Down Under Dawdlings

My wife (Annie) and I decided to take a trip across the globe to “pick up” our daughter (Reid) after her semester abroad at Bond University, Gold Coast Australia. – with her University is Delaware roommate(Jessie). Yeah … I know “pick up” sounds like an excuse – so what! We set out on our 14 day adventure with Jessie’s Parents (Chris and Rixey).

Oh yes… I am Patrick 😀

(I’ll do my best to be brief, yet descriptive as I write this via iPhone 😳)

Our Mission: Meet up with our daughter’s, see where they spent their semester, experience south eastern coast of Australia followed by the South Island of New Zealand.

So, instead of saying I “should capture” this. I am going to do my damndest TO capture the highlights – while on the go. And I’ll try to be less wordy and more visual (pictures).

DAY 1: Brisbane, Broadbeach

Reid met us in Broadbeach where we got our feet in the sand and the Pacific. Strolled around a bit, had lunch and the. called it a early day. Jet lag wasn’t to bad at all, but no sense in pushing our luck.

DAY 2: Bond University, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and Byron Bay

At Bond University we got a quick tour. Campus looked very welcoming and was laid out in a manner affording ease in getting around.

Then it was on to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary to interact with Koalas, Kangaroos and more.

We finished the day with dinner at Miss Margaritas in Byron Bay. What a cool little beach town. I can see why Reid and Jessie liked it so much. And that was just spending a few hours there.

DAY 3: Sydney

Arrived Sydney, And went straight away to the Rendezvous Hotel in the Rocks. We then set out to explore and found a street market, if you will, where Chris and I tried Kangaroo and Croc!

We then headed to Circular Quay, bought one way tickets to Darling Harbor to explore.

Had an amazing view of the Opera House during the day.

We strolled along and watched some street performances and then ate at a very good restaurant with an ideal view of the Harbor, Criniti’s.

This was followed by the Saturday Night Fireworks Show – they welcome tourists right – in the Harbor and then a night ferry ride back to Circular Quay. I’ll have to say if you make it here one day, you must do this.

DAY 4: Sydney

Good Morning! I can’t start this day without wishing all of you a very Happy, Blessed and Safe Easter. And to acknowledge how grateful I am for the sacrifice our lord made for me, well of course … US!

We started our day with an amazing bus tour of Sydney. I am normally not one for these kind of tours, but this was so worth it. Highly recommend.

Here are a few pictures from one of the walking spots where you see the entrance to Sydney Harbor and Bondi beach.

After the bus tour we had lunch at The Rocks Cafe. Before heading to our Opera House tour.

The opera house was very impressive and another tour I highly recommend as well. It was an hour long and I now have a new appreciation for this engineering marvel.

After the tour we decided (with a lot of coaxing from me) to take the ferry to Manly Beach for snorkeling at Shelly Beach and dinner at The Bavarian.

Everyone was pretty tired after dinner, so it was back to the hotel to get some rest for the long day ahead of us tomorrow!

DAY 5: Blue Mountains

We began our trek today to the famous Blue Mountains (named for the blue haze in the air from moisture put off by the eucalyptus forest). We had a quick stop in Leura village for coffee and snack.

We arrived at the Blue Mountains and took in the grandeur of the view which included the gondola ride across the valley, the Three Sisters, a bush walk on the forest floor and wrapped it up with a backwards train ride up the mountain up some steep inclines and very tight fits through the mountains.

Side note: I heard the blue heard aboriginal “show” not worth it, so do the walks and views.

We were then off to the Featherdale Wildlife park for some more wildlife encounters.

On the way back to Sydney we drove by the Sydney Olympic Park (the Easter Festival was going in so we couldn’t drive through). We had another River Cruise back to Sydney Harbor.

Upon arrival back in Circular Quay, we hung out at the Opera House to see a short visual/musical artistic projection on one of the opera house structures, called Badi Gill. We then went to China Town and had a really good dinner at Yebisu Bar-Grill.

Then it was back to the hotel to pack and get ready for the next city…Melbourne!

DAY 6: Melbourne

Arrived early in Melbourne and quickly dropped off our bags at the Crown Plaza hotel and then off on a mission to find the local Fire Station (Base) to say hello, hopefully get a tour and give them a patch from my station in Frederick Maryland (United Fire Company #3). We were fortunate to find the Melbourne Fire Base #38 just a few blocks from the hotel. We got a tour from one of their career Firefighters (Ashley). He and the rest of the guys were very nice and even offered us dinner 👨‍🚒. They gave me one of their T-shirt’s and I then gave them one of my patches for their “patch board”.

Back to the hotel to meet up with Chris, Rixey and Jessie so we could go find some chow. There is actually a great boardwalk right next to the hotel, along the river. However we ventured to the other side of town. I recommend hitting the shops and restaurants by the river, near the Crown “casino”. We ended up eating at a food court in the business district.

Annie, Reid and I then set off to find Hidden Moon Tattoo, where I got a Tat in honor of this adventure.

