An Alphabetical Stroll Through Bali and Australia-A is for: A BIG, FAT FINALE!! Link to new Africa TR (4/5)

[Steppesister]

Life busy here too but I promise I am reading along and loving the chat ( I just run out of time to join in much at the moment).
Good luck with the clinical and exams and the job hunting too

I'm hoping my season of extreme busy-ness is winding down for at least a short time, anyway. I might finally be able to focus here again and get things moving again.

 

[Steppesister]

Cool!

And... I'm obviously tired. All I can think of is the lonely inhabitants of the island and...

... a tight seal.

The reference is lost on me...

I always like these types of photos and this one's a real beaut. You should seriously consider erasing those two strangers and enlarging this. Might be a nice gift for Anara (I'm assuming that's her.)

Not a bad idea I have made her photo books of our trips in the past.

You got some fun shots.

I sure tried!

I bet! And not in a zoo/aquarium, either!

I love wild encounters with animals!

I like this shot with the gull for scale.

Yes, gives a nice perspective.

That's so cool! Huh! I've never seen anything like that.

I know! Weird huh?!

I used to know a few different types of rocks, but now I wouldn't be able to tell an amethyst from zinc.

Haha, I used to be much better when I haunted the halls of the geology dept at NAU.

How big is that??

Like 3 inches long maybe?

Whoa.
You better be a bit of a loner!

I'd imagine even they got lonely.

Now that certainly is remarkable! Wow!

Very strange shapes, right?!

It looks like she's being eaten by a rock monster.

LOL! It kinda does!

What a drop dead gorgeous shot! Unfortunate that you're a bit out of focus.

I know, but that's what happens when you give the shot to someone not practiced.

So... why was this "the one shot"? I mean, it's interesting, but a couple of the previous ones you posted are better. (IMHO)

I guess because of the very unique shape of it? Very iconic and recognizable.

You went potty on a bird??

NO! That'd be silly!

I fail to see how a couple of cars would wreck finding some pigs... unless they were under your car.

That's what I thought. Gimme a break.

Knowing you, that probably made you all giddy with anticipation.
I saw one here in town, just the day before yesterday.

It did!!

That surprises me being in the Great White North.

Um... what?!?!?!?!

Get your mind out of the gutter!

I know of the author, but tend to read more sci fi than fantasy. I may have read something by him, but not sure.

Possibly? I think you'd enjoy his writing. Very good writer.

Impressive! I think he's got over 40 books.

Prolific to be sure.

Oh, no! I can't even imagine how disappointed you both must have been.

Probably just me. She doesn't like wine, but probably would have bought at coke or something.

Interesting. Were they tourists? Or is there a large immigrant population there?

No, I'd imagine immigrants, but that's just a guess.

You certainly have your hands full!

I do, but there's light at the end of the tunnel.

Talk about jumping out of the frying pan and into the fire! You sure don't slow down!

It's been a marathon but it's almost over.

ep.
I had to talk my mom out of paying for "mail forwarding"
That's such a scam. You pay the post office to change your address... and then if anything is addressed to your old address... it goes there anyways and you never get it.

Money well spent.

Ours is free for a short time. If you want it for like longer than 2 weeks I think it costs.

 

[Steppesister]

hat would have been fascinating to explore. It was very unlucky to have it closed when you were there.

It kinda was. Definitely a small disappointment. Not major, but a bummer a little.

I find the entire lighthouse and the families to be an interesting story.

They were so truly resilient. What a life they must have led. So lonely and quiet.

It sounds like the story is going to get worse.

There were definitely a few snafus along the way, but with a trip this long and complicated there are bound to be a few.

Good luck with the job search. It can take a long time to find the right job, or at least something close to it.

Thank you! I have started to have a few possibilities start to trickle in and will keep looking. I'd love to stay local, but have to entertain leads widely as this is my first job.

 

[Steppesister]

Oh, I do love a good boardwalk!

I really did love them everywhere we went there. Makes the walks so much easier to do. And even on the harder hikes the trails were pristine.

OMG how cute is this photo

They were such beautiful and interesting animals. And so accessible to see for us!

