Day 1730: Exploring Sydney

Just after 6:30 am, we arose from our stupor, turned on the tv and heard a story that stopped us cold.  A train wreck at Hoboken.  100 injured and 1 dead after a high speed train went off the track and crashed into the station.   I immediately looked at Facebook and found that Evan had checked in safe.  So were  all the members of his team.  Thank goodness!

The other good news is that Hillary is up a few points in the polls.  

We set off for a tour of the city and hit lots of highlights.  Mrs. Macquaries' Chair,  the Bridge, Bondi Beach, an opal museum and shop, the Sydney Eye, and ending up at the Opera House for a tour.  Then, we strolled back slowly through the Botanic Gardens, past the cathedral and the first housing for convicts that arrived from England back in 1788. Ended the day at small pub with mug of cider and chicken schnitzel.  Great meal.  

It was another packed day and my feet are sore from miles of walking in sandals.  Poor choice of forward today.  Tomorrow, the Blue Mountains!

Day 1729: Sydney!

Flew to Sydney this afternoon, over the glories for the Great Barrier Reef.  Arrived at the new hotel at 5:30 and left again at 6:45 for an evening harbor cruise to view the famous Sydney Opera House.  I got excellent photos .  So tired that I can't sit up any longer.  More tomorrow, maybe.

Day 1728: Aboriginal Culture

Didgeridoo, boomerangs and spear throwing.  Such fun to learn these elements of aboriginal culture at the Tjapukai Aboriginal Culture Park. .

We began the day in the culture center where our guide taught us about the creation story, traditional cooking, songs and dances, symbolism in the art, languages and weaponry.  We got to practice throwing boomerangs and spears.  Only one guy in our group was able to hit the target with the spears, but Steve and I did pretty well with the boomerangs.

After a few hours, we took the Skyway Cable Car through the World Heritage Rainforest to the village of Kuranda.  Skimming over the rainforest canopy, we could see the vast variety of trees and ferns far below.  Constantly on the lookout for cockatoos, we were disappointed.  Probably they didn't appear because it was at the heat of midday.   The first twenty minutes was up, up, up to the mountaintop and then a plateau.  The last twenty five minutes we saw waterfalls cascading over cliffs, deep gorges and more tropical plants.   Finally, we reached Kuranda.

In the village of Kuranda, we were privileged to hold a young koala.  We hesitated because we know how fragile they are.  The conditions were tightly controlled, but I suspect the handling was still traumatic for them.  What an honor it was to touch this precious creature.

The trip back down the mountain was via the Kuranda railroad.  It twisted back up the mountain and then down the opposite slope.  This time, we viewed the rainforest at eye level.  And we learned about the struggles of the men who built the railroad.

By the time we returned to the hotel at 5:30, we were overheated and exhausted.  After a quick shower and lots of fluids, we were off to a group dinner at the Bayleaf Balinese Restaurant.  Another incredibly full day.

Both yesterday and today, I was dying to get back and find out how my gal Hiilary do against the "mainsplainer."  She demolished him!  I am so proud of Hillary!

Can't wait to post photos again!

Day 1727: Great Barrier Reef

Another spectacular day!   Perfect conditions, a brilliant blue sky, gentle breeze, trained staff and now we have visited one of the greatest natural wonders on earth.  A dream come true......to a degree.  

Motion sickness and overheating caused a near collapse, but I am very proud that I did not puke in the ocean!  We had to go inside the lowest level of the boat to fill in forms and pay for our guided snorkeling experience.  The rocking and heat sent me back on deck nauseous and dizzy.  A ninety minute journey turned miserable.  By the time we reached the catamaran, I recovered.  

Minutes later, we squeezed into wet suits, strapped on life jackets and picked up snorkeling gear.  A very patient marine biologist taught us what to do and provided guidance as we explored the reef.  I held it together for thirty minutes despite being short of breath from the tight jacket and suit.  We finally got to the platform and I was in trouble.  Steve and The guide stripped the suits off, got ice, and put me in a cold shower.  In an hour, I was back to normal.

