So we had a fairly short drive on Saturday to the area on the north end of the North Island called the Bay of Islands. Very beautiful area. We took some pictures and checked out the town. We checked into a much better motel this time. Something with decent beds and a view of the bay. We had a great dinner that I will have to describe at a later date, with pictures.
We signed up to go diving on Sunday and for me to go deep sea fishing on Monday. We made two dives. The first was my first deep dive and it was on the HMSNZ Canterbury that had been intentionally sunk. The second was a reef dive. Both were fun but I had a lot of trouble with my mask on the second dive at the beginning. Also had some bouyancy control problems. The visibility was great and we say a lot of sealife, most of which I have no idea what they were. We did see two moray eels on the second dive.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Sunday, March 27, 2011
You Can Check IN any time you like but you can STILL NEVER leave
Again with the air travel. This time with Air New Zealand.
Attempted to fly from Melbourne to New Zealand on Thursday. Arrived at the airport around 9:30am for a scheduled 11:30 flight to Auckland. We made it through the check-in, border control, and security in time but were thinking maybe we should have gotten a little earlier start. That feeling soon changed when it became apparent that our flight wasn't going to leave on time or maybe anytime soon. Our plane arrived with a non-functioning air conditioner. They attempted to repair it and then ran tests to determine the status. The tests failed and they told us that they didn't have the components there to make the proper repairs. Eventually they informed us that they were going to use a different airplane but that it wouldn't be available until an 8:20 pm departure.
Bad enough but here is where bad enough went to worse. They then informed us that we would all have to leave the gate, return to baggage claim, get our bags and then restart the check-in process. They didn't tell us why. So we did. Or at least we all got our bags and queued up at the check-in counter. Then just stared at each other for over an hour while nothing happened. At one point I took a picture just so I could compare it in another hour or so and determine if anything was changing. Eventually, eventually, . . the line began to move with glacial slowness. When we had checked in again I asked the agent why we all had to do this. Her reply - "We don't know". So the right hand isn't even telling the left hand. Someone asked at security. They didn't know either. Eventually we made our way back to the gate area, had a sandwich and waited. Our replacement flight was delayed by air traffic control. When we did finally make the flight they were using an Airbus model with the entertainment system for each individual seat. You can pick your own movie to watch and start and stop it as you want. Then watch another one.
We made it to Auckland, caught a shuttle for our motel and with the time change, checked in at 4am. Up at the crack of 10 am or so we were moving kinda slow. We checked out and back to the airport then another shuttle for rental car. In the car we started driving north towards Auckland and hopefully food. Difficult circumstances resulted in delays during this whole process and we finally got something to eat around 2:30pm local time.
We made a noble attempt to acquire a mobile phone for local use. Just too difficult. Would have to purchase the phone and then calls were a little under $1 per minute. We gave up on that approach. We finally got under way, drove a few hours north and then stopped around 7 pm at a wide spot in the road with only one hotel. We stayed there but should have kept going.
More stories to tell another time. Remind me to tell you about Hotel California. . . .
Attempted to fly from Melbourne to New Zealand on Thursday. Arrived at the airport around 9:30am for a scheduled 11:30 flight to Auckland. We made it through the check-in, border control, and security in time but were thinking maybe we should have gotten a little earlier start. That feeling soon changed when it became apparent that our flight wasn't going to leave on time or maybe anytime soon. Our plane arrived with a non-functioning air conditioner. They attempted to repair it and then ran tests to determine the status. The tests failed and they told us that they didn't have the components there to make the proper repairs. Eventually they informed us that they were going to use a different airplane but that it wouldn't be available until an 8:20 pm departure.
Bad enough but here is where bad enough went to worse. They then informed us that we would all have to leave the gate, return to baggage claim, get our bags and then restart the check-in process. They didn't tell us why. So we did. Or at least we all got our bags and queued up at the check-in counter. Then just stared at each other for over an hour while nothing happened. At one point I took a picture just so I could compare it in another hour or so and determine if anything was changing. Eventually, eventually, . . the line began to move with glacial slowness. When we had checked in again I asked the agent why we all had to do this. Her reply - "We don't know". So the right hand isn't even telling the left hand. Someone asked at security. They didn't know either. Eventually we made our way back to the gate area, had a sandwich and waited. Our replacement flight was delayed by air traffic control. When we did finally make the flight they were using an Airbus model with the entertainment system for each individual seat. You can pick your own movie to watch and start and stop it as you want. Then watch another one.
