Saturday, September 27, 2008

Chhh-hhhh-anges

People often go away to ‘discover’ themselves. I have discovered I am getting old and have a couple of grey hairs. Don’t get me wrong- although a Taurean I am relishing getting older- I don’t feel like a loser if I stay home on a Saturday night and I now actually look forward to days where I don’t ‘have’ to drink. It is just that as I look at all the young svelte girls, I realise that I will never again be that girl that people take a second look at. Now, they only take a second look as if to say ‘I can’t believe she has teamed blue trackie dacks, red sloppy joe and pink ugg boots’.............
But, back to the grey hair- this actually came as a bit of a shock. I have enjoyed teasing my beloved for the past few months about his ‘pepper’ look, never really thinking he would get the chance to do it back. Last week, I took myself off to get back to my natural colour- blonde. I made a booking at the local Graceville Coiffure to have my roots touched up... you know streaks. Now back in Sydney my hairdresser would have known I meant foils, but as the hairdresser sprayed my hair and put talc in a cap, I thought what the heck- I haven’t had my head stabbed at with a crochet hook for years. The hairdresser even marvelled at what a good decision I had made- apparently ‘streaks’ last longer than ‘foils’. We were getting on well, she is going out with a younger man and we joked and laughed at the maintenance girls do to keep themselves looking ageless. I commented that my man had some grey hairs, but it doesn’t bother him or me. Ha- lucky I don’t have any. Then came the blow. Apparently I have two grey hairs, hidden at the very back of my head. I made her repeat this several times. I dare not look, the pain of seeing my locks turn grey too unbearable. No one else has seen them either........... perhaps they aren’t really there.............. what if she was playing a cruel joke?
But I am relishing the new discoveries that been away from home brings. I used to know every freckle on my body, every one of the six. Now as the sun damage becomes more apparent, I find new freckles with the dawn of each new day. Oh well, I could play join the dots for hours and wonder who’s skin this is. Dave is also noticing how different we are. Once brave enough to take on a jungle curry and win, he has been left suffering ‘downstairs’ for two days from a spicy thai dinner on Friday night. However, we have been savouring new foods and flavours, even trying a fruit called Black Sopate. Known as ‘chocolate fruit’ and native to Brazil, it has a texture of chocolate mousse and a flavour of chocolate! True! However, I did draw the line at the chicken and frog wontons, on our outing to Vietnam, I mean Inala. Dave ventured into the world’s best seafood shop and marvelled at the wonders of the deep. I didn’t get to see any, I got as far as the entrance before I had to ran for a bush in the parking lot. Dam weak stomach.
Must go- going to check out what bird is looking at me from my bird book. Yes, Kirrily bought me such an item. Old age certainly creeps up fast..............
No photos to this entry- I may have got ‘old’ comments

Monday, September 22, 2008

Is this civilisation?

Having left the serenity of our camping ground bordering the bush at Byron, we headed for civilisation. Motorways, traffic, beeping horns, concrete jungle, shouting, foul language- is this civilisation? These people are not civil- not compared to the country folk we have left behind.
I must admit I felt my stress levels rise and it took me a while to adjust to the big city of Brisbane. Perhaps it is something that happens to all of us- we change to our environments. Move anyone from the city to the country and I guarantee they will become genteel folk. But there are still plenty of generous, loving people where ever you go..............
Settling into our friends- Mark & Kirrily- newly purchased home in Graceville, we sat in the backyard enjoying the shade of a big tree and a crisp chardonnay (unwooded of course). Friends make you feel relaxed, a little part of home. That was until Kirrily said- “whatever happens this weekend, just remember we will always be good friends”. I must admit I was a bit scared by this rather odd comment, but just put it down to the fact that she is now a ‘Queenslander’ and they are all a little ‘different’ up here.
But, all was revealed at about 10pm- the back door opened to the strains of Macarthur Park (Leisa’s favourite song, as my friends know only too well), and out came the ‘gay boys’ from Sydney, dressed in drag, carrying a pink cake (if you know the words to Macarthur Park you understand). There were tears- both from laughter and fright. I guess what did I expect- Robin did wear my bikini once........ I knew we were in for a fun weekend.
We woke on Saturday and readied ourselves for a day at Sea World. Six big kids on a quest to have FUN.

Dolphins, Sea World

Sea World did not disappoint. First stop was food to assist the hangovers, then the Pirate Ship ride. Not good when you have just eaten. No vomiting, but I must admit to a little dry reaching..... The water rides were the favourites all round. The Bermuda Triangle, the best by far, even though a little scary.... maybe alot scary, to the point my pubes went straight...... but then it was time for the Seal Show. Lame is the only word that comes to mind here. Same for the water ski show. The dolphins didn’t disappoint though- both the show and the dolphins sheer magic to watch.
Arriving home, we all showered (not together) and got ready for a night on the town. Buddha Bar first for some cocktails and shots and then off to the Wickham- packed to the rafters with men. Men who like men- but a dam good perve none the less. Met a Shaman who can see your animal spirit guide- Robin is an earthworm, Kirrily is a funnel web spider............ as I said, they are all a little ‘different’ up here...... Some funky moves on the dance floor, before heading home for BED. Sunday was a quiet day- except

Robin, Kiz and Osman on the Bermuda Triangle ride

for the laughter on remembering our antics from the night before.

