Dawn's Adventure!!

Home......A little early!!

2007-06-18T22:03:00.000+10:00

Well for those who don't know I actually got home a week ago. I left Australia on 7th June and flew to Venice, which is beautiful. I spent 3 days in Venice and after joining my Budget Expedition tour I realised that it was pretty much a party tour, would've gone with Contiki if thats what I wanted, and although I would've gone to some amazing places, I would've been stuck with a load of pissed people and it really isn't how I want to see Europe.
I have decided that I will go there myself and see it the way I think it should be seen.
So my parents had a slight surprise last Sunday, 10th, when I rang to say I would be home!! I am pleased I did though and don't regret it.
I then was able to continue surprising people. We called Dan that night then a couple of days later I think my Nan almost fell over!!! We went to Paul's, cousin, 30th birthday so saw alot of the family there and we had a bbq on Saturday so been pretty busy but back to reality.
I ahve applied for a few jobs, also applied to get the jobseekers allowance!!! Am still trying to sort out all my stuff and through my photos!
Just thought I'd let you all know I am back in the UK, enjoying the rainy summer. Have been going out jogging and will get back into cycling as really wanna get back into shape and already feel better with the little I have done.
Speak to/see you all soon.
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Perth, Melbourne and now Hervey Bay!!! Goodbye Australia!!!!!!

2007-05-26T10:34:00.000+10:00

Ok so I have been a bit slack so I am just going to give you a quick rundown of what I have done as don't have easy internet access.
Well I was in Perth for about another 3 weeks. I went to Fremantle Markets, sprnt time in Cottesloe, went to Perth Zoo and saw Pink in concert, really entertaining. I enjoyed the rest of my time in Perth but without being able to find any work I decided to leave earlier than planned. I caught a plane on 23rd April to Melbourne.
I spent a week in Melbounrne where I visited and hung out with friends, wnjoyed the city, had anzac day, went to the immigration museum and had a few beers - it was really nice to see people again and relax. So I left Melbourne early on 1st May and flew up to Brisbane.
I spend a few days on the Sunshine Coast, on my way to Hervey Bay, in Mooloolaba and Noosa which was quite nice. I have been in Hervey Bay/Maryborough ever since spending time with Kristine and Kelly. I have been walking and cycling (all the free stuff). Last weekend Kristine and I spent some time on the sunshine coast, went to markets etc. We also went to Australia Zoo which was really good - we met Terri Irwin and saw Bindi, funny. I really enjoyed the zoo though.
Now I am on the home straight since I will be home in 5 weeks!!! Am really looking forward to it. I am spending the rest of my time in Oz here in Hervey Bay so this will prob be my last post on my website until I am home and doing one about my Europe trip, for those I can't see for a while.
I hope everyone is well and for those at home, I guess I'll see you soonish!!
Take Care
Dawn
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Margaret River, Wave Rock, My Birthday, York......Perth

2007-04-08T21:07:00.000+10:00

Ok so to continue..... We headed out of Shark Bay and drove down, through Geraldton, to Dongara where we found accommodation I beleive in the Lazy Lobster!! It was a sweet little 2 bed cabin and v cheap, we even got a complimentary Crayfish which Mum and I tried - yuck no thank you!! I cooked dinner for a change, well we didn't have a bbq so Dad wasn't as excited as normal, but I made a lovely meal!!
We stayed in Dongara a night and then after getting ourselves sorted we were off again around 9 the next morning!
We kept driving down past Perth and onto Bunbury where again we got a 2 bed cabin - a little more expensive this one. Part of the BIG 4 group! We wandered around Bunbury, saw another dolphin - I'm sure they followed us, did some internet stuff and then went to the cinema where I got my way and we watched Hot Fuzz - very funny and we were in fact in Wells when they were filming it which was cool (at the time we thought it had a stupid name!!).
After a good nights sleep in Bunbury we went for a little walk, through some Mangroves. Dad went to get the car while Mum and I walked to the centre, we saw 2 more bloody dolphins!!! We looked round a couple of shops, got some lunch etc and then headed off again - on the road again.
We stopped to eat our lunch at the side of the road in the forest which was beautiful. We arrived at Margaret River around 1.30 so we couldn't get into the house, Settlers Corner, yet so after driving up to have a nose at it we popped to the information centre to check out some wine tours (Dad decided to drive in the end so we could do what we wanted - good lad!)and after a little walk up the high street we ended up in a pub for a drink.
Once we had finished Dad went to get the car while Mum and I walked up to the house, we arrived around the same time. We got the key and got into the house. It was a pretty cool house, really quite large. It had a large lounge, dining, kitchen area upstairs with a nice balcony (Mum has pictures), Mum and Dads bedroom with en suite and the laundry on the middle floor then 2 more double rooms, a bathroom and games room with ping pong along with a patio bbq area on the lower level. We were all quite impressed. Dad and I had a game of ping pong right away, obviously not a proper game!!!
We chilled out a bit in the afternoon, Dad walked down to the shops and then Mum and I played ping pong - I laughed so hard I cried and my stomach hurt!!
We enjoyed a really good bbq dinner and then watched 16 blocks which is pretty good. A very lovely relaxing evening!!
We then had a leisurely morning and left the house around 10. We began to drive towards Augusta but stopped at a winery, Hamelin Bay, on the way to do some tasting - I loved one of teh wines here. The Rampant White, we got a bottle!! It was a really beautiful setting.
We continued down and drove through Augusta onto Cape Leeuwin which is the most South-Westerly point in Australia and also where the Indian Ocean meets the Southern Ocean which was pretty cool I thought. There is also the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse which you can pay to get into, we just paid to get into the grounds. We walked down passed the lighthouse and went onto, Dads fav, the rocks. We wandered around all the rocks, watched the crashing waves. We walked right round the point and then headed back up towards the lighthouse. Once we were back at the entrance we decided to walk to the old Water Wheel which wasn't too far. It looked like the wheel had frozen with mud rather than ice, it was quite interesting. So after a few photos etc we went back to the car.

We drove back through Augusta again and went up the Caves Road. We drove for quite a while through the forest area before we reached the Lake Cave and got parked. We got some tickets and then headed down the 300 steps into the Cave, meeting our guide halfway down. Apparently due to the very bad drought here in Oz the Lake Cave is drying up and we witnessed that a little when we went inside as one side doesn't have water in it, its quite sad. We wandered through the cave stopping at certain points to be told different facts. It isn't a very deep cave so we sat at the back for a bit while all the lights changed around us and then went off so we could experience it in the dark, it was odd because there was still a glow from the entrance although faint. Once we had finished the tour it was time to head back up the 300 steps, a bit of a workout. We had a little lunch in the cafe there.
We kept going along the Caves Road and stopped at a few more wineries on the way. The first one called Eagle something didn't have anyone there - just a phone number so we gave it a miss. We also stopped at both the Redgate and Zanadu wineries and tried a few wines, bought a few as well. It was actually a really nice relaxed day.
We drove back to Margaret River, stopping at the supermarket briefly, got back and had some wine obviously! We ate another delicious bbq and then relaxed watching the Joanna Lees programme. I could smell smoke, from burning wood, outside my bedroom window when we had gone to bed - I got Dad up and everything. I think it could've been a bush fire somewhere but didn't hear of any.
The next day we got up, packed, had some breakfast, played some ping pong and then said goodbye to our nice retreat at 9.30. We drove back up to Bunbury and then turned East inland through Mollie. We had a long driving day today....
We stopped for lunch in a tiny town and arrived in Wave Rock at 4ish. We booked into a cabin and unpacked the car.
We went for a walk up to Wave Rock, played on it a bit, and walked round to the right then up on top of the rock. We watched the sunset which was quite nice and wandered around on top for a while. Just as we were heading off of the rock a low dark cloud of dust or smoke or just cloud came over us really quickly so we moved a bit faster. It bought a chill with it as well! we got back to our cabin and had an interesting meal made by Mum, tasted better than we thought it would!! Had some more wine before bed.
Happy Birthday to Me!! I was woken up by Mum being all excited as she gets!! I opened my cards and couple of pressies - just want to thank everyone that managed to get something to me!!! We had some breakfast, packed up the car and checked out. We left the car while we went for a walk. We walked to Wave Rock again but then round to the left this time. We went to Hippos Yawn before crossing the road and following some board walk round the vastness around. It was pretty cool, and cold too!! We saw a couple of wild Kangeroos so that was nice. We walked right round in a circle back to the car.
We left Wave Rock and drove through Narembeem, Bruce Rock and on to York which is the oldest inland town of WA, 1831!! We parked up and had a wander, also grabbing some lunch. We then went off to find accommodation, Dad had one in mind so we left him do his thing!! We got there and he drove round to the self catering cottage, Peppercorn Cottage, and parked up..... I was saying to him that surely we should go and ask first but him with his usual 'I know something' voice said I don't think so! Well then I knew I'd been taken for a fool - why didn't I know!! Anyway, they had booked this cottage from home as a surprise for my birthday, it was just lucky that I had also choosen York to go through. We went inside and I had a few more cards, thank you again!! We settled into the sweet little cottage on the hill.
We went for a walk into town where we walked across the suspension bridge, v proud of Mum!, along the river a little and then back. We then relaxed for the afternoon. We showered and dressed to go out for dinner. We walked down again and went to the Settlers Inn, bear in mind this was 7pm, and it was closed in fact it was a bit of a ghost town - we thought maybe there was a curfew and we'd get into trouble. We had walked past the Castle which had a pub so decided to head back there since nothing else seemed open. We actually had a good meal and yet more wine! It was good. We had some of my Orange and poppyseed cake later, or for me the next day as was very full up! We chilled out later at the cottage. Thank you Mum and Dad for a lovely birthday although it was just nice to be with you guys!!
The next morning we had decided to see if we could stay another night, we could thankfully in the same cottage. We relaxed in the morning and then walked down to York, through a field this time which meant us climbing a fence at the end - when will we learn!!??
We had a look round York Motor Museum and then the old jail and courthouse. I enjoyed both and it was all very laid back. We played a board game in the jail which I won - hahahahahaha!!! We went again to the suspension bridge which we walked over and then back, Mum was getting daring!! We had a bit of a walk along the river, although we lost the river quite early on and I didn't find it again - think it was dry! We walked back down the high street and decided to head back to Settlers Inn for lunch, it was open and much busier. We had a yummy lunch there!!
We had a very lazy evening watching tv and having beans on toast later!! I really wanted to watch 24 but my eyelids fell so early on!!
In the morning we drove towards Perth. We stopped for some breakfast but by this time it was 11.30, well done Dad, so we had brunch!! It was still quite nice though. We went to a national park, need to look up the name, where we went for a walk to the waterfall - with no water. It was a pleasant walk until the ants took over, there were so many and one got on me and just bit me - little shit! So it was a game of keep your feet moving. We ended up walking up a hill, quite a tough one as we always do. It was a nice walk though, just a shame there is no water! We got back to the car, all huffing and puffing, and drove on to Perth. We stopped on the way at a car wash, one of the ones with the powerful water hoses, and what fun I had there cleaning the car - it was awesome and the car was happy to be clean! We headed straight to Cottesloe Beach and I booked into the hostel from the next day. The beach was beautiful and we were able to find a motel type place but with 2 beds so we checked in there. We unpacked and relaxed, dad cleaned the inside of the car.
We went for a walk to the sundial, which was right and I have checked it several times - its always right, and then went to a pub in the Cottesloe Hotel. We had some drinks and played pool, Mum and I won!! Dad should never have let us pick his pocket for the black.... We then grabbed some fish and chips, sausage in my case, and headed back to the motel where we drunk a bit more alcohol!! After having a great laugh at Dad being a bit tipsy (I can slip over the bed with out being seen trick!!) we all crashed, really early!!! Was so tired again!
In the morning, Mum had already been for a walk, Mum and I went for a walk to the beach and along it. We than packed everything up one last time and went out for breakfast which was nice.
It was an odd day I think because we knew it was Mum and Dads last!! We got the bus up to the city and wandered round. Mum and Dad got some pressies for peopl and I printed up some photos for them to have. We got the bus back around 2pm and then I checked into the hostel and dumped all my stuff. We had a wander around and then around 4pm we went for some food, the last supper!! We overlooked the beautiful beach and ocean and ate scrummy pizzas!! We wandered after the food and then at 5.30ish Mum wanted to go as it was just dragging! We had a really quick goodbye and then turned away from eachother!! They went off to the airport and I had to get used to being alone again - i didn't know what to do with myself!! I read!!! Miss you still xxxxxxxxxxx

Pinnacles, Kalbarri and Monkey Mia

2007-03-31T16:30:00.000+10:00

We drove up the Great Northern Highway through Bullsbrook then continued up the Brand Highway. We stopped off at the Pinnacles in Nambung National Park after a couple of hours driving, we saw a couple of wild Emu's on the way,and they were pretty amazing. It was so hot though so after driving round them we had a wander
around for about 10 minutes then had to get back into the car. The pinnacles seem to go on forever!! We also saw wild kangeroos chilling in the shade at the side of the road.
We drove on a little further and stopped for lunch at Hangover Bay which was just stunning, with beautiful white sands again and lovely warm water. We also went to
the toilet here....now I only mention this because they were drop toilets!! Mum and I went, one of the toilets had a load of caterpillers and the other had a snake - ohhh!! Mum choose the caterpiller loo but was so scared that something would come up the toilet and bite her bum, it was the quickest pee ever!! Ha ha.....at least she used it!
We drove on and had quite a way of just not much around, lovely. We drove through Dungara and then onto Geraldton where we decided to stay for the night, we just got a motel room. Geraldton isn't the prettiest of places but I think thats partly due to the fact that they seem to be trying to improve it. We didn't do much here except a quick walk, dinner then a bit of TV before bed.

