Great Australian Fun Filled Expedition (my GAFFE) - hallanniem
My long awaited trip is finally nearing.
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Late Again!
Montrose, United States
I've taken an extra day off and I'm still about 12 hours behind. Ah, well, no stress! I'm on vacation.
I may catch up toward the end of the trip, but I doubt it.
written by  hallanniem on November 6, 2009 from Montrose, United States
from the travel blog: Great Australian Fun Filled Expedition (my GAFFE)

And I'm Off!
Palatine, United States
Finally got out of Montrose. Arrived in Chicago for the first leg of my journey. I was only about 15 hours behind schedule. Oh well, it is a vacation.
written by  hallanniem on November 7, 2009 from Palatine, United States
from the travel blog: Great Australian Fun Filled Expedition (my GAFFE)

Up, Up and Away - on Qantas!
Chicago, United States
Hey, everyone! This is Trina posting for Ann today.
I dropped Ann off at O'Hare at about 3 pm. It's now 5:40 pm, so her boarding call has been made. I haven't received any frantic last minute phone calls or e-mails, so I have to assume she has her passport and credit cards with her!
She's flying to LA tonight, then has a 3 hour layover before her flight to Melbourne! She's gonna have a blast!
written by  hallanniem on November 8, 2009 from Chicago, United States
from the travel blog: Great Australian Fun Filled Expedition (my GAFFE)

noodleing, day 9.
Coober Pedy, Australia
we got to Coober Pedy by 3:15. pm We were a little dalayed by head winds and road trains. On the final 5km into town we had to pull over for wide loads of mining equipment.
Had a tour of an old opal mine. view of differing mining techniques and examples of under ground living. Odl style and current style.
Managed to do a bit of shopping, but the shops closed about an hour after I finally got checked into my room. I am staying under ground. Will show you some pictures when high speed internet is available.
'This is the first internet in 3 days
Went to the Opal Beetle and made a few purchases. Unfortuantley (or fortunately) pay check was not deposited while the stores were open, so no extravagances. Did some noodleing outside the Opal Beetle, found a Stone with two small pinkish opals attached. Whooee!!.
The stars here are very beautiful, but I hope to see even more when we are at our campsite. I want to see the southern cross etc.
Didn't get a chance to use the swiming pool at the Desert cave, it closed at sunset (while we were at dinner).
written by  hallanniem on November 18, 2009 from Coober Pedy, Australia

Kata Tjula
Uluru (Ayers Rock), Australia
kata Tjula in the rain
up at 5am adn off the the Northern Territory Up the Stuart Hwy along the Simpson Desert.
Lunch at our campsite then off to Kata Tjula. As we are driving to the heads, Keath is telling us about how much of a men's sacred place. It is so sacred that any Aboriginal women that came near it were killed. Now at this point there is thunder and lightening in the distance where we are driving to.
We are happy to see the rain, it has been 40+ degrees celcius for days, We take a long time at a photo stop just to enjoy the coolness left by the rain and cloudiness.
Our walk into Kata Tjula is lovely and there is a bit i-of flowing water here from the rain. We got some pictures of birds also.
Our guide explained some of the uses for the local plant life. Spear bush is used to make spears. but the plant has bent braches. So Mulgar wood is burnt (high heat) and the sand is heated up. the spear is twisted and slid through the sand to dry and straighten The Branch to form the spear.
On to Uluru (Ayers Rock) to see the sunset on the rock (largest Monolith [remember I cannot spell]) took a lot of pics.
Back to the campsite to "swag" it (padded sleepingbag). We all tried, but by the time it sprinkled the 5th time I couldn't take it any more. Rain was dripping into my ears. We moved into the tents (it would have been way too hot to sleep indoors without the rain.)
Unfortunately couldn't see the stars due to clouds and rain.
written by  hallanniem on November 19, 2009 from Uluru (Ayers Rock), Australia

