tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73555894214738432302024-03-14T01:17:45.679-07:00McMorris Down UnderUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger80125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355589421473843230.post-1620221376743183242012-12-28T11:30:00.000-08:002012-12-28T11:30:38.278-08:00Heading HomeToday we head home from our extended honeymoon. We're leaving a carefree summer in the land down under and heading back to the wet winter clouds that preside over Vancouver.<br />
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It's not all bad. We can swap the surf boards for snowboards, the flat whites for real coffee, the endless days of vacation for work weeks in the office, the sunscreen for raincoats, the 16 hours of sunshine for 16 hours of darkness. (Ouch.)<br />
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Actually there are some things that I really am looking forward to getting back to. My own bed, really good sushi, being productive, clothing that doesn't smell like its been living in a 20 year old backpack for 11 weeks, real internet, but mostly it's my friends and family I miss. (I know, *groan*, so predictable.)<br />
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And as we pack up in preparation for the 20 hour journey home, I'd like to stop and thank everyone that has been following my blog. Sadly, today is the last post (#80). I hope you've enjoyed reading it as much as I've enjoyed writing it.<br />
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Also, I really need to thank SP. He's been such a good sport with all the blog related activities, but more than that, I've had such a great time traveling with him. What can I say, life's good.<br />
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Cheers,<br />
-E<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UfbtBnlHMTo/UN1P9QwYKwI/AAAAAAAAEkg/NFt3XDK0-3A/s1600/345.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UfbtBnlHMTo/UN1P9QwYKwI/AAAAAAAAEkg/NFt3XDK0-3A/s640/345.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1International Airport Station, Sydney Airport (SYD), Mascot NSW 2020, Australia-33.9338399 151.1646505-60.342664400000004 109.8560565 -7.5250154000000009 -167.52675550000004tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355589421473843230.post-6149965849449137222012-12-27T14:54:00.000-08:002012-12-27T14:54:29.213-08:00Surfing - The Aftermath <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We've been surfing everyday for two weeks now. We've had group lessons and private lessons, but sadly, both of us still suck. </div>
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Though it's been a lot of fun, it's not the sport for me. I think we did well, a few bumps and bruises, a sore shoulder or two, but no major injuries. Which is a bit surprising, surfing is like snowboarding, if you haven't injured yourself at least a little bit learning, then you're not trying hard enough.</div>
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Anyways, here's a few pics from all the action.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WdXniQew69A/UNpmpLTSUDI/AAAAAAAAEfo/k0Ki1G2IyRs/s1600/_MSS2305.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WdXniQew69A/UNpmpLTSUDI/AAAAAAAAEfo/k0Ki1G2IyRs/s320/_MSS2305.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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SP is better at this than me.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0uISZ--k4Gk/UNpmrRoa73I/AAAAAAAAEfw/SpUzWJ34J7g/s1600/_MSS2316.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0uISZ--k4Gk/UNpmrRoa73I/AAAAAAAAEfw/SpUzWJ34J7g/s320/_MSS2316.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is how not to surf.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xEd2RvVnSTk/UNpmtk0zDHI/AAAAAAAAEf4/WWjfnQjE33U/s1600/_MSS2317.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xEd2RvVnSTk/UNpmtk0zDHI/AAAAAAAAEf4/WWjfnQjE33U/s320/_MSS2317.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Hands out, crash imminent.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d8s3AvzDj38/UNpmwiOmibI/AAAAAAAAEgA/O8KUvje8B-Q/s1600/P1080755.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d8s3AvzDj38/UNpmwiOmibI/AAAAAAAAEgA/O8KUvje8B-Q/s320/P1080755.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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That almost looks easy.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_Pxk6EMt1F4/UNpm2UmhKtI/AAAAAAAAEgQ/4HvtnKgFsI0/s1600/P1080745.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_Pxk6EMt1F4/UNpm2UmhKtI/AAAAAAAAEgQ/4HvtnKgFsI0/s320/P1080745.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Hang loose!</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Beach Review #7: Manly Beach</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">Rating 4/5</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">Best use: Surfing, people watching and tanning. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">Cool stuff: Though the beach is always busy, because it's huge with four distinct surfing locations (five if you include the point) there is always a spot to catch a few waves. Other than the crowds, my only real complaint is that the beach gets dirty, especially after its rained.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">-E </span><br />
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</span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Manly Beach, New South Wales, Australia-33.7979478 151.28941370000007-33.8012468 151.28437120000007 -33.794648800000004 151.29445620000007tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355589421473843230.post-58741204212171705592012-12-26T15:32:00.002-08:002012-12-26T15:32:40.395-08:00Attack of the Cockatoos (Part 2)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ismFRjUSsp0/UNpnIzJjLBI/AAAAAAAAEgY/UBCKXw0PXow/s1600/P1080685.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ismFRjUSsp0/UNpnIzJjLBI/AAAAAAAAEgY/UBCKXw0PXow/s400/P1080685.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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How could you say no to a face like this? We've had the cockatoos as dinner guests every night for over a week now. This one's name is Hopeful.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SDOKoMzuVNA/UNpnLw01oeI/AAAAAAAAEgg/5zY3ZN8ye5Y/s1600/P1080698.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SDOKoMzuVNA/UNpnLw01oeI/AAAAAAAAEgg/5zY3ZN8ye5Y/s400/P1080698.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Occasionally a Lorikeet pair will show up too.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n5KPLbTIZZs/UNpnU94xGNI/AAAAAAAAEgo/1I8jkIxQ2G0/s1600/P1080704.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n5KPLbTIZZs/UNpnU94xGNI/AAAAAAAAEgo/1I8jkIxQ2G0/s400/P1080704.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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Though we like to think they visit for our charming personalities, it's actually the organic sunflower seeds. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zYWQ0erhuew/UNpnYsGR8qI/AAAAAAAAEgw/96Ei7trTCXE/s1600/P1080736.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zYWQ0erhuew/UNpnYsGR8qI/AAAAAAAAEgw/96Ei7trTCXE/s400/P1080736.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Hopeful hangs around a lot. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TWvdsYuUr1E/UNpwVacZ5YI/AAAAAAAAEiU/M4u2v97qEvc/s1600/P1080622.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TWvdsYuUr1E/UNpwVacZ5YI/AAAAAAAAEiU/M4u2v97qEvc/s400/P1080622.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This one is Pig Pen. He's dirty, greedy and a brat. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XWBYYmPugJU/UNpwYdncRxI/AAAAAAAAEic/LJbOSD2Kbho/s1600/P1080630.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XWBYYmPugJU/UNpwYdncRxI/AAAAAAAAEic/LJbOSD2Kbho/s400/P1080630.jpg" width="317" /></a></div>
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This is Skinny. A wimp and definitely the bottom of the totem pole. Sometimes he even surrenders tasty treats to the pigeons. What kind of bird would stoop so low? A bird that will always be skinny.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yLOx-UOIuXA/UNpwfDz1_OI/AAAAAAAAEik/G8AVx3iKVMU/s1600/P1080660.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yLOx-UOIuXA/UNpwfDz1_OI/AAAAAAAAEik/G8AVx3iKVMU/s400/P1080660.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Obviously we're not the first to have fed them. At most we had six distinct birds on the deck at once. But it's hard to tell them apart, so I couldn't tell you how many we fed.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lytmmwgbki4/UNpwlUQBqCI/AAAAAAAAEi0/vQMsU0o0vXQ/s1600/P1080658.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lytmmwgbki4/UNpwlUQBqCI/AAAAAAAAEi0/vQMsU0o0vXQ/s400/P1080658.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Sometimes they take off quite quickly, when you scare them. Skinny barley seemed to notice.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o9qocUnaveI/UNpwiuhXX1I/AAAAAAAAEis/yx8wxjxk1qY/s1600/P1080648.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o9qocUnaveI/UNpwiuhXX1I/AAAAAAAAEis/yx8wxjxk1qY/s320/P1080648.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is Fatty. He knows exactly where the seeds are. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z4zeVLEN4BQ/UNpwp6S6NFI/AAAAAAAAEi8/suv2yG6-iJA/s1600/P1080652.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z4zeVLEN4BQ/UNpwp6S6NFI/AAAAAAAAEi8/suv2yG6-iJA/s320/P1080652.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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But he's impossible to resist.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A_hnXalKAPk/UNpnaQouFqI/AAAAAAAAEg4/ss1bSV15_Vc/s1600/P1080740.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A_hnXalKAPk/UNpnaQouFqI/AAAAAAAAEg4/ss1bSV15_Vc/s320/P1080740.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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We're heading home in a few days. Though the sun and the sand have been wonderful, the birds have been especially memorable. </div>
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-E</div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Manly Beach, New South Wales, Australia-33.7979478 151.28941370000007-33.8012468 151.28437120000007 -33.794648800000004 151.29445620000007tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355589421473843230.post-24284734169733522632012-12-25T13:21:00.000-08:002012-12-25T13:21:00.390-08:00Merry Christmas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_zklgjFwgeU/UNoXAx4NjSI/AAAAAAAAEeE/2Zf1xnh2yo8/s1600/P1070159ed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_zklgjFwgeU/UNoXAx4NjSI/AAAAAAAAEeE/2Zf1xnh2yo8/s320/P1070159ed.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 17px; line-height: 25px;">Santa still wears a sweltering red faux fur down under but we're going to be out catching a few waves today. Missing everyone back home, see you soon! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 17px; line-height: 25px;">Merry Christmas Everyone!</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w3bkyjxygw0/UNoW7FQ3VyI/AAAAAAAAEd8/rLekb9shTao/s1600/P1040226ed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w3bkyjxygw0/UNoW7FQ3VyI/AAAAAAAAEd8/rLekb9shTao/s320/P1040226ed.jpg" width="231" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g69Ye9257YU/UNoXETV431I/AAAAAAAAEeM/x1l54s_5pzg/s1600/P1070427.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g69Ye9257YU/UNoXETV431I/AAAAAAAAEeM/x1l54s_5pzg/s320/P1070427.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Manly Beach, New South Wales, Australia-33.7979478 151.28941370000007-33.8012468 151.28437120000007 -33.794648800000004 151.29445620000007tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355589421473843230.post-82187812880457868192012-12-24T13:56:00.001-08:002012-12-24T13:56:28.081-08:00'Twas the Night Before Christmas (surfing edition)Here is a surfing rendition for Sydney's northern beaches of the classic poem "Twas the Night Before Christmas".<br />
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I hope you enjoy and have a wonderful Christmas eve!<br />
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'Twas the night before Christmas, and down on the break,<br />
Not a surfer was surfing, it was flat as a lake;<br />
The boards were hung from the patio with care,<br />
In hopes that better surge would soon would be there.<br />
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The newbies were drunk, heading off to their beds,<br />
While visions of breaking waves crashed in their heads,<br />
With my girl in her bikini, and I in my shorts,<br />
We had just finished work and were ready for sports.<br />
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When out on the beach, there arose such a clatter,<br />
I sprang from my couch to see what was the matter,<br />
Away to the window, I flew like a flash,<br />
Tore off the windscreen with a big crash.<br />
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The sun was setting, on the cresting green waves,<br />
Gave the fresh rolling barrels the look of caves,<br />
When what to my wondering eyes did appear,<br />
But a dude on a surfboard with red and white gear.<br />
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A vintage balsa board, so lively and quick,<br />
