Silver Birds Travel

Port Macquarie

2022-05-17T16:46:00.002+10:00

Cassegrain winery and highly recommended Twotriplefour restaurant. Great food and excellent service

The Beachfront Port Macquarie

Kruger re-visited part two

2019-12-17T16:53:00.000+11:00

Saying goodbye to Skukuza we headed further north and away from the busier areas. Our next camp wasTalamati Bush camp.

The Kruger bush camps provide a more authentic experience away from the commercial aspects of the bigger camps providing an intimate insight of the true African bush

Talamati is one of several of these camps. It has 15 comfortable self-contained cottages nestled in the raw bush

Talamati bungalow

A feature of this camp is the waterhole with a hide viewing platform which is illuminated with spotlights. The waterhole serves a multitude of wildlife all of which frequent it throughout the day and night. But night-time is when the magic really begins.

Emerging ghost like out of the shadows large families of elephants make their way in orderly file to the water, the larger animals siphoning water from the large concrete reservoir, the smaller one's, among them some of which are newly born calves, are directed by the adults to the edge of the waterhole. Once replenished each family group quietly gather seemingly inquiring of each other whether they are ready to move to the safer environs of the bush, decision made and in single file, with the young in the middle they silently pass by casting a silhouette against the spotlight, as silently as they arrived they depart with silent footfalls disappearing into the darkness and merging with the surrounding bush. There is a communication energy hidden from human understanding of these majestic creatures, you can feel it as you sit in silence out of sight but not unknowingly to the animals who undoubtedly feel your presence. In this environment where they are protected they do not know fear of humans and allow us to co-exist peacefully, but there is also an order of things among them as they take their turns at the waterhole each family group together and gathering later in single file to depart. It is an experience of the deepest kind to be able to share time in the presence these majestic animals.

The waterholeTalamati bush camp

Our final camp further north took us to Bataleur camp. On approaching this camp we were reminded of the harshness of the African bush which in this part of the Kruger is in drought conditions. Our hope of seeing much game here was however later dispelled as we were treated to wonderful sightings of giraffe herds, sable antelope, elephants and lion as well as a multitude of other animals.

Bataleur cottage

Lion near Shingwedzi

You are welcome to make contact if you are planning a Kruger trip. Simply message me via this blog and also visit my photographic blog on the link cdhdesignsandphotography.blogspot.com to see more big game images.

Kruger re-visited

2019-12-17T16:26:00.000+11:00

It has been several years since we last visited the Kruger National Park and how wonderful it was to be back in the bush once more.

Our two-week trip through the park took in four separate camps. We entered the park at the Malalene gate and worked our way eastwards toward lower Sabie we meandered along the many optional routes and were treated to wonderful sightings of a variety of game. Large families of elephants stopped us several times on the way, and these stops were made all the more special with the sight of many newly born calves learning the ropes of 'elephanthood'. It is said that there are around 17,000 elephants in the Kruger and we certainly had our fill of these magnificent and highly intelligent animals appearing around many a corner during our journey.

Lower Sabie rest camp has a choice of accommodation and we had reserved a riverside bungalow and were not disappointed. The unit was well equipped with all we needed and although by no means 5 star it provided everything required to make for a comfortable and casual stay. We prefer to self-cater and had stocked up on supplies at the Spar in Malalene although there is a well-equipped shop at the camp with most essentials. For a meal out or merely to sip a cappuccino whilst viewing game there is a magnificent Mug and Bean restaurant in the camp with arguably one of the best views in South Africa overlooking the Sabie river.

Lower Sabie riverfront cottages

Continuing our journey northwards our next stop was Skukuza rest camp, the largest of all the camps and also considered the most crowded due to its location and facilities. Once again, we opted for a riverside bungalow from which we were able to enjoy a never ending parade of game coming down to the river to drink throughout the day. This is also a popular elephant gathering place as families make their way down to the river at various times of the day. The Cattle Baron restaurant and coffee shop have a wonderful view over the river and offers a break from self-catering or a place to have coffee or cold beer and log into Wifi which is the only place you will find it in the camp.

Skukuza riverfront cottages

Elephants came up close at Skukuza

There are many different routes to take from these two camps if you are self-driving and although you may encounter a tangle of vehicles from time to time particularly if one of the big cats has been spotted you can also feel totally isolated and make your own unexpected discovery.

One our best sightings of leopard happened as a result of patience. Earlier in the day we had passed a tree on a lesser used route and were told by another visitor that a leopard had hauled his kill into a tree. The leopard however, remained hidden from all who tried to see it. Later that afternoon we returned to the tree and sat and waited whilst the day cooled. Almost an hour into our wait patience was rewarded as the leopard broke cover and leaped up the tree, no doubt after being harassed by the hyena who had made their presence felt and were lining up for a free meal. This was pure magic as the leopard is one of the most elusive of the 'big five'.

The journey continues in the next post

In the company of elephants Talamati bush camp Kruger Park

2019-12-15T13:01:00.002+11:00

In the company of elephants, I found a deep and enriching experience and it happened at a waterhole in Talamati bush camp, one of the intimate bush camps tucked away in a corner of the park near Satara.