We got off and headed off after breakfast in the morning and drove to Kalbarri National Park, only a couple of hours away. We arrived there around 11am and checked out the visitor centre first to see if there was an afternoon tour we could do as we couldn't get to all the gorges due to unsealed roads and our hire car. Unfortunately there were none for the afternoon so we decided to check out what we could which included the coastal areas and also a couple of gorges inland. Before we set off we had a little wander then thought we'd see if we could check into our room already, we could. So after unpacking, having rolls for lunch and a little relax we headed out.

We drove down to the cliffs and started at Eagle Gorge where we had a short stroll but again it was way too hot to be out in the sun for too long so we walked out a bit and then back to the cliffs, it was still quite nice. The cliffs were pretty stunning all along the coast. We went to the Natural Bridge, Island Rock and Shellhouse Grandstand which were all great. Its so beautiful on the West coast. So after wandering round them we drove to the Pot Alley coastal area and walked down through a little canyon type area to a small beach there, I got a little wet.
Mum and I walked along a big flat rock to see more of the coast and Dad went wandering up some other rocks and had lots of fun watching some crabs he found.
The last cliff area we stopped at was Red Bluff which was also cool. By the end though we had no water left, not even the yucky warm stuff so on our way back we stopped at the shop and along with food got some ice creams and drinks - yummy!!!
Well Mum and I didn't waste anytime changing when we got back and off we went for a swim in the ocean but it was so bloody shallow that we couldn't swim so we didn't last too long and ended up in the pool!!
We went out for a really nice meal and chilled.

The next morning we checked out at 8.30 and headed out of Kalbarri. We stopped at Hawks Head and Ross Graham lookouts on the way. We walked down to the River at the Ross Graham lookout so off we went, the river was really dry though and didn't flow all the way across which was a little sad. We saw some wild goats on the otherside on some rocks. Mum and I saw a little lizard when we got back to the top as well which was good. There was a wedgetail eagle circling high above us so it was nice to see one so free.The River was really beautiful as well with the jagged rock edges rising high above.
So we continued up the coast to Shark Bay and Mum's birthday pressie of going to Monkey Mia to see the wild dolphins. We only had one stop for some fuel and we arrived around 1.30. We grabbed some lunch while we waited to check into our Park Cabin. We had a little walk on another beautiful beach!! Had a quick look round the shop and headed back to grab the key.
It was a very hot day so when we first walked into our cabin we weren't majorly impressed what with bunkbeds, feeling like an oven and a weird orange bathroom that stuck out the side but after we had gone out and left it with some aircon on it was much better. Plus it was more about the place than where we stayed.
So Mum and I went for a swim in the sea, a little snorkel, and Dad joined us later!!! Yipeee.... Mum saw a little ray while snorkelling. So after our little swim and play in the sea we went off to book a wildlife cruise for the next day and had a couple of drinks.
Dad and I then went on a little battery powered glass bottom boat that we hired. It was rather hard to move around but we saw quite alot of the little rays and little fish - not too much though as there was alot of sea grass not far off shore. We were out for about an hour so that was cool.
Meanwhile, while we were in the boat, my Mum had been following some wild emus around taking photos. We all met on the beach and headed back to our cabin as it was about 7pm.
Mum washed a few things in the sink and as she was hanging them out Dad saw her bolt past the window at the back of the cabin and then we saw them.....the Emus had returned for revenge. They were outside the door so I opened it to see if I could see mum but I couldn't, the Emu's just looked at me and then headed round the front of the cabin in Mum's direction....! I asked these two girls camping where she was and they pointed round the back laughing!! Mum appeared at the back window again so we told her to comeback round because they had gone!! Funny...ha ha.
We bbq'd some steak and carrots for dinner which was pretty good. Had some wine, relaxed and then sleep - ready for the dolphins.
I woke up around 7 and got up, which woke everyone else up as well!!
We had breakfast and then walked down to the beach and waited for the dolphins. The dolphins come in daily for small feeds, less than 1/4 of their daily allowence if they attend all 3 feeds, (3 times a day) between 8am and 1pm. There were quite a few people there as well.

The dolphins appeared just after 8 and after a 30 minute talk from the CALM volunteers they started to feed them. It was amazing, these wild dolphins are so gentle and come so close, very trusting, and there were so many calves as well - cute. People were choosen at random out of the crowd to help with th feeding. We didn't get the chance to this time. Once the feed is over the dolphins swim out again to deeper water and then return later. Once they had all gone Mum and I went into the sea and Dad popped back to the cabin for a bit.
Mum and I were wandering back when we noticed a small crowd at the dolphin interacton area then we saw the dolphins, they were back already, so we went straight back to them and listened to the end of the talk. I was hoping that Dad would get back with my camera in time before they left and thankfully he did. I had
just got my camera sorted when they asked Mum if she wanted to feed Nicky the dolphin so luckily I was able to get a photo. Mum was so excited and kept telling us that she had fed Nicky exactly as she had been told to. I don't think she could've had a better pressie!
They are just all so stunningly beautiful and I feel priviledged to have been there.
We all went and sat on the beach then to wait for the final feedof the day and the dolphins didn't disappoint, they came back really quickly. Mum and I went down for even more photos, its very addictive!!
One of the babies, a couple of months old, was really funny this time randomly jumping out of the sea with little coordination!! No photos of that I'm afraid, thats a strickly memory moment!
After the dolphins had been fed again we rejoined Dad and started to watch the Pelicans who, because it was so hot, were catching the sprinkler water to drink - quite entertaining.
A few dolphins popped in again but wouldn't get fed since the 3 feeds had happened. This dick went into the sea and bent right down so he got told off and told to get out!!
We went back to the cabin to chill out a little and then at 12.30 we headed to the jetty to join our cruise. We jumped on the boat and sat down. The boat left the bay.
Once we were out far enough we started to spot Dugongs, it started slow with the odd one or two but once we'd been going a while it was like Dugong city and they were everywhere!! It was pretty impressive and because it was so calm we could hear the water break and them breath. It was pretty hot on the boat 39 in the shade and 46 in the sun. We were told that the beach was up in the 50's due to no wind!
We were out for a couple of hours and on the way back we saw a turtle and I think I saw a sea snake but it was fast. There were more turtles around the jetty. It was good.
We went for some dinner in the restaurant then after a quick relax in the cabin we went for a walk at 6. We saw lots of animal tracks - Emus, kangeroos, lizards and not sure what else. We walked round the the bush and then ended up back on the beach
so as the sun was setting we walked back round along the beach which was beautiful.
I was knackered when we got back so after a chat, look at photos and read it was time for bed. What a great day though!!! A highlight.
We had another early morning and after packing our stuff Muma nd I went down to the dolphins. They were already there so we heard the end of the talk again and watched the feed. The water wasn't as clear today but it was still good. Just as we were leaving more dolphins came in so they started the second feed on the day, we decided we should go as Dad had a long drive ahead! Awesome though.
We all got into the car, checked out and then we were off saying goodbye to Shark Bay, Monkey Mia and the wonderful dolphins.
We stopped at Shell Beach on the way out for a look which was cool. Its just covered in little white shells - great!!
We were on the road again!!
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Perth, and Rottnest, with Mum and Dad!!!

2007-03-30T20:58:00.000+10:00

I had a pretty uneventful week in Perth with Anne, we moved hostels and checked out Fremantle as well as doing a few bits.
So on the Friday, 9th, Mum and Dad arrived I checked into the accommodation - motel room, and had a shower before jumping onto the airport shuttle. It was a funny journay to the airport as the driver seemed to be a little lost but we got there around 5pm ad after checking the boards I noticed that I had about an hour before their plane was due. So I got myself a hot chocolate and waited, praying it wouldn't be late.
They appeared out of the arrivals at just gone 6.30 which wasn't too bad and after saying our hellos Dad went to sort out our hire car. He told Mum and I to take the bags to bay 29 so we did, thinking there had been a mistake with the car but apparently not. We had a nice little 4WD looking thing - cute. We all jumped in and drove back to the centre of Perth and unpacked into the motel. After Mum and Dad had washed etc we went for a stroll along the river to the harbour and found a chinese restaurant where we had a really nice meal. We had a quick drink in a bar before heading back for some sleep.....
The next day after breakfast we headed to Kings Park in a roundabout sort of way, under a bridge, round a pond and up a load of steps.
We wandered round the beautiful park, looking at the aboriginal centre, enjoying the views and up through a bit of a tree top walk. After our lunch in the park we walked more and then got an ice cream, yummy!! We eventually, after a bit of a bush type area, came to a road and so walked along a few and then found a shopping complex so had a quick look around - Mum bought something!! We walked back to the city and had a drink. We walked on bck to the harbour and had another drink in The Lucky Shag, Barmy Army HQ!! We headed to an Irish bar next to have a drink before going back to the motel to shower ready for dinner. We went back to The Lucky Shag for dinner which was great. I had Chilli Mussels - bit spicy but great!!

We wandered up to Northbridge for another drink before getting off to bed again.
We headed up The Swam Bell Tower this morning, checked out the view and watched the ringers practice ringing the Bells for a little bit. We picked the car up and drove to find a supermarket on the way to Hilarys, where the house was, but it would seem in WA that any shop except IGA is shut on a sunday..... We found a bakery and fruit/veg shop so we got some bits for lunch and headed to a beach near the house to eat before we could get into it. The beach was beautiful, stunning, and Mum and I had a quick paddle before we decided it was close enough to 2 to get into the house.
We drove to the house via Hilarys Boat Harbour, found the key and after finally discovering which door the key actually unlocked we were in. The house was pretty cool, lots of space and a pool to play in - so you guessed right we were in trying it out. It was beautiful.

We later went to the harbour for dinner and a wander before popping to the bottle shop and then back home where we relaxed with some beers.
Today we decided to head to Caversham(sp?) Wildlife Park, let Mum and Dad see they were really in Oz and do something touristy!! That was pretty cool, they saw their Koalas, kangeroos (Mum and I fed them), wombats etc. It was actually a really nice park and was fun. We had lunch before leaving the park.

We popped to the supermarket where we got some bits including Kangeroo steak, oh after stroking and giving them food earlier!!
We got home and jumped back into the pool, lovely!! Relaxed!!
We had a BBQ dinner, so Dad could try it out, and we had our Kangeroo - it was good. Chatted outside then chilled inside...
Tuesday was a bit of a relaxing day. I got my camera replaced - it was playing up. We stopped at Scarborough Beach, really nice. Went home and back into the pool, it was so great to have as was always there to cool us down!!

The next day we had decided was our beach day so after breakfast we walked down to the beach and relaxed. Mum and I swam a couple of times and it was really nice, beautiful white sand and blue/green water - amazing!!
We had our lunch on the green overlooking the beach before walking back home and cooling off in the pool again. By this time, I forgot to mention, we had bought a large inflatable whale called 'Fishy' and a large inflatable ball called 'Tomee' (there was already a ring called 'Ringo' at the house) so we could often be found playing with these in the pool!! We booked our ferry etc to Rottnest for tomorrow before going to pick Anne up from the city and heading to the Burswood outdoor cinema.
We watched Tenacious D: Pick Of Destiny - very funny. We also had some pizzas at the cinema which was great.
Dropped Anne off again on the way home before watching 24.... Ohhhhh
We were up early to get down to Hilarys Boat Harbour and catch the Rottnest Ferry. We picked up our bikes, and Mums snorkel, and boarded the 8am ferry. The ferry took about 45minutes and was a bit splashy!! We arrived on Rottnest and decided to cycle towards Parker Point, we saw Quokkas on the way. Quokkas are kind of Rottnests thing, when the explorers found Rottnest they thought that Quokkas were Rats so called it Ratsnest. They aren't really found anywhere else.