I knew in a moment he must be St. Nick.<br />
Dolphins joined him, as a pod they came,<br />
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name:<br />
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"Now, Shelly! now, Collaroy! now Bower and Winky!<br />
On, Newport! On Narrabeen! On Freshie! and Manly!<br />
To the top of the crest! to the top of the wall!<br />
Now surf away! Surf away! Surf away all!"<br />
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And snapping the waves with cutbacks that fly,<br />
When they met with beach, they took to the sky;<br />
So up to the rooftops the dolphins they flew,<br />
With the board towing toys, and St. Nicholas too—<br />
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And then, with a splash, I heard on the deck,<br />
The old man himself, keeping the pod in check.<br />
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,<br />
Into the kitchen St. Nicholas came with a bound.<br />
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He was dressed in a wetsuit, from his head to his foot,<br />
And slipping and sliding he struggled to stay put;<br />
A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,<br />
And sand went everywhere as he tossed down his sack.<br />
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His eyes—how they twinkled! his sunnies, how merry!<br />
His cheeks slashed with zinc, his nose like a cherry!<br />
He had a tanned face and a round keg of a belly,<br />
That shook when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly.<br />
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It was clear to me, that he was no elf,<br />
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself;<br />
A wink of his eye and a toss of his head,<br />
I thought he was fictitious, but I was mislead.<br />
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He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,<br />
And pulled out the prezzies, then turned with a jerk,<br />
New rashies and soft boards for all of the groms;<br />
And for all of the surfers, cold beer and fresh thongs,<br />
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And laying his finger aside of his nose,<br />
And giving a nod, off the patio he rose;<br />
He sprang to his board, to his team gave a whistle,<br />
And away they all surfed, like riding a missile.<br />
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They carved left and right, making no mistake;<br />
Ripping up the clouds and leaving a wake.<br />
But I heard him exclaim, as he dived out of sight—<br />
“Merry Christmas mates, and to all a g'night!”<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Manly Beach, New South Wales, Australia-33.7979478 151.28941370000007-33.8012468 151.28437120000007 -33.794648800000004 151.29445620000007tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355589421473843230.post-13849409379542754872012-12-23T15:37:00.001-08:002012-12-23T15:37:12.701-08:00Jenolan Caves<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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Our second stop in the blue mountains was the Jenolan Caves. Ten caves are currently accessible to the public and we choose to go on "The Temple of Baal" tour. </div>
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Though the features in this cave are actually named after a biblical story, we decided to rename them. Instead of "The Temple of Baal", we're calling it "The Temple of Baal's Dragon".</div>
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Baal is a demon and generally a cruel an horrible incarnation. His pet dragon, however, though ravenously hungry, is also kinda cute.</div>
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Baal's dragon has a pretty typical MO. He likes eating people (especially tourists), and sometimes brings a snack home to his cave. Like most dragons, he slobbers hideously, especially after eating. </div>
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The Dragon Slobber</div>
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One morning the dragon brought home a beautiful woman. (He'd already eaten her fat tasty friends and only a few skinny German tourists were left.) The woman attempting to befriend the dragon, scratched him under his chin which the dragon liked so much his tail thumped. After a while he fell asleep, content. Sadly while the woman was trying to escape the dragon drooled all over her and she suffocated.</div>
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The one-time hot girlfriend.</div>
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Another time he captured a drunk Aussie that had fallen asleep. Though Baal's Dragon thought the Aussie's snoring was comforting, he ate him anyways, and all that's left is his beer bottle.</div>
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Bottle covered in slobber.</div>
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Occasionally Baal's Dragon would accidentally let loose some fiery breath in his cave. Where it was hottest, the fire would change the drool from it's normal orangy froth to a brilliant white blue. </div>
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Outside the caves there are also a few treks you can take to visit other features. This is the Great Nettle Hall, a meeting place for all the dragons. Though a few dragons break the rules, generally there isn't any eating allowed in the hall. </div>
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The drool-less great nettle hall.</div>
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You can also view the Arch of Challenge. Dragons hone their skills flying though the arch and scoring points tossing tourists through it. (They always eat their snacks afterwards though. It would be wasteful otherwise.)</div>
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Arch of Challenge.</div>
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So spectacular are the caves, that despite the dragons, people still come to visit. There is even a road built right through part of the caves. Tourists call this the Grand Arch, but the dragons call it the Tourist Trap. (Adjacent is the building that hosts the store, cafe and ticket office). </div>
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If we had more time I would have visited some of the other caves. Pictures don't do them justice. </div>
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-E</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Jenolan Caves, Jenolan NSW 2790, Australia-33.822846000000013 150.023955-60.268516500000011 108.715361 -7.3771755000000141 -168.66745100000003tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355589421473843230.post-40306838699516614622012-12-22T16:50:00.000-08:002012-12-22T16:50:57.409-08:00Blue MountainsRoad trip! We rented a car for a drive into the blue mountains today, as if we hadn't had enough of driving on the wrong side of the road yet.<br />
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The mountain range is about 200 kms west of Sydney. Technically it's a plateau, not a mountain range at all. They're not terribly impressive by BC standards, but interesting in their own right.<br />
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Made of limestone and sandstone, the rolling hills reach just over 1200m high. A popular tourist stop is Echo Point in Katoomba, a lookout over the three sisters and into the valley below. Apparently the name comes from the blue hue in the air caused by oils from the eucalyptus trees.<br />
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We also went on hike, looking for wombats and platypus. Though we didn't see any platypus, we did see a bunch of wombats. Unfortunately they were all roadkill.<br />
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Below are a few pics from the lookout and from the walk.<br />
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DragonSlayer had his work cut out for him. </div>
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The lizards were everywhere.</div>
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The death stare of a tortoise.</div>
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Cunningham's Skink. </div>
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DragonSlayer and the Skink face off.</div>
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Panorama of the three sisters.</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Katoomba NSW 2780, Australia-33.7149546 150.3114074-33.8206316 150.1500459 -33.6092776 150.4727689tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355589421473843230.post-67518493590890852122012-12-21T13:03:00.001-08:002012-12-21T13:03:18.763-08:00Attack of the CockatoosIt's almost like that Alfred Hitchcock movie "The Birds" except instead of being stuck in a phone booth, it's our apartment. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I fly my mohawk only when fed.</div>
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Everyday around dinner time about a half dozen cockatoos turn up on our balcony looking for dinner. </div>
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Yummy, crust.</div>
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They are quite insistent, if unfed they will either defile any objects on your deck, or worse, enter the apartment and then help themselves to anything accessible. </div>
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Hand over the German seed loaf, or the laundry gets it.</div>
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I can't help myself however. I've been researching what you feed urbanized cockatoos, so far the best successes is the high end sprouted loaf we bought from the fabulous German bakery downstairs (<a href="http://www.google.com.au/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=bezel%20bar%20manly&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&ved=0CDQQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpages%2FBrezel-Bar-Manly%2F130330253772903&ei=p8vUUPz4A4q0iQfEpYH4Dg&usg=AFQjCNF0U-HKAAALuGAVZinT64C5DH7KVA&bvm=bv.1355534169,d.aGc" target="_blank">Brezel Bar</a> - not that I suggest feeding their scrumptious treats to the birds!) Even then, some of the birds are persnickety eaters and will pick the sesame seeds out and discard the rest. </div>
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<object width="320" height="266" class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://i.ytimg.com/vi/y_NDiVxdFJI/0.jpg"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/y_NDiVxdFJI?version=3&f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/y_NDiVxdFJI?version=3&f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
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Feeding our feathered friends.</div>
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We're still looking for organic sunflower seeds, apparently that's a favorite. Peanuts are also a favorite, but apparently they can be toxic (like dogs and chocolate) so we'll need to appease demands without the pb.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com022 Central Avenue, Manly NSW 2095, Australia-33.796396 151.28637500000002-59.318430500000005 109.97778100000002 -8.2743615000000013 -167.405031tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355589421473843230.post-89458598353291535622012-12-20T15:57:00.001-08:002012-12-20T15:57:06.535-08:00There Be Dragons!The Sydney harbour is flanked by two headlands, both of which contain large parks. Today's jaunt included a walk through Shelly Point and the Sydney Harbor Reserve through to North Head.<br />
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Shelly Point. Manly Beach is far left.</div>
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Pano stitch software, my new friend.</div>
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The point is also home to a colony of <a href="http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_water_dragon">water dragons</a>, we were lucky to meet this one, actually, he wasn't shy at all and probably a dozen German tourists got to snap his pic too.<br />
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Eidechse! Eidechse!</div>
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We also met these two as well. I think they are spotted tree monitors, but I really don't know.<br />
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I'm the size of a crocodile! </div>
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Actually, I'm only 20cm, but don't I look big? (And fat?)</div>
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The lizards are protected. Which is a good thing, because just up the hill from the point is a walking track that visits some of the old battlements from WW2. Someone might get carried away and think they're a Dragonslayer.<br />
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Bang, Bang!</div>
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SP wants this painted on our truck. (C/O Jeff Easley)</div>
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Six months in prison, Dragon Slayer</div>
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Over the top of the hill was our last stop, the North Head (aka DragonStone). It was a bit of a cloudy day, but you can see the entire entrance to the Sydney Harbour, the South Head and the city in the distance.