Later, we took a trip through the reef in a glass- bottomed boat.  Colorful fish, corals and sponges filled the ocean floor.  Much of the reef has been harmed by rising sea temperatures, human actions and pollutants.  There was very little new growth which is blue.  Middle aged coral is golden and aged coral is a gray/tan.  Farther up the coast, vast swaths of it is dead. 

This evening we had a lovely dinner at The Boathouse, a fantastic restaurant on the famous Cairns Boardwalk right next to the bay.  Then we strolled through the Night Market, a collection of shops, food stalls and artisans.  

I'm very grateful for all the help I got today, both to learn about the reef and to recover from illness.  

Day 1726: Arriving in Cairns

It's pronounced "cans," no r.  We flew from a tiny, one gate airport in Ayers Rock the afternoon after hiking near Uluru.  It was a moving, spiritual experience, enhanced by Kimberly's thoughtful narrative.

We're exhausted and a quite  frustrated with this hotel.  No decent dinner, no secure storage for our valuable and lots of noise.

Tomorrow, we have another experience of a lifetime:  snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef!

Day 1725: Camels and Uluru

The sunrise hot air balloon excursion was cancelled at the last minute due to high winds.  We had not signed up for it, preferring to sleep till 6:30 instead.  A dozen travelers rose at 4 am and were disappointed in the outcome. I almost gave in because the view has to be amazing, but frankly, I was scared.

The first stop of the day was a riot! A very quick ride on a galloping camel.  Jostling, bucking and rocking, we laughed hysterically.

Our driver, Kimberly, shared her extraordinary life story.  Too rich and complex to sum up tonight, but what a fascinating woman.

Lunch was a bush picnic at an outback station.  Flies, seeking moisture, tormented us as we prepared food and while we ate chicken sandwiches, coleslaw and cucumber slices.  The country store offered unusual delights, a wonderful art gallery and cold drinks.

Next stop, a great salt lake and a Fool-uru.  It's a rock resembling Uluru that sometimes fools tourists.

At the hotel: a pool!  I dove in and swam a few laps in the chilly water.

Then, a champagne viewing of Uluru at sunset and great conversation.

Last up, supper in the hotel with new friends.  Another wonderful day in the trip of a lifetime!

Now, sleep from sheer exhaustion!

Day 1724: Baby Roos!

This morning we took a 2.5 hour flight or 900 miles to Alice Springs in middle of Australia.  I introduced myself to lady sitting next to me, Pam, and we began to visit.  We were both reading books for our book clubs and so we compared notes.  Of course she asked where I was from.  Incredibly, she knew about our little town of Fredonia because she has a friend who lived there.  How could that be?  But it was true.  And we know  the woman!  She and her husband owned the Hobby Shop, we know her kids and grandkids.  Too bad we couldn't reconnect.  What a remarkable coincidence!

This afternoon, we visited the royal Flying Doctors Service, the School of the Air and the original telegraph station that led to the establishment of this community.

The best part, the most memorable moments came when we met  Kangaroo Dundee and the baby kangaroos Sebastian and Madeline.  He has devoted his life to rescuing orphaned baby kangaroos. He's built a sanctuary and a hospital, has appeared in numerous tv programs and news magazines.

For two hours we held the babies, mingled with older adolescents and roamed through the grounds listening to his extensive knowledge. He took us to meet Roger, one of his early rescues, who became  the dominant male.  Roger is eight years old now, retired and failing.  Their average age span is seven years.  The affection he holds for Roger is very moving.  Holding those babies was right up there next to the baby panda!

Tomorrow, we head for Ayers Rock, 280 miles away.

Been awake since 4:30 am. Crashing now!

Day 1723: Puffing Billy

It was an incredibly busy, delightful day!  We're leaving in a few minutes to fly to Alice.  Puffing Billy is a restored steam train with open cars.  We rode to a little station called Menzies Creek. I wonder if relatives settled in Australia, too.  Such fun chugging through the eucalyptus forest with people waving at every road crossing!