Talamati has 15 self-contained thatch bungalows where guests are given the opportunity to immerse themselves in the bush veld away from the buzz of the modern world of electronic devices yet still enjoying the convenience of comfortable accommodation with all basic services.

The camp has two hides one overlooking a waterhole and the other positioned to afford a view of the surrounding veld. By day a constant stream of animals frequents the waterhole on a natural rotation. Groups of elephants can be followed by a small herd of buffalo and then a group of feisty zebra, the procession of animals is constant throughout the day but at night, as the sun quickly turns the African sky a crimson red silhouetting the Mopani trees, is when the magic really begins.

Wait patiently as the gloom folds into darkness and suddenly without a sound and emerging from the shadows into the ambient light in single file a small family of elephants moves toward the water. They are like ghost ships in the night as they quietly drift forward lowering their trunks into the water. From another direction a new family emerge from the shadows and one can detect a soundless language here as they mingle and move in and out of the light some of them brushing by each other, the sounds of water splashing from their trunks the only sound as they quench their thirst against the heat of the day. Even more families now arrive at the waterhole appearing soundlessly out of the shadows of the bush, some sounds now as the herds acknowledge each other or jostle for dominance at the water source, the larger adults dominating the water reservoir with their trunks dangling over the edge as they siphon water into their mighty bodies. Then some of the small family groups that had earlier arrived, their thirst now satisfied, start to gather in a huddle, they separate and form a line single file in the order in which they arrived. The matriarch at the front with the younger bulls and calves in the middle and then the massive giant bull at the rear. As soundlessly as they arrived, they now depart they are so close as they pass by, We can almost touch them but soon they are enclosed behind the curtain of the dark bush. All the families that had arrived at the waterhole that night all gathered in the same way and then quietly left the way they had arrived. The language of elephants is not fully understood by humans, elephants can communicate sub sonically over great distances and it is known that they also communicate by touch but that night at the waterhole in the silence of the African bush we sensed their language rather than heard it.

New Caledonia Road Trip

2018-06-19T16:07:00.001+10:00

ROUTE:

Noumea to Kone 270 km

Kone to Malabou Beach 157km

Malabou Beach to Hiengheve 275km

Hiengheve to Pondimie 50km

Pondimie to Noumea 299km

Koniambo Hotel Kone

After four relaxing days on the lovely Ile Des Pins we collected our hired Europcar at Magenta airport and headed north for Kone a distance of 270km. Driving in New Caledonia is on the right so negotiating roundabouts and freeway on ramps was a bit of a challenge at first and for the first half hour we found ourselves constantly heading in the wrong direction to where we wanted to be but with a little extra patience and logic we eventually found ourselves heading north. The road conditions on this section were very good and the dual freeway extends almost to the airport some 45 Kms from Noumea. It seems though that the speed limit is seen as a challenge to many motorists but in our little mini Peugeot we were no match for the big boys in their oversized Utes so merely trundled along without apparently aggravating anyone coming up behind us at breakneck speed. Not one hoot so far! The countryside is magnificent and to the eye pristine and un spoilt. Soaring mountain ranges are a feature of the the island topography and at times these give way to gentle rolling hills and grasslands. All evoking nostalgic thoughts of places previously lived and favourite places of natural beauty. I discovered that New Caledonia is home to 3,332 plant species 2,551 of which are endemic and as we travelled we marvelled at the variety of trees, shrubbery and grass varieties.

On arrival in Kone we soon found our roadside hotel The Koniambo. A pleasant enough motel type of establishment, clean and moderately comfortable. The staff were great and put up with our hesitant French. Dinner was buffet style in a brightly lit dining hall, the quality of fare was good with a fairly wide choice.

The next day a shorter drive to Malabou Beach the roads still good with evidence of up grades along the way. The vegetation gave way to a more arid look than the south with smaller rocky hills and more stunned vegetation. Poum is the northern most town and appears to have little going for it and feels rather sad and neglected but it was a Saturday afternoon.

Malabou Beach Resort is 10 minutes south of Poum. The resort overlooks a large lagoon and comprises lovely beach bungalows thatched in palm leaves. Interiors are modern and clean if somewhat compact and some bungalows have small private pools. The beach is not great, a very narrow slice of sand with lots of natural debris along the shore. A walking trail from the resort takes you through the mangroves and up to the top of the peninsula for lovely panoramic views. The environment is pristine, natural and serene. You can also explore the lagoon on a kayak from where you can appreciate this piece of paradise. Overall the resort is well run with friendly staff. The restaurant offers a reasonable a la carte menu, we were visiting out of season and realised that this place undoubtedly has more to offer at peak times. A few days here though is adequate as the surrounding area offers little more of interest to visitors.