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More fun with the pano stitcher software.</div>
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Tomorrow we get attacked by cockatoos. And no, the world didn't end on Dec 20th.<br />
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-EUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0North Head, Manly NSW 2095, Australia-33.8122753 151.2942544-33.8637243 151.2135734 -33.760826300000005 151.3749354tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355589421473843230.post-3701831010002382112012-12-19T13:09:00.000-08:002012-12-19T13:09:27.285-08:00Manly Real Estate<span style="font-family: inherit;">We decided that we liked Manly so much that we would stay here over Christmas, so as we settle into our new "home" for the next 10 days, I thought it would be fun to take a look at the real estate.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">The housing market in Sydney and Perth, like Vancouver,</span> has often made me laugh. "Really, you want how much for that?" Unlike Vancouver however, both cities appear to have legitimate reasons for being so expensive.<br />
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Though Manly is a surfer town, its proximity to Sydney (15 mins by fast ferry), the lovely harbours and Corso, plus the heritage homes and brand new builds, keep the property values high<span style="font-family: inherit;">. There are also a lot of apartments here, but SFHs are more entertaining to look at.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The most recent <a href="http://www.rs.realestate.com.au/cgi-bin/rsearch?a=sp&s=nsw&u=manly">median house price for Manly</a> is $1.8 mil AUD. Property prices took a hit in 2004 and again in 2009, overall it looks as though things have been pretty peachy, with median prices at ~1.5 mil over the last decade. (Peachy if you've managed to cash in that is.)</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
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For anyone even remotely familiar with the Sydney RE market, it won't come as a surprise that Manly doesn't even make it into the top <a href="http://www.google.com.au/search?rlz=1Y3NDUG_enCA496CA496&client=tablet-android-asus-nexus&sourceid=chrome-mobile&ie=UTF-8&q=most+expensive+suburbs+sydney">25 most expensive neighborhoods</a> in Australia. The real estate here is truly dizzying.<br />
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Anyways, here's a little tour of the homes you can buy in Manly.<br />
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<a href="http://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-manly-109581861">The "Starter" Home</a><br />
$1.2 mil - Newish 2 BDRM, 1 bath, no view, tiny lot. Yawn. This is the cheapest SFH I could find in Manly, no joke.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1dgI8kFi1Kk/UNEl5QGxtBI/AAAAAAAAEIY/QVDcpdvJFNQ/s1600/Screenshot_2012-12-19-13-06-49.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1dgI8kFi1Kk/UNEl5QGxtBI/AAAAAAAAEIY/QVDcpdvJFNQ/s320/Screenshot_2012-12-19-13-06-49.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://m.domain.com.au/listing?id=2010114824">The Tear Down</a><br />
Single level home, bylaws allow two floors. Time to tear down and rebuild. Only $2.05 mil.<br />
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<a href="http://m.domain.com.au/_img?url=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.domain.com.au%2Fimg%2F2012117%2F1343%2F2010114824_3_FS.JPG%3Fmod%3D121217-180844&mw=240" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://m.domain.com.au/_img?url=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.domain.com.au%2Fimg%2F2012117%2F1343%2F2010114824_3_FS.JPG%3Fmod%3D121217-180844&mw=240" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://m.domain.com.au/listing?id=2009517921">Full featured, if a bit small</a><br />
Newish build, peakaboo views, a pool and an elevator. What more could you want for $4.23 mil.<br />
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<a href="http://m.domain.com.au/_img?url=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.domain.com.au%2Fimg%2F2012217%2F14403%2F2009517921_1_FS.JPG%3Fmod%3D120413-105756&mw=240" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://m.domain.com.au/_img?url=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.domain.com.au%2Fimg%2F2012217%2F14403%2F2009517921_1_FS.JPG%3Fmod%3D120413-105756&mw=240" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://m.domain.com.au/listing?id=2009567069">If you have to ask...</a><br />
...you can't afford it. 1930's heritage home, priced by negotiation.<br />
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<a href="http://m.domain.com.au/_img?url=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.domain.com.au%2Fimg%2F201289%2F16892%2F147d45e6-95f4-4049-8d70-751b808fe026_FS.JPG%3Fmod%3D120809-092747&mw=240" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://m.domain.com.au/_img?url=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.domain.com.au%2Fimg%2F201289%2F16892%2F147d45e6-95f4-4049-8d70-751b808fe026_FS.JPG%3Fmod%3D120809-092747&mw=240" width="235" /></a></div>
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While we're all having a good laugh at these prices, I thought I'd publish one more pic of the view from our temporary apartment. I guess I can see why people would want to live here.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Um7d-zDx820/UNExQQaq-vI/AAAAAAAAEJs/AQdqdQ4yjds/s1600/P1070351.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Um7d-zDx820/UNExQQaq-vI/AAAAAAAAEJs/AQdqdQ4yjds/s320/P1070351.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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-E<br />
<span style="background-color: #e3e3e3;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Manly NSW 2095, Australia-33.7985209 151.28612010000006-33.8512989 151.20543910000006 -33.745742899999996 151.36680110000006tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355589421473843230.post-68668173779533592012012-12-18T13:20:00.000-08:002012-12-18T13:20:41.843-08:00Comedians<br />
There is something painful about watching another human being get up on a stage and embarrass themselves whole heartedly. Especially when nobody laughs. The audience cringing, the look of desperation on the comic's face.<br />
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Tuesday is the "new acts" night at <a href="http://www.thelaughgarage.com/">The Laugh Garage</a> in Sydney. I'm not sure what compelled us to come watch the onslaught of comedians destined for martyrdom. But there we were, drinking beer, watching 6 aspiring artists crash and burn on new material.<br />
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<a href="http://www.thelaughgarage.com/WebIdSydwte%20copy.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.thelaughgarage.com/WebIdSydwte%20copy.gif" /></a><a href="http://www.thelaughgarage.com/NewWaveweb.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.thelaughgarage.com/NewWaveweb.JPG" /></a></div>
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<i>Picking up girls from the bar is like buying avocados, you never know how damaged they until you get home. </i><br />
<i> (c/o one of last nights comics ... But I think I've heard that joke before.)</i><br />
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And if you want a real laugh, you should see the menu prices. On Thursdays they have a deal to fill the seats. $20 for a pizza.<br />
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<a href="http://www.thelaughgarage.com/PizzanightMayweb.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.thelaughgarage.com/PizzanightMayweb.JPG" /></a></div>
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Since when is a $20 pizza a deal? What is this a joke? Sadly tonight isn't Thursday, I'm not even going to tell you what we paid for our pizza. OK, it was $25. Ouch. Sydney is an expensive city, and I didn't even adjust for the exchange rate.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bOlZk2G8GmQ/UNDWwF20LvI/AAAAAAAAEHE/sVQd4kaBngQ/s1600/P1070687ed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bOlZk2G8GmQ/UNDWwF20LvI/AAAAAAAAEHE/sVQd4kaBngQ/s320/P1070687ed.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Coronas while on Vacation in Australia.</div>
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Tomorrow's post will also be a little comical, at least, if you think outrageous real estate prices are funny.<br />
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Hopefully I should have some pics of SP and I surfing in a few days, that should also be worth a good laugh.<br />
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-E<br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0The Laugh Garage Comedy Club, b1/60 Park Street, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia-33.87306 151.209695-60.318703 109.90110100000001 -7.4274170000000019 -167.48171100000002tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355589421473843230.post-47505667057687452902012-12-17T14:50:00.002-08:002012-12-17T14:50:45.415-08:00The Bold and the BeautifulToday I joined "<a href="http://www.boldandbeautifulmanly.com.au/about-bold--beautiful.html">The Bold and The Beautiful</a>" in a daily ritual that has been undertaken for many years by the folks here in Manly. I'm not talking about the television soap opera, I'm talking about the swim club.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t1gJaHuv-bI/UMo_lIvDE_I/AAAAAAAAD7g/Pvgq3I3ssOM/s1600/P1070454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t1gJaHuv-bI/UMo_lIvDE_I/AAAAAAAAD7g/Pvgq3I3ssOM/s320/P1070454.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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It's early, but the surfers are already out.</div>
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I'm not sure if "The Bold and the Beautiful" is an appropriate name however. Maybe they should rename themselves to "The Crazy and the Mega Fit". </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kPI5nRmx88w/UMo_oX5MnRI/AAAAAAAAD7o/K0WQgg6Pvcs/s1600/P1070458.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kPI5nRmx88w/UMo_oX5MnRI/AAAAAAAAD7o/K0WQgg6Pvcs/s320/P1070458.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Swimmers gathering.</div>
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For starters, everyone musters at just after the crack of dawn (6:45 am). You sign in and receive a safety briefing (hint: there is no safety, you're on your own), and then, when everyone is ready to go, you head into the surf in the only spot on the beach where the surfers are not.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gkEbay0KBMY/UMpAUTHwdgI/AAAAAAAAD74/fh32wlg5KC4/s1600/P1070462.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gkEbay0KBMY/UMpAUTHwdgI/AAAAAAAAD74/fh32wlg5KC4/s320/P1070462.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Distinctive pink caps.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7jKKRU2TjZo/UMo_rckKlzI/AAAAAAAAD7w/X6VgbSkVSis/s1600/P1070464.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7jKKRU2TjZo/UMo_rckKlzI/AAAAAAAAD7w/X6VgbSkVSis/s320/P1070464.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The surf.</div>
