Cairns Part 2

New Years Eve was a relaxing day. Iral and I had breakfast at the resort, poolside, before having facials and full body mud wraps that morning. This being my first body wrap I didn’t know quite what to expect. Wayne,, one of our hosts was going to do them. While he’s a nice front desk person, a pleasant waiter and a good bartender. I don’t think he’s well schooled in spa treatments. At my thanksgiving gathering back in early December I was speaking with a guest about this trip and he warned me Skinny Dips had a reputation for what we’ll call “less then professional behaviours in spa treatments”. Wayne is a mid 60s gay guy in a relationship with a mid 40 guy. He’s has a full grey beard and the time has come where he has more body hair than head hair. His Richard Simmons like outfit didn’t flatter him at all. After preparing myself in the private bath I came into the treatment room in my robe. Wayne proceeded to bath me with a warm cloth and took his time. He then applyed the facial substance and mud over my body, finally wrapping me in a warm moist blanket and a large sheet of plastic. Courtesy of Bunning’s (Home Depot of Australia) Wayne then left me alone and I drifted in and out of sleep with the warm damp cloth over my eyes. When we finished Wayne was more than helpful at removing the mud. Unfortunately, I needed his help as the stuff took a little elbow grease to remove and I was not able to reach the far points on my back. I do have to say over all the experience was pleasurable and my skin did feel clean and refreshed but I think I’d prefer a younger and much hotter man to administer it next time. Wayne asked me to send Iral in once I had dressed and I made my way back out to the pool area. I took a few minutes to brief Iral on the experience. He was a little nervous and in the end had the same feelings I did.

After our wraps we walked into town and picked up a rental car we’d reserved for a New Years short road trip. We wandered around a little and found a cute local place for lunch, The Lily Pad, a kind of vegetarian, hippy style cafe. The place was busy and the food was good. We did some window shopping then stopped into the casino for a reprieve from the humidity and to kill some time. At 3pm we had massages scheduled back at the resort. 1 of these came as part of the package when I made the booking months before and the other one was paid for already. Our wrap experience at least gave us some knowledge of Wayne’s techniques. I had laid a little ground work earlier in the day letting him know that Iral was a licences remedial masseur and how an unprofessional massage could cost one their licence. So while our massages were sensual and I learned a few moves I’d like Iral to use on my next home massages, I’m hoping Wayne wasn’t able to try all the tricks he had in his bag. You live and learn and you’ll never know unless you try. So lesson learned and now I know!

The rest of the afternoon was spent near the pool and the bar with trips into our room for air conditioning. In the evening we had a nice dinner at the bistro in the resort. I have to say Wayne makes a much better chef too. We were one of the first people to get dinner so while the other guests ate Iral and I relaxed in our room, which then turned into being asleep by 10pm on New Year’s Eve. (I know we’re SO OLD! But how many of you partied all night yourself???) Luckily the crowd gathered just below us and woke me up at 11:50. I looked outside, it was pouring down rain. People were gathered under the canopy or were enjoying the hot tub. I woke Iral and we did our own little count down in bed. As the other guest partied in night away Iral and I drifted back off to sleep only to be awakened by them several more times before 3am when they finally had enough New Year cheer.

At 6:30am we were well rested, up and getting ready for our road trip to Cape Tribulation and Mossman Gorge north of Cairns. After 17 years in Oregon a little rain wasn’t going to bring a halt to my plans and our first stop was this viewpoint at Rex Lookout. The spot is named after a politician that helped construct the Captain Cook highway. A single lane in both directions road, that we were travelling on. Not really a highway but the only main road in the area and one of the few paved ones this far north. A little farther along and we came to the tourist town of Port Douglas. Very nice but not really much beyond hotels, guest cottages, golf resorts, restaurants and souvenir shops.

Our first taste of the famed Daintree National Park came at Mossman Gorge in the southern most portion of the park. Not really a “gorge” like my friends in Portland are used to but more like a rocky river to raft down. There were some kayakers there practicing moves in the fast moving waters. I got a couple cool videos of them, but this site won’t let me load videos anymore. Walking back the short loop trail to the car park (parking lot in Australian) we saw a wild bush turkey. I’m told they’re not the ones we can get in the stores. These guys are like a big chicken and nowhere near the size of the typical Thanksgiving Tom.

We also spotted this VERY cool mushroom. I’m not sure of the name but it was about 5” tall and so neat I just had to take a photo. If someone knows the name please fill me in.

From there we continued to head north. We had to board a small auto ferry to cross the Daintree River to get to the main coastal section of the national park. We decided to travel as far north on this narrow winding road as we could on sealed pavement then try and hit some of the sites on the way back. So we passed places like Cape Kimberly and Cow Bay, Bailey Creek and Thornton Beach heading for the point we’d have to turn around, Cape Tribulation. Here we took a walk along the beach where there are signs warning the tourist to watch out for saltwater crocodiles in the brush line and along the water’s edge. You’re also told not to swim in the water because of the deadly Iracongi Jellyfish. They even had a bottle of vinegar there used to pour on a wound if you’re stung by one of the tiny creatures. It won’t save your life or even stop all of the excruciating pain but it will help ease it as you rush to the nearest hospital 90 minutes away back in Cairns. Luckily the beach is about 15 metres wide (50’). So I ignored Iral’s pleads and stroll along down the middle of the beach. Figuring I can out run a croc if I had too and staying out of the water. About 30 metres ( 92’) into our walk I spot this fella, a Lace Monitor Lizard. He’s about 2 metres long (6’) and sunning himself quite happily on the beach. As I edged closer to get a photo he did seem to take notice of me but didn’t really move very much allowing me to snap several photos and get within about 10’ of him. We also saw some tiny ½” size sand crabs, a few birds but never a croc or a jellyfish. This was probably a good thing and I was able to tell Iral “I told you nothing bad would happen”. (You all know I’m not one to follow the rules, especially if someone tells me I can’t do something I want to do)

From there we headed back south a little ways to Dubuji beach where we sat in the sand and had a nice picnic lunch of potato chips, salami, mixed nuts, mango and Lycee. If you never heard of Lycee and I hadn’t until about a month ago. It’s a small round fruit about the size a large walnut. It has a tough bumpy outer skin you peel off and a peanut size seed in the middle. The flesh is pink and it’s VERY juicy and sweet. Most stores here carry the tropical fruit and you MUST try it if you can find them! The beach was sunny and warm. The sand was soft but firm to sit on and scattered with little balls of sand from the sand crab homes. We listen to the waves lap at the shore line and ate our snacks gazing out at the water and the Great Barrier Reef beyond.