It's always disappointing when you travel so far and look forward to seeing something then it turns out to be closed. Luckily you were still able to see it and get some nice photos despite the viewing platform being out of action.

For reals! When you do so much planning and picture everything in your head then have to re-arrange things on the fly isn't easy sometimes.

It always amazes me how people used to manage such extreme adversity back in the day. On another note though, do you not have flying foxes in the US? They are now a playground staple over here. Maybe you just call it a zipline

We do, but I"ve never heard them called that in relation to a zipline. HUH! You're right though, same concept. Never thought of its use for cargo.

The joys of touristy areas. You got some great shots though!

I sure tried. Half of photography is patience.

Yeah, I think I would have given up lol!

In hindsight, we probably should have. I think our time might have been better spent going back to the platypus holes and watching.

Well that was interesting at least. I don't think I've ever heard of a square lighthouse before!

Nor had I! Very unique one for sure.

We don't have koalas in Western Australia. However, when I lived in a small town in South West Victoria I was lucky enough to see one on rare occasion.

Now THAT I did not know! I thought they were everywhere over there. I mean not common, but at least in all parts. Huh!

Your photo is bomb!

 

[Steppesister]

I loved all the seal pictures! I think I certainly would have enjoyed hanging around to see them in action.

And now you get sea lion pictures. LOL!

How gorgeous were those rocks. And how kind of the tour guide to make sure you found that perfect rock lounger with an even more perfect background.

They were other-worldly! Such weird shapes.

I felt your disappointment at the shop being closed AND NO WINE!!! Not a great way to end such a beautiful day, that's for sure. And now you've left me hanging, and I'm wondering how the next day's plans fell apart!!! Hopefully all was not lost. I'm sure there was an adventure out of it anyway.

For sure!

It wasn't the end of the world, like missing an international flight or something, but definitely cut into our plans a bit.

GOOD LUCK as you wrap up your clinicals and prepare to take your boards. I know you're going to crush it! All this hard work will pay off!

Just one more day now... After Monday, I'll be completely done with school except getting some signatures.

Then, a few weeks to study the Boards and pass it. Then, to find that elusive job.

 

[Steppesister]

Will. Not. Comment. On. Title.

Will... Not...

I was so confused at this comment... but I think you are hinting at a certain portion of this chapter later on....

Everyone has to bear their own cross...

har har....

I'm surprised by that. But... I guess being an island, it's not nearly as arid as central Oz.

It wasn't overly warm here and I think being where it was, the air wasn't super dry, as you say.

She really saved your bacon!

She really did! VERY good at her job going above and beyond.

I'm beginning to be a bit surprised that anything went right on this portion of the trip.

Nah, just a few hiccups. With as many reservations and details I had to plan, I think we did alright. Some were more irritating than others, but overall...

Thanks for sharing. This is the kind of TR reporting that we need more of!

Hey, I aim to please.

Wow, those are really pretty!

Yes! Something I'd ever hope to see in a cage or a zoo here.

At least you got your moolah back.

Yes, I'd have been super peeved if not.

Just massive spiders.


Massive.

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Huh. I wonder if there were seals there before, but they got displaced by the sea lions. Or they were misidentified as seals originally.

Now that's a good question! I honestly don't know the answer to that.

How much was the other option? Significantly more?

I think about $20 more. Not worth it in my opinion.

Too bad there's no sense of scale. Looks pretty cool, though.

Yeah, but there was no way off the boardwalk to get closer. I think that's actually a good thing. I don't think it'd last long if people were allowed to climb all over it or get close.

How lucky is that! You didn't pay more (I'm guessing?) to get close, but instead you got closer!

SEE?!

Lizardous interruptus.
No happy endings here.

Hey, I think it was a GREAT ending. I didn't accidentally run them over.

Rude. Could've waited until they were done. Sheesh.

Nope, places to be, things to see.

So... what did she do? Sit and stare at you as you sipped?

She scrolled on her phone, and I think she actually closed her eyes for a little rest.

I was wondering what that was. I've had that and I'm definitely for it.

I thought it was overkill and didn't care for it.

 

[Steppesister]

Wow! Congratulations! It's been a long road!

