The Tong Family Travels through Australia
Day 1 - May 22
Today we left for our trip at 3am and travelled for 12 hours! I learnt what a detour was...a detour is a different route to a place, for example a short or a long way. We saw lots of wildlife like emus, kangaroos, cockatoos, crows and heaps more. We got to our free camping zone at Warren. This free camping spot had beautiful views in the afternoon.
Day 2 - May 23
I woke up at 5am to an early breakfast of Coco Pops Chex. At about 6am we headed towards Broken Hill where we stumbled across Cobar an old mining town. At this town Dad's wide angle lens started having some major problems. Also on the way towards Broken Hill Dad hit a budgie with the car. When we arrived at Broken Hill we started to search for a caravan park, we eventually found a caravan park called Lake View Caravan Park. Braiden and I rode our scooters and explored at the same time.
Day 3 - May 24
In the morning Dad, Mum and I were up at 5:00AM. After a long time I put out the thermometer on our grey step. After two minutes I checked the thermometer it read 11D. Dad decided that he wanted to go up on the hill to take some photos; I decided to come with him. Up on the hillside we could see really nice views, Dad taught me about photography. He told me what Aperture and Shuttle Speed is! When we got back to the caravan Dad and I saw Braiden awake, Mum and Dad talked a bit and then we set of to the Beaurepaires to get Dads slow leaking tyre fixed. Braiden and I thought all the mechanical stuff was awesome! At the very end Braiden and I got to roll on the patch. After paying we went off to the camera store to get a new wide angle lens, as dads other wide angle lens is broken. Unfortunately they were out of stock so Dad talked to the lady about the camera and lens. We walked down the street to some sculptures of didgeridoos and a boat out of men I took lots of photos there with Dads old big camera. Later we went to the Broken Earth Cafe. After the cafe` we went to the Miners Memorial. I learn how you can die in mines, some of these are explosions, rocks falling, being crushed by things, electric shock and heart failure. These are only a smidgen of the things that can happen down in mines. Dad and Mum have read in brochures of broken hill that there is a milk bar here! This milk bar has old recipes and old concept. Unfortunately the milk shop is only open on Tue-Sun and closed on MondayLLL. After lunch we headed off to Silverton. Dad and I took heaps of photos of old buildings including Mad Maxes car and the Silverton Hotel. Also at Silverton we went to two art galleries. We went up to Mundi Mundi were there was very beautiful views. We also took heaps of photos up there! After taking some shots we headed back home. On our way to our caravan we stopped at Pro Harts Art gallery there were some gorgeous paintings there at the end we were meant to pay but the lady said ‘‘Don`t worry.’’ So we didn`t have to pay on our way out. We went 5ks swerving though streets to get to a photography Art Gallery but it just closed as we got there. When we got back to the caravan park Dad went to check in for a couple of extra nights when a sign caught my eye it was promoting a art gallery and on the painting was Captains Stuarts First Dessert PEE [HAA HAAA SO FUNNY]JJJ.
Day 4 - May 25
I got up at 5:00am again this morning. I asked ‘‘Dad what are we are doing for photos?’’ He replied ‘‘Nothing because of these cloud’s.’’ After a little while Dad and I went out to find some lookouts for Pictures. Dad drove and drove all the way around Brocken Hill but we couldn`t find any good lookouts. We waited about an Hour until leaving for Bells Milk Bar. This bar has been open since the 1950`s. I had a delicious Carmel Mars Bar Milkshake!!! It was delightful milkshake I LOVED IT!!! After the gorgeous Milk Bar we headed towards the camera store as dads camera lens has arrived. This was very good because I got to get the smaller lens back. At this time of day my belly started to rumble because it was 12PM. So we had to go back to the caravan park to have lunch. While we were having our lunch we had to do maths and spelling. After eating lunch Braiden and I went on our scooters for 20M. After that Dad drove to the Geo Centre to learn about mines and the minerals around us. When we were here I learnt that the ground we have been standing on is hollow. After the Geo Centre we went to the Living Desert were we saw heaps of wildlife and plants. There was heaps of walking too. I saw my first Strut Desert Pea. About at sun set we went over to the sculptures were Dad and I took Heaps of photos! This is definitely my most favourite thing on this trip so far!
Day 5 - May 26
Today Dad and I went up to the sculptures at 5:00. I was prepared for the chilly weather because I had 3 layers on every part of my body. Once we had reached the locked gate, I got out of the car to unlock the gate. I had no troubles unlocking the gate but I had loads of trouble locking the gate so much trouble that dad had to get out of the car to lock it! When we got to the second gate I locked and unlocked the gate. We waited about an hour up at the sculptures waiting for the sunrise. But when sunrise came, clouds blocked the sunlight to come through. So we had waited in the freezing wind for about an hour. Eventually we went back in the car. While we were in the car Dad was updating the blog as I was getting warm. Suddenly Dad says ‘‘the clouds have broken and the sun is out, get some photos while you can.’’ So I got the camera and sprinted up towards the sculptures and got some great shots. We headed back to the caravan park and as homer said ‘‘You Have Reached Your Destination, So You Can Hold Your Head Up High Cause You Are A Genius.’’ I said ‘‘You Have Reached Your Destination, So You Can Hold Your Head Up High Cause You Are A Genius.’’ Once we got back I slipped my shoes back on and asked Braiden if he wanted to scooter. And Braiden Replied ‘‘YES!’’ so we scootered for about an hour then we came inside to do our daylily school work. After our school work we went to a rail way museum were we saw old phones, TVs, type writers and heaps more. After the Rail Way Museum Braiden and I had some lunch and read for 30Mins. I started Dragon Rider; I love this book so far. This book is awesome. After Reading I had a Limited Edison Magnum Gold ice cream. After the Gold ice cream I rode my scooter for 2 hours until going inside for my shower.
Day 6 - May 27
Today I woke up and played my Nintendo DS for about an hour. At about 8:15am we headed off towards Port Augusta. While we were travelling we watched Rocky 4 and G-Force when Rocky was a quarter done we stopped in front of a welcome to South Australia sign to take some photos. On the spot I made up a joke that annoyed everyone, I started to step into NSW and back into SA and saying I`m in NSW now I’m in SA. As we were driving through the Flinders Ranges I started to get car sick. This was my first time being car sick. Once we got settled into our camp site, we headed to Wadlata Outback Centre there we got to see a video of how our world was one big content breaking up into the contents that we know today. Also there we saw how settlers went through the outback; we also saw heaps of old machines and communicating devices. We were at the Outback Centre for about 2 hours and 40 minutes.
Day 7 - May 28
Today we drove to Pimba and Woomera. On the way to Woomera I saw two dead cows on the side of the road; they look like they got hit by trucks! While Braiden was watching Rocky No.3 I was watching Aliens In The Attic on my iPod Touch. My movie finished before Braiden`s as Dad had been in the Hardware store so Braiden could not watch his movie because Braiden was watching his movie in the car. When we got to Woomera we went into the Woomera Military Museum were we saw an old computer that was 200 Kilo Bytes which all IPods, Watches and computer are way more powerful these days. Also there we found emu eggs, weapons, fossils and rocket communication tools. Outside we saw heaps of rockets as Woomera is a rocket lunching town. These rockets were tested here before going to Brittan, USA and Europe. There was also lots of Australian Rockets launched here too! When we arrived at our free camping zone we found heaps of MUD, rocket like winds and Buckets of rain falling. We went to the Spuds Roadhouse across the MUD there we found heaps of poker machines and a Race Car Game. I had a turn this was amazing I love Race Car Games I have one on my DSI these skills came in handy as I was at top speed dodging all the cars when I had finished Braiden said he can smash me in this and I said NO you can`t but he didn`t even want to try.
Day 8 - May 29
Today we got up as early as possible and got ready to leave for Coober Pedy. On our way towards Coober Pedy Mum sat in the back while Braiden sat in the front! While Mum was in the back we watched Mamma-Mia. When we reached Glendambo we stopped for breakfast. I had Coco Pops Chex. When we finished our breakfast we hit the road again. For the next two hours I sat in the front seat. When we reached Coober Pedy We stopped at a free camping spot! After a bit of eating time we went for a 500 metere stroll to the Infomation Centre. He gave us some good advice to move our van to a caravan site because the place we were at is a truck stop! After a long stroll back, we got into the car to go to the miner's tour. At the miner's tour, we saw heaps of dinosaur bones. When the tour started, we got to tour around an underground house. The tour guide told us how it was built and how the explosives were used. After about an hour, we went back to the car to go to a lookout. We drove up to the lookout and accidentally turned into a funny man's house. This funny man just wanted money as he was selling rocks for $2 and was trying to sell us some fake opals (they were just rocks) for $20. After a little while we found the real lookout. At the lookout, the view looked like what I think Mars would look like. We went back to the caravan park and had a shower. We had to pay 20 cents for a 4 minute shower. Tomorrow we are going to try to dig for opals ourselves. I am looking forward to this because I really want some opals.
Day 9 - May 30
I slipped out of my sleeping bag this morning. I played with the dsi`s camera and pokemon soul silver for about 30mins at 5:30am. I had breakfast at 8:30 and got ready to leave for the breakaways. We got dressed and jumped into the car, once we had reached the turn off to the breakaways we found that the road was closed, but Mum and Dad disobeyed the sign and went around the sign. Over the horizon I could see a sign, it read ''Lookout.'' Dad turned off on to the path that lead to the Lookout. At this point of time I was getting my camera at the ready as I knew that the lookout will be a great camera opportunity. We got out of the car. The views here were spectacular, I got some great shots and Dad got his family photos too! Then we drove for about 10secs and got to the other Lookout. At the Lookout I found an infomation sign. After reading the sign I learnt that the breakaways was the bottom of a ocean 70 Million Years ago... The breakaways were formed by rain eroding the sand and rock. But the Moutains that is left today is the surviving seabed. We got back into the car and drove towards the dog fence. On our way to the Dog fence we stopped at two peaks nicknamed Salt and Pepper or the Castles. We got heaps of good snapshots. We had so much FUN at Salt and Pepper climbing and running up and down Salt and Pepper. I personaly liked Salt the best for its coulors and height. We spent about an hour there, when we came down we found a sign saying ''DO NOT CLIMB.'' We moved on to the Dog Fence and saw how long it looked in the human eye. We came to a infomation sign that told us that the Dog Fence is 5300Km long, thats twice the size of the great wall of china!:] We got back to the van where we had some lunch, we stayed in the caravan park for an hour and then left to go opal mining. We found heaps of opals and got heaps for free. After digging in the Sun we went to a Kangaroo Orphanage were a family looks after smallish Kangaroos. My favourite Kanagroos there were Warren, Muffins and Seany they were so cute.;) Braiden bought a bag of opals here for $5 out of his pocket money. Tomorrow were trying to travel to ULURU but may stop depending on how we feel! Keep sending those emails! PS:you may get a reply!:][:
Day 10 - May 31
THIS DAY'S BLOG GOT CORRUPTED ...BELOW IS SHORT VERSION FROM MEMORY
Today we drove for a 7 hour drive to Uluru. At Uluru we took some sunset photos and settled into the caravan park.
Today we drove for a 7 hour drive to Uluru. At Uluru we took some sunset photos and settled into the caravan park.
Day 11 - June 1
Today we woke up at 6.00am to go to see the sunrise over Uluru. We drove down the road and showed our permits to the ranger and we set off to find a spot for the sunrise. We went around Uluru twice but still could not find a designated sunrise viewing platform. We eventually stopped on the side of the road to take sunrise photos and take in the views. We stayed there until 7.00am and then we headed back to the caravan park which is about 20 kilometres away. Dad cooked pancakes on the barbeque while I got everything ready. We had our breakfast and we headed back towards Uluru. When we had reached Uluru we decided to climb the rock today because the conditions were great.
The climb was hard and steep like a mountian face. The first section of the climb had poles and a chain to assist you on your way. The first section finished at a ridge that we thought from the bottom was the top when in fact it was about halfway. The views were spectacular! We continued on our way up and down ridges located on top of Uluru. After about an hour of walking we reached the top. Dad kept saying to me on the way up and on the way down "one step at a time and hold onto the chain and make sure of your footing". The view at the top...well you could see almost everything in the outback. I could see the caravan park, Kata Tjuta (Olgas) and people looked liked ants, but I called them ant-people. The climb down was easier but very steep and required greater concentration.
After the climb we headed back to Yulara where we stopped at an outback shopping centre. Here we went through all the souvenir shops and eventually popped into the supermarket. We headed back for lunch and a rest. When we got back Mum cooked us some sausage rolls for lunch.
Meanwhile Braiden and I were having a Splits iceblock.
Again we headed back to Uluru and viewed the cultural centre and go for a few short walsk around the base of Uluru. In the cultural centre we learnt about the local Dreamtime Stories and traditions. Also there we looked at some Aboriginal art works that were for sale.
In the late afternoon we stopped and dinner watching Uluru become silhouetted by the harsh sunlight.
Today was fantastic and confidence building.
Tomorrow we are walking around the entire base of Uluru which is over 10 kilometres and I can't wait for my craving bacon for breakfast!!!
The climb was hard and steep like a mountian face. The first section of the climb had poles and a chain to assist you on your way. The first section finished at a ridge that we thought from the bottom was the top when in fact it was about halfway. The views were spectacular! We continued on our way up and down ridges located on top of Uluru. After about an hour of walking we reached the top. Dad kept saying to me on the way up and on the way down "one step at a time and hold onto the chain and make sure of your footing". The view at the top...well you could see almost everything in the outback. I could see the caravan park, Kata Tjuta (Olgas) and people looked liked ants, but I called them ant-people. The climb down was easier but very steep and required greater concentration.
After the climb we headed back to Yulara where we stopped at an outback shopping centre. Here we went through all the souvenir shops and eventually popped into the supermarket. We headed back for lunch and a rest. When we got back Mum cooked us some sausage rolls for lunch.
Meanwhile Braiden and I were having a Splits iceblock.
Again we headed back to Uluru and viewed the cultural centre and go for a few short walsk around the base of Uluru. In the cultural centre we learnt about the local Dreamtime Stories and traditions. Also there we looked at some Aboriginal art works that were for sale.
In the late afternoon we stopped and dinner watching Uluru become silhouetted by the harsh sunlight.
Today was fantastic and confidence building.
Tomorrow we are walking around the entire base of Uluru which is over 10 kilometres and I can't wait for my craving bacon for breakfast!!!
Day 12 - June 2
Today I got up a bit later than usual (6:30AM usually I get up at 5:00am) I got up and checked my emails, I love emails. At 8 o’clock dad cooked up delicious BACON at this point in time I’m really happy JJJ (I LOVE BACON). After breakfast we headed towards the Mala Walk. When we got to the Mala Walk we waited for the ranger to come to guide and teach us about the Mala People (Native Aboriginal People). His information was very interesting, but eventually we had to leave because he had only walked 2 metres and had took 30 minutes on each metre so we had to pull out of the group! We finished the Mala Walk much quicker than the Rangers Group. At the end of the Mala Walk we headed onto the BASE WALK. The Base Walk is a round trip that is 10K Walk and takes 3 Hours. On the Base Walk you can see Uluru and all the living plants and animals around this Sacred Rock. Also Uluru Rock Face was so tall on this walk .Lucky we went to the Cultural Yesterday to learn about the Aboriginal Dreamtime storeys and their beliefs, because this came in handy to see how the Mala People Believed how Uluru got it’s in prints, boulders and caves. This was a fascinating walk but took a long time. During this stroll we got to eat choc chip cookies JJJ but the flies are super annoyingLLL!!! We finally have finished this long walk I had absolutely no ENERGY. When we got back to Van I had some lunch to get some more energy. After Lunch I Helped Mum and Dad do the washing. The rest of our afternoon was spent RELAXING. To 6TV finish your work early so you can send me emails Thanks Lachie, Vinnie, Alec and Ben for sending me Emails. Ps: While I was doing this Blog Pigeons have been peaking at my shoesJJJ. PPs: Hope there not angry like the Pigeon BooksLLL!!!