After lunch we continued south and stopped at Jindalba rainforest boardwalk to do a short hike in the woods. It was here we found this really cool tree growing at an angle and in a maze pattern. I’m not sure of the type of tree but it’s one of the ones I mentioned in the last blog that grows up around a host tree eventually killing it and then the inner tree rots away leaving an empty space.

By now it was getting late in the day and Iral and I started our drive back down to Cairns. We stopped at another Gay Resort we had heard about Turtle Cove, to check it out on our way home. It’s about 45 minutes north of town and really in the middle of nowhere. They have a VERY private beach that some of the rooms look out over. It has a nice pool and plenty of space to play beach volleyball and other things. Being New Years it was totally booked out and we weren’t’ able to check out any of the rooms. I had heard a lot about this place over the last few years and wanted to see for myself. It’s under new ownership and they’re making a lot of renovations to bring it into the new millennium. So maybe next time we’ll stay here?



There’s one more blog entry to this trip and it’s all about the GREAT BARRIER REEF. I have 2 performances with the band on Tuesday for Australia day (think 4th of July without the fireworks). So it’ll probably be next weekend before I start to type it up.



Hope everyone is well and enjoying the last few weeks of winter. Until next time my dear friends take care! And come VISIT!!!

New Years in Cairns

From Lake Eildon National Park on Christmas we go all the way north to Cairns Queensland and Skinny Dips all male resort for 6 nights including New Years Eve.

The flight left at 7am, meaning Iral and I had to get up early on the Tuesday the 29th. Security for domestic flights here is quite different from the states. We checked in at the kiosk for Jetstar and got our boarding passes. At the counter we show them to the clerk and our luggage gets the usual sticker. The only questions asked, “Are we flying to Cairns and do we have any explosive items in our bags”. No identification is required at all. This relaxed approach continues at the security gate. We are not required to take off our shoes or open our CPAP bags (Iral has one too) or even show our boarding passes to anyone. We just empty our pockets, throw our bags on the conveyor belt and stroll right on by. Iral’s bag did get sent through the scanner a second time but it came out fine and no one even spoke to us. We got some beverages and I started to read my book. (A true story about an Jewish American family that moves from LA to live in Jerusalem Israel in 2001, entitled “Coming together, Coming apart” by Daniel Gordis, regardless of your political views it’s very interesting reading) I managed to get us into row 1 of economy class and we arrived in Cairns a few hours later just fine.

Cairns is only has about 150,000 residents and nearly 3 million visitors a year. Our resort offered a free pick up at the airport and we had been instructed to obtain our luggage then place a call to them and they’d come get us. Only being a few minutes from the airport it saved us cab fare. We obtained one of our 2 bags and thought the other would be coming along any minute so I gave Wayne at the resort a ring to come get us. He mentioned where we should wait for him and he’d be there in a jiffy. After a few minutes all the bags had been claimed and our 2nd piece of luggage was nowhere to be found! I ran out to meet Wayne while Iral waited in line at the baggage service desk. Wayne said he’d make the loop and I went and filled out some paper work. We had a direct flight from Melbourne to Cairns and the missing bag contained all of the clothes for both Iral and me, including brand new Christmas clothes. After about 20 minutes with a very polite customer service girl, Ebony. I was assured most bags turn up in 24 hours and that it was probably still in Melbourne. I surely hoped so because the outfit I was wearing was quickly becoming damp with sweat from the 95% humidity Cairns has in summer.

Wayne was polite and made his 3rd or 4th loop pass. Just like in Portland cars are not allowed to linger in the pickup area. A heavy set woman with a white nose and wide brimmed hat made sure he moved himself along. Once at the resort things got back on track and we were shown our room that over looked the courtyard pool and hot tub. As I had requested a bottle of champagne was chilled in the refrigerator. Since we were on holiday we started it off right by drinking the entire bottle before heading to the local shopping mall to buy some new outfits to wear. A little tipsy and off we go in a cab to Cairns Centre Mall, hoping to score some after Christmas deals on clothes. I got 2 t-shirts and a pair of swimming trunks and Iral got the same all for only $80. Not too bad, Thank god for Target! We spent the rest of our afternoon between the resort pool and our air conditioned room only stopping at the bar occasionally of course. That evening we decided to take a stroll into the central business district and find a place for dinner. 3km later we made it to Outback Jack’s on the edge of the tourist area. The walk taught us that our flip flops were not good shoes for long distances and the humidity has zapped us of our energy. With our feet up I gulped down some water and Iral enjoyed a cold beer waiting for our food. The establishment was a HUGE gimmick and tourist trap. There wasn’t an Australian in sight and that included all of the employees which were mostly backpacker kids. However, I have to admit the food was very good. After our meal we had more energy and found a local public pool to sooth our tired pig toes in for a few minutes while enjoying a ice cream cone. 

From there we drifted over to the casino for a little while and lost a total of $10 in more than an hour of playing games. Every large town in Australia has a casino and the gaming industry is run by private investors not the indigenous people. This one only has 500 slots and about 20 tables really quiet small by American standards and gambling is about the only vice I have anymore. (I know some of you may find that hard to believe but its true) A vice I have learn to keep in check or at least try to. Back outside the humidity hasn’t dropped at all and in minutes you are sweat covered. A short cab ride back to the resort and our first day is over before we know it.