Malabou Beach Resort

Malabou Beach to Hienghene (Hyehen)

Driving south for around 40km we took the turnoff at Chagrin in the direction of Ouegoa. This cross country road twists and turns through rolling hills and over small mountain passes, the road is generally in good condition but you cannot do this short distance in a hurry and why would you want to? The scenery along the way is magnificent and once more we were struck by the diversity of plant life, evergreen hardwood trees and tree ferns clustered in small forests and then open country with conifers and a variety of flora. The leisurely pace allowed us to enjoy the passing scenery but concentration is needed in negotiating the many winding climbs and descents. Finally cresting a steep hill the magnificent turquoise waters told us we had reached the other side of New Caledonia which at its widest point is only 55km. Driving south we hugged the rugged coastline passing through small settlements and farms with the Kanak people waving us on with a friendly smile. The road in this stretch is not great and care is needed approaching the one way bridges of which there are many. The ferry crossing over the Ouaieme river which flows through central NC is the last remaining barge in the country and it comes upon you without notice, a steeply winding road drops you into the valley with its breathtaking view of Mount Panie and all of a sudden a stop sign signals your arrival at the crossing point. The barge man calls from his small cabin for you to proceed and whilst you cannot understand his orders you instinctively know where to stop on the barge to avoid going over the edge, not much attention to health and safety here but you need to remember that this is after all 'island life'. The barge service is free and works on demand with no waiting for a full load, our barge man took off with only us on board and then suddenly reversed to pick up two more vehicles who arrived as we left the shore.

Barge crossing

On arrival in Hienghene (Hyehen) which means 'cry while walking' due to the villages violent history there is a pharmacy, mooring dock and information centre and no other shops. We stopped at the surprisingly modern information centre to ask directions to our next stop Koulnoe Village Resort and at the same time to learn of any attractions in the vicinity. The main attractions here are the Tao waterfall around 30 km north of the village and Les Roche Noires de Linderalique (Limestone rocks) in the beautiful bay. One of the noticeable features of our journey in New Caledonia is the scarcity of convenience stores to buy basic grocery needs. Snack bars or take away establishments are as rare as hens teeth and we soon learned that if we wanted a supply of snacks or even to do a bit of self catering that we took our opportunity when we stumbled upon it, choices are limited with a dearth of fresh produce which is surprising given the pastoral aspect of the country. The resorts generally are fixated on buffets and you are held hostage to the relatively high price you need to pay even if you are only looking for a light meal. There simply is no alternative but perhaps this adds to the authenticity of country kept as it is in its natural state with minimum human intervention.

Koulnoe Village Resort

Hiengheve viewpoint

Hiengheve Bay

The Hotel Teiti in Poindimie is positioned overlooking tranquil seas and does have a beach but not anything too get excited about although the waters are calm and fine for swimming, the beach is long enough for a longish walk and the shoreline offers up a variety of sea shells and broken coral.

Hotel Tieti Pondimie

Lovely beachside bungalows

Beach at Hotel Tieti

The final leg of our trip from Pondimie continued down the eastern shore crossing the mountains from east to west turning at Houailou heading from Bourail and southwards to Noumea and our destination hotel Nouvata at Baie De L' Anse Vata

Beautiful church near Pondimie

Heading to the mountain passes

Our mini Peugeot

New Caledonia is a gentle and relaxing place to visit. The New Caledonians are warm and welcoming and although this is a French speaking country many people can converse in English and will patiently tolerate any hesitant French you may have to offer. Our trip was entirely d.i.y from Air bookings and car hire to the hotels and resorts we stayed in. Readers of this blog are invited to contact me for any information they may need should they be planning a trip to this small but unique country only a few hours from Sydney but yet offering a unique mixture of Melanesian and European culture. We have merely brushed the surface and feel that there is more to explore and local culture to experience in this interesting archipelago.

New Caledonia Isle of Pines

2018-06-07T12:12:00.001+10:00

Ile des Pins

Paradise found

In the morning we left Sydney and that evening we were sipping wine watching the sunset over Kanumera Bay at Oure Tere resort on the Ile Des Pins.

The flight from Sydney to New Caledonia took a little under three hours and as we were connecting from Noumea's International airport to catch a domestic flight on Air Caledonie we needed to transfer from Tontouta to Magenta airport which we did on a pre-booked shuttle service by Smiths Voyages.

Our thirty minute flight gave us a birds eye view of what to expect from our destination.
Turquoise seas, reefs and white beaches and sandbars. Our transfer to the resort of Oure Tere (Pure Earth) gave us an insight into the unspoilt beauty of the island and on arrival we were warmly greeted with a fruit cocktail and efficiently escorted to our beach front bungalow only steps away from the gentle waves rolling onto shore.

The bungalows are sympathetically placed in amongst the tropical gardens and soaring palms giving occupants privacy and affording the best opportunity to immerse one self into the gentle embrace of this piece of paradise.

The resort is efficiently managed by warm and friendly staff who attend to all our needs effortlessly. The al fresco dining area and open bar lounge overlook the beach and the dining menu offers a good variety of dishes some prepared in the traditional Kanak way like Bougna baked parcel of banana leaves with fish, prawns and coconut milk. Traditionally this dish can also include chicken or pork and is buried in a earthen hole and baked on hot stones.

Kayaks, long boards and snorkelling equipment is provided free of charge to guests and the bay has an abundance of tropical fish and coral.

