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Trip of a lifetime
  • ctkeefe
Mar – May 2016

Trip of a lifetime

A 54-day adventure by ctkeefe Read more
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  • ctkeefeTrip of a lifetimectkeefe

    Secret beaches

    April 15, 2016 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C

    We drive south if Mallacoota to Quarry beach suggested by our host, Margaret. The rocks on the beach were beautiful, layers of petrofied wood and apparently studied often by students from Melbourne.

    We walked along the beach and bumped into the same man with his dog from the other day. What are the chances!

    At the end if the beach we either turned back or huffed it over a rock to a secluded beach. We huffed. It ended up being 'Secret beach' and we were able to get onto the coastal 'walk' back to our car which was lovely.

    One bad thing though. As we walked from the beach to the walk we ran into a logging area. Our previous host had mentioned the issues with logging vs conservation and this was a sad sight. This wasn't selective sustainable logging like we're used to in Vermont. This was straight out annihilation. Sad to see.

    So we walked back to our car. Then drove onto Shipwreck beach, a good 20 minutes on dirt road (with a rattling thingy under the car) anf it wasn't much. Beautiful but just as beautiful as we had seen. Not woth the drive.    Read more

  • ctkeefeTrip of a lifetimectkeefe

    Boating on the lake, I mean inlet

    April 15, 2016 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C

    After exploring the coast we came home and packed up lunch. Head just down the road and did a 'boat hire'. Basically we rented a motorized boat that wouldn't go fast enough for us to do any damage. And besides the lake is so vast and empty, it was hard to find anyone.

    But it was lovely. We stopped in the middle and had lunch. Then explored some of the inlets and stopped again to have a glass of wine in the quiet and peaceful surroundings.

    We got home and enjoyed our deck and view. Then Tom cooked me an amazing roast to conclude our wonderful stay in Mallacoota.    Read more

  • ctkeefeTrip of a lifetimectkeefe

    Wine with the kangaroos

    April 16, 2016 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C

    Said goodbye to our lovely hosts and drove to Cape Conran on the coast. We had our breakfast at Salmon rocks. Yet another pretty beach.

    We then head through Marlo and inland to the Buchan caves. We were early so we decided to have a glass of wine in the picnic area with the kangaroos. Did quite an interesting tour except for the huge family of about 30 with babies, toddlers and young kids.

    From there we head to our next place in Bairnsdale. Nice studio, again with everything you would need. Cooked a lovely veggie meal (after 4 consecutive meals of beef!) and then I proceeded to annihilate Tom in Spite and Malice!    Read more

  • ctkeefeTrip of a lifetimectkeefe

    Sea level to 5400 feet

    April 17, 2016 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 11 °C

    Today was going to be a little colder and overcast so we decided to head up the Snowy Mountains and go for a hike. These are the mountains where I learnt how to ski at 4 years old.

    We stopped at a gorgeous spot for breakfast. Apparently these mountains used to be overrun by cattle and sheep farmers destroying the land.

    We carried on going, pretty much constantly winding up hill and ended up in Omeo. At the tourist office we found a good hike a little further up in Dinner Plain ski area.

    The hike took us to an old hut similar to the ones that these cattle herders would live in. Very basic bunks, fireplace and simple kitchen area. People can still stay in this one today as unappetising as it looks.

    Then we head through an area that had a brush fire in 2003. The flora and fauna are coming back but through these interesting dead tree limbs. Here we got to a bench overlooking an amazing view of Mt. Hotham and the sun tried to peak out for us.    Read more

  • ctkeefeTrip of a lifetimectkeefe
    11

    Found our dive bar

    April 18, 2016 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C

    After the hike we stopped at Oriental Claims and had our well deserved lunch. Then did a 45 minute loop around this old gold mine.

    Then drove home, again absolutely gorgeous going down the mountains.