end of OZE
Alice Springs, Australia
Here. climbed up Kings canyon today. this internet is very poor. I will try again tomorrow from Perth
The climb and walk were well worth the effort (300 meter up at the start). Lots of interesting rock formations. Some isolated plants and lots of vegitation for the desert region. The rock here is sandstone and is very absorbant, so when it rains the water lasts for the plants.
Went back to Kings CAnyon resort for lunch. and another dip in the pool. Swim was great after the hot hike.
BAck down the Lassiter hwy to the Stuart Hwy again and on to Alice Springs.
We did see a witch tail eagle trying to cart off the haunch of a Kangaroo. It finally flew off without it as the bus approached.
Finished off with dinner at Bojangles with most of the tour group. off to Perth tomorrow.
3500 kms driven
40 kms walked
6 days.
written by  hallanniem on November 21, 2009 from Alice Springs, Australia

arrival
Perth, Australia
Flew in from Alice Sprigs with Eveie and Pieter. We flew over Uluru and took some photos from the plane. i t is hard to tell if the came out because of the clouds.
Got to the airport and realized that I had forgotten my lip balm on the floor of the hotel room. Seems I am doomed to not have lip balm.
Checked wtih reception about whale watching excursions, seem that the last on was yesterday. They are no longer running whale watching.
Went to Woolworths and went shopping for groceries. I have a small kitchenette, so I won't have to eat out. It also gave me a chance to get used to the bus systems here.
written by  hallanniem on November 22, 2009 from Perth, Australia

Avalanche
Queanbeyan, Australia
Arrived in Canberra and Frank met me at the airort. Back to Avalanche Ranch where i met Faye and Elle.
Drove around and got a look at some of the property. laer Frandk left Elle and i to go for a walk on an overgrown trail (we did not see a trail at all). We couldn't follow the rack and ended up walking a bit longer . We finally met up with Frank again.
Fed the baby lamb who is woen to two feeds a day by bottle. Great food.
lamb that is hand fed
written by  hallanniem on November 27, 2009 from Queanbeyan, Australia

arrival in Oz
Melbourne, Australia
got here. first thing I did after clearing customs was to get a phone.
Funny thing. What I saw on the ride from the airport. A Costco, and a billboard advertising the movie New Moon. Did I really leave the country? the 14 hour flight says so.
Walked around the downtown area. It is very hot, or it seems that way after the frost we've been having. Just cannot get iced tea. McDonalds never heard of such a thing!!!!!
I finally got someone at Hungry Jacks (Burger King to you and I) to give me a hot tea and a cup of ice. Tetly tea to boot, hurrah.
You can get iced coffee and iced chocolate, but not iced tea.
I was able to get the heels on my boots resoled in an hour.
I took some pictures, but not of anything special.
I was tempted to eat at one of the indoor cafeterias, but there were birds flying around inside. (Near the food areas) no thanks.
More later.
written by  hallanniem on November 9, 2009 from Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne day 2
Melbourne, Australia
trying to ship my luggage, waiting for the paperwork to come through. DONE!!!
I hope to get to the zoo today. also a walking tour, and avisit to the Vicoria Markets.
Victoria Market is closed on Mon and Wed. But I did make it to the Zoo.
The walking tour was very enjoyable. Lots of history and even chocolate.
Finally figured out the tram system ( I keep trying to get on the wrong way).
The day was so hot that the animals were mostly in hiding or taking a break in the shade (hard to see).
I am sending out some post cards. so keep and eye out you may get one.
Jenny- have no seen any shot glasses yet. but I am not buying much until the hiking tour is over
written by  hallanniem on November 10, 2009 from Melbourne, Australia

OZ E adventure day 1- Day 3
Princetown, Australia
OZE 1 caravan park to look for Koalas found birds also
First stop for the night on the way to Adelaide. On a tour with 22 people from various contries and continents.
First stop Bells beach site of the longest surf competition -m Easter week each year. A national Surf Shire
We move on to the Great Ocean Road which is a national monument to Soilders of World War I. It is about 300 Kilometers long, adn was built by about 3000 veterans from WWI.
The Great Ocean Road continues along the Southern Ocean (next stop south is the Antarctic) So I walked in the Southern Ocean today.
We stopped at a caravan park to look at Koalas. They like the gum trees there. Found some of them and some parrots also.
Next I was able to walk in the canapy of a rainforest. The Otway Fly is a suspended walkway in the Otway Rainforest. ( I also had the privilidge [tongue in cheek] of climbing 105 spiral steps up to the top of the tower). Looking down on the fern trees I thought of the bedding plants chicks and hens, but the fern trees were 10 feet tall!!
After checking in for the night and dinner we went to view the 12 apostles. Limestone pillars left by ocean erosion. Originally the Sow and piglets numbered 18. Today 11 are standing. It was very cloudy, and we did not think we would be able to see a sunset, but there was a brilliant red sunset just as we were driving off.
sunset 12 apostles
written by  hallanniem on November 12, 2009 from Princetown, Australia

