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Submitted on 22/6/2002
Hi
Well, I got behind in the story again ! I made it to Tauranga, and it wasn't raining at all ! Found the hostel, checked in, all that jazz. Found a bar in town (you guessed it, Irish) and settled in quite nicely. Joined in with a team for the pub quiz and had a laugh. The next day I was determined to DO something, so I walked over to Mount Manganui, which is about 8km from Tauranga. Its an old volcano cone about 800m high at the end of a low strip of land. Pleasant views from the top. Had lunch in the town down at the bottom, then walked back to Tauranga. Didn't do much the next day. The night before I was due to leave, I was sitting in a bar, just after the England game, when the police rushed in and accused me of something to do with a motorbike. I insisted it wasn't me, but one of the officers was almost frothing at the mouth, and wanted me outside. So off I went, to discover that the bike in question was a HArley ! I laughed and said I wouldn't be caught dead on one, but they insisted that I had been up to no good. Eventually, the barman came out and explained that I was a pom who had been in the bar a while etc, etc, so they had to let me go. Great fun eh.
Anyway, the next day I went to Coromandel Town, up on the Coromandel Peninsular. Supposedly a very scenic place, but it rained almost all the time I was there. Except for the day I left of course ! Anyway, after 4 nights in Coromandel, I came back to Auckland, where I am now. I hate Auckland ! I have been staying in a hotel for 3 nights because the hostel was getting like a madhouse, and I didn't get much sleep for 2 nights. So, this trip is coming to an end, I fly to the States today, and then to Seattle to see Mike. More when I get there.

Submitted on 10/6/2002
Hi again. Well maybe the date is right after all. British Summertime and all that jazz!!

Submitted on 10/6/2002
Hi, despite the date above, I am writing this on the 10th of June. Of course this is before it is the 10th in the UK !
Anyway, this is my last message from Rotorua. I am leaving for Tauranga today which is further along the east coast of the North Island. Hopefully it won't be raining there quite as hard as it is here ! Yesterday and the day before were ok though, and I had a wander around the steaming thermal lakes and the sulphur pools. The smell is something else but they say you get used to it after a while.... I don't think I would though. I went on a gondala ride up to the top of a smallish hill the other day... rather unimpressive really, plus when I got to the top there were lots of japanese tourists everywhere, barging people around as usual. It took me an hour to walk back to town where I went into the only decent pub I've found here, called the Pig & Whistle (its in an old police station !). They serve good food and have a microbrewery, so the beer is pretty good too. I tried to watch the England game the other night, but the first place I tried to get in refused me entry because I was wearing black jeans ! Any other colour was fine apparently. Pity, because thats the only colour jeans I have, here or at home. So I went back to the hostel and watched Blade on a dvd I had bought that day. Good movie.
Anyway, 12 days left before I leave NZ now. I am sorry I won't see the South Island again on this trip, but hte North Island is a pain anyway. Plus I have lots of work on the computer lined up in my head for when I get back to civilisation ! Right thats it for now, next up, Tauranga.

Submitted on 6/6/2002
Hi,
Well this report is coming from Rotorua, as there was no real net access in Gisborne. In fact there wasn't really much of anything in Gisborne ! I suppose that could be because its winter but still...
Anyway, due to that reason, I have skipped Opotiki too. It is a smaller place than Gisborne and I didn't want to be stuck in a ghost town for 3 nights ! So Rotorua it is. I arrived yesterday, and had a wander around, but it seems that even here, things go quiet in the winter. Most of the activities are way outside of the town so I am going down to the lake today to see what I can see from there. The only real interest to me is an island called White Island which is just off the coast. It is an active volcano, and apparently is always steaming etc. But it will probably cost about $100 to get out there. So I'll see how it goes. Anyway, until later....

Submitted on 3/6/2002
Hi,
Well I made it to Napier by saturday night. Ended up going out and spending an evening with a bunch of kiwis in a pub. Great fun, and I didn't get back to the hostel until about 2am sunday. It has been quite cold and wet here for a couple of days, but today (monday) is windy but dry, and a great day to walk along the beach. Which is what I've been doing. Tomorrow, I am going further north along the coast to Gisbourne, and I'll stay there for 3 nights. I have until the 23rd before I leave, so I'm going to spend 3 nights in each of 8 places before I have to leave. Unless I find a reason to stay longer in one place of course.
Anyway, it seems like time is short now, and I'm going to get as much seen and done as possible. Next report - Gisbourne.

Submitted on 31/5/2002
Hi
Well I've finished the uploads for the videos today. So there are another 7 videos of the South Island to view. I am leaving tomorrow for Napier in the North Island, so we shall see what thats like eh ?
I don't know when I'll be able to do any more video or photo uploads, but maybe some photos just before I fly back to the States on 23rd June. So there is a bit of a wait until then. I'll try to keep the story up to date this time though.

Submitted on 30/5/2002
Hi.
Well I was uploading stuff this morning but suddenly the line went dead. It seems the hotels phone system has gone down ! That was the only reason to be in the hotel, so I am going to see if they will discount for the hassle.
Anyway, I found a place that lets me plug into their high speed network, so I have fully updated now. I will work on the rest of the video later today.

Submitted on 29/5/2002
This is a less involved version as I haven't kept up to date. But it gets me to the current day and gives the key points of the trip since the 21st April. I will try to do this again when I can.
22/4 golf
23/4 drove to motel (can't remember where it was now ! )
24/4 drove to Melbourne ( got card back)
25/4 spent time getting stuff ready for upload
26/4 went to st kilda and uploaded vids
27/4 spent day on the pc working on upgrades/patches
28/4 more on the pc and a wander around town
29/4 more wandering
30/4 last bit of pc stuff doing dbase and server upgrades (leave tomorrow)
Fly to NZ (1/5/02)
2/5 get bus ticket to wellington and ferry organised then go... chat to guys in Irish bar in Wellington
3/5 take ferry to picton then bus to christchurch. early night I'm ill !
4/5 do washing and wander around town for a bit. sort out next bus and yha in Dunedin. Get new Travel Pass.
5/5 Catch bus to dunedin, arrive, wander around town, back to yha, sleep
6/5 wander down to harbour side. Book on to cruise up the harbour and go on it. See fur seals, albatrosses, etc.
7/5 get bus to Invercargill. Meet Hari, go for a wander and get pissed. book on for stewart island.
8/5 go to Bluff, catch ferry, (washing machine), get to Stewart Island, catch water taxi to Ulva Island, wander around for 2 hours, back to stewart, back to Bluff, back to Invercargill. Do a bit of video, then go to Irish bar with Hari and have a meal and a few beers.
9/5 Get up late, finish video off, wander around town, get lunch, go to library and use net. Back to yha, then out on piss with Hari (last night)
10/5 catch bus to Queenstown, find bar, have a few and food, buy shopping, make sarnies, prepare to walk in morning.
11/5 Set off at 6.50am in dark, find trail, walk up Ben Lomond and back. Get back about 2pm. Find food and beer. Get booked on to bus trip to Milford sound for next day.
12/5 Up and on bus by 7.30am, drive down to milford, stopping at te anau for break and in Gertrude Valley for BBQ lunch. Then to Milford SOund and Boat down the sound and back. Back on bus, back to Queens town by 7.30pm. Great day out.
13/5 On bus to Franz Josef. Arrive, find beer and food ! Get booked onto full day guided walk on Glacier. Make sarnies/bed
14/5 Up at about 7.30am. Down to cafe and have coffee and fags ! Get kitted out with boots etc for walk. Bus to bottom nearly. Great time on walk. Meet people (Allen, Ben, James, Suzie, Pat, Sarah (guide). Get back from walk about 5.30pm. Get cleaned up, have grub, then up to the Blue Ice bar for a few. ( 9 games run on pool table) Then knackered, bed time.
15/5 Day off today, hang around the "town" of Franz Josef. Do the washing, sort videos and photos out. Book bus and hostel in Greymouth. Wander around a few short trails in Franz. Go out for a drink in the evening, then bed. Room to myself tonight !
16/5 Catch bus to Greymouth. Not much here. Wander about and find , you guessed it, an Irish bar. GO in get pissed, meet fellow traveller and local couple. Get talking to barman about websites. Decide he needs one.
17/5 get up late(ish). Knock up a demo website for Patrick, go down to the pub and show him, he like, so buy domain name and get photos etc to complete site. Eat in pub, few beers then back to hostel.
18/5 Finish off website. Take it down to Patrick, domain not showing up on web yet so can't upload, decide to go to Christchurch as I have other stuff to do anyway, and Christchurch is one of the 3 places in NZ where I can connect. Book bus and hotel in Christchurch. Back to pub, domain showing up now ! Never mind. Bed.
19/5 Catch bus to Christchurch. Rains all the way, but dry on arrival. Get into hotel and upload site for Patrick ( Scenicgolftours.com )Do other jobs on net. Go out for a beer or two. Then bed time.
20/5 Bit more on the net. Set up Marks site on the server. Chat to Mike on AIM. Out for a wander and get hair cut ! Had a shave too !! Get lunch in a pub, extend my stay in the hotel for another night. Eat in the hotel restaurant tonight.
21/5 Last day here. Wander about town aimlessly, book myself into hostel in Nelson as Kaikoura won't answer the phone. Book the bus. Go out for a drink and back to the hotel for room service and a movie. Bloody Sandra Bullock in the Net ! Definitely bedtime, 7am bus tomorrow.
22/5 Get the bus to Nelson. Raining all the way and wet on arrival. Book into hostel and wander around town. Get some shopping and then go out to eat anyway ! After a few drinks, back to hostel and go to bed.
23/5 Still wet today. Wander about and find a net cafe to do some checking on tickets. Get air ticket from US to UK for July 14th. Send a box of stuff home. Lose 6kg from the weight of my pack. Much better. Book up for Kaikoura and the bus. Find a bar,have a few drinks and a wander. bed time.
24/5 Surprise, its a nice day. Go out for a walk and head for the docks and then onto the beach. Great views of the mountains in Abel Tasman. Get some good photos and video. Find a small bar on the way back and get a pint. Then back to a pub in town. Go back to the hostel and cook ! Then back to the same pub (The Victorian Rose) to see a band. Starts off with crap, but later on they start playing Metallica nice. Get chatting with locals, go on to club but get refused entrance. Just as well really. Back to hostel and bed.
25/6 Get bus to Kaikoura. I know this road as well as the driver now ! He drops me right at the hostel, and I check in. Meet a guy called Jack who is an english guy who has lived in Australia, canada, but now lives in Florida. Hear that the whalewatching keeps getting cancelled. Leave it untill tomorrow to find out. Cook again ! Go to bed.
26/5 Try to get on a whalewatching boat but they cancel. I walk over there anyway, and then walk back and around the area. Great scenery and nice clear weather. Snow on the mountains now. Back to the hostel and do washing. Get the whalewatchers to put me on the 7.15am boat for tomorrow. Wait and see they say !! Great, time for bed then.
27/5 Get up at 5.50am !! On the road by 6.20am and walk to whalewatchers. Still dark and full moon up. Get to watch the sun rise over the pacific and the mountains. Yeehaa, they are running the trip. Get onto the boat by about 8am. Go out and track some whales down. See about 5 or 6 from a distance, but only 2 close up. Not much to see except when they dive and their tails come out of the water. See lots of albatrosses and fur seals too. Great sunny day, go for a wander along the beach when I get back to shore. Then back to the hostel and get something to eat. Go out for a beer tonight. Chat to the barman and have a laugh. Got to get to Wellington tomorrow. Bed.
28/5 Get bus to Picton, and get myself on the ferry to Wellington. They say its rough but it was nothing really. Get to Wellington about 5.30pm and go to hostel. Meet up with Jack again and a few others from Kaikoura. Go out to another Irish bar (See may 2nd).Chat to some people, and have a laugh.Back to the hostel and bed.
29/5 Nice sunny day today. Go and book into a hotel so I can use the net. Get a new travel pass and book into a hostel in Napier for Saturday. Wander around Wellington for a bit and get some lunch in the Feathers. See some good stuff in a computer shop which may come in handy later. Good prices too. Tomorrow maybe... Have a relaxing night uploading photos and maybe a bit of video. No broadband though, far too much for that. Bed.