It really has. 2 1/2 long years of constant study sometimes up to 14 hours a day for weeks/months at a time. I can't count how many family things I've missed and things with friends I've had to say no to. But I'm hoping it'll all be worth it in the end.

I bet! I'm sure it was a ton of work from what you've described/mentioned.

It was. My brain hurts.

You'll get there. Look at how far you've come already.

One day at a time. First pass my Boards, then job hunting.

 

[Steppesister]

I thought it was a dry climate?

It was, but the temps at night were actually really chilly and I think the clothes ended up in the shade during the day. Plus, they weren't hanging but just laid on a rock ledge.

That looks like a perfect viewing location.

It was! There were so many of them!

I like beets but it does seem like they don't belong on a burger.

I actually really liked it. I didn't care for the load of ham on it, though.

Congratulations! You must be thrilled to have gotten through the program. Good luck with the final steps.

I can hardly believe it's over. I'll scarcely know what to do with myself.

 

[irene_dsc]

Congrats on getting through school! I have been so impressed with you!

 

[missjackiemcg]

First, seals and now sea lions!!!! I loooved those sweet little sea lion squeaks. The skeleton was pretty incredible, too!!

CONGRATULATIONS on finishing school!!!! Today it Tuesday, so you're officially done, right!? YAY!!!

 

[zanzibar138]

Ugh, that does sound like a lot of drama! But it seems like you had a nice day regardless.

While the sea lions that lounge and play on the beach and in the surf are indeed very fun to watch, the 2nd highlight was the mother and pup that were RIGHT under the observation deck at the end of the boardwalk.

Awesome

I am definitely going to guess that the name is due to them being incorrectly identified as seals to start with.

Hands down one of the coolest wildlife sightings we’d gotten to see was this pair of Monitor Lizards, getting a little afternoon delight shamelessly on the road.

They look decidedly unimpressed at being interrupted.

The only winery that was open was the Dudley Winery about 20 minutes beyond the Airbnb. The setting was absolutely perfect. The sun was warm; the wines were delicious.

Sounds perfect

Rumors are true, beets on a burger is actually a thing in Australia.

I don't know what's with Aussies and putting beetroot on everything. But then, I don't like beetroot so it would bother me. I've never heard of ham on a burger, but I suspect what you have pictured is actually a very sad looking piece of bacon, which is the standard inclusion for a burger with the lot. Our bacon is usually pretty limp and pink, not unlike ham. I couldn't get enough of the amazing bacon you get in the US!

I've nearly come to the culmination of my long, very difficult, 2 1/2 year Family Nurse Practitioner/Master's Program. I've turned in my last paper and only have my Exit Exam to take tomorrow and my last Clinical day on Monday to finish up. I can't hardly believe it! Words can't describe how relieved, excited, tired, and happy I am right now. It'll be nice to have some time "off" for a bit.

Congratulations, what an achievement!


In other news, we've just got back from Tassie (intending to put a mini-TR in my PTR), so I'll be very interested to read your next lot of updates!

 

[Steppesister]

I is for: It's Been a Long Day
​

******Please excuse the lack of quality photos and lack in general for this chapter. It was a travel day for the most part, so we were mostly just on-the-move.*******


We passed the night at our Baudin Beach AirBnB just fine; our alarm (ie. my alarm) was set for a VERY early wake- up at 5:30. The ferry was scheduled for about 8:30 I think, so we planned to be on the road by 7:30 to get the rental car returned and grab our boarding passes.

I was up quite early and was blessed with this amazing sunrise walk to Baudin Beach one last time. The usual lineup of avian friends was hanging out in their usual places and didn’t seem to get their feathers too rustled by my being near them.

​

Back at the room I poured myself a French Press and had some toast with local KI honey and bit of yogurt with granola. It hit the spot until something a bit heartier could be found. Anara finally roused at 6:45 and we were out the door with plenty of time to hit the road.

Sadly, late in the evening before we’d both started developing some pretty nasty sinus and head cold symptoms. When we woke up, we’d both gotten worse. Much worse. We shamelessly kyped a roll of TP for the road and boy did it ever come in handy. Our noses were absolute fountains and we both felt pretty yucky. This did NOT bode well for flying later that day.

