Jonnymoon SW - Day 2 PM - The Gap

After the most beautiful beach in the world, we trekked back to Albany to have lunch, and then off to The Gap. The Gap is just a big gap in the rock cliffs. Because of the big storm the night before, the seas were very rough and the waves were absolutely pounding inside the gap. I got drenched just walking to the site. Salt + camera lens = Bad. One thing that is great (scary) about Western Australia is that there are no real safety precautions anywhere. There is a nice little recommended lookout for the Gap, but it is very easy to head for a new vantage point and find yourself walking off the cliff. We said that anyone going in The Gap would be going for their last swim. Also there was Natural Bridge.... It was alright.

Laura and JP at the Gap
Water flying up over the cliffs
Natural Bridge

Waves pounding on the rocks
The windshield when we got back to the car ... can you say salt?

After The Gap, we headed to the blowholes. The blowholes blew, literally. In 2 ways: First, a light whistling sound could be heard every minute or so, and secondly, it just wasn't very spectacular. Especially compared to The Gap. It didn't help that it was a kilometre walk to that site. The Gap wins this round.We then headed off to our next destination: Walpole.

Laura took over the driving. Before this trip, I thought Laura had never driven a manual car... She asked me not to comment on her driving.... :) I'm happy to be alive.

JP and I stopped at Matilda's Garden in Denmark to get a bottle of wine. Mmmmmm free wine sampling! Then we found a campground in Walpole.

Matilda's Vineyard

Camping Attitude

JP spots a rare woodchip and has to get a photo

A few visits from neat australian wildlife: Kookaburra's (more to come), blue wrens, bandicoots. One of the old ladies there got JP excited by telling us about a kangaroo that comes up ever morning with it's joey in the pouch to have brekkie. Let's just say, JP went to bed thinking it was Christmas Eve. Would he get to see this amazing moment......

MORE PHOTOS FROM THIS DAY: Click here

Jonnymoon SW - Day 2 AM - THE BEST BEACH IN THE WORLD

Well, Laura and JP have flown off to Alice Springs on their Australia tour. They are heading to the heat of Uluru (Ayer's Rock). Go figure, but it gets scorching in perth with 34 Celsius today, and kinda muggy. Anyhow, will continue to update the SW west trip over the next few days, and in two weeks will catch up on the Jonnymoon in Sydney.

Middleton Beach

After the thunder and Lightning of Wednesday night, we woke up to a beautiful morning at Emu Beach/Middleton Beach in Albany on Day 2. As there was nice warm shower back at the cabin, I took it upon myself to go for a swim in the Southern Ocean. Disaster struck before I even got to the beach as my swim trunks ripped while sitting down in a chair. Thus, it would be those shorts' final swim! The water was a little chillier than Perth water, but not horrible. The local we talked to said she never puts her feet in the water even in the middle of summer in February. What a wimp!

Ripped shorts ... booooo

Heading into the Southern Ocean

That same local gave us a tip. 40km to the east was "the best beach in the world". JP liked to say that line over and over again in his best attempt at the australian accent. Still not very good. I have a lot of trouble picking up the accent, as you just have to shorten words, and say them fast (ex. Water = Wata, How you going = owyegoin'). The beach was called "Little Beach", and it IS safe to say that it's the best beach in the world. It was packed. A total of 3 people were there (including us). The water was so extremely turqoisey, the sand so white. The beach was dominated by two large pegmatitic boulders in the centre. The weather was still a bit chilly, and the seas a bit rough, but in the middle of summer with 25 to 30 C weather, this is definately "the best beach in the world".

Heaven (aka Little Beach) below: more pics here

Enjoying the scenery

Coming up: The Gap ... and I'm not talking about clothes

SW Jonnymoon - Part 1 - The Road to Albany

We have made it back to Perth from our Five Day adventure. For anyone interested in following our path, we went Perth to Albany to Denmark to Walpole to Pemberton to Augusta to Yallingup to Dunsborough to Busselton to Perth (1800km). Wow, say that one in a sentence. Anyhoo. As I took "heaps" of photos, I'm going to just slowly upload them along with stories (you'll have to wait mom!). I gotta have time to get my life back in order! Stupid ironing. Does anyone know any secrets on ironing the sleeves, i hate those things. Back to the photos. Part 1 can be found click here.

We headed off for the great Southwest coast of Western Australia on Wednesday. We were all smiles. JP got his first taste of driving on the wrong side of the road. Even with the coaching, he still put on the windshield wipers for his first turn. It gets us all. We did a last minute change of plans to the route. Due to unfavourable weather forecasts for Albany for the next 5 days, we decided to head to Albany first and hope for the good weather at the end of the trip.

Well, we certainly got some heavy rains. It's funny driving through these areas that have no green vegetation. Everything looks dead, yet it's pouring rain! Did we pick bad day or what?
After making it to Albany, we found out that they still have dinosaurs. Not only do they have these prehistoric creatures, but they are known to cross the street in certain areas. Thanks for letting us know Albany!