Wednesday morning was another early to rise day. I had booked us on a rainforest waterfall tour with Bob Stranger http://www.gaycairnsaccommodation.com/GayTours.htm Bob and his partner Andrew own Boyz on the Beach B&B, north of town. Bob had been a National Park Ranger for many years and knows the area VERY well. He only accommodates 4 guest per day. Iral and I got lucky and we were his only clients for the day. He immediately put us at ease by letting us know what was planned and that we could adjust the itinerary as we desired. Our first point of interest was the small tourist town of Kuranda Queensland in the hills above Cairns. We didn’t stop here really as most places weren’t even open yet and I had planned this trip to get out and enjoy nature. So Bob gave us the narrative while we cruised through on our way to Barron Gorge National Park and the wonderful Barron Falls. It may not look like much but the view was great and at the end of the rainy season (we were just in the first few days of the 3 month period) Bob said there would be several metres of water flowing over the falls. The link to Wikipedia shows a good photo if it with more water and has other information on it. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barron_Falls. From there we did a little 4x4 on some dirt tracks and got a horticultural lesson about some of the native plants. We learned about how the grass tree (see earlier blog of the Brisbane Range National Park hike for a photo) needs a forest fire to germinate. How some types of trees live off established trees by growing around them and eventually killing them. How there’s a species of palm tree the shoots out spiky vines to help advance it up into the canopy and that those spikes have a poison in them that is highly troublesome to people with asthma. He showed us several kinds of orchids which unfortunately weren’t blooming at the time. Damn Mother Nature doing things on her own schedule not mine! Plus many more facts of useful information I can’t remember anymore. Around 10am we had morning tea by a creek. Complete with home baked cookies, several kinds of herbal teas, a table cloth and even didgeridoo lessons. The trick is to loosen your lips and flap them like a horse, here's Iral have a try at it!

After morning tea Bob took us farther down another road where Iral and I were able to take a walk by ourselves for a while. He just dropped us off and said follow the dirt road until you see me again. We had about 45 minutes to enjoy the sounds of nature, the exotic plants and butterflies of the rainforest and smell the clean humid air. It was great! I do really enjoy the outdoors and after months in the big city this is exactly what was needed. We met up with Bob again and proceeded on our journey. From the deep forest he took us to a fresh fruit stand where Iral picked up a flat of his beloved mangos. I was able to get some chilli mango sauce, some termite tea tree honey for my flatmate back home and a jar of mango jam for a friend of Iral’s.

The rest of the day was spent at another out of the way spot Bob knew about Emerald Creek Falls. This area was not a national park but it was a spectacular afternoon. On the road out to the trailhead we passed a giant termite mound. This mound is about 6’ in height and at least that in diameter. Bob says this would have taken over 100 years to construct. I have to assume that means many queens have ruled the palace in that time. The termites in this part of Australia eat only dead material and the traditional way to make a didgeridoo is to sick a log of wood in one of the mounds. The little sawdust makers only eat the soft centre and leave the outer hard wood. You can see that someone has placed a log beside it in hopes that a year from now it’ll be hollow.

Once at the parking area Bob showed us a spot where we could cool off in the stream while he prepared our lunch. About 45 minutes later we returned and found this lovely setting beside the water.

 Bob had cooked a hot meal for us on his propane camp stove, Steak, green salad, coleslaw, roasted veggies and a nice bottle of champagne. We enjoyed our meal cooled from our swim with the cascading waters at our side, the chirping birds in the trees and one of the mangos for dessert. After we helped Bob pick up the picnic items then he took us on a stroll up to a spot of amazing beauty. The reason he brought us here, the lovely Emerald Creek Falls. Along the stroll we came across a green ants nest. These little buggers make their home in the leaves of trees and fold the leaves over coating them with a substance that holds them together. Bob informed us that the Aborigines eat them for protein. So I tried one and it sort of tasted like a lime. The natives also used them to create a green paste for painting of the face, didgeridoo and shelter hieroglyphics.

Once up at the falls we were awestruck by its grandeur. We were the only people here! The large pool of water is cool and inviting. You had to swim about 40’ to reach the falls. Iral and I played in the water for a lon cssfloat: right; floaus for a little while but then wandered of assuring us he’d be back and allowing us to have some time to ourselves. We spent time taking many photos from several angles, very few of which I can actually post on this blog.
 After a long while of fun and I spotted a viewing platform point above the falls. As I often to I have to climb to the top of things. So we started back on the trail to a fork we had passed along the way. I was sure it would take us up above the falls and it did.

Once back at the car the day was nearly over. Bob placed an Elton John CD in the dashboard and we enjoyed the scenery as it passed along the highway. Heading back to town we stopped along the way for some ice cream and it dawned on me that Jetstar hadn’t called to tell us if they had found our luggage yet. So I tried to call them and made several attempts at various numbers to no avail. Without me even realizing it Bob called the resort and found out that our luggage had been delivered and was sitting in our room waiting for us. Our last stop of the day before getting home was this great viewpoint on the hillside as you climb up from the ocean’s edge. In the distance you can see Cairns airport tower. It was a wonderful day and one of the best tours I had ever taken. I highly recommend if you’re ever in Cairns to look Bob up. He’s a great host and knows the area well. He has 4 different tours he takes guests on so I know I’ll be looking him up the next time I’m in town.

This is just the first 2 of the 6 nights we spent in Cairns os stay tuned for more updates.

This website has changed how I load images and not for the better. I am no longer able to load small movies and it's much more of a pain in the ass to load pictures. I'm going to quit for the night since it's almost midnight and try to finish loading the photos in the morning. If anyone reads this and knows a better sight to post a blog let me know please by emailing bkhpdx@yahoo.com.