day 3
Halls Gap, Australia
Friday the 13th. no internet today so this is day late post.
I forgot to mention our hosts for the first night at the 13th Apostle. Very good people.
And then there is Kate our host/guide.
Kate is perfect for her job. Outgoing enthusiastic and just a bit brash. The group is doing just what she needs and enjoying themselves too boot. Our side views and additions have been varied depending on the current need. But all is hadled with great attitude. Kate did tell me to go soak my head when I was a little too warm. I clued her in to the phrase later after reminding her that she told me to "go soak your head".
Went down Loch Ard Gorge, site of a famous shipwrech where there were only 2 survivours. (72 step and then lots of sand to wade through). More views of the 12 Apostles.
Were able to stop and view and old caldera from the volcanic past.
Sent the night at Hall's Gap inthe Granapians mts. Made no bake cookies a big hit especialy for Wolfgang. It was a beautiful night, but tomorrow it will be 38 celcius, we are starting our hike up the mountain early 7-8am so as not to be too hot.
As Kate says "it is going to be a stinker"
written by  hallanniem on November 13, 2009 from Halls Gap, Australia

day 4/ no bake cookie recipe
Adelaide, Australia
top of Mt Hollow
Made it to the top of Mt Hollow a 1.2 km hike up the mountain. we made it to the top by 9 am thank goodness, it was very hot already. See some of the pics.
Very hot day. We stopped at border town for lunch and a look at the white kangaroos. We stopped and took pic of ourselves crossing from Victoria to South Australia.
Not much detouring today, just get there and stay cool if you could.
Oh by the by my accomidation is in the Red Light district. (yes it means the same here). Fortunatly Adelaide doen't have hookers on the street corners, so just shops and stores that emphasize sex. Then again a shopping mall is one block away.
no bake cookies.
2cups sugar
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup butter or margarine
1/4 cup Cocoa (powdered)
stir over medium heat in medium sauce pan. let boil one full minute. remove from heat and then stir in:
one capfull of vanilla (liquid)
1/3 cup of smooth peanut butter
3 cups oats (uncooked any kind - quick , minute or rolled)
spoon onto waxed paper or onto a buttered surface. Work quickly as it will harden in the pan and then you will be eating crumbs. Enjoy
one cup is about 240 mls.
written by  hallanniem on November 14, 2009 from Adelaide, Australia

Adelaide
Adelaide, Australia
Free day,
Rundle shopping
Could not take the Sunday Markets tour. It was too hot and it was cancelled. (Not sure if it was the Markets or the Tour, but no go).
Went to the Botanical Gardens to walk around this morning. Then a Stop at the Australia Wine center.
Murdoch lane
Exhibits of grapes and types of wines. along with discriptions of the various wine regions in Australia.
Quick stops to do a bit of shopping.
A visit to the Aboriginal center.Tandanya. picked up a few souvineers. Post cards.
Unfortunately I seem to have mislaid my lip balm. Probably fell out on the bus yesterday.
It is so hot today, I will probably just go back to the room and veg.
Spent about anhour at Woolworths in Rundle shopping center, to cool off and blog.
Went out again to Borders. Picked up a paper back and looked at the back it was 26.99 AD, outrageous the cost of books. ONe 1/4 inch thick paperback was 7.95 AD,
written by  hallanniem on November 14, 2009 from Adelaide, Australia