Then wineries.  A roast beef dinner with Yorkshire pudding and all the fixings.  Another winery with spectacular gardens. Skipped the wine again.  Then a chocolatier for ice cream and samples.  Back to the city. Fun fish and chips dinner with friends.  Collapse into bed and awake at 4:30 am.  Out body clocks are so screwed up!


Love, love, love this trip!

Day 1722: Fairy Penguin Parade

It's midnight and we've been on the road most of the day, but it was worth it!  First a tour of Melbourne that included St. Patrick's Cathedral and the Shrine of Remembrance which honors all Australian servicemen and women.  After a fast lunch, we headed south to Phillip Island for the famous little penguin parade.  Just 33 centimeters tall, thousands of these brave little creatures emerge from the sea   just after sunset to return to their burrows.  They leap on shore after feeding for days or weeks and then begin a trek home, sometimes two km away.  They are protected by an army of Rangers and volunteers from human harm.  They were adorable and heartwarming.

Too tired and jet lagged to write more tonight, though I have lots to report.

Day 1721: Melbourne

It's pronounced "Melbin," Ronan says.  Australians abbreviate everything.  Some say they are lazy in their speech habits but they prefer to think of themselves as efficient.  Australians refer to themselves as Aussies or Tralians.  Mac Donald's is called "Macca". The Melbourne Cricket Grounds, the MCG, is simply called "G."  Alice Springs is called "Alice."

We arrived in Australia about 7:30 am on Sept. 21.  After sitting on the runway an extra hour, we took off for the 15 hr 40 minute flight.  It was incredibly cramped, but the service, food and staff were wonderful.  We had a full dinner with wine and dessert, snacks and a full breakfast. I slept three or four hours, but Steve barely slept at all.  He was in misery crammed in the middle between me and a large young man on the aisle named Daniel.  The entire row in front of us lowered their seats so we couldn't move.   When we had to go out to the bathroom, it was like a bear crawling out its den.

We did a walking tour after we arrived at the hotel because we could not get into the rooms.  Love the city already!  It feels a lot like Glasgow.  I felt terribly underdressed caused I was still wearing my Bermuda shorts from the plane plus bright blue sneakers.  The temp is only around 50, but will warm up in the other cities.

Our meeting is in an hour, then dinner, then bed! Can't wait to sleep!

Day 1720: boarding now!

The day we've been waiting and preparing for is finally here! Boarding now for a wold adventure! There won't be any more news till we arrive in Melbourne early morning of 9/21.

Day 1719: Anxiety

Too tired to write much despite the many topics I must address.  The most significant is that I can't check in for our flight tomorrow.  The website says we are not registered travelers with a particular number.  I don't understand the problem, but it's too late to address tonight.  I'm guessing I am using the wrong confirmation number so I'll have to call in the morning.

Day 1718: Wild storm

No line at security. None!  That has never happened and is not ever likely to again.  We arrived at the airport two hours ahead of the flight and now it looks like the ferocious storm may delay our departure.  Frequent lightning strikes, 60 mph winds and heavy rain are sweeping across the region.  Steve has been monitoring the situation at home and has already heard of damage, trees down, roads closed and even a woman struck by lightning.  So, I'm worrying about Paddy who went out on his rounds just before we left.  Hope he comes home safely.

Yesterday I hit 116.7 miles!  If I did 180 more lengths, that would be 23,000 lengths.  I just couldn't fit swimming into our busy day.  Most of the hotels have pools, so I should be able to swim a bit the.

Tomorrow, Colin and April are taking us to a beach they discovered that is not very busy.  A lovely, lazy day with our kids.  Wonderful!

Day 1717: Apps and wallets

Look how techie we are!  We downloaded apps for airlines and placed flights in the wallets on our phones.  Wow!  I have been incredibly frazzled and getting these items filed electronically helped reduce my stress.  Plus, I was able to reduce the paper cluttering up my desk.

We're almost ready.  Got my desk cleared, which is a huge accomplishment, finished all the mowing and trimming, froze shredded zucchini, cleaned out the refrigerator, cooked a stir fry with leftovers, did more laundry, changed the bed, and lots of other small details.  Can't wait to see Colin and April!

