My dendrites are slow growing. I need lots of practice, you can teach an old dog new tricks but you need to be patient with yourself, I tell myself. I say watch and learn, and do more research. I watched my partner negotiate the many blind curves between Peachester and Beerwah: The drive continued like … Continue reading Further Driving Lessons
Driving on the “Correct” Side of the Road
Lesson 1 My Aussie partner told me, "You know everyone drove on the left side before. Do you know why that was?' "No, I have no idea. I've always driven on the right side. In America, we keep right not left."He said, "In England when they drove in buggies, they had to sit towards the … Continue reading Driving on the “Correct” Side of the Road
Hiking Long Timber
The second day I was here Lizzie a long time friend of the family came over to take me on a hike around Long Timber. We descended down the steep hill that the house sits on top. Walking down towards the creek. I thought it hasn't rained lately so hopefully, there won't be any leeches … Continue reading Hiking Long Timber
Lychee quick post the season’s almost over
When my mother talked about Australia when I was a child, her eyes would light up when she described the taste of the fresh fruit. My mouth watered as I dreamed of tastes beyond my experience. The Lychee is such a fruit. It is a small little red fruit with a big punch. Bite into … Continue reading Lychee quick post the season’s almost over
Bunya nut tree
Harvesting and cooking with a Bunya nut.
Arriving at Long Timber
It was a long journey from Wisconsin to Texas to Portland, Oregon to Sydney but finally, I arrived in a magical place. Long Timber is near the glasshouse mountains not far from the Australian Zoo in Queensland, Australia. Ascending up the driveway.I will be sharing highlights of this in depth Australian adventure over the next … Continue reading Arriving at Long Timber
Virgin Australia
Virgin airlines 90 minutes Sydney Airport lines and waiting Finally Australia sky So blue Clouds white Water blue Rippling Sunshine bright Warm arm Shade up Tray up Land approaching Plane descending Ears popping Seatbelt fastened Wing flaps up Plane sways Lower we go Water closer Plane tilts Levels off still closer Sunshine Coast Sand beach … Continue reading Virgin Australia
Being in Sydney
View from balcony Hotel Urban at St. Leonards Through the trees and roofs one can glimpse the harbor and the bridge. I can feel the city vibrating around me. On this trip the beauty of the city is no longer in the tourist views but the joy of the residents. The runner on the shaded … Continue reading Being in Sydney
Unnecessary Stress
Everyone knows traveling is stressful, last year I nearly missed the last leg of my flight home from Australia because I scheduled too little time between planes in San Francisco. This year going back I decided to eliminate that source of distress. Arriving at the San Francisco airport in the morning for my evening flight … Continue reading Unnecessary Stress
Friends at Beacon Rock
The greatest honor is for a friend to share their home with me. The greatest gift is when they share their favorite place. Today my dear friend took me on her favorite hike here near Portland Oregon. It is winter here raining and snowing at higher elevations. She said "You have to climb Beacon Rock, … Continue reading Friends at Beacon Rock
