Dec 2016 – Jan 2017

Australia

A 32-day adventure by Vander Wonders Read more

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Day 10
Saturday, December 17, 2016 at 8:36 AM UTC
🌙 27 °C
Australia Bougainville Reef -15.493889, 147.10777315°29’38” S 147°6’28” E
Dungeans & Dragons #1
December 17, 2016 in Australia ⋅ 🌙 27 °C
Dive #9

Bougainville Reef
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Day 10
Saturday, December 17, 2016 at 10:00 AM UTC
☀️ 25 °C
Australia Bougainville Reef -15.493889, 147.10778815°29’38” S 147°6’28” E
Dungeans & Dragons #2
December 17, 2016 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C
Dive #10

Bougainville
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Day 11
Sunday, December 18, 2016 at 7:17 AM
☀️ 27 °C
Altitude: Sea level
Coral Sea -15.515833, 147.12417615°30’57” S 147°7’27” E
Anchors Away
December 18, 2016, Coral Sea ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C
Dive #11

Bougainville
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Day 11
Sunday, December 18, 2016 at 10:38 PM
🌙 27 °C
Altitude: Sea level
Coral Sea -16.533333, 147.80027816°31’60” S 147°48’1” E
Cathedrals
December 18, 2016, Coral Sea ⋅ 🌙 27 °C
Dive #12
Holmes Reef
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Day 11
Sunday, December 18, 2016 at 11:37 PM
🌙 27 °C
Altitude: Sea level
Coral Sea -16.516666, 147.84416216°30’60” S 147°50’39” E
Amazing
December 18, 2016, Coral Sea ⋅ 🌙 27 °C
Dive #13
Holmes Reef
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Day 11
Sunday, December 18, 2016
⛅ 31 °C
Altitude: 1 m
Australia Cairns Esplanade -16.91855, 145.77806116°55’7” S 145°46’41” E
Life on the Spirit of Freedom
December 18, 2016 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 31 °C
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Day 11
Sunday, December 18, 2016 at 2:00 PM UTC
🌙 27 °C
Australia Holmes Reefs -16.453054, 147.9899916°27’11” S 147°59’24” E
Tuna Towers #1
December 18, 2016 in Australia ⋅ 🌙 27 °C
Dive #14
Holmes Reef
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Day 11
Sunday, December 18, 2016 at 4:00 PM UTC
🌙 27 °C
Australia Holmes Reefs -16.453056, 147.99000516°27’11” S 147°59’24” E
Tuna Towers #2
December 18, 2016 in Australia ⋅ 🌙 27 °C
Dive #15
Holmes Reef
An Extremely strong current made for more swimming and less photos.

We held on for our dear lives on the mooring line during our safety stop. True to form Isabel did not miss an opportunity to do a workout, she did some horizontal pull-ups against the resistance of the current.

{Roedolf}Read more
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Day 12
Monday, December 19, 2016 at 6:28 PM
⛅ 28 °C
Altitude: 9 m
Australia Stafford Point -16.915787, 145.77397216°54’57” S 145°46’26” E
Active Aussi life
December 19, 2016 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C
Ek is mal oor al die outdoor gims en dan is dit nog op plekke met asemrowende uitsigte. Die runways in Aus maak my hartjie ook baie bly. Daar is nog orals waar ons was, soveel opsies vir 'n nuwe oefen avontuur. Die mense leef vir 'n stukkie aktief wees. Dis baie lekkerder om buite te wees as binne in 'n aircon sweterige gym.My lewe is 'n sukses to say the least.

{Issy}Read more
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Day 13
Tuesday, December 20, 2016 at 9:06 AM
⛅ 30 °C
Altitude: 7 m
Australia Cairns -16.922786, 145.76504816°55’22” S 145°45’54” E
Tapas toast
December 20, 2016 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 30 °C
I nearly roasted on my run this morning, I set my alarm to beat the heat but with no breeze I was humbled by the sun anyways. I thought tapas "toast" is a perfect post run brekkie!!
{Issy}
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Day 13
Tuesday, December 20, 2016
⛅ 28 °C
Altitude: 6 m
Australia Bulimba Point -27.444813, 153.05465827°26’41” S 153°3’17” E
@Barnards in Bulimba Brisbane
December 20, 2016 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C
Ons kap 'n fliekie op die vlug en dis woerts warts tot in Brisbane... domestic travel in die Suidelike halfrond is moeiteloos. Niks dramas met waterbottels en toiletries nie.