We made it to Auckland, caught a shuttle for our motel and with the time change, checked in at 4am. Up at the crack of 10 am or so we were moving kinda slow. We checked out and back to the airport then another shuttle for rental car. In the car we started driving north towards Auckland and hopefully food. Difficult circumstances resulted in delays during this whole process and we finally got something to eat around 2:30pm local time.
We made a noble attempt to acquire a mobile phone for local use. Just too difficult. Would have to purchase the phone and then calls were a little under $1 per minute. We gave up on that approach. We finally got under way, drove a few hours north and then stopped around 7 pm at a wide spot in the road with only one hotel. We stayed there but should have kept going.
More stories to tell another time. Remind me to tell you about Hotel California. . . .
Monday, March 21, 2011
You Can Check Out Any Time You Like But You Can Never Leave
So it turns out that the gravitational force at Uluru is greater than Virgin Blue can deal with , . . . at least on the first several attempts. After the cancellation of our original flight and failing to make it out the airline sent us back to the resort and put us up at "Sails in the Desert" hotel. Was actually good in some ways since we got a little down time and were able to recharge our energy level. We each had $50 credit for food so we enjoyed a good dinner that evening. ($50 is about 1/2 of what a full meal would cost there by the way). The three of us had a really good time and the dinner was one of the high points of our time together.
The next day we made our second attempt and that is when the real fun began. We were supposed to depart at 12:50 but when our plane arrived there was a problem that needed to be signed off by qualified personnel and there were none since the operation is so small there. Eventually they flew in an engineer and flight crew on an otherwise empty jet and he cleared the plane for flight. We got on our way to Sydney but arrived too late to make our connection to Adelaide. They shipped us off to a nearby motel with promises of early morning flights the next day. Arriving at the motel we were somewhat rudely greeted by the clerk that informed us that Virgin Blue had only make provision for about 7 rooms not the 35 or so that we needed. Long delays followed and irritation rose. Eventually something happened that allowed progress and we checked in.
4 hours later we were waiting on a shuttle to return to the airport for our flight to Adelaide. We did make it on that flight on time and arrived about 8:30 at Adelaide. The original plan was to explore Adelaide for a day or two and then drive the coast road around to Melbourne. We did spend a few hours in Adelaide but then needed to start our drive. An hour out of Adelaide we made a stop that turned out to be something most unexpected. Hilarious laughter ensued. In the middle of this we got a call from Leigh Ann that also included Candy on the line via Skype. We had a lot of fun relating our experience there in real time. I'll make sure to describe it all (with pictures) in any upcoming post but it's too much to cover here.
We drove until 9 pm and stopped for the night in Mt Gambier. Today we want to drive the Great Ocean Road back to Melbourne, explore some of the seaside towns and capture some more pictures.
Sorry I can't do the full blog with pictures right now but I will get it all posted eventually. (Might be from Ohio in a few weeks.)
We are having fun and feel very lucky to get to do this.
See you on down the road.
The next day we made our second attempt and that is when the real fun began. We were supposed to depart at 12:50 but when our plane arrived there was a problem that needed to be signed off by qualified personnel and there were none since the operation is so small there. Eventually they flew in an engineer and flight crew on an otherwise empty jet and he cleared the plane for flight. We got on our way to Sydney but arrived too late to make our connection to Adelaide. They shipped us off to a nearby motel with promises of early morning flights the next day. Arriving at the motel we were somewhat rudely greeted by the clerk that informed us that Virgin Blue had only make provision for about 7 rooms not the 35 or so that we needed. Long delays followed and irritation rose. Eventually something happened that allowed progress and we checked in.
4 hours later we were waiting on a shuttle to return to the airport for our flight to Adelaide. We did make it on that flight on time and arrived about 8:30 at Adelaide. The original plan was to explore Adelaide for a day or two and then drive the coast road around to Melbourne. We did spend a few hours in Adelaide but then needed to start our drive. An hour out of Adelaide we made a stop that turned out to be something most unexpected. Hilarious laughter ensued. In the middle of this we got a call from Leigh Ann that also included Candy on the line via Skype. We had a lot of fun relating our experience there in real time. I'll make sure to describe it all (with pictures) in any upcoming post but it's too much to cover here.