    When we got into town we felt like grabbing a drink and found this awesome local bar, The Imperial Hotel. All the bars seem to be called hotels. There were only a few people there but got to chatting with about our trip and of course sports. Couple of the patrons were a little (ok a lot) sauced. Great dive bar experience. Then home for a delicious chicken dinner.    Read more

  • ctkeefeTrip of a lifetimectkeefe
    1

    90 mile beach and no one

    April 18, 2016 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C

    Head to Metung for breakfast. Metung is a sweet little holiday town on the mainland side of 90 mile beach.

    Then we went down a little to check out Seaspray right on 90 mile beach. Strange holiday town that seems to be stuck in the 70's. All the holiday homes are old beach houses and we barely saw a sole. So weird. We went to the beach and had a wine. We could see anyone for miles in either direction. So cool.

    Then we drove through South Gippsland farmland and figured out there are 3 sheep for every person in Australia (New Zealand is 7 to 1). We ended up in Port Albert, another cute holiday town. We had lunch surrounded by seagulls and then had a drink at a local cafe.

    Now off to our next Airbnb in Yanakie. We met Tom, our host and his chickens (by name). The place was great and ended up having a couple of drinks (including some of his home brews) on the patio.

    Ended the night watching Lord of the Rings in anticipation of New Zealand!    Read more

  • ctkeefeTrip of a lifetimectkeefe

    Take me to the prom

    April 19, 2016 in Australia ⋅ 🌙 15 °C

    Everytime we told people in the last week that we were going to Wilson Promontory National Park they had a kind of ahhh reaction. Today we found out why.

    As you're driving in you go up a hill and come around a corner and it somehow changes. Mountains, sea views, just gorgeous.

    We had chosen a big hike. 9.5km in and out to Sealer's Cove. That's 12 miles round trip. AMAZING. Best hike of my life. The six miles goes through beautiful views to incredible rainforest fauna, a boardwalk through coastal brush and utlimately down from 1000 feet to sea level spitting you out onto a secluded beach cove.    Read more

  • ctkeefeTrip of a lifetimectkeefe

    6 miles in, 6 miles out

    April 19, 2016 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    The cove was incredible. Worth the 6 miles it took us to get there. We sat down and had our picnic. It had its challenges though. First we got sand in our lettuce which i had to wade into the freezing sea to wash off Then we were surrounded by bees. Boy I hate bees.

    Anywho, it was a lovely lunch and after a little rest and another refreshing dip in the sea we head back. This time pretty much all uphill. We did ok but were excited when we hit mile 11!

    We made our way to the only town in the park, Tidal River and checked out the beach there. Then it was off to Whiskey beach for sunset. OMG after the best hike of my life this may have just been the best sunset of my life.

    Home exhausted we managed to cook a delicious veggie egg scramble, watch a bit more of Lord of the Rings and crash for the night.    Read more

  • ctkeefeTrip of a lifetimectkeefe

    Emus and dunes, oh and the big city

    April 20, 2016 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    Getting out of bed and upright was a challenge but we made it through. We were going to just pack up and head out but Tom, our host convinced me to do a little walk.

    Tom took a little convincing but when we did it, it was well worth it. It was just 2 miles round trip. We walked to a clearing and saw 2 emu. We followed them towards the ocean and found the dunes. We climbed up the dunes to yet another gorgeous view of the coastline.

    Then it was onto Melbourne stopping for lunch. Dropped off the car and cabbed to our Airbnb. Shash and Nick were there. So lovely to see them. Had a few drinks in the gorgeous apartment we were staying in and then head out to dinner.

    Artisan yummy pizza and then stopped at an Ale House for really good craft beer albeit a little expensive. Good night all around.    Read more

  • ctkeefeTrip of a lifetimectkeefe

    Showers in Melbourne

    April 21, 2016 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 24 °C

    Head out and got on a tram to check out downtown Melbourne. We first stopped st Melbourne Museum and saw the Aboriginal exhibit. Interesting building, informative but a little scattered for me. Walked through Chinatown and basic downtown. Hit Flinders station, a really cool building that is a train station and had lunch on the steps of Federation Square. Finally had my meat pie. Went to the coolest little lane, Hosier Lane. Full of graffiti, street art. Then we stopped at Degraves st, another little alley. Walked around a little aimlessly and passed the Duke of Wellington for the 4th time and decided that we just had to have a drink in there.

