Australia and New Zealand Galleries

2009 (Nov 18) Last day and night in Adelaide, SA, Australia :

2009 (Nov 18) Last day and night in Adelaide, SA, Australia

Updated: Nov 18, 2009 10:48am PST

2009 (Nov 17) Pearl Jam and Ben Harper in Adelaide, SA, Australia : Great show at the Adelaide Oval in South Australia, Australia.

2009 (Nov 17) Pearl Jam and Ben Harper in Adelaide, SA, Australia

Great show at the Adelaide Oval in South Australia, Australia.

Updated: Nov 17, 2009 6:17pm PST

2009 (Nov 15) Rapid Bay Scuba Diving : SnowDude went scuba diving with friends, I hung out since my legs needed a rest after 5 days of walking/hiking, plus it was too hot to hike. 104 deg outside, so I jumped in the ocean a few times to cool off. (wk 200)

2009 (Nov 15) Rapid Bay Scuba Diving

SnowDude went scuba diving with friends, I hung out since my legs need ...

Updated: Nov 17, 2009 6:40pm PST

2009 (Nov 13) Meeting Vesper :

2009 (Nov 13) Meeting Vesper

Updated: Nov 17, 2009 6:43pm PST

2009 (Nov 12) Chambers Gully - Mt Lofty - Pengana Spur Track : Hiked to Mt Lofty hoping to see koalas. It was 102 deg and I only saw one. (wk 200)

2009 (Nov 12) Chambers Gully - Mt Lofty - Pengana Spur Track

Hiked to Mt Lofty hoping to see koalas. It was 102 deg and I only saw ...

Updated: Nov 15, 2009 4:26am PST

2009 (Nov 10) Wirra Wirra Loop : Its hot in Adelaide! Did a 3.3 miler in oven like conditions. My water got so hot I couldn't drink it. Good thing this was a short hike. The highlight of this hike was the Shingleback Lizard that I almost ran over getting to the start of the hike. (wk 199)

2009 (Nov 10) Wirra Wirra Loop

Its hot in Adelaide! Did a 3.3 miler in oven like conditions. My wat ...

Updated: Nov 15, 2009 1:45am PST

2009 (Nov 7) Thredbo to Mt Kosciuszko :

2009 (Nov 7) Thredbo to Mt Kosciuszko

Updated: Nov 09, 2009 6:03am PST

2009 (Nov 5) Koalas in Chambers Gully and Long Ridge Track : I went for a walk in Chambers Gully, and ran out of time because I was distracted by the Koala's. I saw 21, 2 were joeys, saw the mama jump to the next tree to be with her joey, and heard at least 6 males doing their mating call. What a cool day with the koala's! (wk 199)

2009 (Nov 5) Koalas in Chambers Gully and Long Ridge Track

I went for a walk in Chambers Gully, and ran out of time because I was ...

Updated: Nov 09, 2009 3:42am PST

2009 (Nov 2) Sailboarders on the beach : Went for my walk on the beach and watched these guys. Looks like fun! (wk 198)

2009 (Nov 2) Sailboarders on the beach

Went for my walk on the beach and watched these guys. Looks like fun! ...

Updated: Nov 15, 2009 4:44am PST

2009 (Oct 31) Skyline Luge and Bungy Swing : We rode the Skyline Luge 5 times, then did the AJ Hackett Bungy Swing before catching our flight to Auckland, NZ. (wk 198)

2009 (Oct 31) Skyline Luge and Bungy Swing

We rode the Skyline Luge 5 times, then did the AJ Hackett Bungy Swing ...

Updated: Nov 09, 2009 3:40am PST

2009 (Oct 30) Bowen Falls Hike (to the top of the falls, great tip from a local) : Great hike in Milford Sound, great tip from a local! Great views, great climbing and great weather! (wk 198)

2009 (Oct 30) Bowen Falls Hike (to the top of the falls, great tip from a local)

Great hike in Milford Sound, great tip from a local! Great views, gre ...

Updated: Nov 09, 2009 3:36am PST

2009 (Oct 27) Kayaking in Milford Sound, NZ : (wk 197)

2009 (Oct 27) Kayaking in Milford Sound, NZ

(wk 197)

Updated: Nov 03, 2009 4:23pm PST

2009 (Oct 26) Queenstown to Milford Sound, NZ : Spent a rainy day driving to Milford Sound. Not much visibility for views in the mountains, but we could tell new snow was falling. Beautiful! (wk 197)

2009 (Oct 26) Queenstown to Milford Sound, NZ

Spent a rainy day driving to Milford Sound. Not much visibility for v ...

Updated: Nov 03, 2009 3:58pm PST

2009 (Oct 25) Nevis Bungy Swing and nZone Skydiving : Day 3 in New Zealand, 2nd day in Queenstown. Day 1 was in Auckland, NZ. Nevis Arc Bungy Swing (so much fun we did it twice) and nZone Skydiving. Adrenaline day! (wk 197)

2009 (Oct 25) Nevis Bungy Swing and nZone Skydiving

Day 3 in New Zealand, 2nd day in Queenstown. Day 1 was in Auckland, N ...

Updated: Nov 01, 2009 12:10pm PST

2009 (Oct 24) Ben Lomond Peak, Queenstown, NZ : We flew from Auckland to Queenstown, NZ. It was too early to check in, so we hiked Ben Lomond Peak. We tried this last year with no visibility and knee deep snow and had to turn back. A great peak with great views! (wk 197)

2009 (Oct 24) Ben Lomond Peak, Queenstown, NZ

We flew from Auckland to Queenstown, NZ. It was too early to check in ...

Updated: Nov 01, 2009 5:35pm PST

2009 (Oct 23) Adelaide, AUS to Auckland, NZ : SnowDude took me to New Zealand for my birthday. First stop was the Hilton in Auckland. Nice room and awesome dinner! (wk 197)

2009 (Oct 23) Adelaide, AUS to Auckland, NZ

SnowDude took me to New Zealand for my birthday. First stop was the H ...

Updated: Nov 03, 2009 3:31pm PST

2009 (Oct 21 & Nov 2) Flowers in Waterfall Gully, Mt Lofty : Spring flowers - I'll add them as I photograph them

2009 (Oct 21 & Nov 2) Flowers in Waterfall Gully, Mt Lofty

Spring flowers - I'll add them as I photograph them

Updated: Nov 04, 2009 1:05pm PST

2009 (Oct 18) Hanging out at Bendigo : (wk 196, day 2)

2009 (Oct 18) Hanging out at Bendigo

(wk 196, day 2)

Updated: Oct 21, 2009 4:48am PST

2009 (Oct 17) Ballarat (Sovereign Hill) in Victoria, Australia : We drove to Bendigo, Victoria to visit the Murrays. On Saturday we went to Ballarat. (wk 196, day 1)

2009 (Oct 17) Ballarat (Sovereign Hill) in Victoria, Australia

We drove to Bendigo, Victoria to visit the Murrays. On Saturday we we ...

Updated: Oct 19, 2009 10:14am PST

2009 (Sep 2) Jog/Walk to Mt Lofty, up Chambers Gully, down Long Ridge Track and one last visit to Torrens Lake : Training for the Sierra trip next week. 10.3 mi loop trip/1800' gain. (wk 189)

2009 (Sep 2) Jog/Walk to Mt Lofty, up Chambers Gully, down Long Ridge Track and one last visit to Torrens Lake

Training for the Sierra trip next week. 10.3 mi loop trip/1800' gain. ...

Updated: Sep 09, 2009 12:48pm PST

2009 (Sep 1) A little wine tasting and Humbug Scrub Wildlife Sanctuary : I drove around looking for gift shops. After having a little breakdown in downtown Adelaide Monday, I had to get out and try again. I stayed away from downtown, and stopped at 2 wineries and had a little taste at Jacobs Creek and Schild. Stopped to check out some wildlife, and got a laugh out of a Galah that kept lifting his leg and imitated a fart (wk 189)

2009 (Sep 1) A little wine tasting and Humbug Scrub Wildlife Sanctuary

I drove around looking for gift shops. After having a little breakdow ...

