Please wait... Australia Travel Journal Feb 2004
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Tuesday, March 09, 20046:51 We Are Home!!! [ Edit | Delete ]
WoW!!! Did I drop the ball on Journalism, or what!!! Sorry!!! My last entry was before Fraser Island... That was great and I hope to post those pictures soon. In the last few hours of Fraser Island I screwed up my Leg/knee when I stumbled out of the 4 wheel drive vehicle and onto a prehistoric root. Did you ever see a leg hyper-entend (knee goes backwards) Not Pretty... Well after lots of rubbing and pampering I hobbled thru the remainder of our adventure (ace Bandage and ice)... It was great!!!
After Fraser Island, we worked our way back down south stopping at Noosa then overnighting at Nimbin. (Wait till you see the Nimbin pictures) -1973 Aquarious Central Festival, and still going strong- We traveled thru rain forest to and from Nimbin,,, so beautiful...
Sydney was where we spent our last 3 days. Manly beach was cool so was the Opera House and all the other Sydney Stuff that you will see in pictures.
The 30 hours journey home didn't do my leg any good. It looked like a tree stump by now. I checked myself into our local hospital (after a great shower) and things are going well!!!
Finally, I can sit at my computer!!! Thanks to everyone who followed me along in this adventure and for your interest and comments... Cheers Gary...
Thanks Erin for making it all possible!!!
Posted on 03/09/04 7:01 [ Comments (3) ] [ Post a comment ]
Wednesday, February 18, 20043:42 Frazier Island, Australia... Wednesday Feb 18, 2004 [ Edit | Delete ]
Hello to ALL!!!
Good Bye Byron Bay hello Fraser Island!!! On the Cape of Byron Bay (the most easterly part of all of Australia, (Juat below Brisbane - see atlas) we were the first people in all of OZ to see the sun rise!!! That was really cool.
Today we dropped Eddie off at The Brisbane Airport where he will fly to Adelaide to do his 4 / 5 day shark cage adventure... He is so excited about that!!! He will feed the sharks too from inside the cage!!! Then we will hook up back in Sydney (next Monday) and finish out our trip there.
Gary Jr. and I continued North to Fraser Island... Just a bit North of Brisbane... Fraser Island is the largest sand dune island in the entire world!!! We are taking a tour with 8 other people from the hostel for a 2 day 3 night adventure there... Included in the tour is a four wheel drive vehicle,,, camping gear, food, all the supplies we need for camping and living on the Island... which is not just dunes but, rain forests, waterfalls, Pacific ocean views, and oh... lots of wild Dingos (wild dog like animals that have been here forever). All for about $175.00 each... It is self guided so everyone takes turns with driving and other chores... and hopes to get along (think of the surviver show) Oh, yea,,, there is no shower or bathrooms. You swim for your bath in fresh water lakes and >>> yea,,, they give you a shovel and instruct you to dig a 2 foot hole for the other...
So no juice or Internet service, or phones, etc,,, for a few days... But look out this weekend!!! I gotta go charge my batteries!!!
Thanks for stopping in!!! Gary
Posted on 02/18/04 4:00 [ Comments (7) ] [ Post a comment ]
Sunday, February 15, 20044:49 Byron Bay, Australia!!! Sunday Evening 9:00 PM (2100) [ Edit | Delete ]
One week finished??? WOW!!! How time flys in OZZie land. The quick is that Bondi Beach was a real success!!! After two days we decided to head North hugging the coast... Some of the new pictures that I will post soon will show the great landscapes and beaches and people... We are all getting along just fine...and the hostels are unbelievable,,,lots of fun...
People here measure travel time in months and YEARS... The generous 3 weeks that we think we have (and we are so gratefull - thanks for your help Erin!!!) almost seem like "why bother" to Aussies here... You need a lifetime... but we are so gratefull to be able to do this in any time...
Tomorrow (Monday) we go Kyaking in the ocean with dolphins (side tour thing),,, On Tuesday, Eddie is doing a scuba diving class, getting certified and doing a dive... (All in one day???) On Wednesday, Gary Jr. and I drop Eddie off at the Brisbane Airport and we part for about 5 days. He flys to Adelaide where he will go on a boat tour into the ocean for his 4 day shark cage adventure... then he flys back to Sydney where we finish out our time together next week.