    Head back home and got take out sushi with Shash and Nick.    Read more

  • ctkeefeTrip of a lifetimectkeefe

    Botanical gardens and Docklands

    April 22, 2016 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C

    We head into town to the Botanical gardens. On our way we came across the Shrine of Rememberence, a memorial for war veterans. We walked around it and came upon of service of some sort.

    The Botanical Gardens were gorgeous. Tom left to go home for a run and some downtime. I carried on walking around found a cafe overlooking a pond and had my favorite, scones with jam and fresh whipped cream.

    From there I made my way to the Docklands. Pretty sterile, walked through an outdoor mall and saw the Melbourne Star, a gigantic ferris wheel.

    Next stop was Victoria Market. Unfortunately I was a little late and most of the stalls were closed up ir closing up. The market is huge and looks like it sells anything you could think of. I did manage to get veggies for dinner and some Australian bush spices.

    Tom had gone for his run and then got some lunch at a pub, only to make some friends and have a couple of beers with them.

    I cooked dinner and at around 10pm Shash and I went to the airport to pick up James!    Read more

  • ctkeefeTrip of a lifetimectkeefe

    The great Great Ocean Road

    April 23, 2016 in Australia ⋅ 🌬 24 °C

    Raeford and Hilary arrived in the morning. We all ran a few errands, had some lunch and got on the road.

    We stopped at Torquay, a cute little surfer's town. From there the road hugs cliffs with beautiful views of the ocean and deserted beaches. We stopped at Bell's beach which was just a little taste of what was to come.

    Tom and I were in our car and Raeford, Hilary, Shayleen, Nick and James were in a van. We had got separated from them and arrived at our destination, Lorne before them. They wouldn't let us check into the campsite so we went to the beach and had a glass of wine.

    The campsite was perched on a hill with views of the ocean. We spent the rest of the evening around a picnic table snacking, drinking and catching up.    Read more

  • ctkeefeTrip of a lifetimectkeefe

    More greatness on the Ocean Road

    April 24, 2016 in Australia ⋅ 🌬 23 °C

    After breakfast and packing up we went to Erskine Falls just outside Lorne. 30 metres falls we walked down to the bottom in pretty gorgeous forest.

    From there we head along beautiful coastline to Apollo Bay and had a picnic lunch on the water.

    As we head out of town I realized that I left my phone in the toilet. We turned around and went back loosing the other car. We went back to the toilet, went to information, tried to get on the internet to use the Find My IPhone app. No luck. :-(

    This part of the Great Ocean Road went inland and we traveled to out farthest point on the trip. On the way we passed the 12 apostles. We thought the gang may be there and happened upon it at sunset so stopped. See another foot print for thise photos.

    We finally made it to Port Campbell. We didnt know where the rest were but miraculously as we got in town they were on a balcony at a pub and saw us!

    Checked into our campsite and then had dinner at a great fish and chips shop, followed by a drink at a nice spot and home to our tents again.    Read more

  • ctkeefeTrip of a lifetimectkeefe

    12 or maybe 7 apostles - sunset

    April 24, 2016 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C

    As noted in our last post we stopped at the 12 Apostles at sunset. Quite a few have fallen down to the constant wear of the ocean. There may have been a lot of tourists that took away from the ambiance but it was stunning.Read more

  • ctkeefeTrip of a lifetimectkeefe

    Sunrise apostles

    April 25, 2016 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C

    We all motivated to get up to go see the apostles at sunrise. Unfortunately Raeford misplaced his keys so all 7 of us climbed into our Camry (thank goodness we upgraded).

    The views again were amazing. We had coffee overlooking them. It was great.Read more

  • ctkeefeTrip of a lifetimectkeefe

    Hiking along a deserted coast

    April 26, 2016 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    The camp site was due south of the part of the Great Ocean Road where it went inland. It was pretty deserted and we were lucky to have no one next to us and were literally steps from the beach.