So, the blog will be irregular for the next few weeks because of the time difference.  We're going to lose Sept. 20 entirely.  And, I plan to reduce it for the remainder of the year.  I spend too much time on it and must devote my time instead to getting the book published.

My gorgeous patio!  So lush and lovely!

Day 1716: Long busy day

Steve worked most of the day as EMS.  An accident, a long evening meeting and he is now working a big fire in Westfield.   Me? I'm holding down the fort at home.  Mowing, swimming, sorting, laundry, organizing, cutting down lilies, weeding, paperwork and packing.  None of it as important as what he's doing in the great scheme of things, but I keep our family and home functioning!

It's clear we won't be burning DVDs this week.  Just not enough time.  But, at least the video is done. Also, all of the components of the parent and student packets have been edited and turned in to the print shop.  When we return, all the packets can be compiled before we begin the recruiting process.  The 2017 backpacking season is upon us!

Oh, and I hit 116.2 miles today!

Day 1715: Kitty prep

Think we have enough kitty food?

Lots of variety cause we never know what they'll like on a given day.

Don't leave me, mom!  I want to go, too!

115 miles!  And the next week is still going to be warm.  I bet I could have gotten to 125

Day 1714: Proud of our Fredonia ladies!

Our friend Annie, who has been studying in England,  just arrived home and joined us for ice cream tonight.  A former Quest student leader, she graduated from SUNY Oswego last year and then completed her master's degree at the University of Manchester on Sept. 5.  Now, she must seek gainful employment and soon!  Unfortunately, the experience was not all she had hoped for and paid for and it has soured her on pursuing a PhD in her field.  She's decided academia is not for her at this time.  The best parts, however, were the proximity to all the other European countries and the plentiful opportunities to travel to Ireland, Spain, France, and Scotland.

Another former student, Amber Small, won the Democratic primary for the NYS Senate from the 60th District!  Outstanding work, Amber!  She was endorsed by numerous groups and earned 67% of the vote, defeating a man twice her age who was a well-known politician.  Just thirty years old, her energetic and compassionate outreach made all the difference.  She took a big chance, but it paid off and she has made a commitment to work the the improvement of the people of her community.  Very proud of her!

As I've always maintained, Fredonia prepares its students for any possibility!  Not perfect, as evidenced by their failure to fund the school resource officer, but still an excellent school.

Oh, yes, and I hit 114 miles today!  Woohoo!

Day 1713: Quest video progress.

112.75 Miles!  I added three hundred more lengths in 81 degree water this coolish, sunny afternoon. The big question is whether or not to close the pool before we leave.  It would be a lot of work and I don't think we have the time because there's so much else to do.  Plus, it's supposed to be in the high seventies much of the week even though the nights have turned cool.  Probably won't do it.

Our 50th reunion is set!  At our class dinner tonight, one of our classmates made the commitment to host our Friday night gathering.  She has a gorgeous home set on a hilltop in Sheridan overlooking Lake Erie. We'll set up tents outside for shelter and port-a-potties since she has a well.  The Saturday night event will be held in the Pavilion at the Clarion with our friends The Wretched Group performing.  It will be spectacular.

I finished the Quest video today!  Tomorrow I'll proofread it one more time and then try exporting it to a flash drive. That's the hard part.  Then we transfer it to Steve's desk top computer where the rendering program is.  Just a few more steps!  Even if we don't get all the DVDs burned this week, it will be a huge relief to have the video at that stage.  So far, I've put 47 hours into it.  I'm sure others who are more skilled with the program could move more quickly, but I deliberate, make mistakes, review, edit and change constantly.  I want it to be right!

Queen Anne's Lace

Soloman Seal Seeds

Day 1712: Sully

On Jan 15, 2009, US Airway 1549 landed in the Hudson River.  Because of the skills, experience and judgement of Captain Chesley Sullenberg, First Officer Jeff Skiles, their crew and many rescue workers, all 155 souls survived the crash.  It was an uplifting and hopeful moment for New Yorkers who had endured terrible tragedy in 2001 when planes crashed into the Twin Towers.  Sully's quiet, professional and understated demeanor, paired with his refusal to accept the title of hero, inspired widespread admiration.  The movie was outstanding! And it was a fitting way to spend this day.