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You might wonder why the surfers ignore this spot. The surf is a little lighter, but mostly it's because of the hidden rocks.<br />
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Once past the breaking waves, you're now in 3 feet of surge. The group musters again, in open water, and then you all swim to the beach next door (Shelly beach). Other than the surge, there is also a current. On the way out the current is mostly with you, but on the way back, it's not. Overall, it's not a swim for beginners.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-btATx0gWMJA/UM-bKPNjijI/AAAAAAAAEEc/asNHnj2bSD8/s1600/P1070629.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-btATx0gWMJA/UM-bKPNjijI/AAAAAAAAEEc/asNHnj2bSD8/s320/P1070629.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I'm having a good time, really.</div>
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As an added bonus, much of the swim is through a marine sanctuary, popular with divers and snorkelers. I saw a lot of fish this morning plus a darter and the cutest little penguin. I also had contact with a bluebottle jellyfish.<br />
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<a href="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2100/2066230419_6d2ea07542.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2100/2066230419_6d2ea07542.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Bluebottles (<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55089440@N00/2066230419/">source</a>)</div>
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In this area of Australia, there are no deadly stingers like the box jellyfish. Bluebottles, while annoying, sting about as hard as a bee. I stuck my hand right in one while swimming today. It was a little shocking, but after smearing what remained of it down the side of my wetsuit (what else are you going to do?) I continued the swim and about an hour later I was fine.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kx27MoB0I5c/UM-cOrW8TpI/AAAAAAAAEEk/Bxuosf-E_8c/s1600/P1070633.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kx27MoB0I5c/UM-cOrW8TpI/AAAAAAAAEEk/Bxuosf-E_8c/s320/P1070633.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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A small piece of bluebottle tentacle, </div>
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still stuck to my hand after the swim.</div>
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Between the waves, the current, and the bluebottles, amazingly over 100 members of The Bold and The Beautiful battle the 1.5 km course every single day.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y20qCGkvX7k/UMhT8iFnqaI/AAAAAAAAD1E/nPlXiBwa9k0/s1600/P1070413.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y20qCGkvX7k/UMhT8iFnqaI/AAAAAAAAD1E/nPlXiBwa9k0/s320/P1070413.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Warning. </div>
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And there is a good chance I'll do it again, maybe even tomorrow.<br />
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-EUnknownnoreply@blogger.com07 Marine Parade, Manly NSW 2095, Australia-33.8009285 151.2933028-33.802578 151.2908353 -33.799279 151.2957703tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355589421473843230.post-21121657536175586242012-12-16T14:54:00.000-08:002012-12-16T14:54:37.622-08:00The Opera House<span style="text-align: left;">I must be spoiled for architecture. For some reason I just didn't like the Sydney Opera House. For all intents and purposes, the Opera House is an architectural masterpiece, everyone loves it, it's a UNESCO world heritage building, and some photographers make it look like this:</span><br />
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<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7138/8168520036_c28cf8496d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7138/8168520036_c28cf8496d.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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C/o this <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lutherankorean/8168520036/in/pool-sydneyoperahouse/">photographer</a></div>
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The building is now 30 years old. It was actually designed almost 60 years ago, it just took a long time to become reality. It's currently under construction again, which is probably contributing to why it feels a little worn.
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wT85kOnEm2s/UM5Ld2Y9pyI/AAAAAAAAEDI/4LWoTgVO-DU/s1600/P1070257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wT85kOnEm2s/UM5Ld2Y9pyI/AAAAAAAAEDI/4LWoTgVO-DU/s320/P1070257.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Photo taken from the ferry.</div>
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Primarily I think it's the cast cement construction that has turned me off. You can't tell from a distance, but it's made almost entirely from cement. It looks bit like one of Arthur Erickson's buildings. Rhythmic, symmetric, heavy and grey. I realize it was revolutionary at the time. Perhaps all those years I spent on SFU have taken their toll.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Etgf1rlRO8Y/UM5INzEWocI/AAAAAAAAEB0/12LdWc9zCgA/s1600/P1070526.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Etgf1rlRO8Y/UM5INzEWocI/AAAAAAAAEB0/12LdWc9zCgA/s320/P1070526.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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T<span style="text-align: center;">he clam shell roof, seen from underneath.</span></div>
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The sails (or clam shells) that are it's marquee feature are not white and airy, they are beige and look a little dirty. I think it was intended to look like some futuristic boat. Perhaps if you stretch your imagination it does look a little like a ferry.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5Cg8fiskrWI/UMhUiojv_4I/AAAAAAAAD1s/_TQR9BdvfsA/s1600/P1070312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5Cg8fiskrWI/UMhUiojv_4I/AAAAAAAAD1s/_TQR9BdvfsA/s320/P1070312.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Boat like?</div>
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As 2013 is its 30th anniversary, I expect it will be in top notch condition for whatever celebratory events come up. It certainly is a distinctive, iconic building, even if it is a little drab.<br />
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-EUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0Sydney Opera House, 2a Macquarie St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia-33.859228 151.2135075-33.872414 151.19376649999998 -33.846042000000004 151.2332485tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355589421473843230.post-36186226834685962252012-12-15T15:05:00.000-08:002012-12-15T15:13:39.703-08:00Doctor Who Symphonic Spectacular<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A three week trip to Sydney wouldn't be complete without a trip to the opera house, and it didn't take very long for us to decide what to see. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RjlkcOj_Tzs/UMhUZP8l8wI/AAAAAAAAD1c/Pa10bn95tjM/s1600/P1070350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RjlkcOj_Tzs/UMhUZP8l8wI/AAAAAAAAD1c/Pa10bn95tjM/s320/P1070350.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Eighty classical musicians and sixty singers performing the iconic score to the world's longest running sci-fi TV show. It was a slam dunk. Bonus features include live monsters and Alex Kingston (River Song) as MC. There were also two opera singers who's voices are really out of this world.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l4m9rs-cG3c/UMz5iF8HirI/AAAAAAAAD_8/2TX3EUK10gI/s1600/P1070523.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l4m9rs-cG3c/UMz5iF8HirI/AAAAAAAAD_8/2TX3EUK10gI/s320/P1070523.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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All dressed up for the Symphony.</div>
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So was it any good? Yes, it was amazing. The BBC pours a ton of money into the production of Doctor Who. From full featured CG to creative quirky story lines, every episode is a mini movie. The music for the show is also produced by the BBC NOW orchestra and a full chorus, so it's not surprising that orchestras perform it live for the fans.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--OL_T84KoOM/UMz6iVZRjqI/AAAAAAAAEAU/OYBGaqcslPs/s1600/P1070539.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--OL_T84KoOM/UMz6iVZRjqI/AAAAAAAAEAU/OYBGaqcslPs/s320/P1070539.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Hello Sweety!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-79_5tXUsSAs/UMz6jkxl_oI/AAAAAAAAEAY/lNZwOXuDQ80/s1600/P1070569.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-79_5tXUsSAs/UMz6jkxl_oI/AAAAAAAAEAY/lNZwOXuDQ80/s320/P1070569.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Spot the monsters.</div>
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The fans also did not disappoint. Though many people dressed up for a night at the symphony, a few took the theme to heart.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bocyfHd8Jo4/UMz6E0uyJsI/AAAAAAAAEAE/Tf9lkeaRV4U/s1600/P1070519.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bocyfHd8Jo4/UMz6E0uyJsI/AAAAAAAAEAE/Tf9lkeaRV4U/s320/P1070519.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Dalek groupies.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fTLNLJGqGSM/UMz6HnWYT0I/AAAAAAAAEAM/IkCGPfX4lM4/s1600/P1070532.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fTLNLJGqGSM/UMz6HnWYT0I/AAAAAAAAEAM/IkCGPfX4lM4/s320/P1070532.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Amy and the Doctor.</div>
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Two days of parties have taken their toll, tomorrow is all about groceries, laundry and maybe some time at the beach.</div>
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-E</div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Sydney Opera House, 2a Macquarie St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia-33.859228 151.2135075-33.872414 151.19376649999998 -33.846042000000004 151.2332485tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355589421473843230.post-80460345000149000192012-12-14T14:36:00.003-08:002012-12-14T14:46:10.027-08:00Gotye and Bertie BlackmanBeing back in the big city means being able to do big city things. Today we went for a night on the town and saw Gotye, live in concert.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kw7jpNgb1Ok/UMuoEIClMkI/AAAAAAAAD9U/CseliZd25Fw/s1600/P1070478.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kw7jpNgb1Ok/UMuoEIClMkI/AAAAAAAAD9U/CseliZd25Fw/s320/P1070478.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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For those who have know idea who I'm talking about, here is a YouTube video of his most popular song.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/8UVNT4wvIGY?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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A long time star in Australia, he's recently become popular in Canada too. (It probably helps that a Canadian band did a really exceptionally clever cover of the song - played on one guitar).<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/d9NF2edxy-M?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Canadian band, Walk Off The Earth</div>