We hired a car for one day in order to tour the island and visit one of the 'must see' attractions La Piscine Naturelle in the Baie d'Oro which is a pool of beautiful turquoise water protected from the sea by a narrow inlet and surrounded by pine trees. The snorkelling is spectacular and even if you just wade into the water the fish approach you. A 20 minute walk from the car park through natural forest is the only way to reach the pool, if you go take water and wear sandals as there is some wading necessary through the shallow lagoon this adds to the natural beauty as there are no boardwalks or constructed pathways. I learned that the local chief has banned cruise passengers from here in order to protect this precious environment and coral I have also read recently that returning visitors have been saddened by the disappearance of the many giant clams they saw on a previous visit years earlier and the greyness of some the coral, they were however quick to point out that this still does not detract from this lovely piece of natural paradise and it is pleasing to see that new clams are developing. On our day tour of the island we also stopped in at the modest Catholic church in Vao (the small principle village of the island).

Ile Des Pins is a place of friendly people and a natural island wonderland that is currently well preserved in its natural state with minimal commercial development impacting the environment and long may that last for the benefit of future visitors.

Kanumera Bay

Hardwood tree forest at Kanumera

Baie de Kuto

Kanamera Bay

Catholic church in Vao

Outrigger canoe

Pircine naturelle

Beach at Oure Tere looking toward restaurant

Bungalows at Oure Tere

Oure Tere restaurant and bar

Sunset over the bay

Nine Mile Beach Great Lakes

2018-04-16T15:39:00.001+10:00

A Pied Cormorant ever watchful for a meal

Nine Mile beach runs from Black Head to Tuncurry and in season is a popular beach drive but outside holiday periods this beach can be enjoyed in virtual solitude frequented by local dog walkers and horse riders who have an endless shoreline to enjoy. The beach is lovely and flat and once you leave the car park on the Black Head side you can walk for miles sometimes in perfect solitude. If the tide is low a quick shallow dip will keep you cool. At times you may chance upon Amaroo a cruiser from Forster looking for dolphins.

Great Lakes and The Manning Valley New South Wales

2017-12-06T17:09:00.003+11:00

The Great Lakes and The Manning Valley are adjacent areas of outstanding beauty and diversity Great Lakes stretches from Forster in the north through Pacific Palms, Seal Rocks and Tea Gardens and Stroud inland. It is a beautiful place to live and visit with endless pristine beaches, lakes, national parks and forest.

Activities and events fill your time here from mountain biking to strolling on the endlessly long beaches to kayaking on still waters or fishing in the lakes and deep sea fishing or whale watching during the migration.

The Manning Valley is where spectacular coastline meets rustic countryside and mountain trails. The Manning has 9 stunning National Parks and 45 kilometres of pristine coastline and beaches. The famous Ellenborough Falls one of the longest single drop falls in the southern hemisphere is within easy reach via Taree the main town in the Manning and the business centre of the district..... but you will find delight in discovering the other lovely villages in the area like Wingham, Harrrington, Nabiac, Diamond Beach and Hallidays Point.

Tallwoods golf course Hallidays Point

Black Head wetlands

Black Head bazaar one of many regular markets held in the region

Lakeside café line the shores in Forster

Forster the home of oyster farms

Pristine Black Head beach

Monument Valley

2016-08-13T15:39:00.000+10:00

Forest Gump. Journey's end

Last stop on our USA road trip and what a way to end this wonderful journey but at Monument Valley staying in "The View Hotel" giving us a ringside seat of this natural spectacle and an opportunity to spend a night soaking up the silence looking up at a crystal clear night sky from our balcony. This modern hotel is in the Navajo reservation area and is primarily staffed by local people. The hotel is modern and tastefully furnished with an indigenous influence in it's décor in the public areas and bedrooms. It is evident that the management and staff take pride in this hotel. The public areas are immaculate and the bedrooms are modern, clean and well equipped. The restaurant serves simple fare and some of the dishes on the menu are inspired by Navajo traditional food. Prices are very reasonable and this restaurant doesn't pretend to be anything else but one serving honest to goodness food all serviced by enthusiastic and friendly staff.

MOAB

2016-08-13T14:47:00.000+10:00

Moab was a wonderful discovery on our USA road trip. We routed from Boulder to Moab on Interstate 1-70 but by chance met a guy in Boulder who advised us to drive the scenic highway once we entered Utah.
En route we stopped in Vaile for lunch and realized pretty soon why this was the haunt of the so called 'rich and famous' price tags and buildings to match in this Disneyfied village where we paid $25 for less than an hours parking.....suggest fellow travelers find a roadhouse instead!

VAILE

At Cisco we took the 128 off the Interstate which at first we thought may be a mistake as the road was narrow and with heavy rainstorms the going was at first pretty daunting, the storm soon abated and the remaining storm clouds gave us some great photo opportunities in the dramatic landscape as it meanders along the Colorado river to Moab.