Updated: Sep 07, 2009 10:15am PST

2009 (Aug 31) A quick jog/walk up Mt Lofty Track to Mt Lofty and back from Waterfall Gully Kiosk : I took the fastest way up/down Mt Lofty. (wk 189)

2009 (Aug 31) A quick jog/walk up Mt Lofty Track to Mt Lofty and back from Waterfall Gully Kiosk

I took the fastest way up/down Mt Lofty. (wk 189)

Updated: Sep 02, 2009 7:24am PST

2009 (Aug 30) Nocturnal wildlife hike and dinner on Mt Lofty - 29 Koalas and 2 possums : SnowDude had not seen any wild koalas this trip, so we went late afternoon (raining, almost turned back). Scott suggested dinner at the Mt Lofty Restaurant, before hiking back. The wildlife was awesome! Fun evening!(wk 189)

2009 (Aug 30) Nocturnal wildlife hike and dinner on Mt Lofty - 29 Koalas and 2 possums

SnowDude had not seen any wild koalas this trip, so we went late after ...

Updated: Sep 01, 2009 4:43am PST

2009 (Aug 29) Alice Cooper at Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide, SA, Australia : Great concert! We didn't have tix, but got one at the door. I used the one ticket to get in the door to buy drinks while we were waiting. Waited for will call tix, but the last two showed at 9:20pm. Seeing that we had one ticket, the ticket person went out of her way to find us a seat. Awesome show even tho we missed the first 1/2 hr. Only one part freaked me out, when Alice strangled Nurse Rosetta with her stockings behind a lit screen, The the next song he hung himself. I went out to get drinks. Other than that, great show! (wk 189)

2009 (Aug 29) Alice Cooper at Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide, SA, Australia

Great concert! We didn't have tix, but got one at the door. I used th ...

Updated: Aug 29, 2009 8:27am PST

2009 (Aug 27) Chambers Gully, Bartril Spur, Mt Lofty, Long Ridge Track, Sugarloaf Hill and 19 Koalas off the trail! : I saw some other routes to Mt Lofty. The sign at the start showed Koala, but I wasn't expecting to see so many! Awesome day, and I still made it down early enough to go home for a shower, see my psychologist, and pick Scott up for poker. He placed 3rd out of ~100 players, and it was his 7th time playing! (wk 189)

2009 (Aug 27) Chambers Gully, Bartril Spur, Mt Lofty, Long Ridge Track, Sugarloaf Hill and 19 Koalas off the trail!

I saw some other routes to Mt Lofty. The sign at the start showed Koa ...

Updated: Aug 27, 2009 10:33pm PST

2009 (Aug 25) Waterfall Gully (Woolshed) to Mt Lofty, back on Long Ridge Track and Winter Trail : I took Scott to work, then drove to Waterfall Gully. I took the Pengana Track up to ZigZag Hill, Long Ridge Track, Perimeter Track (goes around Cleland Wildlife Park), to Mt Lofty Summit. We had a 'severe weather' warning, and the rain/wind was blowing hard up there. I got chilled, and sat at the restaurant for almost 2 hours warming up. I returned on the Lodge Track, Wine Shanty Track, Long Ridge Track, Winter Track. I saw Kangaroos and Emu's from the Perimeter Track, but when I got to the Dingo area, 4 of them ran down to me. That was pretty cool since they usually don't react from inside the park. I felt like I got a reaction out of them. :-) Close to the end of the hike, I saw 2 koalas in the trees. (wk 189)

2009 (Aug 25) Waterfall Gully (Woolshed) to Mt Lofty, back on Long Ridge Track and Winter Trail

I took Scott to work, then drove to Waterfall Gully. I took the Penga ...

Updated: Aug 25, 2009 4:36pm PST

2009 (Aug 22-23) Barossa Valley Gourmet Weekend Wine Tasting, SA, Australia : A weekend of wine tasting and gourmet food in Barossa Valley. We took the shuttle bus to 5 wineries on Sat, but couldn't get into the last one. On Sunday we drove to a couple that we missed Saturday, and did some driving around. We ended up at our favorite winery at the end of the day, which turned out to be a happening place. Finally got to try Kangaroo Schnitzel, which is the Australian way to eat Schnitzel (I think, none of that meat pie floater). Fun weekend! (wk 188, day 2 & 3)

2009 (Aug 22-23) Barossa Valley Gourmet Weekend Wine Tasting, SA, Australia

A weekend of wine tasting and gourmet food in Barossa Valley. We took ...

Updated: Aug 24, 2009 5:50am PST

2009 (Aug 20) Goldfields, South Australia, Australia : I drove to the Barossa Goldfields of Pirra Warra Recreational Park. The longest loop (incl side trip to the Knob Lookout) was short and I had a few hours, so I did a second loop. (wk 188, day 1)

2009 (Aug 20) Goldfields, South Australia, Australia

I drove to the Barossa Goldfields of Pirra Warra Recreational Park. ...

Updated: Aug 24, 2009 1:21am PST

2009 (Aug 19) Cleland Wildlife Park, South Australia, Australia : Greg, Geoff and I went to Cleland Wildlife Park so they could get close to the Roos. (wk 187, day 4)

2009 (Aug 19) Cleland Wildlife Park, South Australia, Australia

Greg, Geoff and I went to Cleland Wildlife Park so they could get clos ...

Updated: Aug 23, 2009 4:33pm PST

2009 (Aug 18) Kangaroos and Wine Tasting in Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia : Geoff and Greg were in Australia, and since they had not seen Kangaroos til their 9th day here (from a distance), we went to Kaiserstuhl Conservation Park and did a short hike so they could see some Roos close up and not from the road. After, we went wine tasting in Barossa Valley. It was Geoff's first time, and Greg was a pro at this. So I learned a little more about wine tasting this weekend! SnowDude met us after work at our favorite restaurant in Lyndoch. Fun time!! (wk 187, day 3)

2009 (Aug 18) Kangaroos and Wine Tasting in Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia

Geoff and Greg were in Australia, and since they had not seen Kangaroo ...

Updated: Aug 19, 2009 7:01am PST

2009 (Aug 16) Snowboarding at Thredbo, Jyndebyne, and Parliament House in Canberra,New South Wales, Australia : Since we had to leave the area by 2:30pm to get to Canberra to fly home I decided to snowboard with the guys. It felt good to get back on a board. The forecast was for rain on Sunday, and right after the guys got the lift tickets, it started raining. We got 3 runs in, but had a great time riding in the rain. Once the water started soaking thru gloves and boots, we called it a day. We saw Kangaroos (they had not seen any live ones since arriving in Australia a week ago, and we checked out the Parliament House in Canberra before flying back. Fun weekend! (wk 187, day 2)

2009 (Aug 16) Snowboarding at Thredbo, Jyndebyne, and Parliament House in Canberra,New South Wales, Australia

Since we had to leave the area by 2:30pm to get to Canberra to fly hom ...

Updated: Aug 18, 2009 4:58pm PST

2009 (Aug 15) Snowshoeing on the Snowy River in the Snowy Mountains, New South Wales, Australia : I dropped SnowDude, Greg and Geoff off at Smiggins Hole (snowboarding) and drove to Guthega to snowshoe along the Snowy River. I went to the Illiwong Shelter and Suspension Bridge. Beautiful day! (wk 187, day 1)

2009 (Aug 15) Snowshoeing on the Snowy River in the Snowy Mountains, New South Wales, Australia

I dropped SnowDude, Greg and Geoff off at Smiggins Hole (snowboarding) ...

Updated: Aug 16, 2009 7:17pm PST

2009 (August) Stuff on the beach : I'll keep adding to this album as I find unusual things on the shorline

2009 (August) Stuff on the beach

I'll keep adding to this album as I find unusual things on the shorlin ...

Updated: Aug 12, 2009 8:45pm PST

2009 (Aug 11) Onkaparinga River Loop Hike, SA, Australia : I took Scott to work, then drove to Onkaparinga River National Park. Beautiful day and it didn't rain this time! Saw 11 kangaroos on the hike (plus 4 on the drive out), and a few birds. (wk 186)

2009 (Aug 11) Onkaparinga River Loop Hike, SA, Australia

I took Scott to work, then drove to Onkaparinga River National Park. ...

Updated: Aug 13, 2009 3:34pm PST

2009 (Aug 10) Mount Pleasant Bushwalk, did all 3 loops : I took Scott to work, then drove to Mt Crawford Forest to do a hike that the ranger told me about. It was longer than most of the hikes around, and had a summit. Mt Pleasant was 200' higher than my start elevation, but total gain was over 800' with the small hills. (week 186, day 2)

2009 (Aug 10) Mount Pleasant Bushwalk, did all 3 loops

I took Scott to work, then drove to Mt Crawford Forest to do a hike th ...