    We woke up in the morning to watch the sunrise over the ocean. It was spectacular. We also noticed that we had a visitor in our camp, a koala. He stayed with us the entire time which apparently is pretty rare.

    Today we decided to go for a hike to the Cape Otway Lightstation. It was supposed to be a pretty easy but long (5 mile) walk along the coast.

    It was a gorgeous hike. However it was not easy, dipping up and down from high sea views to lovely beaches. At one point I stumbled upon a wallaby!    Read more

  • ctkeefeTrip of a lifetimectkeefe

    A magical day for Shash's 50th

    April 26, 2016 in Australia ⋅ 🌙 20 °C

    As we said it was supposed to be an easy hike but wasn't really. It was actually more like 6 miles to the lighthouse so at about 5 miles we found a stunning beach called Crayfish Cove and stopped for lunch. Then we just lay lasily on the sand glowing in the sunlight.

    When we got back someone had the bright idea to go for a swim just before sundown. Why not I said? The water had looked so beautiful all day. Freaking the most freezing ocean I've ever been stupid enough to go into. But I did it!

    That evening we were much more organized with dinner and with a lot of help Nick put his firecooking skills to use and made an amazing feast for us.

    After dinner a few of us went down to the beach. The biggest most starry sky I have ever seen. We knew the moon was going to rise over the sea and it was Shayleen's wish to make a fire on the beach. While we were all gathering supplies we surprised her with a cake and Happy Birthday. So the night ended with cake on the beach while watching an incredible moon rise over the water.    Read more

  • ctkeefeTrip of a lifetimectkeefe

    Port Campbell, Australia

    April 27, 2016 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C

    There's more than the Apostles

    From the Apostles we went back to camp and packed up. Then we head further west and stopped at multiple view points; London Bridge, LochArd Gorge.

    We had lunch at Gibson Steps, a beach that you had to walk down a hundred or so steps to get to. Serious surfers were braving the waves and Raeford and James braved the ocean; cold and pretty wild.

    We then head back east and at the turn off for our next campground split up. James and Nick coming with me to go into town and do shopping. The rest head to camp to set up before night fall.

    We got there after dark. One of Nick's friends had joined and brought all kinds of equipment and food. We cooked over the fire, had a couple drinks and a good time.    Read more

  • ctkeefeTrip of a lifetimectkeefe

    Traveling to Mulumbimby

    April 28, 2016 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 20 °C

    We packed up camp and Tom and I head back to Apollo Bay to see if the police station may have my phone. They didn't but said if a local handed it in it may take a week, so hope (but unfortunately I wrote this weeks after and nothing, it's gone).

    We drove to the airport with no drama and flew to Brisbane. From there it was a 2 hour drive to the town my sister lives in, Mulumbimby.

    We were actually staying at her friends, Cotty and Spring's home. Beautiful home and fast friends.    Read more

  • ctkeefeTrip of a lifetimectkeefe

    Brunswick Heads and the kids arrive

    April 28, 2016 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 24 °C

    After breakfast we made our way to my sister's house. James had a friend visiting and we all went to Brunswick Head. It is north of Bryon Bay and has a calm bay and a crazy beach. We swam in the bay. Much warmer than on the Great Ocean Road!

    Afterwards we met my sister for lunch at the Brunswick Hotel.

    Dov arrived that evening with the kids and we had an amazing dinner at the Middle Pub. They have an extensive menu of items for AUS$15. I had a generous portion of delicious lamb shank.

    Back to Cotty's and chatted with her till late.    Read more

  • ctkeefeTrip of a lifetimectkeefe

    Shash (and all of our) surprise arrives

    April 29, 2016 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 24 °C

    Friday morning we all met at the Mullumbimby farmer's market. Cute little market. We had breakfast and I got some fruit and cheeses as our contribution to the party on Saturday.