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Gotye (and Bertie Blackman) put on an incredible show. His music is all over the map. On his website he calls it "experimental pop". I was wondering how he was going to bring it all together on stage. At one point he had 14 musicians plus all their gear including 2 electric organs.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/xWIKQMBBTtk?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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The organ song.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GMEEaPbAAdg/UMunufHUPbI/AAAAAAAAD9M/mbYf5TdM1Q8/s1600/P1070505sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GMEEaPbAAdg/UMunufHUPbI/AAAAAAAAD9M/mbYf5TdM1Q8/s320/P1070505sm.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The organ song live.</div>
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Bertie Blackman, who opened for him, was also awesome. Soulful and kinda dark, but a beautiful voice and interesting style. She also can back later in the show, dressed as a cat, to cover Kimbra's vocals. Why a cat? I have know idea.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fQbmRhp3ch0/UMur1zgSB9I/AAAAAAAAD-o/Z8dWc8PK3sw/s1600/P1070507.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fQbmRhp3ch0/UMur1zgSB9I/AAAAAAAAD-o/Z8dWc8PK3sw/s320/P1070507.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Bertie Blackman with Gotye </div>
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(Singing somebody that I used to know)</div>
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Bertie Blackman, Byrds of Prey</div>
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Both of us are a little thrashed this morning. I'm not sure if it's the copious amount of surfing (we've been out 3 times now) or the concert, but we're looking a little rough today.<br />
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-E<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com010 Angel Pl, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia-33.8674869 151.2069902-34.289521400000005 150.57527620000002 -33.4454524 151.8387042tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355589421473843230.post-49665038918604912902012-12-13T11:48:00.002-08:002012-12-13T11:49:57.993-08:00Surf's up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Yesterday we signed up for surf lessons, and today we actually went surfing. Getting ready means signing your indemnity form, grabbing a wetsuit and putting on a ton of sunscreen.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OMPl6W3DzNo/UMjsPI9JbNI/AAAAAAAAD3A/5QxaclBgi3E/s1600/P1070402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OMPl6W3DzNo/UMjsPI9JbNI/AAAAAAAAD3A/5QxaclBgi3E/s320/P1070402.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The surf school.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ERqtwING658/UMjsXB5a_JI/AAAAAAAAD3I/kX2ZmLkNBKQ/s1600/P1070386.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ERqtwING658/UMjsXB5a_JI/AAAAAAAAD3I/kX2ZmLkNBKQ/s320/P1070386.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">Though wetsuits are not actually required, most folks are wearing at least a shorty. The water is about 20' C.</span></div>
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The surfers code of conduct is posted along the beach. None of the most important rules are actually posted though:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Stay away from the swimming area or not only will parents hate you but the lifeguard will fine you $150.</li>
<li>Hitting yourself or others with a surfboard, even a soft one, is bad.</li>
<li>Hitting your head on the sand and/or falling off your board head first is worse.</li>
</ul>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3u0NPtko2c4/UMjsY31jCVI/AAAAAAAAD3Q/JcYTN5dfTvs/s1600/P1070181.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3u0NPtko2c4/UMjsY31jCVI/AAAAAAAAD3Q/JcYTN5dfTvs/s320/P1070181.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Though we opted for a private lesson for the first one, you are sharing the surf with lots of people anyways, so it really doesn't matter.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vnW3S7BqGME/UMjsd2z0OdI/AAAAAAAAD3Y/Fuw-l7mkGik/s1600/P1070418.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vnW3S7BqGME/UMjsd2z0OdI/AAAAAAAAD3Y/Fuw-l7mkGik/s640/P1070418.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">All the soft surfboards lined up for the lesson.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2soDWUjBCZ8/UMjsgSaypBI/AAAAAAAAD3g/B1WXtUfsYYs/s1600/P1070396.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2soDWUjBCZ8/UMjsgSaypBI/AAAAAAAAD3g/B1WXtUfsYYs/s400/P1070396.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
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Not actually a surfboard, just art. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZBhZn1hm7t8/UMouEcrEwyI/AAAAAAAAD48/BvjiRxM69gE/s1600/P1070450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZBhZn1hm7t8/UMouEcrEwyI/AAAAAAAAD48/BvjiRxM69gE/s320/P1070450.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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A surfboard. (8ft for newbies.)</div>
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The waves are about 4 ft. Though that doesn't sound very big, it is. Both of us got bashed around a lot and basically we suck at this. But we enjoyed surfing so much, that we rented boards for the next two weeks anyways. Rough life, I know. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XTrkTGddBEU/UMouHELoS_I/AAAAAAAAD5E/WqxvT7hxDjM/s1600/P1070428.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XTrkTGddBEU/UMouHELoS_I/AAAAAAAAD5E/WqxvT7hxDjM/s320/P1070428.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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A fruit snowman.</div>
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-E</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0LOT 7181 S Steyne, NSW, Australia-33.7979478 151.2894137-33.7995973 151.28694620000002 -33.796298300000004 151.2918812tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355589421473843230.post-89632006767205722182012-12-12T12:15:00.001-08:002012-12-12T12:41:09.631-08:00Getting an Education (in Surfing)After much contemplation, we've decided we're going to go back to school. SP and I have always been fans of continuing education. So today we signed up for surf school. Not just any school, but the <a href="http://manlysurfschool.com/index.php">Manly Surf School</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vlxBxzCmJcQ/UMhRf-yWwgI/AAAAAAAAD0U/Cg76tJqobwY/s1600/P1070354.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vlxBxzCmJcQ/UMhRf-yWwgI/AAAAAAAAD0U/Cg76tJqobwY/s320/P1070354.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Talk about an office with a view. </div>
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It's in the only building on the beach.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GpDgM2YLWdA/UMhRkIuJWAI/AAAAAAAAD0c/d8njhLj31QE/s1600/P1070401.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GpDgM2YLWdA/UMhRkIuJWAI/AAAAAAAAD0c/d8njhLj31QE/s320/P1070401.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Lesson time.</div>
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I've heard that surfing is harder than it looks, I'm not necessarily into eating handfuls of sand and drinking sea water, but I hear it's part of the initiation.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E3WrWI39Ggc/UMhSCb7Z9KI/AAAAAAAAD0k/P-iay1gpkNc/s1600/P1070208.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E3WrWI39Ggc/UMhSCb7Z9KI/AAAAAAAAD0k/P-iay1gpkNc/s320/P1070208.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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How to surf.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9Vgdafv1WHM/UMhSFejgA8I/AAAAAAAAD0s/RuLqdNZbPrM/s1600/P1070406.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9Vgdafv1WHM/UMhSFejgA8I/AAAAAAAAD0s/RuLqdNZbPrM/s320/P1070406.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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How not to surf.</div>
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Apparently when you first start out you learn on a soft board, which is basically a stable surf board shaped piece of foam. This makes it less likely for you to either hurt yourself or someone else in the water.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cwn3XW6TAgk/UMhSQNLOFwI/AAAAAAAAD00/JZjph0dyJEg/s1600/P1070384.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cwn3XW6TAgk/UMhSQNLOFwI/AAAAAAAAD00/JZjph0dyJEg/s320/P1070384.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Soft boards. Brightly coloured for the newbies.</div>
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After you're done, beer is required, or at least that seems to be the thing to do in Manly.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mWc8EwFs0JY/UMhSmeEyQiI/AAAAAAAAD08/y-IzjcMQpUY/s1600/P1070399.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mWc8EwFs0JY/UMhSmeEyQiI/AAAAAAAAD08/y-IzjcMQpUY/s320/P1070399.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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I've also been told to remember this piece of sage advise:<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><i>Give a man a surfboard, and you've distracted him for a day.</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><i> Teach a man to surf, and you can't get him to work.</i></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;">I'm sure that applies to women too. Good thing we're on vacation.</span><br />
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-E<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Manly Beach, New South Wales, Australia-33.7979478 151.2894137-33.7995973 151.28694620000002 -33.796298300000004 151.2918812tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355589421473843230.post-37687616630224217302012-12-11T15:18:00.000-08:002012-12-11T15:18:33.174-08:00Sydney BridgeSP and I have both come down with a bit of a cold. That, and the grey weather in Sydney, meant that we were limited on activities today. We decided that we would walk around Sydney and take a look at this bridge everyone is so proud of.<br />
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<a href="http://marquetteturner.com/files/2009/10/harbour-bridge-sydney-ausw0891.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://marquetteturner.com/files/2009/10/harbour-bridge-sydney-ausw0891.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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A good pic of the bridge (<a href="http://marquetteturner.com/">from this site</a>)</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ksVfUe-VLrA/UMe1TrymqCI/AAAAAAAADyU/Yt2_ISCgLvk/s1600/P1070250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ksVfUe-VLrA/UMe1TrymqCI/AAAAAAAADyU/Yt2_ISCgLvk/s320/P1070250.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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My pic of the bridge (what can I say, I have a cold.)</div>