The big news today was that Hillary Clinton nearly passed out at the 9/11 Memorial service from dehydration.  Video shows her in very shaking condition trying to  enter her vehicle aided by agents.  It was revealed later that she was diagnosed with pneumonia on Friday and her campaign did not share the information with the press.   I suspect what happened is something that I've done many times. The ceremony was long and dreadfully hot.  She probably didn't drink anything before it began because then she would have to pee at an inopportune moment.  I've been in the same condition during backpacking when my knees would nearly give out from being overheated and dehydrated.

Their mistake was calculating that they could avoid revealing the pneumonia and now the event will feed into the theory that she is conspiring to hide some greater illness.  Antibiotics and heat exhaustion are a bad combination.  How would it have been perceived if she had simply stayed home from the ceremony due to illness?  Wouldn't that have been criticized as well?  She could have cancelled any other appearance, but not the 9/11 commemoration.  Her illness is temporary, not a debilitating, chronic condition.  It was a tough decision and I suspect she thought she could just tough out the day without revealing the pneumonia.  And of course, the intimation is that a woman does not have the strength or endurance to perform the job of President. Let's not forget that George H, Bush threw up in the lap of the Japanese premier.  No one questioned his ability to do the job.

When I think about historical examples, FDR comes to mind.  Think about how many years he hid his paralysis and other illnesses from the public.  He was incredibly courageous and always sought to inspire confidence in the American people, no matter the pain it caused him.  Same with JFK.  Their conditions did not diminish their ability to do their jobs.  But many are just looking for reasons to call into question Hillary's physical ability to serve.  Every movement, every word today is captured by the press or other observers and spread all over social media.  I doubt very much that many of our former presidents could ever be elected now.  Most of them had health issues, mistresses or other indiscretions.  None of them were perfect human beings, all had serious flaws, but Hillary's flaws have been blown out of proportion.  

Day 1711: Traveling sisters

Laurie and I spent an entire lovely day together.  Though my sister is ten years younger, we have always had much in common,  similar philosophies, politics and attitudes.    It was bloody hot and I nearly succumbed to the intense heat and humidity as we traveled around town looking at houses.  After mowing early this morning, I swam a mile and was left feeling shaky and unsteady.  The houses we viewed were stifling after being closed up for months or years.  I couldn't wait to return home and plunge into the pool.  Fortunately, a storm blew through and dropped the temperature a bit and ice cream sundaes helped, too.

My sister Nancy traveled today with a friend to spend a week in Hawaii.  And my friend Rachel is  driving across the country with a friend to visit national park and highlights.  Soon, we'll be on our way, too.  And how fortunate we all are to have the opportunities to travel freely wherever and whenever we choose.

Paddy, exhausted by the heat.

Day 1710: Pool view

110.2 miles!  A new season record and four miles ahead of last year on this date.

Cool water and deep blue sky envelope me each afternoon. 

How cannot I not revel in this tranquil scene?

Or this peaceful haven? 

My very last lily.

Day 1709: Getting close

After four hours of work, most of the music has been added to the Quest movie.  All that's left is a piece to accompany the credits.  In addition, Amy explained how we can access the emailed photos we got of the creek gorge.  I'll try to access them tomorrow.  So, it's close to completion.

Of course, the trip is getting close too.  We are trying to settle personal details, pay bills, pack, and do yard maintenance.  But, we also feel pressure to have all the fall backpacking work done so it doesn't hang over our heads.  Steve has been collecting materials for the parent and student packets.  We will assemble them upon our return.  Plus, I've committed to doing presentations for all three faculties and that means a short video to share with them.  It's funny how pressed we are already and the backpacking season has hardly begun.