Submitted on 21/4/2002
Hi,
Woke up late today, in fact didn't make it out of the hotel until around 12pm lunchtime. We went into the centre of the city, but there really is nothing of great interest on a Sunday (if ever), so after getting some food, we headed off down to Kangaroo Island, which is about 120k south of the city. The thing is, the Australians seem to be very loath to give directions to places, especially in the area of road signs, so after much messing around, and hopefull aiming, we got on to the right road. What should have been about an hours trip turned out to be about 2 and a half hours ! So, we got down to the ferry point at around 3.30pm, only to discover that the next ferry didn't leave until 6pm and the last ferry back again was about 45 minutes after we would have arrived ! Plus the fact that we needed a small mortgage to get us and the car over there anyway. SO we gave up on that, and headed back to Adelaide, pausing only for, a drink, some photos, and traffic lights. So we got back here at about 6pm and then went for dinner down in the hotel restaurant at around 7.30pm. Nice steak, and a pretty good red wine. Tomorrow, I am going to be mostly playing golf, I think. We shall see...

Submitted on 20/4/2002
Hi,
Ok, well we made it out of the funny farm without incident today. I was quite relieved to be back on the road to Adelaide. If you ever get the chance, go to Woomera, but don't stay ! Anyway, it was a mere 500k down to Adelaide from there and we got into the city at around 2pm. We found the hotel without too many hassles, and then after having a kip for a few hours and checking the e-mail (156 messages since the last time), we ended up, yes you guessed it, in the bar. Had a good chat with a few of the other guests, one of whom works for the Quantas airline, in aircraft maintainance. Apparently he comes from Brighton originally, so theres a thing. Went to bed about 11pm, because of the beer...

Submitted on 19/4/2002
Hi,
We got up fairly early, mainly due to the fact that Lisa hadn't turned off the alarm from the sunrise walk yesterday (5.30am)! So after a little while lying in bed not sleeping, I got up and got ready to leave. We got the car filled up with petrol and took it down to the rental place. After a while, we got handed the new car, ie a Toyota RAV4, which apart from being 4 wheel drive, has nothing going for it at all. How you can have a useful automatic 4 wheel drive I don't know, but there ya go. Ok, so off we trundled towards Adelaide. The drive is about about 1500k again, so we were only ever going to make it about half way today, but for some reason I decided to make it to Woomera for the night, and stay there. Ho, ho. Woomera is a very small place, which owes much of its past to the military, so it wasn't too much of a surprise when we ended up staying in a 'hotel' that looked like an army married quarters. It had a number and everything. It was even named after a missile ! Plus we got charged extra for the room because we weren't married ! Well, out of a town of supposedly 1000 people, we got to see about 6. There are no kids there, and virtually nothing goes on by the looks of it. (see photos). Anyway, the room had a tv, so that seemed safer. Roll on the morning.

Submitted on 18/4/2002
Hi,
Ok, the bloody alarm went off didn't it ! I really didn't want to get up but did anyway. The other person in the room wasn't too happy about being woken up so early, but tough, it's happened to us enough times. We went and got the bus over to the Rock, and to be honest, I was quite disappointed. Mainly because of the amount of people and coaches that were already there, and continued to arrive. It turned what should have been quite a peaceful and intimate moment into a fiasco. Anyway, I got some good photos of the sunrise and a few of the rabble, then we were transported over to the other side of the Rock, where we began our walk. There is some quite impressive scenery on the walk around and multiple sites where we were not allowed to take photos because of the 'spiritual' significances to the aborigines. Quite frankly, it's a rock. It never gave birth to anybodies ancestors, and thats that. Call me stupid but, it's all just an excuse to make money it seems to me. Anyway, it took about an hour and a half to walk around the rock then after a walk through the bush over to the cultural centre we caught our bus back to the resort. After hanging around for another hour our coach arrived and we headed back to Alice Springs. We arrived back at around 6.15pm and went back to Bojangles for a feed and a drink then off to bed. We have to exchange the car tomorrow and then start off on the trip down to Adelaide.

Submitted on 17/4/2002
Hi,
Ok, we made it to catch the bus in time. A bit of a mess around when we got on because we hadn't been given seat numbers and everybody else had. So of course we had to be sitting in the seats assigned to an annoying American woman and her family who just couldn't understand that I didn't care where I sat but I wasn't moving until she got her fat ass out of the way so I could leave the seat ! So, after that, we got sat properly and headed of for a 6 hour trip to the rock. After an hour or so we stopped at a camel farm, where everybody got off for a drink and if you were really sad, a ride around a small yard on a camel. It was quite funny really, watching the various shapes of women bouncing around the yard (see video). Then we were back on the road, and after another short stop along the way we eventually arrived at the Ayres Rock Resort.
There are various grades of accommodation available, but fortunately, we were in a 4 person share with bunks. As it turned out there was only 3 of us anyway. We signed up for the sunrise trip to the Rock, as we figured that there would be less people, and as we would be leaving tomorrow anyway, it made sense to do the rock in the morning. So, after the obligatory beers, I went off to explore and found a nice spot to observe the sunset over the rock. It was quite pleasant and warm at dusk, and there was only a few people at that spot, so I got plenty of decent shots. After that, I went back to the bar and bought some sausages to cook on the bar-b-ques they provide. Then it was off to bed to sleep before the 5.30am wake up for the sunrise trip !

Submitted on 16/4/2002
Hi,
Ok, we got a fairly early start, and headed of towards Alice Springs at a rate of knots. Once again we were in the middle of big empty country, and so the time seems not to move but suddenly a town arrives and then disappears again. We stopped at Tennants Creek, so that Lisa could get some cash from an ATM then carried on down towards Alice Springs. About 70k from Tennants Creek, we arrived at the Devils Marbles, which is a big bunch of rock "balls". So we stopped for half an hour there and had a wander around. Plenty of photo opportunities there. Then we were off again. As we neared Alice Springs, the Macdonald Ranges came into view. Alice Springs is located in a pass through the ranges and isn't visible until you go over a hill and there it is. We drove around the town for a bit and eventually stopped outside a pub called Bojangles, which seemed fortuitous, so I went in for a few, while Lisa went up to the local tour agents, and got us a motel sorted. She also booked us on a coach down to Ayres Rock leaving the next morning, and a place to stay when we got there. We have to not use the car for a few days anyway, as we are way over our allowed milage for the time we've had the car. 2 days without driving should sort things out anyway. We are exchanging the car for another one in a few days anyway, so may as well get things right.
After checking in at the motel, we headed back to Bojangles where they do food, and had a nice meal and a few drinks, accompanied by a band which only played old Shadows numbers. The guitarist was a girl about 12 years old and was being coached by some guy who I guess was a relation. It took a few songs before they got her guitar in tune as well, so it was quite amusing. After that, we headed back to the motel to crash out, as the bus leaves for the rock at around 7.30am tomorrow.

Submitted on 15/4/2002
Hi,
Well we left at around 8.30am and made sure we had a full tank of petrol to start off with. It was a fairly peaceful drive through the park to reack the Stuart Highway again, then head south. Once you get on the highway, and head out into open country the speed limit doesn't exist, so you can crank it up a bit. Unfortunately, in the Mitsubishi Lancer we have, it really doesn't go much more than 170 kph which is pretty lousy for an 1800 engined car. I couldn't even get anywhere near the red line on the rev counter ! Anyway, we cruised along at a steady 130 kph for 6 hours or so until it got to be around 5pm and we came across a little Roadhouse called Renner Springs. We decided to stop for the night as they had rooms and food. After a few beers and something to eat we retired for the night. I want to get up early tomorrow to get on the road and down to Alice Springs.

Submitted on 14/4/2002
Hi,
Ok, after an early start, we got to the office and sorted our flight out. Luckily, another couple had decided to take the flight too, so that saved a (big) bit of money. After weighing in and getting out to the airstrip, we were off. We were flying in a 6 seater Cessna, so it was really up close and personal, especially in the morning heat. Anyway, suffice to say the the flight was excellent, and we saw much more than we could ever have seen from the ground. It is amazing the vivid colours that were visible, lots of shades of green especially. The flight was an hour, but it all ended too soon, as usual with such things. The pilot made a perfect landing and I reminded myself to get that bloody pilots licence next year !
Right, after the flight, we had about 2 hours to kill before the boat trip so I grapped a drink and chilled out in the shade for a while. When the time came, we caught a shuttle bus down to the Yellow Waters jetter and got onboard the boat. Once again, the variety of wildlife and many varied colours around were amazing. Unfortunately, we didn't get to see any Crocs, but plenty a birds and great scenery. The Alligator river doesn't have any alligators in it, in fact there are no alligators in Australia at all. It was a dozy English bloke who saw a few crocs back in the 1800s and thought they were alligators, so thats what he named the river !
The boat trip lasted about 1 hour 30 min and then we were back at the hotel again. Needless to say, we headed for the bar (very thirsty work, this travelling business) and then when the time came, had another buffet meal. I ended my day doing more video stuff and watching the F1 Grand Prix. (Damn Schumacher again). We want to get a fairly early start tomorrow, as we are heading down towards Alice Springs and thats about 1500k away.

Submitted on 13/4/2002
Hi,
Well, got up at about 10 today, weather still the same. It was trying to thunder last night, but nothing really came of it. We got the car at about 11am and then set off to Kakadu National Park. Basically you head down the Stuart Highway for a bit then take a left and drive for 250k until you reach the park. There was some great scenery along the way and you can tell that the area is tropical. It is a large wetland area, and as we were here just at the end of the wet season, there was a lot of wildlife still about. We stopped off to buy a park ticket along the way, and then headed down to Cooinda, where they run boat trips and stuff from. I thought Cooinda was partway along the Kakadu Highway, so imagine my surprise when the road turned into a track and then stopped completely. Luckily, it reached just far enough to end up at the hotel buildings.
We checked in and then decided that as we were only going to be here for a day really, we may as well take the flight over the park, and get to see some of the major scenery in a hurry. Unfortunately, they need 4 people minimum to take the plane up and there are only 2 of us. Still, if no-one else has signed up by the morning then we'll pay double and do it anyway. We are signed up for a boat cruise up and down the South Alligator River tomorrow afternoon as well, so we should get to see a fair bit of the scenery.
We had an "All you can eat" buffet for tea and a few beers at the bar this evening, then I caught up with some video processing and went to bed. We have to be at the main office by 8.45am to sort the flight out.

Submitted on 12/4/2002
Hi,
Ok, got up at a reasonable hour this morning to find that the weather was much the same as yesterday. The weather in Darwin apparently doesn't change much anyway, except that we have arrived at the start of the dry season. So we ventured out again and went in search of a jetty where they supposedly have tourist attractions and boat trips. After a hot sweaty walk, and a few wrong turnings, we found the jetty in question, which,as you can see from the photos, didn't really have much there at all. We managed to get a beer and something to eat though, so it wasn't that bad. Then we wandered back to the hotel, via the shopping area and a few local sights. We ate in the hotel tonight, and it wasn't bad food really. We have to get the hire car tomorrow, then head off for Kakadu, which is about 300k away from Darwin.

Submitted on 11/4/2002
Hi,
Well we arrived in Darwin at about 1pm after a 3 hour flight. It is really hot here at the moment, about 34 C I think. Plus it is really humid, so its like being in a sauna.
After checking into the hotel, we went for a wander around the centre of Darwin, such as it is. It is a pleasant place to look at but if action is what you want, forget it ! Anyway, got some nice pictures and a bit of video. We found an Irish pub, where we got some food and a few drinks, then went back to the hotel, had a few beers and went to bed. (I did say it was quiet.)