It was quite a hilly place, although small, so a little tiring to cycle. We locked our bikes at Parker Point and while Dad relaxed in the shade Mum and I snorkelled which was cool, although a little difficult to get to. It was fun though. Mum lost Dads hat.....silly!!
We went back and met Dad and then cycled on to Little Salmon Bay, it was all so beautiful and amazing, Mum and I snorkelled again. They had underwater plaques to swim round but Mum got scared of being too far out so she held back and I swam round the 10 plaques which was cool. It was quite hard to swim back though as the current was pretty strong - I managed though!! We got back onto the beach with Dad and chilled out before changing, being attacked by a March Fly - I think.

We continued to cycle round, the mainly sand island, and saw more quokkas (one wanted to eat me - ok it was tiny but still scary!!) along with a few salt lakes. We got round to Geordie Bay and then onto Thomson Bay, where we'd started. We relaxed with some lunch and a wander before getting all our gear ready and boarding the 4.30 ferry back to the mainland. We had a drink at the harbour before walking home. We

were all knackered when we got home that we just laid on the sofas and watched TV. We made a quick dinner later before a bit more chilling and bed zzzzzzzz
We played in the pool again, watched TV/DVD. In the afternoon we headed to Fremantle and had a quick look around the market there, popped onto the internet before grabbing some dinner. We wandered to Fremantle Jail back through the markets and waited to start our 8pm torchlight tour. At 8 the bell was rung for our tour so we all went into the original jail reception area, got given our torches. John, our guide, explained the procedure of new inmates entering the prison strip search in front of everyone etc!! We headed through to the courtyard where the wall is painted white upto about 8ft so that any prisoners would be easily noticed. We were told about a supposed haunted gun tower where 3 seperate guards had seem a figure sitting there - 2 of them had fired their guns...at nothing.
Fremantle Prison is apparently the 5th most haunted building in Australia, luckily I didn't notice anything!! We walked through division 1, which housed young boys then later peodophiles(sp?) and rapists who had to be kept seperate for their protection. We talked about the number of suicides and about the most common way of doing it, jumping off the landings which is why they put in a suicide net. As we were leaving there was a scream and a dummy was thrown down, oh spooky!!!
We walked through the kitchen next where we were told about one inmate murdering another, apparently a guy was transferred here and an inmate reconised him as raping his son and asked the guards to remove him otherwise he would kill him. You can guess they didn't since he took a knife and sliced him open!! Nice...
We wandered through the yards and stopped in the yard that was the most dangerous, mixture of people that'd committed serious and other crimes. The guard stood in a cage watching them and would never get involved in trouble unless life threatning and he had the back up.
We had a look through a load of cells, showing the changes that happened over the years from the 1850-1886 convict time to the Australia Criminal time. There were also a few painted cells with art. We also walked through an, apparently, haunted cell which had its own yard - would've been used for ex police or judges etc who would've been in danger from the criminals.
The convicts actually built the jail themselves, they stayed in the Esplanade hotel building and walked up to the site everyday, from the limestone hill its built on.
We checked out the punishment area where they used the cat of 9 tails, the maximum punishment of these was 100 lashes. If the inmate was declared too ill/hurt to receive all the punishment they would go to the hospital and recover before being bought back and given the remainder of their punishment. Afterwards they would have salt rubbed into the wound.
We wandered through the solitary confinement area where they had a guy dressed as an inmate being all crazy - funny stuff!! They have the death cell in there where those on death row spent their last 2 hours before being hung. We then headed to the hanging room, a new rope was used for each hanging as respect and the guy who did the hangings would have to come to the jail 2 weeks before to measure and weight the inmate to work out how long the rope had to be.
We also went to look at Moondyne (sp?) Joe's cell which had all wood panels nailed to the inside wall so that he couldn't escape, he did escape because he had to be taken out of it as it was too small and making him ill, I think?? They had someone dressed as him as well, acted crazy.....
We had a quick look in the church where one commandment has been changed from Thou Shalt not Kill to thou Shalt not Do Murder because obviously they killed people for punishment.
That was the end of the tour, very good and a little scary.

We spent much of Saturday relaxing. Went to the shops where I got a few xmas pressies....yay. We bought a few other bits and got our food for BBQ. In the evening we walked down to the green in front of the beach and had a BBQ there which was great, had a few drinks and relaxed - excellent. Watched the sunset and ate our kangeroo - yummy!!
We watched The Departed when we got home and chilled.
The next morning we were up earlyish and once we'd packed and had breakfast we left the house :-( We headed out of Perth.
Next installment soon!!
Bye Mum and Dad - Miss You...
Dawn
xxxxxxx

Take Care of Our World

2007-03-05T18:32:00.000+11:00

A small section of writing that I liked and I wanted to share with everyone, I hope you guys like it as well:

Look around you. The land is alive with the spirit of our Earth Mother. Listen to her.....Feel her.....

We humans are born of the land. The Earth Mother reminds us that if we do not care for the land and all living things then this land cannot protect us.

Take time to let the spirit of this land be a part of you.

So take care of the world because otherwise it won't be here much longer!!

Bush is best.....

Dawnie

xxxxx

We Miss You Kylie!!! You Rock!

2007-03-04T23:41:00.000+11:00

Just thought I'd do a tiny post to say that we miss Kylie!!! She was a great bird who made the trip so much more fun, laid back and gave us so much info!!! Never to be forgotten!
Here are a few phrases for her..........Did I just Score.......HA HA.........You said Root.....hehehe.......Where do all the flies go??................Do Wat.................When do u poo.........Dude..................geezer..................and many more I am sure!!
Hope to see you again in Perth
Dawnie
xxx

Nullarbor Travelling

2007-03-02T20:19:00.000+11:00

Well where do I begin.....at the beginning I guess!! ha ha!!!

I began my tour on Wednesday 21st February with a nice early pick up! I met Matt Man, American, as we were both waiting to be collected at 6.45am. Kylie, our super duper tour guide, got there and we chucked our stuff on the trailer before making ourself comfortable on the bus. Fred, Surge and Jeanette (sp??), all French, were already on the bus. We then had a couple more pick ups, first Alison, Canadian, and then Anne, Dutch.

We headed out of Adelaide, yay, checking out a Salt Lake on the way. We drove through the small township of Snowtown which apparently had the largest Mass Murder where 12 gay men were killed, after being abused, then cut up and put into barrels of acid - nice stuff eh!

We had a quick wee wee stop at Fort Germein which boasts the longest pier in South Australia so we were checking out pretty famous places here. We walked part of the way along the pier taking photos.

We stopped in the Flinders Ranges at Mt Remarkable for some food. We had a walk just before where we saw a couple of kangeroos. We got back ready to stuff ourselves silly!! A couple of rather rude Emus were hanging around hoping we were gonna be stupid enough to feed them - not us!! HA! We also encountered a Goanna as we left which bolted up a tree - funny little guy!

We went through Port Augusta and had a little tour at Iron Knob. Iron Knob was built because of the Iron there and from thousands of people only 150 live there now, its around 100 years old. They were at one stage mining alot of iron from here. It was quite interesting with Phil, swallowed a fly, who kept calling Kylie Jo even though he has never met Jo.......spooky!!
We drove on to Wundinna for our camp, we set our tents up - me with the ants!!, and had a great feed before getting some sleep.

Up nice and early again the next day, 6am, and after breakfast we drove to Baird Bay where we were gonna get a chance to swim with Sea Lions and Dolphins. We were there slightly early so waited on the boat for Trish, Alan and Cal. We were not allowed to were sunscreen so we didn't transfer it into their homes.....

We set off and checked out the sea lions first but the tide was still too low there so we went to see if the dolphins were about and after jumping in the rather chilly sea it turned out they didn't want to play. We headed back to the sea lions and were able to get in. After we'd jumped into the flat bottomed tinny we got to the reef where they were and jumped in. These little guys are fun and playful. I took photos but have yet to get them developed so to come!! They were swimming around us, playing, jumping and one decided to have a sniff of my foot which kinda tickled - he was lucky not to get a kick!!! It was fun and we stayed swimming with them for about 45 minutes!!

Once we'd got back onto the bigger boat we headed back to the dolphins. We jumped in and there were about 3/4 dolphins but they didn't want to play either, although one did swim right under me which was cool. We headed back to shore then as it was obvious they weren't in the mood!!

It was fantastic though, really fun and amazing!!

We had a bbq lunch just up the road then off we went to check out Murphy's Haystack, at this stage I will tell you all that Alison is a Geologist so she was in heaven for most of this trip!!!, and these are basically rocks although technically they are discribed as inselbergs - a hill that looks like a rocky island rising sharply from the sea! They were rather nice. Matt, Anne and I saw a Blue Tongue Lizard there which was good.

Our final stop for the day was at Venus Bay where we did a walk around the cliffs. It was really good, there are tree fossils (?), I'm not sure of the proper terms etc but you'll get the idea, that are on the edge of the cliff from when Australia was attached to the antarctica and this area was all forest - amazing! Just incredible.....

After our beautiful walk we drove on to Coodlie Park where we would have beds not our tents....although I am quite attached to my tent now!!

Sandie made us dinner and Grampa took us out on a spotlight tour to look for wombats, unfortunately according to Grampas first review they were all in the pub - he then said he thought it was too hot for them so we didn't see any. We did, however, have a kangeroo and her joey just sit in front of the truck occationally looking at us which was quite cool.

We headed off to Scales Bay in the morning for a surf lesson, I opted out of this one since I had already done it and wanted to take photos. So we watched the few who went for it and they all did pretty well, all standing up quite quickly - well done!!

We had a stop then at Streaky Bay where we had to do a bus swap and we checked out a small museum for the largest shark caught on a hand line, although the guy was disqualified, and apparently he used a live sea lion as bait - sick!! We then grabbed lunch, a very windy lunch.

We drove quite a bit more then stopped for food and booze and to have a look at Ceduna Aboriginal Arts Culture Centre and something I learnt from Kylie was that if you put your ear to a digereedoo you can hear how good it is - very clever and it works too!!

We then passed through Penong - the town of 100 windmills??

We got to our next camp at Fowlers Bay and it had started to rain. A few of us thought we'd still see if sand boarding would work or not.....well to all those wondering it doesn't work on wet sand or the dry sand under the wet sand but at least we tried!!

The next day, after an interesting wake up call from Kylie, we stopped to look at the Dingo Fence which is the longest Man Made structure at 5614km, longer than the great Wall of China!! Quite impressive. A few of us sat under the cattle grid to listen as something drove over, shame we didn't get a road train.

We stopped at a road house where one of the road train drivers told me about a japanese guy who would keep cycling in the dark on the nullarbor, even though he was told not to, and he was pulled in by a road train and killed about 3 months ago!! Pretty scary!

We then got to the Famous Sign, I hadn't heard of it, and it is quite cool!! The Camal, Wombat and Kangeroo Sign so we all got excited and took lots of photos.......

We also reached the Eastern End of the Treeless Plain and there is a sign for that as well.

We checked out the Bunda Cliffs which were very cool and impressive. We also saw some Sea Lions down by the sea on the rocks - good stuff!! It was beautiful. We grabbed lunch here, trying to finish all our fruit and veg before entering WA as otherwise we'd have to throw it away!! very strick....

We crossed the border, taking photos of random signage etc on the way and made it, we put out clocks back 45 minutes!

We had a quick stop in Eucla where we looked in the museum, bought a drink and played in the play park - it was fun.

We then drove to Old Eucla which is a bit lower and nearer the sea. It was buried under sand dunes and the old telegraph station was lost for about 80 year. The vegetation grew on the sand dunes so they couldn't move, then the rabbits came and ate it all and so eventually the sand could move and revealed the old telegraph station again, pretty cool. We also checked out the beach, saw emu, snake, rabbit and kangeroo tracks. It was great except for the March Flies - I hate em!!! We also saw the beach there which was beautiful and had an old jetty, half fallen down.

We then drove alittle bit more with the Hampton Tablelands to our right, through Mundrabilla and then we bush camped at Madura. Bush camping is pretty cool and was def one of my fav spots, you feel so remote and there are no facilities except for Bob the shovel if you need a poo and Kylie did a wonderful demonstration on how you would use him - fascinating I thought. I was rather pissed off that I didn't have the need as I would have liked to test it...... We used our bush camp stove on the camp fire to make dampa(sp??) - good stuff!

After we had done the usual in the morning ie packed everything up, had breakfast we headed out back on the road again. We stopped at an upended car which looked rather cool.

We saw alot of Wedgetail Eagles on this day, one family of Mum, Dad and Kid! We checked out a smallish cave before heading off to Cocklebiddy Cave, which is where they used to take people swimming on this tour but is now unsafe. We walked down to the entance which is pretty big and had a look around - looked creepy.

Driving back out on the dirt road we did a bit of aisle surfing in the bus..... Fred won although I think there was a little cheating going on - no I'm not a bad loser!!! Ha

We past the 90 Mile Straight Sign for the longest straight road in Australia, I think you could easily fall asleep!!! We then stopped to look at Caiguna Blowhole which, depending on the air presure, either sucks or blow air. We stopped at a roadhouse where the American Skylab fell to the ground a few years back. We than had a toilet stop a bit later where there were beautiful paintings on the outside walls.