It was a bit chilly in Albany, but that didn't stop me from heading into the water on the first night. In actual fact, the water was warmer than outside, and I wouldn't get out as it was too nice just standing. I'm flashing 3 fingers to mark my 3rd Ocean i've been in: Pacific, Indian, Southern. Next up: Atlantic.... I'm not so sure on the Arctic.

We decided to make a wise choice and spend a little extra the first night for a cabin 80 metres from the beach. It was more than camping, but the heavy rains turned into heavier rains with thunder and lightning. Money well spent. For more photos from day 1 click here.

Back to work tomorrow .... Boooooooooooooo

Laura & JP's Jonnymoon - Day 3

It's late, I'm tired, and I need to pack for our 5 day road trip for tomorrow, so I will keep it quick. Photos from today are at: http://picasaweb.google.com/australialiterally/LauraJPSJonnymoonDay3

The day had a few good highlights. We went down to Cottesloe Beach. It was much calmer than the previous two days. Then headed to Freo and did some walking around the City. I ran into 3 crazy people .... and yes .... very crazy. Anyhow, the pictures say it all, highlights include Jimmy the Seagull, The Lost Croc, Fattest Pigeon EVER!, crazy guy 1 from Cottesloe, Bikini Girls massage, and Laura and Jon with their asian immigrant friends.

See you in a 5 days!

The Jonnymoon Continues

They came up with that one. I think it has a nice ring to it. Well the two of them did very well considering the JetLag of travelling half way around the world. Not to mention completely missing Saturday. That was JP's 1/4 Birthday as well. He'll have no memories of that special day. They both slept through til about 7am, and have stayed up to current time (9:30pm).

We have had a big day. We did some quick family webcam sessions before heading to the beaches. Monday morning and "cold" weather (only 25 Celsius) means no one is at the beach. We first went to the local City Beach, and then travelled north past Scarborough to a place called North Beach (creative name). It was a beautiful morning, but I've still been unable to get them to go into the Indian Ocean. They still have the shark paranoia. JP bought a towel and boardies (board shorts) at the mall today, so he has no excuse anymore. Oh yah, to get an idea on the crackdown on Drunk Driving in Perth, I almost got "breathalyzed" at 10am on Monday on a beach road (every driver that goes through a roadblock is breathalyzed on the spot). The two cars in front of me got pulled over, but fortunately I snuck through. I obviously hadn't been drinking, but mouthwash can cause you to blow over the limit. Zoinks!!!

We then headed shopping for shoes .... not quite ... but close. First to the Outlet Mall, then took the bus to the city. Not much exciting happened down there. I cooked up some dinner, then we headed to King's Park to enjoy the sunset. Very nice. Wish I had my bocca set for the grass there.

I'm tired... another busy day tomorrow I'm sure.

North Beach .... where are all the people?

It does not feel like Christmas, long days, warm weather .... it feels more like SUMMER!

Can you spot which are statues and which are JP and I

JP taking his token "bark" photos for the trip .... he's actually British Columbia's foremost expert on Bark Photography

Perth Reflections

Another one with the two.

Another Majestic Drive... I mean Sunset

Laura & JP's Australian Honeymoon Adventure ....

AND JON!!!!!!

Well the guests have officially arrived. My sister Laura and her husband JP flew in to Perth this afternoon to begin there 1 month Australian Honeymoon Adventure. They both looked very well considering the 22+ hours of flight time. My roommate was kind enough to lend his other car, so I met them at the Perth Airport. After a few accidental detours (to South Perth ... woops), we made it back to my place. First thing is first, we have to get to the beach. We ended up at City Beach as I had several friends down there. It was a bit windy and choppy, but not the worst I've seen it. Laura and JP were apprehensive about going in the water.... maybe tomorrow. Then back to my place where they napped for an hour, then dinner, then off to Cottesloe to catch the sunset, and have a peak at the Sunday Sessions.

They have now tucked into bed at 9pm, which isn't bad.... it'll take a couple days at least to get over the jet lag. I do find it quite hilarious that my sister is spending the first official night of her honeymoon sleeping in her little brother's bed. I bet she never would have imagined that one. As for me .... I'm left with the swag (thanks Mark and Holly!)

I think the plan for tomorrow is beaches, beaches and more beaches. Whether is still going to be quite cool. It will only be 25 Celsius tomorrow. Today was a chilly 22. Brrrrr...

JP and Laura, happy to see sunshine

First steps in the Indian Ocean


Alright, JP say "Cheese", and Laura, you scream!

JP already starting his job as a Christmas Card photographer ... he's planning to pay for the trip doing this!

Laura and JP ...... and Jon

Not a bad sunset .... a little cloudy though

You gotta love Australia .... they give out free parking!!!! They tried to make people pay for parking at the beaches, but that went against the Australian Way of Life.

and the winner is .......

Kevin Rudd and Labour Party. Yadda Yadda Yadda, John Howard didn't even get elected to his own seat ....