Updated: Aug 12, 2009 6:48pm PST

2009 (Aug 8) Stringybark Loop and Wallowa Loop hike in Kaiserstuhl Conservation Park, Barossa Valley, SA, Australia : Another hike with wildlife in Barossa Valley, then wine tasting and dinner after. We saw 65 kangaroos on the way up. Fun day! (wk 186, day 1)

2009 (Aug 8) Stringybark Loop and Wallowa Loop hike in Kaiserstuhl Conservation Park, Barossa Valley, SA, Australia

Another hike with wildlife in Barossa Valley, then wine tasting and di ...

Updated: Aug 08, 2009 10:34pm PST

2009 (Aug 6) Wetlands, West Lake Shores, SA, Australia : I had an appointment in the middle of the day, so I took Scott to work, and stopped by the Wetlands to see some wildlife to kill time

2009 (Aug 6) Wetlands, West Lake Shores, SA, Australia

I had an appointment in the middle of the day, so I took Scott to work ...

Updated: Aug 09, 2009 5:44am PST

2009 (Aug 5) Sunset, West Lake Shores, SA, Australia :

2009 (Aug 5) Sunset, West Lake Shores, SA, Australia

Updated: Aug 06, 2009 6:26pm PST

2009 (Aug 4) Hale Hike and Mt Crawford Hike, SA, Australia : I took Scott to work, then headed out to hike. With the low visibililty, GPS, map book and what little info I had on the hike, I started 3 hrs later. Hale Hike was in the Hale Conservation Park, which was not on the GPS. I found the visitor center and drove another 4.6 km. The ranger gave me info on Mt Crawford, so after the first hike, I drove another 10 km and hiked to the summit. I allowed 2 hrs to get back to Scott's work, and it took less than an hour. (wk 185)

2009 (Aug 4) Hale Hike and Mt Crawford Hike, SA, Australia

I took Scott to work, then headed out to hike. With the low visibilil ...

Updated: Aug 08, 2009 6:06am PST

July 2009 - Great Meals in Australia :

July 2009 - Great Meals in Australia

Updated: Aug 09, 2009 7:01am PST

2009 (Aug 2) Black Hill Summit and Sugar Loaves Summit, Adelaide, SA, Australia : I did Black Hill Summit again (last week it was raining with no visibility), and went on to do Sugar Loaves Summit. (wk 185, day 2)

2009 (Aug 2) Black Hill Summit and Sugar Loaves Summit, Adelaide, SA, Australia

I did Black Hill Summit again (last week it was raining with no visibi ...

Updated: Aug 03, 2009 3:26am PST

2009 (Aug 1) Devils Nose - Knob Lookout loop hike, kangaroo fight and wine tasting in Barossa Valley (Ross Estates and Schild Estates) : I hiked to Devils Nose-Knob Lookout last weekend and came back the same way since I didn't have a map. Visitor Center was closed. SnowDude had not hiked in this area, so we did the loop hike this time. We got done early enough to go wine tasting, but on the way we saw two male kangaroos fighting for dominance. It was really cool! The wine tasting and dinner was fun! Stocked up on wine! (wk 185, day 1)

2009 (Aug 1) Devils Nose - Knob Lookout loop hike, kangaroo fight and wine tasting in Barossa Valley (Ross Estates and Schild Estates)

I hiked to Devils Nose-Knob Lookout last weekend and came back the sam ...

Updated: Aug 27, 2009 7:14pm PST

2009 (July 30) Black Hill Summit Loop and Poker after : Another trip to the local mountains. I got lost getting there, but found the trailhead. It was drizzling, cloudy, but warm and had a little el gain (900' in 1 mi). The terrain was pretty, and only 4 people out besides me. I saw 6 kangaroos on the hillside, so that was cool. I made it home for a shower, then picked Scott up for poker after. I made it to the end of the 2nd round, and there were 18 players left when Scott went out in the 3rd round. He read "Poker for Dummies" during lunch, so I have to do that before next week.

2009 (July 30) Black Hill Summit Loop and Poker after

Another trip to the local mountains. I got lost getting there, but fo ...

Updated: Jul 31, 2009 3:40pm PST

2009 (July 26) Devils Nose and Knob Lookout Hike, SA, Australia : I drove north this time to Barossa Valley, and probably added more mileage when my GPS got to some new roads and got confused. After a few minutes I figured it out, and got back on track. So it took me 1.5 hrs to drive 34 km. I drove in to the Visitor Center for a map, but they were closed. :-( But I got to see 2 emus by the road! So I got a really late start. The Devils Nose part of the hike was pretty, along a ridge with different views on each side. Its rated hard, but maybe cuz its not a good trail and you have to step around rocks. I loved it! But I wanted some el gain, so I dropped down to the River Gorge and hiked up to the Knob Lookout. Since I didn't have a map, I came back the same way I couldn't tell from their drawing at the park entrance if it would have been faster doing the loop trail. Plus the gates closed at sunset and I didn't want to be locked in. Their rating was 4 hrs, I was done in 3:20. :-) As I was leaving the park I saw some Western Gray Kangaroos. (wk 184, day 2 of 2)

2009 (July 26) Devils Nose and Knob Lookout Hike, SA, Australia

I drove north this time to Barossa Valley, and probably added more mil ...

Updated: Jul 26, 2009 10:08pm PST

2009 (July 25) Waterfall Hike, SA, Australia : I started driving this week. On Wed/Thurs, took Scott to work so he wouldn't have to take off work. So today I drove myself to (wk 184)

2009 (July 25) Waterfall Hike, SA, Australia

I started driving this week. On Wed/Thurs, took Scott to work so he ...

Updated: Jul 25, 2009 6:47pm PST

2009 (July 18-19) Anbangbang Rock Art Site, Barkk Sandstone Bushwalk, Kakadu NP to Darwin to Adelaide (NT to SA), Australia : (wk 183, day 4-5)

2009 (July 18-19) Anbangbang Rock Art Site, Barkk Sandstone Bushwalk, Kakadu NP to Darwin to Adelaide (NT to SA), Australia

(wk 183, day 4-5)

Updated: Aug 11, 2009 3:56pm PST

2009 (July 17) Bardedjilidji Sandstone Walk, Cahill Crossing Crocodile Viewing, Kakadu NP, North Territory, Australia : We did the Bardedjilidji Sandstone Walk, then followed an old use trail. After bushwacking, I got the creeps from all the vines hanging above and rubbing against me so we turned back. We saw a Jabiru and Flying Fox while off trail. Saw a dingo by the croc viewing area later. (wk 183, day 3 of 5)

2009 (July 17) Bardedjilidji Sandstone Walk, Cahill Crossing Crocodile Viewing, Kakadu NP, North Territory, Australia

We did the Bardedjilidji Sandstone Walk, then followed an old use trai ...

Updated: Jul 30, 2009 11:18pm PST

2009 (July 16) Pt 2 - Anbangbang Billabong and Nanguluwur Rock Art Gallery, Kakadu NP, North Territory, Australia : Second part of the day. After the breakfast, we drove around looking for short hikes. It was really hot out. Anbangbang Billabong had a lot of birds, and after a few hours there we did a short hike to the Nanguluwur Rock Art site. Nice day! (wk 183)

2009 (July 16) Pt 2 - Anbangbang Billabong and Nanguluwur Rock Art Gallery, Kakadu NP, North Territory, Australia

Second part of the day. After the breakfast, we drove around looking ...

Updated: Jul 29, 2009 3:49am PST

2009 (July 16) Pt 1 - Yellow Waters River Sunrise Cruise, Kakadu NP, North Territory, Australia : Scott scheduled the Yellow Waters River Sunrise Cruise and breakfast. Lots of birds, crocs and wildlife. Very cool! Great breakfast after. The rest of the day (two short hikes) is in a separate album, part 2. (wk 183, day 2 of 5)

2009 (July 16) Pt 1 - Yellow Waters River Sunrise Cruise, Kakadu NP, North Territory, Australia

Scott scheduled the Yellow Waters River Sunrise Cruise and breakfast. ...