20minute tot by die Barnards waar Alyssa ( en die ouers) ons opgewonde verwelkom. Ons het hulle laasweek in Melbourne gesien en dit haar sommer laat ontdooi.

Ons spring almal in die Prada om te gaan kersliggies kyk in die stad. Ek pas net-net tussen die kinders se karstoeltjies in, ons het pret met selfies om die pad "korter" te maak.

Alyssa is in vervoering oor al die Kersbome en "wow" alles. Dis te kosbaar om die kinderlike vreugde te beleef. Ons is toevallig betyds vir die kersparade en lasershow by King George Square haar gesiggie is priceless. 'n Paar dierliefhebbers protes oor die regte bokke "raindeers" wat die kersvader rondsleep.

Sy wil sê heeltyd "one more" dis te kostelik, sy wil net nog een kersboom met liggies sien. 'n Belewenis om Brisbane se Kersfees gees te ervaar.

{Issy}Read more
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La Reine PrinslooLyk of julle reg is vidi kids
12/20/16Reply
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Day 14
Wednesday, December 21, 2016 at 6:33 AM
⛅ 23 °C
Altitude: 8 m
Australia Bulimba Reach -27.451063, 153.05224727°27’4” S 153°3’8” E
Bulimba Run
December 21, 2016 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 23 °C
I found it ironic that the sun woke us up before the kids did. Willie came downstairs with Cooper we had coffee just after 5.30am. Today I outsmarted the heat and went for a quick 4miler@6.15am.
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Day 14
Wednesday, December 21, 2016 at 11:32 AM
☀️ 33 °C
Altitude: 6 m
Australia Pendle -27.451248, 153.05894527°27’4” S 153°3’32” E
First hair cut in 3 months
December 21, 2016 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 33 °C
George's mens hair salon / barber shop is where the transformation took place from animal to human.

Not only was it my first time to get a hair and beard cut together, but to top that with a beer in hand was epic.

All barbers should offer free beer while you get a cut, thats just the way it should be.

{Roedolf}Read more
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Day 16
Friday, December 23, 2016 at 7:04 PM
🌙 23 °C
Altitude: 10 m
Australia Rainbow Beach -25.899193, 153.09092725°53’57” S 153°5’27” E
Rainbow beach QSLND
December 23, 2016 in Australia ⋅ 🌙 23 °C
Roadtrip Aus style... after intensive packing we headed North of Brisbane to the Sunshine coast. We had some Tim Tams for the road ... and was hopeful to get some Billas @ Gympie but apparently the place closed down.

Unpacked settled in, zooshed up some broccoli slaai & mac & cheese (all R 's favourites) , entertained the kids for a bit and finally I wondered to the beach, while giving my mom a call. It is much closer than expected - good to meet the waves once again - I didn't even reach my goal for the day.

The Highlight of my day was to share stories and perspectives with my mom. It's pretty sweet (like the Aussies say) to just buy a sim -firstworldcountry travel - vodafone - be connected and not broke.

And now some wine time...Read more
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Day 17
Saturday, December 24, 2016 at 10:54 AM
☀️ 28 °C
Altitude: Sea level
Australia Double Island Point -25.9453, 153.1730825°56’43” S 153°10’23” E
Chrismas eve beach day
December 24, 2016 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C
This is way different from any of the other beaches we have been on the past 83 days. You have to drive on the beach with a 4x4 to get to double island point.

What makes double island point so special is the ocean forms salt water lagoons on the beach during high tide and during low tide you can camp between the lagoons and swim in the ocean without worrying about waves etc. Perfect for the kids!

I managed to burn a nice wife beater tan for the first time on this trip. The Australian sun is not your friend.