MOAB Main Street

ESTES PARK AND ROCKIES NATIONAL PARK

2016-08-13T14:43:00.000+10:00

Estes Park

Riverwalk

This gateway hub of the Rockies National Park is a busy and very pleasant town with a variety of shops, restaurants, coffee shops, delis and a collection of interesting galleries displaying artworks by talented local artists. The layout of this attractive village with a backdrop of the Rockies takes full advantage of the fast flowing Fall River running adjacent to the main street. The ‘Riverwalk’ meanders alongside the river, the main street shops back onto and open up onto the walk allowing you to stroll along the riverbank and take in the numerous shops and galleries. The well located ‘Visitors centre’ on the edge of the village will give you the full lowdown on the area and the many facilities and services on offer.

ROCKIES NATIONAL PARK

Yellowstone

2016-08-12T16:30:00.001+10:00

The Magic of Yellowstone

Yellowstone is an enchanting area of natural beauty with spectacular waterfalls, green valleys and jaw dropping mountain backdrops. Wild animals roam free here and are afforded the protection of a dedicated band of enthusiastic and knowledgeable Rangers who can be found throughout this wilderness wonderland assisting and educating visitors. Yellowstone is popular and visitors are many but if you stop in a ‘pullout’ or picnic area and hike a small distance on one of the many trails throughout the park you can get a better sense of the peace that only nature can give you as you savour the majesty of this great place. One of the many wonders of Yellowstone is the Yellowstone Caldera also referred to as the Yellowstone Supervolcano. These sites are very popular and raised walkways have been built around many of the bubbling geysers and hot springs, one of the most famous being the Grand Prismatic Spring, coloured steaming mud flow from some of these and provide a wonderful palette of natural colours. Old Faithful geyser erupts on a regular schedule and is also a spectacle that shouldn’t be missed. The park provides many accommodation options and refreshment stops and whilst Yellowstone is well commercialised it is worth setting aside a number of days to explore the different regions of this natural wonder.

Yellowstone village western entrance

OLD FAITHFUL

GRIZZLY AND WOLF DISCOVERY CENTRE WEST YELLOWSTONE.

The Discovery centre is worth a visit to see Grizzly Bears, Wolves and some native eagles up close.
Rangers are on hand to provide useful information and the centre has interesting displays on the native wild life of Yellowstone. The centre is evolving with new sanctuary areas now under construction.

Nederland Colorado High Country

2016-07-29T16:48:00.001+10:00

The website operated by Nederland says:

“Nederland, Colorado is a town like no other. Tucked in the Rocky Mountains just west of Boulder, Nederland has a history rich in mining and music and a future as the hub of the Peak to Peak Community. With our unique shops, amazing outdoor beauty, friendly locals, and vibrant music scene, Nederland is definitely not your average small town. Whether you live here, work here, or play here, we’re sure that you’ll discover that “life’s better up here!”

For more information on this interesting small town visit Nederland’s website http://nederlandco.org

We spent a couple of days here on our recent ‘American road trip’ and had time to soak up some of the atmosphere of this small laid back Colorado town and the surrounding area which is rich in natural beauty. Of particular interest is nearby Lake Brainard, a lovely recreation area with a pretty lake, waterfalls and trails through the surrounding forest. Nederland itself has a number of great casual dining options, a museum and a number of interesting small shops. “The Smokehouse” is highly recommended for their menu in particular their smoked ribs. “New Moon Café and Bakery” is also worth a visit for their delicious homemade goodies. We lodged at the Ist Inn which was previously a Magnuson Hotel. Whilst the motel is in a good position in the middle of town and overlooking the river it would be advisable to check this one out before committing to a reservation here as it seems like a ‘work in progress’ and all facilities and services were not functioning in June 2016 when we stayed there. Suggest you check with other comments made on Trip Advisor and search for other options in the area.


Cascading mountain river at Brainard Lake

Harley Davidson Legend

2016-07-27T16:25:00.001+10:00

The legend of Harley Davidson lives on at the impressive and expansive Harley Davidson Museum in Milwaukee. The museum is situated a few blocks from downtown Milwaukee and whether you are a motorcycle enthusiast or not you will find the history of this great iconic American brand fascinating.
The early beginnings in a backyard shed, the impressive growth and then the near collapse of the company when the Japanese producers entered the USA market makes for a fascinating and absorbing few hours. Harley is now a well established brand across the world and in particular the USA where you see thousands touring the roads and highways of the USA, many of them with two up and loaded with luggage pods touring the vast expansive of the great highways and by ways of the USA. The museum has a Harley shop where you can purchase memorabilia and a great café serving traditional American fare. When in Milwaukee don't miss it!