wilpena pound
Quorn, Australia
climed wilpena pound.another 8.4 km round trip walk (climb). too hot. did not finish until 1:40 pm sun burnt adn a touch of heat stroke. I needed more water, fortunately Peiter had some extra. Not a lick of shade to be found.
Then we wnet on a few more walks . Just a gentle walk (CLIMB), of 3 km. I thought that this was 6-8 km / day. Two 8.2 km walks n two days.
Guess what?? Thursday is a 10km walk around uluru.
(yes I cannot spell, nor can I read this screen to see what I am typing)
Evie and I did make it to the top of Wilpena Pound and back down withn Francious and Gerard. We put "One foot in front of the other"
We spent a second night at the Mill in Quorn (KORN). Bought a bottle of Remakable Ridge Shiraz 2005 from the local pub, and shared with the others. It was a good wine, and it was not too warm.
Wake up time tomorrow has been changed from 4 am to 6 am to may peoples delight.
written by  hallanniem on November 17, 2009 from Quorn, Australia

day 7
Quorn, Australia
emu
first day of the 6 day ATA Tour (OZE)
Keath Is our tour guide. 20 people on the tour 14 in their twenties and 6 of us not. Song, Christine, Margarite and Martine are on this tour with me.
Our fisrt stop is the Clare Valley, on of the first wine areas of Australia, Shiraz is made here.
Still hot, already too warm by 9 am.
Arrived at the Mill, nice room.
/we had burgers for lunch then went for a nice gentle walk of 8.2 km at Dutchman's stern (named so because it looks lik the stern of a Dutch ship). It took about 3 hours roundn trip.
Then back to the mill for dinner Emu Kangaroo and Camel were all on the menu.
Doing good so far, blisters are under control and my knees are doing fine.
written by  hallanniem on November 16, 2009 from Quorn, Australia

long walk
Uluru (Ayers Rock), Australia
up early and out to Uluru to see Sunrise on the Rock. ON the drive out to the Rock there was a face in the sky that was watching our progress as the sun was coming up. Due to the cloouds there was not much to the Sunrise, but before we left, the sun came out and was shing off the rock. We went to the visitors center. and looked around. Then we went to the walk
The walk around was 10.4 km and it took me about 2 hours and 20 minutes.The walk was very peaceful and not too hot. I took a lot of pics, but some areas are off limits for pictue taking as they are sacred places. I had to pee sooooo badly, but it was another 250 meters to the Toilets. Just couldn't do it at the time. (wish I had because you know what a bus ride feels like on a full bladder) 20 minutes back to camp and relief.
written by  hallanniem on November 20, 2009 from Uluru (Ayers Rock), Australia

Margaret River
Margaret River, Australia
Tour today, much different from the previous tour - luxury bus. Sat next to a woman from near Rimini Italy, and had pleasant conversations with her. Also met a couple of people from Singapore.
Went to the Xanadu Winery for tastings of about 8 varieties of wines. Bought a Souvingnon Merlot 2005 ( medal winner) to have with lunch. I hope I can finish it before I leave.
On to a Raptor center where I find out it is Wedge Tailed Eagle not Witch TAiled.
wedge tailed eagle
We see and ge3t to hold a black kyte.This is a rescue and repoputlation center, they release the young out into the wild.
Next to Mammoth cave a limestone cave that is part of about 200 caves along the coast. outside of the cave are some of the Karri trees these trees grtow to be about 90 meters tall and 600 years old.
Karri tree
This one is only about 300 years old. Third largest tree ( redwoods are the largest).
Went to the lighthouse at the point where the Southern and Indian Oceans meet. then off the the longest wooden jetty in the Southern Hemisphere. MY feet in the Indian Ocean/
my feet in the Indian Ocean
written by  hallanniem on November 23, 2009 from Margaret River, Australia

perth day 15
Perth, Australia
Went down the street and there is a medical clinic that gives travel vaccines. so I was able to get my H1N1 vaccination. today should be effective by cruise time.
Went to the Perth Mint to view thier collection of mining memoreblia and to see a pouring of a gold bar.
Walked downtown to find the Lush store ( I smelled it on Sunday when I went to Woolworths) Also found out about an art city tour that is free, so I will join that.
Met up with karen, one oth the people on my tour yesterday, she was on this walk and on her own.
We went to the Piccadilly Cinema to see 2012 and then walked back to the hotel to have dinner.
I was able to arrange a plant tour for tomorrow, so I am looking forward to that.
written by  hallanniem on November 24, 2009 from Perth, Australia