Updated: Jul 27, 2009 8:21pm PST

2009 (July 15) Kings Canyon/Watarrka NP to Darwin to Cooinda/Kakadu NP, North Territory, Australia : Our planned route of 2 hrs to Alice Springs didn't work out. The road was closed, so SnowDude got us there by backtracking, making it a 5 hr drive (no stopping except for gas). We made our flight (barely), flew to Darwin, then he drove a few more hours to Cooinda in Kakadu National Park. New animals: wedge-tailed eagles and Northern Tree Frog and a Dingo for Scott. (wk 183, day 1)

2009 (July 15) Kings Canyon/Watarrka NP to Darwin to Cooinda/Kakadu NP, North Territory, Australia

Our planned route of 2 hrs to Alice Springs didn't work out. The road ...

Updated: Jul 23, 2009 9:34pm PST

2009 (July 14) Drive from Ayers Rock Resort to Kings Canyon, North Territory, Australia : We left Ayers Rock Resort after breakfast, headed for Kings Canyon in Watarrka National Park. On the way we saw 7 Bromby's on our first stop, 2 camels on our second stop, and 5 Bromby's on our third stop. We arrived at Kings Canyon later than we expected, then hiked the Kings Canyon Rim Trail. We had a cool sunset and alpenglow, and spent the last 1/2 hr hiking out in the dark. Beautiful area! (wk 182, day 4)

2009 (July 14) Drive from Ayers Rock Resort to Kings Canyon, North Territory, Australia

We left Ayers Rock Resort after breakfast, headed for Kings Canyon in ...

Updated: Jul 22, 2009 6:27am PST

2009 (July 13) Uluru Sunrise, Uluru Base Walk, and Sunset : Early morning sunrise views of Uluru, tried to get a morning view of Kata Tjutu but it was too late, back to Uluru to do the base walk. We had to space our selves between the groups of guided tours close to the Rock Art. We finished early, and sat at the Uluru sunset area and had a bottle of wine. We got spectacular colors this time! (wk 182, day 3)

2009 (July 13) Uluru Sunrise, Uluru Base Walk, and Sunset

Early morning sunrise views of Uluru, tried to get a morning view of K ...

Updated: Jul 21, 2009 10:21pm PST

2009 (July 12) Kata Tjutu (The Olgas) and wild camels, Northern Territory, Australia : Drove to Kata Tjutu (the Olgas) to do the two walks. Lots of people, but we managed to space ourselves between the groups of people. The highlight was seeing the wild camels on the way to the Olgas. (wk 182, day 2)

2009 (July 12) Kata Tjutu (The Olgas) and wild camels, Northern Territory, Australia

Drove to Kata Tjutu (the Olgas) to do the two walks. Lots of people, ...

Updated: Jul 20, 2009 9:20am PST

2009 (July 11) Adelaide to Alice Springs and Ayers Rock Resort : Flew from Adelaide to Alice Springs, then drove to Ayers Rock Resort. We just missed the sunset, but went to look anyway. The photos aren't spectacular, but it shows the changes during the time we were there. (wk 182, day 1)

2009 (July 11) Adelaide to Alice Springs and Ayers Rock Resort

Flew from Adelaide to Alice Springs, then drove to Ayers Rock Resort. ...

Updated: Jul 20, 2009 7:46am PST

2009 (July 4) Mount Solitary from Golden Staircase - Blue Mountains, New South Wales, Australia : SnowDude and I hiked down the Golden Staircase (steep), thru a rainforest, bypassed the trail to Ruined Castle, and headed for Mount Solitary. We returned the same way, gaining 1000' elevation o the way back. One section of the rainforest area had a lot of birds, one that imitated noises (Lyrebird) and sounded like a pinball machine. Very cool! (wk 181, day 2)

2009 (July 4) Mount Solitary from Golden Staircase - Blue Mountains, New South Wales, Australia

SnowDude and I hiked down the Golden Staircase (steep), thru a rainfor ...

Updated: Jul 10, 2009 10:50am PST

2009 (July 3) Sydney to Blue Mountains, New South Wales, Australia : This was originally the start of our planned vacation, before the incident in May. SnowDude had already made reservations for plane flights and lodging, so we went thru with it. It would have been nicer if I would have been a little more stable to enjoy it to the fullest. I'm still having anxiety flashbacks at times, which gets to be frustrating. SnowDude has been great, and did all the driving and made all the decisions for the 4 day weekend. (wk 181)

2009 (July 3) Sydney to Blue Mountains, New South Wales, Australia

This was originally the start of our planned vacation, before the inci ...

Updated: Jul 07, 2009 1:26pm PST

2009 (July 2) Harbour Bridge Climb in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia : We got up at 3am, left home at 4am to catch a 6am flight from Adelaide, South Australia to Sydney, New South Wales. SnowDude scheduled the Harbour Bridge Climb, then we went to the Botanical Gardens to see the Gray-Headed Flying Foxes (Bats with 4.5' wingspan), then dinner by the harbour. He got a great room on the 32nd floor of the Hilton Hotel for the night! Awesome! (wk 182)

2009 (July 2) Harbour Bridge Climb in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

We got up at 3am, left home at 4am to catch a 6am flight from Adelaide ...

Updated: Jul 05, 2009 6:24pm PST

2009 (July) Walks on the beach in July : I'll add pix of stuff I see on my daily walks. This is at West Lake Shores, South Australia

2009 (July) Walks on the beach in July

I'll add pix of stuff I see on my daily walks. This is at West Lake S ...

Updated: Jul 07, 2009 11:25pm PST

2009 (June 28) Trying out the G10 on my longest walk so far (8.6 mi) : New camera, Canon G10 (wk 180)

2009 (June 28) Trying out the G10 on my longest walk so far (8.6 mi)

New camera, Canon G10 (wk 180)

Updated: Jun 29, 2009 7:54am PST

2009 (June 27) Wine Tasting in McLaren Vale, South Australia : Morning walk, appointment with a psychologist at 11:30am, then hit 5 McLaren Vale wineries! (wk 180)

2009 (June 27) Wine Tasting in McLaren Vale, South Australia

Morning walk, appointment with a psychologist at 11:30am, then hit 5 M ...

Updated: Jun 27, 2009 4:04pm PST

2009 (June 25) Another good beach walk, West Lake Shores, Australia : (wk 180)

2009 (June 25) Another good beach walk, West Lake Shores, Australia

(wk 180)

Updated: Jun 27, 2009 5:47am PST

2009 (June 24, 2009) We have a gecko! : We found this little gecko upstairs. Now we see him all over the house. :-)

2009 (June 24, 2009) We have a gecko!

We found this little gecko upstairs. Now we see him all over the hous ...

Updated: Jun 27, 2009 5:16am PST

2009 (June 21) Mt Rosea Loop hike in Grampians NP, Victoria, Australia : (wk 179, day 2)

2009 (June 21) Mt Rosea Loop hike in Grampians NP, Victoria, Australia

(wk 179, day 2)

Updated: Jun 30, 2009 2:58am PST

2009 (June 20) Mt Gar (aka Mt Difficult) in Grampions NP, Victoria, Australia : Scott rented a cottage for the weekend in Grampians NP in Victoria, Australia. It was an 8 hr drive (incl dinner stop) each way. This is also the shortest weekend of the year, which didn't give us much daylight. We climbed Mt Difficult, which is the highest peak in the Grampians. It was cold, windy, and in the clouds, so not too many views. The sandstone cliffs were awesome. My quads were really sore from a run on Thursday (haven't run in years), so I slowed us down on the descent. The spa in the cottage was really nice and helped for the next day. (wk 179, day 1)

2009 (June 20) Mt Gar (aka Mt Difficult) in Grampions NP, Victoria, Australia

Scott rented a cottage for the weekend in Grampians NP in Victoria, Au ...

Updated: Jun 22, 2009 2:46am PST

2009 (June 18) Jog-walk on the beach, first time jogging in awhile : I see people walk and jog on the beach, so I decided to jog. I enjoyed it, first time since I ran races 17 years ago. Played "fun" poker for the first time with Scott's co-workers, no clue what I was doing. Did well in the first round, but lost it in the second. We went to the "beer table" and Scott won 3 beers (card with stamps for next time). Today was a good day.

2009 (June 18) Jog-walk on the beach, first time jogging in awhile

I see people walk and jog on the beach, so I decided to jog. I enjoye ...

Updated: Jun 21, 2009 1:01pm PST

2009 (JUNE) Dinners in Australia :

2009 (JUNE) Dinners in Australia

Updated: Jun 24, 2009 5:56am PST

2009 (June 13) A walk thru Cleland Wildlife Park : Easy walking thru the wildlife park. Being with these animals are good for healing the mind! (wk 178)

2009 (June 13) A walk thru Cleland Wildlife Park

Easy walking thru the wildlife park. Being with these animals are goo ...