The Founders: Arthur and Walter Davidson, William Harley and William Davidson

Replica of the first backyard workshop

Elvis's first Harley

Employees from around the world signed this special Harley

Harley wall of rememberance

Harley touring group in The Rockies

Glacier National Park Montana

2016-07-21T12:42:00.001+10:00

Our American road journey began in Western Montana with East Glacier as our starting point. We had taken the Amtrak Empire Builder from Milwaukee and 27 hours later disembarked at the small railway station of East Glacier, gateway to Glacier Park located in the Blackfeet Indian reservation. Our lodging in East Glacier was at a moderately comfortable motel and an ideal base from which to self explore the pristine wilderness areas of Glacier National Park. The small village is charming with a friendly population of locals ready for a chat and never short of advice on the best places to visit and enjoy the many outdoor pursuits available. The village has a couple of shops and family run restaurants serving delightful and well priced home-cooked meals and the most delicious huckleberry pie you’ll ever taste. For those seeking comfort and organised tours of the region the larger Glacier Park Lodge is worth considering. We enjoy touring independently and picked up our car from the local Avis agent. Dollar car rental also operate here but only during the summer months.

Park supply store

Running Eagle Falls

Main street local supermarket and general store

Glacier Park Lodge

Local eateries


Lodging

Two Medicine Lake

Sydney Harbour Bridge

2016-05-22T15:55:00.000+10:00

Kirribilli House Sydney residence of the PM

Circular Quay

West view to Anzac bridge

Bridge traffic

Views of the bridge and the city from Harbour Bridge Western Tower.

The road to Bendigo

2016-03-06T17:03:00.000+11:00

Travelling around Australia I am always fascinated by how many of the small towns along the way have found a USP to promote their towns and make them memorable. Whether it is an historical event or an icon based on their agriculture or industry these smaller towns often give their towns a unique character. Travelling along the Hume highway from Sydney to Bendigo in Victoria there are many such places and on a recent journey I found a few of these.

Gundegai New South Wales:
This small town has a number of interesting things to see and explore.
Sheridan street is flanked by colonial style buildings some of which house interesting shops like the old cinema which is now an antique shop with a treasure trove of vintage items spread across its vast floor space.
The old railway station on the edge of town has been beautifully restored and a place to linger awhile and imagine days gone by.
The old wooden road and railway bridge which it is claimed is one of the longest surviving wooden bridges in the world at a little under a kilometre in length.
Then there is 'The Dog On a Tucker Box' eight kilometres out of town alongside the highway. A monument has been erected here in honour of a pioneer's faithful friend.

Like most early folklore, the exact origins of the 'Dog on the Tuckerbox' are clouded in mystery but its origins certainly lie in the Australian bush and those early pioneers who travelled south and west from Sydney, stopping in the Gundagai district in the period around 1830. These were hard and hazardous times with supplies and stores having to be transported by bullock wagons along makeshift tracks over rough and difficult terrain. If the bullock driver had to leave his team and seek help, his dog would guard his master's possessions while he was away.

The 'bullockies' would recite ditties and rhymes picked up on their travels and sometimes write a few lines to pass the time while bogged, and/or waiting for the river level to fall at crossings. At such a time, it was by the action of one such dog fouling foodstuffs in the tucker box that the fable arose. There are many different versions all ending in:

. . . for Nobby Jack has broke the yoke,
Poked out the leader's eye
and the dog shat on the tucker box,
Five miles from Gundagai.

One can only speculate whether the tuckerbox was properly closed at the time and what it was made of! Maybe it was wicker or some type of canvas but without doubt, it would not have been waterproof! Such was the humour that sparked the 'Dog on the Tuckerbox' legend.

Old residents of the district recalled these amusing lines of the verse. Mr. Collins, a newsagent and keen businessman, commissioned Tom Kinnane, a reporter on the Gundagai 'Independent' newspaper, to piece together the other missing lines of the original poem.
So the 'original' as Collins called it that was printed at the 'Gundagai Times' in 1880 would have been different to that which was penned fifty years before! This version was written under the nom-de-plume of 'Bowyang Yorke'. It read as follows:

As I was coming down Conroy's Gap,
I heard a maiden cry;
'There goes Bill the Bullocky,
He's bound for Gundagai.
A better poor old beggar
Never earnt an honest crust,
A better poor old beggar
Never drug a whip through dust.
'His team got bogged at the nine mile creek,
Bill lashed and swore and cried;
'If Nobby don't get me out of this,
I'll tattoo his bloody hide.
'But Nobby strained and broke the yoke,
And poked out the leader's eye;
Then the dog sat on the Tucker Box
Nine miles from Gundagai.

Gundegai Railway Station

Longest wooden bridge

Barnawartha Victoria
This small village can easily be by-passed in a flash if you're not looking out for the highway sign but take the turnoff and you're in a small village which has an interesting Gallery and Workshop centre.
The JOYbus is nothing more than a conventional brick building on the roadside but pull into the parking lot behind the old VW Combi van and you enter a fascinating crafty gallery which is brimming with personality and unique items. The wonderful cafe fronts a large workshop space and here we found local ladies creating lovely mosiac pieces with many different art media classes held here regularly. The cafe food is all home-made fare and a variety of locally made preserves are also sold here.

JOYBUS Cafe

Chiltern Victoria
Follow the old road southwards from Barnawartha and a little way down you will come across the historical town of Chiltern. A small main street is flanked by dozens of interesting historical buildings with small boutiques, cafes and antique/vintage shops, great for treasure hunters! We found a shop called 'Recycle Me' which has an exciting range of beautifully re-furbished furniture in the theme of white and natural wood. The restoration work is highly professional and original and if we had room in our car we would have been loaded up with several lovely items. The owner John told us that 95% of all materials used in the restoraion work is recycled.