Gary Jr. and I will continue on to what everyone is saying is a must see, "Frazier Island". (Just North of Brisbane) We rent a 4 wheel drive with other people on the tour and do a two/three day adventure on the biggest sand dune island in the world. Complete with rain forests and other tropical pleasures. They supply all the food and supplies. $130.00 per person buys it... 3 days / 2 nights.
Then we will head back down (south) toward Sydney and visit the bush country and outback a little...
Thanks to all for checking in and making this really fun!!!
Life is short, like midgets, except we have a choice in how we live it... Gary,,, Cheerio-Mate!!! No worries!!! Love U ALL...
Posted on 02/15/04 4:53 [ Comments (2) ] [ Post a comment ]
Thursday, February 12, 20047:35 BONDI BEACH, Australia!!! [ Edit | Delete ]
It's Thursday night around midnight at Bondi Beach, Australia... This is our second day... The first was spent stumbling around in delerium in Bondi recovering from a way too long flight!!! 30 hours in transit is LONG...the LA to Sydney flight was 15 hours on top of the 5.5 other... ALL SEATS WERE SOLD OUT,,, WE WERE LIKE SARDINES!!! (However, I found a place in the back of the plane where where I could do situps and pushups and stretching too,,, people thought I was crazy... Well, we know they are right...
We upgraded our car to a,,, well bus!?! with rows of seats,,, figured we could sleep in it and pay for gas money if people needed rides... It's pretty cool... and new. The weather is 85-90 and the water is way blue. It is like watching Endless Summer only being a living part of the movie. Everyone is extremely friendly,,, cheereio--- and no worries mate and stuff like that...
Tomorrow, Friday we leave here already on our way North---remember we are down under so as you go North it is like going South in the States... It will get warmer and more tropical...
Oh!!! Gary Jr. and Eddie are having a great time too!!!
until next time!!! I miss you all... Glad we have this...
..........................................Gary
Posted on 02/12/04 7:49 [ Comments (8) ] [ Post a comment ]
Tuesday, February 10, 200421:26 Monday Feb. 9th, 2004 about 7:30 NJ time. [ Edit | Delete ]
Monday Feb. 9th, 2004 about 7:30 NJ time.
Bound on a US Airways Airbus 321 to LA!!! Monday Evening!!! Feb. 9th, 2004. 5.5 hour flight. Then 3 a hour layover in LA and on to Sydney (15 hour flight). Get to OZ Wed. Feb 11th at 8:00 AM (lose a day). Gary Jr. is fixing his Puerto Rico Pictures on his laptop being careful not to drain all of the battery, Eddie is watching Matrix 2 Reloaded on his portable DVD player (wow, is that thing clear and sharp) and I am, well, doing this, plugged into the airline power jack that is in the arm rest on this seat. Never knew it was there until I needed it. (Wonder how many other things are like that???)
This midsize US Airways plane is only 1/3 full so we have lots of room to spread out, (actually they had to reassign seating to balance out the people weight evenly and we got great exit door seating with 5 feet of leg room!!! Cool,,, You have to buy dinner :( /// $10.00 gets you a box with something called food in it. Drinks (non-alcoholic) are free!!! :)
Oh!!! And Peter Tork (actually his name is Torkinson) from the Monkees is two rows back.. And I just got his Autograph,,, He asked me my name /// "Gary,,,with one r or 2" and I nervously mumbled out "1 r".
Of course I gave him my autograph too on my GaryGS1.com Card,,, he laughed, smiled and took it!. I'm a Believer!!!
Take the laaaast train to Clarks Ville,,,,,,,,,, and I'll meet you at the Station.
Actually, we loose Pete in LA................But there is always Steve in OZ!!!.........................
I think I could wrestle a crock better than I could sing anyway...Cheers Mate /// GaryGS1
Posted on 02/10/04 21:28 [ Comments (5) ] [ Post a comment ]
Sunday, February 08, 200421:27 Twas the Night Before... [ Edit | Delete ]
Packed and Ready for OZZ... I posted a few more "getting ready to go" pictures for everyones amusement. Go to Australia album. Can't seem to make an active link here that works??? Having to cut and paste is annoying!!! Anyone know how???
http://public.fotki.com/GaryGS1/travel/australia_feb_2004/australia_the_beginning/
Later Gary...