A Message from Harrison and Braiden to their Classmates
Day 13 - June 3
Today Dad woke me up to go to the Kata Tjuta (Olgas). We drove for about 30 minutes to the Kata Tjuta sunrise viewing area which was over 40 km away from our camp site. There Dad and I got lots of good sunrise silhouette photos...it was very cold there and Mum and Braiden were snuggling up to each other to get warm. After we left the sunrise dune viewing area we found a picnic area to have breakfast and then go to the toilet (as this was the only toilet at Kata Tjuta). For breakfast Mum and Dad had Crunchy Nut Cornflakes, Braiden had Fruit Loops and I had Sultana Bran. After breakfast we decided to go to the Valley of Winds walk which was 7.6 km in length. In the Valley of Winds it was very windy, cold and the terrain was very rugged. About a quarter through this walk Mum tripped over on some unsteady rocks...she thought she had sprained her ankle and she felt she couldn't make the rest of the trip...but she did! We walked into an opening where we found lots of wildlife and plant species. Here in the opening Braiden took up the role of videoing. When we entered one of the gorges we said "coooooeeeeee" and heard it echo in the distance. The rest of the terrain was rather rugged and hot. It took about 3 hours and 15 minutes to complete and reach the car park and therefore complete the Valley of the Winds walk. After the Valley of the Winds we returned to the picnic area where we had lunch to refill our bodies with energy. While we were having lunch the flies were harassing us. I had to wave my whole body around to stop these flies from landing on me. We headed back to the toilet just to make sure the tank was empty. Next up Dad drove to the Walpa Gorge walk and I knew this was a big photographic opportunity so I put my camera and monopod in my bag. This was a 2.6 km walk and it should have taken an hour but we took a lot longer enjoying the gorge. Here I got lots of time to explore and take photos...Braiden had lots of fun running up and down and I got photos of him. Lucky this gorge was in the shade therefore we did not have to worry about dehydration. This eventually took about 2 hours of our time. We headed towards the caravan park. At the caravan park Dad found some dingo tracks and he showed me. Braiden and I got up and started following these tracks. These tracks led to a road where we could no longer track it...we crossed over the road but there were no more tracks to follow.
Day 14 - June 4
This morning I woke up and played Paper Plane on the Dsi. I played Paper Plane for about an hour until Mum and Dad started talking to the next door neighbours. The next door neighbours gave us some travel buddies to have a good day with them. Braiden and I set off to get some video footage of these Travel Buddies. We headed off to the Lookout to get some footage of the Buddies. We started with an introduction and some cheekiness of Cheeky Koala. We did 3 to 4 Videos of this Group before heading back to the Van. At our Caravan Site Dad said ''were going to the shops,'' So we headed off to the shops, at the shops we searched around for souvenirs and I found an Uluru Hat and a CUTE Stuffed DOG!!! Altogether it was $27 But Mum paid $17 for the Hat and I paid$10 for the Doggy. When we got back to the caravan park I jumped on to my laptop and started editing the Videos for our next door neighbour, while Braiden played Herat Gold (I had to help HIM)
Day 15 - June 5
Today I got up and lay in my bed all cosy and warm. I eventually got up and started to help packing up the caravan. I folded up the legs [Caravan legs], unplugged the electricity, folded the stepping mat and helped dad back in. These were only some of the things I did to help out! After helping out I got out of Mum and Dad’s way, by getting in the car. Braiden also got in the car and got out Rocky 1, But I said ‘’NO NO NO were watching Prehistoric Park.’’ But he just started playing Paper Plane. I also played Paper Plane. We were staring at our ds’s for about 30M. Once we had finished playing our ds’s we got out Prehistoric Park and started to watch Prehistoric Park. We selected Play All and watched Episode #1-#3 until we had reached our destination, we found our camp site. This camp site is like a private site it has a table [long] and a sink all ready here. They also have a camp fire but it’s no point in a camp fire because they do not sell fire wood here. After getting used t our site we set off to go to king’s canyon. At kings canyon we went on a 6K walk on top of the canyon. Up here the terrain changes regularly Rocky àGrassy àRainforestàRocky. This walk felt like a 100000000000000000K walk it was so long it took 3H to complete this walk! This Walk was constantly going up and down, the sheer cliffs were Super Huge. When we had finished this walk I was SUPER TIED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LLLLLL
Day 16 - June 6
Today I got up and played my ds. I played Paper Plane and Pokémon for 2 hours. When this 2H of ds was over it was 7:30AM. After playing ds I got my breaky [Sultana Bran] and got dressed. Dad decided to leave early for the Kings Canyon to do the walks before it too late. When got to Kings Canyon we headed on a walk that was 2.2K because this walk is a lot shorter and because we had all ready done the other walk. This 2.2K walk was very easy with heaps of photo opportunities. I took about 10 photos here. At the half-way mark there is a close to the ground lookout, this lookout has a good quality view of the mountain ranges above. We headed back to the Kings Canyon Rim Walk that we had finished yesterday! About half way through the walk we started a new track in this walk. The new trail was a trail to the Garden of Eden. At the end of this walk there was a nice pond were you could swim. At this beautiful pond we had morning tea before heading back to the original track we completed yesterday. After completing the walk we went to Kings Canyon Resort. After looking around the resort we went to a petrol station. This petrol station looked like a gift shop it had heaps of souvenirs but we got two mars bars [Win a Bar]. I opened mine and it said TRY AGAIN but Braiden opened his and it said WINNER so he got another bar and he opened that bar and it said WINNER but Braiden had to save this as we were in the car driving already.
Day 17 - June 7
Today I got up and went in the car because we had to leave to go to Alice Springs. While we were in the car Braiden and I both played our DS. We played our DS for the majority of the trip, while I was playing my DS I looked up and saw two wedge tailed eagles. These eagles were very vast!!! On this trip we only stopped once for breaky. Alice Springs was 430km away from Uluru and just over 4 hours. When we had reached our destination we got off our DS and started to help set up, but this time Braiden didn’t set up. After hard work in setting up Braiden and I decided to go to the Jumping Pillows. At the Jumping Pillows we played tag and I won of courseJJJJJJJJ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We headed back when we had finished. When we got back Dad said ‘’LETS GO TO THE SHOPS,’’ and at this moment I wasLLL. At the shop Braiden and I got an Iced chocolate. After the shop journey we went back to the Jumping Pillows and we stayed there for about an hour, we left because there were millions of kids there! After the jumping pillows we tried to catch PIGEONS. But we couldn`t catch them because they were super fast!
Day 18 - June 8
Today we went to the Finke Desert Race track to get some good photos and see some Finke Desert Racers. There we saw heaps of racers not going at full speed beacuse these were only practicing and they didn`t want to damage anything before the race! We stayed there until 12 o`clock. I took over 130 photos of these racers. After watching these racers we headed off to the Alice Spings Desert Park to learn about the outback and the wildlife in them. When we had got through the gates Mum and I got some Audio Guides to help us learn about the land as we see it. Here I was really the only one reading the signs and listening to the audio. At the Alice Springs Desert Park we went to a nocturnal house...there we saw lots of nocturnal animals such as the bilbies, snakes, geckos and rats. There are much more animals in there but that is some of the highlights. Next we moved onto the kangaroo enclosure where we got to see the woodlands habitat with the kangaroos. We moved onto a cafe where I bought a mars bar (win free bars). Here Mum paid for our food and I opened up the mars bar wrapper...inside it said "Winner". I showed it to the lady and I got another mars bar free. After the cafe we went to the Birds of Prey show where we got to see lots of different birds of prey. We saw there a brown falcon, black kite, whistling kite and an owl. After the show we headed back to the caravan park. At the caravan park we found a big tower that said "Believe in Yourself". We went over to check it out and it was actually a free fun games and activities. Here they were doing a jump for the bar game. What you had to do was climb up a tall ladder and get to the top. At the top you are clipped onto a supporting rope and you had to try grab the bar. Unfortunately we only got one go at this activity. After the free activities we headed for the jumping pillows. At the jumping pillows we did some jumps and made silly poses in the air so Dad could get some shots. Also Braiden and I played tiggy for a little while and I won of course. When we got back to teh caravan we had our showers to get ready for star gazing tonight.
Day 19 - June 9
Today I got up and got dressed and had my most favourite breakfast BACON!!!! Dad wanted to go explore the West MacDonnell ranges. It was about 1 hour 15 mintutes to get to Glen Helen Gorge. On our way to Glen Helen Gorge we saw lots of birds of prey but we only stopped once for an animal, the Wedge-Tailed Eagle. This Eagle was huge and was seaching for food. But we had to continue on... At Glen Helen Gorge we had morning tea, for morning tea we had a mars bar and everyone else had Chicken Crimpy Shapes. We eventually went on a stroll down the riverside of Finke River. This walk was a 500 metre stroll. Everyone was freezed to death but I wasn't. At the end of this walk there is a nice view of Glen Helen Gorge...here we saw a whistling kite trying to catch some fish but unfortunately it didn't catch any. We headed back to the car in the freezing winds. Next we moved onto Ormiston Gorge where we took two walks. One walk was up to a high lookout, we could see this from the bottom. We moved on up the stairs and Mum, Dad and I were faster than Braiden and he was being left behind but fortunately Mum waited for him. When we had reached the top we could see a spectacular view of Ormiston Gorge but the poles were very rusted on the lookout. Dad got some great photos and we headed back down to the car park where we started. Then we turned onto the waterhole walk where Braiden and I climbed and explored the vast rocks. On the rocks we could see a great view of the waterhole...the waterhole was nice but we didn't swim in it. We headed back to the car park to go to the Ochre Pits. There was a tiny walk to get to the Ochre Pits but the view was fantastic. We headed down some stairs that led us to the ochre. There was three different types there...red, yellow and white. When we were about to get a family photo I crushed some yellow ochre and mixed some spit with it and it worked. After exploring the Ochre Pits and what it offered we got all of our lunch gear out of the car and had a picnic next to our car. Here we got some snacks and some sandwiches. Next we went to the Serpentine Gorge. At the Serpentine Gorge we did a walk that was 4.6 km and was a moderate walk. When we had got to the halfway point the gorge was there but there wasn't much water. Braiden found some bones lying on the ground and in the water and we thought it was a kangaroo but we weren't sure. After seeing the gorge we headed back to the car to go to the Auto Electrician to fix the car's connector for the caravan. We went to three different places and we will be returning to one of these tomorrow. After that we headed back to the caravan park where I got dropped off at the jumping pillow. I played bullrush with children similar to my age. I played bullrush for about 35 minutes before heading back to our caravan. Tomorrow will be a rest day.
Day 20 - June 10
Today I got up and I had my breakfast and got dressed. After that I waited for Mum to return from the shower to play "War" which is a card game with her. We played three times and I won the majority of times. Then Braiden and I decided to go to the jumping pillows. At the jumping pillows Braiden and I played tiggy and bullrush with some other similar aged kids. Dad came to the jumping pillows to tell us to return as we were going to the shops, Reptile Centre and Cultural Centre. Firstly we headed to the Alice Springs Reptile Centre where Mum paid the $30 to the lady. Then we explored the wonders of the Reptile Park but we were interrupted by a lady that informed us the show was about to start. At the show we got to see a variety of different animals...we saw a blue tongue lizard, bearded dragon and python that you can see in the picture. At the end of the show we got to hold and feel the animals. I got to hold all three animals and they were very nice animals. After holding the animals we got to explore the rest of the park where we saw a saltwater crocodile, lizards and lots of snakes. After exploring this wonderful reptile enclosure we headed to the Cultural Centre. At the Cultural Centre we got to see lots of paintings and Aboriginal art. We also went outside this building to go to the Central Australia Museum which was included in the cost of the visit. At the museum we got to see some meteorites and a skeleton of the biggest bird in the world which is now extinct. We also saw a big glass display area that had lots of native birds to Central Australia. After looking at everything downstairs we headed upstairs where we saw lots of old radios and Aboriginal weapons. Then we headed out of this facility to see the Aviation Museum. At the Aviation Museum we got to see lots of huge aeroplanes and propellors. We also got to see some olden day maps to parts of central Australia. After exploring all the first hangar had to offer we headed to the second hangar which was supposed to have a DVD. At the second hangar we looked at more planes and propellors but we were interested in one plane where we could enter and sit in the plane to watch a DVD about Connair Airways. After watching half of the DVD we headed to Red Rooster for lunch. Next we headed to the shops to look at the didgeridoo shop. At the didgeridoo shop we learnt most of the basic didgeridoo skills while Mum and Dad were looking at some didgeridoos for Braiden's birthday. After this we headed to Outback Photographic Gallery where we saw lots of photos of scenery of Central Australia. We headed back to the caravan park where Braiden and I had fun on the jumping pillows.
Day 21 - June 11
Today I got up and helped my self to some freshly cooked pancakes. They were yumm!!! After pancakes we went to the Old Telegraph Station. When we had reached the Telegraph Station we went around and quickly found that lots of school kids were having a school camp and were doing everything like in the olden days. There was a man who told us the story of how Alice Springs got its name. He told us that Alice Springs was actually a cave hidden in a boulder and this cave filled up with water and relesed it out to make a bubbling effect. After going to the Station we headed to the East MacDonnell Ranges. We decied to go to Trephina Gorge to take a free ranger talk for us to learn some new stuff. This walk wasn't fun at all as I was at the back and couldn't find any questions to ask him. I also got some really good photos here also. After the guided walk we headed back up to the carpark to get some lunch but Dad decided to move the car to the picnic area when he noticed the tyre was flat. Dad was getting the car ready for putting the new spare wheel on, and I was holding the nuts and bolts. While Daddy was jacking up the car, two older men started putting the wheel on for him which was very helpful for us. After doing all the dirty work, we went and had some lunch with the two couples for a thank you. After lunch, we packed up and headed out towards Alice Springs when dad felt something weird with the car. We were going to watch a movie but Mum and Dad said turn it off because we need to listen to the car in case there is something wrong with it. This happened the whole trip and Dad had to keep checking the wheel so that it didn't roll off. Because of this problem, we had to go 50km/hour (maximum was120km/hour) so that the wheel did not roll off the car. We struggled to get into Alice Springs and were really hoping for mobile phone reception so that we could call RACQ. We got into Alice Springs and tried a few shops but no one could do anything so we rang RACQ who sent a truck and towed our car away and gave us a lift to the caravan park. We now have no car until after the Finke Desert Race because all the car fixers are at the race.