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While walking over the bridge we had an in depth discussion of how high a bridge needs to be in order to ensure death if you were to leap from it. (Purely from a scientific point of view, though I'm sure this is a perfectly normal conversation for two throat lozenge toting vancouverites stuck in a grey day while on vacation down under.)<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FLRQr3LZNyc/UMe2OMNlQiI/AAAAAAAADyc/0SUaYd0R0Ps/s1600/P1070314.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FLRQr3LZNyc/UMe2OMNlQiI/AAAAAAAADyc/0SUaYd0R0Ps/s320/P1070314.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The view from the bridge</div>
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For interest sake, the world record for successful high diving (which means you not only lived but you managed to extract yourself from the water unaided) is 53m or 172 ft.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b8NlOBpRhdo/UMe2aENz-gI/AAAAAAAADyk/lZDkBlnyRPk/s1600/P1070310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b8NlOBpRhdo/UMe2aENz-gI/AAAAAAAADyk/lZDkBlnyRPk/s320/P1070310.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Sizeable railings, aka "suicide guards"</div>
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In contrast, the Sydney Harbour Bridge deck is 82 m tall. And for the Vancouverites in the audience, the Burrard Street Bridge is 28 m tall whereas the Lionsgate is 61 m tall.<br />
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<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c0/Burrard_Street_Bridge_as_gateway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c0/Burrard_Street_Bridge_as_gateway.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The Burrard Street Bridge (<a href="http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burrard_Bridge">c/o wikipedia</a>)</div>
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If you jump from 5 meters, you hit the water at ~36 km/h. (This is strong enough to possibly break bones or give you a concussion. This is also the tallest height for public swimmimg diving boards in BC.) From 10 m it's ~ 50 km/h. 28 m = 84 km/h. 82 m = 144 km/h. That's a lot of kinetic energy to dissipate in the water.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rHhIm-7ucFg/UMe4wXUlvlI/AAAAAAAADy0/WXZSeLg6Mmg/s1600/P1070315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rHhIm-7ucFg/UMe4wXUlvlI/AAAAAAAADy0/WXZSeLg6Mmg/s320/P1070315.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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A bench in the middle of the bridge, for contemplation, perhaps.</div>
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Though some people have survived terminal velocity (anything above 450m of free fall, depending) the reality is that jumping from the Burrard Street Bridge is somewhat likely to kill you, whereas jumping from the Sydney Harbour Bridge almost certainly will.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9H__QGpkSBk/UMe4oFnvK4I/AAAAAAAADys/4h6rqiC84HY/s1600/P1070311.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9H__QGpkSBk/UMe4oFnvK4I/AAAAAAAADys/4h6rqiC84HY/s320/P1070311.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The view from the bridge of the harbour.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O8exVxHrXIM/UMe6Sz-uD2I/AAAAAAAADy8/VvLcPIykyyk/s1600/P1070258.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O8exVxHrXIM/UMe6Sz-uD2I/AAAAAAAADy8/VvLcPIykyyk/s320/P1070258.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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You can also "climb the bridge" as part of a guided walk.</div>
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You are clipped in, however, JIC.</div>
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I'm sure you all really wanted to know this.<br />
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-EUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0Sydney Harbour Bridge, Cumberland St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia-33.8546024 151.2094872-33.8677869 151.1897462 -33.841417899999996 151.22922820000002tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355589421473843230.post-77665206199387057292012-12-10T13:23:00.000-08:002012-12-10T13:23:51.397-08:00Manly?While waiting in the bus terminal, I turned and asked the young woman next to me "How much does it cost to get to Manly?" Her answer, "$3.50". But don't worry, I'm not about to embark on a sex change, our next port of call is Manly Beach, a suburb of Sidney renowned for it's surfing, trendy restaurants and beautiful beaches.<br />
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Manly was given it's name after early explorers encountered the local aboriginals and described their behaviour as "quite manly".<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-llnNhwtsL34/UMWGwdMnycI/AAAAAAAADuE/rumnuXr8W7g/s1600/P1070235sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="100" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-llnNhwtsL34/UMWGwdMnycI/AAAAAAAADuE/rumnuXr8W7g/s320/P1070235sm.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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We all know grilling is manly, but here, anything can be manly.</div>
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Whining is manly.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AGaqsRNgzIs/UMZSPpiqiVI/AAAAAAAADxE/Qs34xYdH7b8/s1600/P1070240.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="87" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AGaqsRNgzIs/UMZSPpiqiVI/AAAAAAAADxE/Qs34xYdH7b8/s320/P1070240.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Dancing is manly.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kxdu8fi58ts/UMWGJcih8ZI/AAAAAAAADt0/o1Jal4A06kU/s1600/P1070150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="72" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kxdu8fi58ts/UMWGJcih8ZI/AAAAAAAADt0/o1Jal4A06kU/s320/P1070150.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Even computers are Manly (SP doesn't understand why this is funny.)</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0KvEjdPR3ew/UMWGM2RdjPI/AAAAAAAADt8/0W2kLXsQWXw/s1600/P1070163.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0KvEjdPR3ew/UMWGM2RdjPI/AAAAAAAADt8/0W2kLXsQWXw/s320/P1070163.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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How about Manly Spandex?</div>
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In more recent days, 1902 actually, Manly made a splash when a local reporter defied Victorian era laws banning all daylight "Ocean Bathing" and went for a noontime swim. He was arrested, despite wearing an appropriate neck to knee swimming costume, and the resulting uproar caused the law to be overturned the following year.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J0lRxvkFqeM/UMWHUmHX_HI/AAAAAAAADuU/dGhRqF4bAb0/s1600/P1070231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J0lRxvkFqeM/UMWHUmHX_HI/AAAAAAAADuU/dGhRqF4bAb0/s320/P1070231.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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"Sea Nymphs" sculpted in Sand.</div>
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(So happy that we are not wearing woollen bathing suits today.)</div>
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Though Manly was already popular as a seaside respite from bustling Sidney, it was the opening of the "ocean bathing" that allowed the modern beach culture that permeates Manly to be born.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ErgHu-kPqBw/UMZMm7Us7yI/AAAAAAAADv0/eRvzjb3g5LM/s1600/P1070180.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ErgHu-kPqBw/UMZMm7Us7yI/AAAAAAAADv0/eRvzjb3g5LM/s320/P1070180.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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I'm going to have to work on the hot-lifeguard-in-uniform pics, </div>
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this one is sadly a bit fuzzy.</div>
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Today Manly is one of the most popular surf beaches in Australia. There is also diving, snorkeling, swimming, boating, sailing, etc.<br />
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SP and I are just settling in. We managed to book a great last minute deal on a 1 bedroom apartment (which I think is larger than our place at home) just far enough off the main drag to not be bothered by the bars and restaurants.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tfaa09E3ZMo/UMWIkJykkuI/AAAAAAAADuc/NctbNSVkuVI/s1600/P1070118dsm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tfaa09E3ZMo/UMWIkJykkuI/AAAAAAAADuc/NctbNSVkuVI/s400/P1070118dsm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Manly Beach - The view from our apartment deck.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bYSwvp6PzUU/UMWImv0sz2I/AAAAAAAADuk/zZ4C3-Es4bM/s1600/P1070146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bYSwvp6PzUU/UMWImv0sz2I/AAAAAAAADuk/zZ4C3-Es4bM/s400/P1070146.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Manly Harbor - The view from the back of our apartment.</div>
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Time for a cold beer.<br />
-E<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0LOT 7181 S Steyne, NSW, Australia-33.7979478 151.2894137-33.7995973 151.28694620000002 -33.796298300000004 151.2918812tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355589421473843230.post-42451478988391112122012-12-09T14:19:00.000-08:002012-12-09T14:19:10.929-08:00Introducing JetStarveJetStar(ve) is the budget offshoot from Quantas airlines. We've flown the cost conscience airline two memorable times on our journey down under.<br />
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The price is right, truth be told - these are cheap flights. Our 4.5 hr jaunt from Perth to Sydney touched down at $164 each. Good luck crossing Canada for that price.<br />
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But you must remember that you're flying with JetStarve, and everything but the tiny cramp inducing seat is a la carte. I guess Quantas needs to make a bit of profit off JetStarve somehow as they certainly are not making it on the ticket.<br />
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<li>Want to check a bag in? $70 at the gate. And your carry on is limited to 10kg.</li>
<li>Want in flight entertainment? You can rent an iPad for $12.</li>
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But the real kicker is the food.<br />
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<li>Instant noodles in a cup, $5. (The same msg laden ones that got you through college.)</li>