Submitted on 10/4/2002
Hi
Ok, well I haven't added to the story for a few days as there hasn't really been a lot going on. The day after we arrived back in Perth, I went to check on my card, guess what ?, thats right, no sign of it. So I went off and got fairly well drunk for the rest off the day. I found myself giving out free computer lessons in a pub. Great fun. Anyway, after that I forgot to phone the abbey national, so that meant waiting until the next afternoon to phone them. Of course the next day was a friday, so when I phoned I didn't get anywhere whatsoever, and was told to call again on Monday. This is starting to really piss me off. They don't seem to care that due to their incompetence, I am stuck in one place with no money on the other side of the world. They act as though I'm a pain and troublemaker. Anyway, spent saturday creating a new photo browser for the web site, (which I hope you like). Still working on it but its nearly there I think. Sunday, Lisa and I went out to Rottnest Island which is about 20k off the coast of Perth. The first bit you see is horrible with lots of tourist crap, but as you head away from the dock the place gets a lot quieter. Got some nice video of lizards and a little marsupial that looks like a rabbit called a Quock or something. So after 5 hours there, we came back to Perth and had some grub then bed. On Monday I phoned the Abbey National again, and was told that they still couldn't trace where my replacement card had been sent, although it had been sent, they assured me ! Fat lot of good that is. So basically, the idea is that they are now going to resend the card, but to my home address in the UK, where my mother can pick it up and send it on to where I want it sent to. So that means I have waited over a month for the bank to not do anything very much, and now I have to wait another 2 weeks at least.
Anyway, at least I know they can send cards to the UK ok, lets hope they get it together this time. I feel a lawsuit coming on....
So, right now I am clearing up any little jobs on the internet, and waiting to leave for Darwin tomorrow. We are catching a plane from Perth which takes about 3.5 hours to get there. We only have 3 weeks left in Australia, so to get to Darwin, then down to Ayers Rock in the middle then on to Melbourne is going to be tight. But if we fly some of the way we should be ok. I wanted to drive the whole way, but that just isn't possible now. So the next time I write, I will be in Darwin on the North coast of Australia. Lets see what that place is like...

Submitted on 3/4/2002
Hi,
Well, after wandering around a deserted airport for a while, I found that there was a 24hr bar, so we had to sample that ! After that, there really was very little to do except try to get some sleep sitting on the departure room chairs, until 6.45am when the Quantas staff arrived, and we could finally check in for our flight to Perth. After checking in, I went straight to the Internet station, where, there is free broadband connection if you use your own laptop, so I managed to get the rest of the broadband video uploaded in about 20 minutes, not bad for nearly 100Meg ! I rushed off to get the plane then, before I realised that my laptop was still on Japanese time so I was an hour early ! I took this opportunity to grab some breakfast and coffee, then it really was time to catch the plane. That flight was about 5 hours long, and tried again to sleep but just couldn't settle in those seats. Anyway, we eventually arrived back in Perth at about 2.30pm and then got thoroughly searched and questioned by the immigration and customs guys. They had a sniffer dog and were really keen, so either we looked shifty, or they had an alert on over something. We got through ok anyway, and found ourselves outside in about 75 F in Australia again. This is starting to get confusing. Anyway, we headed for the hotel to do some washing etc, and hopefully to eat, drink and sleep in a bed again. Tomorrow, I go to see if my new bank card has turned up....

Submitted on 2/4/2002
Hi,
Well, got out of the hotel by 10.30am today, but decided there wasn't really time to go and do anything what with check in times and all, so we headed straight for the station. We hung around there for an hour, waiting for a likely looking train to the airport and then we were off. The train took over an hour to get to Narita, so it was past 1pm when we arrived. So we managed to check our bags in and then it was a matter of waiting until 5.40pm to board the plane. There was an outdoor viewing area, so I spent some time taking photos, then went to get something to eat. At last the time came, and I went down to the gate and got to board the plane. It's a 7 hour flight to Singapore from Tokyo, so had the airline food, and went to sleep where possible. We arrived in Singapore at 12.30am Wednesday morning, and of course basically everything was closed. See next installment -

Submitted on 1/4/2002
Hi
Ok, yet again, after the efforts of yesterday, we didn't get out of the hotel until nearly noon, so the first thing was, again, get on the train and head out. Today we went to Ueno where there is a zoo and a park with lots of Shinto Shrines and museums. Quite a pleasant place to be with all the cherry blossom in bloom and the sun shining. We had a good wander around, then went down to the lake and all the street vendors selling food along the path. So I got myself a corn on the cob and a can of beer for breakfast ! Then after a bit more wandering around, we went back to the station and headed back to the city. When we arrived, we went down to the Imperial Palace and had a walk along the grounds outside the Palace proper. There are lots of manicured trees and moats with large fish in and swans swimming on. Lots of tourists there, but mostly Japanese strangely enough. In fact the whole time we've been here, we have hardly seen any western people at all. Then we went further into the commercial area of the city and went window shopping. Its a very busy city during the day, and the traffic is heavy, but every one seems to obey the traffic signals so its not too bad to navigate on foot. Eventually, we went back to the hotel, and got some food and a few beers. We have to leave Japan tomorrow at about 6pm, and we have to be out of the hotel by 11am so I wonder what we're going to do for 4 or 5 hours while we wait to go to the airport. Not a lot carrying the backpacks I'll be bound. Anyway, we'll see what tomorrow brings.

Submitted on 31/3/2002
Hi
Ok, after the efforts of yesterday, we didn't get out of the hotel until nearly noon, so first we headed over to the station, and caught a train over to Minami-Funibashi, which is where there is the Tokyo Ski-Dome. The journey was not without incident, as the train we were on didn't actually go past the stop we wanted, so we had to get off and after grabbing something to eat and drink, got back on another train, and went back a couple of stops to the one we wanted. The Ski-Dome looks like an aircraft hanger with one end raised up in the air from the outside, but once you get inside, its amazing. I rented skis, boots and outer clothing for about $40 US, including a ticket to ski from 1pm until 8pm ! Having never skiied before it was a bit of fun I can tell you. I started off on the babies slope, which isn't a doddle especially on your first attempt. After 3 or 4 runs down that, I was managing to stay upright and stop without crashing, so I moved up to the next higher level. Oooh dear, as soon as you set off there, you accelerate rapidly down a load of lumpy snow and have to steer etc while trying not to lean backwards. So ass over tip I went, several times on the first descent. But as I kept trying it, I was gradually getting better, but still couldn't make it down that section without crashing once at least. I had been at it about 2 hours when I decided to call it a day, as I was getting pretty tired from crashing and getting up all the time. Still, overall, I don't think I did too badly for my first ever attempt at it.
So we left there (after a beer) and got the next train back to the city. When we got back it was about 6pm so we headed over to Roppongi (Foreigner Town) and went in a bar by the name of Gas Panic. Don't know why they call it that but it had a lot of Americans in there. Had a few beers in there and chatted to a girl from Oregon called Jessica and her friend Elisabeth. Went for a wander around a bit more but as it was Sunday, most places were closing early, so we went back to GasPanic for a few more beers. Eventually left there at about 11.30pm and got a taxi back to the hotel. Knackered.

Submitted on 30/3/2002
Hi
Well, we had to catch the train back to Tokyo today, so that was that for Hiroshima. Pity as I enjoyed the place and could have spent at least 2 more days there. So after another 5 hours on the train and some excellent views of Mt Fuji, we arrived back at Tokyo station. After checking in to our hotel, we headed out and went over to an area of Tokyo called Akihabara, or Electric Town. I assumed this was because of all the neon signs but on getting there, we discovered that virtually every shop was selling some kind of electrical equipment, from cameras to computers, to tvs and fridges. Street sellers and lots of noise, it was a techies dream. We took the opportunity to get Lisa a digital camera, at slightly less than it would cost at home, and I got a new memory card for my camera too. That means that I now have the capacity of taking around 650 still pictures before downloading them to the laptop.
After the buying frenzy, we wandered about waiting for it to get dark so we could see the lights. As it happened, we stopped outside an Indian Restaurant, so went in and had a good meal with beers of course. By the time that was over, night had fallen, so we started walking back to the hotel, and took some pictures of the lights on the way. Quite a good day really. The hotel has beer vending machines on the 8th and 14th floors, so thats a bonus...

Submitted on 29/3/2002
Hi
Ok, after a beautiful arrival in Hiroshima last night, we awoke this morning to rain, lots of rain. But, time is precious, so we set off to Peace Park. After about 30mins walking, we reached the park and the A-bomb Dome, which used to be a local government building before the bomb dropped almost directly over head. After looking at that, we walked around Peace Park to the Cenotaph and the Eternal Flame of Peace, then went into the Museum. Some of the items in there are too much to be described. Items of burnt clothing, twisted girders, and burnt and fused glass, metal, money and everyday items. Plus of course the photographs. I have put a few items from the museum in my photo section, so have a look. After that, we went to the cafe in the museum, where I tested out a machine that dispenses hot microwave meals, and ended up with something that looked like dumplings, but seemed to have bits of octopus tentacles inside ! Tasted fine though, if a bit rubbery... Then we walked over to Hiroshima Castle, or what remains, and a partial reconstruction. The tower was the best part, partly because it was inside, out of the rain, but also it had displays of Japanese historical artifacts, such as swords, armour, old paintings etc. So we spent about an hour in there. Then we walked back to the hotel, stopping to get some food, and some beer in a local supermarket. The beer is essential, because in the hotel its about 750 yen for a half pint, (1000 yen = $8 or 5 pounds) where as in the supermarket, you can get 6 x 500ml cans for 1400 yen. So currently, I am sitting in the hotel, drinking, drying off and writing this. We leave for Tokyo again tomorrow morning so this is the last I shall see of Hiroshima for a while. Pity it rained all day, but at least I've been here. The place seems very pleasant and the people are all polite and friendly, and there is no litter, dog muck, or for that matter dogs. Pretty quiet over all, for a biggish city.

Submitted on 28/3/2002
Hi
Well, got up before 9am today because, a)we had to find a cash machine, and b)we had to catch the train to Hiroshima at 11am. We went around the corner to try out the tip I got from the web last night, and although the machine wasn't where it was supposed to be, there was another one that had english instructions, and so we got some cash at last. First stop, tobacconists, then got a drink from one of the many vending machines that are everywhere in Japan. So, after that we went and checked out of the hotel, and went to catch the train to Hiroshima. Managed to find the platform and the train arrived perfectly on time ( as usual ). We had seats reserved and it was a pleasure to ride in that train after my experiences with British Rail. Anyway, spent 5 hours watching Japan speed past at a rate of knots. It is about 1000k to Hiroshima from Tokyo, so we must have been doing around 200kph at least, because we stopped 5 or 6 times at stations. Anyway, nice trip, and when we arrived in Hiroshima, the Hotel was convieniently located right outside the station again. Quite classy hotel really, with about 9 Restaurants and 3 bars over 23 floors. So we tried out the bar on the 22nd floor, and of course we had sake. So now I am sitting looking out over Hiroshima, with the streets all lit (its about 8pm) and a full moon shining. We'll go and explore tomorrow, but for now it's beer and food.

Submitted on 27/3/2002
Hi
Ok we made it to Japan. The weather was terrible coming in and the plane was leaping around all over the place. I've never been in a 747 that acted like a cessna before ! However, when we eventually touched down, we never even felt the wheels touch... quite an achievment really. We got off and went to immigration, where there was a huge queue, that took 40mins to get through. No trouble at the desk though, and the passport was nicely stamped. We get 90 days here if we want, pity we're only staying 5 !
Anyway, due to the long queue, our bags were on the floor when we got down to the baggage collection, and all that was left was customs. I had to declare the laptop and camera as personal items, and we were free. We went and exchanged our Japan Rail tickets for the real passes, and then went to catch the Narita Express into Tokyo. The trip took about 50 minutes and then when we got off we had to find the hotel. Fortunately, Being called the Tokyo Station Hotel, it was where it should be.... outside the station. So after booking in there and trying a bit of Japanese out on the porter, we had to go and find a cash machine. This may seem easy, but in Japan, they are all inside buildings and not all of them take the usual card types, visa etc. We found one likely looking machine, but the instructions were in Japanese pictograms. So even if it accepted the card, we couldn't work out how to use the machine ! So back to the hotel, with no money and being nearly 10pm we went to bed. Not before I conducted an extensive search of the web, to try and find out, a) more about pictograms, b)where likely machines might be, and c)if there may be an easier way round it. As it turned out, this is a common problem in Japan. Internationally issued Visa cards are not usually accepted in Japanese machines, so not only do you have to find a machine, but you have to find the right machine ! Anyway, I found a page that had an ongoing discussion on where to find such a machine, and one of the locations is around the corner from here, so tomorrow we see...