Day 22 - June 12
Today was a relaxation day and we had a lot of new experiences. We had our first night at a restaurant and had our first family card game, luckily we didn’t have to worry too much about our car (Broken Down). We had a rest day today as we had no car, but Dad did have to make some phone calls in the morning to see if everything was set up to get ready to get fixed! Today’s Family Card Game was a fun new experience as we had heaps of laughs over the table. We played Fish a game that Dad and I had played earlier, there was a strategy to this game but the boys couldn’t get any books to win! For Braiden and I we had great fun exploring the playground and the jumping pillows while Mum and Dad searched for some b`day items. Luckily we got a hire car today...the car was a Hyundai Getz to go around. At the restaurant we had lots of laughs over the table while we were waiting for our food. [Some of these quotes are on the quotes page]. Today we had our first game of handball this was fun but we could only play minis. Tomorrow were hoping to go to Simpsons Gap and Standley Chasm which I’m super excited about! Also tomorrow Its Braiden’s B’day 10!!!! Double Digits (I can’t tell you what I got him yet because he may read my blog!)
Day 23 - June 13
Today it was my brother's birthday I just can't believe that my bro is now 10 and I give him the best of luck for the next year. Braiden got a singing happy birthday jack in the box from me and got a didgeridoo from Mum and Dad. For breakfast Braiden and the family had bacon and eggs!!! Also for Braiden we headed to Standley Chasm and Simpsons Gap. We started at Standley Chasm where we waited for the sun to creep down the walls of the chasm, I got heaps of good photos here! Secondly we stopped at Simsons Gap to see what is down there, we only spent a tiny bit of time down there. We saw heaps of Black Footed Rock Wallabies and some dead fish. Braiden also loves the jumping pillows where he gets to verse me but I usally win but today I wanted him to win! Dad jumped on the jumping pillows so we tried to takle him but he would just SMASH us. Tomorrow we are doing nothing really! Untill Next Blog:) :D :P
Day 24 - June 14
Today there was one rush and heaps of exploration. Firstly we went to the playground where we explored the playground. Braiden and I played a fun game on the swings until Braiden returned to the main play area where he banged his tooth, He was crying and crying and he told us that he ‘’chipped it’’ and he did really badly! We rushed back to Mum and Dad to tell them, but they could only take him to the hospital because it was a public holiday! I felt really sorry for Braiden as it was his front adult tooth! After Braiden’s tooth incident we relaxed in the sun (no wind ‘’yes’’). My highlight of the day was the Hired Go Karts, we payed $20 for two single Go Karts to ride around the park for an hour. When I was on the Go Kart I just learnt more and more tricks! When I pedalled really fast I could feel the soft wind on my Hair it felt so good. My most favourite moment on the Go Kart was backing in when we had to put them back!
Day 25 - June 15
Today I had lots of fun new experiences and learnt quite a fair bit. Firstly we got to go on the leap of faith. The leap of faith is a 7 metre tower with a small ledge and a bar! You have to climb to the top of the tower, stand on the ledge and jump for the bar; the bar is about half a metre away. You are safe as you are secure with a harnest and rope. I climbed up and got ready to jump, the man counted ''1, 2, 3.'' on three I jumped for the bar... I felt the bar but slipped off it, I fell and forgot to hold the rope so I did half a back flip until getting my balance again and kicking the tower to not smash into the tower! This was an amazing thing to happen to me. The next exciting part of my day was the Star Talk with a local astronomer, this is an amazing experience I asked him one question. The question was ''Is Olympus Mons still active or extinct?'' He said that all volcanoes on Mars are extinct, but he also told me about the Valla’s Monsuvos I had never heard of this but he explained what it was! The Valla’s Monsuvos is a big canyon that is about from New York to Las Vagas. We also bought some board games at Kmart to play during our trip. I loved Smart Ass (Board Game), it was awesome I'm hoping to play some new games tomorrow. Tomorrow we may be leaving!
Day 26 - June 16
Today was a bit tiring but we were rewarded at the end of the day. We drove for about 4 ½ hours including lunch and getting petrol. On the way to Devils Marbles we were lucky enough that Dad bought Alvin and the Chipmunks the Squeekwell. My most rewarding part of this day was when we reached Devils Marbles and we climbed and explored the rocks. While Braiden and I were climbing we found a really good cubby, it had several entries and exits and had wild tomato trees. There was such a great view from on top of these rocks it made me feel like I was on top of Uluru again. At the end of the day our next door neighbours invited us to their campfire where we got to roast marshmallows and they were yummo! While we were sitting by the campfire we looked upwards to the sky and saw how beautiful they were here at Devils Marbles. Tomorrow we will create our own campfire which will be fun.
Day 27 - June 17
Today was definitely an exploration day. Today we explored new wonders of Devils Marbles...new rocks and new paths. For most of the day, Braiden and I were climbing and exploring rocks. Today we saw several balancing rocks that were only being held up by a tiny bit of conglomerate. For lunch we had a new sensation...we had homemade pikelets. I kept making cream and maple syrup sandwiches (with the pikelets). Today Dad got lots of photos of us near and exploring the rocks. We also played heaps of board games. I saw lots of animals today....rock wallabies, locusts, falcons, lizards and a centralian magpie. Dad got firewood after the board games. He got heaps for tonight’s fire where we are going to roast marshmallows.
Day 28 - June 18
Today was a relaxation day with a little bit of exploration. For most of the day, I have been helping with the washing, dinner and packing up the van for travelling again. My highlight of the day was helping with Braiden’s new documentary of Devils Marbles. I helped with a new part of the show, called “The Outback Dunny”. We tried to make it as creepy as we could. I also loved reading my magical book today. It was awesome. At the end of the day, we headed up onto some of Devils Marbles large boulders. There was a really nice view up there. It is nice that tonight we get a campfire to relax as I have been rushing around being as helpful everywhere I can.
Day 29 - June 19
Today was a crazy day as we did heaps. Firstly we had a long 6 Hour drive [boring]. When we had reached Daly Waters we explored the historical pub for a treasure hunt. This treasure hunt was challenging but fun. Once we had completed this we got a free ice – block! After eating this chocolate ice cream we went to put up the titans flag! You can see this flag now at the Daly Waters Pub. Later tonight we are eating at the pub. Hope its yum.
Day 30 - June 20
Today we arrived at Mataranka and stopped at the caravan park. At the caravan park we set up and I read my wonderful book, I love it! Later we decided that we what to go to the natural Mataranka Springs. Firstly we headed to the Thermal Pool. At the Thermal Pool we jumped in and started swimming. It felt really good to be back in water as the Gold Coast is surrounded by water. The Thermal Pool is a part of a river system but it didn’t really feel like it because there was metal stairs and seats. Secondly we stopped at the Bitter Springs. The Bitter Springs felt much more natural, as there was moss everywhere. Every now and again I would touch the moss it felt slimy. I loved the Bitter Springs as I could see moss surrounding the river bed. We also went down stream this was awesome, while I was swimming I could see and feel the moss and I could smell the strong bitter odour. I completed this route twice! When we got back to the caravan park I got my book and sat in the sun.
Day 31 - June 21
My most favourite part of the day was the Barramundi Feeding, at the Barramundi Feeding I got to feed the barramundi with a rod, rope and some bait to feed the barramundi. It was awesome because I got to see the Barramundi while I was focusing on getting the Barra [Barramundi] to jump! We also went back to the homestead [Thermal Pool] to see the replica of ‘’we of the never never homestead. ‘’ This Homestead was very old and dusty! After seeing the very old Homestead replica we went for a long plunge. After having our swim we went on a super long walk to Stevies Hole that was 1.2 Kilometres away. This wasn’t worth the walk as it was only a creek and had crocks in it. The rest of the day was reading my awesome book. Mum and Braiden also read in this time.
Day 32 - June 22
Today I tripped and bled after having lots of fun swimming. Today we reached Litchfield National Park. Litchfield National Park is famous for their beautiful waterfalls, these waterfalls are beautiful as we got to hear and see the wonders of Florence Falls. We also got to swim around Florence Falls. Luckily I had my goggles on so I could see the rocks and fish surrounding me. There were lots of big black fish and Braiden and I touched them heaps, they were slimy and were extremely elusive. The family eventually got to the main deep area. Later on we hopped out of the plunge pool and set off to leave for Buley Rockhole; on my way out I slipped on the slippery rock and hit my thigh. It hurt at first but the pain faded away. After sitting in the car it was good to get back in the water at Buley Rockhole. Firstly we sat at the bottom of a rocky current which was nice and refreshing until I moved up higher where I hit my toe and it started bleeding badly. It stung and stung and I thought that the toenail was going to pop off. Dad and I slowly and carefully moved our way down to the proper rock hole. At the rock hole we got to dive in as it was very deep. After seeing how deep it was I say it was about 8 metres deep. All this swimming today was good as it was 30 degrees for most of the day. Now I’m refreshed ready for tomorrow.
Day 33 - June 23
My highlight of today was taking photos early in the morning. I took lots of nice photos of Florence Falls and the creeks surrounding it. Also today we saw lots of new waterfalls and a creek. Firstly we saw Tolmer Falls from the lookout, this waterfall was just a trickle but with a large pool of water underneath (wish we could swim there). Secondly we stopped at Wangi Falls. There were two waterfalls here and you could hear these waterfalls a mile away I reckon! We also we also did a 1.6 K walk in our thongs. This was very tiring as it was extremely hot (with humidity), most of it was up hill and we had absolutely no water. This walk was harder for me as I had an awfully heavy camera bag on me. After taking in the heat we stopped at Walker Creek to chill off as you can swim there. I loved the shallow water as everyone else hated it. It was amazing as I got to bob around on the rock annoying everyone HAHAHAHAHAHAJJLLJJ!!! Today also gave me an education on the stolen generations as we watched AUSTRALIA!!!
PLEASE NOTE: the photo with this blog is one that I took on my photo taking adventure this morning!
PLEASE NOTE: the photo with this blog is one that I took on my photo taking adventure this morning!
Day 34 - June 24
Today was a travel day without the caravan. Today we went to the Adelaide River War Memorial. It was very sad and silent as we got to see how old the Anzacs were. We also got to see the places Darwin got bombed in. The Japs would firstly knock out all the communication towers so that Darwin could not talk to any of the surrounding suburbs. We also saw the civilians some of these people were unknown. After reading and remembering we got to have lunch at a pub. At the pub there was Charlie Buffalo there and he played in Crocodile Dundee 1 I love this move! Early in the morning we went to a ranger termite talk this was very interesting. Today we are going to Berry Springs which is an hour away.
Day 35 - June 25
The highlight of my day was Berry Springs' crystal clear water. This was very relaxing in the deep plunge pool. I really loved just lying down on the boogy board, relaxing. Berry Springs is infested with blue dragon flies. One of the beautiful blue dragon flies landed on my arm. Berry Springs was surrounded by rainforest and there are multiple swimming points. The plunge pool had about 50 people in and around the springs. It was so deep that none of the adults there could touch, they could only touch near the entrance of the lower pool. The lower pools have a beautiful scenery. Tomorrow we will be going to the Territory Wildlife park which is very exciting as we get to see lots of shows of animals.
Day 36 - June 26
Today was a walk and a ride in the Territory Wildlife Park. Today we experienced heaps of animals from turtles to pelicans. Firstly we took the shuttle train to the billabong to see the first animal feeding talk. Here we saw pelicans, fresh water crocs and barramundi here. He fed all of these animals mullet this was awesome to see. The pelicans was the best as we got to see how they use there basket like mouth to catch the fish. Next we took a short stroll to the Aquarium. At the Aquarium we saw heaps of small fish and Northern Fresh Water Turtles. These Turtles looked like they were gliding across the water, I would love to be one of them. As we made our way through the glass tunnel we got to see lots of huge fish and sawfish circling around us. We slowly moved around the corner and I suddenly jumped with excitement as there was a 4 and a half metre croc in front of my face! The croc would swim around a bit and then stayed dead still like a log. We hurried out of the Aquarium to reach the Whip Ray Show. At the Whip Ray show we got to see the lady feed the whip rays. I learnt that these whip rays don't whip with tails at there predators but they have a barb like any other stingray. Also at the show we got some worms to feed the Spitting Fish. The spitting fish spat super accurately spit at the worm to make it fall down. Next we went straight to Birds of Prey show. At the Birds of Prey show we saw a cool bird of prey that can snap a huge emu egg in half. It took two hits two get the egg open. Next was a Kite that put up a huge show but when it was time to leave the spotlight he disobeyed. This cheecky little bird stopped the show for everyone. Next we went to a Behind The Scenes Talk. The topic was the Northern Quoll we learnt all about the Quoll's predators. Some of the Quoll's predators were cane toads, Dingoes and feral cats. I also learnt that the Territory Wildlife Park is over 1000 acres. After a long day we were exhausted. But on the way back I was singing a modern song ''OMG'' ''OH MY GOD.'' I cant wait untils tonight's eclipse. [This is awesome as I am very into Astronomy] The Photo with today's blog is my own.
Day 37 - June 27
After sitting in the boiling sun we finally reached Darwin. Today was a big first as we got to see the sun setting over the water. The sun was as red as a tomato, it came down the sky very slowly like a sloth or even slower. The sun looked like lots of photo and art I have seen. As Dad walked to get some beautiful shots I ran ahead until I found glass on the beach. My best part of today was the fire maniac at the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets. He did a whole cool show and he was trying to be as crazy as he could. In this fire show he ate fire, he used fire sticks and he blew on the flames to make the flares extemely big. The Mindil Markets are famous for their big variety of food but I still had regular food [HOT DOG!!!!!!!]. I was super tired after the Markets that I fell asleep straight away. We stayed at the Markets for six hours WOW!
Day 38 - June 28
Today we were looking everywhere for ANTS like we are a kites tring to find some locusts. The ants that we were tring to get out have very smart minds because if we killed some of them they would find a new way in. The ant used these tactics: Climb up the broom, Climb up the water hose, Climb up the tyres and Climb up the legs! Also today we saw the heart of Darwin and the wharf. At the wharf we saw a huge American Navy Ship. On this ship there was jet fighters, salvo guns and helicopters. Today I had the most fun at the Darwin Wave Pool, it felt like I was back on the coast in the wet'n'wild wave pool. I loved bobbing and tring to paddle the boogie board to the end of the wave pool. In the crystal clear water there was supplied boogie boards and tubes. Braiden and I really enjoyed this time at the wave pool scraming, laughing and having fun. We looked at basically every souvenir shop in the mall. My most exiting moment of today was the automatic car wash. You could hear the loud pressure making a vibrating sound on the glass window and the soap squirted on the windows like paint. Tonight we are having homemade barra burgers.
