Beautiful. Surely to be amungst my favorite moments in Australia.

We hike down quickly in order to meet my parents at the van. Worried we had taken so long, they arrived only 5 minutes before us after also having had a lovely day in the park. Just like most things seem to be working on our trip, the day couldn't have worked out much better. Well okay maybe an extra water bottle on the trail but we rehydrated with some sparkling apple cider and then said goodbye to Cradle Mountain, a very special place.

We craved a shower, laundry and a good nights rest. We stopped at Longford River Caravan Park. Dinner was burgers, beer, potatoes and a fresh salad followed up with Tim Tams for desert. (Patrick and I are addicted). Ducks followed us arround, but there were no spottings of the duck billed platapus that were sometimes spotted in the river. I was determined with both a evening and morning platapus hunt amungst the trees on the bank, but to no avail. With only a day and a half left on the island, I am doubtful that we will find one in the wild. I can't complain however because our wildlife spotting has been better than I could have imagined – skinks, 6 echidnas, 4 possums, over a dozen wombats and so many hopping marsupials that I have lost count. The bird life is everywhere too. I need the help of my niece Greta, an avid birder, to help me identify them all.