Submitted on 26/3/2002
Hi,
Ok, got up about 8.30am and did the e-mail thing. Then after shower and coffee we got a taxi over to a place we found yesterday, where they do the harbour tours from, at a good price. We got on the boat/junk at 10.15 and left at 10.30. Nice views from the Singapore river, especially of the city and the docks. Very, very hot today though, I think I'm starting to melt ! We got to the island (Kusu) for a stop and had a quick wander around. It is a turtle sanctuary/shrine so there are tortoises and turtles in evidence. Nothing massive though, just the average size. Then we got back on the boat and headed back to the city. The whole trip lasts about 2.5 hours, and in that heat thats good !
I had forgotten the map today so we couldn't find our way back to Chinatown, and got completely embedded in hi-rise buildings, so we couldn't see any landmarks either. Eventually I caught a glimpse of the Old Parliament building, so we headed for that, and suddenly it all became clear. By this time though, it was too hot, and too far to walk back to Chinatown, so we decided to go back to the hotel and rest. I needed to clear the pictures from my camera anyway. Went into a bar at Raffles called the Long Bar, where they give you bowls of peanuts from a huge sack, and consequently the floor is covered in shells ! Had another crack at the Satay chicken and a jug of beer, then came back to the room. I've been processing video ever since, and its about 9.30pm now. We leave for Japan tomorrow, flying out at 6.30am, so we are getting a wake-up call at 3am.... ow ! So that was Singapore. Can't really do much in 2 and a half days really but I think I'd like to come back again sometime. Thailand sounds good too. Anyway, off for some (ha!) rest.

Submitted on 25/3/2002
Hi,
I got up at around 8am and had a shower and ordered some coffee to be brought up. I went and sat outside the room at a table and had a smoke and read the daily paper which had been delivered by then. Had my coffee, then we decided to go and find Clark quay, which is where you can harbour tours from, apparently. After deciding against a taxi, and a rickshaw, we managed to head off in completely the wrong direction. Had a good look around though, and eventually stopped for a beer and checked the map... It seemed we had gone right off the city section, so it took a while to find where we were, but soon headed off in the right direction, which also took us through Chinatown. Some pretty good shops and markets there for later.
Found Clark Quay, and decided against taking the harbour tour today as it was too late to get the boat that had a stop off at one of the islands in the area. So we sat at a quayside cafe/restaurant, and had some Falafel, (Lebanese dish, satay type, veggie, but good) and of course a beer or 2. Then we headed back to the hotel, which was much closer than the earlier expedition had suggested. We went through some techy shops trying to find a good price on a digital camera for Lisa, but the prices aren't that much different to Australia really, so we'll leave that for Japan. Managed to get my arm twisted into buying a lens cover/uv filter for my camera, by a persistent guy in one of the markets though. I think I got away lightly really, as he was offering to buy my camera and "upgrade me" ! Anyway, we got back to the hotel, and I did a bit of uploading as we have a decent broadband connection here. I'm trying to stay up to date for a while...
Went out to a local bar (where the beer is cheaper) called Lot, Stock and Barrel. I'm not sure if that is intentional. But the beer was nice and they were nice to us in there. Also had a Singapore Sling. Then off to bed, lots of walking again. Have to do the boat trip tomorrow.

Submitted on 24/3/2002
Hi,
Well we arrived in Singapore at about 2pm and headed straight into the city to get checked into the hotel. Which hotel ? Raffles, of course. After being dropped by the taxi on the wrong side of the building, we eventually found our way to reception and got checked in. The room wasn't ready so we went to one of the many bars in Raffles Courtyard, and sat and had a few beers and some very tasty chicken satay. After a while the room was ready so we went and sorted ourselves out. I went for a quick stroll about and took some pictures, before we headed out to have a look around the place. There is an exclusive shopping precinct built into the hotel, and something like 9 bars and restaurants. We eventually sat back in the courtyard to eat, and pretty good it was too. Went back to the room at about 12 midnight after a nightcap, and collapsed onto the very comfortable bed ! The temparature had been about 28-30C all day and very humid, and it makes you drip. Being right on the equator I should have expected that, I guess.

Submitted on 23/3/2002
Hi
Well, had a good wander around Perth yesterday. Managed to find all sorts of hidden shopping places and bars. I was meaning to go on a trip down the Swan river, but I haven't yet. We leave in the morning for Singapore at 8.30am. That means being up by about 5am to get to the airport in time and checked in. Still no sign of my bank cards so I guess I'll have to wait until I get back at the beginning of April.
So hopefully the next report will be from Singapore in a couple of days.

Submitted on 21/3/2002
Hi
Ok, strangely enough there was no loud music today at the crack of dawn... I think enough people complained yesterday to make a difference. I was up by 7am and back in my position in the smoking capsule, drinking coffee. I managed to get a few bits of video as we reached Perth at around 9.30am. We got off the train and said our goodbyes to various people, then walked into town to check into our hotel. It was about 26C and after walking for about an hour we were really sweating, what with our back packs and other stuff. Got to the hotel around 11am and checked in. Got cleaned up a bit and I went off to the ANZ bank to check if my cards had arrived from England yet. No was the reply so I went and found a bar/cafe and had a few beers and a Wild Boar curry for lunch. I went in search of fresh tapes for the camera, and managed to get 3 for the same price I paid in the US. Back in Surfers Paradise they were double the US price. So thats good, I have enough tape for Singapore and Japan now. Hopefully, the tapes will be even cheaper in Japan, and I will be able to stock up. Then it was back to the hotel and I started uploading video of the train journey. Managed to get a fair bit done but I'll do more tomorrow. I went down to the bar at around 6.30pm and had a few before realising the price so I then went down into the town and found a pub for a few more. The pub shut at 10pm though, so I went back to the hotel and did a bit more video then bed.

Submitted on 20/3/2002
Hi
Right, the first thing that happened this morning was the tannoy system started playing loud music in our cabins at about 5.45am ! You can imagine the reaction this got after another restless night being thrown around in bed. Then, the tannoy started announcing in loud tones various points of "interest" along the track. So having a spare pillow over my head, I managed to escape the worst of it for a while. I had enough eventually though, and repaired to the smokers cabin for a coffee and a smoke. The landscape has changed significantly over night, and the red earth is now quite visible between the scrub. We had quite a long trip towards and through the Nullaboor Plain before we reached the "town" of Cook, which was where the west-east and east-west sections of the track were first joined. It is largely uninhabited now though, with only 4 people living there. The train has to stop to get water and fuel so we all got off and had a wander around. It wasn't until I got a good 200 yards from the train that I got really annoyed by the number of flies that started attacking me. I find it amazing that so many can exist in what looks like a lifeless area. So I headed back to the train to escape. After about half an hour, the train moved on across the Nullaboor, which really is flat and there are no trees, just small plants that grow to about a foot high at most. The Nullaboor is twice the size of England, so it was a long featureless ride through it. After many hours, (during which I got some video processed) we approached Kalgoorlie which is about 200km after the end of the Nullaboor. It was dark by this time, and there was an optional tour, but again I didn't go. Instead, we went into the town and found a few pubs and had a few games of pool. Quite a boring place at night really, but who knows in the daytime. The train was leaving at 10.30pm so we headed back in time and got on. The temparature when we first got off the train was about 30 C and muggy, which was quite a shock after the air conditioned train for so long. Managed to survive though ! Went to bed soon after the train left Kalgoorlie, and tried to get comfortable. Last night on the train though, as we arrive in Perth tomorow morning.

Submitted on 19/3/2002
Hi
Ok, the beds suck on this train ! The train was rolling and shaking so much last night that sleep was virtually impossible. Then at around 6am, the cabin attendant brought round a cup of coffee. Consequently, I was up at around 7am and firmly esconced in the smoking compartment (see video). The first stop of the day was at a place called Broken Hill, which is a mining town. There was an opportunity to go on a coach tour around the town for an hour, but after being on the train for so long, I decided to have a wander by myself.
We left Broken Hill and headed on to Adelaide, which we reached at about 4pm. We stopped for 2 hours there, and again, I opted out of the coach tour. I am hoping to get to Adelaide on the return trip anyway, so no worries. I got talking to a fellow smoker called Lloyd, who comes from Edmonton in Canada. There are only 4 or 5 of us smokers on the train in our section so the capsule is quite a nice place to sit. Normally, you have to be the queen or the pope to sit in a room like that !
Anyway, after we left Adelaide, we were heading towards the west of Australia, but as it soon got dark there wasn't too much to see. More tomorrow...

Submitted on 18/3/2002
Hi
Well we had to leave the hotel by 10am today, and after only having about 5 hours sleep last night, I was a bit groggy. I went off to the station to wait for the train, and Lisa went off to investigate some train passes for Japan. After a couple of hours Lisa came and found me, and we had to go down to the shop with our passports to get the passes. Then, back to the station and on to the train at about 1.45pm.
The cabins on the train were pretty small, but they contain a bed, loo, and washbasin, and you are free to wander the rest of the train. The train left at about 2.50pm and we were off towards Adelaide. We won't get there until about 4.30pm tomorrow so time to get a beer, some food and try out the bed.

Submitted on 17/3/2002
Hi
Ok, I started processing video at about 9am today, and went out at about 2pm. I wandered around Sydney and went to the Harbour Bridge and the opera house, then went up in the Sky tower. I wanted to climb the bridge but they were asking AUS$150, which is about 50 quid so the tower had to do ! It is much higher anyway, so you get a better view. After that I returned to the hotel and did a bit more on the video, then went down to the bar and had a few... sometime later I returned to the video task and finished at about 4.20am on monday !(today). So forgive me if I don't do any more for a week or so. I am lucky to have a broadband connection here, so the uploading doesn't take as long as usual. Anyway, we're off to Perth on the train tomorrow, so I'll tape that and upload it in 5 or 6 days time. Until then, there are loads of photos and much video for you to peruse ! Later dudes....

Submitted on 16/3/2002
Hi
Well after a latish start we got on the road to Sydney this morning. Its about 900k so it was a long drive. The only bright spots were when (a) I stopped and had bacon, sausage andd eggs for breakfast at about 2pm, and (b) when at about 7pm I noticed we were about to run out of petrol. The first one was a pleasure to deal with, the second a pain, as I hadn't seen a sign for petrol for about 80k and it was dark, and we were in the middle of nowhere... So at the first offramp leading to a town, I left the highway and started looking for petrol. We had to go about 10k to the town and then hunt down the petrol station by guesswork, but eventually we got it sorted. Then of course we had to find out way back to the highway again. When we eventually got back on the highway (where we left it) we went round the next corner and there was a sign for the next services...only 2k away !!! I don't regret it because with 100k to go and only 10 litres of petrol you have to be careful, but still, that was typical. Anyway we made it to the Marriot in Sydney, which has a bar and a high speed net connection, so I'm sorted. I have uploaded all the available video now, which is up to 3 days ago, so the next lot will come later. Right, enough of this, off to bed (after 11 hours driving and 3 hours computer work)

Submitted on 15/3/2002
Hi
Well got on the road by 9am today and headed for Brisbane. We got there at about 1.30pm but kept going as I don't want to have to drive 1000k to Sydney tomorrow. Stopped about 120k further at the Gold Coast, Surfers Paradise to be precise. Managed to find a decent place to stay, with an ocean view and right in the centre of things. I went out trying to get more tapes for the video camera, but only got one as they are really expensive here. Had a few beers at the Hard Rock Cafe, and then headed back to the hotel to catch up on the uploading. This is getting really difficult, as I always seem to have more to upload ! Still, I'll get there in the end I guess. Head off to Sydney tomorrow, so it'll need to be an earlyish start... Until tomorrow...