We had a great sunset just before we drove through Norseman, gold town, and then on through Esperance. We arrived at Lucky Bay, Cape Le Grand around 8ish - this was the longest driving day and would give us an extra day in Lucky Bay. After a late dinner it was time to sleep!!!

I got up pretty early and had a walk along the beach during sunrise which was really nice. I saw a few kangeroos down there. Had a nice paddle.

Around 10ish we went to Esperance and after a costal drive checking out the beautiful beaches we were let loose for an hour and a half....... We had lunch in a burger place, a proper one, and I had a massive burger with everything on it, egg, bacon, pineapple, salad - I don't remember but it was good. Popped on the net and then to the bottle shop. Anne had gone to the trophy shop, as she had already booked Perth accommodation, and picked up something for Kylie. We were picked up, jumped out to buy a frisbee and taken back to Lucky Bay. Jo had arrived with her group, 2 passengers.

We got back and chilled for a bit before attempting to play frisbee but it was too windy so we decided on beach cricket which was ok but still a little windy, fun though!!

We all walked up Frenchmans Peak with Kylie which was a good walk and fantastic views from the top. I really enjoyed it and when we returned a few hours later Jo had made dinner - great!!!

We played some stupid flexibilty game where you have to pick up a small cardboard box with your mouth without bending your legs, so obviously you end up ina splits like position - Ouch!! It hurt and I didn't win, I am bitter!!!

Another early morning for me......my bodyclock evolved. I chilled out until 9 am when Matt Man, Alison, Fred, Surge, Jeanette and I did a 3 hour hike from Cape Le Grand Beach to Hellfire Bay, through the mountainous area. It was quite a tough walk but good, fantastic views and the finish was just beautiful. Finishing up on Hellfire Bay and walking along the beach paddling, heaven. I had a quick swim at Lucky Bay when we got back before stuffing my face with more food....

In the afternoon we went to Thistle Bay where we walked along the beach to have a look at a few whale bones, a jaw bone - massive, bit smelly!! There had been a bush fire around thistle bay so there were just burnt remains of trees, a little sad but a fact of life.

We wandered back to the bus and when we got back to Lucky Bay Anne and I went for a snorkel. It wasn't great snorkelling but it was funny, saw a few fish and lots of seagrass. I then had a shower, wow my first in 4 days........

After some dinner Alison, Anne and I walked to Matthew Flinders Monument in the dark, we saw a little froggy and a crab which was good. Had an early night!! 9.15pm!!

So this morning was a sad one as we left Lucky Bay at 7, well 7.20!! Late again..... We had a couple of stops for food, alcohol and we also stopped to check out some camels. Anne and I had fun doing the voices of the camels while the others fed them grass.

We drove through the Fitzgerald National Park which is a Biosphere reserve - I thought that was kinda cool. Alot of the towns we were passing finished with 'up' and Matt Man questioned Kylie as to why, Kylie told us that up in aboriginal means place of so like a town coule mean place of the big tree.

We stopped for some lunch before heading to the Stirling Ranges. We were going to do a walk up Bluff Knol (sp?) but because we were running late and also because we had spotted smoke pretty close from what looked like a bush fire, we could smell the smoke, we decided it was safest not to. Instead we just dumped the trailer and drove up to take some photos, the top of Bluff Knol was under cloud and was kinda chilly just where we were so I think it would've been really cold up there.

We drove on to the Porongurup National Park which, just over a week ago, had had a bush fire go through it and wipe a load of it out. Alot of people were lucky not to lose their homes and luckily noone was killed. We stopped to take photos of the burnt out woodland - was quite sad to see its so bare.

We pitched our tents in a caravan park for our last night. We decided to present Kylie with her award tonight so we all wrote our little notes and put them in the trophy. Anne and I spent time making a crown and sash for her to wear. It was quite funny giving it to her but I think she was really pleased with it and she deserved it.

Fred and I then got a cake each for our birthdays, his was a few days before the tour started and I had just being going on about mine!!! It was a really nice last night. To finish it off Anne, Alison and I were ready from some trashy novels - v amusing!!

Then to bed and what was to be a very windy night. I had a broken pole in my tent and so at 4.30am my tent kinda fell in on itself so I decided to just get up!! Not the best night sleep.

We headed off after breakfast at around 7 and drove to Denmark!! We stopped there where I got some fruit, a hot chocolate and a chocolate bar - yummy!! Denmark apparently has an average of 700mm of rain fall each year and so to prove this it was pissing it down!!

We continued on our journey and arrived at the Valley of the Giants at 10ish. We did the tree top walk which was amazing and beautiful. It was a bouncy iron walkway through the massive forest, our highest point was 40 m and we were still looking up at the trees. I loved it. We then went on to do the Ancient Empire Walk with some trees being over 400 years old - about twice as old as white Australia. They had Red, Yellow and Rates Tingle trees there and also the Red Flowering Gum. Some of the trees were huge and had hollowed out trunks at ground level - awesome!!

We stopped at the Diamond Tree where we were going to have lunch. First though we could climb up to the fire watch tower at the top of one of the trees, there were no ropes for support but I felt pretty safe. It was cool and what a view, 75m up!! Anne and I walked up together and saw a nice big huntsman spider on the way up - a little freaky but not dangerous! Kylie had already had to kill one we saw in the toilet as it had lost half its legs and could barely move - poor little thing.

We had our lunch, joined by a load of the wonderful march flies - die flies die!!

We got back on the road and were now on the home straight to Perth....was a little sad. After a stop at a gas station for a drink and wee wee stop we headed for Perth. We blasted the music, opened the windows and danced in the aisles on entering the city!! Shock return......

Kylie dropped us all off at our hostels, got to mine at 8.30pm. Anne, Matt Man, Fred, Alison and I met for some dinner in the evening before going to bed at 11ish!!

I had such a fun trip and alot of the fun was had sitting up the front chatting to Kylie and Anne - really had a laugh!! Def recommended to anyone. Will be waiting to hear that Kylie has become a Ranger in a National Park and will have to check it out!! Miss you guys.......

Love
Dawnie
xxxxxxxx

Goodbye Melbourne:-(

2007-02-19T20:25:00.000+11:00

Well there is not a great deal to say since I last updated you guys but I wanted to get upto date before my tour starts on Wednesday!!

So since you last heard I have done alot of relaxing.......a bit of work.......little drinking and maybe the odd outing!

I went to the Yarra Valley with a few people from the hostel...Rebecca, John, Dermot and Kate to be precise. Rebecca drove which was handy and we checked out a few wineries where we had a bit of a taste!! You don't beleive it I know......!! It was really beautiful up there and pretty peaceful!! Lovely. We had a nice lunch/dinner in a cafe called Mad Hatters, where the owner entertained us with a few cards tricks - very appropriate. We also tasted cheese at one of the wineries which was yummy - well most of it anyway! I had fun

I have had a few stressful days at work which in turn required a few enjoyable drinks after work.... Joss and Paul have been great with supplying me with the required workmates for such events and we had a laugh until the dream team were split up!!!

I have seen Babel and Music and Lyrica at the cinema. Babel was ok, a bit odd but quite good. Music and Lyrics was really funny - just what I needed!!

I went to Rod and Tracey's for dinner, which in actual fact due to being rubbish at organising a time to meet ended up being a goodbye dinner - it was really good.

I have been out.....yes you heard correctly I did leave the hostel on a couple of evenings!! Firstly I went out with Linda, Dermot, Emma and Kate to an Irish bar which was not bad, the band could've been better. The entertainment ended up being Kate falling over and knocking herself out (nothing to do with drink she says!!), all appears to be well now with her which is good.

I then went to the St Kilda Festival with Joss and a couple of her mates then Paul joined us later, watched a couple of bands I've never heard of, got really pissed, danced all night and after walking home I got in around 3.30-4am!! What a great time I had!!!

I have also had a couple of afternoon sessions in the pub with Jono, who is clearly a bad influence because when has anyone ever known me to drink in the afternoon!!! Anyway I can't complain because I enjoyed every minute of it - even listening to him ramble on!! Ha ha, just kidding. We did talk alot and drink alot...... We ended up back at the hostel with a more drink each. Which only encouraged everyone else to drink too.......he he he

Oh I have also been to the Melbourne Museum which was pretty good, but on my way ther Ned from neighbours was in front of me!! Not as good looking as Stu but still not bad.

My last day/night at the hostel consisted of me being very hungover and so just relaxing and eating extremely greasy food!! Good stuff....

I am now in Adelaide and although it was quite sad leaving everyone I am pretty positive I'll meet up with some of them again in the future - don't get rid of me that easily guys!!!!

Well I have been to the shops here, the few there are, and today I checked out the Adelaide Gaol which was ok and cheap so I enjoyed it although it was a boiling day and most of the gaol is outdoors. I then walked along the river to the north of Adelaide where I checked out a church (it is the city of churches!!). I heard some music when I was walking back along the river and discovered it was Adelaide Universities Orientation week so I wandered through there where I was very tempted by the beer tent and another unknown random band but I managed to resist - mainly because it was so hot and I couldn't stand to be outside drinking!! I returned to my air conditioned, thats right guys!!, room to read and relax some more!!

I have confirmed my tour and the last payment has been taken off my credit card and so I will be picked up at 6.45am on Wednesday to begin my adventure to Perth!!

Hope you are all having fun wherever you are!!

Love

Dawn

xxxxx

Photos - A few

2007-02-17T23:38:00.000+11:00

Hey Guys
I have uploaded a few photos, will have to apologise as there is a gap between Christmas and about a week ago.... I had alot of problems uploading those pictures, I have managed a few so now they are just out of order!!
Anyway I hope you enjoy what I have put up - Lots of people for a change!!
Have Fun
Dawnie
xxxxxxx

Melbourne - Again but drunker!!!

2007-02-02T11:46:00.000+11:00

Ok I am sorry for keeping you all waiting so long..........
I am still alive and well in Melbourne. I left you guys off on New Years Day so I give you a quick run down of what has happened since...
Ok so on the 2nd, still in Sydney, after saying goodbye to Emma I walked upto the Government House to have a walk around, assuming I could go inside, and walked up to the door trying to get in - well it was locked so I looked a bit of a twat!! Anyway I looked around the beautiful gardens. I then made use of a present Emma gave me, free entry to walk up one of the pylons of the bridge.
So off I went along the bridge to the pylon and walked up to the top. Really fantastic views over Sydney and the opera house and so more pictures!! I read all the info on the bridge which was quite interesting, I'll tell you a few bits.........you know you wanna know! It took 7 years and 356days to build, started in 1924 and finished in 1932 and 16 men died during construction, only 2 fell from the arch. I won't go on too much although I do have more! Anyway after spending quite a bit of time there as they had a visitor centre and a video to watch I jumped on a ferry back to Manly and walked up the hill to our castle! Oh I also heard from Kerry on this day to let me know she'd had a baby girl on the 1st, actually I still don't know what she has named her!!! So congratulations Kerry and Stewart.
On the 3rd I had to catch my flight to Melbourne, arriving at 4.25pm. Oh and this is exciting, more famous people!! I was waiting for my baggage when this guy picked up this pink bag which I thought was funny so I watched him and who should he give it to but Danni Minogue (sp?)!! Oh my god she is so beautiful, really tiny with soft features. So that was cool standing right next to her although I did feel like a giant minger!!!
So I have been here since then staying at Central Melbourne Accommodation, I think thats its name, in Richmond. Its a nice small hostel so I have made quite a few friends, its like a little family. I have also taking up drinking, quite often, again!!!
Melbourne has had really odd weather while I have been here. From really hot 40's where I can't sleep to cold and miserable raining. The hot days are too hot although it is quite pleasant today.
I do have a job although not full time hours as it has been too quiet but I am now getting a little cash in. I have been working at Computershare dealing with inbound calls about shares. We are just starting to work on APA takeover of Qantas so I will be doing that from Monday, although I only have 2 weeks left in Melbourne before I hit the road again so I can't wait!!
I have visited Rod and Tracey a couple of times, normally when the cricket is on (although I am kinda on strike from watching us lose!!) and also had a BBQ there which was really good so thanks to them!!!
So a few of the people from the hostel are Moira (Scottish), Dermot (Irish), Jono (Kiwi), Annabel (Irish), Linda (Aussie), Taran (American), Nicola (Irish), Mark - Jockeyboy (Irish), Aaron (English), Emma (English), Gabriel (German), Oli (German), Young (Korean), Kate (Engliah), Rebecca (Scottish) and quite a few more but I can't think!! Some have left now Jockeyboy has gone home and Aaron is now in New Zealand, Nicola will be joining him tomorrow........ Steve and Prue own it and are really nice. Prue works in promotions for the Australian Open so we got free tickets to that which was cool.
So while I have been here I have been to the cinema a few times and by far the best film I have seen is Blood Diamond, just fantastic but also sad - def think everyone should see it! I have also been to the night market a few times again for food and to people watch!
We have also been to the tennis, first the qualifiers which are free anyway and then we went to the first day of the open, thanks to Prue, but just on a Ground Pass so couldn't see anyone too big. It was a good day, although we waited in the garnier queue for like an hour and a half for a free goodie bag!!! Then lucky for us we got to go to the Womans Final on Saturday which was really cool - I don't even like tennis!!! It was great though. Would've been great to see the Mens, that was a good match.
We have been to watch a TV show being recorded!!! Steve was very enthusiastic about us going and how great it was. The show is called Temptation and the show wasn't too bad but the guy entertaining, and I use that word loosely, the audience between takes was just terrible - I felt braindead after a couple of hours in there - although it was one of those 40degree days so the air con was good!!
I have been to a few gym classes Body Pump and Body Jam!! Highly entertaining....
Drink has played a big part of hostel life and I have had many a drunken night here, including last night - not good. I have also been out with Joce and Paul from work for a couple of drinks.....very social I am now!!! I can manage another couple of weeks!!!
Oh yeah and another thing we have done is go and see A Midsummer Nights Dream at the Botanic Gardens one night. Dermot, Young, Nicola, Aaron, Taran and I went along with a picnic, rug and some wine. It was a really good show, so funny and a fantastic night - enjoyed it alot!!
Australia Day was a great day. I jumped on the train early to go to Rod and Tracey's as we, Emma as well, were having a day out. After a little faffing we headed off in the car. Our first stop was Hanging Rock, there is a book called Picnic at Hanging Rock or something where people went missing there, and we headed up the walk to the summit. There were fantastic views and funnily enough we did get a bit lost and couldn't find the path down. There wasn't a flat summit but a load of rocks sticking up out of the ground so we were walking between them.
After a little while we headed back down and jumped in the car again and went to Kyneton Races. We got our tickets, Rod, Tracey and Emma placed their bets, we grabbed some lunch and found a spot for the picnic rug. We relaxed, watched the races, watched the streakers and they all won something although Rod did best!! After a great day at the races we headed back in the car at 6ish and Rod treated us to an Indian Takeaway which was so yummy!!! I said goodbye, last time I'll see Emma in a while, and headed back to the hostel.
Anyway I think that just about covers everything I have done. I am having a great time here and will be a little sad to leave but really looking forward to my Perth tour as well, plus Mum and Dad arrive in 5 weeks!!!! Crazy.....
Hope you are all happy and healthy!!!! Take care
Dawnie
xxxxxxxxxxx

