Since we left Sydney we have been exploring the Australian coast and having a great time.
We left Sydney and drove to the Blue Mountains, which after the mountains in New Zealand weren't really what I would call mountains, but I think I have officially been spoiled. While there we went canyoning in the canyons there. What canyoning is walking through the canyons formed by rivers flowing down the mountains and jumping off rock cliffs into pools of water and sliding down small waterfalls into pools of water below. It was a lot of fun... but I was a little scared because this was my first activity where the chances of seeing a snake was high. It was fine though, no snakes were spotted.
After the Blue Mountains we drove into the Outback a bit and camped in the "bush". When we woke up in the morning we saw Kangaroos right outside of our tent! It was crazy. Since we were in a National Park, these Kangaroos were accustomed to seeing people and they would come right up to you. It was the coolest thing. We also saw Emus running across the fields and huge lizards in the trees. (Thankfully, no snakes.)
From the Outback we traveled north to Cascade, a tiny town located in the Australian rain forest. (Who knew that Australia had rain forest?) We went on a "bush walk" throughout the rain forest and saw some crazy birds, huge termite mounds, and a 1,200 yr old tree. It was so interesting to compare the different plant and animal life from what we saw in New Zealand and what I know from back home. That night we had a feast of Australian "bush dinner" where we were able to eat crocodile, kangaroo, emu, and a bunch of natural berries from the forest. It was really good- the kangaroo taste like a spicier version of venison.
From the rain forest we headed back to the coast, where we are now in Byron Bay. Here we are learning to surf (I'm now officially a surfer chick) and do some scuba diving. Surfing was so much fun, although a lot harder than I had expected. We got a professional lesson, and I was able to get up about 3 or 4 times which was cool, but I definitely need some practice. Today I did 2 scuba dives and saw huge sea turtles, sting rays and leopard sharks along with many other tropical fish. It was so cool to be next to that big of animals in the water. (Seriously, the sea turtles were as big as me!)
Well, that's about it for now. Photos to come.
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4 comments:
March 11. 07
Hi, Surfer chick!
And Canyoning Queen! You sure are trying it all. Spring has come to Madison, despite dirty piles of old snow. Sunny spring day here with Daylight Savings time coming weeks early this year. Looking forward to more photos. Just saw the Sidney opera House on the intro to the Mission Impossible 2 movie & thought of you! You are such an international traveler. Have fun & stay safe,
Aunt Kathi
Julie,
I'm so jealous you learned how to surf!!! That's SO cool!! I think it would be weird to wake up and see kangaroos outside your tent. I'm really glad you haven't had any contact with any snakes. I'm back from house-sitting, I never thought I would be so happy to go home to my little apartment!!! I'm excited about St. Patty's day on Sat. I think I'm heading down to Milwaukee with Ellen, Dave, and Stef. Dave's sister has an apartment downtown, it should be very interesting!!! Have fun!!!
Barb
Well Julie I didn't go right to the computer (thought I'd wait for the pictures and finish some paperwork) and looks like I'm too late to be the first to hear of the latest blog. You sounded great when you called. I've moved your marker on my map to follow you up the coast of Australia. LUV MOM
You went to the Outback? Wow, who'd have thunk there'd be one of them in Australia too? Whenever I go to that steakhouse I get the Melbourne (18oz porterhouse) and some specialty foo-foo drink they make. Or, a glass of milk if I'm on the road for work.
-pl
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