Submitted on 14/3/2002
Hi
Today dawned bright and early, but unfortunately, my nose and sinuses were so blocked up, I really couldn't go for my second dive. That was annoying, as I wanted to get some more photos and see if I could improve my air consumption, but it isn't worth a pain in the head for. I have to drive later when we get back to the mainland, so I need my brain. But I definitely will dive again when I get chance. The boat back was at 2pm so I spent the morning wandering about and reading my book on survival Japanese ! The ride back on the boat was a bit of fun too. The sea had about a 9 foot swell so the boat was rolling quite nicely. I spent the whole trip out on the back deck getting covered in salt, and chatting to a guy who had been skippering the dive boat from the day before. Apparently he had 5 days off so he was going to Brisbane. They only get that time off twice a year ! Still, the job must make up for it, living on a coral island and going out in a boat every day.
We got back to Gladstone at around 4.30pm and discovered someone had nicked one of the wheel trims from the hire car ! Just one, for some reason, so I'll have to find one somewhere later. I managed to drive for about 2 or 3 hours down to a place called Bundaberg, where we are staying for the night. We head down to Brisbane tomorrow.

Submitted on 13/3/2002
Hi
Well I got up early and went for my scuba lesson this morning. After a video and a chat we went down to the pool for some basic lessons on clearing your mask, using the air regulator and a few hand signals. Then it was off to the jetty and out to the edge of the reef for the real thing. One big step and we were in the water and within 10 minutes we were 30 feet down and surrounded by large fish, coral, and sea cucumbers. Amazing experience, but over all too soon as being beginners, we got through our air much too quickly. We were down for about 30 minutes altogether and got down to about 33 feet. The water was really warm even down there. The only problem I had was my sinuses began to hurt at over 30 feet. I took a few photos underwater, but didn't really have time for much more. I have booked for another dive tomorrow anyway. I spent the rest of the day wandering around and in the bar, and getting some sun.

Submitted on 12/3/2002
Hi
Well, we got down to the dock in time and got on the boat out to Heron Island. Pretty good trip out and there was plenty of time to soak up the sun on the back of the boat. The Pacific is nice when the sun's out ! The trip out to the island took about 2.5 hours, and we only saw 2 other islands on the way, both of which are uninhabited. We arrived at about 2pm and got taken to our rooms then lunch (all meals included). I went to the maritime centre and booked up for a scuba dive for tomorrow morning. Apparently, there are turtles nesting and hatching on the island at the moment, but after a quick (30 min) walk around the island, I couldn't find any turtles just tracks in the sand. Went for a few beers then bed as I've got to be at the centre for the scuba training at 8.15am tomorrow.

Submitted on 11/3/2002
Hi
Ok, well we headed south today and made it as far as Gladstone. It is only about 150k from Rockhampton, but while we were looking around, we found that they do trips to Heron Island, which is on the Great Barrier Reef. Of course, we signed up, and we leave tomorrow morning for 2 nights on a coral island ! Until then we have booked into a motel, and spent the afternoon lying by the pool. Gladstone is a harbour town and they apparently have the largest aluminium plant in the world just down the road.

Submitted on 10/3/2002
Hi
Well because we got an hour back yesterday, as a result of entering Queensland, we managed to be on the road by 9am today. Of course today is Sunday, so in anything, the roads should be even quieter ! We left Charleville and had only gone about 10k when we had to stop and let some emus cross the road. They are quite big birds close up. It put me in mind of a new slang term for number 2s....a Rod Hull ! Never mind, we drove on and on and on, and the roads seem to change in scenery over each rise. We were heading North North-west at this stage. Eventually, we reached the Capricorn highway after about 400k. So, we turned right, and headed east towards Rockhampton, some 580k away. There are some tiny little towns along that road, which is despite the grand name only a 2 lane blacktop. As we neared the last 100 or so kilometers it started to rain, in big sub-tropical drops. Not for very long, as we were just catching the end of a cloud, but it soaked the road. Warm rain in warm wind, quite a change from England.
Anyway, it started to get dark after we crossed the Great Dividing Range to reach the coast again, so we just hurried to get to a motel before the bar shut ! So thats how we ended up in Rockhampton, Queensland, on a muggy Sunday night in March. There is video and there are photos of today and the last few days on the Australia page if you care to take a look. We are heading a little bit more south tomorrow, and going to try and find a place from which to launch an assault on the Great Barrier Reef. Don't move that dial !

Submitted on 9/3/2002
Hi
Ok, We left Nyngan before 10am today and headed on up the Mitchell Highway towards Bourke which only took 2 hours or so. Saw plenty of emus beside the road and the place started to look like the Australia you see in books. Wide open plains and scrubland with hardly another car in sight for hours on end. A few road trains were most of the company on the road, and quite a lot of dead kangaroos (roadkill). I was disappointed because I haven't actually seen a live one yet, but there is plenty of time left to go. We have stopped in Charleville, which is in Queensland, and tomorrow I hope we are going to get to the Capricorn Highway. Anyway, enough for now, off to find the bar !

Submitted on 8/3/2002
Hi
Well we left Sydney at about 10am today and headed inland towards Lithgow and beyond. There is a pretty steep climb through the Blue Mountains before you reach Lithgow, and most of the time it was raining. That could have been because we were actually in the clouds !
Anyway, we came down the other side and drove through Bathurst, Orange, Wellington and Dubbo, before reaching our overnight stop at Nyngan. The guy running the motel in Nyngan has only been there 2 weeks after coming back from running a backpackers hostel in Edinburgh. Nice food, and plenty of beer later, I am going to bed. Ta ta.

Submitted on 7/3/2002
Hi
Well, we set off at about 9.30am today, and went through some deeply forested areas on the way to Sydney. The drive took about 9 hours because of roadworks etc, plus we stopped for a bite to eat and coffee. Eventually got to Sydney about 6.30pm and the only hotel we could be bothered to try was the Hilton, so here we are ! I am going to head inland tomorrow, and try to get to the Capricorn Highway, which is, strangely enough, on the Tropic of Capricorn. Anyway, nuff said.

Submitted on 6/3/2002
Hi
We got our car this morning, and headed off into the Australian countryside. However, after about 50k I decided to check the map, and discovered that we were going in completly the wrong direction !
So after a hasty about-turn, we headed back to Melbourne, and eventually found out way back out of the city and onto the M1 which leads around the coast towards Sydney. We only managed to get as far as a place called Lakes Entrance, which is at one end of the ninety mile beach. Excellent accomodation at a small motel. A 2 bedroomed chalet with shower, washing machine, dining/living/kitchen area, all for the pricely sum of $70 for the night. (about 25 pounds !! )
I found a good place to eat called Miriams and had a few beers too. Have to leave fairly early tomorrow, as we need to get to Sydney soon. We only have 12 days before we catch the train from Sydney to Perth, and I want to get as far up the east coast as we can before we go. Ok, nuff for now.

Submitted on 5/3/2002
Hi
Well today was a wandering around day, and I arranged with the ANZ back to have my new bank card delivered to them in Perth. Hopefully it'll be there before I go to Singapore. I expect I'll need it there, and Japan. We hired a car so we'll be off around the country tomorrow morning. Haven't driven here yet so that should be fun. Think we'll head for Sydney and the east coast. Anyway, until tomorrow...

Submitted on 4/3/2002
Well, after the weekends exitement, it's back to the grind (ha ha). We left the hostel today and booked in to a "classy" hotel in Melbourne. I spent the day wandering around the city and have found that there are quite a few parks that are worth visiting as well as a few pubs !
I eventually got to the hotel room at about 7.30pm and have been carrying on with the uploading since then. We have got another day here and then off to Sydney. I reported my bank card stolen today, and it's going to take 3 weeks to get another one delivered here. Good job we've got other means of getting cash. So I should get my bank card back by the time I am in Perth, or maybe when I get back to Perth after Japan. I hope it's before because Japan is a pretty expensive place.
Anyway, 'nuff for now. L8ter, dudes...

Submitted on 3/3/2002
Hi
Well the race was excellent, pity about the lack of screens where you need them.
I missed the start and all the fun there, but eventually found a good spot where I could see the track and the screen !
All a bit predictable really in the end but thats F1 I spose. Anyway off for a beer or two now.
Cya later

Submitted on 2/3/2002
Hi,
Well, didn't get up that early today, but still managed to get a decent spec for the start of qualifying. It rained pretty consistently, and the teams don't know what to do for tyres. They still promise sun for Sunday (!?) but we'll see eh ...
I managed to persuade an internet cafe to let me connect my laptop to their fast internet, so I am uploading like mad right now. The place is the Internet Cafe in Grey St, just off St Kilda Rd in Melbourne Australia, if anybody's thinking of coming down.
Anyway, must get on uploading....

Submitted on 1/3/2002
Hi,
Well day 2 of the F1 and we got to see some the F1 cars in practice today. God they're loud !
It has been raining on and off but it promises to be fine for the weekend and the race itself. I went into Melbourne city today to try and find Lisa, who had arranged to meet me at a restaurent. Problem was that by the time I got there, I couldn't remember what the place was called, or even where it was ! So I got a tram back to where we are staying, and went down the road for a beer and a bowl of spaghetti in an Italian place. Prety good too. Well, tomorrows qualifying so must be up quite early.

Submitted on 28/2/2002
Hi,
Well I got my tickets today for the F1 and spent the rest of the day finding my way around the circuit. Found a couple of good spots but there will be more people on race day I'm certain.
Have to find a decent pub tonight, and something to eat would be nice too. The prices at the Albert Park circuit are pretty steep.

Submitted on 27/2/2002
Hi all,
Well we made it to MElbourne Australia. We got here at about 8am this morning and have been wandering about ever since.
We have got a room about half a mile from the grand prix circuit, and I am going to pick up my tickets tomorrow !
I am really loking forward to this race, it'll be the first time I've ever been to a formula 1 meet, and it hear that it can't be beaten.
We ate at a Vietnamese restaurent earlier, I had Satay chicken which was great. May have to go and find more beer later tho, at the time of writing it is about 8.30pm on Wednesday 27th Feb.
By the way mark, I tried to pay my dues for the F1 comp, but the abbey were so slow, I don't know whether it went through. I'll check again tomorrow.
Until then, good bye and good luck all.

Alan

Submitted on 26/2/2002
We got our coach down to Auckland today, and checked into the hotel, so I have been frantically writing and uploading stuff. I had to get my e-mail first and after 9 days there were about 300 messages waiting ! I think I got the important ones, but I deleted most of the junk.
Our flight is at 6.30am tomorrow, so the next time you hear from me I'll be in Australia, Melbourne to be exact, and the Grand Prix is on Sunday....Nice !

Submitted on 25/2/2002
Well, another lazy day today. My back got fried yesterday and the sun is beating down today too, so even with a t-shirt on, I am too hot in the sun.
So I am just going to read a book and do nothing all day. Except get a beer in later I expect. I have tried to catch up on all the writing but its been a week since I last did any so there is lots to remember. The video is a bit behind too, but I'll try to catch up where I can. The place we are staying doesn't have any real net access so its difficult to upload stuff here. We are going back to Auckland tomorrow as our flight to Australia leaves early Wednesday morning. But we get to stay in a hotel tomorrow so I'll try to get up to date !

Submitted on 24/2/2002
Well, after a night on the boat, we were off after breakfast at 8am, on another boat which took us to one of the islands. We got off and climbed up to the top which gave an excellent view. They have lots of old bunkers up there from the war. Anyway, we climbed down the other side to a deserted beach (apart from the sheep ! ) and proceeded to go swimming, snorkelling and kayaking around and the fish were amazing. The water is so clear that even in 60m of water you can still see the bottom.
After a couple of hours we got back on the boat and went over to one of the big rocks out at sea, and had to jump in and collect mussels from the side of the rock, underwater ! The sea had quite a swell so it was difficult getting down deep enough to get the really big ones. They cooked the mussels up once we got them back to the boat. I'm not sure if I really like mussels, but at least I knew they were fresh !
After that we went off to another island called Roberton Island, which is where Captain Cook landed first in New Zealand. Went for a climb up to the viewpoint on the top and that was pretty good too. Then back down to the beach for a laze about before we headed back to Paihia. So overall, a pretty good day, and the weather was excellent. There were only a few of us so it was all quite friendly. Straight to the pub for a beer when we got back, then I had to hit the sack, knackered as I was !