Video's....New Year, Snake and Penguins!!

2007-01-06T15:38:00.000+11:00

New Year Countdown.......Exciting!!

More Fireworks!!

Copperhead Snake.....

Puking Little Penguin!

Hope these are ok and your computers are fast enough to watch them!!

NEW YEARS EVE.....AND DAY!!

2007-01-06T14:41:00.000+11:00

Emma and I went to catch a ferry in the morning, we just missed the 9.20 so had to wait for the 10.15..... Turned out ok as gave us time for breakfast. Had a cooked breaky which was quite good. After arriving in Sydney around 11am we dumped some stuff at Lorraine and Graham's hotel before heading to an internet cafe to do a couple of things and where Emma could put her pictures onto discs. It all took quite a while, until about 1.30.
We then decided to just head to the botanic gardens to get information on our tickets and where we have to go etc. We had Lawn with The View tickets and discovered that we had a great spot right next to the Opera house, great view of the bridge. We found out our entrance was the Government House gates and that they open at 7pm so we should arrive 30-45mins early to queue. Only 600 people in our bit though. We wandered to find the entrance so we were all set for later and then as it was about 3pm we headed back to the hotel. Lorraine and Graham were at Bondi so we decided to get ourselves ready at their hotel. We took baths, ironed our clothes and Emma did her make up. Lorraine and Graham arrived back and after Lorraine had been for a swim they got themselves ready as well. Decided to leave the hotel at 6 to walk down.
When we arrived at our entrance there was a bit of a queue and because it wasn't managed too well we ended up a little nearer to the from than we should've been, oh well. Well we queued for quite a while and then around 7.10 they opened the gates. We walked in, confirming our tickets on the way and being given our food vouchers. We were also given bright pink wrist bands, free glow sticks and a free calendar thing - from channel 10.
We wandered all the way down to our great area and picked the perfect spot to see the fireworks. We laid out our 2 picnic blankets which Lorraine and I sat on while Emma and Graham went off to get the food and some drink. They came back with a cardboard box each. Each box contained a menu, wooden knife and fork, rolls, bread sticks, crackers, fishy dip (really nice), leek quiche, chicken noodles and salad, walnut tart, fruit salad and cheese and biscuits - it was great, really tasty. We nibbled away at our food throughout the night along with drinking wine, it was all very relaxing!!We chatted and had a toilet break which included queuing obviously!!At 9pm we had the first set of fireworks, or the kiddies fireworks!! They were really impressive, just amazing. They went on for 5-10 minutes and gave us a taster of whats to come!!
We continued to chill out, listened to music, toilet again, had a possum run past, watched the boats - which were all lit up and just had a very enjoyable time.It started to get close to midnight, it was exciting!!We got our champagne ready, bucks fizz for me, and watched the bridge. Finally the countdown appeared and we all joined in 10,9,8,7.......1 and the bridge just lit up with fireworks, all amazingly timed, we then had fireworks going all over the place around us, including on hotel roofs. Then the bridge would go crazy again with more fireworks, it was fantastic and went on for about 15 minutes - incredible. We all wished eachother happy new year. The theme for this years fireworks and new years event was Diamonds (75 years of the Bridge) and Emeralds (as in Emerald City....Wizard of Oz). All of a sudden, at about 12.30 I looked around our area and there were hardly any people left....they'd all packed up and gone home!!! We had to be out by 1am.
So we all headed out, with Graham suddenly a little drunk!!! Funny. We walked back to Lorraine and Graham's hotel where Graham went straight to bed so Emma and I headed off to catch a bus back to Manly. When we got to the bus station we were told there had been a fire somewhere so buses were running a bit late. We had to wait about an hour but then we jumped on one and sat down. We got to Manly about 3am and started walking back to our castle, the taxi queue was a bit big, when my phone rang and it was Mum and Dad - so I chatted to them while walking with Emma and suddenly we don't know where we are. I asked Emma where we are and she said she was following me and because I was chatting on the phone I assumed she'd take us the right way. I worked out where we should go and we got back onto our road, found Manly beach though!! Got to bed around 4am!! It was a really enjoyable night!
We woke up around 10am when Emma's Dad rang. I got up and dressed and then went to phone home just before 11am as it would be their New Year then, chatted to them for a bit and brought in the new year over the phone which was nice. There were a few people waiting to call home so I cut the call a little short as felt bad, although I shouldn't just because I was organized!! Ha ha...
We jumped on a ferry and wandered a little around the harbour. Then Emma headed off to do her bridge climb and I walked round to Darling Harbour to go to the Sydney Wildlife World, which is quite new. It was quite enjoyable. All Australian wildlife. They had a butterfly section, insects, spiders, reptiles, kangaroos, wallabys, koalas, wombats, possums......was really nice and chilled and not too busy unlike the aquarium that had people queuing out onto the harbour!!
I than wandered the botanic gardens, there was some concert on. Was nice walking around.
I then popped into a shop, had some fruit and chilled.
By then it was 6ish so I decided to head to the bridge climb to see if Emma was finished yet. I found her in the giftshop, she said she had a really good time. We wandered to Lorraine and Grahams hotel and chilled there until heading to Manly where we all had dinner (was raining). The place we ate messed up the bill so worked out nice and cheap.
After dinner Lorraine and Graham caught a ferry back and Emma and I got a taxi to our castle!!
A nice relaxing New Years Day!

I do have a couple of videos which I will try to put up!!
xxxxxxx

Melbourne - Sydney

2007-01-04T14:52:00.000+11:00

Boxing day was not very eventful. We were in Melbourne still, popped to St Kilda Beach, wandered around there, Emma and I packed our stuff up and we had a meal out on Lygone Street. Very nice.
On Wednesday 27th December 2006 Emma and I got up ready to leave. We said goodbye to Rod and Tracey and picked up L&G.
We drove down towards Phillip Island and stopped in San Remo where we had fish and chips and, Dad this will disappoint you, Lorraine and Graham took great pleasure in feeding a load of seagulls - I have photo evidence!! Fish was great, nice bit of Barra. So after that fun we drove over onto Phillip Island.
We explored the Island a bit and stopped in a few little towns including Cowes. We headed to the Koala Conservation Centre. We got in there and walked along the raised walkway area where we saw quite a few koalas, there were 6 or 7 in there so good stuff. A highlight for me though was seeing a wild copperhead snake on the ground below the walkway. We watched it for quite a while, they are venomous(sp??) but have small teeth so if you have shoes or jeans on etc they wouldn't get through. That was cool and it was quite active - exciting!!
We then walked round the woods. Lorraine, Graham and Emma were walking a bit fast to spot koalas so I slowed down and looked around, I saw about 7 round the woods and one baby put on a little show for me by climbing right to the top of the tree whiles its mum watched from below.
I really enjoyed it and met the others back in the gift shop. We all got into the car and drove to Seal Rock.
Emma was tired so she stayed in the car. Graham and I walked round the walkway (although kinda separately as he was originally waiting for Lorraine). Seal Rock is quite far away from the shore but could kinda make out things on it..... The coast was really nice again. I bumped into Graham on my way back and he said that there were some of the little penguins under the boardwalk so we headed back that way and I laid down and got a couple of photos of them standing under there, that was cool. When we got back to the top there were some under the boardwalk there as well. You can't take photos of them while they are doing their parade in the evening as you can't use the flash so it was good to get pictures.
We popped back to Cowes and had a look round the night market there, had dinner and then headed for the Penguin Parade at 7.30pm. We looked round the gift shop and then walked along the boardwalk to the beach and raised seating area looking out to sea. Every evening the penguins come into land to their homes to rest and sleep, some of them walk miles!!
We had quite a while to wait but at 9ish the penguins began to emerge from the water, there were also seagulls just standing on the beach watching!! You would just notice a little group of them just on shore getting ready to make a run for it and then a seagull would just move slightly and they'd all turn and jump back into the sea!! Quite funny. We sat and watched quite a few groups. Once they had began moving they then had to tackle a pile of seaweed then had the rest of the beach and then onto grass and hills!! There was a group of 3 which were funny to watch. Sometimes a group would've made it over the seaweed and almost to the end of the beach when one penguin would panic and run all the way back down, over the seaweed and into the sea!! Not too clever. They were funny to watch because if they were lagging in the group you could see them really struggling to keep up.
After watching them for quite a while we walked back along the boardwalk where we could watch them there going along side or under it. I asked one of the ladies that worked there if we bothered them but she said they'd normally live near a seal colony where they would have the threat of being eaten and the seals are really loud so that's good to know, well maybe not the eaten bit! They are such tiny cute penguins!!
We left at about 10.30pm and drove off the island in search of somewhere to sleep for the night. Everywhere seemed closed, until about midnight and we were all sat in the car outside one and Graham called the number - they had room thank god. Straight in and to bed!!
The next day was mainly a driving day. We left at 9ish and drove through Sale, got breakfast, and Bairnsdale.
We drove to Lakes Entrance where we stopped for lunch. it was quite a nice little town with lots of Black Swans, a few wooden sculptures and a river/lake! Lorraine, Emma and I walked down along the shops, got an ice cream each. Graham drove!!
Emma and I got the Dirty Dancing Soundtrack for the next section of the drive, being fed up of Rod Stewart, Don Williams and David Cassidy with the Partridge Family - god knows why....!! We drove through Orbost and onto Eden where we thought we'd stay but everywhere had no vacancy and when we asked anywhere noone thought we'd have any luck!! Oh dear. We drove on to Merimbula which was much the same. We eventually found a room in a caravan type site. Thank god! Just went for dinner then bed.
The next morning we got up and left by about 8.30am. We stopped in Bega for some breakfast, it was good, I had some scrambled egg with mushrooms on toast....yummy!
We drove on and turned onto the Snowy Mountain Highway towards Canberra. We stopped at a lookout and it was really cold, I could see my breath!! We pretty much just drove all the way to Canberra, arriving there just around lunchtime.
We drove around a little bit, really quiet place, and then went up the hill to the Telstra Tower - good views. Lorraine and Graham went up the top of the tower but Emma and I didn't. It was a nice warm day....
We went off to find somewhere to stay and after looking in a book, calling somewhere and checking out their rooms we were unpacking the car. Stayed at the Forest Inn.
We decided to do a load of washing before heading out for a wander so we got that sorted out. It started to rain so Emma and I ran to the laundry to put the washing on but then didn't have enough change, and it was really raining hard now, so we jumped in the car and drove round to reception for change. We headed back and just as we parked up the hailstones started.....Big bloody hailstones.... Emma and I were stuck in the car!! They were banging so hard on the roof that we had to shout to be heard by eachother!! We sat for quite a while before Emma thought up a plan, she would drive up close to the laundry door and I could jump out and put the washing on.... Seemed ok so we got the car as close as we could and after a moment hesitation I jumped out, slipped, fell over and caught my fingers under the machine.... I was stuck, Emma was shouting from the car to see if I was ok.... Luckily I dislodged my fingers kinda looked back in a "I'm still alive" way and after putting the coins in the machine I decided to rinse my fingers under cold water - always fixes things doesn't it!! I eventually jumped back into the car, which was now a little wet, as was I, since I'd left the door open - ha, and we drove round to our door. Well that was an exciting event.....and do you know the most annoying thing!?! When we went to check the washing later, although I'd put the coins in the slots I didn't push them in!! All that for nothing! Oh well gave me a little story about the massive hailstone storm in Canberra.
Well we couldn't do much while the weather was like this so we just chilled, showered and ate nibbles while we waited for it to pass.
We all got changed ready for dinner and at about 7pm were able to go out. We headed up to the Parliament House, looked around the outside, took photos and did a full circuit before heading to where all the restaurants were - so we'd been told. The place was dead, hardly any cars, streets were empty.....Ghost town. We walked a little way to the street and when we arrived there it was buzzing - this is where all the people were!!! Strange place...
Quite a few of the restaurants on one side of the street were flooded due to the storm so we picked a corner one which seemed ok. We had a nice meal there, except for Grahams hard potato (which they did nothing about), and then headed back to our room. We all went to bed, I watched a little TV before I dozed off as well.
We left Canberra at 7.30am, sorry that we weren't able to see more, and drove off through Goulburn to Sydney - was quite excited about returning to Sydney.
We got into Sydney and to Lorraine and Grahams hotel with no problems, we unpacked everything there and then returned the hire car....
And so we were in Sydney. We spent a little time wandering, had lunch and took Emma down to see the Bridge and Opera House, so much busier than when I was here in July - something to do with the weather maybe!? We wandered around the harbour. We also decided to go onto a Jet Boat, we booked it and got a family ticket(Emma and I under 16!!), so after a short wait we headed down to the jetty thing. We were given out waterproof poncho, stored our things and then jumped into the boat. Emma, Lorraine and I were in the front. This was good fun and by now the sun was out and warm. We headed out the harbour where we did emergency stops and spins, we weren't too wet so that was ok. We headed under the bridge and did another spin, this was when a little kid complained about not being wet enough......that was it. We went back under the bridge where another emergency stop took place and we got drenched!!! Got in my poncho so I had a nice big wet mark on the front of my top....lovely! It was still great fun.
We all jumped out, grabbed our stuff and Lorraine and Graham decided to get the ferry round to Darling Harbour, Emma and I decided to walk round and said we'd meet them there.
We walked through the Rocks and up to Darling harbour, picking up an ice cream on the way. We still bet them there so we waited. Apparently the ferry's were so busy!
Once they arrived we all just got a drink and then chilled drinking it. We discussed that we all felt a little burnt, we were... We got the monorail back to the city.
We got to their hotel, sorted our stuff out and looked at our burn marked, put cream on!! Oh dear! Emma and I left around 5/6ish, walked down to Circular Quay and jumped on a ferry to Manly. It took about 30 minutes and when we arrived we had no idea where our hostel was so after a couple of phone calls we jumped in a taxi bound for the castle on the hill!!
When we arrived it was pretty impressive, normally a management college, its over 100 years old (old for Australia) and looks like something from Harry Potter. We got our room, dumped our stuff and headed for some dinner. Much to Emma's annoyance (sorry Emma) we walked down the hill and grabbed some food down there. Food was good although the service was crap! No tip there... We walked back up the hill and after chatting a little went to bed.
Hope you are enjoying!!!
Dawn
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CHRISTMAS DAY!!