Day 39 - June 29
Today was a slow and short day (I will explain why). Firstly we went to the Fannie Bay Gaol. At the Gaol we saw the prision cells, Children Cells (this was weird to see!) , the isolation cell and the hanging room. We walked slowly around the cells, personally I liked the hanging room the best as it was unmodified except for the roof (beacuse the roof was blown away by Cyclone Tracy). After getting out of prison we went to the Military Museum but there eftpos didn't work because of Telstra so we couldnt get in! (Ps: PLEASE GET LUKE T's DAD TO FIX THIS!) Later on we watched the slow sun set over the water but this time we were at the tip of Fannie Bay. When the sun was at the horizon I got out the big camera and took lots of great photos but unfortunately I had to change lens every five minutes! Im hoping tomorrow we are going to go to Crocosaurus Cove because that will bring excitement to my BLOG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Day 40 - June 30
Today was a croc's mouthful of adventure because of our jam packed day. We headed to Fannie Bay to see the Military Museum hoping they had efpos. On The way to the museum Dad and I stopped and got some photos on the beach. When we stepped into the sand we fell deep into the sand (nearly up to my knees) but as we got closer we got to the water the less deeper we fell! After taking some beautiful shots we got to the museum but they still had no efpos but the lovely lady took all the money we had on us which was $23. In the Milatary Museum there was old guns that they used in the war. There also was lots of posters and old machines that I liked to touch. My most favourite was the Big Guns...there was multible big cannons but not as big as the super huge gun. This had to be at least 50 meteres long! Next we went to Crocosaurus Cove ''yay yay yay yay yay yay yay yay.'' There was five huge salties in the first exhibit they were as dead as a log thats how still they where! Next we moved on to swimming with the crocs. Sorry but the next secne is rated R, no one under 18 should listen, JOKES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The swimming is awsome but there is a glass wall between us and the crocs, I loved looking at the crocs and posing for Dad! Later on we got to hold a baby croc this croc was very aggresive and was extremly squirmy! Finally we got what I was waiting for, Fishing for Crocs. I kept teasing my lot of crocs by bobbing my rod up and down to make them jump! I got three or four turns before leaving the fishing event. The Crocosaus Cove made my day! Tomorow is Territory day and on Territory day there are lots of fire works as you can buy them here tomorrow.
Day 41 - July 1
Today we got up to an early start to feed some fish! There was multiple wild fish in the feeding area. We fed the mullet, sun fish and the milk fish bread, you could also touch the fish and they felt slimy and boney. I loved feeding them as we got to get up close and personal! Next we watched the recreated film Karate Kid 2 ''keya!'' We are going to the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets tonight for Territory Day. There's fireworks tonight YAY!!!!!!!!!!
At the Mindil Markets I found a sunnies shop (I have wanted sunnies for this trip) so Dad bought me a $20 pair of sunnies! Also tonight there was fireworks and crackers. I hated the crackers as they were a super loud bang and pop and we were right next to a fireworks zone. I loved the fireworks show as there was diferent colours, shapes, sizes and designs. Dad also got some good photos of the fireworks show which will be on the site. Tomorrow is Mum and Dad's wedding anniversary so were taking them to the Deck Chair Cinema to see Nanny McFee! Please Tell Me If It Is Good!!!!!!!!!!! Also today I got to get my hands on a IPAD!!!!! I loved the Ipad as I got to see IBooks, Photos [new], Pages and Keynote. I love the new IPad. I WANT ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
At the Mindil Markets I found a sunnies shop (I have wanted sunnies for this trip) so Dad bought me a $20 pair of sunnies! Also tonight there was fireworks and crackers. I hated the crackers as they were a super loud bang and pop and we were right next to a fireworks zone. I loved the fireworks show as there was diferent colours, shapes, sizes and designs. Dad also got some good photos of the fireworks show which will be on the site. Tomorrow is Mum and Dad's wedding anniversary so were taking them to the Deck Chair Cinema to see Nanny McFee! Please Tell Me If It Is Good!!!!!!!!!!! Also today I got to get my hands on a IPAD!!!!! I loved the Ipad as I got to see IBooks, Photos [new], Pages and Keynote. I love the new IPad. I WANT ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Day 42 - July 2
The highlight of today was the Deck Chair Cinema because most of the day I was on my laptop. At the Deck Chair Cinema we got to sit on modern deck chairs. These were very uncomfortable...it took me three or four attempts to get comfortable. We also got two packets of Malteasers to eat during the movie. The movie was extemely amusing and my favourite chartacter was Ellie [baby elephant]. The rest of today was relaxing and making my own pc game with a few swims as it's extremely hot here! Tomorrow we will be going to Kakadu I hope I see beautiful birds!
Day 43 - July 3
Crocs + Jumping = Excitement! Firstly we stopped at the Jumping Croc Cruise. On the Cruise we got to see lots of crocs jump, my favourite jump was Flapjack as he did a fast high jump which brought excitment to everyone. It didn't take long until we could see a massive 6 metre croc named Agro. Everyone was trying to see this croc, pushing and shoving there way to the front. One of my favourites was the kite feeding as they came straight passed us with there talons up, one splashed water on me! Once we reached Kakadu we stopped at a caravan park. While Mum and Dad was setting up we got in the pool and worked on Braiden's freestyle skills. After setting up we headed to Ubirr and the aboriginal art sites. At Ubirr there are different rock formations, also we saw all the super detailed rock art. They we incredible art designs and stories to back them. At the lookout we saw where they had filmed a part from Crocodile Dundee. After a long day of driving and action I want to go to bed early.
This photo is another image that I took!
This photo is another image that I took!
Day 44 - July 4
Today the wind blew us to Ubirr again! We went back up to the lookout so Dad could take some photos in a diffrent light. I raced up to the top of the lookout faster than the family. I loved pretending to rock climb like in the photo above. Also today Braiden and I have been racing each other in the pool. I won all of these races as I am a strong swimmer but I did give him huge head starts like 18 slow seconds. Braiden and I also did like skimming our skim ball to each other. Skimming takes real skill when your in deep water!!! Tomorrow we are leaving to go further in the Kakadu circuit.
Day 45 - July 5
Today we left to go to Cooinda. On the way we stopped at Nourlangie where there is much more Aboriginal art sites. After arriving we scurried up the rugged rock stairs to get to Anbanggang shelter because there was a ranger talk on. There were lots more art work here compared to Ubirr. We went up two lookouts that had magnificent views of the escarpment and the land surrounding. After exploring Nourlangie we got to the caravan park were we had a swim in the big pool it was so refreshing. Tonight we are seeing the Australian movie Bran Nue Dae.
Day 46 - July 6
Yellow Waters Cruise a photographers dream. We got up early today to get front row seats on the Cruise. We did get front row seats so we saw everything the best. We mostly saw Egrets but we also saw Kites and Night Halk’s also. We also had an unexpected sighting, a Sea Eagle these are the 2nd biggest bird of prey in Australia. They are snow white on their belly, have broad shoulders and strong tendons. After seeing all this birdlife I was starting to look for my most favourite bird, King Fishers. We moved around the corner and turned into the flood plains then we suddenly stopped and I looked in the nearest tree to see two King Fishers. Luckily the tour guide really liked the King Fisher’s too so I got to be able to take more photos and watch them catch small insects. There were heaps of crocs but they were really shy unlike Adelaide River. I loved the Jabiru Nest as we could see their huge 1x1 metre nest. We also saw horses on this trip and heaps of trees and flowers. We had three hours to ourself so I relaxed most for most this time. At 3 o’clock we went back on a new cruise but there was the same wildlife except there was more crocs on this cruise.
Day 47 - July 7
Today I was fixed to my iPod screen as there was nothing more to do. Firstly we left for Katherine, on the way to Katherine we watched Space Chimps and I played Angry Birds on my iPod Touch. It took three hours to get to Katherine where Dad and Mum were interested in a poet show where he said funny real life poems but I didnt get to see if they were funny because I was slowly gaining square eyes because I was staring at my iPod. Tomorrow we are going to explore Katherine Gorge.
Day 48 - July 8
Today we explored the wonders of Katherine Gorge and the other hot main tourist attraction. When we got on the cruise the man stared up the boat and travelled up the first gorge. The steep walls of the gorge were as high as space and the water was as clear as glass. As we got faster and faster I could feel the cold chilly breeze on my hair and face. The man was speaking so fast that I could not find out what he was talking about. After cruising up the first gorge we got out to see an art site. I couldn't see much art as it was faded but that tells me that it is old. After looking at the faded art we got on a new boat as there was one river rapid in the way. Next we piled on the second boat to see the second gorge. As we travelled up the second gorge we watched the colours in the rock and the golden water. I loved the scenery and the silence as it made me feel like this is a specal place. Next we went on the third and last boat because of two big rock pools. We slowly made our way upstream and we suddenly came to a stop as there was rock swallows there. I loved watching them build their nest out of mud. Their nests looked like perfect baskets and they moved back and forth to get the mud transferred. We moved more up the stream until we saw another creature... a fresh water crocodile. It looked like plastic as it was dead still and unrealistic until it went for a dip when we left to go downstream. When we got back to the rock pools we got to swim and have time for ourself after lots of sightseeing. I loved the water as I'm unaffected to the cold in the water. The rocks had a thin layer of moss that made the golden-green colour of the water. The water was nice and refreshing but I still did test my swimming abilities. After an hour to ourself we got back to civilisation. In the afternoon we went to Katherine Hot Springs. It was warm when we got in and I stayed in the longest even though there has been Salties known in the area.
Day 49 - July 9
Today we were heading west and hoping to get to Timber Creek. As we started our journey we played Counting Cows which Carol Browne suggested on the forum. We did a team version Dad and I VS Braiden and Mum. Dad and I got to a bad start 1 – 15 but later we came back to get an extra 19 point to come into the lead. After this lead we continued to find and count cows we won at 57 – 33. After we stopped playing we found really huge cow farms that could make anyone win! As we were Driving we fell in love with an escarpment so we stopped there. Today we also did an Escarpment walk. At first I thought I was going well at the walk until I felt really hot and puffed. I could feel the sweat running down my face and my heart pumping under my skin. It was very steep and I was constantly drinking water as I felt like I was overheating. When we made the top I felt refreshed and new again. When we came down it was easier but I still did have to drink lots as it was hot up there and I didn’t want to get dehydrated.
Day 50 - July 10
Today’s journey felt like we were not towing. We drove a short hour and found our destination 10km out of Timber Creek. We stopped at a fly infested free camping spot. It’s extremely hot here and the flies don’t help. The free camping spot is rocky and full of boab trees that have bulging trunks and smooth branches. As the sun's rays are touching us we are sweating and the flies are coming to us as they are attracted to sweat. We also went to Gregory Tree which is a boab tree with mum and dad’s wedding date carved into the tree 2nd July 1856 but they didn’t get married on that year. That is the date when the northern exploresr left the safety of the boab tree. Tomorrow is a long 7H hourdrive to escape this super heat.
Day 51 - July 11
Today was going to be a big drive to keep our self cool in the air conditioning and to escape the huge amount of flies. We got to a good start by watching Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark. After this action packed movie we stopped to get a photo under the Western Australia sign, I hated this photo as the sun was killing my eyes. We stopped shortly after to get our caravan checked for Honey, Fruit & Veg, Plant Matter and nuts. While the man was checking our car and van I hoped that Mum and Dad didn’t get an on the spot fine. I quickly put on Sound Relief tDVD o listen to some modern music. I squeezed Fix You by Coldplay in just before Kununurra. We stopped at a rest stop to have breaky, I already had breaky but I was starving so I had another breakfast. I hate setting my clock so I avoided it. We continued our journey and I jumped on my ds to play paper plane and Braiden wanted to play so I let him play so there was no fighting as I wanted my iPod back. We played on and on until I had to reach back and get the yellow bag full of snacks for Morning Tea. I reached back and found the yellow bag, I opened it anxiously and found Choc Chip Cookies and Sweet and Sour Cream Rice Crackers. I got straight into the Cookies and scoffed four down my throat. I loved the Kimberley landscape, rocky hills and escarpments. As I was wondering how this adorable landscape was formed I was interrupted by mum she said ‘‘Can you reach back and get some water out of the Waeco,’’ So I did as I was told. One of the loudest part of the day was the new Milestone we created by travelliing 10,000 kilometres. We got to yell we were at the new Milestone but Braiden and I accidently went early and we had to start again. We did have our iPods in hand when we reached our Destination. ‘‘Three days of Games are to be played,’’ Said Braiden Excitedly.
Day 52 - July 12
Today we travelled a long way through the Kimberley’s. We watched three movies today to get through the Kimberley’s. The road and the terrain surrounding was flat most of the way until you pass some weird hills in the remoteness. When we reached Broome there was no accommodation for us to stay at...we called and called each caravan park. The last lady recommended the Pistol Club as they had some powered sites. We raced to the address to get the last remaining powered sites. It looks like the news had spread as there was already three vans there, Mum raced to the counter but there was no powered sites left to fit a huge caravan in. So we had to go unpowered, ♫Don Don Don Donnnnnnnnnn♫. Tomorrow we may get a powered site!!!☻☻☺☺☺
Day 53 - July 13
Today we got to see Broome and its iconic wonders. Firstly we went shopping and to see Chinatown. We looked at billions of Pearl Shops as there is lots of pearl farms nearby. These Pearl Shops had the same souvenirs in each store and the pearls began to become extremely boring. After looking at millions of pearls we posted our LAZY LETTERS to our school (hope you like the lazy letter Year 6). My fav shop of the day was the...Camel Shop as there was a variety of shapes, sizes and colours of camels. Next we made our way through the small lane of fashion which was supposedly Chinatown. After all that shopping it was good to give my legs a good rest in the car. The car came to a slow stop and we could see Tong's Chinese Restaurant...we took lots of photos with the TONGY number plate and without. Next we got to watch the sun set over the water again but this time it was much prettier than Mindil Beach. I loved the vast sand dunes as we ran down, jumped down and had heaps of fun. The funness had come to a complete stop...Until Tommorow!
Day 54 - July 14
In the afternoon the family watched the sun set at Cable Beach as I went off with Dad's camera to get some photos of the camels with the sunset behind! Before watching the sun Braiden and I hade a party up on the steep vast sand dunes. We were running around, singing, dancing and sliding. It was fun LOL LOL!!! One of the other highlights of today was us riding the HUGE, VAST waves. Every now and again I got pummelled by a big rapid wave. I stayed the longest in the water and I felt like a superstar out there riding those waves. Also today we went for a stroll through the Japanese and Chinese cemeteries. Most of the Japanese graves were beach rocks and the Chinese graves were mostly small rocks. All of the graves had a special meaning to me. Tomorrow I will get to experience a camel ride on Cable Beach at sunset.
Day 55 - July 15
Today's camel ride was awesome. We had the camel called Gemma, she was a good camel and her gentle sways could put me to sleep any day. I was extremely nervous watching everyone get up on the camels as Braiden and I were last. We had to lock in our elbows in to stop us falling off the camels. As the camel got up we were looking at the sand and the neck of Gemma this felt like us looking down Uluru when we were climbing it!!! As I said before the gentle swaying of Gemma felt like the gentle waves rocking a boat. I nearly fell asleep on this trip because of the sways. Sooner or Later we had to get off so we locked in our elbows in place and going down felt more like the Kamikaze at Wet 'n' Wild. After the sleepy ride we went to TONG'S Chinesee Restaurant to have a meal or two but we ended up haveing at least twenty dishes and my favourite dish was steamed rice and BBQ Squid. Today we als0 swam at Cable beach AGAIN AGAIN and AGAIN!!!!!! Tomorrow we are having a short rest day.
Day 56 - July 16
Today was all fun and games at Cable Beach! We played games like hit the mud ball on the target and dissolve the barge. Today at Cable Beach we had the shovels so we could dig a extremly huge hole this took a while and water began to take over so we made it a dam. After finishing the hole we started our first game. The game was hit the mud ball on the target, the aim of the game is to create a mud ball and hit it on the traget (or an X). To create a mud-ball you have to mix a tiny bit of wet sand in and lots some hard sand I also like to add a bit of soft sand to it. We went on to a new game called find no water. The objective of this game is to dig a deep hole without getting any water in it. No one could complete this game as the sand was infested in water. The last game was dissolve the barge. All you had to do in this game was disolve the sand you have dug up from the other games. If you think this is easy try it yourself and if you can do it, create a bigger hole and make one pile of sand and dissolve that. All of these you can do at your local beach, if you come up with a new game please contact me down at the bottom of this page. Thank you!