Submitted on 23/2/2002
Well we just lazed around on the beach today, until it was time to go and catch the ride to the Rock. The weather has been a bit rainy this afternoon, but it was good this morning. The guys from the Rock picked us up and took us out to the boat, and gave us all a run down on the safety and stuff. Then we had fun shooting a plastic bottle with airguns for a bit. They towed it behind the boat and it was hard work.
Then as it started getting dark, we tried a bit of fishing, but not to much avail I'm afraid. There were about 12 of us on the trip so not too many for comfort. When the sunset came it was brilliant, really good reds against the beautiful scenery. Then it was time for tea, and we had steak and sausages and salad and spuds and it was good. They have a bar on the boat, so after tea, it was down to the drinking. I went to bed quite early, as my leg and shoulder were giving me gip, something to do with the damp air I think. I managed to sleep ok though, the rolling of the boat was hardly noticeable.

Submitted on 22/2/2002
Well today we went for a trip on the ferry over to the other side of the bay to a place called Russell. The weather was a bit gloomy, but still warm, and so we had a walk along the beach and I collected a few sea shells. We had lunch at a local pub over there, then headed back to Paihia in the afternoon, and mooched about town and then went for a beer and back to the hostel. Not much to do when the sun goes in really, but no matter. Every other day is good here so tomorrow should be ok. We booked up to go on the Rock, which is an overnight trip where you sleep on the boat and then go island hopping the next day. Looks like fun, so we leave for that at 5.15pm tomorrow (Saturday).

Submitted on 21/2/2002
Well,I got up at about 9am today. I waited until about 10.15, but Lisa was only just getting out of bed then so I went off to explore. Booked myself on a bay tour for 1.30pm and went for breakfast. Nice greasy eggs and bacon and coffee ! Eventually the time came to go on the boat and what a boat. It was probably not more than a few months old and there were only about 35 people on the same trip. The video shows things up quite well. The veiws from around the bay were excellent, and the bit where the boats goes through the hole in the rock was great fun. A bit disappointed not to see any dolphins but the ride was still well worth it. Got back at about 4.30pm and headed for the pub. Went back to the hostel and found Lisa and went out for a drink then bed. This sea air really tires you out !

Submitted on 20/2/2002
Well we caught our coach ok, the coaches have loads of legroom here so thats a blessing. The trip to the Bay of Islands took about 5.5 hours and we are staying at a place called Lodge 11 in the town of Paihia. The hostel really is only 100m from the beach. We just booked in and unloaded our stuff then headed back to the town for a drink and food. Plenty to do here though. Have to check it all out tomorrow.

Submitted on 19/2/2002
Well we travelled back up to Auckland today on the coach. Nice scenery going past Taupo. We'll have to visit there next time I think. We didn't get into Auckland until nearly 7pm so I'm off for a pint and some grub. Our coach leaves for the Bay of Islands at about 1.30pm tomorrow, so I write more then.

Submitted on 18/2/2002
Hi there,
Well, got up fairly late today, after the efforts of yesterday. Went for a walk along the river and got some goods pictures and video. Totally relaxing here, hardly anybody about, and it's not at all touristy. Bought some postcards and did my duty there, so thats done for a bit. I've been trying to even out the red colour across my body, in the hope that I may get a real tan for once. We have made arrangements to leave here tomorrow, and go back North, past Auckland to the Bay of ISlands, where there is a nice looking hostel, about 100 yards from the beach.
We are going to stay there until Tuesday 26th Feb, and then go back to Auckland to catch the plane to Australia on the 27th.
Grand Prix is getting closer, and I can't wait ! Anyway, just bumming around today really, get some laundry done and sort out the travel arrangements. It's about 75-80 degrees outside, and with the hole in the ozone layer, you really feel it. They say 13 minutes to burn so plenty of sunscreen needed. Ok, thats it for now. Please check out the video if you get chance. Until later...

Submitted on 17/2/2002
Hi there,
Well I went off on my hike today, and it was some trip. They take you about 45 minutes down the road by van, then drop you off at the start of the track. It all starts off nicely enough, but gradually, you realise that there is some serious climbing ahead ! It takes about 3 - 4 hours to reach the middle of the walk, by which time you are at about 6000 feet up and in the crater of one of the volcanos. Some spectacular scenery up there, but I was torn between taking pictures and video, or making it to the pick-up point on the other side by 4.30pm. I did my best to capture the best bits, so there are some good bits on video I hope. It really is like being on another planet someimes. Desolate places and hardly a sign of mans inteference anywhere.
There must have been at least 300 people walking today, but you soon spread out and can find yourself alone in the middle of no-where quite often. It's nice to see other people struggling too ! Managed to complete the trip about an hour early, but thats because I didn't stop for lunch really, as I wanted to make sure I didn't miss the bus back ! We just about got down from the highest points before a cloud drifted in to the mountains and it must have been hell trying to find your way in thick mist. All I had was sunshine the whole walk. THe last section goes through a thickly forested region with a stream and things. Very relaxing after the dry desert like higher sections.
Right, I am knackered now so its beer then bed I think. Bye for now.

Submitted on 16/2/2002
Hi there,
Well we left Wellington at about 12 noon today, and got a coach up to a place called Turangi. Its near a big lake right in the centre of the North Island. Pleasant trip, and we stopped for the driver to have a break for half an hour at a little roadside cafe. Peaceful and warm and no worries !
We got to Turangi at about 6.30pm and eventually found our hostel. Its called Club Habitat and it has its own Micro-brewery, so thats handy. There are 3 types of beer, light, dark, and somewhere in between. I am drinking the dark stuff and its pretty good. Must be for about 1 pound 40 a pint ! Anyway, had a few beers and off to bed. I am booked to go on something called the Tongariro Crossing tomorrow, which is a hike over and between 2 local volcanos. About 10 miles altogether and we leave at 7.30am so got get some rest.
Bye for now.

Submitted on 15/2/2002
Hello there,
Well got up and went out this morning and the weather had dried up a bit, so we went for a walk along the harbour side and ended up going in a cable car to the top of the surrounding hills. Unfortunately, by the time we got there, the rain had started again so there wasn't much of a view, but I got some nice shots of plants in the botanical gardens. Apparently the ferries still aren't running at the moment because the seas are immense etc etc, so looks like I'll have to skip the South Island this time around. We only have 12 days left in New Zealand before we go to Australia, and I think we'd need at least that to explore the South Island plus we need time to get back to Auckland for the flights on the 27th. That takes a day by train and if the ferries stop running while we're down there....
Anyway, we are going to head north again tomorrow, and go to Taupo (I think) where there is a lake and a volcano and loads of walking areas so that should be good. Takes 6 hours on the bus to get there but, hey, what am I here for. There is video of the NZ trip so far on the New Zealand page. See you later.

Submitted on 14/2/2002
Howdy,
Well we caught the train this morning at about 8.30am, and spent a long day traveling down to Wellington. The trip is about 800km but the train does no more than 50kph and stops about 15 times ! Consequently the journey takes 11 hours ! Oh, well, there was some nice scenery on the way, I guess thats why they call the train the Tranz Scenic. There are lots of sheep here and cattle and an awful lot of open spaces surrounded by mountains. Hardly any people to be seen at all in some places.
We got to Wellington at around 7.30pm and headed to the hostel. Nice room, with an en-suite shower and loo ! The weather is pretty miserable though, cold, grey and raining but it may clear up tomorrow. Hoping to get down to the South Island, but the rumour is that the ferries aren't running because of bad weather at sea. We'll know more tomorrow. Had a few pints at an Irish stylee bar and listened to an Irish stylee band play. Off to bed now, see you tomorrow.

Submitted on 13/2/2002
Hi,
Well didn't do much today, mainly due to the fact that I got robbed the first night and lost my cash and cards. They only got about 50 quid but gave me a nice mark to remember them by. So today has been spent recuperating and getting ready to travel to Wellington tomorrow.
We are going to catch the train down there as its about 800 km away. The weather has been pretty good today though, not like yesterday. It must be well over 75 F but I guess with that hole in the ozone layer being so close then it has more effect !
Anyway, until tomorrow....

Submitted on 12/2/2002
Hi all
Well we made it !
Got to Aukland at about 8am this morning (Tuesday 12 Feb). Got a bus into the city and signed up with the YHA which gives us discounts on backpacking hostels etc. The place we are in now cost us $21 per night, which is about $10 US or 7 pounds ! Got beds and laundry and showers, what else do you need ?
Anyway, I can't upload any video from here as this is an internet only terminal, so I'll do that when we get a real hotel somewhere.
Hope you're all well, I'm off to find a beer now !

Submitted on 10/2/2002
Hi,
Well we left Tucson at about 10am today and headed west towards California and San Diego. The roads are so quiet going across the desert areas, and it still surprises me how much of the US is actually completely empty. We crossed into California and got an hour back as we entered the Pacific time zone. The first bit of California is desert...I mean real desert, with big dunes and sand blowing everywhere. Later on you climb into the mountains again where they seem to made from big rocks just piled together.
Anyway, we reached San Diego at about 4pm and tried to find the ocean. That took a while but we got some good views over the city. Eventually found our way down to Coronado which is a sort of island connected to the shore. By this time I needed a drink and we stopped in a small bar, where, by buying the last bottle of Hooch, I won a sort of seat/ bag combo. Lots of the locals had been drinking all day to win that so I handed it over to the nearest guy. I have too much stuff to carry anyway, but its amazing that the only time I win something is when I don't need it !!.
Ok, thats it for now, the next update will be from the southern hemisphere, probably sometime on Tuesday. There is some video of California here. See ya later.

Submitted on 9/2/2002
Hi all,
Well we left Roswell this morning but I didn't go to the UFO museum. I really wanted to go to the Litle Ale'inn which as I pointed out before is in Nevada. Anyway, we had a pleasant drive through New Mexico, heading south south-west towards White Sands Missile range. I was hoping to go to Trinity site, where they test fired the first Atomic bomb back in 1945, but they only let you visit that twice a year, and I have missed that until October. Anyway, we stopped at the White Sands park, where the dunes are composed of Gypsum and it really is quite a sight.
After that we drove on another 30 miles or so to reach the Missile Range. It is an active air force establishment, so we had to get a pass and were only allowed to visit the museum just inside the gates. You can find some video of todays exploits here.
We then drove on to Tucson, Arizona, where, due to a convention of some variety, we had a sod of a time finding somewhere to stay for the night. Eventually found a place but the phone wouldn't let me connect to the net so thats why this bit of the story's late. Must do better! I'm tired now so Cya later.

Submitted on 8/2/2002
Hi folks,
Well here I am in Roswell New Mexico. Haven't seen any aliens yet (at least not legal aliens !). We left Oklahoma City at about 10am and drove through mist for about half an hour before the sun came out. Since then it has been beautiful driving weather, not a cloud in the sky.
Had lunch in Amarillo, Texas, and then as soon as we hit New Mexico headed south towards Roswell. The scenery is big, I can't describe how big really you have to be there. At one point you could see at least 100 miles in any direction... What can I say to describe that ? Anyway, the road goes on (and on) and eventually we reached Roswell.(As luck would have it, I am in completely the wrong state to go to the Little Ale'in which is in Nevada apparently.... cheers Mike for pointing that out ! )
Anyway, we have booked into the Holiday Inn express (which is off the planet anyway) and have spent a few happy hours imbibing at the bar next door. Tomorrow is going to be mostly finding the UFO Museum and Research Centre in Roswell and then driving further south in the intention of getting to LA before Sunday evening (NZ day). Thats all for now (well what else did you expect :-) Cya

Submitted on 7/2/2002
Well today I be mostly trying to stay on the road !
After we stopped at Chattanooga last night, we went to bed and woke up to find the world had turned white. Not too much but enough to cover the car with 3 inches of snow, and make me put a sweater on.
So off we went in the general direction of Nashville/Memphis. The road wasn't too bad but as we started to climb the hills from Chattanooga, I felt the wheels start to play tricks on me when changing lanes. I carried on (as you do) but with one hand ready to grab my ass when the car decided to let go ! It didn't but it was quite exciting coming down from the hills. By the time we reached Nashville (about 130 miles) the snow had decided that it was going to try really hard to stop proceedings. It was building up on the road and you had to drive in the wheel tracks or pay the consequences. We saw a wreck where someone had already paid and it wasn't pretty. (You can see a minute or so of video here of the snow in Nashville).
So we made it out of there anyway, and struggled with the elements past Memphis and Little Rock Arkansas, where it decided not to snow anymore, but the road was still dicey.
I originally intended to get as far as Oklahoma City by tonight, but after all the snow trouble it looked like we would have to stop before then. Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be a call for accommodation anywhere between Arkansas and Oklahoma City, so I kept going. We eventually got here at about 9.15pm and got a room. The gas station next door sells beer too, so that was (is) nice.
So another day closer to LA, and so to NZ. (ps. the date above this is UK time so you have to adjust back one day. Unlees I write this before 6pm our time then the server in england is on the next day already. All the accounts are on consecutive days (so far ! )

Submitted on 6/2/2002
Hi folks,
Well thanks to you for signing the guestbook. Not so sad now ;-)
We got as far as Chattanooga today, didn't leave until 10.30 this morning ! Had a good drive up though, I'm still managing to avoid the rain and other inclement weather. We got here at about 6.30 this evening and are staying in the same motel that I stayed in last time.... funny that !
We went out for a meal at Mount Vernon Restaurant which was nice. Had a steak (as usual). Must get up before 10 tomorrow because we have to try and get to Oklahoma City if we want to go to Roswell later this week. Sitting in the motel drinking and typing right now, so can't be bad.
Take care and cya l8er.