Thanks!

Christams in OZ

It’s hard to believe that Christmas is here again. The long warm sunny days don’t feel like Christmas at all. But I guess I’ll get used to that in years to come. I’m easing back into the holiday season a little more this year by cooking a small dinner and exchanging gifts with my Australian friends.

But let us begin at the office on Christmas Eve. I had a VERY busy morning with 3 projects that just had to get finished before the long holiday break. I coined a new phrase that the project managers would just have to deal with by telling them “Santa doesn’t work here and you’re not getting everything you want for Christmas!” (Feel free to use that one next year Ruth and P, I’m sure Mark will appreciate it!) I managed to complete enough to keep them all happy and get the deliverables sent out. In the afternoon the office had a sausage sizzle. Basically, flavoured hotdogs cooked on the grill out on our patio. But all the kids came into the office and even Santa reared his hairy face for a little while. I escaped before he came. Leaving the office about 2pm and getting paid until 5. Now that’s a nice holiday gift from the office.

Once at home I ran to the store to pick up some things for the dinner I was making. I made a small ham in the crock pot along with some baked potatoes and a fresh green salad for my flatmate, Michael and my boyfriend Iral. Christmas morning Iral and I exchanged gifts. He got me a collapsible bucket for camping, a nice pen set, some cuff links and a alarm clock that projects the time on to the ceiling at night. I got him the movie Bruno a 12 pack of Dr. Pepper (yes I turned him on to it) and a gift certificate to his favourite store, David Jones. (It’s like Nordstroms). I got a few other things from home too. Phyllis sent me a care package of things like grape jelly an Oregon calendar and some hazelnut chocolates. My mom sent me some much needed bed linens and Michael bought me 2 tickets to the gay pride T dance on the 17th of January. It’s a outdoor dance party with about 3,000 people. I didn’t go last year and have heard it’s a lot of fun so I’m looking forward to it.

Christmas day Iral and I took a drive to Lake Eildon National Park about 2 hours northeast of the city. We spent the afternoon lounging by the lake side on a blanket after a picnic lunch. Then we waded in the water for a little while before doing dome 4x4. In the evening we went to one of his 4 sister’s house for Christmas dinner of raw oysters, cooked jumbo prawns, spring rolls and Asian noodles. Most Australians celebrate with a bbq since it’s so warm and nice at this time of year. Iral’s family is from the Philippines so that’s where the menu varies from what you and I are used to having. We spent most of the time singing karaoke with his mom, sister Susan (our host), and niece Nadine. Iral and Nadine have beautiful voices while Susan and I croaked out a few lines here and there. It was a lot of fun and the first time I’ve ever done karaoke completely sober!

On Saturday the 26th we did a little shopping and then had drinks at Max and David’s house in the afternoon. Sunday the 27th we took a ride on Iral’s motorcycle out into the countryside. I’ve ridden with him 3 times now and am getting past the fear of death I had on the first ride. Although on our way home he got on the freeway and did 130 kph (80 mph) for a short stretch and I just put my head down and prayed. Don’t worry mom. I wear a helmet, leather jacket, boots and gloves while I’m on the back and trust me I hang on to Iral like his life depends upon it! He can tell when I’m nervous by how tight I’m holding on to him. He wants me to get my motorcycle licence and buy a bike but I just don’t see that happening anytime soon! LOL.... I’m too old to die stupidly I hope!

On Monday the 28th we had scheduled a hot air balloon ride over Melbourne but some low clouds that morning cancelled the trip and we had to reschedule it for January 26th, Australia Day.

On the 29th we left for Cairns for 6 nights but you’ll hear more about that trip in my next blog update.

I hope everyone’s Christmas was wonderful! Brian

Thanksgiving and the Xmas Concert

It's been a couple weeks since I left you all on Phllips Island with the penquins. Time has ticked away and now it's the middle of December. Winter has settled in where most of you live and you're in the throws of the holiday rush.

Down under we celebrated Thanksgiving a week later then you, on Sunday December 6th. Michael and I had 8 friends over to our place and I cooked a $85, 15 lbs fresh turkey. It was the largest one I could get from my local butcher. I could have picked up a smaller froozen bird at the grocery store for about $50 but cooking 2 just wouldn't have fit in my Australian sized oven. This year I knew a few more Americans and was able to con them into cooking the classic side dishes. Leaving me with just the turkey, gravy, stuffing and 3 pumpkin pies.  This years festivities included some of the guests from last year and a group of new friends like Iral, Dean, Adam and Max and David (2 American's that just moved here a few months ago) So the tradiation has been started. Like so many of you we talked, laughed and ate WAY too much food. By evening time when the guests had all left and the kitchen was cleaned I was just a lump on the sofa.

The next week just flew by and before I knew so did being 40! All of a sudden I was 40 something. The day was spent at work. Where I shared a pumpkin cheese cake with my coworkers. It's the tradiation, at least in my office, that the birthday person brings in a treat to share. Last year I resisted this custom. Still hoping to hang on to the events of Portland where all the people that loved you in the office would take you to lunch. Not all was lost because my friends Dean (in the blue shirt sitting on the sofa, on the left side of the photo) did take me to lunch in the city. Thanks! Dean. In the evening I went to the gym after work (I know I am getting old!) then Iral and I had a nice dinner at an italian resturant with a view of the Yarra river and the city skyline. To top the evening off we went to the casino and paid them to entertain us for a little while. The big highlight of the day was when Phyllis called me and I got to catch up with her for a few minutes. It was almost like I wasn't 10,000 miles away. I need to thank all those people that wished me happy birthday. The new friends I have here made my tranistion much easier and the old friends I have around the world still bring me joy from so far away.