Day 57 - July 17
Today’s experience at the beach near Barn Hill Station was incredible as the water was weird and coming up fast. The beach sands had very steep slopes especially near the water. The waves were huge and when it crashed it rushed up towards us but because of the slope it had to rush back to sea!!! The station is nothing I expected as the toilets are good but are without a roof and we are right at the water. Today I have at least read the Hobbit for 1 Hour and 30 Minutes. Hopefully we will be playing lawn bowls tomorrow!!!
Day 58 - July 18
Today we had a new experience of playing Lawn Bowls...this was an adventure and fun. I thought Lawn Bowls was just like bocce but it’s really difficult. The main thing to remember is that the ball rolls towards the small symbol and you have to estimate the strength and angle needed. The very next exciting thing of today was the beach where we made the words ‘‘BARN HILL STATION’’ out of shells as we are at Barn Hill. We also went for a dip were I did some body b oarding on some smallish waves. I also hid a good sand writer (it’s a rock) in the side of a mountain. It is now protected by the rock guard which is a boulder that I put in front of the rock to guard it from other humans beside myself. I will pick it up some day! The dinner tonight was a three course meal we paid for. Half of the meals I liked and the other half I hated. It turned out well as they were not catering for children.
Day 59 - July 19
After a long time of two bellies gurgling we finely satisfied our hunger. All this time on the road we have had delayed lots of breakfasts and me and the car was gurgling as the car was needing energy! When we reached Port Headland after lots of flat nothingness we searched for a caravan park AGAIN because they were all full! We found the Golf Course with bad directions that welcomed people to stay overnight in the car park. As there was nothing exciting here I read my action packed book and I got to the most Adventuress part yet!!! Tonight we are going to play bingo and there is some possibility that Mum, Braiden and I could win some money. I hope I become rich because of some good luck$$$!!!
Day 60 - July 20
After a late night of bingo, we got to a really early start. As we travelled we noticed that we were starting to get more into spinifex country. After the masses of dry spinifex we got to a road house where we are staying tonight. Today was a hard long drive that was tough to get through but I made it through. Tomorrow is a 3 hour drive that will be easy to get through and this drive will not be extended as we have booked.
Day 61 - July 21
The blow-holes at Carnavon are incredible, there was a twenty metre one that shot up like a rocket with the fastest TURBO BOOSTERS in the world. It was a hard walk to the blow holes as there was no path and there was small lumps that felt like a needle up your foot. Also at Carnavon we went for a walk down the old one mile jetty. This was $8 for the family and it's not like the old creaky floor boards it was like the wood was going to fall under our feet. Mum was so worried and freaked out when she stepped on a weak plank of wood. One of the highlights of my day was the dish that helped keep the world in contact with the Apollo Mission. It was huge when we were under it but the family wasn't fascinated as we have seen a bigger one before. We didn't drive off as you can climb it by the stairs. We reached the lowest point of the dish which was the finishing point. It wasn't that hard to get up because it was only 20 steep tall steps. The rest of the day we were in the car looking at the greener spinifex.
Day 62 - July 22
Today we had a short drive with some unexpected stops. On our way travelling down south we stopped at a scenic lookout which had some siginficance as there was two piles of rocks. On these rocks were stuff like RIP David and hope you like the view Kate. At first we all thought there were ashes spread here but some silly people said stuff like ''Mizzy was here 2010'' ''Around Aus 2010!''. Later we reached Shell Beach...as we approached the beach I took off my thongs and started running towards the sand. When I took my first step I knew that I was standing on shells, lots of tiny little shells they were awfully painful. After my hopes for sand were shattered I moved slowly down to the sparkling crystal clear water but when I but my foot in my hopes were shattered agian as it was unpleasantly icy cold and it felt like my blood stream in my leg was about to stop. I hated how the shells stuck to your feet because they were wet. When we reached our destination I couldn't stop myself looking at the clear sparkling water.
Day 63 - July 23
Today was full of wildlife and adventure. The first animal we encountered was a dolphin that we could feed... but not everyone could feed them. I was extremely disappointed as I did not get to feed the dolphin and I was very jealous when Braiden got to feed the dolphin. Our next encounter was with an emu on the side of the road. I got my camera at the ready as Jordan Hinz wanted a photo of an emu. (I will email it to you Jordan and anyone else who wants the photo). Next we bumped into a blue tongue lizard when Dad and I was on a walk down the beach. It wasn't afraid of us and we could have touched it if we wanted to! Next we stumbled upon a baby shark in the water. It took us a while to identify it as we couldn't see because of all the ripples. Next we spotted a Bilby on our way to the sand dunes it scurried off but now I can say I have seen my favourite animal in the WILD!!!
Day 64 - July 24
From starvation to the beautiful views of Eagles Bluff. To kick start our day we headed to Eagles Bluff. The road to Eagles Bluff was a rough dirt road but we stayed to the side which was smoother but had lots of sudden tilts which Braiden and I very much enjoyed. At Eagle Bluff we got to see the small but important island called Eagle Island. This island is important as it is the main breeding place for seagulls. Braiden and I loved exploring the sand dunes and observing a sea eagle that was tring to steal some of the seagulls' eggs but as seagulls have greater strengh in big numbers...they used there numbers to fight off the sea eagle. I loved the appearance of the water from high up it was a nice blue colour. The next big part of our day was the Little Lagoon. When we got to Little Lagoon I was surprised that they call it small lagoon as it was like vast inland sea! Most of the outer water was the same beautiful colour as Eagle Bluff and the inner water was a great navy blue colour (a perfect place for a shark to hide). We saw 5 ray sharks and one stingray at the lagoon. When we had finished 1 and a half quarters we had to cross the lagoon. I became very nervous at this point in time but when we were in the water I got very happy and energetic but eventully the energy died down until I had no energy left as we didn't have lunch yet (it was 2 PM when this happened) It was good to restore energy with a big lunch at a cafe.
Day 65 - July 25
I loved posing for the window photos. It's called the window because when you are close to the arched rock you can see a beautiful river and lots of things surrounding. Next we spent some time at a river where Braiden and I sneaked up on Dad as he was taking photos. There were lots of unstable rocks around the river so it was hard to keep quiet SHHHHHHHH. We were both having fun until Dad saw Braiden's bright RED pants. Next we continued on to the Z Bend were we saw a another river or gorge system. Braiden and I threw one rock each down the gorge Braiden was first and he hardly made it to the water, next I through a medium sized rock and it hit on the rocks just before the water. Last night we watched MasterChef Grand Final and I was going for Callum the whole way but I was happy for Adam to win!
Day 66 - July 26
Today we got to see beautiful views of the light aqua water. Today we travelled up and down the coast. First we stopped at Blue Hole were all the water was that aqua colour and the waves were a dark navy colour. Next we drove down to Red Bluff the highest point in Kalbarri and I loved staring at the waves crashing on the rocks to make nice colours and big sprays. Next in our huge day we headed to Mushroom Rock where we saw a rock that looked sort of like a mushroom but I didn't think it looked that good. After seeing the rock we decided to complete the walk and after a while Braiden started to complain about something until we saw a hill full of goats. Next we drove all the way down to the bottom of the coast skipping some things on the way. Next we saw the Natural Bridge what was a bridge made out of rock. Also here we would of had seen at least a hundred whales cruising by but only one breached and the rest were spraying water up into the sky. In the afternoon we saw the things we skipped this morning. In the afternoon we saw Pot Alley, Eagle Gorge, Shellhouse and Grandstand. I loved Port Alley as Braiden and I climbed all the rocks surrounding and Braiden found me a high area to take some photos from. We had a ton of fun there. Shellhouse and Grandstand were just two gorge things that were boring!!!! Next time were going to the PREHISTORIC TOWN GERALDTON!!!
Day 67 - July 27
Today we travelled again as usual but the unusual thing about today was that Braiden and I filmed another Outback TV in the car (This will be on Braiden’s Blog page when we get the chance). We drove and drove and ... DROVE and then we stopped and explored Geraldton. First we went up to the H.M.A.S. Sydney Memorial as there was a free tour going on! She told lots of interesting information but when she showed a photo of every crew member on board I knew I had seen that photo before. After a bit of thinking I vaguely remember Kate Quinn holding the photo up in class and I was eager to look for Quinn, but we followed the lady. After the short tour I told Dad what I hardly remember, after telling Dad we saw the name QUINN on the black honour board (I will send a photo to Mrs Vingas so Kate can see). After a whole lot of thinking we went to a museum and Mum bought a small TEST!!!!! That was $3 and was simple. It took me about 5 minutes to complete this easy straightforward test. Luckily we got an award for this we got some daisies to plant in the garden at home. Next we DROVE again which was extremely BORING!!!!!!!!!! When we reached our end of torture I helped with the new generator, it took us a while to find out how to work it. For a while I was horrified that it would blow up because it was overloading!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Day 68 - July 28
Today we were busy hiding behind rocks... SHHHH you'll give me away!!!!!!! Today we were exploring the Pinnacles while spying on Dad this was fun and we did this the majority of the time here. The Pinnacles did come close to beating Uluru because of there huge numbers and there uniqueness. Also today we explored and climbed the awesome new playground. It had a surf board, cool spinny things, slides and swings but there was much more here! Back to the Pinnacles we got the walkie talkies so Braiden and I could talk to each other. It made it hard as Dad was very wary and constantly looking out for us. Today was another one of those days of driving in WA!!!
Day 69 - July 29
Today we stopped by the main tourist attraction...and today was another one of those days. But we also saw more things in and around the heart of the Cervantes. First we went to a lake that had stromatolites. Stramatolites is a moss substance that builds up on the rocks and this is all we came for...that was compeletely boring. The lake had a extremely bad stench!!!!! Today we did the same thing as yesterday at the Pinnacles.
Also today we watched Aliens in the Attic but my most favrouite part was after the main movie ''FUNKY RICKY''.
Also today we watched Aliens in the Attic but my most favrouite part was after the main movie ''FUNKY RICKY''.
Day 70 - July 30
There was lots of exciting things today but my favourite was the SCARY Torch Light Tour!!!! There was 3 diffrent pranks. The first prank was when the tour was talking about a net they put in to stop buckets and the prisoners from jumping and hitting the floor... then a dummy fell from the top and hit the net!!! While this was happining a boy snapped his torch in half. We moved along to the most haunted part of the prison and the lady told ghost stories that gave me at least 20 nightmares and 1 dream about ICE CREAM!!! Next we moved to the whipping post and there was no jokes because actual people died here. Next we moved to the solitary confinement was where the second joke was held. The joke was a man coming out of a cell and acting to be like he has been in prison for 60 years. Next we hurried to the gallows where there was no jokes because people actually died there. The last joke was a lady coming out and scaring us just before the end.
Day 71 - July 31
Today was Mum's day as we went to the wineries at Swan Valley. As I lost my molar tooth last night I got $5 from the tooth fairy. Because of a full day of wineries Braiden and I got a new app... I got PLANTS VS ZOMBIES and Braiden got Fruit Ninja!!! I loved PVZ (PLANTS VS ZOMBIES) but I liked Fruit Ninja better than PLANTS VS ZOMBIES. I stopped and put down my iPod because we were at the Chocolate Factory!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Here we tasted dark, white and milk chocolate. Mum also ordered a Fondue for four which was huge and I loved dipping bananas yummo CHOCOLATE BANANAS!!!!!!!! After all the wineries we played on the playground...we played DARK LORD and SLIP ''N'' FALL!!!
Day 72 - August 1
Today we went though hatches, down slides and went for a walk down cappuccino strip. First we went to see H.M.A.S Ovens (submarine). We learnt lots on the tour like where the missiles were fired and how the boat was controlled. To get in the submarine we went down a ladder and though small round hatches!!!! I would hate to be on this submarine because there is very small bunk beds and they have a seat belt instead of something to stop you hitting the floor. Also you had to keep everthing tidy and I would not be good at that. Next we went to the prison agian to do a new tour and this man made us do most what the prisoners had to do every day. Next we went for a stroll down capuccino strip and that was a boring walk but luckliy we got a squashed frog (iced-chocolate). Until dark we played a cool game on the playground.
Day 73 - August 2
Today we had to go into Perth because we would not have our car as it was being serviced. The first place we went to was London Court and this was made to replicate a part of London. We went to lots of shops but bought nothing but a new book for Braiden. When I found out there was an Apple Store here I was going CRAZY to get to the Apple Store as I wanted a another play with the iPad and with the new iPhone!!!! I found out on my own how to multitask which took a while. After lots of walking Braiden decided to complain. Tommorow is a rest day as we had a huge day today!
Day 74 - August 3
Today was our rest day today but Braiden and I did some super fun abb workouts!!!!! To do this abb workout we held onto bars as long as we could. Also Braiden and I started up a caravan restaurant which was called "Order Up". We did 14 dishes altogether and that was snacks, dinner and dessert. Dad also took me to the local photography club to give me an experience in what a photography club is like.
Day 75 - August 4
Who would think that prisoners are so smart when it come to ESCAPE. On the Fremantle Prison Tour: The Great Escapes we learnt about how people escaped and how some people FAILED to escape. First we heard the story of Moondyne Joe's escape. He got in jail by stealing bread, cheese and bacon in England, he was sentenced to 10 years in jail. His cell was extremely modified as he was a very bad person...his cell was not made out of limestone it was made out of super hard wood, he also had hand cuffs and was chained to ground by his neck. One day the doctor said he looked really sick so they had to give him lots of fresh air so they put him outside and made him crack limestone every day. The officers started to get slack on watching him...if they could hear him chipping away then they thought he was cracking tlimestone!!! So smart Joe started cracking the limestone wall and then he escaped. Another person had a good plan but he slipped on the downpipe because it was covered in motor grease and his ankle bone ripped through his skin and he got caught by the officers! My favourite escape was the Postcard Bandit as he worked at the tailor shop to escape as there they made the officer's uniforms and one day he put on the officer unifom and ran onto the roof and escaped and got a bus away from town. He was out for 6 years and he was constantly sending the police postcards he was eventually found and he is now currently in solitary confinement (in QLD)! He will definitely die behind bars.
Day 76 - August 5
Today we arrived at Margaret River and we set out to go to a biggest cave in Western Australia called Mammoth Cave. The cave was a HUGE cave with lots of Stalactites which looked pretty scary as I thought they may fall down. Also there was lots of Stalagmites near the water's edge. Long ago in this cave there used to be HUGE wombats, GIANT koalas, HUMUNGOUS kangaroos, tasmanian tigers and a BIG lion that they believed could climb trees. They knew this because they have found lots of skeletons and from these they have worked out what they have looked like and their abilities. There was even one a jaw bone lodged in the rock from a HUGE wombat. We had audio guides in this cave that told us lots but I liked how they told us the difference between Stalagmites and Stalactites. The difference was STALACTITES hold tight to the roofb and STALAGMITES might reach the roof. Also in this cave there was a stalagmite that looked like a crocodile skull and others that had turned slightly red.
Next we went to a brewery which had the best playground Braiden and I have ever been to. In this playground it had slides, monkey bar, rock climbing, poles to slide down, a spinning wheel that we called the UFO and another spinning thing that you controlled from inside that we called the SPACE SHUTTLE. We played for a long time as Dad tested some of the local beers and when Dad said we had to go we were sad.
