# 26: Ann's Final comments

What an unbelievable trip we just finished.  We love Australia because the people are so friendly.  As soon as they hear you speak they want to know: "where do you live in the states...how long are you visiting...where are you going in Australia".  Then they will offer some suggestions for sights, eats, etc.  They love their country and want you to experience and love it as well.

We were so impressed with Tasmania and its varied landscape, temperature, topography, sights, actually everything.

We also enjoyed Adelaide and the Barossa Valley.  We have never seen so many wineries and fields of vines.

We so enjoyed the small family wineries.  The people were so friendly and so proud of their wines and they wanted you to like them.

The trip home was long but actually the best we have ever had as far as recovery.  We slept and felt good right away.  A friend put us on to a product called "No Jet Lag" and it really works.

Of course, this trip could not have been so special without the company of Barb and Brad Keelan. They made it possible to do all the things we did..  We love to travel with them and this trip was no exception. So thanks Barb and Brad for all you did to make our trip so fantastic.

These are some of my favorite pictures:

The four of us.

Traveling companions.

Two of my favorite men at Wineglass Bay.

Bikers at Currumbin, Australia.

Beach on the Gold Coast.

# 25: Opinion: Australian Lifestyle

Ann and I love Australia.  We have been to the country 5 times and we are planning on coming back.  The Australian people are so nice and we feel welcome where ever we go.  When people hear our voice and realize we are from the US, they want to stop and talk to us.  We have visited all of the states in Australia and it is clear to us that it is a great place to live.

Australians are quite casual and informal.  They love the outdoors.  Popular pastimes for many Australians include going to the beach or pub, drinking with friends and participating in sports.

A common misconception is that most Australians live a rural lifestyle in the Outback.  However, almost all towns and cities are dotted along the country’s coasts and 75% of all Australians live in the states capital cities.

So if you are looking to add a little sunshine to your life, Australia will do it for you with life-long memories.

Nippers playing on Currumbin Creek.

Parade in Adelaide.

Shrimp fleet in Tasmania

Burleigh Beach and the City of Surfers Paradise.

We will miss all of this!

# 24: Barossa Valley and Segway

Adelaide is surrounded by some fantastic neighbors from wine tasting to beach walking.  We left Adelaide for two days and stayed in the Barossa Valley.  In that valley there are tons of wineries and a number of outdoor adventures.

One of the outdoor activities was riding a Segway.  That activity has been on my “bucket list” for quite a few years.  I checked it off when we rode Segways at Seppeltsfield Winery.  It only took a few minutes to learn and after that it was hard getting the smile off my face.  The ride took us through the Seppeltsfield Winery’s 19 century estate with beautiful gardens, historic buildings and a vineyard over 100 years old.  We had lots of opportunity to stop for photos at the top of the vineyard and witness the spectacular 360 degree views of the Barossa Valley.

Later today we fly back to the Gold Coast.  After a day’s rest we will get on that big silver bird and fly back to the U.S.A.  More later.

Ann and her Segway coach.

The trails were fun and the views were outstanding.

The video below is all about "wheelies".

The other Barossa Valley activity.

# 23: Adelaide City Tour Plus Hahndorf, Australia

We spent a nice afternoon in the German flavored village of Hahndorf.  It is the oldest German settlement in Australia with a number of architecturally fascinating buildings.  Many of us tourists sampled chocolate, apple strudel, German beer and wines.  So many of the flavors of the old world can be found in this interesting Australian village.

We actually started our morning with a walking tour of the city center of Adelaide.  The Central Market is a place for breads, produce, cheeses and hundreds of vendors.  We toured the Botanical Gardens which is a unique place that focuses on at-risk or endangered plants.  The Botanical grounds were spectacular.

Hahndorf German Settlement

Central Market Adelaide

War Memorial...35% of Adelaide men served in WW I.

Botanical Gardens

Longtime area star and local watering hole.

Candy Store front.

Today is the start of the Chinese New Year.

# 22: Adelaide on Australia Day

We are in the capital of the State of South Australia and it is Australia Day.  This is a national holiday for all Australians and it rivals our 4th of July.  Everyone is decked out in Australian gear and the country spirit is sky high.

Early this morning before we left the Gold Coast and flew to Adelaide, Barb and I walked along the shore in Currumbin.  At 7AM the banks were absolutely full of families enjoying the water and the sunshine.  On Australia Day in particular, it seems to be a tradition for families to head to the beach for the day.

When we arrived in Adelaide, we soon discovered that a huge parade was to take place starting at 6PM.  So we got our spot, with thousands of the locals, to view the parade.  It was great fun with many participants.  After the parade we hit Chinatown for a great meal.

We plan to be in Adelaide for 4 nights before returning to the Gold Coast.

This is our 5th trip to Australia.  By coming to Adelaide, Ann and I have now visited every state in the country of Australia.

Decked out in Australia gear.

The video below is the Navy Band in the parade.

The Bag Pipers.

You can't have a parade without fire trucks.

Bill at the Chinese restaurant...can you figure it out?

# 21: To The Races...Bubble and Squeak...Lawn Bowling

We spent a great day at the Gold Coast Turf Club.  It is always interesting to try to win at something you know nothing about.  For instance, "Hall's Creek", horse  #1 in the third race was picked as the favorite and sure to win.  He did finish but way back in the pack.  Good thing we did not bet the farm.

Something truly Australian...Have you ever heard of Bubble and Squeak?  It is an Australian tradition consisting of left over veggies from a roast dinner, thrown in a pot and heated.  Brad makes it into a tasty breakfast.

Each time we come to Australia I try to learn a new sport.  Three years ago I tried my hand at surfboarding.  This year I learned lawn bowling.  Actually, for a 78 year old, lawn bowling makes a lot more sense.

"Hall's Creek", #1 ranked, heading to the start line.

#1 finished #7.

Brad's Bubble and Squeak.

Mike and barefoot lawn bowling.

The video below is Ann lawn bowling.

# 20: Sailing the Gold Coast

Monday back on the gold coast we scheduled a catamaran sailing event.  It was a 4 hour lunch cruise.  We sailed the Gold coast and eventually anchored on a sandbar close to Stradbroke Island.  Lots of activities such as paddleboarding, kayaking, swimming and fishing.  The boat was a 35 foot catamaran.  The weather was perfect…perfect for sunburns.  Great event…super enjoyable day. 

You can do a lot on a sandbar.

Barb, Ann and Brad