Plant visit
Perth, Australia
Walked along the Swan river down to the Bell tower this morning. It is only 23 degrees so it is quite comfortable.
i booked a tour for tomorrow. Dolphins, Penguins, and sea lions. should keep me busy most of the day.
Went to the Water Corporation and me some very nice people. A frog is thier sybol for clean water. Was able to tour one of thier facilities (activated sludge shorter tanks with 4X recycle). This plant was originally built in the 1920's. it is completely enclosed for odor control, and waste products are moved off site several times a day. Million dollar homes have been built up around the plant.
After went to Kings Park to view some of the botanical gardens. Camera ran out of juice, so I went back to the hotel. Early day tomorrow, and I have to be packed up by 7:00.
written by  hallanniem on November 25, 2009 from Perth, Australia

made it to Sydney
Sydney, Australia
Got sto see some of the Capital. Frank took me to Parliment House for a tour and showed me where the Embassy are. We also went to the War Memorial. It was quite the exhibition, remined me of part of the Smithsonian Museums. (I will post some pics later).
Got to the Airport in plenty of time. but my plane was cancelled, I was on the next flight, I thought I was going to arrive after dark, but it was still light out. I did have to take my suitcase up two flights of stairs. I got off at museum station because it was only two blocks from where I am staying, but it is underground and no lift. Trina if you come into town by train Central station is better, you may have stairs but they are down not up.
Off to get groceries.
written by  hallanniem on November 29, 2009 from Sydney, Australia

manly
Sydney, Australia
opera house
Got a late start as i had to do laundry. Went to circle Quay (key) to do the harbor sights afternoon tour, but they stopped doing that last year. i decided to take the ferry over to Manly and do some sightseeing and some shopping.
Came back to the city in time to catch the Sydney Explorer bus. So i had a two hour tour of Sydney and the sights. I stayed on the bus for the entire 2 hour tour, as it was raining and it was interesting.
written by  hallanniem on November 30, 2009 from Sydney, Australia

movign cattle
Queanbeyan, Australia
cattle
Moved a bull cows and heiferstoday. Frome one paddock to another. Frank had to get a horse to help move the bull to where he wanted him.All of the cattle were a little frisky. had to put someinto a squeeze chute to treat them. The cows will mostly follow you if you yell 'come on' at them. Just don't get between them and where they want to go.
Went out at night to look for animals, saw a possum, red fox and some kagaroos. We had seen a lot of wambat burrows, but no wambats.
Did see a black cackatoo.
black cockatoo
emu
written by  hallanniem on November 28, 2009 from Queanbeyan, Australia

blue mts
Katoomba, Australia
Blue mountains
took a train to the blue mts and a hop on hop off bus around the area. Also bought tickets for scenic world. cable car train and another calbe way up the mt. I then took a walk through the rainforest.
After getting back on the bus, I took a hike along the cliff, and then another hike down to George falls lookout.
Did some shopping around both Leura and Katoomba, then headed back to Sydney.
written by  hallanniem on December 2, 2009 from Katoomba, Australia

Paddys market
Sydney, Australia
Okay,
]Well i had fun. went shopping at Paddys market. Like giant flea market. I spent about 3 hours walking around and getting stuff. they even had a vegetable market inside.
Trina should be on her way soon.
I don't know what i will be doing this afternoon.
written by  hallanniem on December 3, 2009 from Sydney, Australia