Back at the caravan park which is also a farm...at 5 pm we got to feed some animals. There was some other children here but we were ok with that! First I got to feed LUCKY the lamb some milk, it sucked on the teat like a pig. I also got to feed the other animals such as cows, sheep, a horse, a donkey and a goat.
Today was a jam-packed day filled with fun!
Next we went to a brewery which had the best playground Braiden and I have ever been to. In this playground it had slides, monkey bar, rock climbing, poles to slide down, a spinning wheel that we called the UFO and another spinning thing that you controlled from inside that we called the SPACE SHUTTLE. We played for a long time as Dad tested some of the local beers and when Dad said we had to go we were sad.
Back at the caravan park which is also a farm...at 5 pm we got to feed some animals. There was some other children here but we were ok with that! First I got to feed LUCKY the lamb some milk, it sucked on the teat like a pig. I also got to feed the other animals such as cows, sheep, a horse, a donkey and a goat.
Today was a jam-packed day filled with fun!
Day 77 - August 6
Today we were doing two Capes and some wineries. It took us a little while to get to the first location which was Cape Leeuwin. Cape Leeuwin is the tallest lighthouse in Australia this is where Matthew Flinders started his circumventing of Australia from. Also at Cape Leeuwin I got to physically see where the Indian and the Southern Oceans meet...which was about 150 metres in front of the lighthouse. Also here there was free binoculars which were very handy to see the rocks and the waves surrounding.
Next we moved on via an unusual route...through a forest on a dirt road. The trees in here were extremely tall and I believe these trees would have been taller than the tallest dinosaurs. Dad and I stopped every now and then to takesome photos of these huge trees. It took 40minutes to get through this forest and we moved onto Cape Naturaliste.
Here at Cape Naturaliste we walked a trail leading us to a whale lookout where we saw...SEALS! There was at least 30 odd seals on the rocks and we got to see them up close through Dad's big lense. They made an awful sound which sounded like they were in a lot of pain.
We then went to the Cheese Factory where we got to taste 5 different cheeses and my favourite was the Port Cheddar...it tasted pretty similar to normal cheese...my second favourite was the Sweet Chilli Cheese.
To end the day we wrapped it up with some wineries for Mum. We went to 3-4 wineries where Mum tasted a variety of wines.
Next we moved on via an unusual route...through a forest on a dirt road. The trees in here were extremely tall and I believe these trees would have been taller than the tallest dinosaurs. Dad and I stopped every now and then to takesome photos of these huge trees. It took 40minutes to get through this forest and we moved onto Cape Naturaliste.
Here at Cape Naturaliste we walked a trail leading us to a whale lookout where we saw...SEALS! There was at least 30 odd seals on the rocks and we got to see them up close through Dad's big lense. They made an awful sound which sounded like they were in a lot of pain.
We then went to the Cheese Factory where we got to taste 5 different cheeses and my favourite was the Port Cheddar...it tasted pretty similar to normal cheese...my second favourite was the Sweet Chilli Cheese.
To end the day we wrapped it up with some wineries for Mum. We went to 3-4 wineries where Mum tasted a variety of wines.
Day 78 - August 7
Today there was lots of A Maze'n fun!
First we headed off to the A Maze'n tourist attraction where we got to through awesome maze. This maze was made out of hedges and you were the line to try to get to the middle of the maze and then onto the exit. We made teams with Dad and Mum versus Braiden and I. Braiden and I got to a bad start as we took every bad direction...we kept going around and around in circles and we couldn't find the middle. Braiden and I were looking through the emergency exit gate and we saw hedges on the other side so we entered through there. Again we took all the bad directions before finally finding the correct one. After a while we heard Mum and Dad yell out that they had made the middle of the maze and Braiden and I got really frustrated and started running in every direction...we eventually got there. When we got there we knew that we had gone the wrong way and that we sort of cheated...but it sounded good at the time. Getting out was a like a new maze and Braiden and I knew the way, Mum and Dad were several minutes behind.
Next we moved onto bocce and I kept winning...I was an overall winner for bocce. We also played quoits at this time and Mum and Dad kept getting 1-2 hoops. Braiden and I got really close but we never got one in.
After bocce and quoits we did Stepping Stones which was a brain teaser game that took the whole families' knowledge to figure out.
Later on in the day Mum, Braiden and I went back into the BIG hedge game and it took me only 5 minutes to get to the middle without using the emergency gate this time. It also took me a few minutes to get outbut this time Braiden and Mum got lost in the maze...I had to go and rescue them.
First we headed off to the A Maze'n tourist attraction where we got to through awesome maze. This maze was made out of hedges and you were the line to try to get to the middle of the maze and then onto the exit. We made teams with Dad and Mum versus Braiden and I. Braiden and I got to a bad start as we took every bad direction...we kept going around and around in circles and we couldn't find the middle. Braiden and I were looking through the emergency exit gate and we saw hedges on the other side so we entered through there. Again we took all the bad directions before finally finding the correct one. After a while we heard Mum and Dad yell out that they had made the middle of the maze and Braiden and I got really frustrated and started running in every direction...we eventually got there. When we got there we knew that we had gone the wrong way and that we sort of cheated...but it sounded good at the time. Getting out was a like a new maze and Braiden and I knew the way, Mum and Dad were several minutes behind.
Next we moved onto bocce and I kept winning...I was an overall winner for bocce. We also played quoits at this time and Mum and Dad kept getting 1-2 hoops. Braiden and I got really close but we never got one in.
After bocce and quoits we did Stepping Stones which was a brain teaser game that took the whole families' knowledge to figure out.
Later on in the day Mum, Braiden and I went back into the BIG hedge game and it took me only 5 minutes to get to the middle without using the emergency gate this time. It also took me a few minutes to get outbut this time Braiden and Mum got lost in the maze...I had to go and rescue them.
Day 79 - August 8
Other than driving today we stopped twice to do a lot of tree sightseeing.
First we went to the Gloucester Tree which you could climb it if you want too, but I was freaked out by the size of it and the flimsy bits of metal that you climb up on. Dad decided to go up after a short while because only 6 people are allowed on the tree at any one time due to safety requirements. I was very scared for Dad and I was afraid that he would fall and Mum would have to drive the caravan back home. When Dad came back down I gave him a BIG hug as I was worried for him.
The other place we went to was...THE VALLEY OF THE GIANTS. He we got to do a tree top walk among the HUGE giant trees. I was amazed about the trees and I kept looking up at their sheer height and their wonders. The bridge swayed lots as there was only little platforms holding us up above the ground. When Dad decided to take some photos I stood on themost reinforced part of the platform as I am too young to die. Also tonight we had pizza that we hadn't had for a very long time...it was nice to have back in my belly.
First we went to the Gloucester Tree which you could climb it if you want too, but I was freaked out by the size of it and the flimsy bits of metal that you climb up on. Dad decided to go up after a short while because only 6 people are allowed on the tree at any one time due to safety requirements. I was very scared for Dad and I was afraid that he would fall and Mum would have to drive the caravan back home. When Dad came back down I gave him a BIG hug as I was worried for him.
The other place we went to was...THE VALLEY OF THE GIANTS. He we got to do a tree top walk among the HUGE giant trees. I was amazed about the trees and I kept looking up at their sheer height and their wonders. The bridge swayed lots as there was only little platforms holding us up above the ground. When Dad decided to take some photos I stood on themost reinforced part of the platform as I am too young to die. Also tonight we had pizza that we hadn't had for a very long time...it was nice to have back in my belly.
Day 80 - August 9
Today we got to see how whalers would kill the whales and cook them. On our way to Whale World we stopped at a wind farm. I was amazed at how close you could get to the wind turbines, in fact you could go right under them. The wind farm was also located on the Southen Ocean were we saw whales cruising on the waves. We also saw a smallish whale breaching far in the distance. Next we went to The Gap and Natural Bridge. We learnt that The Gap was connected to Antarctica. The Gap had steep slopes that waves would crash up towards us but it would never touch us. Next we went for a short stroll to Natural Bridge and here was the first time we had to explore with an unbrella!!! The bridge was at least 30 metres long but the waves weren't crashing up towards us. Our main part of the day was only starting as we had just reached WHALE WORLD! We got a free tour and the tour guide showed most of the machines that still work. We also saw a pigmy blue whale which is a smaller than a proper blue whale!!!!!!! We watched three movies in the whale oil storage tanks. To end the day we explored the ship that they would kill the whales. We spent 4 hours at WHALE WORLD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Day 81 - August 10
Relaxing,Relaxing, Relaxing...today was one of those days. Today we saw whales cruising across the coast as usual in the morning.
To help Braiden and I relax we got into a solar heated spa which was HOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We stayed in the spa for a long time as it was hot and I had been very cold during the day.
Dad also gave me a lesson on circumference. He did this with dental floss, two plates and his words of wisdom. In a matter of minutes I was on mathletics doing circumference!!!!
Tomorrow we have a long drive to Esperence.
To help Braiden and I relax we got into a solar heated spa which was HOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We stayed in the spa for a long time as it was hot and I had been very cold during the day.
Dad also gave me a lesson on circumference. He did this with dental floss, two plates and his words of wisdom. In a matter of minutes I was on mathletics doing circumference!!!!
Tomorrow we have a long drive to Esperence.
Day 82 - August 11
Today we had a long 6 hour drive to get see Australia’s whitest sand. When we got our first impression of our destination Lucky Bay we were WOWING and wondering how the sand and the water gets so colourful with whites and blues. Instead of setting up Braiden and I went down the steps to go to the beach. When we touched the sand we found that it doesn’t feel like sand at all but it was wet hard compacted sand!!! We walked half way down the bay from where we were set up!!!!! Braiden and I stayed longer than Mum and Dad and observed a beach bird with half black and half white and with big orange stalky legs!!!!!!!
Day 83 - August 12
Song Writing to climbing like spider man! Today we climbed to the top of a rocky slope. This was the first time in ages that we have climbed slopes like Uluru. I climbed it like spider-man because it was the easiest way for me to climb. On the top we got to see those beautiful colours like yesterday. The rest of the day was reading and song writing as it was cloudy and rainy day.
Day 84 - August 13
Today was a huge day with huge trucks that were bigger that two double decker buses. These vast trucks could hold up to 240 ton and the wheels weigh 5 ton each. With all this machinery to dig up gold in the super pit it costs a lot of money with the highest amout was 30 million dollars for a digger that towers above the heavy duty trucks. They all were very safe with rules as no one would like to be pummelled by a big truck when your driving a ute!!! The SUPER PIT was 4 kilometeres long 1 kilometre wide and just over 500 metres deep!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I felt so puny in the tour bus as the vast trucks went by.
I felt so puny in the tour bus as the vast trucks went by.
Day 85 - Ausgust 14
Who would think that a mine would let you see a explosion from a distance. My highlight of today was the explosion that we saw from distance...the explosion which made some ground shoot upwards to make a small cloud of dust.
Today we also went to the Hall Of Fame where we got to experience lots of fun things. Firstly we went to one of the big tyres of the vast trucks. Braiden and I could play on that horizontal wheel forever. Next to the big wheel we saw one of the trucks, we got some photos around the truck. Indoors there was a whole area dedicated to kids. We played all the games in this room. Also there was a simulator of some truck that Braiden and I played in for a while. Next we went to our main reason for coming here, gold panning. This was a scam as it was a man made with concrete.
If I could explain today in a couple of words it would be AWESOME FUN!!!
Today we also went to the Hall Of Fame where we got to experience lots of fun things. Firstly we went to one of the big tyres of the vast trucks. Braiden and I could play on that horizontal wheel forever. Next to the big wheel we saw one of the trucks, we got some photos around the truck. Indoors there was a whole area dedicated to kids. We played all the games in this room. Also there was a simulator of some truck that Braiden and I played in for a while. Next we went to our main reason for coming here, gold panning. This was a scam as it was a man made with concrete.
If I could explain today in a couple of words it would be AWESOME FUN!!!
Day 86 - August 15
The Nullarbor is nothing what I expected. Today was the first day in this trip that I was actually excited about the road ahead. On the Nullarbor it had lots of trees... and we expected Australia’s Straightest Road had absolutely nothing on either side of the road (expect red dust). However instead of Dad driving, Mum decided to have a crack at it as it was straight. I don’t know why I’ve been thrilled for this event to happen as it’s nothing that I expected. Braiden and I played a game when we reached our destination. I hope all the storm clouds aren’t going to put out our fire tonight.
Day 87 -August 16
With lights flashing and music playing, one by one zoomed the old variety bash cars. On our second petrol stop we got to see these extraordinary cars. There were police, AC-DC, scientists, SHARK ATTACK and teddy cars!!!! When we reached our final stop Braiden and I went off to play the same game as yesterday. I’m starting to get tired of these really big drives but there are lots more of these long painful drives to come.
Day 88 - August 17
We were travelling though the nothingness of the treeless scrubland with the clouds growing darker by the minute. With the sun starting to peak through and with the chilli wind on our faces we were staring down at the rare blue water spraying up the sheer cliffs of the Great Australian Bite. The shrubs grow right to the peach coloured cliffs and without warning by nature it drops at least one hundred metres before you would hit the sharp rocks below. With the weather turning on us we began to drive through a slow drizzle getting stronger as we under the dark clouds. Another interesting thing about the Nullarbor is that there are lots of emergency runways for the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Weather wise the day has been miserable but the scenery has been great.
Day 89 - August 18
Ohhhhhhhh the whales put on what looked like a battle over a Albino calf. At the Head of the Australia Bight we paid to see the main attraction, the whales. The whales were really close and I could only hear the whales breathing and the sound of cameras clicking. Next we moved to the next veiwing area were we saw the rare baby Albino and there was lots of whales protecting it and some chasing them. It looked like a battle and this took a long time for the mother with twins to get away from what seemed to be a battle. I believe that we saw at least 100 whales in that bay today. When we got back on the road I found that the terrain was changing from shrubs to trees and being very hilly.
Day 90 - August 19
All the nosie of trucks last night was incredible I had to wait at least 2 hours until I could fall into a deep sleep. Also today we had MACCAS and we hadn't had this in at least 3 months!!! We had an early start today as we were going for an extremely long drive but this didn't help as it was hard to sleep already. Mum and Dad also voted early as we don't know exactly where we will be when voting day comes. Also today I got back into ZOMBIE FARM on my ipod!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Day 91 - August 20
Today wasn't as bad as I thought. Today we went to 3 wineries but we were going to do a full day of wineries so that good for us kids. The good thing about today was that we hardly went to any wineries and 2/3 wineries had fire places.After the first two wineries Mum had bought at least 14 BOTTLES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And the third winerey was just for lunch were we got to draw allover the paper covering the table. I drew my Ipod with FRUIT NINJA!!!!!
Day 92 - August 21
Today was the BEST day of the Barossa and I never thought that I would like a day while we were at the Barossa. Firstly we went to Seppeltsfield were Mum and Dad tasted wines but...we got to taste their cordial (as seen in the photo to the left). Next we went to Maggie Beers were there were lots of dips and juices that looked DISGUSTING! So I didn't tatse them. But there also was wine tasting here and Braiden and I got to taste a non-alcoholic sweet wine that was extremely TANGY AND SWEET but I loved it! Also today Mum and I went to the Barossa Farmers' Market were we got to taste dips, fruit, chocolate, sausages and LOTS MORE!