(One last pass under this glorious eucalyptus tunnel)​

Car duly returned, we hopped onboard the ferry and I, as before, sidled on up to the bar. The coffee was just as delicious as on the first journey and this time we opted for a meat/beef pie. It was okay. Could’ve used a bit more gravy, but it was tasty enough.

​

From there it was onto the bus for the 2-hour ride back into Adelaide. The scenery was very pretty but the highlight was seeing an emu on the way. I admit, I was rather smitten. I wish my photo had turned out even a little bit, but alas, from a moving bus, photography can be rather difficult.

​

From the bus station, we grabbed an Uber and jetted to the Adelaide Airport and before long we were boarding our short flight for Hobart, Tasmania.

Phase 4 of 6 for Our Big Fat Asia-Australia Extravaganza was about to begin!!

We didn’t get seats together on our quick, 2-hour flight. Anara was stuck in a middle seat and afraid she was going to get airsick and need to throw up. Luckily, she did okay. Once again, we both got away with getting on the flight without getting dinged with extra baggage fees. Ka-ching! Due to a little “IT issue" we took off late which really made me super nervous as now this meant 1) We’d have to drive at night (BIG no-no!), and 2) The rental car place might not even be open when we got there!!

As fast as we could, we grabbed our carry-on only bags and paused in the terminal. Unfortunately, a minor snafu popped up. For the life of me I could not find the confirmation and instructions about the rental car pick up process I’d gotten the day before; now that was just gone. I looked on both of my accounts, in all of my email folders, etc…This meant we had no way of calling for the free shuttle to the company's car lot. Luckily, though, I did remember what company it was and was able to find my way there with another Uber. It really chapped my hide to have had to spend another $15 on a half mile ride.

The sun was very quickly setting, and we prayed they’d still be open at 7:00 when we finally got there! Thank GOD they were, and we got a super cushy crossover thingy (no, I don’t remember what it was, nor did I write it down.) The check-in lady was VERY pushy about buying insurance and basically read me the riot act about returning it with chips or dings or whatever. I made sure to video a VERY thorough walk-around pointing out every little scratch that was already on it. It made me super uncomfortable and even more paranoid about driving it to the places we wanted to go. By now I was well aware of the crap roads that are everywhere over there as well as the animals that come out of nowhere.

As evening loomed, we were finally on our way to the lodge I’d chosen for our first night.



On we went, darkness prevailed, and the drive became difficult.

In fact it was… harrowing.

Terrifying.

Not fun.

Animals darted out left and right and about 3 times I had to slam on my brakes to avoid a critter crossing the road. A list of the things we saw: deer, peacocks, possums, quolls, wallabies, kangaroo, rabbits, native hens, and parrots. If you think I was able to get a photo of any one of those, you’d be extraordinarily hopeful. Impossibly so, in fact. They were just too fast, and it was too dark. And I was driving. LOL! (Ever hear of a quoll? Yeah, neither had I)

(A quoll. Yes, I want one for a pet.)


(I think this was a wombat? Then again, might be a rock.)​

We arrived at the Great Lake Lodge in Miena right around 9:00 about 2 hours later than I’d hoped. My nerves were absolutely shot and much to my dismay, they’d already had last call in the little restaurant’s pub. The good news, however, is that the dinner we’d pre-ordered months prior was hot and ready. Unfortunately, we had to eat it in our room standing up which was not very relaxing or nice.

While the lodge was fine, it was very decidedly a true hunting and fishing lodge. It screamed Man Cave with no frills whatsoever. The rooms were very basic with an electric stand-up heater, 2 beds with wool blankets, a small desk, and a chair. I wish I had a photo or two so I could show you the “rustic-ness” of it all. The community bathrooms were in another building which made the inevitable middle-of-the-night piddle a bonus piece of fun. Anara, foregoing a shower that morning before we left KI, was eager to take one. I don’t blame her. It was freezing cold and that was a good way to warm up. I opted for tucking in straight away hoping that it would take the chill off.

It didn’t.