Updated: Jun 14, 2009 1:04am PST

2009 (June 12) Walk to Sephamore Jetty from home : I've been here a week now. After sitting in the apartment most of the week, Scott told me I should get out, so I went for a walk in our back yard at West Lake Shores, Australia. I ended up walking 8.4 miles, and 3 of it was on Main Street and the Jetty. Its winter here now. (wk 178)

2009 (June 12) Walk to Sephamore Jetty from home

I've been here a week now. After sitting in the apartment most of the ...

Updated: Jun 15, 2009 2:10pm PST

2009 (June 3-5) CA to Australia to be with SnowDude : I got the doctors ok to fly on Tuesday, and caught a flight to Australia on Wednesday. I lost a day with the time change, and after 25.5 hrs, landed at Adelaide Airport. (wk 172)

2009 (June 3-5) CA to Australia to be with SnowDude

I got the doctors ok to fly on Tuesday, and caught a flight to Austral ...

Updated: Jun 10, 2009 7:13pm PST

2008 (Dec 12-19) Great Barrier Reef Scuba Diving (SnowDude) : SnowDude went on an awesome 7 day live-aboard SCUBA diving trip in the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. The outfit was Taka Dive, operating out of Cairns, Queensland. The week was in 2 segments - a 4 day trip and a 3 day trip. I was the only diver who stayed on for both trips. I'm still learning to take underwater pictures, but I got better as the week progressed. The pictures are in no particular order. I did a total of 24 dives, including 4 night dives. It was a great time with great diving and great people!!

2008 (Dec 12-19) Great Barrier Reef Scuba Diving (SnowDude)

SnowDude went on an awesome 7 day live-aboard SCUBA diving trip in the ...

Updated: Jan 03, 2009 6:45pm PST

2008 (Nov 30) Engraving site, Bunyeroo Gorge and Lookout hike : We started the day by running into some wild horses, which included two miniature horses. We drove around looking for wildlife, and found Aboriginal Engravings. Then we did the Bunyeroo-Wilcolo Loop hike that took us to a Lookout. Dinner at Wilpena Pound before the 5 hr drive to Adelaide. What a great day for wildlife! (wk 150, day 2)

2008 (Nov 30) Engraving site, Bunyeroo Gorge and Lookout hike

We started the day by running into some wild horses, which included tw ...

Updated: Jan 06, 2009 9:10pm PST

2008 (Nov 29) Wildlife and Mt Ohlssen Bagge Hike, Wilpena Pound in Flinders Ranges : On our way to Wilpena Pound, we saw a baby Emu and saw my first Shingleback Lizard. We looked around for more wildlife before heading to the trail. We climbed Mt Ohlssen Bagge, and on the way down took the Drought Busters Loop. From there we headed towards the Slide Rock Track, looped to the Top Track back to Wilpena Pound VC. On the summit we were surrounded by at least 4 different kinds of Skinks and Lizards that climbed on us and one kept licking my hand with its little black tongue. One lizard had two tails! Then SnowDude caught an old Shingleback Lizard that didn't seem to mind us holding him. Down lower we saw 4 Bluetongues, but they're fast so we only got pix of 2 of them. By the end of the hike the wallabies were coming out. Nice dinner at Wilpena Resort and nice to go back to the cabin and sleep in a bed! (wk 150, day 1)

2008 (Nov 29) Wildlife and Mt Ohlssen Bagge Hike, Wilpena Pound in Flinders Ranges

On our way to Wilpena Pound, we saw a baby Emu and saw my first Shingl ...

Updated: Dec 11, 2008 9:35pm PST

2008 (Nov 28) Cleland Wildlife Preserve - Reptiles : We were driving to Flinders Ranges after SnowDude got off work, so I went to the Clelland Wildlife Preserve to check out the Reptile exhibit, which I missed last time. I had a little extra time so I checked out my favorite animals again. I got lost driving to SnowDude's work, and got stuck at roundabouts again. He drove the whole 5 hrs to Flinders Ranges. I avoided driving this trip til the end. Next trip, I'll drive more.. (wk 150)

2008 (Nov 28) Cleland Wildlife Preserve - Reptiles

We were driving to Flinders Ranges after SnowDude got off work, so I w ...

Updated: Dec 03, 2008 2:21am PST

2008 (Nov 24) Looking for Koalas, Goanas, and reptiles, then back to Adelaide : We went back to the Koala Sanctuary to see if we could see the Koala joeys in daylight. We spotted at least 10 of the 14 we saw at night. Later we drove around looking along the roadside for Goanna's. We saw one, but it got away before we could get photos. We drove to Cygnet River, where we heard had some Koala's in the wild. We found 3 at Duck Lagoon. We didn't see many live Kangaroos since they are nocturnal, and this time of year its too hot out for them. We drove around Kangaroo Island to see some new areas before returning to Penneshaw to catch the ferry back to Cape Jervis. (wk 149)

2008 (Nov 24) Looking for Koalas, Goanas, and reptiles, then back to Adelaide

We went back to the Koala Sanctuary to see if we could see the Koala j ...

Updated: Dec 03, 2008 4:16am PST

2008 (Nov 23) Hanson Bay and Nocturnal Koala Walk : We walked along the beach and the malee looking for goanna's. We saw tracks of some kind of large lizard, but no luck. We saw a lot of marine life in the tidepools. When it got dark, we drove to the Hanson Bay Sanctuary for the Nocturnal Koala Walk. There's a cute Echidna video that I took at the beginning of the album (wk 149)

2008 (Nov 23) Hanson Bay and Nocturnal Koala Walk

We walked along the beach and the malee looking for goanna's. We saw t ...

Updated: Dec 03, 2008 12:17am PST

2008 (Nov 22) Remarkable Rocks, Admirals Arch, Snake Lagoon : We drove to Flinders Chase National Park, and checked out some of the sites in the area. We got to watch seals play and swim laps in pools by the shoreline. We also saw another Tiger Snake and this time I got photos! We did a short hike from Snake Lagoon to Sandy Beach before heading back to our cabin at Hanson Bay. (wk 149)

2008 (Nov 22) Remarkable Rocks, Admirals Arch, Snake Lagoon

We drove to Flinders Chase National Park, and checked out some of the ...

Updated: Nov 27, 2008 2:22pm PST

2008 (Nov 21) Cape Jervis to Penneshaw (Kangaroo Island) : We took the ferry to Kangaroo Island, had dinner at Penneshaw Hotel, checked out the area where we saw Little Blue Penguins last time, then drove a little over 2 hrs to Hanson Bay Cabins. (wk 149)

2008 (Nov 21) Cape Jervis to Penneshaw (Kangaroo Island)

We took the ferry to Kangaroo Island, had dinner at Penneshaw Hotel, c ...

Updated: Nov 26, 2008 5:45am PST

2008 (Nov 20) Adelaide Zoo : We finally got to the "Elephant Walk" on Melbourne Street. SnowDude always saw lines of people standing outside, so we finally had a drink there. During the week I was a little wiped out from the Tasmania trip. On Thursday I took a walk into town and checked out the Adelaide Zoo before shopping for the weekend. .

2008 (Nov 20) Adelaide Zoo

We finally got to the "Elephant Walk" on Melbourne Street. SnowDude a ...

Updated: Nov 25, 2008 4:17pm PST

2008 (Nov 19) John Mellencamp and Sheryl Crow in Adelaide, Australia : First time using my iPhone to take pix. John Mellencamp and Sheryl Crow in Adelaide, Australia

2008 (Nov 19) John Mellencamp and Sheryl Crow in Adelaide, Australia

First time using my iPhone to take pix. John Mellencamp and Sheryl Cr ...

Updated: Nov 25, 2008 5:37am PST

2008 (Nov 15-16) Port Arthur Historical Site (portal for convicts 1830-1877), Tasmanian Devil Park : On Saturday we caught the 11:45 bus to Hobart (3 hours), got rental car, then drove to Port Arthur. We found a beautiful ocean view cabin for the night. On Sunday we visited the Port Arthur Historic Site (portal for convicts 1830-1877). We spent a few hours at the Tasmanian Devil Conservation Park since we didn't see any in the wilderness, then drove back to Hobart to catch a plane back to Melbourne, then Adelaide. A great way to spend 10 days in Tasmania! (wk 148)

2008 (Nov 15-16) Port Arthur Historical Site (portal for convicts 1830-1877), Tasmanian Devil Park

On Saturday we caught the 11:45 bus to Hobart (3 hours), got rental ca ...