{Roedolf}Read more
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Day 17
Saturday, December 24, 2016 at 6:57 PM
🌙 23 °C
Altitude: 11 m
Australia Rainbow Beach -25.902412, 153.08846825°54’9” S 153°5’18” E
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Christmas eve
December 24, 2016 in Australia ⋅ 🌙 23 °C
As we remember the biggest gift we received from God when Jesus was born to be our Lord and Savior; we exchanged gifts to celebrate this gift.

John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

As per usual Isabel is almost more excited about the gift than most of the kids.

Alyssa took the prize for the most excited gift receiver, Connor a close second for the jelly snakes- a true hit, while Cooper and James could not care less.

Really an awesome time to be around children as they really enjoy Christmas so much more than grownups do.

{Roedolf}Read more
Sonja Gouws Mooi!
12/24/16Reply
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Day 17
Saturday, December 24, 2016 at 7:04 PM
🌙 23 °C
Altitude: 10 m
Australia Rainbow Beach -25.902321, 153.0881325°54’8” S 153°5’17” E
Oukersdag 2016
December 24, 2016 in Australia ⋅ 🌙 23 °C
Elke goeie dag begin met 'n draffie...ons almal het vroeg omgekap gisteraand en ek was dou voor dag wakker van die lig en 'n paar vrolike kinders wat gesels. Ek het nog so 'n versie geslaap tot kwart oor ses toe spring ek in my tekkies in, en hardloop tot by die die sandblow, 'n paar moeilike bulte breek my bietjie maar die kilo in die natuurreservaat is verskriklik mooi.

Terug by die huis help ons coolers pak, kinders organiseer ens. Net voor 9 is die 4x4 tyd, wiele afblaas en ons ry op die elle lange rainbow beach tussen groot sandduine en plekke waar dit so half en half 'n canyon maak langs die see. Ons kry 'n perfekte stopplek waar daar min bakkies sodat dit nie 'n uitdaging met die kinders is nie. Ons maak 'n brunch op die strand, baljaar in die vlakwater saam Alyssa en Connor . Ek lees bietjie my beachhut verder en wees net....

Ek was oortuig ons het die kinders gedaan gespeel, maar hulle was almal soos opwen muise en ek en Roedolf is die enigstes wat poegaai is, ek lees 'n bietjie tot my oë toeval.

Na my recharge sessie gaan loop ek 'n draai deur die winkeltjies en verken die dorpie so bietjie. Daar is 'n oulike paar plekkies. Defnitief 'n koffieplek waar ek wil gaan kuier.

Terug by die huis is dit amper persente tyd...Read more
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Day 18
Sunday, December 25, 2016 at 4:36 PM
☀️ 25 °C
Altitude: 9 m
Australia Rainbow Beach -25.897196, 153.0902125°53’50” S 153°5’25” E
Chrismas aka Chrissy
December 25, 2016 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C
Perfect Christmas day, lazy, afternoon naps, good company and great food!

{Roedolf}
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Day 20
Tuesday, December 27, 2016 at 12:01 PM
☀️ 27 °C
Altitude: 15 m
Australia Gympie Regional Council -25.974117, 153.07232825°58’27” S 153°4’20” E
Seary's creek
December 27, 2016 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C
Fresh water lake in the middle of Cooloola reserve. The boys went for a swim in the freezing cold water. I went in about knee depth and was scared by a freshwater eel. A Pretty cool outing
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Day 20
Tuesday, December 27, 2016 at 12:19 PM
☀️ 26 °C
Altitude: 11 m
Australia Rainbow Beach -25.90257, 153.09403925°54’9” S 153°5’39” E
Beach fun
December 27, 2016 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C
We spend the afternoon on the beach, I taught Alyssa and Connor how to do star jumps over the waves while Roedolf finished the final touches of the gigantic sand castle. The kids helped to build the sandcastle but at some point it became more fun breaking it down, so I distracted them.Read more
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Day 21
Wednesday, December 28, 2016 at 3:40 PM
☀️ 29 °C
Altitude: 31 m
Australia Seventy Five Mile Beach -25.380295, 153.17919925°22’49” S 153°10’45” E
1
Fraser Island
December 28, 2016 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C
All I can say is; WOW! I have never seen a beach this long.