​

Ah well, it was only a very short night’s stay and we’d be off again first thing in the morning. If I was learning much of anything about distances and driving in Australia… it would take you twice as long as you thought it would and you never want to be caught out and about after dark.

 

[pkondz]

******Please excuse the lack of quality photos and lack in general for this chapter. It was a travel day for the most part, so we were mostly just on-the-move.*******

our alarm (ie. my alarm) was set for a VERY early wake- up at 5:30.

It's just like rope dropping Disney! Except over an entire continent.

Gorgeous.

Anara finally roused at 6:45

Gotta ask... how many times did you have to say "Anara, time to get up"?

Sadly, late in the evening before we’d both started developing some pretty nasty sinus and head cold symptoms. When we woke up, we’d both gotten worse. Much worse.

Sorry to hear that.

This did NOT bode well for flying later that day.

And yet, you didn't mention it again, so assume it was okay?

Wow! Pretty.

Sooo... where's this "lack of quality photos"???

The scenery was very pretty but the highlight was seeing an emu on the way.

How cool is that?

Phase 4 of 6 for Our Big Fat Asia-Australia Extravaganza was about to begin!!

Woot!

Anara was stuck in a middle seat and afraid she was going to get airsick and need to throw up.

Oh dear.
Glad she didn't puke on one of her neighbours... although that would've made for a more entertaining TR.
Try to talk to her about that for your next trip, okay?

we took off late which really made me super nervous as now this meant 1) We’d have to drive at night (BIG no-no!), and 2) The rental car place might not even be open when we got there!!

For the life of me I could not find the confirmation and instructions about the rental car pick up process I’d gotten the day before; now that was just gone. I looked on both of my accounts, in all of my email folders, etc…This meant we had no way of calling for the free shuttle to the company's car lot. Luckily, though, I did remember what company it was and was able to find my way there with another Uber.

Good thing you remembered where it was! You could've been stranded there until morning.

It really chapped my hide to have had to spend another $15 on a half mile ride.

Better that than not remembering the car company.

The check-in lady was VERY pushy about buying insurance and basically read me the riot act about returning it with chips or dings or whatever. I made sure to video a VERY thorough walk-around pointing out every little scratch that was already on it.

Yeah... Smart move.

On we went, darkness prevailed, and the drive became difficult.

In fact it was… harrowing.

Terrifying.

Not fun.

That sounds... not so great.

Animals darted out left and right and about 3 times I had to slam on my brakes to avoid a critter crossing the road.

What have you got against grilled critter?

(A quoll. Yes, I want one for a pet.)

(I think this was a wombat? Then again, might be a rock.)

My nerves were absolutely shot and much to my dismay, they’d already had last call in the little restaurant’s pub.

So much for that post terror drink.

The good news, however, is that the dinner we’d pre-ordered months prior was hot and ready.

Nice of them to keep it hot for you.

It screamed Man Cave with no frills whatsoever.

The rooms were very basic with an electric stand-up heater, 2 beds with wool blankets, a small desk, and a chair.

What more do you want? Sheesh.

The community bathrooms were in another building which made the inevitable middle-of-the-night piddle a bonus piece of fun.

These are the times when you decide just how badly do you need to go.

I opted for tucking in straight away hoping that it would take the chill off.

It didn’t.

Why not? You had stand up heaters and wool blankets.
You've become soft! Tasmania will toughen ya up.

 

[disneyAndi14]

Brave lady! Driving at night in a foreign country yikes!!
Congratulations on your NP!! We will celebrate in December! I am buying you a nice big stiff drink!!

 

[Wood Nymph]

I was up quite early and was blessed with this amazing sunrise walk to Baudin Beach one last time.

The sunrise is gorgeous.

this time we opted for a meat/beef pie. It was okay.

The crust is lovely but the contents do not look appetizing at al.

The check-in lady was VERY pushy about buying insurance and basically read me the riot act about returning it with chips or dings or whatever.

Rental car insurance seems like it is a lucrative scam. You're afraid not to get it but hate the upcharge,

Animals darted out left and right and about 3 times I had to slam on my brakes to avoid a critter crossing the road. A list of the things we saw: deer, peacocks, possums, quolls, wallabies, kangaroo, rabbits, native hens, and parrots.