Updated: Nov 25, 2008 12:00am PST

2008 (Nov 14) Day 6: Overland Track, Tasmania (DuCane Hut to Lake St Claire) : Day 6 was another nice day for walking. We were a little concerned because of the bad weather the night before. Since we stopped earlier than we planned, we had to make up time to get to the ferry by 3:30pm. We were on the trail before 7am, and skipped breakfast. Our stomachs were still perculating and we were afraid to add to it. We stopped for the quick side trip to D'Alton Falls, passed thru Windy Gap Hut and Narcissus Hut and to the Ferry, arriving 1/2 hr early. Weather was coming in, and by the time we crossed St Claire Lake (deepest in Tasmania), rain was coming down again. SnowDude rented a nice cabin in advance, got a great bottle of Tasmanian wine, we spent a warm night in a comfortable bed. (wk 148)

2008 (Nov 14) Day 6: Overland Track, Tasmania (DuCane Hut to Lake St Claire)

Day 6 was another nice day for walking. We were a little concerned be ...

Updated: Nov 24, 2008 4:17pm PST

2008 (Nov 13) Day 5: Overland Track, Tasmania (Pelion Gap to DuCane Hut, with dayclimb to Pelion East) : Day 5 was another nice day. We packed up, the did a quick dayclimb up Mt Pelion East, which was really windy and showed precipitation coming in from the north. We got back on the Overland Track and stopped at Kia Oro Hut to sign in, then wash our hair. It felt really good! We had lunch just past the hut by a waterfall. By the time we got to Ducane Hut, I wasn't feeling well. We set up camp on the platform by the hut (emergency shelter) just before the rain came down. We had dinner in the hut, and relaxed awhile. It was a restless night for me with my stomach making a lot of gurging noises. My gastrointestinal system was not happy, (wk 148)

2008 (Nov 13) Day 5: Overland Track, Tasmania (Pelion Gap to DuCane Hut, with dayclimb to Pelion East)

Day 5 was another nice day. We packed up, the did a quick dayclimb up ...

Updated: Nov 24, 2008 4:41pm PST

2008 (Nov 12) Day 4: Overland Track, Tasmania (Frog Flats to Pelion Gap, with dayclimb of Mt Ossa, 1617m) : Day 4 was another fair weather day. We started off by looking for platypus by the river near camp. We signed in at the new Pelion Hut and headed for Pelion Gap. There were already a lot of packs sitting on the platforms, from people who were bagging Mt Ossa. The last ones returned and left by the time we started. Mt Ossa (highest peak in Tasmania) was a fun peak, with a little snow glissading on the way down. I went on to Mt Doris since it was so close, and SnowDude went back to camp to set up. Someone earlier mentioned sleeping under the stars, so SnowDude did it. It was a windy but beautiful night out. (wk 148)

2008 (Nov 12) Day 4: Overland Track, Tasmania (Frog Flats to Pelion Gap, with dayclimb of Mt Ossa, 1617m)

Day 4 was another fair weather day. We started off by looking for pla ...

Updated: Nov 20, 2008 7:34pm PST

2008 (Nov 11) Day 3: Overland Track, Tasmania (Waterfall Valley to Frog Flats) : Day 3 was a long day for us. We started the day off by finding a family of Quolls in the wall of our hut. Cool little animals! Original plan was to walk from Waterfall Valley to Windemere Hut, but since everyone else would be there, we wanted to end up somewhere in between. So we passed Windemere and headed for Frog Flats, which had tent sites without platforms. We stopped at Lake Windemere too wash up a little and rinse out some clothes. It was a long day of hiking, but we had Frog Flat all to ourselves. Total for the day was about 15km. SnowDude kept telling me: Today is a good day to see a snake. Yep! We saw a Tiger Snake, but it was too fast for the camera. (wk 147)

2008 (Nov 11) Day 3: Overland Track, Tasmania (Waterfall Valley to Frog Flats)

Day 3 was a long day for us. We started the day off by finding a fami ...

Updated: Nov 20, 2008 4:27am PST

2008 (Nov 10) Day 2: Overland Track, Tasmania (dayclimb Barn Bluff, 1559m) : Day 2 on the Overland Track. We heard the groups coming in during the week were smaller than the Sunday group so we decided to stay at Waterfall Valley one more day to get out of sync with the big crowd from Sunday. After the weather lightened up a little, we headed for Barn Bluff (1559m), the 4th highest mountain in Tasmania. Even though we had no visibililty, it was a cool dayclimb with a little class 3 to make the climb really worthy. We got back to the hut and found a hut mate who seemed a little strange, especially since he started a fire to cook his dinner (Ranger was on him right away, also had no permit). We offered him our stove, and later wondered if he would be warm enough with only his blanket and no padding to sleep on. We later found out Carl didn't walk out like he was supposed to, but was still on the trail and rangers were looking for him for 3 days. I think he was just a loner and probably harmless. He gave us a handmade leather wallet in return for fuel. I have to admit, we were a little concerned before going to bed about sleeping with him. [All photos except indoor, were taken with underwater camera case over camera] (wk 147)

2008 (Nov 10) Day 2: Overland Track, Tasmania (dayclimb Barn Bluff, 1559m)

Day 2 on the Overland Track. We heard the groups coming in during the ...

Updated: Nov 18, 2008 5:29am PST

2008 (Nov 9) Day 1: Overland Track, Tasmania (Ronny Creek Carpark to Waterfall Valley) : We took a 85km bus ride from Devonport to the Cradle Valley trailhead, which gave us a 12:45pm start. We walked from Ronny Creek to Waterfall Valley (10.4km) on our first day. It rained on us most of the day, and it was windy with no visibility. We were treated to our first wombat sighting, which was one of our goals for this trip. We will have to return to Cradle Valley so we can see what we missed on this leg of the trip, and also bag Cradle Mountain (we couldn't see it that day). Bushwalking is a lot different from the backpacking we do in the Sierra Nevada. [Photos after we started hiking were taken with underwater case on the camera] (wk 147)

2008 (Nov 9) Day 1: Overland Track, Tasmania (Ronny Creek Carpark to Waterfall Valley)

We took a 85km bus ride from Devonport to the Cradle Valley trailhead, ...

Updated: Nov 17, 2008 10:04pm PST

2008 (Nov 4-7) Snow Nymph goes back to Australia, 2nd trip : I left LA Tuesday, took Jet-Ease tablets, sipped on wine, and got more sleep on this flight, which I lose a day somewhere in the time zone, arriving in Adelaide on Thursday. My luggage got lost somewhere between flights. I also lost my iPod on the last flight, which didn't get turned into Lost & Found. Peter from UA found my luggage in Sydney and got it to Melbourne by Friday. SnowDude and I flew to Melbourne Friday on our way to Tasmania, and picked up the luggage, which had freezedried food, clothes and gear for our 6-day backpack on the Overland Track. Luckily we had an extra day Saturday to repack and shuttle for this trip. SnowDude did an excellent job organizing this trip, which included hotels, car rentals, bus shuttles and ferry ride as this was a one way trip from North to South. (wk 147)

2008 (Nov 4-7) Snow Nymph goes back to Australia, 2nd trip

I left LA Tuesday, took Jet-Ease tablets, sipped on wine, and got more ...

Updated: Nov 17, 2008 4:38am PST

2008 (Oct 11-12) Scuba Diving weekend in Edithburgh (SnowDude) : Open water dives for the Open Water Scuba diving class from Adventure Blue. Dave Cole was generous enough to dive with us and take some pictures of Saturday's dives.

2008 (Oct 11-12) Scuba Diving weekend in Edithburgh (SnowDude)

Open water dives for the Open Water Scuba diving class from Adventure ...

Updated: Oct 19, 2008 1:42am PST

2008 (Oct 3-6) Perth, Western Australia, Stirling Ranges (SnowDude) : Flew to Perth for a 4 day weekend. Visited Perth and then drove into southwest Western Australia through Bunbury and ended up at the Stirling Ranges. It rained much of the time during the middle 2 days of the trip.

2008 (Oct 3-6) Perth, Western Australia, Stirling Ranges (SnowDude)

Flew to Perth for a 4 day weekend. Visited Perth and then drove into s ...