Posted on 02/08/04 21:30 [ Comments (2) ] [ Post a comment ]
Friday, February 06, 200422:00 Last Weekend Before We Go Down Under!!! [ Edit | Delete ]
It's Friday night and all is well. Packed and ready to GO---Monday at 4:00PM We fly out of Phila / Arrive Sydney Wed 8:00AM!!!
I made rental car arrangements today for the 3 weeks and secured a hostel at Bondi Beach, Sydney for the first two nights. $23.00 (Australian Dollars) each per night each and near the beach. Free surfboards and bikes on site!!! 20 minutes from the airport. This is about $17.oo US dollars. Cheap!!!
Look out OZZZZZZZ,,, here we come... downunder... Gary
Comments welcome!!! Cheers Mate!!!
Posted on 02/06/04 22:09 [ Comments (2) ] [ Post a comment ]
Monday, February 02, 200422:58 Monday Feb. 2nd 2004 [ Edit | Delete ]
11:00!!! Bedtime!!! All packed for Australia...and 6 days to go... Question of the moment,,, to rent a car right off or spend a few days in Sydney getting situated and then hitting the road??? If you have visited Australia,,, tips would be most appreciated!!! Thanks,,,GaryGS1
Posted on 02/02/04 23:02 [ Comments (0) ] [ Post a comment ]
Sunday, February 01, 200416:40 Packing and Getting Ready for Australia. [ Edit | Delete ]
Sunday,,, Feb. 1st, 2004... Wow!!! How time flies,,, Just got back from Germany and now I am preparing on an adventure in the land of OZ. Gary Jr. and my nephew, Eddie and I are planning a 3 week adventure to Australia. Leave Feb. 9th, 2004. Will take my new Fujitsu laptop again and try to post some news and pics on the fly... Summertime there!!! It's their JULY!!! Bye for now GaryGS1
Post for anyone is OPEN... let's give it a try...
Posted on 02/01/04 16:45 [ Comments (0) ] [ Post a comment ]
All dates are GMT -05:00
[ Post a new Entry | Manage Categories ]
Tuesday, March 09, 20046:51 We Are Home!!! [ Edit | Delete ]
WoW!!! Did I drop the ball on Journalism, or what!!! Sorry!!! My last entry was before Fraser Island... That was great and I hope to post those pictures soon. In the last few hours of Fraser Island I screwed up my Leg/knee when I stumbled out of the 4 wheel drive vehicle and onto a prehistoric root. Did you ever see a leg hyper-entend (knee goes backwards) Not Pretty... Well after lots of rubbing and pampering I hobbled thru the remainder of our adventure (ace Bandage and ice)... It was great!!!
After Fraser Island, we worked our way back down south stopping at Noosa then overnighting at Nimbin. (Wait till you see the Nimbin pictures) -1973 Aquarious Central Festival, and still going strong- We traveled thru rain forest to and from Nimbin,,, so beautiful...
Sydney was where we spent our last 3 days. Manly beach was cool so was the Opera House and all the other Sydney Stuff that you will see in pictures.
The 30 hours journey home didn't do my leg any good. It looked like a tree stump by now. I checked myself into our local hospital (after a great shower) and things are going well!!!
Finally, I can sit at my computer!!! Thanks to everyone who followed me along in this adventure and for your interest and comments... Cheers Gary...
Thanks Erin for making it all possible!!!
Posted on 03/09/04 7:01 [ Comments (3) ] [ Post a comment ]
Wednesday, February 18, 20043:42 Frazier Island, Australia... Wednesday Feb 18, 2004 [ Edit | Delete ]
Hello to ALL!!!
Good Bye Byron Bay hello Fraser Island!!! On the Cape of Byron Bay (the most easterly part of all of Australia, (Juat below Brisbane - see atlas) we were the first people in all of OZ to see the sun rise!!! That was really cool.
Today we dropped Eddie off at The Brisbane Airport where he will fly to Adelaide to do his 4 / 5 day shark cage adventure... He is so excited about that!!! He will feed the sharks too from inside the cage!!! Then we will hook up back in Sydney (next Monday) and finish out our trip there.