We drove until 9 pm and stopped for the night in Mt Gambier. Today we want to drive the Great Ocean Road back to Melbourne, explore some of the seaside towns and capture some more pictures.
Sorry I can't do the full blog with pictures right now but I will get it all posted eventually. (Might be from Ohio in a few weeks.)
We are having fun and feel very lucky to get to do this.
See you on down the road.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Busted flat in Baton Rouge
So I'm still behind on the blog but I'll put in a short update here and try to get details later.
Things have gone so great on this whole trip. Multiple people with differing itineraries all matching up in the end. Planning and changes and updates. Calling and internet - making reservations for housing and transportation. Using all sorts of transportation on land, air and sea. And everything had just gone perfectly until today. We have not achieved excape velocity from Ayers Rock (Uluru) per our original plans. We did our part but the airline ended up cancelling the flight. Now we have another night here instead of where we planned. It's ok to have a room in a nice hotel at someone else's expense but time is starting to grow short and we'll miss some of what we had planned. Aussies don't usually get too worked up so we will follow that example and just try to go with the flow. That's all for now folks. Will try to get another post in shortly so I don't get too far behind.
Things have gone so great on this whole trip. Multiple people with differing itineraries all matching up in the end. Planning and changes and updates. Calling and internet - making reservations for housing and transportation. Using all sorts of transportation on land, air and sea. And everything had just gone perfectly until today. We have not achieved excape velocity from Ayers Rock (Uluru) per our original plans. We did our part but the airline ended up cancelling the flight. Now we have another night here instead of where we planned. It's ok to have a room in a nice hotel at someone else's expense but time is starting to grow short and we'll miss some of what we had planned. Aussies don't usually get too worked up so we will follow that example and just try to go with the flow. That's all for now folks. Will try to get another post in shortly so I don't get too far behind.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Cairns
Robin and I flew from Melbourne to Cairns on Monday, 7 March and Leigh Ann joined us the next day. We used the 8th to run around town and get some things done. First off we arrived in an incredible downpour. Our introduction to the tropics. Cairns is located on the east coast and northern tip of Australia. It is in the tropics and receives a lot of rain. Maybe you have heard about all the rain that Australia has gotten over the past few months. If our arrival was any indication the rain hasn't tapered off much.
It was late at night, the rain was pouring down and we took a taxi to our lodging - Sunland Leisure Park.
Once we made it to the room it was too late to go looking for food. It was also discouraging to think about slogging around in the rain and the dark so we didn't go back out. We were hungry, however so it was time for emergency rations. From previous travel I knew it is no fun to be stuck on a plane and be hungry. Before I left Ohio I stuck in some snack crackers and a couple of candy bars. I had tried to find protein bars which would have been better but time ran out on preparations. We had a microwave and could make some tea but I didn't want to drink tea that late. So we had some hot water and snack crackers for dinner. Candy bars for dessert. Wish I had gotten a picture of this dinner.
The park is full of these units. They are really a good deal for a family on vacation with kids. (Or as they say here - "on holiday".)
There is a kookaburra bird captain, a pirate Koala in the crowsnest, a pelican sailor and a mermaid. The mermaids hands are missing, continuing the Stephen King theme.
Although he doesn't look like it this guy was having a great day. He had just scored some centerfield tickets for the "Source of Origin" Rugby playoff to be held in June in Sydney. Regardless of whatever team players are currently playing on, for the Source of Origin games, they play on the team of the state that they were born in. This, he stated several times, was like our Superbowl. He was so happy that he even ran us out to the airport to pick up Leigh Ann although technically he wasn't supposed to do so. Shhh - don't tell anyone.
I had to get an Australian standards medical before I could go diving. Since the girls already had their open water certification this wasn't necessary for them.
Robin completed a refresher course since it has been a little while since she did any diving. Since it was free I joined her although my instruction was very recent. Later Leigh Ann headed to Sunland and Robin and I went to lunch.
Our waitress was from Scotland. We asked how she came to be in Cairns and she said that she had dropped out of nursing school and it was a bit uncomfortable at home since her Dad wasn't very happy with her. Very cheerful.