Submitted on 4/2/2002
Hi all,
Well the time is nigh, and after waiting since the 11th of November 2001, (albeit in sunny Florida)I am finally off on stage 2 of the trip.
We set off tomorrow morning (fairly) early, to drive across the states and we fly out from Los Angeles next Sunday at around 10pm Pacific time (add 8 hours to GMT). I have got a few more things to see on the way, so I'll post video if there is any along the way, and I'll keep this monologue (diatribe !) going where time permits. The next major point of interest will be when we reach New Zealand of course, which should be sometime on the 12th of February. There will definately be some video and more writing then.
Anyway, keep checking here for new video for the time being.

Submitted on 22/6/2002
Hi
Well, I got behind in the story again ! I made it to Tauranga, and it wasn't raining at all ! Found the hostel, checked in, all that jazz. Found a bar in town (you guessed it, Irish) and settled in quite nicely. Joined in with a team for the pub quiz and had a laugh. The next day I was determined to DO something, so I walked over to Mount Manganui, which is about 8km from Tauranga. Its an old volcano cone about 800m high at the end of a low strip of land. Pleasant views from the top. Had lunch in the town down at the bottom, then walked back to Tauranga. Didn't do much the next day. The night before I was due to leave, I was sitting in a bar, just after the England game, when the police rushed in and accused me of something to do with a motorbike. I insisted it wasn't me, but one of the officers was almost frothing at the mouth, and wanted me outside. So off I went, to discover that the bike in question was a HArley ! I laughed and said I wouldn't be caught dead on one, but they insisted that I had been up to no good. Eventually, the barman came out and explained that I was a pom who had been in the bar a while etc, etc, so they had to let me go. Great fun eh.
Anyway, the next day I went to Coromandel Town, up on the Coromandel Peninsular. Supposedly a very scenic place, but it rained almost all the time I was there. Except for the day I left of course ! Anyway, after 4 nights in Coromandel, I came back to Auckland, where I am now. I hate Auckland ! I have been staying in a hotel for 3 nights because the hostel was getting like a madhouse, and I didn't get much sleep for 2 nights. So, this trip is coming to an end, I fly to the States today, and then to Seattle to see Mike. More when I get there.

Submitted on 10/6/2002
Hi again. Well maybe the date is right after all. British Summertime and all that jazz!!

Submitted on 10/6/2002
Hi, despite the date above, I am writing this on the 10th of June. Of course this is before it is the 10th in the UK !
Anyway, this is my last message from Rotorua. I am leaving for Tauranga today which is further along the east coast of the North Island. Hopefully it won't be raining there quite as hard as it is here ! Yesterday and the day before were ok though, and I had a wander around the steaming thermal lakes and the sulphur pools. The smell is something else but they say you get used to it after a while.... I don't think I would though. I went on a gondala ride up to the top of a smallish hill the other day... rather unimpressive really, plus when I got to the top there were lots of japanese tourists everywhere, barging people around as usual. It took me an hour to walk back to town where I went into the only decent pub I've found here, called the Pig & Whistle (its in an old police station !). They serve good food and have a microbrewery, so the beer is pretty good too. I tried to watch the England game the other night, but the first place I tried to get in refused me entry because I was wearing black jeans ! Any other colour was fine apparently. Pity, because thats the only colour jeans I have, here or at home. So I went back to the hostel and watched Blade on a dvd I had bought that day. Good movie.
Anyway, 12 days left before I leave NZ now. I am sorry I won't see the South Island again on this trip, but hte North Island is a pain anyway. Plus I have lots of work on the computer lined up in my head for when I get back to civilisation ! Right thats it for now, next up, Tauranga.

Submitted on 6/6/2002
Hi,
Well this report is coming from Rotorua, as there was no real net access in Gisborne. In fact there wasn't really much of anything in Gisborne ! I suppose that could be because its winter but still...
Anyway, due to that reason, I have skipped Opotiki too. It is a smaller place than Gisborne and I didn't want to be stuck in a ghost town for 3 nights ! So Rotorua it is. I arrived yesterday, and had a wander around, but it seems that even here, things go quiet in the winter. Most of the activities are way outside of the town so I am going down to the lake today to see what I can see from there. The only real interest to me is an island called White Island which is just off the coast. It is an active volcano, and apparently is always steaming etc. But it will probably cost about $100 to get out there. So I'll see how it goes. Anyway, until later....

Submitted on 3/6/2002
Hi,
Well I made it to Napier by saturday night. Ended up going out and spending an evening with a bunch of kiwis in a pub. Great fun, and I didn't get back to the hostel until about 2am sunday. It has been quite cold and wet here for a couple of days, but today (monday) is windy but dry, and a great day to walk along the beach. Which is what I've been doing. Tomorrow, I am going further north along the coast to Gisbourne, and I'll stay there for 3 nights. I have until the 23rd before I leave, so I'm going to spend 3 nights in each of 8 places before I have to leave. Unless I find a reason to stay longer in one place of course.
Anyway, it seems like time is short now, and I'm going to get as much seen and done as possible. Next report - Gisbourne.

Submitted on 31/5/2002
Hi
Well I've finished the uploads for the videos today. So there are another 7 videos of the South Island to view. I am leaving tomorrow for Napier in the North Island, so we shall see what thats like eh ?
I don't know when I'll be able to do any more video or photo uploads, but maybe some photos just before I fly back to the States on 23rd June. So there is a bit of a wait until then. I'll try to keep the story up to date this time though.

Submitted on 30/5/2002
Hi.
Well I was uploading stuff this morning but suddenly the line went dead. It seems the hotels phone system has gone down ! That was the only reason to be in the hotel, so I am going to see if they will discount for the hassle.
Anyway, I found a place that lets me plug into their high speed network, so I have fully updated now. I will work on the rest of the video later today.

Submitted on 29/5/2002
This is a less involved version as I haven't kept up to date. But it gets me to the current day and gives the key points of the trip since the 21st April. I will try to do this again when I can.
22/4 golf
23/4 drove to motel (can't remember where it was now ! )
24/4 drove to Melbourne ( got card back)
25/4 spent time getting stuff ready for upload
26/4 went to st kilda and uploaded vids
27/4 spent day on the pc working on upgrades/patches
28/4 more on the pc and a wander around town
29/4 more wandering
30/4 last bit of pc stuff doing dbase and server upgrades (leave tomorrow)
Fly to NZ (1/5/02)
2/5 get bus ticket to wellington and ferry organised then go... chat to guys in Irish bar in Wellington
3/5 take ferry to picton then bus to christchurch. early night I'm ill !
4/5 do washing and wander around town for a bit. sort out next bus and yha in Dunedin. Get new Travel Pass.
5/5 Catch bus to dunedin, arrive, wander around town, back to yha, sleep
6/5 wander down to harbour side. Book on to cruise up the harbour and go on it. See fur seals, albatrosses, etc.
7/5 get bus to Invercargill. Meet Hari, go for a wander and get pissed. book on for stewart island.
8/5 go to Bluff, catch ferry, (washing machine), get to Stewart Island, catch water taxi to Ulva Island, wander around for 2 hours, back to stewart, back to Bluff, back to Invercargill. Do a bit of video, then go to Irish bar with Hari and have a meal and a few beers.
9/5 Get up late, finish video off, wander around town, get lunch, go to library and use net. Back to yha, then out on piss with Hari (last night)
10/5 catch bus to Queenstown, find bar, have a few and food, buy shopping, make sarnies, prepare to walk in morning.
11/5 Set off at 6.50am in dark, find trail, walk up Ben Lomond and back. Get back about 2pm. Find food and beer. Get booked on to bus trip to Milford sound for next day.
12/5 Up and on bus by 7.30am, drive down to milford, stopping at te anau for break and in Gertrude Valley for BBQ lunch. Then to Milford SOund and Boat down the sound and back. Back on bus, back to Queens town by 7.30pm. Great day out.
13/5 On bus to Franz Josef. Arrive, find beer and food ! Get booked onto full day guided walk on Glacier. Make sarnies/bed
14/5 Up at about 7.30am. Down to cafe and have coffee and fags ! Get kitted out with boots etc for walk. Bus to bottom nearly. Great time on walk. Meet people (Allen, Ben, James, Suzie, Pat, Sarah (guide). Get back from walk about 5.30pm. Get cleaned up, have grub, then up to the Blue Ice bar for a few. ( 9 games run on pool table) Then knackered, bed time.
15/5 Day off today, hang around the "town" of Franz Josef. Do the washing, sort videos and photos out. Book bus and hostel in Greymouth. Wander around a few short trails in Franz. Go out for a drink in the evening, then bed. Room to myself tonight !
16/5 Catch bus to Greymouth. Not much here. Wander about and find , you guessed it, an Irish bar. GO in get pissed, meet fellow traveller and local couple. Get talking to barman about websites. Decide he needs one.
17/5 get up late(ish). Knock up a demo website for Patrick, go down to the pub and show him, he like, so buy domain name and get photos etc to complete site. Eat in pub, few beers then back to hostel.
18/5 Finish off website. Take it down to Patrick, domain not showing up on web yet so can't upload, decide to go to Christchurch as I have other stuff to do anyway, and Christchurch is one of the 3 places in NZ where I can connect. Book bus and hotel in Christchurch. Back to pub, domain showing up now ! Never mind. Bed.
19/5 Catch bus to Christchurch. Rains all the way, but dry on arrival. Get into hotel and upload site for Patrick ( Scenicgolftours.com )Do other jobs on net. Go out for a beer or two. Then bed time.
20/5 Bit more on the net. Set up Marks site on the server. Chat to Mike on AIM. Out for a wander and get hair cut ! Had a shave too !! Get lunch in a pub, extend my stay in the hotel for another night. Eat in the hotel restaurant tonight.
21/5 Last day here. Wander about town aimlessly, book myself into hostel in Nelson as Kaikoura won't answer the phone. Book the bus. Go out for a drink and back to the hotel for room service and a movie. Bloody Sandra Bullock in the Net ! Definitely bedtime, 7am bus tomorrow.
22/5 Get the bus to Nelson. Raining all the way and wet on arrival. Book into hostel and wander around town. Get some shopping and then go out to eat anyway ! After a few drinks, back to hostel and go to bed.
23/5 Still wet today. Wander about and find a net cafe to do some checking on tickets. Get air ticket from US to UK for July 14th. Send a box of stuff home. Lose 6kg from the weight of my pack. Much better. Book up for Kaikoura and the bus. Find a bar,have a few drinks and a wander. bed time.
24/5 Surprise, its a nice day. Go out for a walk and head for the docks and then onto the beach. Great views of the mountains in Abel Tasman. Get some good photos and video. Find a small bar on the way back and get a pint. Then back to a pub in town. Go back to the hostel and cook ! Then back to the same pub (The Victorian Rose) to see a band. Starts off with crap, but later on they start playing Metallica nice. Get chatting with locals, go on to club but get refused entrance. Just as well really. Back to hostel and bed.
25/6 Get bus to Kaikoura. I know this road as well as the driver now ! He drops me right at the hostel, and I check in. Meet a guy called Jack who is an english guy who has lived in Australia, canada, but now lives in Florida. Hear that the whalewatching keeps getting cancelled. Leave it untill tomorrow to find out. Cook again ! Go to bed.
26/5 Try to get on a whalewatching boat but they cancel. I walk over there anyway, and then walk back and around the area. Great scenery and nice clear weather. Snow on the mountains now. Back to the hostel and do washing. Get the whalewatchers to put me on the 7.15am boat for tomorrow. Wait and see they say !! Great, time for bed then.
27/5 Get up at 5.50am !! On the road by 6.20am and walk to whalewatchers. Still dark and full moon up. Get to watch the sun rise over the pacific and the mountains. Yeehaa, they are running the trip. Get onto the boat by about 8am. Go out and track some whales down. See about 5 or 6 from a distance, but only 2 close up. Not much to see except when they dive and their tails come out of the water. See lots of albatrosses and fur seals too. Great sunny day, go for a wander along the beach when I get back to shore. Then back to the hostel and get something to eat. Go out for a beer tonight. Chat to the barman and have a laugh. Got to get to Wellington tomorrow. Bed.
28/5 Get bus to Picton, and get myself on the ferry to Wellington. They say its rough but it was nothing really. Get to Wellington about 5.30pm and go to hostel. Meet up with Jack again and a few others from Kaikoura. Go out to another Irish bar (See may 2nd).Chat to some people, and have a laugh.Back to the hostel and bed.
29/5 Nice sunny day today. Go and book into a hotel so I can use the net. Get a new travel pass and book into a hostel in Napier for Saturday. Wander around Wellington for a bit and get some lunch in the Feathers. See some good stuff in a computer shop which may come in handy later. Good prices too. Tomorrow maybe... Have a relaxing night uploading photos and maybe a bit of video. No broadband though, far too much for that. Bed.