Chiltern

Bendigo Victoria
In Forbes New South Wales they have the annual 'Elvis' festival but in Bendigo the locals pay tribute to Marilyn Monroe. We arrived the week leading up to the festival and Marilyn was everywhere, a massive statue in the town sqaure and banners festooned on the lamp posts, the festival draws in the crowds with hotels booked annually in advance. Old Marilyn era movies are shown and the town comes alive with fun and nostalgia as fans flock to pay tribute to their favourite hollwood star. There is more to Bendigo than this though, the historical buildings in the city reflect the glorious days of the gold rush. Visits to the old gold mine are a feature here as is the old tram which takes you on a tour of the city.

Marilyn Monroe Statue

Bendigo CBD

Ellenborough Falls Manning Valley

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The Falls are situated in a pristine natural environment inland from the small town of Wingham on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales. The distance from Wingham is 45 kilometres with a section of 15 kilometres unsealed but in fairly good condition. The road meanders through lovely farmland and natural forests to Eland and the Bulga Plateau. There is a picnic area to relax in under tall shady trees, a kiosk which is not always open and there are two trails to explore the forest and view the falls. One trail is a steep descent to the base of the falls and the other a more gentle walk of 700 metres taking you to the Knoll and a great lookout spot facing the falls. The forest features cascading ferns, a variety of gums and massive tallowwood trees, a species in the eucalypt family growing to heights up to 70 metres with leaves much favoured by koala’s. The information board at the picnic site contains a useful commentary on the forest, the falls and the Aboriginal heritage of the surrounding area.

It is claimed on official web sites and information boards at the site that Ellenborough Falls are the second highest in the southern hemisphere. This is highly inaccurate as the height of the falls at 160/ 200 metres pales into insignificance when compared to waterfalls in both South America and South Africa which have drops of up to 800 metres. In fact on the world scale Ellenborough ranks 205^th among the highest falls in the world. However, this should not discourage a half day visit to this unspoilt natural and ancient environment. More details can be found on

www.manningvalley.info/attractions

Mid North Coast New South Wales

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The Mid North Coast is a country region in the north-east of the state of New South Wales, Australia. The region covers the mid to north coast of the state, beginning at Seal Rocks, 275 km (171 mi) north of Sydney, and extending as far north as Woolgoolga, 562 km (349 mi) north of the city, a distance of roughly 400 km (250 mi).
From south to north, the region's main towns include the twin towns of Forster and Tuncurry, Taree, Port Macquarie, Kempsey, South West Rocks, Nambucca Heads and Coffs Harbour. Taree, Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour are the major commercial centres, all with large shopping centres, public facilities and attractions. Kempsey and Forster-Tuncurry are considered semi-major commercial centres. Smaller towns that are popular tourist spots are Hallidays Point incorporating Blackhead and Diamond beach, North Haven, South West Rocks, Urunga and Pacific Palms.
The region has a subtropical climate and is an area of outstanding natural beauty with rolling farmlands, coastal forests, lakes and stunning beaches with many popular holiday resorts on the coast and in the hinterland.
There are many attractions in the region. The Great Lakes area stretching from Smiths Lakes in the south and north of Forster provide great recreational facilities with lakes on the western fringe a few kilometres inland from the endless stretches of pristine white sandy beaches.
The Manning Valley continues from the fringe of the lakes area into the hinterland and along the Manning River northwards to Port Macquarie.
Small villages dot the countryside and the seaside and most of them have created their own identity and interesting attractions to appeal to visitors and the resident population with a variety of facilities such as weekly farmers and craft markets, speciality cafes and restaurants, craft centres and galleries. State forests and reserves provide a network of hiking trails and showcase the natural fauna and flora of the region.

Blackhead Beach Hallidays Point

Diamond Beach rock pools

Seven Mile beach

Neptunes treasure trove Shelley Beach

Neptunes necklace

Great Lakes view


Forster estuary

Hamiltons waterside Tuncurry

Recreation area and Oyster beds Tuncurry

Blackhead beach markets Hallidays

Manning River bridge Taree

Manning River Taree

Nabiac village

Timbertown steamer Wauchope

Trading store Timbertown

Rolling stock Timbertown

King Parrot

Towering gums and local wildlife on walking trail
Hallidays Point

Kookaburra

The creek

Bobbin Head Recreation Area

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Bobbin Head recreation Area has been a popular Sydney destination for many years. The range of facilities at Bobbin Head caters for a variety of pursuits in or around the waters of Cowan Creek, Boating and angling are two popular pursuits here and with the wide and generous range of picnic spots you are spoilt for choice at both Bobbin Head and adjacent Apple Tree Bay. The area is very popular at weekends and the best time to visit this lovely area is during the week. There are several walking trails along the banks of Cowan Creek and you're likely to encounter some of the local wild life like the large but harmless Goanna lizards. More information on this area can be obtained from the NSW Parks website: www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/Ku-ring-gai..