Part of the reason I kept my birthday calm this year was the Melbourne Rainbow Band had thier Christmas Concert, "Carols by Queerlight" the following night and I need to be at my best to perform well. The evening was a lot of fun. The band of 35 musicains where accompanied by the 60 people strong Melbourne Gay and Lesbian Choir and about 400 people attend the free concert. The evening was wonderful. Mother natured cooperated by not doucing us with buckets of rain like last year and kept us near 75 degrees all evening. Perfect weather to play a night time concert.
Hopefully some of you braved the long, cold, dark night and tuned into JOY fm for the live web broadcast. 

That's the big things that have been keeping me busy. I've been doing a lot of the same things you have trying to get ready for Chrsitmas. But this morning I bought the last gift! I have 2 packages to get in the mail and I'm hoping they make it to the states before the big day. There are 2 more weeks of work until the office shut down on Christams Eve. Then I'm off work until January 11th.  WAH FREAKIN HOO! It's customary for a lot of business to close for 2 full weeks in Australia. So in the middle of summer you're forced to take a vacation. I know that many of you are say... Oh boy that's a rough life! But since it's a forced leave and we are also forced to use our vacation time or take it without pay. I am short a little time so I'll be taking 1 or 2 days without pay.

Last year I spent the holidays in Tasmainia camping. This year I'll be home for xmas and then heading up to Cairns, The Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef for 6 nights at a gay resort over New Years Eve. Now that's a rough life! When I get back from that trip I'll still have 6 day before returning to work. So I might take a few and go camping. You'll have to tune in next year to find out what happens.

Happy birthday to Robin Melin on the 23rd. Merry Christmas and a Happy 2010 to everyone!

Maybe someone will make a New Year's resolution to visit Australia!

Take care and enjoy the holidays I miss you all!

The Penquins of Phillip Island

This past weekend Iral and I went down to Phillip Island about a 75 minute drive south of the city. It's a small island with a huge tourist population. A great place to surf, swim or stroll the beaches. The island has 3 main towns, Newhaven, Summerland and the biggest town called Cowes, (yep, sounds like more than one cow). There are several smaller residential areas too. But the places mentioned have at least a general store and A restaurant. There are 2 main attractions beside all the fun beach things to do. There is a world class grand prix race track that hosts car and motorcycle races from all over the world. While we were there we heard that an unexpected race recently took place when the scheduled track in Dubai had a problem. There's also the famous Penguin Parade. Many of my co-workers have told me over and over again it's a thing you must do.




Iral and I headed out about 10am and the plan was to find a caravan (RV) park to spend the night and sleep in Tommy the Tank. Once we arrived on the island about noon we headed right for the penguin park and got our tickets for the exclusive viewing area. $40 per person instead of $25 but we would be mere feet away from these guys as they came ashore at dusk. Since it was early in the day the place was deserted and this gave a great opportunity to do some exploring without the bus loads of international tourist. We strolled along the beach exploring the tide pools and a dead penguin we found washed up on the shore.

Our exclusive seating area held 150 people. The general seating area was much larger and a capacity of 500. It was hard to believe that 650 people would show up night after night to watch penguins. But trust me the do! After our stroll we headed into Cowes for some lunch and to find a caravan park. As it turned out there was something going on at the race track and just about every place in town was booked up. After about 90 minutes of driving in and out of every hotel, motel and caravan park. We grabbed a tourist book and started making phone calls. We found a nice little place on the bay side (north) in Newhaven. Julie our hostess ran a 4 unit cottage on a very quiet street with a view of the bay. Iral relaxed for a little while and I practiced. About 5pm we head to the pizza joint Julie recommended and grabbed a bottle of wine which we enjoyed by the beach. Then another stroll on the beach before heading back to Summerland and the penguin parade about 8pm when we arrived and the parking area was nearly full. By purchasing our tickets earlier in the day we didn't have to wait in any lines and were able to walk right to the seating area and got a spot in the front row. Our Park Ranger gave us the guidelines, No standing, keep control of the kids to allow others to enjoy the events and ABSOLUTELY NO PICTURE taking with or without the flash. Not only did he tell us this but it was posted about 15 timed between the entrance and the seating area. The ranger explained that these penguins are the smallest type sea birds and stand about 13" tall. They're found on the southern coast of mainland Australia, The Tasmanian and New Zealand coasts. They are an endangered species and that is a great time to view them, mating season was in full swing and many borrows had young in them.

Right on scheduled the little guys and gals starting waddling up the beach in small groups of 5 to 10. As dusk fell into night the groups got larger and in all there were probably 500 that walked past us. They would climb the first small sand dune and take a break right in front of our platform. Some would then preen or just catch their breath. Some were very brave and pushed through the masses. Others were skittish and ran for cover under the platform. All of them were just the cutest little things I'd seen since coming to Australia.

As the evening progressed Iral and I were able to keep scooting closer and closer to the prime viewing spot as others left the area. Once the crowd of creatures thinned and our ranger seem to be occupied elsewhere, I did exactly what I was told not to do (you know I had to, just cause they said I couldn't) I snapped a picture. Now before you think I'm a completely terrible person. I used the large towel we brought to cover our legs from the wind as cover. I managed to turn off the flash and then I'd bring the camera out and quickly shoot without really aiming. It took about 5 tries to finally get a good shot. But I got it and I didn't get busted by a ranger. As we walked back up the boardwalk to the main building we followed the pathway and got several more chances to see the cute little guys as they headed for home. The size crowds were quite surprising. People were massed on the boardwalk, in the gift shop, at the coffee stand and in the parking areas.

Then it was time for the people parade. A long line of cars heading back to Cowes and their own borrows for the evening. Iral and I made it home all the way across the island in about 15 minutes. We finished another bottle of wine in our room and watched a little TV before drifting off to sleep.

In the morning we took a long walk along Cape Woolamai (Wool-a-may). We spent about 3 hours out there enjoying the view of the coastline and the surfers. Near noon it was time to head back to town. Both of us had things to do to get ready for work on Monday and this was just a short trip anyway.