<li>A tiny bag of potato chips, $4. (It's "lunch" sized.)</li>
<li>A kitkat, $3. </li>
<li>Would you like some water? It's $3.50 a bottle. </li>
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What was that, even the water isn't free? Yes, on JetStarve you're not even offered complimentary water.<br />
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Consider this a public service. Less weight on board means less fuel - It's good for the environment! And if you wanted to lose a few pounds of holiday weight, no problem! JetStarve is here to help. You'll land dehydrated and it will have been so long since you last ate that the hunger pangs will have subsided to a dull ache (unlike the cramps in your legs.)<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SmL3Aq1Gq00/UMQx27zpv_I/AAAAAAAADrE/PwsLWlqIw5g/s1600/P1070113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SmL3Aq1Gq00/UMQx27zpv_I/AAAAAAAADrE/PwsLWlqIw5g/s400/P1070113.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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(Satire folks, satire.)</div>
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Truth be told, I'd rather just pay for what I want versus having a flight attendant wake me up to offer me a flavoured food puck of one grease variety or another. So I really don't mind skipping extras I don't need. And what did you expect? It's a food store 10,000 feet up in the air, flying at 1000 km/hr - it's impressive prices are only 10x what you'd pay on the ground.<br />
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I probably wouldn't be so hard on JetStarve except that our flights were only so-so. Creaky old refurbished planes (one had half the signs printed in German) that have started to show their age.<br />
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On our trip into Perth the roof panels across the isle from us were falling apart. They had to move 12 passengers to alternative seats as they were afraid that the panels would collapse completely and fall on them. (The crew then proceeded to half heartedly cello tape the panels together again.)<br />
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I'm sure the plane's critical maintenance is top notch, as the relavant authorities have regulations on that, but watching incidents like this one really makes you wonder.<br />
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Anyways, we're safely in Sydney now, satiated on our DIY in flight peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I-Bg3eeYYmo/UMQ4rs76E6I/AAAAAAAADsU/f3DPNqQ66qQ/s1600/20121208_114137sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I-Bg3eeYYmo/UMQ4rs76E6I/AAAAAAAADsU/f3DPNqQ66qQ/s320/20121208_114137sm.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Take that JetStarve</div>
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Tomorrow we're on our way to Manly Beach.<br />
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-E<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Sydney Airport (SYD), Airport Dr, Mascot NSW 2020, Australia-33.927649 151.171885-33.9539995 151.132403 -33.9012985 151.211367tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355589421473843230.post-43738815306178630222012-12-08T14:16:00.003-08:002012-12-08T14:17:43.933-08:00Rottnest Island<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Rottnest Island is a huge tourist attraction in Perth. It's picturesque, has lots of recreational activities, and a friendly marsupial that is only native to the one island. It's 18 kms from the Australian coastline and only 19 sq kms in size.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DVm08T3VIrU/UMMSFezlQPI/AAAAAAAADos/INIKtNa3la0/s1600/P1070014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DVm08T3VIrU/UMMSFezlQPI/AAAAAAAADos/INIKtNa3la0/s400/P1070014.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Salmon Bay</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kZM35IGF_X4/UMMSIdbFPBI/AAAAAAAADo0/B9OhGZ2I0xw/s1600/P1070011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kZM35IGF_X4/UMMSIdbFPBI/AAAAAAAADo0/B9OhGZ2I0xw/s400/P1070011.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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One of the snorkel stops</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ccS_aippiFg/UMMSKx7F0BI/AAAAAAAADo8/uQipRBp0ebE/s1600/P1060993.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ccS_aippiFg/UMMSKx7F0BI/AAAAAAAADo8/uQipRBp0ebE/s400/P1060993.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Thompson's Bay</div>
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The island is a DoC park and so it has some interesting rules. For example, the only motorized vehicles allowed are service vehicles and a small bus system. Almost everyone uses a bike.</div>
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Upon arrival, renting a bike was the first thing we did. The bike shop had thousands of bikes, unfortunately they are all the same kind; heavy, creaky and uncomfortable.</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZOwDWno2Y00/UMMSZEKThxI/AAAAAAAADpE/DNXxkFJ4hak/s1600/P1060995.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZOwDWno2Y00/UMMSZEKThxI/AAAAAAAADpE/DNXxkFJ4hak/s320/P1060995.jpg" width="320" /></a> </span></div>
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The 'bike lock' they gave us could have been cut with a butter knife. But whose going to steal these rust buckets from an island all ready covered in them anyways?</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jyKv13hNMl8/UMMSk47VP-I/AAAAAAAADpM/F9SUvtvOwac/s1600/P1070001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jyKv13hNMl8/UMMSk47VP-I/AAAAAAAADpM/F9SUvtvOwac/s320/P1070001.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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The cycling was wonderful however. Both SP and I agreed that it has been too long since we had been on a bike. 28 kms of nicely paved, car free road. Occasionally we had a wonderful 30 km/hr tail wind (and sometimes we had a 30 km/hr head wind.)</div>
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Outside of the main settlement services are minimal, pit toilets but no water, food, etc. So we carried a lunch and set off to meet the primary inhabitants of the island.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wQkgTvzFM_8/UMMSmW8pwAI/AAAAAAAADpU/BQXJq4ncV5o/s1600/P1070008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wQkgTvzFM_8/UMMSmW8pwAI/AAAAAAAADpU/BQXJq4ncV5o/s320/P1070008.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Despite explorers in the distant past confusing the local wildlife for rats (Rottnest translates to rats nest in dutch) the little critters couldn't possibly do anything to deter visitors.</div>
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Quokkas are fluffy, hungry, fat, and cute marsupials who have lost any fear of humans.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HvyQjnheSLk/UMMSouRLeqI/AAAAAAAADpc/H1tj70zY37o/s1600/P1070092.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HvyQjnheSLk/UMMSouRLeqI/AAAAAAAADpc/H1tj70zY37o/s320/P1070092.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Quokka</div>
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They graze on the undergrowth of trees. Because they can't climb, most of the the trees they eat look like the one in the background below. Basically they just want your help getting a branch or two down.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bt7L2vfV6Cw/UMMSqegLFTI/AAAAAAAADpk/VRLTiy4C6zg/s1600/P1070075.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bt7L2vfV6Cw/UMMSqegLFTI/AAAAAAAADpk/VRLTiy4C6zg/s320/P1070075.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Lunchtime!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DuY8dI6x4e8/UMMS9k2bAGI/AAAAAAAADp0/4yrvbBPP9BQ/s1600/P1070076.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DuY8dI6x4e8/UMMS9k2bAGI/AAAAAAAADp0/4yrvbBPP9BQ/s400/P1070076.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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We're not fat, we're big boned.</div>
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Truth be told, you're not supposed to feed them, they are already too acclimatized to people and some folks feed them inappropriate food. There are also 10,000+ of the critters in residence, so they seem to be doing just fine already.<br />
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Tomorrow we're vacating Perth and heading to Sydney.<br />
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-E<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Rottnest Island WA 6161, Australia-31.9969253 115.5400441-32.0507908 115.4610801 -31.9430598 115.6190081tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355589421473843230.post-70636206376813712122012-12-07T14:16:00.001-08:002012-12-07T14:16:27.575-08:00Close to Perth<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Perth is a bonus city for us. We had no specific reason to come here, it just happened that we were going to have a layover anyways, so we decided to spend a few days here instead.</div>
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Unfortunately we were having so much fun that we never did look into what to do while we were here. So today we mostly wandered around somewhat aimlessly.<br />
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Our first stop was at the tiny University of Notre Dame, Australia. At first glance you might think it was a satellite school of Notre Dame in Indiana USA, but they're separate.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZnGjYBL53YE/UMHLim1DjSI/AAAAAAAADlk/z2lrnkT43Y4/s1600/P1060919.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZnGjYBL53YE/UMHLim1DjSI/AAAAAAAADlk/z2lrnkT43Y4/s320/P1060919.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Keeping with the trend, we then hopped on the train, and visited the huge University of Western Australia. It's very pretty and looks a little like Stanford. It's often ranked as one of the top 100 universities in the world (but not for comp sci.)<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T8rf2F7lcxI/UMHLvYL6C4I/AAAAAAAADls/78cm0w6e9rQ/s1600/P1060947.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T8rf2F7lcxI/UMHLvYL6C4I/AAAAAAAADls/78cm0w6e9rQ/s320/P1060947.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Somewhere along the way we decided it would be a great idea to walk from UWA into Perth itself. On the far side of the campus is Kings Park, and beyond that, Perth CBD. No sweat. For interest sake, Kings Park is the largest inner city park in the world, at 4 sq kms.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-md7_w_YcurY/UMHMDWqaxfI/AAAAAAAADl8/yktT6bmf1Pw/s1600/P1060978.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-md7_w_YcurY/UMHMDWqaxfI/AAAAAAAADl8/yktT6bmf1Pw/s320/P1060978.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Inside the Botanical Garden.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PKoXgLW9ssg/UMHMFinL9yI/AAAAAAAADmE/gUZRb3ssS14/s1600/P1060961.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PKoXgLW9ssg/UMHMFinL9yI/AAAAAAAADmE/gUZRb3ssS14/s320/P1060961.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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A laughing kookaburra.</div>