Here is a view of the bay from the Esplanade where we had lunch.
Tomorrow we go diving!!
It was late at night, the rain was pouring down and we took a taxi to our lodging - Sunland Leisure Park.
As I took this picture Robin said it wouldn't do justice to the flickering neon segment.
Sort of like something from Stephen King or Twilight episode.
Here is a picture our our accomodations the next day.
The park is full of these units. They are really a good deal for a family on vacation with kids. (Or as they say here - "on holiday".)
This is the swimming pool - great fun for kids!!
There is a kookaburra bird captain, a pirate Koala in the crowsnest, a pelican sailor and a mermaid. The mermaids hands are missing, continuing the Stephen King theme.
We survived and even made it out for breakfast the next day.
Our driver for the diving company
Although he doesn't look like it this guy was having a great day. He had just scored some centerfield tickets for the "Source of Origin" Rugby playoff to be held in June in Sydney. Regardless of whatever team players are currently playing on, for the Source of Origin games, they play on the team of the state that they were born in. This, he stated several times, was like our Superbowl. He was so happy that he even ran us out to the airport to pick up Leigh Ann although technically he wasn't supposed to do so. Shhh - don't tell anyone.
I had to get an Australian standards medical before I could go diving. Since the girls already had their open water certification this wasn't necessary for them.
Robin completed a refresher course since it has been a little while since she did any diving. Since it was free I joined her although my instruction was very recent. Later Leigh Ann headed to Sunland and Robin and I went to lunch.
Although somewhat pricey, the food has been excellent everywhere we go.
Our waitress was from Scotland. We asked how she came to be in Cairns and she said that she had dropped out of nursing school and it was a bit uncomfortable at home since her Dad wasn't very happy with her. Very cheerful.
Here is a view of the bay from the Esplanade where we had lunch.
View of the bay
BIG bats leaving their roost
Back at Sunland we have a nocturnal visitor.
Tomorrow we go diving!!
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Surfing at 60 - Torquay
Saturday and Sunday, 5 & 6 March
So we packed up again and set off for Torquay. We stopped at the Wicked rental company so Robin and I could pick up our own van. We traveled down the west side of the bay this time.
We made our way down past Geelong to Torquay where we stopped in town and I rented a wetsuit and surfboard
I take it Torquay is well known among the surfing community and a favored destination
Toward evening the wind let up a little and although conditions were still iffy we decided to give it a try.
Two surfer dudes, . . . well one surfer dude and one trainee
It was not possible to photographically record what followed next with the equipment at hand (thank goodness). It is indelibly inscribed in my brain however. Casey was great at providing tips, instruction and suggestions. Unfortunately he couldn't just do it for me. We paddled out for what seemed like forever. I finally got to the area outside a lot of the waves where you could just rest a bit. My neck was killing me by this time since you have to lie on your stomach and hold your head up to see the waves coming at you. Once in the "hang out" area I had trouble just trying to rest on my board. Casey said the conditions were difficult with a lot of water moving in different directions but I didn't see the experienced riders having that much trouble. I did get in front of a couple of waves but never made it close to getting up. Wasn't long before I was whipped and I headed in.
We headed back to the camp site and had a good time hanging out. Leigh Ann and Casey fixed up some pasta and sausages for dinner and we enjoyed satisfying the appetites that we worked up.
The next morning, Robin shot a video of the camp site while us boys played in the surf. See if you can hear any birds. They have very unique calls. I don't know what any of them are except there are different kinds of parrots.
I went out both early and later on Sunday. I didn't go so far out as I had before and it was a little more manageable. I still have to say that it is a very humbling experience. I did catch some waves and mostly knelt on the board or used it like a body surfing board. In close the waves don't last very long even if you do catch one - it is hard to have enough time to stand up. I did finally catch a wave with just enough time to stand up before it gave out so I claim a moral victory. I definitely see the potential here for an addictive sport.
It was an absolutely georgous day to be on the beach. Warm, sunny, with clear skies. Maybe the best day we've had weather wise.
So we packed up again and set off for Torquay. We stopped at the Wicked rental company so Robin and I could pick up our own van. We traveled down the west side of the bay this time.
On our way following the X-men
This side of the bay seemed drier than the east side
Beach time!!
