G'day Friends and Family! We will not bore you with excuses why 100s of blogs have not been posted recently....please forgive us! Now, let's get into it! Quite a few visitors have crossed the "pond" to come adventure with us, which has meant the world to us! Just a bit from each.....(1) The Pintos' Pilgrimage Down Under
Ann Marie and Frank visited for Thanksgiving. Enjoying the Thanksgiving feast after a day at the beach was an anomaly for us all. A few other highlights from the Pinto's journey included: (I)witnessing AMO's 10 foot leap in the air as a large black snake crossed the trail whilst hiking in the Blue Mountains (II) Frank catching a few waves with Logan (III) the boys disappearacne on the rented kayaks whilst the girls waited patiently in the calm waters (we later learned that against the warning by the staff, the boys challenged the open seas which resulted in both boys cap-sizing in their boats and Logan cracking the tip of his on the rocks). Can't say that it surprised me much as I'm quite used to Logan "challenging" nature/ authorities.
Ann Marie and Frank visited for Thanksgiving. Enjoying the Thanksgiving feast after a day at the beach was an anomaly for us all. A few other highlights from the Pinto's journey included: (I)witnessing AMO's 10 foot leap in the air as a large black snake crossed the trail whilst hiking in the Blue Mountains (II) Frank catching a few waves with Logan (III) the boys disappearacne on the rented kayaks whilst the girls waited patiently in the calm waters (we later learned that against the warning by the staff, the boys challenged the open seas which resulted in both boys cap-sizing in their boats and Logan cracking the tip of his on the rocks). Can't say that it surprised me much as I'm quite used to Logan "challenging" nature/ authorities.
(2) The Galleher's Sleigh Ride Across the Atlantic
Our first Christmas abroad was one to remember. Liz's folks came to Australia for a 2-week adventure. Not only did we get a chance to show them some of our favourite spots--Royal National Park, Blue Mountains National Park, Bondi to Coogee Walk, the Spit to Manly, North Head, and the Harbor Bridge Climb, as well as an Opera House performance--but we left the state and headed to far north Queensland. Two nights in the Port Douglas vicinity afforded us the opportunity to see the Daintree Rain forest, including the Mosman river and gorge (complete with rope swings and encounters with Aboriginal children spear fishing for Christmas Dinner). A short ferry ride off the mainland transported us to Dunk Island--an amazing Voyages Resort. For 5 days we snorkelled, sailed, hiked, played tennis & ping pong, and truly relaxed. The Gallehers--George specifically--assured us of a return visit.
Our first Christmas abroad was one to remember. Liz's folks came to Australia for a 2-week adventure. Not only did we get a chance to show them some of our favourite spots--Royal National Park, Blue Mountains National Park, Bondi to Coogee Walk, the Spit to Manly, North Head, and the Harbor Bridge Climb, as well as an Opera House performance--but we left the state and headed to far north Queensland. Two nights in the Port Douglas vicinity afforded us the opportunity to see the Daintree Rain forest, including the Mosman river and gorge (complete with rope swings and encounters with Aboriginal children spear fishing for Christmas Dinner). A short ferry ride off the mainland transported us to Dunk Island--an amazing Voyages Resort. For 5 days we snorkelled, sailed, hiked, played tennis & ping pong, and truly relaxed. The Gallehers--George specifically--assured us of a return visit.
(3) The Williams' Set Sail for Aussie Land
With bikes (for Logan and me), zip fizz, cliff bars, and batteries galore, the Steve and Linda arrive, ready to explore. The first adventure included a bike trip to New Zealand, along the Otago Rail Trail. Each day we awoke to a terrain dotted with heaps of sheep, apple & pear trees, rolling hills, and luscious grass lands. We stayed in B&Bs in tiny towns (one with a population of 11) and found delicious fare and wonderful Kiwi hospitality wherever we roamed. Nasby, a town where we stayed for 2 nights, boasts the only town in the Southern Hemisphere with an authentic curling rink. Of course, we had to attempt this Olympic sport. I froze and had to take several breaks from the game :) but we enjoyed learning the value of "sweeping"! Day 5, we swapped the bikes (with sadness) for our hiking boots. We did a portion of the Ropeburn Course and boarded a boat to experience Milford Sound, which was stunning. For Easter and Logan's Birthday, we loaded the surf board and boogie board on the car to catch some waves on the remote central coast, 5 hours north of Sydney. After 5 weeks, the Williams left this country, with a true appreciation for the landscapes, cuisine, and Aussie lingo!
(4) The Chunder Down Under
We hope you can stomach this segment of the blog. Logan's brother, Dougal, Dougal's wife (Katy) and their little one, Emma (age 1) arrive for their 2 week vacation. On day 4, Emma's stomach virus kicked in, and the barfing started which landed our sweet niece in the ER on day 5. By day 6, the 4 adults were alternating turns in the bathroom to vomit and then laid supine for the day whilst we sipped hydrolyte, Sprite, My Lanta concoctions. We've never felt closer to Dougal and Katy! Luckily, the boys' surfing schedule was not hindered much and we still squeezed in some great runs, hikes, tennis, and fun dinners.
With bikes (for Logan and me), zip fizz, cliff bars, and batteries galore, the Steve and Linda arrive, ready to explore. The first adventure included a bike trip to New Zealand, along the Otago Rail Trail. Each day we awoke to a terrain dotted with heaps of sheep, apple & pear trees, rolling hills, and luscious grass lands. We stayed in B&Bs in tiny towns (one with a population of 11) and found delicious fare and wonderful Kiwi hospitality wherever we roamed. Nasby, a town where we stayed for 2 nights, boasts the only town in the Southern Hemisphere with an authentic curling rink. Of course, we had to attempt this Olympic sport. I froze and had to take several breaks from the game :) but we enjoyed learning the value of "sweeping"! Day 5, we swapped the bikes (with sadness) for our hiking boots. We did a portion of the Ropeburn Course and boarded a boat to experience Milford Sound, which was stunning. For Easter and Logan's Birthday, we loaded the surf board and boogie board on the car to catch some waves on the remote central coast, 5 hours north of Sydney. After 5 weeks, the Williams left this country, with a true appreciation for the landscapes, cuisine, and Aussie lingo!
(4) The Chunder Down Under
We hope you can stomach this segment of the blog. Logan's brother, Dougal, Dougal's wife (Katy) and their little one, Emma (age 1) arrive for their 2 week vacation. On day 4, Emma's stomach virus kicked in, and the barfing started which landed our sweet niece in the ER on day 5. By day 6, the 4 adults were alternating turns in the bathroom to vomit and then laid supine for the day whilst we sipped hydrolyte, Sprite, My Lanta concoctions. We've never felt closer to Dougal and Katy! Luckily, the boys' surfing schedule was not hindered much and we still squeezed in some great runs, hikes, tennis, and fun dinners.
In the last couple of months, Logan and I have both stepped onto US soil. A best friend married, which afforded a great opportunity to see friends and family on the east coast. Logan celebrated the life of his precious grandfather, Doug Kahle, with family at a resort outside of Portland.
We continue to explore the surrounding areas. Look for near-future blogs (we promise, it won't take 6 months!) on our trip to Mudgee, views of the USS Kitty Hawk from a friend's yaght, and our weekend trip to the Blue Mountains for an adventure race (25 Kms/ 15 mile trail run or mountain bike race- participant's choice).....trust me, my body is feeling it today!
We love and miss you all!
Elizabeth and Logan
We love and miss you all!
Elizabeth and Logan
Labels: VISITORS FROM AFAR
posted by Logan | 8:01 PM
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