After that we hit a grocery store for some supplies and then went to that walk along the river to get some gelato (yes we had ice cream for dinner). Then it was back to the hotel for an early night to rest up for our long day tomorrow!

DAY 7: Great Ocean Road Coach Tour

The day started off meeting up with our Bunyip Tour Guide & Driver – Rob -and the rest of the day’s tour family in front of the Immigration Museum. We drive for about an hour and then had our first stop for tea and biscuits. Then it was off in the Great Ocean Road. The road runs right along the ocean, similar to the PCH I. California), through the winding, hilly countryside. The scenery along the way was truly amazing. I took a lot of pictures from the coach…very addicting views. The coastline was so interesting. A combination of inlets with sandy beaches and rock “ledges” that trapped the water into pools for exploring. There were surfers and fisherman around every bend. Hopefully catching that prime ride or prize winning fish.

The landscape truly was captivating.

There were many stops for photos, which will follow later once I return to the US and go through them.

Our first stop was the Cape Otway Lighthouse, Australia’s oldest surviving “light station” (1848), with a great view of the Bass Straight.

I did not go up, opting for the opportunity to get pictures from around the light station. However here a couple of pictures Reid shared with me.

Of course we stopped at the famous 12 Apostles, apparently there are only 7 left as 5 have eroded over the years and fallen into the ocean.

We then went on to the Loch Ard Gorge, down the steps and into the beach. This was mind blowing to say the least. I could have stayed there all day.

Heck we even saw mermaids – and there are those of you who don’t believe…shame on you.

I also got a chance to do some rock climbing, and I had to jump at that opportunity 😳

we had a quick stop after coming out of the gorge to get an overhead view The view from the top of the gorge as well as a very cool view of Razorback ridge.

The gorge from above.

Yours truly with Razorback ridge behind. We had to take one more stop for another breathtaking photo opportunity where I was able to get a group picture before the hour+ trip back to Melbourne.

Overall the Great Ocean Road trip was very majestic, eye opening… and … GREAT!

DAY 8: Queenstown

We arrived in Queenstown in the morning and we grabbed a “quick bite” at The Pub – wasn’t quick at all. Then it was off like a bullet to Aj Hackett’s (Bungy inventor) for, one of the most exhilarating moments of my life *

*I have to say “one of” because I am blessed and fortunate enough to have many!

So how was it? Absolutely terrifying !!! Yet as I said one of the most exhilarating experiences of my life. How does it compare to Skydiving. It doesn’t! They are two unique experiences and I would t want to slight either. DO BOTH if you are considering one or the other. Yes, there was about a fraction of a second as I was crouching to spring myself off the platform when I thought, “oh SH*T”. And there were a few moments when falling, a few more words rolled off the tongue. But DAMN it was Feck’N amazing

We then strolled around town a bit and then called it a night.

DAY 9: Queenstown; Milford Sound/Fiord Coach & Cruise Tour

We started our Bus trip (on a bus with glass ceiling) through the majestic mountains of green bush and brown grasses around Queensland. The cutting of these mountain valleys by glacial activity is very apparent and quite impressive. Large wide open valleys.

The lakes and mountains intersect so cleanly and steeply into each other, you can see how they just keep going below the water line. We then headed off through the meandering green valleys with farms for agricultural, sheep, deer and cow.

Heading up the western part of The South Island we passed the Tapuae-o-Uebuku Mountains (2885m /8,655 ft), followed by a quick stop at Te Anau for a quick stretch and coffee. And yes, Annie and I were running to the bus. We were “those” people.

There was a quick stop at mirror lake …

… then on with our journey. We stopped at car park where we took a quick 10 minute walk to the Chasm waterfall. It was a fierce waterfall that we viewed from the bridge overhead of the fall.

PICTURE/VIDEO CHASM FALL?

We passed through a town Fiordland that was right on a beautiful lake and started giving me thoughts of … retirement home, perhaps. We then struck out for our destination of the day,

Milford Sound/Fiord. Once we arrived we wandered for a few minutes and ended up being “those” people again, we boarded the Milford Mariner.

Actually, we were not the last the Captain told me he was still waiting for another bus.

We had our boxed lunch as we started pulling out of the harbor

“Simply” put … the cruise and Milford Sound/Fiord was REAL-SURREAL (yes, I know what I did there). I am not sure how much more I can say other than that … but I’ll try. Immediately leaving the harbor we were greeted by a spectacular waterfall on our starboard side, followed by the wide open lake surrounded by Fiord walls that started immediately at the Water’s edge and quickly rose to the sky. We had a good amount of cloud cover with some rain, but that did not discourage me from standing in the bow and taking it all in. After having the waterfalls kiss us – rather – mist us, we headed out of the sound to the ocean, just a wee bit, before turning around and getting a nice view of the Sound/Fiord from the ocean side, before heading back in.

Bear with me, I know this is getting longer than my other posts.

The captain was amazing, we got real up close and personal with several waterfalls, saw a fur seal and were embraced by God’s color and warmth (a rainbow).