2007-01-04T14:33:00.000+11:00

Well I got up early today (did fall asleep at like 9pm!). I was up at 7.30, as was Emma, and we watched Mickeys Once Upon a Christmas!! Although I missed alot of it as Mum and Dad called so I chatted to them for a while, opened my pressies from them which was a bracelet and a Robbie photo, negative type thing. I liked it!! Thank You!!
Rod and Tracey got up about 9am and Rod was excited so opened a couple of pressies with them. They got us a metal water bottle each and a colouring book with crayons to share!!
Emma went off to pick up Lorraine and Graham. When they arrived we opened all of our gifts!! I got sweets and photo album from Maureen, thank you very much - sweets were a little melted!! A Calender from Fran and David, very nice thank you Fran, a bag from Nana and Grandad, thank you very much. Quite alot of random things from Lorraine and Graham or Santa....not sure. Things like belt, gardian angel badge, mobile phone xmas accessory, sweets, bath things so it was all quite nice. Thank you very much Lorraine and Graham. Now I know Daniel organised something but it hadn't arrived in time, it has arrived there now and I will be going to collect things from them soon. Thanks to everyone who sent something as it was all very unexpected. I also received a christmas card from John and Mandy, thanks guys!
Anyway back to Christmas Day......we eventually got to breakfast, a cooked one which was really good and we got to have poppers and crackers with it - yay!!
It was quite a miserable day with rain and then freaky hailstones, which gave us a bit of a white christmas and it did feel a bit like home as I was cold!! We had the fire on!!
We had a really chilled out day really. I drank pimms and we started to play scattergories, dinner interupted us but I am not complaining about that. The dinner was really good. Turkey with all the trimmings and some extra like pumpkin... It was really tasty so again thanks to Rod for all his hard work in the kitchen with that! Poppers and crackers again!
Mum and Dad phoned again as it was now their christmas morning so chatted for a bit. we then returned to scattergories, quite a funny game and as the night went on and the more drinks we had the stupider the answers got.
It was really fun actually. Kristine phoned me right at the end of the game so we chatted a bit and when I came back they had added all the scores up, I came second.....yippee....!!
We watched the Queens Speech, think that might be the first time I have!! They started to play Jenga.
Lorraine was falling asleep so her and Graham got a taxi around midnight. We chatted for a while and went to bed about 2am.
Thanks so much to Rod and Tracey for welcoming me into their home especially over Christmas, I really enjoyed it.... I bet my Dad will be pleased since Tracey got me watching Cricket!!
Hope everyone had a great Christmas Day!!
Dawn
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Christmas Eve, Neighbours Tour!!!!

2007-01-04T14:11:00.000+11:00

We were up early and ate breakfast quickly.... We then headed down the the Neighbours centre to meet Lorraine and Graham. We were a little late as it seemed to take ages, at least we didn't miss it!!
Well, finally, all of us British people were picked up by our bus (we didn't get the neighbours bus!!). We headed out of the city watching music videos of the neighbours stars, Emma and I singing merrily along!! There was Holly Valance (sp?), Delta Goodrum, Stefan Dennis, Kylie and Jason (of course), the twins and Craig MacLaughlin - funny stuff!!
Our fist stop was Erinsbough High School which is actually an English school. I think Lorraine and Graham felt a bit crazy stopping to take photos of some random school!!! We had to get pictures on the stairs they always use for class, where they have lunch normally and under a wooden thing where Skye and Lana kissed!!! Well Emma wanted us to kiss for the photo under there but I was having none of it!!! Watch her.....
After also having our photos taken with the school sign out the front, exciting stuff, we jumped back on the bus and headed to the street. It is actually called Pin Oak disappointingly but we all know it as Ramsay!!! It is really tiny with only the 5 or 6 houses they use on the show on the entire street!!
We got taken round each house by our guide who talked about each one and said who'd lived there through the entire show, right back to the start - now there are some names I haven't heard in a long time!! It was all quite interesting and also cringe worthy when he'd mention some of the old storylines!!!
After he'd done each house we went off to take photos, now I was rather excited and didn't realise I would be!! It was great! We took photos with and without the Ramsay Street Sign which was like gold dust out there among us Brits!! A few lads were really excited and it was funny watching them, think they planned to try and keep the sign!! ha ha
We were also driven past the studios, but didn't get to go in which rather annoyed me. The guy just pointed out the rooftops of Lassiters etc and showed us where all the interiors where filmed. He told us some funny facts like it was going to be called No through Road or The People That Live Next Door before thankfully someone came up with Neighbours!
We were then driven to St Kilda where we got to meet a star - yes another one and we met Jannelle, not so great for L&G as they've not watched it in years, she was really nice though so it was ok. Some spoilers - Toadie is shot but survives and him and Steph get together, Lynn leaves for her honeymoon alone and doesn't come back, Stingray dies after a bone marrow transplant for Skyes baby........ Exciting stuff!! Izzy is Preggers in London with what she claims is Karls baby!
Anyway after watching a couple of old episodes on the way home, Harold and Madges Wedding and Daphne(sp?) having the baby!!, we were dropped in town again - what a great tour!!! I know I am sad...
Emma and I left L&G shopping for a bit and headed to Rod and Tracey's with our gear and the car!! We wrapped some pressies, popped to the shop and put up some decorations!!
L&G came later for a BBQ, although it wasn't really BBQ weather, and we had Shrimps on the Barbie which were great and also salmon and salad, very yummy - thanks to Rod!!
I went to the room pretty early and fell asleep really early as well, must've been tired!! And so Christmas Eve was over.....you know what that means!!!

Adelaide and The Great Ocean Road

2007-01-04T12:10:00.000+11:00

Well Emma and I caught a flight to Adelaide on 18th December in preperation to meet Lorraine and Graham on 19th December. We arrived at Melbournes Avalon airport, a big porta cabin!!, about an hour before our flight was due to leave so we checked in and waited...
The flight was straight forward and quick. We arrived in Adelaide around 10.30ish, remembering that we had to put our clocks back half hour! We had an interesting first night as we were put in a dorm where there were too many people for the number of beds so poor Emma got woken up in the middle of the night with some guy saying it was his bed!! She got to stay in the bed, after getting up, dressed, packed and going downstairs!! Shame!!
Anyway the next morning we got up and moved hostels, checking into a rather nice YHA so that was good. We went to the market, had breakfast and then chilled in the hostel - when I say chilled I mean fell asleep!! We woke up in the afternoon and it was so hot!
Showered and changed before heading to look at the botanic gardens which were really pretty as are most of the botanic gardens in Australia.
We headed back to the hostel for a bit before going for dinner and then catching the bus to meet Lorraine and Graham from the airport! We met them off their flight at around 9ish. Lorraines case was missing - bit of bad luck as the day before her handbag had already been stolen!! Not a great start to their holiday but once they'd checked into their hotel we headed out for a few, much needed, drinks. We just chatted for a bit and had a nice evening before heading off in our separate directions to bed.
The next day we were also staying in Adelaide so after we'd all met up we headed to the beach at Glenelg, taking the tram there. It was a nice hot day. We walked down to the end of the pier, had some fish and chips and spent way too long in a shop called cheap as chips - playing with things and taking photos!! I put on a fat suit, looked good!!
We then relaxed in Lorraine and Grahams room before heading out for some dinner. We choose a chinese restaurant, my food was great but we were all so tired so once we'd eaten we just all wanted to get to bed and sleep!! Oh dear....
The next morning Emma and I checked out of the hostel and stored out bags. We then showered at L & G's hotel and they all went off to collect the hire car!! They took quite a while to get the car, and come back to collect all the bags and me, so I amused myself for the hour or so it took!
We were then able to start our journey. Our first stop was the Barossa Valley where we had a bit of trouble finding our first winery - Jacobs Creek!! We eventually did find it and parked up. We pretty much got right to the wine tasting!! We tasted quite a few wines and a port. Emma was driving so she was limited. I enjoyed the Sav Blanc (sp??) the best, the port was really fruity and I didn't like the rose or sparkling at all!! It was fun though, I have never done wine tasting before (hardly anyone spits it out you know!!). We were there for quite a while tasting our wines.
Our next stop was the Penfolds winery to taste a few. We only tried a couple and one of them was really nice - really odd name though (maybe Lorraine will remember!?!). We weren't there as long, staff weren't as friendly as at Orlando winery (Jacobs Creek).
We stopped in a little town for a bit of a late lunch, 3pm!! Was quite sweet.
We then headed off towards Hahndorf where we had planned to stay the night. Hahndorf is an old German village. We did begin driving through the Adelaide Hills but our map was very limited and didn't make much sense so we had to head via Adelaide instead!! We got to Hahndorf around 7pm parked the car and went for a wander - most things were closed. Its quite a quaint looking town with a bit of character! For some reason we seemed to ask in the motor inn furtherest from where we'd parked the car but at least we found somewhere!! A little chalet type thing, open plan. Well what happened but it started to piss down with rain!!! We had to wait quite a while for it to die off and we were lucky, we then had to go and get the car!!
We got our stuff unpacked into the chalet and Emma and I had some dinner - buffet style which was ok, quite average! We played some pokies....it was fun because I spent $1 and came away with $10 not bad! Pokies are weird slot machine type things. Off to bed after that....
We all woke up quite early the next morning, Friday 22nd Dec in case you can't keep up!, and said good bye to Hahndorf. We drove until about 11 and then stopped at a roadside cafe/shop/video rental in Tintinarra and had a bacon and egg sandwich - it was good!
We headed towards the coast, passing through Kingston and Millicent before Mount Gambier. We stopped briefly at the Blue Lake in Mount Gambier which was beautiful. During summer months the lake turns an amazing shade of blue, above, and then in winter it returns to grey. Its something to do with particles that the sun reflect off??
We drove on to Port Fairy where we spent the night, stayed at The Dubliners - quite nice. We had a really nice meal at a little restaurant just next door and wine.... Very relaxing.
I don't think Emma liked the wine as I was woken at 3am with her loving the toilet a little too much - poor thing!!
The next morning we headed off to begin The Great Ocean Road!! The first section of the road doesn't follow right next to the ocean and is mainly cliffs etc. We stopped at London bridge, Arch, Blowhole, the twelve apostles (only about 6 left!) and a cave. It has gorgeous cliff coastlines and perfect walking weather so a bit blowy.
We drove through Apollo Bay and after that is when the road gets stunning and is following the coastline with its lovely beaches and perfect blue sea. Very windy but just stunning. We passed through a few small seaside towns.
At one section we passed alot of people just all standing at the side of the road and looking up. I looked where they were looking and saw a koala yawning!! So we pulled over as well and jumped out. There were about5/6 wild koalas in trees along the road and it was amazing! We took photos etc and one of the koalas moved and peed, some of the pee hit a woman and her daughter in their faces - we laughed!! HA HA So after spending some time looking at the koalas we decided to continue.
We stopped in Lorne for some lunch....had a steak sandwich which was quite good. People in the cafe seemed moody and one girl wouldn't smile, we were all very polite. Lorraine decided to ask if she had a problem with smiling - we all ran away and left her!! It was funny.... We had a stroll along the beach before heading inland towards Melbourne.
We drove through Geelong and then into Melbourne, arriving around 6pm and a day early!! Lorraine and Graham booked an extra night in their hotel and Emma and I went back to our hostel.
It was a nice few days although some seemed a little rushed, mainly because noone had really planned what to do. It was beautiful though and I thoroughly enjoyed it!!
Will post pictures soon I promise!!!
Dawn
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HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