Happy birthdays go to all the people I mentioned before and to a few that slipped my mind. Jamie Snook, Effy Sadah and Songbok Lee. Next entry will probably be the before mentioned Thanksgiving dinner in early December.

I hope everyone has a GREAT Thanksgiving and you all eat way too much food. One good thing about being here is its summer time during the holidays so the meals are most modest and you don't put on 10lbs during the holidays.

Take care and COME VISIT me!

New Zealand's North Island

We start today with at 3am wake up call and trip to the airport for a 6am over seas flight. Yes, New Zealand still counts as OVER seas. The plane flew over the Tasman Sea and I had to go through international customs where I got a new stamp in my passport.

Iral (pronounced i-RAL) and I made it to the airport with plenty of time to spare and wandered around in the duty free shops waiting for the coffee places to open and our plane to start boarding.

We arrived in Auckland near noon on Saturday, All Hallows Eve. A $75 cab ride to the Oaks Hotel and the wrong hotel (Iral laughing at the blunder, it's part of the adventure I told him.) before another cab ride to the correct Oaks Residence Hotel. Once all checked in to our new home we wandered around New Zealand's capital city, which to use a Aussie term was "very lovely". It's a hilly and green city, a lot like Seattle (in summer of course). The central business district slopes down to the water edge ofn the Waitemata Harbour. Most buildings look 20 or 30 years old with some more modern structures mixed in. There are a lot of people shopping and enjoying the sun on the streets. Many of the native Maori (Maow-ree) people are mixed in with the Caucasian New Zealanders and the tourist. It's refreshing to see the native island inhabitants so prominent. It's rare to see a Aboriginal in Melbourne and unfortunately the ones you do see are homeless and often intoxicated. The Maori's are much like the Pacific Island races. A thick stocky breed with the tribal tattoos proudly shown. I saw several women with their chins tattooed in a decorative warrior like pattern. Because of the Maori's were of a more aggressive (or defense) nature when the British came to settle the redcoats choose Australia instead. The aborigines are a less aggressive group and this simple fact meant they would be a decimated race and the Maori would continue to to thrive into the 21st century. Auckland is like many other cities with shopping districts, fast food outlets and coffee shops at every corner. There's even a pointy spire building with a rotating restaurant on top. I don't know the name of the building and we didn't go up. Having done this in several metropolis' across the globe I skipped it here. We did however manage to find time to lose $20 bucks at the local casino. I've learned over the years to keep my gambling addiction in check and we got out quickly when that 20 was gone. Luckily, Iral's not much of a gambler. After a couple hours of exploring we headed back to the hotel for what Australian's call a Nanna Nap, basically a nap to my American friends. We had gotten up early and had big plans for the evening that we'd need our energy for.

This day was more than just Halloween it was Iral's birthday. I've been sworn to secrecy about his actual age so you'll just have to guess. Before leaving Melbourne I booked us a sunset dinner cruise on a sailboat. We arrived at the dock in time to grab a drink from the nearest pub and sat to people watch for a few minutes. We quickly spotted another gay couple waiting to board the boat. When it was time to disembark we said hello to them and introduced ourselves. Our new friends for the evening were John and Wayne from Brisbane. (Mom, tell Bill I had dinner with John Wayne LOL) Walking the dock to the sailboat I noticed the name of the ship was "Challenger". This gave me a moments pause, remembering the 1986 space shuttle disaster. But Iral brushed it off and I quickly did too. Once on board our captain and crew gave us the details about our evening's events along with the safety spiel. " Floatation devices are not required to be worn and can be found at the back of the boat in an emergency." Our crew consisted of 3 people, and 14 guests. We set sail and in no time at all were moored up in a different harbour where dinner would be served. (I learned some new tricks for making movies I hope you enjoy them.) Some one was using their brain and sat the 2 sets of gay guys at the same table, which was very nice of them. The food was exceptional and we had a 3 course meal with a nice bottle of white wine and plenty of conversations. As it turned out we talked so long below deck during dinner we actually missed the sunset. After dinner we sailed out of Waitemata Harbour and into the Hauraki Gulf, under the cover of stars and moonlight. Each of us got a chance to sail the boat and lots of time to enjoy the cool night air with beautiful views of the city skyline.

After dinner a stop back at the hotel to put on our dancing shoes and a couple quick shots of Tequila before heading to the gay bars on "K" Road. We had to see how the Kiwi's celebrated Halloween and besides like I mentioned it was Iral's birthday so there was much more partying to be had. Shortly after arriving at the dance club, John and Wayne showed up. The 4 of us dance on the packed floor for several hours. Thumping and grinding to the beats along with so many others. Some people had on full costumes, others just simple things to get in the spirit and of course the drag queens were out in force! We had changed the clocks for daylight savings time a few weeks back in Australia and I don't know if New Zealand even does it at all. It doesn't really matter because the bars keep serving until 7am!!! About 3 am we had to go outside to get some air and decided it was best for us to walk the 3km (1.8 m) back to our hotel. I stopped at a 7-11 and got a BIG bottle of water and then we stumbled along our way. Thank God for the big pointy tower thing. It helped a lot to find our hotel. I'm not sure if we took the most direct route but we managed to get there. The walk and water did us a LOT of good.

Sunday morning we slept in! Our room was actually a 1 bedroom apartment with a kitchenette. We had grabbed a few groceries the day before to make some breakfast at home while trying to re hydrate ourselves more. We did manage to get out of the hotel room about noon and explored different parts of the city. Walking quite a distance through more shopping areas, up a large hill into a beautiful park before wandering back to "K" road to get a look at the area in the daylight and some late lunch. Iral had a great idea of picking our rental car earlier, right at closing time on Sunday, instead of Monday morning to maximize our investment. So at 5pm we were mobile and took a drive out of the city into the countryside north of Auckland. We made a stop at Stanley Point to get some views back on to the city before venturing farther out to a little town called Helensville. There really wasn't anything there and we never even stopped. We just kept driving our loop track back to town. It gave us a chance to see a little bit of the life outside of the big city and venture into a part of the island we wouldn't have been able to see otherwise.