Fraser Island, off Australia’s eastern Queensland coast, is the world's largest sand island, stretching over 120km.

{Roedolf}
Sonja Gouws Sho!
12/28/16Reply
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Day 21
Wednesday, December 28, 2016 at 6:00 PM
☀️ 25 °C
Altitude: 98 m
Australia Carlo -25.914192, 153.09672525°54’51” S 153°5’48” E
Carlo Sand blow
December 28, 2016 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C
This natural phenomenon at rainbow beach see the wind blow sand through the cliffs to create a beach away from the ocean.

Carlo Sand Blow was named by Captain Cook after one of his deck crew named Carlo. The unique "moonscape" sand mass covers over 15 hectares and overlooks the towering coloured sands.

A short little track from the town gets you to this beautiful scenic vantage point, ideal at sunrise or sunset.

While the parents was going through the bathing and putting kids to bed rituals we took the opportunity for some alone QT.

{Roedolf}Read more
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Day 22
Thursday, December 29, 2016 at 4:49 PM
☀️ 28 °C
Altitude: Sea level
Australia Inskip -25.809454, 153.04582225°48’34” S 153°2’45” E
Late afternoon beach sessh
December 29, 2016 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C
It was really hot today, so we made the call to only head to beach at 4pm. We found another cool rugged spot close to the ferry to Fraser island. We went for a stroll and enjoyed the beach with all the trees and washed out logs on it.

We saw loads of tiny crabs running about, as I chased them they created perfect tiny holes in the sand where they disappeared into. It was fascinating to literally watch millions of them.

Another highlight was watching the fisherman catch some bait and Connor being overly excited about it. We ended the day with a crisp sauvignon blanc and some good company.

{Issy}Read more
Bobo Van der westhuizenDaai krappe lyk meer soos spinnekoppe 😳
1/2/17Reply
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Day 23
Friday, December 30, 2016 at 5:29 PM
☀️ 25 °C
Altitude: 415 m
Australia Maleny -26.758413, 152.85162426°45’30” S 152°51’6” E
Roadtrip Maleny
December 30, 2016 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C
We made our way back to Brisbane after the wonderful relaxing week at Rainbow beach. Me and Roedolf decided to take the scenic route through the glasshouse mountains to Maleny. We got really excited when we spotted a South african shop, needless to say we got carried away, bought Roodeberg, Chutney Simba chips, Fizzers and a huge stash of biltong and droëwors.

We had lunch at a cute little spot in Maleny. We hiked a small loop in the Mary Cairns-cross scenic reserve and I was lucky enough to spot us a wallaby in the wild. There was also loads of nasty Aussie bats hanging in the trees. The rainforest was really lush and beautiful and it was great to do a unplanned hike.

{Issy}Read more
CoetseeAroundTheWorldDis so mooi daar!
1/4/17Reply
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Day 24
Saturday, December 31, 2016 at 12:00 AM
⛅ 24 °C
Altitude: 21 m
Australia Alexandra Headland -26.671726, 153.09808326°40’18” S 153°5’53” E
Happy new year
December 31, 2016 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 24 °C
Fantastic to celebrate New Years with the Westwood's in Alexandra Headland. Wonderful people like them you don't kick out behind every corner, we were lucky enough to meet them just over 2 months ago on our transpacific cruise and it was like we have known each other for years. No doubt we will have loads more Westwood tours, somewhere in the world in the future.

We enjoyed a BBQ picnic and a couple of cold one's next to the beach while watching the fireworks. A near perfect night.

Until we retired home we realized that it was going to be hot night without the ocean breeze we have enjoyed, but did not quite expect the sauna awaiting us in our room without AC or fan. I woke up at 3 am in a puddle of sweat just to realize Isabel was gone, I walked downstairs to the living room where I found Isabel asleep on the floor under the cealing fan, needless to say I grabbed a pillow and joined her for a more comfortable couple of hour sleep.

{Roedolf}Read more
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