I bet there weren't any highway lights on this road. That is a lot of animals to avoid hitting.

The community bathrooms were in another building which made the inevitable middle-of-the-night piddle a bonus piece of fun.

I've stayed in a hotel building with communal bathrooms down the hall, but not in a separate building. That is almost like camping.

 

[missjackiemcg]

Well, that is simply gorgeous!!!!!

Ugh on the travel delay. You're so brave tackling driving in the dark on strange roads! I'm glad you (and all the critters) escaped any issues on the way. It would've been nice to have a cozy sit down and a drink when you arrived, but at least you didn't have to stay in the lodge for long! Hoping tomorrow's journey is better.

 

[Steppesister]

Congrats on getting through school! I have been so impressed with you!

Ahhh, thanks!! It's been a very long haul and I'm hoping it'll all be worth it as I get a job soon.

Now to pass those Boards!

 

[zanzibar138]

We passed the night at our Baudin Beach AirBnB just fine; our alarm (ie. my alarm) was set for a VERY early wake- up at 5:30. The ferry was scheduled for about 8:30 I think, so we planned to be on the road by 7:30 to get the rental car returned and grab our boarding passes.

That was one intense travel day...

I was up quite early and was blessed with this amazing sunrise walk to Baudin Beach one last time.

Stunning

Sadly, late in the evening before we’d both started developing some pretty nasty sinus and head cold symptoms. When we woke up, we’d both gotten worse.

Uh oh... Nothing worse than having to fly with a head cold!

I wish my photo had turned out even a little bit, but alas, from a moving bus, photography can be rather difficult.

I think you did a great job - I can even recognise it as an emu

As evening loomed, we were finally on our way to the lodge I’d chosen for our first night.

Glad you managed to get to your rental car after all that, but boy that is a long drive at the worst possible time of night in Tassie I can only imagine how on edge you must have been! I think I would have stayed somewhere a bit closer to the airport that night, but perhaps you had somewhere to be in the morning... I'm guessing you were making your way to Cradle Mountain.

While the lodge was fine, it was very decidedly a true hunting and fishing lodge. It screamed Man Cave with no frills whatsoever.

Yeah, you were well off the beaten tourist track with that one. I'd have been pleased to have electricity and running water

 

[Steppesister]

First, seals and now sea lions!!!! I loooved those sweet little sea lion squeaks. The skeleton was pretty incredible, too!!

CONGRATULATIONS on finishing school!!!! Today it Tuesday, so you're officially done, right!? YAY!!!

There were so many animals we saw! It's really remarkable how much wildlife is there to enjoy!

Yep, all officially graduated now! Woot! Just got my "Congratulations, Graduate!" Letter.

 

[Steppesister]

Ugh, that does sound like a lot of drama! But it seems like you had a nice day regardless.

All's well that ends well. But sure coulda been worse. :/

Awesome

I am definitely going to guess that the name is due to them being incorrectly identified as seals to start with.

I'm tending to agree on this one.

They look decidedly unimpressed at being interrupted.

They do! Just doin' their sea lion thing. Such cuteness overload.

I don't know what's with Aussies and putting beetroot on everything. But then, I don't like beetroot so it would bother me. I've never heard of ham on a burger, but I suspect what you have pictured is actually a very sad looking piece of bacon, which is the standard inclusion for a burger with the lot. Our bacon is usually pretty limp and pink, not unlike ham. I couldn't get enough of the amazing bacon you get in the US!

Luckily, I really like it, but know tons of folks who don't care for it that much. As for the "bacon"/ham, if that's "bacon", I'm sadly unimpressed. Bacon should be chockful of fat and crispy for a burger.

Congratulations, what an achievement!

It was certainly a very long, at times difficult, journey. So glad it's over (ish). Still need to pass those pesky Boards.

In other news, we've just got back from Tassie (intending to put a mini-TR in my PTR), so I'll be very interested to read your next lot of updates!

I saw. I read.

Lots more to come and they may be somewhat rapid fire now that I have a bit more time.