We have discovered this is a generous neighbourhood. Not being able to fit our camper down Mark & Kirrily’s driveway (dam Jacaranda tree), we had it parked in the next street. On Monday, while retrieving more clothes and supplies, we were approached by one of the neighbours. They were curious as to who owned the ‘beast’, but also offered to keep a watchful eye over her. Dora (AKA the beast) is now safely nestled in ‘Jan’s backyard’- a truly generous offer. Jan has noticeably recently gone through chemotherapy, but received ‘good news’ last Friday. The street have been looking out for her- apparently there are many single (older) women close by, and they make sure everyone is OK. We know all the local gossip and managed to introduce Mark & Kiz around.
Today we are pottering ‘at home’- planning future adventures and a dinner for our kind hosts tonight.
Killer dolphins, Sea World

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Can you recommend a diet?

The cossie still fits and for someone nearing 40, I thought looked pretty good. But what is it with Byron and ‘thin people’? Everywhere I look are tanned, slim guys and gals- and not just the young ones. I am beginning to feel like one of the whales that every second person seems to want to save.


Brunswick Heads

Dave and I ventured to Brunswick Heads and discovered a protected beach, just near the breakwater. We nestled into a corner and laid out our towels for a spot of reading in the sun. My idea of bliss, even if here as well I was surrounded by ‘thin people’- and most of them mothers with bubs! Still these people were more delectable to the eye than those in the Mullumbimby Pub- I now know what kind of people hang out in pubs during weekdays.....
After a glorious day exploring the hinterland of rolling hills, lush and green dotted with cows content with the knowledge that most of their human neighbours are ‘vegos’, we arrived home to meet our new neighbours. A lovely couple- Scott from Narrabeen and Deb from the North of England. They soon discovered we had not had a ‘housewarming’ and therefore we promptly set up chairs, table, nibbles and some chilled wine. They had travelled around Oz and regaled us with stories of characters met on the way, and how they came to choose Byron for their impending wedding next April.
Awaking to a new day, we planned our activities. First we took in the sights of Lennox Head, through Lismore to Nimbin. Within 2 minutes of arriving we were offered marijuana and by the end of our visit ‘cookies’ as well (no we did not buy either). I felt I was in some European country as we ate Tofu Burgers in the Rainbow Cafe next to a group of ‘young-ins’, who promptly made a bong out of a water bottle and smoked cones. The haze of smoke only matched by the haze most people here seem to walk around in. We were impressed by the local artists and Dave bought me a beautiful necklace with a shimmering blue pendant.
After lunch we took off to Protester Falls back in the 70’s this was the first sight of ‘Tree huggers’.

Protester Falls walk

Now on the World Heritage List, it is easy to see why protester’s linked their limbs, to save what was to become logged. Arriving at the Falls, it was quite surreal to find Ian Cohen- the Green MP there, marvelling in what he had such a great part in protecting. We had just read a quote from him at the start of the walk!
Today we are off on a walk to the Byron Lighthouse, our last day here. Sad to leave somewhere so full of life and beauty, but we know we will discover more truly magical parts of this wide brown (and green) land. Dave also hopes to see some whales off the coast (not the one lying next to him).

Friday, September 12, 2008

Camper Envy



The Big Banana, still the same from childhood

I have just awoken from my afternoon nap, here at Byron. Now before you groan, it is the first afternoon nap I have taken since we began our frolic around Oz. Our days have been filled to the brim, our eyes feasting on the sights, our legs getting more use than the pistons of our BT-50. And a damm fine nap it was too. I am still amazed at how comfy our home is. Here at Byron, I feel far superior, as we are surrounded by flimsy tents and tiny huts made from a cloth material. The age group is a little more in our range too...........
I was beginning to feel ‘Camper Envy’ at our previous camps. We were clearly the smallest on the block, and lacking many home comforts, such as a table cloth and doily. I kid you not- one camper I was invited into was decked out with a table complete with cloth, doily and fake plant, blow heater, microwave, juicer, scones baking in the oven (they were delicious), wall pictures and teddy sitting proudly on a bed the size of a small nation, among many other trimmings!
Therefore I promptly went out and bought two placemats, so we could also be ‘civilised’ at dinner. Now everytime we eat, we can think of our visit to the Big Banana (yep our placements have the ‘Big Banana’ on them). I plan to get some kitsch coasters from the next tourist spot to match- look out the ‘Big Pineapple’!
We are here at Byron for a week- a time to really relax and let the stresses of city life melt away in the warm sun. It is also nice not to be on the move. It is easy to see why the Grey Nomads have made such a name for themselves- caravans, motorhomes and campers truly own the Pacific Highway between 10am and 2pm, Monday to Friday. We find ourselves nodding at every second vehicle, fellow travellers who have also discovered the secret of life- LIVING!