I take it Torquay is well known among the surfing community and a favored destination
Wind was high and the waves weren't the best so we passed the time with a kite.
Toward evening the wind let up a little and although conditions were still iffy we decided to give it a try.
It was not possible to photographically record what followed next with the equipment at hand (thank goodness). It is indelibly inscribed in my brain however. Casey was great at providing tips, instruction and suggestions. Unfortunately he couldn't just do it for me. We paddled out for what seemed like forever. I finally got to the area outside a lot of the waves where you could just rest a bit. My neck was killing me by this time since you have to lie on your stomach and hold your head up to see the waves coming at you. Once in the "hang out" area I had trouble just trying to rest on my board. Casey said the conditions were difficult with a lot of water moving in different directions but I didn't see the experienced riders having that much trouble. I did get in front of a couple of waves but never made it close to getting up. Wasn't long before I was whipped and I headed in.
You can get tired without actually accomplishing a lot.
We headed back to the camp site and had a good time hanging out. Leigh Ann and Casey fixed up some pasta and sausages for dinner and we enjoyed satisfying the appetites that we worked up.
Leigh Ann shoots a furry Aussie possum with her camera phone
The next morning, Robin shot a video of the camp site while us boys played in the surf. See if you can hear any birds. They have very unique calls. I don't know what any of them are except there are different kinds of parrots.
Later Robin had a go at surfing herself. She said she actually got up on her first try!
I went out both early and later on Sunday. I didn't go so far out as I had before and it was a little more manageable. I still have to say that it is a very humbling experience. I did catch some waves and mostly knelt on the board or used it like a body surfing board. In close the waves don't last very long even if you do catch one - it is hard to have enough time to stand up. I did finally catch a wave with just enough time to stand up before it gave out so I claim a moral victory. I definitely see the potential here for an addictive sport.
It was an absolutely georgous day to be on the beach. Warm, sunny, with clear skies. Maybe the best day we've had weather wise.
Is there a better way to spend a day? I don't think so.
When the day was over we piled in the van and headed back to Melbourne.
At least one of us looked like they belong in a hippie van.
Well that was fun. Everything went really well on the trip. We did run into a lot of traffic returning but that was from an air show that was ending. I sunburned the top of my feet but not badly. I tried to be careful but after getting out of the water I didn't get lotion on my feet soon enough. The sun will work you over here. Next up Cairns and the diving the Great Barrier Reef
Saturday, March 12, 2011
so sorry II
Another quick update. We made it about three hours up the coast yesterday to the Daintree Rainforest National Park. We were a little late so no exploration last night. Today I ran Leigh Ann back to the airport in Cairns to catch her flight and am now headed back up to link up with Robin. Having great fun and the adventure of a lifetime. Sorry this is short but there's lots to do.
The drive is just great scenery. Looks like something from Jurassic Park. Big hills, jungle, beaches, rock formations, waterfalls, some sugar cane and banana fields.
Daintree is a wildlife sanctuary. The cassowary is an endangered species and there is a common goal to try to spot one.
I must be off. . . . .
More to follow. . .
The drive is just great scenery. Looks like something from Jurassic Park. Big hills, jungle, beaches, rock formations, waterfalls, some sugar cane and banana fields.
Daintree is a wildlife sanctuary. The cassowary is an endangered species and there is a common goal to try to spot one.
I must be off. . . . .
More to follow. . .
Friday, March 11, 2011
so sorry
My apologies to anyone that is playing along at home. I am a couple or three adventures behind. I will get caught up but time is short and connectivity is horrendous right now. There is probably some way to work on these blogs offline and then upload them but I'm not investing the time to figure that out right now. At any rate watch this space for exciting news of adventures both above and below the sea. Sometimes both of those were experienced in the same adventure! Meanwhile, here is a short version of our activities.
We travelled down the east side for the Port Philip Bay to a surfing town of some repute called Torquay. Thereupon I attempted to go surfing. Read all about it in an upcoming blog.
After returning to Melbourne we flew to Cairns located in the Northeastern corner of Australia. We went on a 3 day, 2 nite diving trip on a liveaboard boat. Great times - also to be posted on this site at a later date.
Next up - we depart for a trip up the coast a ways to expereince the Daintree National Rainforest. What's that you say?!? You didn't know Australia had a rainforest? Well stay tuned folks, we will eventually come back on the air and give you all the poop. I guess some might call it BS, ha.