On Monday morning we woke up early, packed our bags and headed to the volcanic plain town of Rotorua about 3.5 hours southeast of Auckland. The rolling green hills were dotted with cattle, sheep and the occasional homestead. It's surprising how quickly the city fades behind you and the countryside seems to go on for ever. As we entered the township we stopped at the tourist information center to stretch our legs and get some info. Getting out of the car I got a whiff of the sulfur air so many people had warned me about when I mentioned I'd be going to this town. A highly seismic country and the area we were in was dotted with geysers and hot springs so the odor wasn't a big surprise, while noticeable not over powering. We arrived at the right hotel on our first try, The Heritage. Check in wasn't until 2pm so a tour of the gift shops and lunch was in order. I managed to check off quiet a few Xmas gifts in a short period of time. We found a GREAT little mom and pop cafe on a side street and had some awesome lasagna. There must have been a pound of cheese on every slice and the pasta was handmade! Some of the best home cooked food I'd had in a while. If you ever want to go to New Zealand let me know and I'll help you find this place again.

Back at our hotel before 2pm we checked in and spoke to the desk clerk about finding a free hot spring off in the woods some place. I didn't really want to pay $100 for 60 minutes in a man made pool with 50 other people near by at the popular tourist trap and knew there must be a place the locals go. She told us about Kerosene Creek near the town of Waiotapo about 30 minutes south. Iral and I made our way there and found the watering hole quite easily. Just as we arrived the only 2 people there left and for about 15 minutes we had the place to our selves. The water was about 28 degrees C (82 F) and closer to the falls the sand at your feet was much warmer. Probably upwards of 36 C (97 F). The current was so strong your feet quickly sunk into the deep sand and your toes got toasty in no time at all. Iral and I had a GREAT time snapping photos and I played the sax for a few minutes. It's a familiar tune to some of you by now. But it was a little hard to bring my music stand and sheet music into the water so I had to play from memory. I hope you enjoy it. Like I mentioned we had about 15 minutes to ourselves and then over the course of 30 minutes 4 or 5 other couples showed up. All od them tourist as best as we could tell because everyone had and accent and not just a New Zealand one. Iral and I had dinner reservations at 7:30 so about 4pm we headed back to town to clean up.

Once back at the hotel what better way to wash the rich minerals off our bodies then to jump into the spa pool side. The hotel heated all it's water from the thermal vents and even the large swimming pool was very warm. After dressing for dinner Iral and I killed at little time in the bar. A couple martinis and off to the 1284 Bistro with a bottle of wine. (Many places in Australia and New Zealand are "bring you own" even if they serve alcohol they allow you to bring your favorite wine in. Hard spirits are not acceptable generally) The clerk at the hotel recommended it the restaurant as the best in town with authentic New Zealand food and she was right. We had an ostrich appetizer (called entrees here). Not really NZ species but exceptional flavor and presentation. I had a lamb shank and Iral had the steak. Both melted in your mouth and the steamed vegetables we're cooked perfectly. Hold on to your bell bottoms I even ate the COOKED CARROTS! Something I have never really cared for since I was a kid and still generally pick out of my food. By the end of dinner we had finished the bottle of wine. Iral order a coffee and I did my usual pushing of the limits and ordered a 20 year old glass of port. It was incredible, the alcohol evaporated off your tongue and left the sweetness of the aged delite to linger on your taste buds. We did get dessert a chocolate carmel treat. I honestly don't remember what it was called but it sure was good. At this point we were fairly tipsy and headed back to the hotel for just one more night cap. It was our last evening on the island and nether of us wanted the evening to end.

Tuesday morning we got up with no real hangover (very lucky trust me) and gathered our things. The days adventures would take us around Lake Rotorua and back to Auckland for a 9pm flight. Once we were checked out and loaded into the car. I drove us northwest of town skirting the edge of the lake to a short hiking trail I'd found on the web that was said to have 4 water falls and be popular with kayaks. My fabulous (if I do say so myself) sense of direction got us to the trail head at Okere Falls Scenic Reserve in no time at all. From the parking lot you could hear the rushing water. A short trip down a steep flight of stairs takes to to a small landing at the water's edge. However the level was so high the landing was covered in white water. But from the last step we were able to see 3 kayakers (look under the trees to the right of the one you can see) honing their skills in what looked to be fierce torrents of water. Back up the stairs and farther along the trail we saw another beautiful water fall and a side trail that led you down into some caves the used to hide the Maori women and children in time of war. The pictures didn't really come out that well so you'll have to imagine what it was like 150 years ago. The entire hike took about 1 hour and was a nice little jaunt into the woods. Giving me a taste of what New Zealand had to offer for the outdoors man. Back in our car we proceed westerly around the lake, heading back towards the capital.

We managed to get back into the city about 3pm and had to have the car back by 5pm to avoid additional day charges so Iral indulged the crazy American and allowed me to eat at WENDY'S. I had found it on our first day in Auckland and you know how I NEVER shut up about some things. Well from the moment we saw it I kept saying we have to eat there! There are none in Australia as far as I know and it's a place I would always pick over McDonald's or Burger King back in the states. Now seemed like my best and last chance. Just walking into the restaurant brought back memories of the Big Bacon Classic burgers and my mouth began to water. Looking at the menu they even had Frostys. Iral and I made our selection and ordered. It was at this point we realized they didn't take credit cards and our Australian debit cards didn't work in NZ. We had to pay with cash. Since we only had a few hours left in the country we had spent most of it. I ended up using the $15 I had put aside to place in my collection to eat lunch with. That's how bad I wanted a burger from home! We sat on the stools facing the street and watched people go by as we enjoyed the flame broiled burger with fresh lettuce, tomato and 2x onions (Iral gave me his). Everything tasted exactly as I had remembered it. Even the french fries (Aussie call them chips) were the thick cut style I had learned to love back home. We had to settle for regular diet coke since we didn't have enough cash to upgrade to Frostys. There's no 0.99 cent menu here. Damn it!