Today I had a lot of Fun and I am now thinking about putting Barossa on my top tens!
Today I had a lot of Fun and I am now thinking about putting Barossa on my top tens!
Day 93 - August 22
Looking over the crops that look like nice green rolling hills and looking forward to the city of Adelaide. When we reached Adelaide we went straight into the city not by driving but by walking. When we got into the main part of the City of Churches we found a local market!!! The only shop we went into was Adelaide's biggest lolly shop were I bought SOUR FOAM AND GOOPS...they're yummy as I have had them before. Today was jam packed as we walked everywhere and I will be extremely tired tomorrow!!!
Day 94 - August 23
Two energetic pandas were running everywhere and the TV crew fliming the birthday girl eating her cake filled with a special treats!!! After our fast walk to Adelaide Zoo we went straight to the Pandas. The Pandas were so cute and young as they walked they shook there bum and lifted tfeet in a funny way. The panda we were watching was doing the same route over and over again and we thought that it was doing an obstacle course. After a while we found that one panda was trapped in her day room!!! When the TV crew arrived the zoo keepers set up a birthday cake and a present with food leading up to it. While the TV crew was rolling I was taking lots of photos of the panda with her small head inside the birthday cake eating her treats. On our other trips we have visited lots of other zoos including Dubbo and Melboune Zoo so we have compared most exhibits on other zoos we have been to. The Hippotomus enclosure was heaps better than Dubbo as you can get extremely close up. As today was cold and very cloudy all the Lemurs were huddling up under the heater above them and there were shivering heaps!!! We also saw the Orangatangs that had escaped out of there enclosure about a two years ago. Every time we walked past the otter enclosure they jumped out in excitement as they didn't get much attention. The Flamingos hardly seemed to move much as we passed their enclosure twice during a 3 hour difference and they didn't move much at all. Today we did heaps of walking but it was worth it!!!!
Day 95 - August 24
As we were driving I was looking at the beautiful scenery of Adelaide Hills going into the cold misty fog and the weather looking bad ahead. Today was another long annoying drive, but this time it was to get closer to our cousins. In the last week the main topic of my talks has been about our cousins as I hardly get to see them. I miss all of my cousins, family and friends and every one of these long drives gets me closer to seeing them again. To help with this long drive we stopped for lunch at a park and this park had a huge slide!!! It was about 20 metres long but at the bottom it very much seemed like a water plunge as there was a huge puddle of water because of the wet cold weather around here. I also know that everyone of these drives are getting me closer to colder weather and as we move east I have a more likely chance of catching a flu which our family has dodged in the last three months. At Ballarat, our destination it was bucketing down rain and I stayed in the car until I was brave enough to jump out and get inside. It is predicted to hail tomorow and I am starting to worry about our poor caravan.
Day 96 - August 25
Today was meant to be a rest day but Braiden and I made it an active day. Despite the weather we played tennis and overall I actually think that the kids won! I was awesome in the court as I was hitting most of the balls and making good rallies. We spent most of our day in the GAME ROOM as we were spending all of our coins on games. We played ping pong, motorbike racing and pinball these were all fun and we spent at least 2 hours of our day there. Today I was hoping to nail down and finish my book but that didn't happen but I did read about 2 thirty page chapters. Tomorrow we get to see our cousins.
Day 97 - August 26
Today was the first time on our trip that we got to visit family. Ashie and Jordy have grown heaps since last time I saw them and now Ashie is bigger than me and she's still the same age!!! Before seeing our cousins we went to Werribee Free Range Zoo! Here we took a bus that took us around the zoo and I was very interested how they put all the Afrian herbivores in one enclosure but it would be cool if they threw in a lion or two to see how they react! This zoo was very kid friendly as there was cars, hippos to climb on, diggers to find bones and fun paths so this was a joy for us. I don't really like being towered over by Ashie as I have not yet gone threw my growth spurt.
Day 98 - August 27
Last night I had the comfort of a proper bed and tonight I am all ready to go sleep in a tent!!! Today Ashie, Braiden and I played lots of games, we played Marco Polo [out of the water], murder in the dark [last night] and hide the bracelet!! With all these games there comes a price of pain and Braiden and I hurt ourselves badly. My worst injury today was the pole on the tent springing up and hitting my head!!!!! For tonight we set up a tent and we had lots of EPIC FAILS but dad came to the rescue!!!!!!!!!!!! LUCKY I HAVE DAD! Mum and Aunty Sue are going to some Wild West Night and they look awesome I can't wait to get there GUNNNS.
Day 99 - August 28
TODAY WE DRESSED UP LIKE GIRLS!!!! Today our task was to dress up so that the parents don't know who we are! We had big boobs and high heels and stuff like that!! We also played twister with an iPod as we had lost the spinner!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Day 100 - August 29
It was good today to have a schedule otherwise we would be sooooooooooooo bored!!!!!!!!!!!!! The scedule was
1. Clean Ashie's Bedroom
2. Take Down the Tent
3. CREATE A VEGIE PATCH
We knocked off the first two easily, oh yeah this is why CREATE A VEGIE PATCH is in red because I didn't want to do this job. I went in with a tricky mind as I had one trick up my sleeve, I had lost my shoes and I had to look for them and I wasn't looking very hard at all. But when Mum found them I had to go in and I found it quite enjoyable as all we were doing was pulling everything that was green and brown out. I like smooth relaxing jobs like these but it always ends up hurting your back. ALL DAY WE WERE PLANTING PULLING AND DIGGING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
1. Clean Ashie's Bedroom
2. Take Down the Tent
3. CREATE A VEGIE PATCH
We knocked off the first two easily, oh yeah this is why CREATE A VEGIE PATCH is in red because I didn't want to do this job. I went in with a tricky mind as I had one trick up my sleeve, I had lost my shoes and I had to look for them and I wasn't looking very hard at all. But when Mum found them I had to go in and I found it quite enjoyable as all we were doing was pulling everything that was green and brown out. I like smooth relaxing jobs like these but it always ends up hurting your back. ALL DAY WE WERE PLANTING PULLING AND DIGGING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Day 101 - August 30
Today was pretty relaxing as we were only really rounding up our stuff. Braiden was watching Lord Of The Rings and I couldn't help myself to look but instead I went outside and help pick up sticks and put them in to a trailer to beat my temptaion. The job was done within the hour and Braiden was already onto the second movie of the trilogy. Luckily I was going to get a hair cut! We went to Hair New York and I've got to say that is the best place to get your hair cut they ask YOU how much you want cut off! When I returned we were laughing with Dianne (Ashie's friend) and having a great time. Tonight we also got TACOS I LOVE TARCOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Day 102 - August 31
Broome isn't famous for brooms, Punchbowl isn't famous for punch bowls, Collector isn't famous for collectors, Tamborine isn't famous for tamborines, Curtin isn't famous for curtians but Bega is famous for Bega Cheese. And guess where we landed today...we landed in Bega but before we landed in Bega we were waving frantically to our cousins as we were leaving them. I was in the front seat most of the way to Bega as Braiden watched the third movie of Lord of the Rings. At the Bega factory we tasted lots of yummy cheese and we bought a whole packet of Bega Stringers.
Day 103 - September 1
Today we arrived in Canberra and we went straight to Parliament House. The only problem about going here was that we had been here before and we had seeen all the rooms and I remember it clearly. First we went into the Great Hall, this is were they welcome politicians from other countries. At the very back of this room there is a replica tapestry of a famous Australian painting of a forest. Next we moved into a foyer with painting of former Prime Ministers. They had a John Howard's portrait there but they didn't have Kevin Rudd's as he has not completed his political career yet. We moved to the left section of the foyer where we went through the entrance to the House of Representatives. This is the green room and we learnt lots as Dad loves Camberra and politics. Next we went into the the red room which is called the Senate. Both of these rooms had at least 3 symbolism items of Australia. Braiden and I loved rolling down the hill next to Parliament House and Braiden called this Parmesan Hill.
Day 104 - September 2
Today we went hapily to CSIRO, and your probably wondering what CSIRO stands for...so here it is Commonwealth Science Industrial Research Organisation. To make this sicence trip a bit more realistic they had a glass window next to you with real scientists working inside. In the little labratory they had test tubes, bottles with chemicals in them and paper work all over the place. The first thing we went and did was watched the two movies. We watched the 3D one first and that taught us all about polymers, however the second movie taught us all about CSIRO and its history. After the movies we went and got our lab-coats on and got under way with the small educational activites. We all moved straight onto the microscopes where we looked at lots of bugs including there poo! Next Dad and I teamed up and tried to build a frog but unfortunately with all the school groups there was lots of missing parts. Because of this we went on and put all of the internal organs of the human body into a small plastic human. We also did the chemical activities but I didn't find that fun. My most favourite activty is a wheel that you had to spin to make a light go on and the light is aiming at a solar panel that makes a battery work and then a scooper picks up a jaffa and puts it down the tube that leads straight to you all by the batteries power!!!!!!!! We also went to the National Libary of Australia and that was just another old boring library. In my eyes CSIRO was a priviledge for Braiden as he wants to be a scientist when he grows up and he is extremely lucky to come back here on school camp.
Day 105 - September 3
Today was exicting as we went to 3 diffrent locations. Firstly we went to Cockington Green were we saw MINI DIORAMAS. My favourite part of the dioramas was the electronic TRAINS ELECTRONIC, ELECTRONIC ELEVATORS AND ELCTRONIC WINDMILLS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! There was at least 50 different nationalities and 15 funny dioramas. Next we moved on the space station but before that we pulled over and saw a sheep giving birth, 3 were dead and 2 were alive. The mother had lots of blood and chunks of flesh on her back legs and the alive lambs had flesh on there heads. Also 2 alive lambs were having trouble standing up. My favourite part of the day was the NASA space station as I want to be a ............ Astrononer. Here we saw shiny moon rocks and we saw the video of the first steps on the Moon. I loved the Mars exhibit as it showed all of the rover's functions. Like in the movie Space Chimps they actually sent chimps first into space and it was actually a chimp called HAM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Next we moved on to the National Museum were we built space stations and ships in the animated future K-ZONE we also made a radio announcement that I was extremely hard for me.
Day 106 - September 4
''Hurry up Braiden the shops will close soon!'' said everyone constantly as he was moving so slow to do his blog, shower and you get the idea. As Braiden was in a hurry for breakfast he had half a manderin and 2 strawberries. We finally got to the shops at 11:35am but we weren't actually searching for Dad as we got his present yesterday but Mum was looking around for herself. While Mum was searching for clothes we were at Borders Bookstore reading our books!!! The weather has been bad today with up to 60 kilometre winds and pouring rain. All the umbrellas on the street were flipped the wrong way and were out of control. The weather is still looking bad for tomoorow.
Day 107 - September 5
Happy Fathers Day!!! As all of you know today is Father's Day and I can now reveal what we got..... A POWERMAT!!!!! Dad loves the fact that he can now just drop and charge. Also for Father's Day we went to the War Memorial. We saw the Fallen Unknown Soldier and that made me think about all of the people on the wall and the blood red poppies around their names. Remember Simpson and his Donkey well we saw his name on the wall of names and he had heaps of poppies around his name. Also there were famous dioramas that helped me picture the war. Just before they sunk the H.M.A.S Brisbane they cut off the bridge to use in this museum and we saw how the guns would sound. This museum was good because when I visited last was young and I didn't undersand most of facts. The last two days I have been searching up restaurants for Dad to go to and today we went to KING O'MALLEYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Day 108 - September 6
As I woke up I pictured myself in my warm cosy bed getting ready for school but I know that a good travelling life is better than home as I have gained years of experience. From the tent then upgrading to our small pop-up van and finally to our caravan.
Today we went though Bathurst and when we found out that the race track was a public road we jumped at it! As we started slightly climbing Mount Panorama Dad was tossing up whether or not we were going the right way. When he made his decision (which was are were going the right way) we started to see the wonderful light green rolling hills and lots of farmer's property. I liked the sharp turns but I would not like it if I was going at speeds like 200 km per hour!!!!!! We did this scenic route twice with the caravan and we saw lots of properties next to the race track.
Next we saw the beautiful cliffs of the Blue Mountains and the sheer cliffs did have a blue tinge to them!!!!!!!!!!!
Today we went though Bathurst and when we found out that the race track was a public road we jumped at it! As we started slightly climbing Mount Panorama Dad was tossing up whether or not we were going the right way. When he made his decision (which was are were going the right way) we started to see the wonderful light green rolling hills and lots of farmer's property. I liked the sharp turns but I would not like it if I was going at speeds like 200 km per hour!!!!!! We did this scenic route twice with the caravan and we saw lots of properties next to the race track.
Next we saw the beautiful cliffs of the Blue Mountains and the sheer cliffs did have a blue tinge to them!!!!!!!!!!!
Day 109 - September 7
Ever since Uluru I have thought we could do anything but today I have learnt that it's more we can do anything in our minds...as you can't walk down 900 steep steps without getting a bit of jelly legs. Today we were going on a long walk that I wasn't keen on doing. Once we got on the track we were straight into the rainforest around the Blue Mountains. On most of the steps there was lots of MUD and I avoided that as much could by standing on rocks and going around the mud patches. After 500 metres we found a beautiful rocky waterfall. Even though there wasn't much water flowing but I felt it calmed my mind in some way. I continued on with a calm open mind. As we walked we found lots of little lookouts looking over the same beautiful hills but also every time we got to a new lookout we saw more and more. Finally we saw what Mum and Dad saw yesterday, The Three Sisters. According to the Gundungurra Dreaming three beautiful sisters named Meehni, Wimlah and Gunnedoo. The girls were in love with the three brothers from the neighbouring nation of Dharruk people, but marriage was forbidden by tribal law. The brothers were warriors and decided to take the girls by force. Tribal war forced the Clever Man to turn the sisters into stone. He intended to restore them after the danger had passed and the war had ended. Unfortanly the Clever Man was killed in the battle and to this day nobody has been able to break the spell to turn them to their natural form. After another short stroll we finally reached the GIANT STAIRWAY!!! As we started the slow climb down we began to get jelly legs as the stairs got steeper. I found it hard holding onto the metal bar as it was ice cold and the rock beside us felt very scaly and whatever I held I got sore blood red hands. When I got down to the bottom of the 900 step stairway I was soooooo excited that I could of talked in a chipmuck voice for 1 hour! I seem to have some connection with trees, forests, birds and wild life so this scenic walk in the rainforest was enjoyable for me. As green is my favourite colour it's good to see green in spring even though it feels like winter. Because all the wind had left and gone to Tazzie it made it very leisurely. To get back up we went on the world's steepest train and I CAN"T BELIVE THAT I"M GOING BACK DOWN THAT THING AS I WAS SOOOOOOO SCARED GOING UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Day 110 - September 8
In the beautiful rainforest the warm morning sun was peaking though the little hole in between the leaves of the canopy and lighting up trees in a spectacular way. But before we saw these beautiful sights we had to go down the WORLD'S STEEPEST TRAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was crying when we were on the train as it was 52 degrees but when it started I was having SOOOOOOOOOOOO much FUN!!!!!!!!!!!!! When we got off the train we went though a rainforest which very much looked like a Tarzan jungle because of all the vines. The vines had a natural behaviour of clinging onto any structural thing such as rocks, trees and other vines. We went for an hour walk and to me it felt like 30 minutes before we went on the cable car. This cable car was Australia's Steepest Cable Car. This ride took about 4 minutes and the veiws were better that any lookout. I was so good I can't explain it. Next we moved onto the SKY WAY this ride was the same as the cable way but it wasn't on an angle and the part of the sky way has has GLASS FLOOR!!!!!!!!!!! This is a spectual ride as it shows the main attraction the three sisters and the Katoomba Falls. I loved looking though the 12 glass squres and seeing the canopy from above. When we got off we went to echo point and that would have been my fourth time there so it wasn't that exicting. When we got back onto the sky way I lay down on my belly of the glass floor and I FELT LIKE I WAS FALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Day 111 - September 9
Today we looked up at the beautiful sparkling crystal at Jenolan Caves. This sparkling structure reminded me of Berry Springs crystal clear sparkling water but obviously the crystal wasn't blue. We bought 2 tours for today and the first tour he had a tour guide who was OBSESSED WITH LED LIGHTS. He kept on BLABBING on about how energy efficient it is and how good his torch is (who would buy a $120 dollar LED torch?). The tour was great with the huge chambers of crystal with lot of stalagmites and stalactites and columns. The second tour WAS WITH THE DUDE OBSESSED WITH LED LIGHTS and he blabbed less this time now you can all make the sound of PHEW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This cave had nooooooooooo crystal and only had a RUGGED BEAUTY.