Updated: Oct 17, 2008 9:30pm PST

2008 (Sep 20-21) The Great Ocean Road (SnowDude) : SnowDude flew to Melbourne and then drove back to Adelaide along the Great Ocean Road.

2008 (Sep 20-21) The Great Ocean Road (SnowDude)

SnowDude flew to Melbourne and then drove back to Adelaide along the G ...

Updated: Sep 27, 2008 5:57pm PST

2008 (Sep 6-7) Snowboarding at Mt Hotham in the Victoria snowfields (SnowDude) : SnowDude flew from Adelaide to Melbourne and then drove to the Victoria snowfields to go snowboarding at Mt Hotham for a weekend.

2008 (Sep 6-7) Snowboarding at Mt Hotham in the Victoria snowfields (SnowDude)

SnowDude flew from Adelaide to Melbourne and then drove to the Victori ...

Updated: Sep 11, 2008 5:04am PST

2008 (Aug 24) St Mary's Peak, Wilpena Pound, Flinders Ranges : Day 24: We drove around Wilpena Pound, then hiked to St Mary's Peak. The area is part of the Adelaide Geosyncline. Despite early amateur theories that it was some kind of ancient volcano, the actual Pound is sedimentary rock in the form of a large syncline. Although from the outside the Pound appears as a single range of mountains, it is actually two: one on the western edge, and one on the eastern, joined by the long Rawnsley's Bluff at the south. A gorge called Wilpena Gap has been cut in the eastern range, and most of the inside of the Pound drains into Wilpena Creek which exits through the Gap. A small part of the high northern slopes of the Pound drains into Edeowie Creek, which drains in time of flood over steep cliffs and waterfalls in Edeowie Gorge to the north. The highest peak in the Pound, also the highest of the Flinders Ranges, is St Mary Peak (1170m), on the north-eastern side. The wall of mountains almost completely encircles the gently-sloping interior of the Pound, with the only breaks being the gorge at Wilpena Gap and a high saddle in the south-western range over which the Heysen Trail passes. The interior of the Pound does not rise to a height at the northern edge, but instead simply drops off very steeply to the plain below in a series of steep gullies. (wk 136)

2008 (Aug 24) St Mary's Peak, Wilpena Pound, Flinders Ranges

Day 24: We drove around Wilpena Pound, then hiked to St Mary's Peak. ...

Updated: Sep 25, 2008 9:38pm PST

2008 (Aug 23) Bunyeroo Gorge Walk, Flinders Range, Australia : Friday, day 22: packed up and drove 5 hrs to Flinders Range. Saturday, day 23: plan was to backpack, but after sleeping in the tent, I could hardly bend over. So plans changed. We drove around, rented a cottage, and went for a hike. (wk 136)

2008 (Aug 23) Bunyeroo Gorge Walk, Flinders Range, Australia

Friday, day 22: packed up and drove 5 hrs to Flinders Range. Saturda ...

Updated: Sep 18, 2008 8:37pm PST

2008 (Aug 21) Deep Creek Cove and Deep Creek Waterfall, South Australia : Thursday, Day 21. SnowDude had to work, but he told me to take a hike. He sent me to Deep Creek in the Fleurieu Peninsula in South Australia. Even with the late start (took 3 hrs to do a 1.5 hr drive) I finished the Deep Creek Cove hike in 2 hrs. I looked in the book and saw another hike that looked good. So got two short hikes in.

2008 (Aug 21) Deep Creek Cove and Deep Creek Waterfall, South Australia

Thursday, Day 21. SnowDude had to work, but he told me to take a hike ...

Updated: Sep 17, 2008 8:10pm PST

2008 (Aug 19-20) NZ to AUS : Day 19. Travel day back to Australia. I did some shopping the next day while SnowDude went to work, and packed for the weekend. Stopped by Torrens Lake again on the way home.

2008 (Aug 19-20) NZ to AUS

Day 19. Travel day back to Australia. I did some shopping the next d ...

Updated: Sep 16, 2008 8:22pm PST

2008 (Aug 18) Skyline Track Hike, Queenstown, New Zealand : Monday, Day 18. We slept in, we deserved it. We were getting up at 6am every day til now. SnowDude was on the internet and phone trying to make sure we were set for the Tuesday trip home. We finally got out around 2:30pm, got a late lunch, then started our short hike at 4pm. We got sidetracked when we saw a sign that said "summit 3 hrs", and took that trail even though it was late. We saw the next sign, and realized it was 3 hrs one way (NZ walks usually post round trip walking time). We were doing good, but the summit wasn't going to happen. It was snowing, and we couldn't see where the summit was (til the next day, from the plane). We turned around, and took another trail to the Skyline Gondola (our original goal), and had a drink before heading to town for dinner.

2008 (Aug 18) Skyline Track Hike, Queenstown, New Zealand

Monday, Day 18. We slept in, we deserved it. We were getting up at 6a ...

Updated: Sep 16, 2008 12:48am PST

2008 (Aug 17) Heli-boarding, Harris Range, by Matukituki River, New Zealand : Sunday, Day 17. Signed up for heli-boarding before dinner last night, and got a call in the morning that it was happening. The van picked us up, and we drove out of the overcast conditions and into blue skies and perfect conditions. We got 6 out of 7 runs, with the 5 run being in white out, and the last run set off 2 slides. Awesome day! (wk 135)

2008 (Aug 17) Heli-boarding, Harris Range, by Matukituki River, New Zealand

Sunday, Day 17. Signed up for heli-boarding before dinner last night, ...

Updated: Sep 27, 2008 7:36pm PST

2008 (Aug 16) Bungy Jumping and Cancelled Flights, Queenstown, New Zealand : Saturday, Day 16. We were scheduled to fly back to Australia, but due to weather all Qantas flights were cancelled. We tried to fly New Zealand Air, but there weren't any seats available til Tuesday. We already turned in our SUV, so we couldn't drive either (and no 4WD's available) so we were stuck! What a great place to be stuck! (wk 135)

2008 (Aug 16) Bungy Jumping and Cancelled Flights, Queenstown, New Zealand

Saturday, Day 16. We were scheduled to fly back to Australia, but due ...

Updated: Sep 09, 2008 7:29pm PST

2008 (Aug 15) The Remarkables Ski Resort (2nd time), New Zealand : Thursday, Day 15. We signed up for heli-boarding again, but was on weather hold. We got another call 1/2 hr later saying weather was coming in, so we got a late start on our day. So we went snowboarding at the Remarkables again. We only rode the lifts a few times, and hiked for the rest of our turns. There weren't too many tracks ahead of us, and our last run above Gallipati Chutes only had 4 tracks, and 2 were ours. Awesome runs!

2008 (Aug 15) The Remarkables Ski Resort (2nd time), New Zealand

Thursday, Day 15. We signed up for heli-boarding again, but was on wea ...

Updated: Feb 07, 2009 9:05am PST

2008 (Aug 14) Heli-boarding, Matatapu Range, New Zealand and a drive to Glenorchy in a snowstorm : Wednesday, Day 14. Finally, after 4 days of waiting we got the ok! Whoohooo! My first heli-boarding experience was awesome! We only got 3 out of the 7 runs before the weather chased us out, but it was fun and the snow was great! I'm hooked! #4

2008 (Aug 14) Heli-boarding, Matatapu Range, New Zealand and a drive to Glenorchy in a snowstorm

Wednesday, Day 14. Finally, after 4 days of waiting we got the ok! W ...

Updated: Aug 28, 2008 11:47pm PST

2008 (Aug 13) Coronet Peak Ski Resort, Queenstown, New Zealand : Wednesday, Day 13. Got the call, no heli-boarding today. So we went to Coronet Peak Ski Resort. It was a beautiful day on the slopes. (#3)

2008 (Aug 13) Coronet Peak Ski Resort, Queenstown, New Zealand

Wednesday, Day 13. Got the call, no heli-boarding today. So we went ...

Updated: Aug 21, 2008 7:05pm PST

2008 (Aug 12) Treble Cone Ski Resort, Wanaka, New Zealand : Tuesday, Day 12. Treble Cone is about 1.5 hrs from Queenstown. This was a fun resort with challenging slopes, but with whiteout it was hard to get the most of it. We'll have to go back again. (#2)

2008 (Aug 12) Treble Cone Ski Resort, Wanaka, New Zealand

Tuesday, Day 12. Treble Cone is about 1.5 hrs from Queenstown. This ...