Not only that but there are even more adventures to come. But enough from our sponsors, now back to the show. . . . . . . . . .
We travelled down the east side for the Port Philip Bay to a surfing town of some repute called Torquay. Thereupon I attempted to go surfing. Read all about it in an upcoming blog.
After returning to Melbourne we flew to Cairns located in the Northeastern corner of Australia. We went on a 3 day, 2 nite diving trip on a liveaboard boat. Great times - also to be posted on this site at a later date.
Next up - we depart for a trip up the coast a ways to expereince the Daintree National Rainforest. What's that you say?!? You didn't know Australia had a rainforest? Well stay tuned folks, we will eventually come back on the air and give you all the poop. I guess some might call it BS, ha.
Not only that but there are even more adventures to come. But enough from our sponsors, now back to the show. . . . . . . . . .
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Campervanning!!!
So there is this company (Wicked) in various locations around the world that rents older beat up campervans. They have a platform in back with foam pads to make a bed, and some utensils, stove, ice chest and a container for water. The company has a great sense of humor and paints the vans up with all sorts of designs and also places warning stickers all over them. Renters are encouraged to leave their mark by using markers on the inside of the van so they are usually covered with graffiti inside.
Here are some pics
Insert language warning here --------->
For the weekend trip, Robin and I got our own van
Here are some pics
Insert language warning here --------->
Leigh Ann and Casey have the X-Men theme going on
Left side
This cracks me up.
Now this isn't something you see everyday
You really don't want your holiday stuffed
They have a Roadside Madam, but watch your language
The one on the right cracks me up too
Some ceiling decoration
Not sure what went on here but the day and time is documented at least
For the weekend trip, Robin and I got our own van
Let's hear it for Buddy Holly
(These are actually pictures from when we were returning our van)
(These are actually pictures from when we were returning our van)
This was not actually true on some of the weekend activities
Here are some of the other vans that were on their lot
This would be a nice one for Candy
They will do 100!!
Don't worry folks - we didn't go over the speed limit
I just want to add here that it is a riot traveling around in these vans. People stop and look and wave sometimes. We get offers to trade vehicles. Some people want to look inside. Great fun.
Mornington Penisula
Wednesday throught Friday, 2-4 March
So we ran around like crazy on Wednesday and finally got some stuff together for a mini-road trip. We left Melbourne and drove down the east side of Port Philip Bay out along the Mornington Penisula. We passed Dandenong, Frankston, and Mornington along the way. We drove through Rosebud and ended at a small town on the bay called Rye.
At Rye we parked beside the pier and donned our wetsuits. It is a very popular place to snorkel because of the sea creatures attracted to the pier. 2 March 2011 will go down in my book as the day I just about froze to death, I think. We had several things going against us. First the day was cloudy and cool, second it was getting very late, third the chop was a little heavy, fourth we didn't have any weights, fifth it was new and unfamiliar, and sixth my suit was kind of light weight and didn't really fit well enough to keep water from moving in and out. Think ice water repeatedly applied to your armpits. I told the girls this would be classified as torture if we were doing it to someone else. We toughed it out for about an hour and gave up. Then I got to take a shower with only cold water to wash off the salt water. WOWWEE!! I don't know the last time I've been that cold. People do this for fun, huh??
What follows next, I think is a truly funny story. I just wish I could have watched myself as it unfolded. It was getting very late and we had planned on campervanning but we couldn't find a spot that late so we went in serch of a room.
I go inside and do not see a registration desk right away. To the left is a large area with tables and chairs, presumably a dining area. To the right is a bar and separate area that is labeled "Gaming Room". I approach the bartender,
Me: "Can you tell me where the registration desk is?"
Bar Tender: "We don't have accomodations"
Me; "Are you telling me you are full?"
BT: "No - we don't have accomodations"
Me (mind churning furiously at 30 mph): "But . .. . your . . .sign . . .. says . .. . hotel?"
BT: "Well yes, but we don't have accomodations. Try another kilometer down the road at the Admiral Inn"
Me (mind still trying desparately to understand what is going on): "OK, thank you very much"
Back in the car I am laughing telling the girls the story and that they should have been flies on the wall on that one. I would have loved to have watch that one play out knowing what was coming.