And most importantly, the election is getting closer.  The forum last night was so upsetting to me that I didn't sleep.  Matt Lauer was a disaster as moderator and did not follow up on Trump's lies and deceit.  I was screaming at him as he let opportunities pass by without holding Trump accountable.  It's maddening.  And then Reince Priebus tweeted that Hillary didn't smile.  I wanted to rip his face off.  So very sick of men telling women they have to smile.

So, first I swam out my frustrations out in 300 lengths and then I wrote another big check.  108.5 miles!

Day 1708: Heat wave

In Ohio, schools are closed tomorrow because of excessive heat.  Here, students and teachers suffered through the first two days of mid eighty temperatures and high humidity.  No air conditioning for NY students only for computer hardware.  It's such a blindspot for districts.  If kids are too hot, how can they possibly study?

I spent the coolest part of the day working on the video. Three hours later, the video footage, still photos, titles and transitions are done.  Now, I have to add the credits and music.

 When reviewing the photos, I realized I had not taken any pictures of the welcome home ceremony. I was so tired that I just shut down.  So, I visited a few friends' Facebook pages and lifted some of their shots.  These are two of my favorite from Ellen.  

The afternoon was spent in the pool. It's up to 84 degrees and absolutely gorgeous.  I did 310 lengths to reach 107 miles!  I am so spoiled by the warm water.  Other years I've had to endure water temps in the low seventies and sixties.  I hope to reach 110 miles this weekend and tie my previous record.  Nancy is loving her new pool, too.  Mow the lawn, jump in the pool.  What a life!

I'm constantly reminded to be forever grateful for the riches we possess.  Good health, a great career, meaningful work, happy family.  Yesterday, we visited our friend at the funeral home because over the weekend his wife died. At just 66 years old, she had endured twelve years of severe illnesses.  Her suffering and his were immeasurable and their lives have been incredibly sad.   I would say her passing was a blessing, but saying goodbye to a beloved partner is never easy.

Day 1707: Book Club friends

Dinner and discussions in Pam's lovely garden with all twelve members present.

Carol arranged for the book's author, Amber J. Keyser,  to FaceTime with us about her book, Way Back From Broken.  Keyser's family was originally from Fredonia and her dad graduated with Carol's husband.  I remember her grandmother because she was regional director of the Girl Scouts and her grandfather was a long time athletic director at the college.  Her comments offered new insights into this adolescent novel about how families handle grief.  The book is somewhat autobiographical because the author lost a baby and that's what prompted her to share this story.  

Day 1706: Mighty Minnows!

Hiking in Arkwright, minnow Olympics and a hotdog roast.  Another 1.5 miles added to the tally for a total of 104 miles!  An exciting and symbolic end to a fabulous summer. 

Our son's 40th birthday.

In the shimmering pool, tiny minnows leaped, silver bellies flashed.

Triple jump, high jump, cartwheels.

Day 1705: Projects

Early this morning, I made a long list of projects that must be completed before our departure.  There are multiple categories including house and yard, trip prep, backpacking and class reunion.  Steve has his own lists and they includes musicals.  He's been hard at work designing and building models for Footloose, while I began cutting back hundreds of lilies.

The main set for Footloose

Of course, I still swam a few miles, 1.25 both yesterday and today.  The water has dropped to 81 degrees because of the cool nights, but I still enjoyed it immensely.

Day 1704: Canadaway in late summer

Day 1703: Retail therapy

Great day shopping with Mary!  It's amazing how much a person can do when you don't spend three hours going in and out of the pool.   For three hours, we tried on dozens of items.  We had such fun laughing and making smart comments about the odd rejects we discovered on the sale racks.  She was looking for school clothes and I was seeking travel items. Both of us were successful!

I considered swimming when I got home, but there's a huge party at the college housing next door and I'm not interested in having students see me in a swim suit.  Besides, my body needs rest.  There's  two weeks of swimming time left before our big trip and lots to do to get ready.

Day 1702: 100 Miles! Hooray!

Woohoo!  100 Miles!

I completed the last 330 lengths at 6:30 tonight!

Living in downtown Los Angeles offers all kinds of perks!

Some days you find the cast of NCIS LA on your roof!