Updated: Aug 28, 2008 1:25am PST

2008 (Aug 11) Skydiving and Bungy Jumping, Queenstown, New Zealand : Monday, Day 11. Skydiving in New Zealand! The views were awesome! Got video and will try to post. (wk 134)

2008 (Aug 11) Skydiving and Bungy Jumping, Queenstown, New Zealand

Monday, Day 11. Skydiving in New Zealand! The views were awesome! G ...

Updated: Aug 30, 2008 7:29am PST

2008 (Aug 10) The Remarkables Ski Resort, Queenstown, New Zealand : Saturday, Day 10: We drove to The Remarkables ski resort for the day. We found some good runs at the end of the day that we had to hike to. Fun day on the slopes! (#2) (wk 134)

2008 (Aug 10) The Remarkables Ski Resort, Queenstown, New Zealand

Saturday, Day 10: We drove to The Remarkables ski resort for the day. ...

Updated: Aug 21, 2008 3:26pm PST

2008 (Aug 8-9) Adelaide to Sydney to NZ : Friday, Day 8: Flew to Sydney and stayed at the Holiday Inn. Saturday, Day 9: Got up early and flew in to Queenstown, New Zealand. Went for a drive to check out the area.

2008 (Aug 8-9) Adelaide to Sydney to NZ

Friday, Day 8: Flew to Sydney and stayed at the Holiday Inn. Saturday ...

Updated: Aug 27, 2008 12:56am PST

2008 (Aug 7) Morialta Park Waterfall Hike, Adelaide, Australia : Thursday, Day 7. Today's trip is labeled a 'hike', steep and on a dirt trail. This is a loop hike, but without maps I took a wrong turn. I had a feeling I was going the wrong way, and turned back. At a trail junction I went by a big group of hikers 'cleaning their boots', and as they came thru one by one, they they stood in front of the trail that I was supposed to take. Not knowing this, I continued where they came down. SnowDude told me he saw two koala bears by a grove of gum trees, so I checked it out when I got there. I saw one koala bear and spent some time watching it eat. After 20 minutes I continued to the parking area. It started sprinkling as I approached the car.

2008 (Aug 7) Morialta Park Waterfall Hike, Adelaide, Australia

Thursday, Day 7. Today's trip is labeled a 'hike', steep and on a dir ...

Updated: Aug 20, 2008 3:35pm PST

2008 (Aug 6) Waterfall Gully to Mt Lofty, and Platypus Noctornal Tour, Adelaide, Australia : Wednesday, Day 6. This hike is 8 km east of Adelaide. You can drive to the summit of Mt Lofty, but I took the Waterfall Gully route rated 'hard'. It was a short but steep hike of 3.5 km (not hard at all, compared to Sierra hiking). On a clear day there are views, but it was raining and foggy, so I stopped at the restaurant at the summit, called SnowDude, then headed back down. The hardest part of the hike was getting there. Driving on the opposite side of the road, on the passenger side of the car, and those silly roundabouts are confusing for this California driver! I got honked at a lot, and pulled over to let faster drivers go by. I spent more time driving than hiking (kept getting lost). After the hike, I went on a guided Platypus Tour. It was a good day, even with the rain and getting lost.

2008 (Aug 6) Waterfall Gully to Mt Lofty, and Platypus Noctornal Tour, Adelaide, Australia

Wednesday, Day 6. This hike is 8 km east of Adelaide. You can drive t ...

Updated: Aug 22, 2008 4:05pm PST

2008 (Aug 5) Cleland Wildlife Park, Adelaide, Australia : Tuesday, Day 5 My first day driving, on the opposite side of the road. I drove to Cleland Wildlife Park, to check out the cool native animals of Australia.

2008 (Aug 5) Cleland Wildlife Park, Adelaide, Australia

Tuesday, Day 5 My first day driving, on the opposite side of the road. ...

Updated: Aug 19, 2008 8:10am PST

2008 (Aug 4) Torrens Lake in the rain, Adelaide, Australia : Monday, Day 4. Easy day today. Trying to get adjusted to the time change, which is 7.5 hrs difference, but a day ahead (6:30am Mon here is 2pm Sun in the US). I went for a walk into town, and checked out the birds at Torrens Lake.

2008 (Aug 4) Torrens Lake in the rain, Adelaide, Australia

Monday, Day 4. Easy day today. Trying to get adjusted to the time ch ...

Updated: Aug 06, 2008 9:29pm PST

2008 (Aug 3) Hanson Bay Trail walk, Kelly Hill to Hanson Bay, Kangaroo Island, Australia : Sunday, Day 3. After breakfast we went for a short drive to check out the burn area from last fall. Our destination was a bushwalk from Kelly Hill to Hanson Bay. We originally tried Hanson Bay to Kelly Hill on Saturday, but couldn't get across the river. I was feeling jetlag, and the first hour kicked my butt. After some Emergen-C and some food, I felt better. We got there at our turnaround time and made it back as planned. I saw my first Echidna near the Lagoon. I got to drive the longer distance back to prepare me for the city, on the wrong side of the road sitting on the wrong side of the car. :-O SnowDude drove after the ferry ride while I slept. First night in his apartment. (week 133)

2008 (Aug 3) Hanson Bay Trail walk, Kelly Hill to Hanson Bay, Kangaroo Island, Australia

Sunday, Day 3. After breakfast we went for a short drive to check out ...

Updated: Aug 08, 2008 12:06am PST

2008 (Aug 1-2) Arrive Australia, went straight to Kangaroo Island : Th/Fri/Sat, Day 1-2. With time zone difference, I lost a day. I left California on Wednesday, July 30th, and arrived in Australia on Friday, Aug 1st, 23.5 hrs later. The flight was the nightmare I was afraid it might be. I got an aisle seat instead of my assigned window seat. The seats were tight, and I kept rubbing elbows with the woman in the middle seat. She knew this was new to me when the steward handed me headphones and I asked what it was for. After that she helped when ever I had that confused look on my face. I moved into the middle aisle where a woman had 4 seats to herself. I was squished in the one seat, and she laid out and occasionally rubbed her feet on me during the night. I finally gave up trying to sleep when the pain in my neck and shoulders kept me up. We got off the plane in Auckland, NZ and got back on an hour later and flew to Melbourne. We were a little late landing, and after going thru customs and trying to find the right place to take my luggage, I found out I missed the flight. I didn't have any Australian cash and my cell didn't work. I finally found the currency exchange booth so I could get cash and a phone card so I could let Snowdude know the new flight would be 2 hrs later. I was so happy to see him at the airport!! We headed for the ferry that would take us to Kangaroo Island for the weekend. I got sick on the ferry and SnowDude said it was the most civilized vomiting he had ever seen. I slept a little, then we had a great dinner at Penneshaw after landing, then checked out the Blue Penguins after. The 2nd highlight of my day was the Koala Bear that crossed the road on our way to the Hanson Bay Cabin! Very Cool! We got in late, 6:30am my body time, and I fell asleep pretty quick. Saturday we attempted a hike, and checked out Koalas and Seals, and drove around Kangaroo Island. (wk 133)

2008 (Aug 1-2) Arrive Australia, went straight to Kangaroo Island

Th/Fri/Sat, Day 1-2. With time zone difference, I lost a day. I left C ...

Updated: Aug 05, 2008 6:06pm PST

Australia Videos :

Australia Videos

Updated: Oct 18, 2008 1:15am PST

2008 (June 28-29) Kangaroo Island (SnowDude) : SnowDude's 1st trip to Kangaroo Island. I've been looking forward to a trip to Kangaroo Island ever since I found out I might be going to South Australia.

2008 (June 28-29) Kangaroo Island (SnowDude)

SnowDude's 1st trip to Kangaroo Island. I've been looking forward to ...

Updated: Sep 27, 2008 8:44pm PST

2008 (June and July) Adelaide and South Australia (SnowDude) : Pictures from SnowDude's 1st 6 weeks in South Australia.

2008 (June and July) Adelaide and South Australia (SnowDude)

Pictures from SnowDude's 1st 6 weeks in South Australia.

Updated: Sep 27, 2008 8:49pm PST

2008 (June 11-12) Sydney (SnowDude) : SnowDude visits Sydney on his way to Adelaide.

2008 (June 11-12) Sydney (SnowDude)

SnowDude visits Sydney on his way to Adelaide.

Updated: Sep 27, 2008 7:24pm PST

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