2007-01-01T11:35:00.000+11:00

Well now that everyone should of celebrated......well everyone I know!!, I will wish you all a very happy new year! Hope you all have a great 2007!

I was able to bring the New Year in twice, once in Sydney with the amazing firework display and again this morning on the phone home so that was good!! I had a great time, very relaxing. We had a great view of the bridge in our section and plenty of room as there were only 600 of us (about the population of Boat!!), we were also provided with a lovely picnic which we sat and ate. Its the best way to do it I think!! Anyway finally got back to our castle in Manly at 4am!!

I promise that once I get back to Melbourne and have some time etc I will blog about everything I have done and upload a lot of lovely pictures for you to look at, along with a few videos if possible - got a few great ones of the bridge fireworks!!

Take care everyone and enjoy!!

Love

Dawn
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MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

2006-12-25T15:39:00.000+11:00

Well just a quick message to wish everybody a very happy christmas day!!

We have been relaxing in the house so far, as it hasn't quite been the Aussie Christmas any of us were expecting...... We have been cold, had some sun, rain and hail stones!! Oh well it has been different.

I am having a good day with Rod, Tracey, Lorraine, Graham and Emma!! Looking forward to our turkey dinner!!

Thank you to everyone who sent me a present, it is very much apprechisted. V impressed with this years pressie Fran!! Will know when everyones birthday is now!!

Sending my love to everyone - have fun!!

Love
Dawn
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Close Encounters with the Robster - I'm not complaining!!

2006-12-18T17:42:00.000+11:00

Well pretty close anyway!
Emma and I left Rod and Tracey's place yesterday around midday and after checking into the hostel, having a shower and having lunch we headed off to the Telstra Dome to see how long the queue was and join it!!
We arrived there at around 3pm and me being me - I can't walk past the merchandise without getting something!! I bought a programme, a necklace thingy and 2 tops!! Oh dear, now I had to carry them round all night, oh well. We had gold standing tickets so we joined the appropriate queue.
We were probably only waiting about 1 1/2 hours until the doors opened, we all made our way in - showing our tickets (even though we were given wrist bands) 3 times before eventually getting them taken off us!! Emma and I walked down to the approprate area, namely right at the front of the stage and found a spot. We then had to wait again for ages!! A DJ started playing a bit at around 6.30ish and everyone stood up, we would've been trampled if we hadn't also stood and surged forward!! Plus we'd have lost our spot..... We ended up about 10 rows back from the stage which I was happy with!
After the DJ, Sneaky Sound System began to play as the support act - they were ok, kinda funky although we didn't know any of their songs. They were on stage for around an hour. We had to wait about another half hour before Robbie came on stage!!
He started with Radio, god we were close, and everyone was going crazy!! It was great. All in all he played (from what I remember) Sin, Sin, Sin, Make Me Pure, Advertising Space, Me and My Shadow (with Jonathan, get a life, Wilkes), Strong, Come Undone, Feel, Rock DJ, Kids, Rudebox, Angel, Let Me Entertain You and Mellenium......Back For Good and a few snipets of others!!
It was great, but I very much feel that he will no longer be touring. I was getting that feel from very early on in the concert and he kept saying he was going to miss this - good on him though, if it will make him happy! It was a great show by a fantastic showman and I even got into Rudebox!! Very proud of our man Mr Williams!!
Although he got in trouble for smoking on stage, he was still doing it!! He also talked about a girl he'd had in his room after a concert and when he asked what her favourite part of the show was she replied "the flames..." - how sweet! Him and Jonathan Wilkes mucked around on stage as I would imagine Dan and I would, although should never be done in public!!
The concert went on until just after 11pm and even with being squashed, having sore feet and being very tired - I loved it!!
I just hope he enjoyed it as much as we all did!! I have posted a few pictures on my site so check them out!! I will blog more next week after The Great Ocean Road and Christmas.
I hope everyone has a fantastic Christmas and a great New Year!!
Take Care
Dawn
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A week gone by......in Melbourne

2006-12-12T12:02:00.000+11:00

Ok a quick update of what I have been upto as I'm sure its really exciting!!
Right well we returned to the Queen Vic night market, ate some curry and had some wine. The band wasn't as good as the week before, it was a Beatles cover band and they didn't look like them and didn't sing good either. We didn't stay late.
We got back to the hostel and decided to head into the hostel bar. We had a few drinks, chatted to the barman (hairy man!) and when he finished we asked if he wanted to join us. We had vouchers for cheap beer - which was not a good idea. We got pretty drunk but had a laugh so it was ok. I think the night ended around 3am. It was fun.
We also headed back to the free outdoor cinema on Friday (I don't know what it was with this week...) with a bottle of wine! We watched Muriels Wedding and drank our wine, it was nice. We got back to the hostel bottle shop and got another bottle - all in all we went through 3 bottles between us, were a little drunk - went to bed and then remembered we wanted to have french toast so got back up, went to the 7 eleven and got eggs. Made and ate that at around 3 am!! Yummy.....!
The city on Saturday morning was hot and smoky...there are loads of bush fires in Victoria at the moment and the smoke had been blown into the city. We moved into Emma's uncles on Saturday morning time. We chilled out there and then in the evening headed to the outdoor cinema again. This time for Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (sp?), no wine, but we did have fish and chips. I had a really yummy grilled burrimundi with some parsley sauce on it. I have to say thats one thing I prefer about the fish and chip shops over here, you don't have to have it battered. You can choose grilled, crumbed or battered. Anyway, the film was ok and food was good. We got the train back afterwards and off to bed.
I did not sleep well but we had decided to go to St Kilda on Sunday morning for the market and the beach. Another really hot day, got up to 42 degrees!! We got to St Kilda and ate some breakfast and then wandered round the craft market. I had forgotten my hat and so bought a new one, was too hot to be on a beach in direct sunlight without some protection. After checking out the craft stalls which were rather nice we headed down to the beach.
I got changed in to my swimming stuff, yes I cover up, which consists of shorts and a protective t-shirt. We found a spot and Emma sat down, I headed into the sea - oh my god it was cold!!! I eventually managed to get right in, tried to snorkel but that was rather boring as it was just sand and further out was really cold.... I chilled for a bit in the sea and then came out to dry. Emma then went in for a bit. We chilled on the beach for a while then went off and had a sorbet each and a drink. We met back up with Rod, Emma's uncle, and headed back to the house in the boiling hot car!! Watched a film in the afternoon and chilled for the rest of the day.
Now yesterday we didn't do much during the day, popped to the post office, had a drink and cake.... Last night though we had Neighbours night!! Yes it is sad..... Yes it is tacky..... And yes it is full of British people!!! But we had been promised Stuart (Blair), Toadie (Ryan) and Steph (Carla) and I wanted to get a picture with them!!!
There was alot of waiting around, you wait at the start for them to come out and then they do a couple of, stupid, questions each and then you wait for them to make their way round the crowd to you.
When Toadie came out he had someones question in his pocket and moaned cos he gets asked alot of the same stuff, he pulled it out and it was something like "How did you get that blonde cos you're so fat" his response was "Every time I fu#k your mother she gives me a cookie" - I felt it was appropriate. There was cricket talk....which got all the Engliah singing Barmy Army!! Toadie was quite a bit smaller in real life, not fat at all!!
Steph seemed a little drunk but very happy. She had stupid questions too.....one was "Why did the turkey cross the road?" and the other was "You don't really use f#cking soda stream surely?" - apparently she has done an advert for it. She was really beautiful though and petite.
Stuart......well what can I say but perfection!! I would quite happily sleep with this man, marry him and, if he so wished, have his children too!! He was very sexy!! I liked him alot!!! As did Emma, she was going crazy clicking her camera taking pictures of random parts of his body - he did have a nice arse though! He was asked a Do, Date or Dump question with Mrs Mangel, Helen Daniels and Madge Bishop. In their order in answered Dump, Date and Do (apparently just to piss Harold off).
After the random questions we went and stood at the bar and then had to wait for them to come round. Toadie reached us first, he wasn't very chatted, he asked if we wanted our pictures taken and I was like "well thats why we've come...." which he just laughed at! We then said to him that he didn't really need to go to the UK as it comes to him in this bar. He seems to do these evening quite often, which makes you questions his life!! Although apparently he is married with a baby! There is a bit of a season finale happening here where Toadie gets shot.....I asked if he died and he said no - I think he was just saying that!!
We then had Stuart, wow, and he has just returned from the UK so I asked if he had done panto (kinda taking the piss) it turned out he'd done 2.... Dick Whittington and Cinderella (played Buttons)!! Ha ha. I think he is returning to the UK. He was just the right height and was a really friendly guy. We liked him best....
Steph was next, her body guard had a bit of work!!, she was a bit all over the place. Seemed good fun though as she was dancing around and really happy. She seemed happy to chat as well but I didn't really know what to ask her plus she seemed pretty drunk. We got our pictures taken with her though and she was really nice.
I think these nights, although possibly annoying, make them feel really famous!!! Its quite funny. I liked meeting the stars but the rest of the concept was not really me. They were doing a quiz and other competitions while the stars were working their way round. It was quite a good night. We stayed until all the famous ones had left and then we headed off. I am glad I met who I did, I don't think I'll feel the need to go to another night.... We do have the neighbours tour booked for Christmas eve with Lorraine and Graham though which will be ok!
Anyway so there is my week, we have Robbie on Sunday and then we are off to Adelaide to meet Lorraine and Graham and do the Great Ocean road back!! Should be good.
Hope everyone is well.
Congratulations to Louise and Phil who were married on Saturday!!! Well done, you guys looked great - my mum emailed a couple of pictures! xx
Dawn
xxxxx