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Baob tree, 750 yrs old.</div>
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We didn't make it. After the park and about 10 kms of walking we called it a day and returned to Fremantle. But we got pretty close.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gZDi1GwlJc4/UMHPzwpfcEI/AAAAAAAADng/FvHLwKg6D-0/s1600/P1060979.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gZDi1GwlJc4/UMHPzwpfcEI/AAAAAAAADng/FvHLwKg6D-0/s320/P1060979.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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As close to Perth as we're going to get.</div>
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Tomorrow we're off to Rottnest Island (literally translates to Rats Nest Island in Dutch). Should be fun.<br />
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-EUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0Kings Park, Fraser Ave, West Perth Australia 6005, Australia-31.9643088 115.8314731-31.9777798 115.8117321 -31.950837800000002 115.85121409999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355589421473843230.post-21909381734897709832012-12-06T16:23:00.000-08:002012-12-06T16:23:24.956-08:00Finding our way to Freo<br />
Ugliness. This is what happens when you board your plane, get comfortable and 20 mins later your pilot informs you that one of the engines won't start. It's worth noting that the airport near Exmouth only receives two flights per day. <br />
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For us it's not so bad, we don't have a connecting flight, and we don't have anything planned on arrival in Perth. Some folks on the flight had a fit though, hence the ugliness.<br />
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Long story short, our two hour flight took about seven hours, and as awesome as the airport is, I'm not allowed to take photos of it (military airport) so you'll just have to take my word for it. They managed to fit us on the second flight of the day though and we arrives in Perth just before dark.<br />
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After arrival, we made our way to Fremantle. A touristy town with a colonial feel, just south of Perth central.<br />
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Fremantle (or Freo for short) was a colonial town. It's home to an enormous prison (now a tourist attraction), and was also a port for shipping prisoners offshore to the penal colony. The town is littered with old colonial buildings. Below are a few photos from our walk after we finally arrived.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7SaxA4DZnM8/UME1G_6xN6I/AAAAAAAADjo/ir89rzwr_Aw/s1600/P1060939.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7SaxA4DZnM8/UME1G_6xN6I/AAAAAAAADjo/ir89rzwr_Aw/s320/P1060939.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Fremantle Prison Gates</div>
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The Prison Yard</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NSAQkvmNj6c/UME1LyHW7ZI/AAAAAAAADj4/w_INkiS6IFI/s1600/P1060916.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NSAQkvmNj6c/UME1LyHW7ZI/AAAAAAAADj4/w_INkiS6IFI/s320/P1060916.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The bus stop across the street from us.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JxiQpBnqLL4/UME1QFcmTeI/AAAAAAAADkA/jzovCncwBZA/s1600/P1060943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JxiQpBnqLL4/UME1QFcmTeI/AAAAAAAADkA/jzovCncwBZA/s320/P1060943.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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One of the many old stone buildings.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0KhiirSkSAY/UME1Vh7JeAI/AAAAAAAADkI/gJ4xd6RRCf8/s1600/P1060921.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0KhiirSkSAY/UME1Vh7JeAI/AAAAAAAADkI/gJ4xd6RRCf8/s320/P1060921.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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High street</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pWj4aCZl6Yw/UME13hChahI/AAAAAAAADkY/9z_eJJlWpto/s1600/P1060917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pWj4aCZl6Yw/UME13hChahI/AAAAAAAADkY/9z_eJJlWpto/s320/P1060917.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Partially pedestrianized, many of the streets are tiny and have a European feel.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com027 Collie St, Fremantle WA 6160, Australia-32.0560399 115.7471797-32.0829554 115.7076977 -32.0291244 115.78666170000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355589421473843230.post-40379708616408269902012-12-04T21:56:00.001-08:002012-12-05T16:22:13.847-08:00Hotel Critters<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.seabreezeresort.com.au/">Our hotel</a> has a host of wild critters living on the grounds. Partially this is because the hotel is 5 kms out of town, and partially because the hotel provides a watering hole for the wildlife. (Actually, it was a watering plant pot, but same idea.) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Cockatoos. Loud but pretty.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ivzuZH8n_ZE/UL7hIPK1z6I/AAAAAAAADeY/7feraa9cQ-o/s1600/P1060835.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ivzuZH8n_ZE/UL7hIPK1z6I/AAAAAAAADeY/7feraa9cQ-o/s320/P1060835.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sqGAqFlX8Iw/UL7hoUdf0YI/AAAAAAAADeo/JsLOIrE1bUI/s1600/P1060864.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sqGAqFlX8Iw/UL7hoUdf0YI/AAAAAAAADeo/JsLOIrE1bUI/s400/P1060864.jpg" width="300" /></a></span></div>
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The watering hole.</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Nv87W_zvJY0/UL7Y71TcmeI/AAAAAAAADcs/Q9nIrzXw-3g/s1600/P1060787.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Nv87W_zvJY0/UL7Y71TcmeI/AAAAAAAADcs/Q9nIrzXw-3g/s320/P1060787.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.wildherps.com/species/A.longirostris.html" target="_blank">Dragons</a>. They tend to hang out as a pair and have tails 3 times their length.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Kangaroos (and Wallabies)! During the day, it was hard to get close to them. They like hanging out on the naval base however, because they sleep behind empty buildings in the shade.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gocFacvZDHA/UL7kT7vloYI/AAAAAAAADf0/9Z9FioNT5_c/s1600/P1060900.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gocFacvZDHA/UL7kT7vloYI/AAAAAAAADf0/9Z9FioNT5_c/s320/P1060900.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Most of the time, during daylight hours, all you would see is this:</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vvcTaCMj43g/UL7kW9p4k6I/AAAAAAAADf8/LfxXS5NmXfM/s1600/P1060879.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vvcTaCMj43g/UL7kW9p4k6I/AAAAAAAADf8/LfxXS5NmXfM/s400/P1060879.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">And as soon as the roo caught you watching, then all you'd see was this:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">But at night time, everything changes. </span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="356" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qz5J7iRTTEU/UL7Yl8BavNI/AAAAAAAADcU/bWZsOSOMOu0/s640/P1060632.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the vlamingh lighthouse</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">As far as I can tell, Kangaroo's are essentially overgrown nocturnal rabbits. Hungry, prolific, dumb as a post, super poopers, but still kinda cute. (And tasty too.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The real problem with the kangaroos is that they like using the roads just as much as you do. Around Exmouth, you need to drive at 20 km/h at night or you will hit one. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Or like us, one will hit you. No joke, we had come to a complete stop waiting for a number of them to cross the road and one literally hopped into the side of the car. We were t-boned by a kangaroo (thankfully he got up and bounded away.) He probably had no idea what had just happened.</span></div>
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It's like when they see headlights approaching, they actually jump into the road. If you're really lucky, they'll then proceed to block the road (or stay just a few jumps ahead of you continually looking back wondering why you are following them). Truly dumb creatures.</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E-cViTZEzyE/UL7qa6m_dLI/AAAAAAAADhQ/s4u7lCLSNbA/s1600/P1060662.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E-cViTZEzyE/UL7qa6m_dLI/AAAAAAAADhQ/s4u7lCLSNbA/s320/P1060662.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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Warning, this kangaroo has a death wish.</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">But other than being serious driving hazards, at night they also come visit the hotel watering hole. Some nights there were over 20 roo's on the grounds (my night photos are terrible, so I'll spare you.) Here are a few pictures at dusk though.</span></div>
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After having seen hundreds of kangaroos this week, the iconic Aussie animal is much less interesting for me. They are, however, still kinda cute.</div>
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Awwhhh, so hopeful are those vacuous eyes. (This one is actually from the reserve and isn't wild, but the photo was to good to not post.)</div>
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Tomorrow we're off to Perth, so less wildlife and more nightlife. </div>
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-E</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Exmouth WA 6707, Australia-21.9307242 114.1223888-21.9896427 114.0434248 -21.8718057 114.2013528tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7355589421473843230.post-58784843719435021772012-12-04T16:38:00.000-08:002012-12-04T16:38:58.125-08:00Turquoise Bay and the Oyster StacksOur three days of snorkeling have come to an end. I took fewer photos here than at the Great Barrier Reef (also, we spent a lot of time watching the octopi and the turtles.)<br />
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Beach Review #6: Turquoise Bay<br />
Rating 4.8/5<br />
Best use: Snorkeling, swimming and sun baking (it's not sun bathing down here, it's sun baking.)<br />
Cool stuff: On one side of the beach there is a drift snorkeling area, on the other side, a protected sandy bay. Five minutes by car down the coast is a protected snorkeling lagoon on sandstone steps called Oyster Stacks. The beaches have almost no facilities. Just a parking area, a pit toilet and a very small shaded area with benches (no water, no trash cans, etc.) It's beautiful though, and the snorkeling is really good.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Cape Range National Park WA 6707, Australia-22.0190384 113.9357902-22.2545669 113.6199332 -21.7835099 114.2516472