wildlife world
Got up and went to Circle Quay to take a whale watching cruise. Got there and the man told me that it was cancelled for today (as of 3 minutes prior to my arrival) due to high seas.Now what to do?
I went back to the condo and did laundry. and watched a special about disappearing bees.
Then it is off to Darling Harbour. Will try the Chinese gardens. and then the Sydney fish market. Well the Chinese gardens were closing early due to a special event.
I walked down the harbour to the Aquarium and bought a combined ticket for it and Wildlife world. Went through wildlife world. I took lots of pictures of deadly snakes for the boys to enjoy (and I wrote down the names for later reference) I will not post those pictures so that my mom can look at this.
Off to the fish market. I ;am looking foreward to some fresh prawns!! Well I got my fresh prawns. I ordered 6 prawns in garlic butter. I cannot figure out why they breaded them when they cooked them whole (heads and all) I got to stare at a plate full of black eyes. I am no straanger to fresh prawns so I dug in beheaded and peeled away. Just lost all of the flavor in the peeling.
When I went to pay for some juice and some raspberries, I realized that I did not get my change from buying the passes to the aquarium and Wildlife world . So b ack to the aquarium to retrieve my change. No problem.
Caught the ferry bck to Circle Quay and then the 303 bus back to the condo ( I had caught the 302 earlier and it droped me off right in front). but this driver told me that that was a closed bus stop and dropped my off 3 blocks past. I called the transit service to check on the status of the stop. It is a stop and I should have been able to get off there!! Lot of good it does me to be right, I still had to walk in circles to find the condo. OH well
It looks like Trina may be delayed. I hope she gets here before Sunday morning.
written by  hallanniem on December 4, 2009 from Sydney, Australia

Bondi Beach
Bondi, Australia
I took the Bondi Exporer bus to Bronte Beach and walked back to Bondi beech. Then i took the 333 bus to Bondi Junction.
I have been looking for a place to get my hair cut. Yesterday I asked at a few places in Manly and the cost wast $88 - $100 for a shampoo cut and blow dry. I only wanted a cut. I spoke with the reception desk and she told me there were places to get reasonably priced hair cuts, and that there were some in Bondi Junction. so I went in search. I tried Price attack, but it had moved - I found it but they were booked up, hair cuts $35. So I kept looking down this side lane from Oxford square was a listing for a beauty college - looked promising. I didn't find that, but I did find Bondi Haiport Hairdressers, I could wait for the next haircut and it would only cost me $20. (HURRAH). So an hour later and 2" shorter I was off again.
It was time to head back to the city to try to meet up with the lady from Sydney Water to talk about Biosolids. Unfortunately she was delayed in conference until almost 5 pm So we were unable to meet. We will have to do that by e-mail.
Went to town hall station to see Queen Vicoria Center. There was a swarkovski tree in the center 3 - 4 stories high. Lots of top end shops there. I got a Boost smoothie and headed back to the condo.
written by  hallanniem on December 1, 2009 from Bondi, Australia

whale nonwatching
I finally got to go whale watching. We saw Albatrosses dolphins and flying fish, but no large mamals (whales). Spent 4 hours out on the pontoon, but no luck.
Trina is on her way, she just won't be here until about 3 hours before boarding time.
went to the Opera House for a tour and I bought the last ticket for a drag revue show tonight. I am on my way ;there now. The tour was great, we got to see 4 venues, but Sleeping Beauty was showing at the same time in the dance theater.
Went over to the Sydney Aquarium. Way more than I expected. There were a couple of floating exhibits that you could walk down and under glass roofed. One was for the sea elephants and another was for the sharks and mantarays. it took about an hour to walk through it all. Crocodiles, penguins, sea turtles and live reefs.
Well i am off to my show and will be boardding the ship in the morning. Will be in touch soon.
written by  hallanniem on December 5, 2009 from Sydney, Australia

Koalas in the wild
Melbourne, Australia
Off to see the Kangaroo, Emu and Koalas in their natural habitats.
Okay so it is raining a little. my coat leaks and it is a little chilly only abour 65 degree.
We still had a good time. Saw an amazing thing. ONe of the Koalas was very active, he (Merle) shook himself and cimbed higher, then he lept over 6 feet to another branch, and let out a mating call.
Went to a filled and empty billabong to see birds and other wildlife. BAck to the ship, and on into Melbourne CBD to find this internet spot and to do a little shoping. I have to be back at the ship in 2.5 hours.
koalas inthe wild
written by  hallanniem on December 8, 2009 from Melbourne, Australia

Sailing day
Met Trina at the port. She was so happy just to get into Holland America's hands. Knew that once she did she could relax. Trina's trip over was fraught with delays and plane changes, not made any easier by the United rep in Chicago. But all is well and we are on our way.
Trina leaving port
leaving sydney
opera house
We took advantage of the spa special for first day. We each had a complimentary foot massage in addition to the spa treatment we booked for the day. AAAHHH!!

