Slowly getting re-acclimated to the time change (I am feeling 12 hours off, which is not a good thing), the weather (much hotter and more humid) and the noise (there were not audible cars where I was, nor the wealth of bird/insect/amphibian noises at night like here). If you are a FaceBook friend, I have posted about 50 pictures there so far. Soon I will build a webpage of just about everything I can think of. 24 days is a lot of text, plus a lot of pictures.
The trip was overall amazing. Words really don't convey the kind of experience I had, not just in meeting people, experiencing a different culture and lifestyle, living pretty rough far from "civilization", or even traveling so far.
Over the course of the trip I saw kangaroos, emus, various cockatoos, sea snakes, green and loggerhead turtles, dolphins (more than I care to have seen), tiger sharks, whale sharks, dugongs, eagles, coral reefs, humpback whales and probably other things that seemed "normal" that I forget aren't typical in the US. In Australia 95% of the roadkill is kangaroo, so seeing a squirrel in the road last night was odd.
The landscape I saw in Western Australia (the biggest and least populated of the Australian states) was mostly flat, covered in scrub brush, rarely with hills or taller trees. Some was cultivated for wheat, olives, or pastureland for cows, sheep or goats. In some areas the road stretches flat without a curve from horizon to horizon. "Cities" like Exmouth, Denham, Kalbarri tend to be a couple of streets with most of the businesses, easily walked. Everywhere you can buy a meat pie, usually several flavors, for a few dollars - kept hot in a little oven-like thing. Most places along the coast have fish and chips, and the better ones let you choose what kind of fish - from whiting to shark to snapper to cod - and is relatively inexpensive. Kids are apalled by the idea of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches - they prefer Vegimite (which I loved from the first taste, which nobody could believe) and cheese. In fact peanut butter is not the ubiquitous spread like in the US.
Overwhelmingly the people were friendly, outgoing and helpful. I got to do just about everything I set out to do, including snorkeling with the whale sharks, plus unexpected sights on the bus ride back to Perth. I would love to see more of the country the next trip, but would also like to re-visit a lot of the places I experienced.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Saturday, June 13, 2009
A Week Gone By
The week has already been full of excitement and adventure. Four trips out sharking, and I am tying lines to anchors, baiting hooks and reeling in lines when we have a shark - 4 so far - and at the end of the day. I have tagged sharks, and put them to sleep, belly up while I hold the pectoral fins, so we can get a blood sample.
Lots of fun on shore, too. The staff is very international here, and friendly, and there is always somebody, usually us "sharkies" at the bar. Last night we had a sunset cruise on the Shotover, a racing catamaran. Two days ago I went on a bush walk with a local Aboriginal guide. Rained during that...something that only happens about 5 times a year.
So far have seen tons of wildlife, not even including the huge pigeons (they are actually emus, and very annoying) around camp.
Yes, have taken tons of pictures.
Lots of fun on shore, too. The staff is very international here, and friendly, and there is always somebody, usually us "sharkies" at the bar. Last night we had a sunset cruise on the Shotover, a racing catamaran. Two days ago I went on a bush walk with a local Aboriginal guide. Rained during that...something that only happens about 5 times a year.
So far have seen tons of wildlife, not even including the huge pigeons (they are actually emus, and very annoying) around camp.
Yes, have taken tons of pictures.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
AUSTRALIA
Been here two days and things are incredible. Flights sucked, with some delays, diversions and difficulties (never accept a middle seat on a 14 hour flight). Saw the zoo in Perth, with barely enough time...I got maybe 90 minutes before it closed.
The next day was the bus ride here. 10 hours with three stops at "roadhouses" - no Patrick Swayze - these are gas/convenience places, most with some food offerings. Prices are high here all the way around, since most everything has to be shipped here, but working it out. Saw a couple of kangaroos, and some emus in a field. Not so excited about the emus now, as there are about a dozen that roam the resort here.
Have a trailer (called a caravan) to myself, but only there to sleep. Yesterday did data entry, as it was too windy to go out on the boat. Today took a walk up the beach, then we went out on the water to clean some cages under the water. Did a little snorkeling. Out and back we saw a loggerhead turtle, a few dolphins, a school of 15 stingrays...none of this is out of the ordinary.
won't be posting too often, as the connection is a dialup and it costs per connection.