    Then Tom and I went with James, Dov and the kids to Bryon Bay. Vasco wanted to surf. The rest if us played in the waves. Probably the most fun swim of the trip so far.

    Tom and I head into town to check it out. We got some frozen yogurt and ate it on the beach.

    Judite was arriving today and they were going to pick her up from a bus in town. As we were leaving we got a call that there was a surprise and they needed us to take some passengers. We met them at a gas station and who gets out of their car but Mervyn!

    I've known Mervyn for at least 30 years. He went to university with Dov and was always great friends with Shash. He is a wonderful and eccentric man currently living in the UK.

    We head back and meet Shayleen at a restaurant in Mullum. Shash arrives a few moments after us and takes a second to notice that Merv is there. Her reaction is priceless.

    We have a lovely lunch and all enjoy our food until Merv starts to go red and then notices that his heart is racing. Merv and my brother are doctors so it was interestig to see how Merv was mentioning symptoms and Dov diagnosing it almodt like a game! Thank goodness though they took him to hospital where he was treated and chilled out for a couple hours. He had eaten red snapper and because red snapper eat other fish they can contain some kind of histamine that can cause reactions. Anyway, he was fine by evening.

    Shash had rented a big house in the hills just outside Mullulbimby and we all dinner there. We head back home and again chatted with Cotty and Spring.    Read more

  • ctkeefeTrip of a lifetimectkeefe

    The party!

    April 30, 2016 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 25 °C

    The party officially started at noon so Tom and I went with Shash to the house while the rest went to the beach. Raeford and Hilary had arrived late the night before.

    People trickled in slowly. It was nice to meet all Shash's friends. Really cool, genuine people. This home was spectacular and had patios coming out every side of the building.

    We had a Skype session with Boz, Shash's mother and one with our Dad. Nick showed up late with a freshly baked birthday cake (by him) and a full DJ set up. Of course dancing ensued. I even had a great dance with both my niece and nephew!    Read more

  • ctkeefeTrip of a lifetimectkeefe

    Relaxed day

    May 1, 2016 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 25 °C

    Tom and I had slept on the couch. We all had a lovely breakfast in the morning. The only picture of all the siblings together. Unfortunately Dov and the fam had to leave that day.

    The rest of the day was peaceful. We stayed at the house and Mervyn cooked a lovely dinner.Read more

  • ctkeefeTrip of a lifetimectkeefe

    Leeches and pythons

    May 2, 2016 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 25 °C

    Today we drove up into the mountains to go for a hike in the rainforest. It turned out to be a shorter walk but definitely not boring. We walked down a logging type path to an outlook over the forest that was spectacular. We then head back via a riverbed...with leeches. Yes leeches. And I thin we all got affected. At one point Mervyn slipped and fell into the water. He was ok but the leeches! He was finding them everywhere. Urgh! Gross things.

    Then up ahead we hear a raucous, Hilary and Shayleen had stumbled upon a python in the middle of the trail. It was about 3 metres long.

    That night, our last in Mulumbimby, we went back to the middle pub and had a lovely meal.    Read more

  • ctkeefeTrip of a lifetimectkeefe

    Civil war

    May 3, 2016 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    Today was the day that Tom got his wish, to see Captain America before anyone in the US. It came out here before the States. I guess it's a test market but I remember the days when we got stuff months after the US. Pretty good movie.

    On our way to Brisbane we went via Gold Coast. Beach with high rises. Im sure super fun but nothing like the deserted beaches we had enjoyed so far. On to Brisbane to see Nancy. She wasn't home when we got there and we had plans to see another friend so went straight down to the waterfront to meet Helen. Helen is a friend of Nicole, my Ozzie friend who lives in North Carolina. She got married a few months before us and Helen was a bridesmaid. Super nice to see her and lovely to hangout on the waterfront.

    Went home and met up with Nancy. Nancy is a friend of my sister who stayed in my NYC apartment for 3 weeks. Met her son and a nice surprise was that her brother was visiting who I'd also met through my sister.    Read more

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