Now to the more pressing debate ..... Who will win Australian Idol??? I've got to admit, these two were both my favourites from the start. One is a 26 year old fiery Italian hottie from Melbourne. The other is the 17 year old overally sensitive boy that that has eyes that could melt gold. Natalie Gauci vs Matt Corby.

Nat Vs Matt.

Who will win?

Video highlights below:

Natalie: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uUM5QTUbW5U

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=alb4qr77HXk

Matt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4EVxzcYKCEs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCQkPJ1vhho

Australia Votes

Today is a big day for Australia ..... it's National Election Day. It's been interesting following the Aussie Politics. The current government is the Liberals (lead by Prime Minister John Howard), and the favourite to win are the Labour Party (lead by Kevin Rudd). My first week that I arrived in Australia saw the breaking of a news story that Kevin Rudd went to a New York strip club about 5 years ago. This isn't America, so needless to say, Kevin Rudd's (who I've nicknamed Krudd) popularity went through the roof!!!!

John Howard has been Prime Minister since 1996, and is running for his 5th term in office. Strangely, he's going to run, but then pass the prime minister torch to another politician in a year or two. People haven't appreciated that gesture. Howard isn't the most well-liked individual as he is pretty buddy/buddy with president bush. Also, a couple weeks ago, he went on tv to say "sorry" about a rise in interest rates. The next day, he went on tv to admit that his "sorry" was not actually an apology and that he wasn't going to apologize for the interest rates...... I always thought sorry was an apology????

Funniest things about each candidate:

John Howard: Mr Sheen (http://www.101usesforajohnhoward.com/2007/10/23/84-mr-sheen/)

Kevin Rudd: Eargate (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OnMPLvYTVs8) .... maybe the grossest thing i have EVER seen

Polls suggest that Rudd will win in a landslide .... but I'm more interested in who gets more votes for Australian Idol tomorrow.

___________________________________________________

I went swimming at Cott beach this morning .... with my new goggles .... there was a water polo incident that shattered my old pair. It was sad to see them go :(

Aussie Thanksgiving

HAPPY THANKSGIVING everyone in Canada!

I spent the morning having Thanksgiving dinner with my family.... well they had dinner, I had a bowl of cereal. Webcams are fun and you can do some neat things with them (like watching the Canucks season opener). However, webcams at the dinner table aren't the best idea. My family "seated" me up on a ladder so I could overlook them eating. You can only enjoy watching people eat for so long! Can you say Awkward?

On to today's main event. Amy organized an Australian Thanksgiving at her place with around 20 people. Most were Canadian. Pics here. It was a BIG success, with turkey, gravy, stuffing, mashed potatoes, yams, pumpkin pie, goon bags, etc etc etc. The Centrepiece that Amy made was spectacular, and creative genious!!!! Something tells me I'm going to wake up in the middle of the night and have visions of this thing peering over my bed.

We had the main meal outside until it started to rain. Nonetheless it was heaps of fun, and a great event. Well done Amy!

Only time will tell what the next big CDN event will be. Likely Halloween!!!!

I have a great week ahead at work. Conference on Monday, First Aid on Wed/Thurs, and then 4WD course on Friday. Only 1 day at the office!

Meekatharra - Day #4 & 5 - warning! graphic content

So after the many warnings, and many near misses as kangaroos, cows, emus, and sheep ran across the road, I finally hit my first animal.... It was an emu that ran out in front of the car, and I had zero time to respond. I tapped the break a little, but held firm and kept the wheel locked straight. Emus don't really cause the damage that kangaroos or cows do because they are smaller, and lighter.

Unfortunately, the emu did not take the 80km/hr impact very well. We sat in the car knowing that we would have to go back to put it out of it's misery. Our only option was a tire iron meaning we'd have to get up close and personal ith it. Fortunately a car came up a few minutes later, and there was an old bloke who took a look at us and knew he would have to do the deed. He got out a shovel. It was very heart-breaking, but as any Aussie would tell you, it's just part of life down under...

Also, we had the pleasure of changing another tire today. At least this one wasn't in the middle of the night... Only in the heat of the mid-day sun. The temperature was very hot today, up to around 37 C [In Perth it was 21 C today]. As compared to the cooler 32, 33 C that we worked in the previous three days. I think I drank about 6 litres of water, and only went the washroom (i mean toilet .... don't say washroom here, ppl laugh at you) about twice. The water just gets sucked out of you!

One more day to go .... what crazy adventures will happen tomorrow. I can't wait!!!

FRIDAY - Day 5

Not too exciting today, hung around town and enjoyed country living. Watched some store
owners go wacko losing their patience.

Took the worst flight ever, 30 minutes from Meekatharra to Mt Magnet. We stayed low and
were stuck in thermal winds (vertical winds) that are caused as the hot surface air rises
into the atmosphere. Major turbulence the whole way. The woman behind me asked the
stewardess if this was normal. She smiled and said "Yup". Just great.
Can't wait for the next adventure!