Leigh Ann, "Oh, yeah - I should have warned you about that one. Hotel here doesn't always mean they have rooms to rent."
Very funny, but we were also very lucky because we did end up with a room at the Admiral Inn and a bite to eat and both places closed right behind us.
The next day we traveled back down the road to Rye again, where we went to the dive shop and rented a wet suit for Robin so all of us could go and one for me, also some weights.
This trip was much different. I still needed a little more weight but I was able to do a lot better with the rental suit. It fit better and was a heavier suit. Using the other one was like swimming around in ice water. With this one although my head and hands got cold I could take it a lot better. The day wasn't the best but we still saw some sea creatures. Sorry - no underwater pictures. My first real introduction was an eel about 3 1/2 - 4 feet long that passed under Leigh Ann and decided to surface under me. I saw him about 10 feet away and he came straight at me until he was within arms length. Meanwhile I am trying to go backwards in the water and trying not to levitate myself out of his way, telling myself, "don't worry - this will all work out somehow". I got turned somewhat and he decided not to go through me and swam off. Lots of mussels, barnacles, seaweed, sea anemones, etc on the pilings - some of it orange. Saw a lot of crab, a ray, starfish and a few small fish. Leigh Ann and Robin saw some cuttlefish which are unique.
Still cold when I got out but nothing like the first go around. That cold water shower has to go though!!
We drove on down the penisula almost to the end. Went over to the other side to check out the National Park. Heavy surf there compared to the bay side. Very beautiful, natural area with a terrific vantage point.
We ended the day in Sorrento with some steak and wine and a lot of laughing and it was so good to spend time with both of them. After that we headed back up the penisula to find a spot to camp.
I was actually trying to catch some of the bird calls since they were so different. Of course, one made a loud call just after I ened this video.
Water conditions weren't very good so we ended back up at the Rye pier again. This time we spotted sea horses and puffer fish plus the others that we had seen before. The conditions were a little better than the other times - a little sun at times and I had enough weight to dive and stay down. It was a lot of fun and I think we spent about two hours in the water.
Now it's time to head back to the big city.
Now for something special to end this post. At some intersections you have to do a "hook turn" in order to turn right. You approach the intersection in the left lane. Enter the intersection and bear left and stop in front of cross traffic and allow traffic behind you to pass on your right. As soon as the light changes you are considered part of the cross traffic (even though you are cross ways in the road) and you can turn right and proceed.
And here is a hook turn performed to perfection by Leigh Ann
So we ran around like crazy on Wednesday and finally got some stuff together for a mini-road trip. We left Melbourne and drove down the east side of Port Philip Bay out along the Mornington Penisula. We passed Dandenong, Frankston, and Mornington along the way. We drove through Rosebud and ended at a small town on the bay called Rye.
Packing stuff for mini-trip. You can never have too many ziploc bags
Getting outta town
Along the way
These gas prices are cheap, right? Then why does it cost $60 to fill up.... You know why.
Some things are the same everywhere you go
And some things are different, . . . . Red Rooster??
As the navigator I'm supposed to have some idea where we are going, maybe I should put the camera down
Right-handed driver (Leigh Ann) on left handed road. She does great - glad I only have to watch for now.
Daughter Robin and soon-to-be frozen Pop-scicle
At Rye we parked beside the pier and donned our wetsuits. It is a very popular place to snorkel because of the sea creatures attracted to the pier. 2 March 2011 will go down in my book as the day I just about froze to death, I think. We had several things going against us. First the day was cloudy and cool, second it was getting very late, third the chop was a little heavy, fourth we didn't have any weights, fifth it was new and unfamiliar, and sixth my suit was kind of light weight and didn't really fit well enough to keep water from moving in and out. Think ice water repeatedly applied to your armpits. I told the girls this would be classified as torture if we were doing it to someone else. We toughed it out for about an hour and gave up. Then I got to take a shower with only cold water to wash off the salt water. WOWWEE!! I don't know the last time I've been that cold. People do this for fun, huh??
What follows next, I think is a truly funny story. I just wish I could have watched myself as it unfolded. It was getting very late and we had planned on campervanning but we couldn't find a spot that late so we went in serch of a room.
Rosebud Hotel - this looks like a nice place, lets try it.