I think Iral was happy to experience it and to have me finally shut up.

Back in the car we made our way to the airport, with 4 hours to spare before our flight. I went to a cash exchange and changed some of my Australian dollars into New Zealand bank notes so I'd be able to add to my collection after all. Going through customs we learned there was a limit on liquids and gels. So the $12.50 I spent on kiwi jam in Rotorua got confiscated along with a 200 ml bottle of Bailey's Irish creme. I offered to drink it right there but the lady didn't seem impressed by this suggestion. We then spent about and hour in the duty free shops. I practically bought my weight in alcohol. Really just 4 liters but after carrying it around for 3 hours it felt like much more. Iral, I found out has a passion for expensive colognes. He bought 5 bottles in total, some were gifts to his credit, spending much more than I did on the booze. Booze in Australia is HEAVILY taxed and a 750ml bottle (A 5th) of good vodka is $60 AU I got 2 full liters for $100 NZ. 20% cheaper with just the exchange rates.

A couple more hours of sitting and waiting before we finally start to board our plane. The flight home was uneventful as most flights home are. We got our luggage went through customs where I learned I can go through the Australian nationals line since I have a 457 work visa stamp in my passport and no longer will have to wait with all the commoners in the massive tourist line.

Getting Tommy the Tank out of 4 days in long tern parking for only $70 was great! Home and in bed by 2am.

In all a GREAT trip! New Zealand is a beautiful country that I must visit again! and you should too right after you visit me!

Happy birthdays go out to Eric Hanson's his was on the 1st of November. His daughter, Ava's, was on the 10th, my nephew Matt's is on the 12th, My mother's is on the 16th, Corina's is on the 18th ( I think) and I feel like I'm forgetting some one so I apoligize!

I'm planning another thankgiving dinner this year and it's looking like it'll be the first weekend in December. Australian's don't realy understand the holiday and several key friends can't make it on Thursday the 26th. Besides it's going to be hard to cook all that food while I'm at work! This year I know a few more American's and am asking them to help out making the traditional dishes.

My next blog entry will be after that I imgine. Until then friends and loved ones take care and COME VISIT ME!

October's little adventures

Friends,

It's been a few weeks since I left you in South Australia's National Parks and this blog entry will be shorter than what you're used to. I'm sure many of you are saying THANK GOD!

In the last few weeks the Melbourne Rainbow Band had a major performance at Gasworks Theatre "OTHAFA" (Over The Hills And Far Away) The fairy tale land where the king is gay and his apricot poodle, Tofu, helps him along his journey to come to terms with his sexuality. It was hilarious, let me tell you. I don't have any pictures personally. I was busy playing my parts, but I know there are some on the band's facebook page so look them up and become a fan if you want to know more.

On another weekend, a friend, Iral (i-RAL) and I took a one night camping trip in Tommy the Tank to The Lakes National Park in Victoria. It's a small park nestled between Lake Victoria and the ocean, about 3.5 hours drive east of Melbourne, near the town of Lakes Entrance. Yes that is the name of a town here and it's where the ocean and fresh water lakes meet. Simple, accurate and to the point like a lot of things in Australia. Once we found our camping spot for the night we had some lunch and then did a little exploring of the park. We went to the main viewing area of the lakes and as you can see from the picture its got a funny name.

We spent the evening by the campfire with the only other people in the campground, a nice french couple. This was the first camping trip I've taken where there hasn't been a full moon. In fact, there was no moon at all. We laid on one of the picnic tables for a while staring at the milky way and more stars than I've seen in many years.

The next morning I cooked breakfast. The usual scrambled bacon, eggs, veggies and cheese concoction before packing up everything.

As we heading back down the peninsula we had to make stop at the ocean beach. Detouring down every road I could find that would let me do a little 4x4 and trying to find some drivable access to the beach. Finally settling on walking down there instead. It was a GREAT day and we explored the dunes and rocky out cropping of Ninety Mile beach. Finding a blue shelled crab to antagonize for a little while. Then enjoyed the sounds and sights of the Bass Straight.

Once back to the car we took the 160 km (100m) drive around to Lakes Entrance to capture this photo. We enjoyed a greasy lunch of some fresh fish and chips before the long ride back to town.

I did a Skype call with some friends in Portland Friday night (their time) It was great to see Ed, Corina, Roger, Kevin, Ken and Keith. I also did a short one with my mother this morning since she's gotten a new computer. Skype is a FREE service with video call between computers. All you need is a webcam and a good internet connection. If you're interested in looking me up down laod the program and my log in is "bkharris68". It's the way of the future and so very "Jetsons". I'd love to keep in touch with more of you this way.

This coming weekend, Halloween, Iral and I are going to Auckland and Rotorua (on the volcanic plain) New Zealand for 4 days. It's Melbourne Cup weekend, the horse race that stops a country. I'm not sure if it's a national holiday or just a state one. But I don't really care since I get Monday and Tuesday off work to do some more exploring! Be on the look out next week for a blog entry of that trip to Australia's 8th state.

Happy birthday's go out to a Laurie Wrobleski and Kevin VC (didn't want to spell it wrong) who both have birthday's on the 29th. My nephew, Matt ,my mother and several other friends have birthday's in November so just in case I'll say Happy birthday now. Of course well wishes to anyone else that may have slipped my mind at the moment.

I hope everyone has a HAPPY HALLOWEEN and that you're enjoying the fall. Summer is in full swing down under so come visit!