DAy at sea
Mallacoota, Australia
off the coast about half way to Melbourne from Sydney.
Our first formal night, and we spent some time going to programs and checking out hte ship and amenities. I did some shopping on board and found a few deals.
written by  hallanniem on December 7, 2009 from Mallacoota, Australia

Dunedin
Dunedin, New Zealand
got here and went to the city center, found a tour bus to the Larnach castle. the only restored castle in New Zealand. beautiful gardens. We could no take pics of the restored interiors. but it was worth the trip out there.
written by  hallanniem on December 13, 2009 from Dunedin, New Zealand

at sea
Milford Sound, New Zealand
Entered Milford sound this morning. By the time we were up and dressed, it had become very rainy. Pictues are taken through windows or out side durning rain. By the time I got back to the cabin my pand were wet to the knees, just from being on deck to take pictures.
written by  hallanniem on December 12, 2009 from Milford Sound, New Zealand

arrival in Auckland
Auckland, New Zealand
Well we are off the ship and have dropped luggage off at the hotel. Now we need to wail for the rooms to be ready and in the mean time explore Auckland. There is a hop on hop off bus for the city. so we can try that.
Took the bus and went to the Vicotria markets and then to the high poin of Auckland.
Visited the MOTAT the museum of transportation and technology.
written by  hallanniem on December 20, 2009 from Auckland, New Zealand

last day of cruise
Auckland, New Zealand
Have to pack, Have to pack, Have to pack. last day and I don't want to pack AGAIN!!
We have been cruising about today. We went by White Island and got an up close view of the vents from this active volcanic vent.
We also went cruising around the Mercury Islands.
have to pack
well a half a bottle of wine and I'm packed enough to go to dinner. Special dinner with the crew wearing Indonesian.
More pictures and some more time in the Crow's nest. WE are leaving the ship tomorrow.
written by  hallanniem on December 19, 2009 from Auckland, New Zealand

End
Montrose, United States
Well I'm back at home. This journey is ended, but the blog needs to be ended. I will update and post more pics today or tomorrow. for now I am going to sleep.
It has been fun, I have enjoyed myself. Now it is time to pay the piper (better known as the credit card company), so I am back to work tomorrow night.
Take care and have a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Happy Holidays,
Ann
written by  hallanniem on December 22, 2009 from Montrose, United States

more water treatment at Melbourne Zoo

water treatment at Melbourne Zoo

Gorilla at Melbourne Zoo

Bridge on Yarra River

Kangaroo

birds

White Kangaroos

Yvonne at top fo Mt Hollwo

Robert at Mt Hollow

top of Mt Hollow

Werner Mt Hollow

Medeterainian garden

sunset 12 apostles

otway rain forest (Chicks and hens?)

Saki 12 apostles

Margaret from UK

flora regrowth

on the way up

Yvonne Hollow mt

Lush

Rundle shopping

Murdoch lane

Razorback

Great Ocean Road arch

emu

Kangaroo and joey

ostrich

Black swan

kings Canyon group

uluru

Group photo

storms

2 birds

bird

kata Tjula in the rain

kata Tjula Song

kata Tjula

Deset cave

my feet at sunset Uluru

camels

bus travel ATA day 5

wilpena pound

me and Evie

wedge tailed eagle

Karri tree

my feet in the Indian Ocean

Margaret river tour

mint

library

city are walk

opera house

harbor bridge

beach

sheep

cattle

lamb that is hand fed

black cockatoo

orphan rock

sulfur crested cockatoos

Blue mountains

cockatoos near feeder

rainforest walk

on path

tea tree in flower

three sisters

enrance to sydney harbour

surf at bondi beach

Trina leaving port

leaving sydney

koalas inthe wild

aquarium

drag camp at the Studio

goind to the opera house

wildlife world

sea dolphins

opera house under bridge

garden at castle

milford sound

near train station

lion rock

Wings wildlife part

MOTAT

high point auckland Mt eden

Mt eden crater

crater

victoria markets

tower

Riafa last dinner

last dinner

Manny ocean bar

Karina Ocean Bar

cat in garden

Blue Penguins

antartic center hagaland

inside hagaland

garden larchmont castle

2nd formal night Volendam