Melbourne....Still

2006-12-05T10:35:00.000+11:00

So I thought I should do a quick update. We haven't done a great deal here. We have spent many hours in the DVD room watching films, walked around all the parks in Melbourne, along the river and down to the docklands. I particularly enjoyed a walk I did alone to Fitzroy Gardens.
I walked round the gardens, through the conservatory and also around Captain Cooks Cottage which was bought over here from Yorkshire about 70 years ago. It was tiny and wasn't the full cottage that they had lived in as half had been knocked down, while still in Yorkshire, for a road. I paid my $2 entry and wandered round the tiny kitchen and then up the stairs to see the main bedroom - I thought it was really nice a sweet. They had also put in a herb garden.
I then walked on to see the Fairies Tree, which is just a tree for children with lots of carvings in it - I was expecting something slightly more magical. I suppose it was different though. I also checked out their miniature Tudor village, nothing compared to the ones we have at home. It was however a gift to Victoria from a little village in UK because Victoria had helped them out with food shortages after the war. That's nice.
I really like Fitzroy Gardens with its tree lined paths and fountains. The day I was there there were also a load of Asian women dressed in wedding dresses - this confused me. Maybe 10 of them got married at the same time, I think they were just playing dress up!
We also had a walk right along the river, past Southbank and onto the docklands. We stopped at a park and played on some swings and twirly things on the way. Saw the Telstra Dome, where Robbie will be playing. We have booked into the hostel for that night as its walking distance.
We've watched The Princess Bride at the docklands on the free outdoor screen, was bloody cold though but we stuck it out - classic film. We will prob be going again over the next few weeks as there are showings every Friday and Saturday night, we have The Notebook and Gremlins on at some stage - have to see them.
We have been out for dinner a couple of times, which has been ok. We've also checked out a few of the cafe/restaurant bound streets but not eaten there yet - maybe go with Lorraine and Graham when they arrive. Lygone Street is like Little Italy, seems quite nice, with all its pizza/pasta restaurants. Brunswick Road is a bit alternative, bit rock and roll maybe and has quite a few cafes etc. I quite like them as they are older buildings which haven't been painted in a while - different to the city.
We have also been to the Queen Vic Market, once on a Sunday morning and once on a Wednesday night. The Wednesday night was more crafty and we got some dinner there along with a couple of wines but by far the best thing about the night market was the Victoria State Police Rock Band.....they were hilarious. They sang Green Day, Black Eyed Peas and a load of Australian songs we didn't know. It was just so funny seeing some middle aged policeman rapping to the Black Eyed Peas "Don't Lie", just great entertainment. We will be returning to the market and just hope they are there again!!
We went to Rod and Tracey's, Emma's uncle's, for a BBQ on the Sunday just gone - its great BBQ in December!! It was really nice to meet them, since I'll be spending Christmas with them, and we had a relaxing time chatting and eating. We also swapped our DVD's and got a whole new batch while we were there.
On another note we are in a dorm, mainly by ourselves, and get the odd visitor which has been interesting. A week or so we had two Australian girls who were slightly more than friends!! Kept me awake, and feeling not too great, with their shenanigans - then to top it off when they fell asleep they snored! We had another guy from the UK, Russell, who we had a laugh chatting to so he was ok although he was due up at 7am the next morning and seem to wake up 2 hours early!! We have also had Mr Scribble...... Mr Scribble was very smelly. He arrived the night that Russell Russell was there. He got up quite early and went out. He didn't come back until really late that night and knocked saying his key was playing up and reception were aware (this confused us because Emmas key had been playing up and they fixed it right away!). This night was the worst, he stank so badly that we put tea tree oil on our pillows and under our noses!! The next morning after he had gone our we decided to complain, which is what we did, and it turned out that he hadn't paid. Reception said to go down when he came back that night. We were in bed when he started knocking again at 2am - we didn't answer. Anyway he has since come back and taken his bag so we hope that's the last we see or smell of him!!
We now have a 19 year old guy from Germany and he is so young, I am bored of him as he just invades our space and starts talking crap...well thankfully he leaves tomorrow so hopefully we'll have the last few days to ourselves.
We should be moving into Rod and Tracey's in a little while so that will be quite nice. Thanks to them!!
Not too sure what else to say.....we have been quite bored a lot and so wandered around quite a bit. No work as yet so looks like I'll have to wait until the new year. I will be staying in Richmond when I come back to Melbourne for 6 weeks which is just East of the city - I should be able to walk in.
Well I hope everyone is doing well.
Take Care
Dawnie
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Happy 50th Birthday Mum!!!

2006-11-25T19:25:00.000+11:00

Oh my god who would've ever believed that you were so young!!! ha ha ha

I hope you are having fantastic birthday festivities!! I know you enjoyed your meal last week and am now in Amsterdam to book..... You will also by now of had the surprise of having a few people join you for dinner in Amsterdam on Saturday night - hopefully this has been good and Dad didn't push your whole "I don't want to do anything for my birthday" too far!!

I really wish i could be there to wish you a happy birthday in person but hey its just not that convenient for me right now, although I wish I was getting to come to all these events! Might've even got a free trip to Amsterdam! Well at least I am going there next year.

On another slightly exciting note.....only 3 weeks til Robbie and 4 until Christmas!!! Ohhh this is exciting! And of course only 3 and a bit months until you guys will be in Perth - it'll be great.

Anyway I'll let you get back to your exciting time, no doubt I will speak to you on this special day.

Lots of Love and Hugs

Dawn

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Adelaide to Perth Tour Booked - to meet the folks!

2006-11-22T14:04:00.000+11:00

So this is the tour I have booked - the only one I could find actually!! Check it out though because it looks good!

The 9 Day Adelaide to Perth travels through the Southern Flinders Ranges and onto the Eyre Peninsula. The tour then crosses the Nullarbor and into Esperance and the South West of Western Australia.
This tour has a focus on the South West of Western Australia travelling along the coastline of Western Australia through to Porongurup and then inland through tall timber country and into Perth. The journey is approximately 3800 kilometres - Some days are more driving than others but on average each day is about 400 kilometres.

DAY 1
Our adventure begins north from Adelaide. Depending on the weather conditions we include a bush walk in the southern Flinders Ranges.
We stop off along the way to take in typical rural cities and towns. At the end of the first day’s journey we stay either in a bush camping setting or during winter an Aussie farm retreat staying in updated shearer’s quarters.

DAY 2
After a short drive we board the MV Investigator for a 4-5 hr cruise (own cost at $100 Inc GST). It’s a relaxing day viewing and swimming with dolphins and Australian sea lions. We visit the famous Murphy’s Haystacks – the weird and wonderful - 100,000 year old granite inselbergs shaped by the sands of time.
Time permitting we head back to Coodlie Park Farm Retreat to view a spectacular sun set at a secluded beach. Our hosts Hassie, Jo and family then conduct a nocturnal spotlighting tour looking for Australia’s National Emblems – Kangaroos, Wombats and Emus.

DAY 3
Optional Experience – Scenic Flight - 120 Kilometres of magnificent rugged coastline between Coodlie Park and Ceduna [$140.00 per person minimum 3 people] We travel further along the West coast of South Australia, and after a short stop at Ceduna we check out the surf at one of Australia’s best surf beaches “Cactus Beach’.
You can do a coastal walk along some rugged coastline or relax with a book on a remote beach. Later in the afternoon we head for the tiny historical settlement of Fowlers Bay, adjacent to massive sand dunes. We finish off the day with some extreme fun sand boarding.

DAY 4
Leaving Fowlers Bay behind we cross the dingo fence, travel through Yalata Aboriginal lands and drive onto the Nullarbor Plain.
Outside of the whale season you will not be disappointed with the spectacular coastline and viewing platforms that showcase the majestic Nullarbor Cliffs. We stop at the famous wombat/camel/kangaroo road sign and call into old Eucla, a telegraph town buried by sand dunes!

DAY 5
Get ready for some adventurous caving (bring a torch) because today we are going deep beneath the Nullarbor and you can even have a swim in an underground lake. We travel through some real outback country and it will certainly give you a sense of the size of the vast and ancient land.
Please note:- Caving as been stopped for the interim by CALM – Western Australia’s National Parks on account of floods and overall safety. Nullarbor Traveller are looking for another caving alternatives. In the interim the tour includes playing part of the "Nullarbor Golf Links" an 18 hole golf course that starts at Ceduna and ends in Kalgoorlie – playing golf in the middle of nowhere! - Bloody Golf!!!!

DAY 6
We arrive in Esperence (our first bit of civilization for some time) and while we restock supplies you can look around this beautiful seaside port.
We set up camp for the next two nights only metres away from a picture postcard beach in the cape le Grand National Park, and the sandy beaches and crystal clear water.
A late afternoon hike up the granite formation known as “Frenchman Peak’ rewards you with fantastic views of the bays and islands of the Recherche Archipelago.

DAY 7
We have another full day to enjoy this beautiful spot and it’s totally up to you how you want to spend your day.
There are some stunning coastal walks, you may like to swim, boogie board, snorkel, fish or just relax while lying on a pure white sandy beach (you might have to share the beach with a local kangaroo or two).

DAY 8
We leave early and head for the Stirling Range or Fitzgerald River National Park, where we will do one of the many walks on offer.
We like to keep today flexible as there are so many great spots to visit, the guide will decide the best route on the day.
We arrive into our overnight destination at Porongurup before sampling some award winning wines and settling down to a vineyard platter.

DAY 9
The landscape changes dramatically as we head into the heart of the southern Eucalypt forests of W.A. We walk the talk on the tree top walk at the “Valley of the Giants”; a unique structure that takes you up into the canopy of a very ancient and special eucalypts called Red Tingle trees.
In the afternoon we climb one of the giant Karri trees that once used as a fire lookout. Our last bit of the nearly 4000 km journey gives you a chance to reflect on the experiences over the last nine action packed days as we head for Western Australia’s capital Perth.
And so there it is...exciting eh!! I should arrive in Perth on 1st March whic will give me time to have a look at what we can do when the parents arrive. Can't wait to do tour or to meet up with my parents. It is all going so fast because by then I'll only have a few months left!
Well I hope everyone is well and jealous!!
Love
Dawnie
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Arrived in Melbourne safe and sound....

2006-11-17T16:59:00.000+11:00

Well after our final day in Darwin, not doing much except packing and eating, Emma left on Sunday evening to catch her flight to Melbourne and I got up on Monday to prepare for my flight. I got on an airport shuttle around 10ish and after alot of pick ups we finally got to the airport at 11ish. I checked in for my flight and then chilled until boarding time at 12.05pm. I jumped on and had an aisle seat with noone next to me....bonus!!
I was fed some pasta then chocolate while I watched You, Me and Dupree so it was all quite comfortable. After the 3 or so hour flight to Adelaide I had to hang around at the airport until my next flight to Melbourne at 19.20. I had a couple of hours but it went quite quickly. The second flight only took about an hour but we still got dinner. Some chicken thing with mash and veg and I got a free glass of wine. Again another relaxing flight.
When we had landed in Melbourne I offered to help this lady with her stuff, as she had 3 bags and 2 young kids, so I carried a bag to the baggage collection area. She then said she could try to drop me off in town if I helped with her luggage...so I agreed. It turned out that she had 2 trolley fulls of bags etc!! I went with her to get the hire car - which seemed to take ages, and then she dropped me by Flinders Street Station which was really nice of her. It turned out that her husband had died just 6 weeks ago and she had a 5 year old and 2 year old with her and a one year old at home, she was here to see her parents. It is quite sad - I was pleased I had offered to help her.
I then text Emma to say where I was and she was nearby so we met up and jumped on a tram to our hostel on St Kilda Road. It was quite a new hostel but our room was a tip, 10 bed dorm with all girls. It was ok but we figured that we would be better to be in town more so after two nights in this hostel and one day wandering to look at hostels we moved to Melbourne International Hostel on Elizabeth Street which looked ok. Well it is ok but not great, we are both on top bunks and aren't getting much sleep but we are only there for a week so it will do.
We have emailed various places about work, I dropped my CV into the cinema but haven't heard back from anything yet - which is annoying. They seem to be a bit like this in larger cities. So we have had rain most days and hail a couple but it has been ok.
Today the sun finally appeared so we decided to do one of the city walks. We went with number 2 - Secret Gardens. So we headed to Federation Square as this is where all the walks seem to start from. We walked round Queen Victoria Gardens, down past the Kings Domain, checked out the Shrine of Rememberance, walked round the royal botanic gardens, by the ornamental lake, past where the Make Poverty History concert was playing today and back along the Yarra River. We walked on to South Bank and had a hot drink there. It was a nice walk although the map wasn't really good so we didn't always walk the right way!! What a beautiful day, still a bit fresh but lovely in the sun.
We headed back over to Federation Square and then headed into St Pauls Cathedral which is currently having renovations done on some of it so we could only see a bit. I gave a donation, lit a candle for Nana and took some photo's. We didn't stay too long. It is quite a nice catedral though and someone began playing the organs as we were leaving.
We just headed back towards to hostel and took a few photos on the way. It is still sunny out and hopefully the weather will stay much the same while I am here!!
Not sure what the weekend plans are, maybe another walk? Have to contact more agencies about work so that we will get something soon.
Hope everyone is doing well.
Love
Dawn
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P.S. I have to apologise about some of my pictures....I had it on a silly mode and so will probably walk that way again and take some better ones!!