Life Down Under

      We arrived in hot and sunny Australia to spend a few days in Brisbane. Our first stop was to see the kolas and wild kangeroos (we saw one wild wallabey) at the Daisy Hill Kola Center (min. from Lepa's house).  We also spent a day at the Steve Irwin Zoo.  Now, we are at a conference in Broadbeach (the Gold Coast area).

      So what has life been like in Australia?  The Tasman Sea from the Gold Coast has been much warmer than in New Plymouth.  No one wears wet suits here and there was endless white sand.  Plus, there were lots of creatures (jellyfish, kangeroos, and birds) everywhere.  Sea dragon lizards (3 feet or so) have been hanging out at our hotel pool with us.  Gabe and Al got stung from jellies while body surfing.  The waves at the local beach were impressive.  They seemed higher and rougher than the Oakura surf.  Our driving experience in Australia (so far) has been much easier than in New Zealand.  There has been no need for motion sickness pills.  Later in the week, we will head north to explore the Sunshine Coast area. 

Al and Lepa, our friend from Macadonia that lives in Brisbane.

The Sea Dragon Lizard at our hotel pool:

New Plymouth Gymnastic Club

     Al and Gabe have been hanging out at the Gymnastic Club on Sat. mornings.  Our new friends, Charlie and Jo encouraged them to attend a few sessions of open gym time.  They are both hooked and can't wait to go to the gym for the next time. Also, Charlie and Joe, our next door neighbors have a big outdoor trampoline.  Consequently, we spend alot of time in their backyard while Gabe tries out new tramoline tricks.  Here is a brief preview of  Gabe's new stunt on You Tube:

1.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3kTFw_zAG28

2.  Video 58


http://sharing.theflip.com/session/6ac2bac365ae7f43616909444e1f818f/video/11813775
 
I'm planning on getting videos of Al on the blog, later.
 

World of Music and Dance

What are we up to down here:
     Time is ticking away for us with only few more weekends in New Zelaand.   The Kiwis were especially proud of the World of Music and Dance (WOMAD), an international festival held in New Plymouth.  Our neighbors encouraged us to attend and it was a good choice.

  



Jazz Band from US

Taranaki Christmas lights turned for WOMAD

     On Sunday, we had our fill of wild berries along the trail.  The Kiwi weather was good for a weekend hike in the mountains.  However, things were changing in the Southern Hemisphere.  It has been windy, rainy, and dark as summer draws to an end. 

  

Al on the mountain trail

   












      Next, it is outta here for 2 weeks to spend Easter in Australia. We will reconnect with a long lost friend, Lepa and her daughters, Mona (my namesake) and Branka.  Then, it is off to see the crocs, koalas, kangeroos, and attend a conference in the Gold Coast.  Gotta get going on our Aussie adventure. 

Gold MineTrail

    The Taranaki beaches were crowded with on-lookers, last Sunday.  There had been coastal warnings for New Zealand residents about the earthquake in Chile.  Everyone, including boaters and surfers were warned to stay out of the water.  It was a waiting game to see what impact there would be.

     After Sunday church, we headed out to join the crowds at the local beach.  No, it was much a do about nothing.  The Tasman Sea looked as beautiful as ever with no changes from our vantage point.

         Earlier in the week, there had been alot of excitment about American cars.  The Kiwis were crazy about old cars from the States.  There were American flags, parades, and 700-800 vintage American automobiles driving around the mountain.

    








Oops-ya get the idea.



      Later in the day, Al and I headed out to the Old Boar Mine Trail.  Gabe opted to stay home.  He was sore from gymnastics.  Plus, he wanted a break from his parents. It was time well spent in the backcountry with the dairy cows and the famous NZ sheep.

     Further down the trail, we reached the site of the old abondoned mine.  It looked in pretty good shape despite the warning sign.  We were pretty much alone on the trail until we nearly bumped into a trail runner.   

     Darn, we forgot the head lamps (too bad for me).  Al poked his head down further but he decided to pass. The next day at work, some co-workers shared that they made it to the end of the mine with their flashlights.  There was "no gold in them there hills".