The next day was the bus ride here. 10 hours with three stops at "roadhouses" - no Patrick Swayze - these are gas/convenience places, most with some food offerings. Prices are high here all the way around, since most everything has to be shipped here, but working it out. Saw a couple of kangaroos, and some emus in a field. Not so excited about the emus now, as there are about a dozen that roam the resort here.
Have a trailer (called a caravan) to myself, but only there to sleep. Yesterday did data entry, as it was too windy to go out on the boat. Today took a walk up the beach, then we went out on the water to clean some cages under the water. Did a little snorkeling. Out and back we saw a loggerhead turtle, a few dolphins, a school of 15 stingrays...none of this is out of the ordinary.
won't be posting too often, as the connection is a dialup and it costs per connection.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Tomorrow
Such a word. Expectations, mysteries, adventures. It all starts tomorrow.
Packing is essentially done. Might shift a few things from the carryon to the checked bag. Of course the morning items that have to be put in last. Printing out boarding passes - although may skip that as I will want to visit the airline desk to check my bag in capable (I assume so) hands.
For those so inclined, here is what I can cobble together of a mailing address. Mind you, there are something like fewer than 30 residents of this little chunk of land, so I am sure somebody will know which Yank to give it to.
Monkey Mia
Shark Bay
WA 6537
Australia
As I know things I will try to post them, but will surely journal them. Got three marble covered composition books, and anticipating writing about virtually everything. Different smells, the stars, all the funky foods to discover, hardships in living conditions, you name it. If I can't post while away, I will more than likely create some sort of website to house the whole of the month with pictures and whatever else I can manage.
I am still vaguely anxious, which I suppose is to be expected. Got enough stuff to hopefully keep me occupied for my waking hours. The hardest thing will probably be working without research (via computer) at my fingertips. Directions to places, things to see, etc.
Packing is essentially done. Might shift a few things from the carryon to the checked bag. Of course the morning items that have to be put in last. Printing out boarding passes - although may skip that as I will want to visit the airline desk to check my bag in capable (I assume so) hands.
For those so inclined, here is what I can cobble together of a mailing address. Mind you, there are something like fewer than 30 residents of this little chunk of land, so I am sure somebody will know which Yank to give it to.
Monkey Mia
Shark Bay
WA 6537
Australia
As I know things I will try to post them, but will surely journal them. Got three marble covered composition books, and anticipating writing about virtually everything. Different smells, the stars, all the funky foods to discover, hardships in living conditions, you name it. If I can't post while away, I will more than likely create some sort of website to house the whole of the month with pictures and whatever else I can manage.
I am still vaguely anxious, which I suppose is to be expected. Got enough stuff to hopefully keep me occupied for my waking hours. The hardest thing will probably be working without research (via computer) at my fingertips. Directions to places, things to see, etc.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Yay Camera!
Looks SO cool. Canon D10, first in the D series. Waterproof to 10 meters (33 feet), shockproof and such, so you can drop it. 12megapixels, and with the 8GB SDHC, it holds over 2000 pictures. Still, going to bring a 2GB thumb-drive to store some pictures, just in case. Battery lasts 6 hours or 200 pictures, and is compatible with foreign power sources.
Aside from that, a lazy day. Oldest texted wife this morning, saying she wanted to come home tomorrow. We have decided that it is OK to want to leave, but we aren't driving up there to rescue her. She needs to fulfill her own commitments.
And in a crazy reflection of the Prop 8 nonsense in California, Shelby County officials voted on a proposal that would prevent the county from discriminating against gays in hiring and firing. Naturally a bunch of ministers, many black, came out AGAINST it, some even saying it was not a civil rights issue. One, ironically, even was quoted as saying "You can't outlaw hate". Today, in a slap in the face, after the council deadlocked 5-5 with two abstaining, the NCAAP came out in favor of the resolution. And a local columnist had another good line - it is as if the blacks are scared of losing the gold medal in the "Who had been treated the worst the longest" Olympics. (she is black, by the way, and pleasantly outspoken).
Aside from that, a lazy day. Oldest texted wife this morning, saying she wanted to come home tomorrow. We have decided that it is OK to want to leave, but we aren't driving up there to rescue her. She needs to fulfill her own commitments.