Gary Jr. and I continued North to Fraser Island... Just a bit North of Brisbane... Fraser Island is the largest sand dune island in the entire world!!! We are taking a tour with 8 other people from the hostel for a 2 day 3 night adventure there... Included in the tour is a four wheel drive vehicle,,, camping gear, food, all the supplies we need for camping and living on the Island... which is not just dunes but, rain forests, waterfalls, Pacific ocean views, and oh... lots of wild Dingos (wild dog like animals that have been here forever). All for about $175.00 each... It is self guided so everyone takes turns with driving and other chores... and hopes to get along (think of the surviver show) Oh, yea,,, there is no shower or bathrooms. You swim for your bath in fresh water lakes and >>> yea,,, they give you a shovel and instruct you to dig a 2 foot hole for the other...
So no juice or Internet service, or phones, etc,,, for a few days... But look out this weekend!!! I gotta go charge my batteries!!!
Thanks for stopping in!!! Gary
Posted on 02/18/04 4:00 [ Comments (7) ] [ Post a comment ]
Sunday, February 15, 20044:49 Byron Bay, Australia!!! Sunday Evening 9:00 PM (2100) [ Edit | Delete ]
One week finished??? WOW!!! How time flys in OZZie land. The quick is that Bondi Beach was a real success!!! After two days we decided to head North hugging the coast... Some of the new pictures that I will post soon will show the great landscapes and beaches and people... We are all getting along just fine...and the hostels are unbelievable,,,lots of fun...
People here measure travel time in months and YEARS... The generous 3 weeks that we think we have (and we are so gratefull - thanks for your help Erin!!!) almost seem like "why bother" to Aussies here... You need a lifetime... but we are so gratefull to be able to do this in any time...
Tomorrow (Monday) we go Kyaking in the ocean with dolphins (side tour thing),,, On Tuesday, Eddie is doing a scuba diving class, getting certified and doing a dive... (All in one day???) On Wednesday, Gary Jr. and I drop Eddie off at the Brisbane Airport and we part for about 5 days. He flys to Adelaide where he will go on a boat tour into the ocean for his 4 day shark cage adventure... then he flys back to Sydney where we finish out our time together next week.
Gary Jr. and I will continue on to what everyone is saying is a must see, "Frazier Island". (Just North of Brisbane) We rent a 4 wheel drive with other people on the tour and do a two/three day adventure on the biggest sand dune island in the world. Complete with rain forests and other tropical pleasures. They supply all the food and supplies. $130.00 per person buys it... 3 days / 2 nights.
Then we will head back down (south) toward Sydney and visit the bush country and outback a little...
Thanks to all for checking in and making this really fun!!!
Life is short, like midgets, except we have a choice in how we live it... Gary,,, Cheerio-Mate!!! No worries!!! Love U ALL...
Posted on 02/15/04 4:53 [ Comments (2) ] [ Post a comment ]
Thursday, February 12, 20047:35 BONDI BEACH, Australia!!! [ Edit | Delete ]
It's Thursday night around midnight at Bondi Beach, Australia... This is our second day... The first was spent stumbling around in delerium in Bondi recovering from a way too long flight!!! 30 hours in transit is LONG...the LA to Sydney flight was 15 hours on top of the 5.5 other... ALL SEATS WERE SOLD OUT,,, WE WERE LIKE SARDINES!!! (However, I found a place in the back of the plane where where I could do situps and pushups and stretching too,,, people thought I was crazy... Well, we know they are right...
We upgraded our car to a,,, well bus!?! with rows of seats,,, figured we could sleep in it and pay for gas money if people needed rides... It's pretty cool... and new. The weather is 85-90 and the water is way blue. It is like watching Endless Summer only being a living part of the movie. Everyone is extremely friendly,,, cheereio--- and no worries mate and stuff like that...
Tomorrow, Friday we leave here already on our way North---remember we are down under so as you go North it is like going South in the States... It will get warmer and more tropical...
Oh!!! Gary Jr. and Eddie are having a great time too!!!
until next time!!! I miss you all... Glad we have this...
..........................................Gary
Posted on 02/12/04 7:49 [ Comments (8) ] [ Post a comment ]
Tuesday, February 10, 200421:26 Monday Feb. 9th, 2004 about 7:30 NJ time. [ Edit | Delete ]
Monday Feb. 9th, 2004 about 7:30 NJ time.