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Get me a BB Gun

Well we have certainly tested out the camper and our relationship, having endured torrential rain and gale force winds at Soldiers Point (Port Stephens). The camper didn’t leak, and we remained warm and cosy- in fact the camper is more spacious than it seems. Our first night, while mother nature did her best to dampen our spirits, we cooked a dahl soup on our stove and watched Channel 7 (the only signal we could receive), followed by episodes of Black Adder, all from the comfort of our ‘loungeroom’.
Having spent our budget for the next 3 months (not much else to do in the rain..), a couple of days later we awoke to blue sunny skies. Alas, the sounds of lawnmowers in the city have been replaced by birds in the bush. Mind you the trill of a honeyeater is a nice way to rise and meet the new day- who cares that it is early. Having exhausted ourselves during the day, we aren’t exactly going to bed that late. (Don’t tell anyone I feel asleep at 8.30pm on Saturday night, and slept for 11 hours- best sleep ever!). Damm birds, could have slept longer.............
Our next port of call was Harrington. I spent many a school holiday here, and the town has not changed one bit (shows I am not really that old.....). Although a new development ‘Harrington Waters’ is underway, complete with a church in the centre of the shopping complex
Harrington Waters- pic shows the church in the middle of the shopping centre

Sunday’s just aren’t complete without God and a bag of groceries. Took some photos, the layout is too bizzare for words.We have only been away for a week, yet it feels like Sydney was another lifetime ago (in a good way). I could get very used to this lifestyle, although as I type I am surrounded by birds- the bush turkey I am not a fan of. Dave laughed at me as a screamed for him to ‘save me’, vicious looking animal...... We have certainly got into the ‘nature’ mindset- Dave has been pointing out and taking photos of birds- Willy Wag Tail, Blue Wren, Sea Eagle, Finches to name but a few. Next we will be joining the local twitters club and walking with binoculars around our necks!
And what is with me asking ‘What would you like for tea?’- I have never called ‘dinner’ tea in all my life- it is something my Granny used to say. I guess we are just turning into Grey Nomads........ Speaking of ‘tea’- food has never tasted so good. Is it because I am soaking in the atmosphere, it seems for the first time, really seeing and tasting, or is it because the produce bought from a local market is that much fresher and tastier. A mixture of both I suggest. I have never enjoyed a Corona quite like the one sitting on the pier as the sun was setting, the water glistening, pelicans bobbing by, as the day drew to a close.
Crowdy Head, just north of Harrington is one of the NSW coasts most magical places. A two hour amble through the national park, took us through terrain that ranged from rainforest, to bush to wild cliff faces, concluding in the most idyllic camping ground at Diamond Head. Lazy kangaroos literally everywhere, clean amenities and a short walk to a secluded, sandy beach extending to the headland, the scenery just magical.

Diamond Head, looking towards Crowdy Head

It is here that I also drove ‘the beast’ for the first time. Not quite ready for the highway, but with more practice I will soon be able to plan my escape... err.... I mean retrieve supplies.
Crowdy Head, as with most country towns, is full of genuinely friendly locals, a special mention to John ‘the driver’ at the local fish co-op. Some exceptional service, and a bagful of prawns.
Today we arrived in Sawtell (Coffs Harbour), at last the days are getting warmer. Off with the jeans and on with shorts and thongs. Tomorrow we hit the beach- thank heaven I am far away from you lot when this white bod sees the sun for the first time!
Promise to write more regular, I will sign off for now, as I watch a bird peck at the insects on our windscreen...........

Thursday, September 4, 2008

On our way?

Well we have left Sydney....... kinda........ were going to spend one night at my brothers............ still here.......... pouring with rain. Still haven't slept in the camper, but we have made progress- we have repacked and are more organised. But can you believe it- we have two empty cuphboards in the camper- I could have packed more clothes!!

So far the adventure has consisted of:
Dora the Explorer (the show)
Bunnings (the playground)
Blues Clues (his first day of school episode)
.....and having 'visitors' come into our bed at 3.30am. I guess that is what you get when staying with a 4, 3 and 18 month old!

All very cute, but we are determined to head to Port Stephens this afternoon and sleep in the camper tonight. We have a Dora doll on the bed, and fake flowers on the tabe (thanks Nat).

Camping here we come! Rain or rain........... or rain.......... and some very strong wind (no it wasn't the eggs).