And in a crazy reflection of the Prop 8 nonsense in California, Shelby County officials voted on a proposal that would prevent the county from discriminating against gays in hiring and firing. Naturally a bunch of ministers, many black, came out AGAINST it, some even saying it was not a civil rights issue. One, ironically, even was quoted as saying "You can't outlaw hate". Today, in a slap in the face, after the council deadlocked 5-5 with two abstaining, the NCAAP came out in favor of the resolution. And a local columnist had another good line - it is as if the blacks are scared of losing the gold medal in the "Who had been treated the worst the longest" Olympics. (she is black, by the way, and pleasantly outspoken).
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Final "official" Day
And what a waste it was. Some pre-recorded video from the Superintendent and his right-hand man, three exercises designed to get us to pay attention to changes in the curriculum. Basically they are using broad Grade Level Expectations instead of State Performance Indicators, but still keeping the SPIs. Also going to a 9 week grading period, and 90 minute periods, although we may be exempt from that.
The best part was being told to make a syllabus for the first two weeks of school, using the fill-in template on a particular website. Except it wasn't there. Much hilarity ensued. We got dismissed at 2pm, when we could have been done at 11.
And during all this, I missed my UPS delivery, and will have to wait another day.
And wife came home and told me she was laid off from her part-time job at the yarn store. She draws a lot of people in there, is helpful and knowledgeable, and this will hurt the store in the long run, if it isn't actually the first nail in the coffin. Her boss, for some reason, thinks I make a great deal of money, so she was the first in line for layoff, as she could afford it better. Um, yeah.
The best part was being told to make a syllabus for the first two weeks of school, using the fill-in template on a particular website. Except it wasn't there. Much hilarity ensued. We got dismissed at 2pm, when we could have been done at 11.
And during all this, I missed my UPS delivery, and will have to wait another day.
And wife came home and told me she was laid off from her part-time job at the yarn store. She draws a lot of people in there, is helpful and knowledgeable, and this will hurt the store in the long run, if it isn't actually the first nail in the coffin. Her boss, for some reason, thinks I make a great deal of money, so she was the first in line for layoff, as she could afford it better. Um, yeah.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Just one week
Today was a waste of a day in the school building. I had maybe six signatures to get to complete my checkout list. Think of a scavenger hunt where you have to find the right people, show them proof you did something and have them sign. My stuff was all done on Friday, but people weren't available, or wouldn't sign. In fact, one person refused to sign until after 930 - we reported at 8. Needless to say, I was the first one done, and got to sit around until lunch (I even hauled my boxes of garbage to the dumpster). When I returned, the principal released us for the day.
Tomorrow is an in-service to get us ready for (allegedly) block scheduling and 9-week grading periods. Which means nothing, except they are going to force people to write plans for the first two weeks, 2 months from now. And we will probably have to sit there the whole day. Hardest for me, as my mind is elsewhere.
Good news today, though. Oldest PASSED US History. I think the teacher took pity on her and gave her the grade she deserved (well, not that, but at least didn't fail her) instead of the grade she earned. Found out she could have made it up next year, but better to have her scared now, and hopefully more responsible next year (so she can get into college).
My day in Perth once I get there - going to check in to hotel and then stroll a bit. I am nearby the Mint (oldest one, founded during gold rush, still can buy neat stuffs), and a ferry across the Swan River to the Zoo. A nice dinner then turning in. The bus on Friday will take me directly to Monkey Mia. Turns out the bus company extends a courtesy to the researchers, so I can dead-head up there as long as there is a seat, which there usually is. This bodes well for my excursion to Exmouth - maybe I can snag a free ride there, too.
Tomorrow is an in-service to get us ready for (allegedly) block scheduling and 9-week grading periods. Which means nothing, except they are going to force people to write plans for the first two weeks, 2 months from now. And we will probably have to sit there the whole day. Hardest for me, as my mind is elsewhere.
Good news today, though. Oldest PASSED US History. I think the teacher took pity on her and gave her the grade she deserved (well, not that, but at least didn't fail her) instead of the grade she earned. Found out she could have made it up next year, but better to have her scared now, and hopefully more responsible next year (so she can get into college).
My day in Perth once I get there - going to check in to hotel and then stroll a bit. I am nearby the Mint (oldest one, founded during gold rush, still can buy neat stuffs), and a ferry across the Swan River to the Zoo. A nice dinner then turning in. The bus on Friday will take me directly to Monkey Mia. Turns out the bus company extends a courtesy to the researchers, so I can dead-head up there as long as there is a seat, which there usually is. This bodes well for my excursion to Exmouth - maybe I can snag a free ride there, too.
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