It was rainy pretty steady, I was filming the sun – since it was actually coming out – and this wonderful young lady (stranger) tapped me on my shoulder and said…”turn around”.

This was my reward;

After that we kicked it into gear and headed for port. We were supposed to fly back to Queenstown in a small fixed wing plane, unfortunately the weather had other plans for us. So it was back on the bus for the 4 hour beeline back to Queenstown. But hey, it gave me all this time to write this post. Here’s what I look like while pondering what to write.

Thank You Captain and Crew for the fantastic voyage!

DAY 10: Queenstown

Today we we were supposed to take the shotover jet, screaming down the canyons in centimeters deep water. However, It rained Friday evening and all through the night which brought the water level up too much. The shotover jet trip was cancelled. We were not to be discouraged! We spoke to some very nice young ladies at “the station” in Queenstown about other options and we eventually decided on Quad and Buggy trail riding.Reid, Jessie, Annie and I hit the quads and Chris and Rixey bounced a vice Queenstown buggy style.

Before heading out for our new plans, we took advantage of the rain keeping people indoors and had one of the famous “Ferbergers” for breakfast. Yes, a burger for breakfast. It was the best burger I have ever tasted – truly brilliant. I believe that marvelous taste was due to just the right cook of the meat, aioli sauce, special sauce, lettuce and tomato perfectly placed between the top and bottom half of a delicious bun for the Mrs Ferg Bakery right next door.

After being sufficiently Ferg’d…it was off to our off-roading.

The quad’erz

The Buggy’erz

After our 4×4 Fun, we went back to the Rees (hotel) and got ready for our Gondola Ride to the Stratosphere Restaurant for dinner with a view.

We passed the Queenstown Volunteer Fire Station on the way up – nobody home to say hello to 👨‍🚒

Picture to come later.

The gondola ride was pretty cool. Very steep climb with good views of the town (in fading evening light). The Buffett dinner was very good, lots of variety. My favorite was the hokey-pokey homemade ice cream. The view was very pretty, however we were up there after dark, so our view was if the lights of Queenstown.

DAY 11: Coach to Christchurch

Left Queenstown and journeyed through the mountainous region of Otago.

Picture to come later.

We went through the Lindis Pass (with a quick photo stop at the top) and into the Makenzie countryside.

Picture to come later.

It was the on to Mount Cook (New Zealands highest mountain at about 11,600 ft.). The lake was beautiful and the scenery driving into the park as also stunning. With many snow capped Mountain and lake views. Unfortunately, as we neared the mountain, we came into clouds and rain, which pretty much hid Mount Cook. I was quite bummed as this was a big one in my list to see. Oh well, enjoy what is in front of me and move on!

Picture to come later.

We had lunch at the Aoraki Center and I walked around in the rain to get some pictures of why I could see 😀.

Picture to come later.

Further down the road we stopped at Lake Tepako to stretch our legs and see the quaint, and still operational, Church of the Good Shepherd. It was very windy, I’d say 40 mph, easy.

After that we carried on (well we are now as I right this) to our final destination for the day … Christchurch. Where I suspect we will promptly fall asleep.

All this on/off the bus for 12 hours can be exhausting, especially if you can’t sleep on the bus (like me).

DAY 12: Christchurch

We took off from downtown Christchurch by coach to meet our TranzAlpine train at the Springfield station for a trip threw the foothills of the Southern. Our destinations was Arthur’s Pass National Park. Where we would meet our coach for the entire trip to Christchurch. The views along the rail were head spinning (meaning my head was spinning in every direction to yak in/photograph as much as I possibly could).

⁃ Picture from train

We arrived in Arthur’s pass to meet up with our driver, Rodney , and checked out a local waterfall before having lunch at the Chalet Restaurant (James O’Malley Coach – like old stage coach – stop) for lunch.

After lunch we stopped for some breathtaking views at the Otira Pass for a quick photo stop, and then a visit to a Sheep Station to learn a little about sheep farming, mustering by Jack – which was amazing to witness – You have to watch the video clip (41 secs.).

Then we had a shearing demonstration, tea and cake from our gracious hosts (Trevor and

That evening we had the privilege of eating dinner at OGB. A tribute to Christchurch’s history brought to reality by its proprietor, Nick inkster. We had a very nice chat with Nick after dinner where we heard of his dream to open this establishment (restaurant, Bar, Barbershop, and 4 Room hotel I ordered to give back to the city he was born and raised in.

After dinner we finished off the night with gelato at Rollicking Gelato on Armagh Street

Day 13: Christchurch & Departure

Today is Departure day 😞, however we had one last tour to enjoy. We took a coach Through Christchurch to take in the varied architecture, beautiful gardens downtown, cool beach stops around the bay around the seaside village of Sumner

and the scenic view, where you can seen snow capped mountains in the distance, from Port Hills

Before our departure we ate breakfast at the Caffeine Laboratory, and yes…had ice cream on Armagh street while the trolly passed us by, bidding us a fond farewell.

DAY 14: Home Sweet Home

Roll up coming soon …