I go inside and do not see a registration desk right away. To the left is a large area with tables and chairs, presumably a dining area. To the right is a bar and separate area that is labeled "Gaming Room". I approach the bartender,
Me: "Can you tell me where the registration desk is?"
Bar Tender: "We don't have accomodations"
Me; "Are you telling me you are full?"
BT: "No - we don't have accomodations"
Me (mind churning furiously at 30 mph): "But . .. . your . . .sign . . .. says . .. . hotel?"
BT: "Well yes, but we don't have accomodations. Try another kilometer down the road at the Admiral Inn"
Me (mind still trying desparately to understand what is going on): "OK, thank you very much"
Back in the car I am laughing telling the girls the story and that they should have been flies on the wall on that one. I would have loved to have watch that one play out knowing what was coming.
Leigh Ann, "Oh, yeah - I should have warned you about that one. Hotel here doesn't always mean they have rooms to rent."
Very funny, but we were also very lucky because we did end up with a room at the Admiral Inn and a bite to eat and both places closed right behind us.
The next day we traveled back down the road to Rye again, where we went to the dive shop and rented a wet suit for Robin so all of us could go and one for me, also some weights.
Let's try this again. Can't believe I'm doing this again after yesterday's experience.
The girls always get along so well.
This trip was much different. I still needed a little more weight but I was able to do a lot better with the rental suit. It fit better and was a heavier suit. Using the other one was like swimming around in ice water. With this one although my head and hands got cold I could take it a lot better. The day wasn't the best but we still saw some sea creatures. Sorry - no underwater pictures. My first real introduction was an eel about 3 1/2 - 4 feet long that passed under Leigh Ann and decided to surface under me. I saw him about 10 feet away and he came straight at me until he was within arms length. Meanwhile I am trying to go backwards in the water and trying not to levitate myself out of his way, telling myself, "don't worry - this will all work out somehow". I got turned somewhat and he decided not to go through me and swam off. Lots of mussels, barnacles, seaweed, sea anemones, etc on the pilings - some of it orange. Saw a lot of crab, a ray, starfish and a few small fish. Leigh Ann and Robin saw some cuttlefish which are unique.
Still cold when I got out but nothing like the first go around. That cold water shower has to go though!!
For whatever reason we saw about three gulls either missing a foot or with a mangled leg.
At least this one parked in the handicap spot.
At least this one parked in the handicap spot.
Thought I was momentarily unsupervised after snorkeling but they are always watching.
We drove on down the penisula almost to the end. Went over to the other side to check out the National Park. Heavy surf there compared to the bay side. Very beautiful, natural area with a terrific vantage point.
The end of the world - next stop Antarctica
(Alright Tasmania is out there somewhere but lets not quilbble about details, ok?)
Heavy surf, strong wind, beautiful view
The path beckons
. . . and nature girl, Robin responds
Some attractions did not involve a grand vista
Back up top, retirement boy tries not to get blown away
Wanna buy a bridge?
Beautiful drive through the park
Robin gets to try out the left handed driving.
We ended the day in Sorrento with some steak and wine and a lot of laughing and it was so good to spend time with both of them. After that we headed back up the penisula to find a spot to camp.
Robin has breakfast in bed the next morning
I was actually trying to catch some of the bird calls since they were so different. Of course, one made a loud call just after I ened this video.
Saddling up for another go at snorkeling.
We were going to try this location to see if we could spot weedy sea dragons.
Water conditions weren't very good so we ended back up at the Rye pier again. This time we spotted sea horses and puffer fish plus the others that we had seen before. The conditions were a little better than the other times - a little sun at times and I had enough weight to dive and stay down. It was a lot of fun and I think we spent about two hours in the water.
Now it's time to head back to the big city.
Here is a picture just for Ben - Navarac Caravan Park
An example of the some of the garish display you occasionally see.
1.5 hours later we are at the doorstep
Now for something special to end this post. At some intersections you have to do a "hook turn" in order to turn right. You approach the intersection in the left lane. Enter the intersection and bear left and stop in front of cross traffic and allow traffic behind you to pass on your right. As soon as the light changes you are considered part of the cross traffic (even though you are cross ways in the road) and you can turn right and proceed.
Sign for the famous Australian hook turn
And here is a hook turn performed to perfection by Leigh Ann
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