Day 112 - September 10
I felt like I was being squeezed through a snakes throat and being pushed by it's big muscles down into it's belly but I was actually doing all the work in the adventure tour. Unfortuntately beacuse of the rain we couldn't do the abseiling part of the tour so we got to see another chamber. We suited up in our overalls and got ready to SQUEEZE, CRAWL AND SLIDE. In the first cavern we learnt what it would be like to be searching in the caves in candle light, the tour guide asked us to turn off our lights and then he used a lighter and showed us what it would be like. Way back hundreds of years ago, there were a bunch of men who went searching in the exact cavern. They couldn't find their way out and all they could do is wait and wait and wait, and as they waited the candle died down and they wrote on the wall ''The bones on the ground are the remains of _________________________." But when this cave was found, there were no bones soooooooo somehow they escaped!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Next we crawled up a huge pile of rocks to get to a small enclosed place called the "Windows". Here we had to squeeze through a small window to get to the next location. The next location was Signature rock and on this rock there was lots of signatures as back in the olden days you could snap off some crystal and write your signature down but now that's illegal. We continued up a flight of stairs that was carved into the rock to reach the tree root chamber, this chamber had lots of mud on the ground and I got really muddy hands. It's called the tree root chamber as there are two pine tree roots, in the cave. Why could we see the pine tree roots and not the gum tree roots and other plants that are also above? That's because gum trees and other trees above are shallow rooted unlike the long rooted pine trees. Next we saw the exact rock we would of abseiled down. When we got back into the warmth of the 16 degrees cave I got to lead the way. Unfortunately my first attempt was incorrect but after that mistake I lead the team right back to the windows. At the windows we had to slide and kick though a super small hole and while going through the slow process it felt to me I broke a rib or two but fortunately nothing was broken. The next part I could not guide as we were going under the huge pile of rocks and I had not been there. Finally we reached the "letter box". Here we had to squeeze though a hole the size of a letter box shoot. Then after the squeeze we cammando crawled though the S-BEND. We had to swivlle like a snake to get though the S-BEND!!!!!!!!!!!!! Soon we got out of the cave and at that very moment I knew that this was the best fun I have had in years!
Day 113 - September 11
I am losing track of the date and all this travelling is also making me lose track of north and south but I know that this trip is coming to an end. Today we went to the Penrith Caravan Show. Here we saw lots of cool caravans some even WITH LOUNGE ROOMS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Next we went to a small timezone at the Penrith Football Club here we were running around using our tokens. I played stack it and I nearly WON A PLAYSTATION 3! After that I kept on getting 10 tickets on the Roller Turner!!!!!!! Overall I got 89 Tickets and I got 5 lollies! After today I felt like I have grown up somehow.
Day 114 - September 12
Today was a rest day and most of the day I was keeping my brother entertained. Recently Braiden has been in the mood to make somthing out of left over cereal boxes. I kept him entertained by playing a game about GODS as the book he has read recently was Percy Jackson and he really enjoyed that. We were playing this for the whole day but we were constantly changing our powers! We set up our base in a fallen down tree that had fallen down 4 days ago. I posed like this for the blog with blue fly eyes that were from mums school. 18 DAYS UNTIL I'M BACK SAFE AT HOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Day 115 - September 13
It felt like it was raining under Wentworth Falls. The trees around the falls got sunlight and the spraying water off the falls made them look like the greenest green I have ever seen. We were supposed to go on a 1.5 hour walk but we ended up doing a 3 hour walk. At the bottom of Wentworth Falls I was relaxing with my feet hanging down off the small bridge. As we continued on, I was slowly getting a bit light headed. Because we had NOOOOOOOOOOOO WATER on this 3 hour walk I felt like I was going to feint and die.
Day 116 - September 14
Today was a cold, foggy day, fortunatly we did make somthing out of today. We went to the, DRUM ROLL PLEASE............................................The MOVIES!!!!!! Here we watched the Scourcerers Apprentice and what I saw as a tourism movie. Sourcerers Apprentice was about a kid who becomes a sourcerer and saves the world. I highly recommend this movie! The rest of the day we sat inside warm and cosy.
Day 117 - September 15
Today we experienced the overcrowded Sydney!!!! Most parking tickets here are $45 for 3-4 HOURS!!!!!!!! Not good for a day trip hey, so that'ss why there is public transport...smart hey. But today in Sydney we used our CAR!!!!!!!!!! We didn't go all the way to central Sydney as it takes like 4 hours to get there with all the traffic! To use the smart public transport we bought a go card...noooooo we got a multi pass that gives us 1 week to use ferries, buses and trains as much as we want! Mum finally got what shes wanting the whole trip ZARRAFFAS but unfortunately the only ZARRAFFAS in NSW is being SHUT DOWN on Friday!!!!!!!!!!!!! Braiden also got a hair cut and the expression on his face was a furious ape like face!!!! SCARY HEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Day 118 - September 16
''WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO YEA YEA YEA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!''said Braiden and I as we went on the cool rides at Luna Park. When we reached Luna Park it was 5:30 but we were keen to get on some rides. The first ride we went on was the Wild Mouse, this ride was a medium speed with sharp turns that makes you feel like you were going to FLY over the edge!!! Half way though this ride there was a sign saying BRACE YOURSELF! and after the sharp turn we went up and down a steep descent. Next we went to Coney Island, in Coney Island there was a BIG sack slide but I didn't go on the huge sack slide until a bit later as it is near vertical. Also in the island was the Barell of fun, the 1.6 metre tall barell had one side turning clockwise and the other anticlokwise this is there to make it hard as yoto changu have the way you run halfway through. They also had a mirror maze and a moving run track but my favorite ride in Coney Island was the spinning table. He to ere you would sit down on a spinning table with other people and you would have to do what the lady calls such as hand on head you do this until everyone rolls off the table!
Day 119 - September 17
''WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO YEA YEA YEA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!''said Braiden and I as we went on the cool rides at Luna Park. When we reached Luna Park it was 5:30pm but we were keen to get on some rides. The first ride we went on was the Wild Mouse, this ride was a medium speed with sharp turns that makes you feel like you were going to FLY over the edge!!! Half way though this ride there was a sign saying BRACE YOURSELF! and after the sharp turn we went up and down a steep descent. Next we went to Coney Island, in Coney Island there was a BIG sack slide but I didn't go on the huge sack slide until a bit later as it is near vertical. Also in the island was the Barrel of fun, the 1.6 metre tall barrel had one side turning clockwise and the other anti-clockwise this is there to make it hard as it changes have the way you run halfway through. They also had a mirror maze and a moving run track but my favourite ride in Coney Island was the spinning table. Here you would sit down on a spinning table with other people and you would have to do what the lady calls such as hand on head you do this until everyone rolls off the table! I went to dodgem city lots because when I was a little kid I loved dodgem cars. I loved the Tango Train as it was very fast and it went backwards. On the Tango Train I SQUISHED Braiden!!!! Braiden made me sick when he went on the RANGER. The ranger is a pirate ship that goes all the way around, a flip!!!!!!!!!!!!! We also went on the pider which is like the family fun day spinny ride but MORE FUN!!!!!!!!!! I loved the LOULD MODEN MUSIC Plaing
Day 120 - September 18
Wicked Wicked Wicked! Today we watched Wicked the musical that was supposed to be phenomenal, but I thought it was...AWESOME for our first professional performance. My highlight of the performance was whenever the Wicked Witch did something evil the Dragon above us eyes glowed red and sometimes he would move around with smoke coming out of his nose. After the 3 hour perfomance I could see how others and I thought it was phenomenal as it was WICKED!
Day 121 - September 19
Starting this blog is getting hard as we have had 121 blogs so far! REST REST REST was the best thing for my sore eye that was generating a sty. I had a short sleep for I wanted this stupid sty to leave. Today we rode our scooter around the park and this was good as we hadn't done so in like 74 days. We also played at the playground and we played a war game as Braiden likes games like that! I felt tired after today and definitely ready for a good night sleep!
Day 122 - September 20
Today we finally got to see some of our friends from the outside world. We saw our camping friends Chris and Brandon. We have been camping with Chris and Brandon for the past 5 years. Chris is now 9 years of age and Brandon is now 7 and a half. They still have the same personality and the same sense of humor. They play soccer but still like to kick the footy around. Unfortunately we had to drive 4 hours to see them! When we reached Seal Rocks we had a chat and then we moved on to our next activity. We played soccer volleyball for a while and also buried ourselves in sand. At dinner time we went to a rec club and we spent 5 dollars on a FUN CHOCOLATE MACHINE!!!!!! We got two chocolates but because that round was Chris and Brandon's they got to eat the CHOCOLATE in front of our FACE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am looking forward to tomorow as we get to see them again and my sore eye is looking better!
Day 123 - September 21
Today was the first time in a long time that we got to BOOGIE BOARD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Unfortunately the waves were hard to catch as they were small at the time we went. We also couldn't go deep because of a SCARY BEE!!! Chris and I played wipeout because of these small waves. After a nice swim we went onto the sand to create our barrier for our building. Chirs and I created the 30 centimetre wall to stop the waves destroying our building. We had multiple wave pools to stop the waves coming any further! Next we did the usual going back and forth from footy to game consoles. Chirs and Braiden mostly played Stick Stunt Biker while Brandon and I mostly played Plants vs Zombies and Footy! Later in the day the parents decided to go back down to the beach. Here I was the King/Ruler and the Kids were my sevarnt warroirs. To protect me I also had a big wall and I dug myself underground. The Kids had a ball while doing their job and they are looking forward to do it again.
Day 124 - September 22
My top 3 memorable moments of this 5 month trip.
1. Climbing Uluru : I remember climbing those steep cliffs and constantly saying ''one step at a time''. Also I remember the lovely views with the Olgas far in the distance.
2. Devils Marbles : I remember finding our cubby house and this cubby had 6 entrances and 6 exits. We also had a roof cubby!!!
3. Outback Tv : I remember being the main STAR and alwas fighting on what we should do next.
1. Climbing Uluru : I remember climbing those steep cliffs and constantly saying ''one step at a time''. Also I remember the lovely views with the Olgas far in the distance.
2. Devils Marbles : I remember finding our cubby house and this cubby had 6 entrances and 6 exits. We also had a roof cubby!!!
3. Outback Tv : I remember being the main STAR and alwas fighting on what we should do next.
Day 125 - September 23
My top 5 most funniest moments.
1. As Braiden and I was doing outback tv bush tucker We were cracking up as I would always do it wrong!!!!!!!!!!!! and breaking the cracker!
2. "There's lots of TERRORISTS at Uluru, isn't there Mum!"......said Braiden when referring to all of the TOURISTS.
3. "...and there's lots of rare plant life...especially the rare ones!" said Braiden on Outback TV.
4. I was doing a wee on a tree in the bush and I state “I’m giving the tree LIFE” and Dad replied “Yes...but it’s called the AFTERLIFE!”
5. "Would you like a refund Mum?" says Braiden after the glass of coke and oreos he prepared for Mum was quickly spilt by Mum over herself and bed.
1. As Braiden and I was doing outback tv bush tucker We were cracking up as I would always do it wrong!!!!!!!!!!!! and breaking the cracker!
2. "There's lots of TERRORISTS at Uluru, isn't there Mum!"......said Braiden when referring to all of the TOURISTS.
3. "...and there's lots of rare plant life...especially the rare ones!" said Braiden on Outback TV.
4. I was doing a wee on a tree in the bush and I state “I’m giving the tree LIFE” and Dad replied “Yes...but it’s called the AFTERLIFE!”
5. "Would you like a refund Mum?" says Braiden after the glass of coke and oreos he prepared for Mum was quickly spilt by Mum over herself and bed.
Day 126 - September 24
I HATE these long drives and I am looking forward to getting home but we're not there yet. Today we had another day with Chris and Brandon mostly at the beach. I loved the humungous waves as they were only 10 metres out and not 100! I found myself the best BOGGIE BOARDER as I was the only one who was catching these huge waves. Later in the day we could go out 100 metres as there was a big sand bank!
Day 127 - September 25
I can't wait to get back home!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I already know the first thing I'm going to do when I get home and that is JUMP ON THE COUCH. This trip has gone so fast that it feels like we have done it in one day! The more I wake up the more tired I get and I hope to have a good night sleep tonight.
Day 128 - September 26
Today we left the huge waves of Seal Rocks and moved onto our next location. For most of the drive I was playing golf on my DS as I now understand the game. I have been hoping that the waves at Woolgoolga were BIG or even BIGGER than Seal Rocks. I can't wait to get back into some waves and have a good time.
Day 129 - September 27
Life's better when you surf! Today we got to have a go at surfing. The quote that was at the top of this blog was a quote from the back of Glen's new surfboard! For Dad's 40th he got a paddle board even though its not his 40th yet. Hopefully he will be able to have the balance to actually paddle board on his proper birthday. The Dads couldn't even stand up as it was so hard but for us it EASY AND FUN. Tomorrow I am hoping to get back in the water to have a proper surf and not on the white water.
Day 130 - September 28
Today we did the same thing SURF SURF SURF AND SURF! Today was another day with Chris and Brandon, fortunately we have another 2 full days with Chris and Brandon. I am getting good at surfing and I can now start on my belly. Dad also takes me to the big waves but to get there we had to go though lots of waves crashing on us and sometimes even pummelling us!!!!!!!!!!! Tonight we hope to go to a tarven where we EAT FREE!
Day 131 - September 29
Today was a very cold and miserable day because of the rain. Today I went in the lake once and had lots of fun playing BLADES OF DEATH!!!!!!!!!!!!!! As soon as I came out of the water I was shivering like I was about to freeze to death. The rest of my day was spent in the caravan as it was cold, wet and windy outside.
Day 132 - September 30
I can't wait until I'm back in an actual bed! I know the first thing I'm going to do when I get back you've probably heard this before but I will jump on the couch. Next I would go psycho and run into every room and pinch myself just to make sure I'm actually seeing my house again. I do not expect anyone to be waiting for us at our door when we return but knowing my friends they might do so.