Bound on a US Airways Airbus 321 to LA!!! Monday Evening!!! Feb. 9th, 2004. 5.5 hour flight. Then 3 a hour layover in LA and on to Sydney (15 hour flight). Get to OZ Wed. Feb 11th at 8:00 AM (lose a day). Gary Jr. is fixing his Puerto Rico Pictures on his laptop being careful not to drain all of the battery, Eddie is watching Matrix 2 Reloaded on his portable DVD player (wow, is that thing clear and sharp) and I am, well, doing this, plugged into the airline power jack that is in the arm rest on this seat. Never knew it was there until I needed it. (Wonder how many other things are like that???)
This midsize US Airways plane is only 1/3 full so we have lots of room to spread out, (actually they had to reassign seating to balance out the people weight evenly and we got great exit door seating with 5 feet of leg room!!! Cool,,, You have to buy dinner :( /// $10.00 gets you a box with something called food in it. Drinks (non-alcoholic) are free!!! :)
Oh!!! And Peter Tork (actually his name is Torkinson) from the Monkees is two rows back.. And I just got his Autograph,,, He asked me my name /// "Gary,,,with one r or 2" and I nervously mumbled out "1 r".
Of course I gave him my autograph too on my GaryGS1.com Card,,, he laughed, smiled and took it!. I'm a Believer!!!
Take the laaaast train to Clarks Ville,,,,,,,,,, and I'll meet you at the Station.
Actually, we loose Pete in LA................But there is always Steve in OZ!!!.........................
I think I could wrestle a crock better than I could sing anyway...Cheers Mate /// GaryGS1
Posted on 02/10/04 21:28 [ Comments (5) ] [ Post a comment ]
Sunday, February 08, 200421:27 Twas the Night Before... [ Edit | Delete ]
Packed and Ready for OZZ... I posted a few more "getting ready to go" pictures for everyones amusement. Go to Australia album. Can't seem to make an active link here that works??? Having to cut and paste is annoying!!! Anyone know how???
http://public.fotki.com/GaryGS1/travel/australia_feb_2004/australia_the_beginning/
Later Gary...
Posted on 02/08/04 21:30 [ Comments (2) ] [ Post a comment ]
Friday, February 06, 200422:00 Last Weekend Before We Go Down Under!!! [ Edit | Delete ]
It's Friday night and all is well. Packed and ready to GO---Monday at 4:00PM We fly out of Phila / Arrive Sydney Wed 8:00AM!!!
I made rental car arrangements today for the 3 weeks and secured a hostel at Bondi Beach, Sydney for the first two nights. $23.00 (Australian Dollars) each per night each and near the beach. Free surfboards and bikes on site!!! 20 minutes from the airport. This is about $17.oo US dollars. Cheap!!!
Look out OZZZZZZZ,,, here we come... downunder... Gary
Comments welcome!!! Cheers Mate!!!
Posted on 02/06/04 22:09 [ Comments (2) ] [ Post a comment ]
Monday, February 02, 200422:58 Monday Feb. 2nd 2004 [ Edit | Delete ]
11:00!!! Bedtime!!! All packed for Australia...and 6 days to go... Question of the moment,,, to rent a car right off or spend a few days in Sydney getting situated and then hitting the road??? If you have visited Australia,,, tips would be most appreciated!!! Thanks,,,GaryGS1
Posted on 02/02/04 23:02 [ Comments (0) ] [ Post a comment ]
Sunday, February 01, 200416:40 Packing and Getting Ready for Australia. [ Edit | Delete ]
Sunday,,, Feb. 1st, 2004... Wow!!! How time flies,,, Just got back from Germany and now I am preparing on an adventure in the land of OZ. Gary Jr. and my nephew, Eddie and I are planning a 3 week adventure to Australia. Leave Feb. 9th, 2004. Will take my new Fujitsu laptop again and try to post some news and pics on the fly... Summertime there!!! It's their JULY!!! Bye for now GaryGS1
Post for anyone is OPEN... let's give it a try...
Posted on 02/01/04 16:45 [ Comments (0) ] [ Post a comment ]
All dates are GMT -05:00