Ku-ring-gai National Park

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Ku-ring-gai National Park which surrounds the Northern areas of Sydney has many delightful spots to picnic, hike and simply to get closer to the natural world of this pristine and un-spoilt region of New South Wales. It is a credit to the Parks department and their many volunteers that we are able to enjoy these picturesque surroundings in close proximity to the city of Sydney.
West Head is one such area easily accessible from the well signposted turnoff from Mona Vale Road in Terrey Hills. The entire length of the road approaching West Head has a number of hiking trails catering to all levels of fitness. At the end of the road you will be rewarded with magnificent views over Broken Bay, Pittwater, Barrenjoey headland and lighthouse as well as across to the central coastal area on the northern side of the Hawkesbury River. Picnics can be enjoyed at the Resolute Picnic area amongst the giant Sydney Red Gums.

Sydney New Years Eve 2014

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If you've got children a great way for them to experience the spectacular Sydney Fireworks NYE spectacular is to book a spot at the Milsons Point swimming pool. A limited number of people are allowed in and bookings must be made well in advance. The pool is open for swimming and fun before the special early fireworks show at 9.00pm. The event is very festive with families enjoying picnics on the terraces. The pool closes after the show at 9.00pm and whilst the early show is not as spectacular as the show at midnight it nevertheless makes for a great family night out with Sydney transport operating an efficient transport link from Milsons Point station.

North Coast New South Wales

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Coffs Harbour is a great place to base yourself for a short break on the North Coast of NSW. There are many magificent beaches to explore and great coastal walks along the sandy shores. You will find many deserted beaches in the region both south and north of Coffs Harbour. The region has a number of National Parks along the coast as well as inland.

Emerald Beach ( North of Coffs)

Deserted beach

Colours and shapes

Thong Tree

The spectacular Dorrigo National Park, an hour inland from Coffs, is part of the Gondwana Rainforest of Australia, the name given to collectively over fifty remnant rainforests in New South Wales and South-Eastern Queensland, protected and recognised with World Heritage status. Today these form the most extensive areas of diverse types of rainforest to be found anywhere on the globe.
The National Park offers numerous opportunities for hiking with well marked trails, a Skywalk boardwalk and a 'Walk with the birds' boardwalk all add to the attraction of this pristine area.

Outside Bellingen on the way to Dorrigo


Railway Museum Dorrigo under planning stages.

The road to Dorrigo

Rainforest walk

View from Skywalk boardwalk

Tang Dynasty Hotel Xian

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I loved this description of taking tea in the Xiang Fu Liu Tea Bar in the Tang Dynasty Art Hotel where we stayed ( all to briefly) when visiting Xian.

"In the noisy city, a place is found to hide from the chaos of urban life in which we can relieve our soul.....that is Xiang Fu LiuRu tea house. In here you can go back to Tang dynasty with fragrance of tea and leisurely ancient rhythm in a settled spirit. Inviting two or three bosom friend in the Liu Tea house having a long and deeply talk, maybe you can taste the profound Chinese national historical accumulation from a cup of tea, perhaps you can also chew the variety of national amorous feeling as well as the spirit of forgiveness and the creative mind with the pace of time.
In this mysterious and peaceful yard there is sincere and candid smiling, there is melodious and touching music and what is more to be the most importance ones there is intoxicating tea's fragrance tea rhythm which can add you some satisfactions, poetic flavours and fascination. Because the tea that comes to us from the myth makes us feel as if we do be in the myth! Because of the tea, the masterpiece made by human and nature the communicative gate from our soul to nature then is opened. Therefore it is said. 'You know China provided you know tea!' "

This graceful hotel is highly recommended as one of three unique boutique hotels we stayed in whilst touring China. It is located east of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda in Xian where in ancient China the chancellors would welcome the emperor to stay. The Tang Dynasty Hotel is a museum style hotel characteristic of a glorious culture and the profoundness of ancient Buddhism. The decor is authentic Chinese and the delightful bedrooms whilst possessing western comforts nonetheless still create a tranquil atmosphere even down to authentic touches like a selection of Chinese books of prose.

Bedroom wing overlooking courtyard

Central courtyard

Take tea in the courtyard

Chengdu: Panda Breeding Centre

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Entrance gates

The Panda Breeding Centre is about 30 minutes from the sprawling metropolis of Chengdu. The centre is well equipped to cope with the hordes of visitors and the best time to visit is in the earlier part of the morning when the Pandas are out enjoying their breakfast. When the weather warms up the animals retreat to the air conditioned confines of their quarters.

There is a well constructed network of walkways taking you through bamboo plantations in a natural setting. The various enclosures accommodate animals of varying ages and every opportunity is provided to view these interesting creatures in as natural a habitat as possible. The facility is exceptionally well kept and managed and the lovely lake with black swans and ducks provides an opportunity to relax in the tranquil surroundings. The on site restaurant serves a high standard of dishes catering for all tastes, the local dishes in this area are very spicy so make sure you discuss your requirements with the wait staff before ordering particularly if you have an aversion to food that seemingly blows your head off!

Red Panda