Submitted on 21/4/2002
Hi,
Woke up late today, in fact didn't make it out of the hotel until around 12pm lunchtime. We went into the centre of the city, but there really is nothing of great interest on a Sunday (if ever), so after getting some food, we headed off down to Kangaroo Island, which is about 120k south of the city. The thing is, the Australians seem to be very loath to give directions to places, especially in the area of road signs, so after much messing around, and hopefull aiming, we got on to the right road. What should have been about an hours trip turned out to be about 2 and a half hours ! So, we got down to the ferry point at around 3.30pm, only to discover that the next ferry didn't leave until 6pm and the last ferry back again was about 45 minutes after we would have arrived ! Plus the fact that we needed a small mortgage to get us and the car over there anyway. SO we gave up on that, and headed back to Adelaide, pausing only for, a drink, some photos, and traffic lights. So we got back here at about 6pm and then went for dinner down in the hotel restaurant at around 7.30pm. Nice steak, and a pretty good red wine. Tomorrow, I am going to be mostly playing golf, I think. We shall see...

Submitted on 20/4/2002
Hi,
Ok, well we made it out of the funny farm without incident today. I was quite relieved to be back on the road to Adelaide. If you ever get the chance, go to Woomera, but don't stay ! Anyway, it was a mere 500k down to Adelaide from there and we got into the city at around 2pm. We found the hotel without too many hassles, and then after having a kip for a few hours and checking the e-mail (156 messages since the last time), we ended up, yes you guessed it, in the bar. Had a good chat with a few of the other guests, one of whom works for the Quantas airline, in aircraft maintainance. Apparently he comes from Brighton originally, so theres a thing. Went to bed about 11pm, because of the beer...

Submitted on 19/4/2002
Hi,
We got up fairly early, mainly due to the fact that Lisa hadn't turned off the alarm from the sunrise walk yesterday (5.30am)! So after a little while lying in bed not sleeping, I got up and got ready to leave. We got the car filled up with petrol and took it down to the rental place. After a while, we got handed the new car, ie a Toyota RAV4, which apart from being 4 wheel drive, has nothing going for it at all. How you can have a useful automatic 4 wheel drive I don't know, but there ya go. Ok, so off we trundled towards Adelaide. The drive is about about 1500k again, so we were only ever going to make it about half way today, but for some reason I decided to make it to Woomera for the night, and stay there. Ho, ho. Woomera is a very small place, which owes much of its past to the military, so it wasn't too much of a surprise when we ended up staying in a 'hotel' that looked like an army married quarters. It had a number and everything. It was even named after a missile ! Plus we got charged extra for the room because we weren't married ! Well, out of a town of supposedly 1000 people, we got to see about 6. There are no kids there, and virtually nothing goes on by the looks of it. (see photos). Anyway, the room had a tv, so that seemed safer. Roll on the morning.

Submitted on 18/4/2002
Hi,
Ok, the bloody alarm went off didn't it ! I really didn't want to get up but did anyway. The other person in the room wasn't too happy about being woken up so early, but tough, it's happened to us enough times. We went and got the bus over to the Rock, and to be honest, I was quite disappointed. Mainly because of the amount of people and coaches that were already there, and continued to arrive. It turned what should have been quite a peaceful and intimate moment into a fiasco. Anyway, I got some good photos of the sunrise and a few of the rabble, then we were transported over to the other side of the Rock, where we began our walk. There is some quite impressive scenery on the walk around and multiple sites where we were not allowed to take photos because of the 'spiritual' significances to the aborigines. Quite frankly, it's a rock. It never gave birth to anybodies ancestors, and thats that. Call me stupid but, it's all just an excuse to make money it seems to me. Anyway, it took about an hour and a half to walk around the rock then after a walk through the bush over to the cultural centre we caught our bus back to the resort. After hanging around for another hour our coach arrived and we headed back to Alice Springs. We arrived back at around 6.15pm and went back to Bojangles for a feed and a drink then off to bed. We have to exchange the car tomorrow and then start off on the trip down to Adelaide.

Submitted on 17/4/2002
Hi,
Ok, we made it to catch the bus in time. A bit of a mess around when we got on because we hadn't been given seat numbers and everybody else had. So of course we had to be sitting in the seats assigned to an annoying American woman and her family who just couldn't understand that I didn't care where I sat but I wasn't moving until she got her fat ass out of the way so I could leave the seat ! So, after that, we got sat properly and headed of for a 6 hour trip to the rock. After an hour or so we stopped at a camel farm, where everybody got off for a drink and if you were really sad, a ride around a small yard on a camel. It was quite funny really, watching the various shapes of women bouncing around the yard (see video). Then we were back on the road, and after another short stop along the way we eventually arrived at the Ayres Rock Resort.
There are various grades of accommodation available, but fortunately, we were in a 4 person share with bunks. As it turned out there was only 3 of us anyway. We signed up for the sunrise trip to the Rock, as we figured that there would be less people, and as we would be leaving tomorrow anyway, it made sense to do the rock in the morning. So, after the obligatory beers, I went off to explore and found a nice spot to observe the sunset over the rock. It was quite pleasant and warm at dusk, and there was only a few people at that spot, so I got plenty of decent shots. After that, I went back to the bar and bought some sausages to cook on the bar-b-ques they provide. Then it was off to bed to sleep before the 5.30am wake up for the sunrise trip !

Submitted on 16/4/2002
Hi,
Ok, we got a fairly early start, and headed of towards Alice Springs at a rate of knots. Once again we were in the middle of big empty country, and so the time seems not to move but suddenly a town arrives and then disappears again. We stopped at Tennants Creek, so that Lisa could get some cash from an ATM then carried on down towards Alice Springs. About 70k from Tennants Creek, we arrived at the Devils Marbles, which is a big bunch of rock "balls". So we stopped for half an hour there and had a wander around. Plenty of photo opportunities there. Then we were off again. As we neared Alice Springs, the Macdonald Ranges came into view. Alice Springs is located in a pass through the ranges and isn't visible until you go over a hill and there it is. We drove around the town for a bit and eventually stopped outside a pub called Bojangles, which seemed fortuitous, so I went in for a few, while Lisa went up to the local tour agents, and got us a motel sorted. She also booked us on a coach down to Ayres Rock leaving the next morning, and a place to stay when we got there. We have to not use the car for a few days anyway, as we are way over our allowed milage for the time we've had the car. 2 days without driving should sort things out anyway. We are exchanging the car for another one in a few days anyway, so may as well get things right.
After checking in at the motel, we headed back to Bojangles where they do food, and had a nice meal and a few drinks, accompanied by a band which only played old Shadows numbers. The guitarist was a girl about 12 years old and was being coached by some guy who I guess was a relation. It took a few songs before they got her guitar in tune as well, so it was quite amusing. After that, we headed back to the motel to crash out, as the bus leaves for the rock at around 7.30am tomorrow.

Submitted on 15/4/2002
Hi,
Well we left at around 8.30am and made sure we had a full tank of petrol to start off with. It was a fairly peaceful drive through the park to reack the Stuart Highway again, then head south. Once you get on the highway, and head out into open country the speed limit doesn't exist, so you can crank it up a bit. Unfortunately, in the Mitsubishi Lancer we have, it really doesn't go much more than 170 kph which is pretty lousy for an 1800 engined car. I couldn't even get anywhere near the red line on the rev counter ! Anyway, we cruised along at a steady 130 kph for 6 hours or so until it got to be around 5pm and we came across a little Roadhouse called Renner Springs. We decided to stop for the night as they had rooms and food. After a few beers and something to eat we retired for the night. I want to get up early tomorrow to get on the road and down to Alice Springs.

Submitted on 14/4/2002
Hi,
Ok, after an early start, we got to the office and sorted our flight out. Luckily, another couple had decided to take the flight too, so that saved a (big) bit of money. After weighing in and getting out to the airstrip, we were off. We were flying in a 6 seater Cessna, so it was really up close and personal, especially in the morning heat. Anyway, suffice to say the the flight was excellent, and we saw much more than we could ever have seen from the ground. It is amazing the vivid colours that were visible, lots of shades of green especially. The flight was an hour, but it all ended too soon, as usual with such things. The pilot made a perfect landing and I reminded myself to get that bloody pilots licence next year !
Right, after the flight, we had about 2 hours to kill before the boat trip so I grapped a drink and chilled out in the shade for a while. When the time came, we caught a shuttle bus down to the Yellow Waters jetter and got onboard the boat. Once again, the variety of wildlife and many varied colours around were amazing. Unfortunately, we didn't get to see any Crocs, but plenty a birds and great scenery. The Alligator river doesn't have any alligators in it, in fact there are no alligators in Australia at all. It was a dozy English bloke who saw a few crocs back in the 1800s and thought they were alligators, so thats what he named the river !
The boat trip lasted about 1 hour 30 min and then we were back at the hotel again. Needless to say, we headed for the bar (very thirsty work, this travelling business) and then when the time came, had another buffet meal. I ended my day doing more video stuff and watching the F1 Grand Prix. (Damn Schumacher again). We want to get a fairly early start tomorrow, as we are heading down towards Alice Springs and thats about 1500k away.

Submitted on 13/4/2002
Hi,
Well, got up at about 10 today, weather still the same. It was trying to thunder last night, but nothing really came of it. We got the car at about 11am and then set off to Kakadu National Park. Basically you head down the Stuart Highway for a bit then take a left and drive for 250k until you reach the park. There was some great scenery along the way and you can tell that the area is tropical. It is a large wetland area, and as we were here just at the end of the wet season, there was a lot of wildlife still about. We stopped off to buy a park ticket along the way, and then headed down to Cooinda, where they run boat trips and stuff from. I thought Cooinda was partway along the Kakadu Highway, so imagine my surprise when the road turned into a track and then stopped completely. Luckily, it reached just far enough to end up at the hotel buildings.
We checked in and then decided that as we were only going to be here for a day really, we may as well take the flight over the park, and get to see some of the major scenery in a hurry. Unfortunately, they need 4 people minimum to take the plane up and there are only 2 of us. Still, if no-one else has signed up by the morning then we'll pay double and do it anyway. We are signed up for a boat cruise up and down the South Alligator River tomorrow afternoon as well, so we should get to see a fair bit of the scenery.
We had an "All you can eat" buffet for tea and a few beers at the bar this evening, then I caught up with some video processing and went to bed. We have to be at the main office by 8.45am to sort the flight out.

Submitted on 12/4/2002
Hi,
Ok, got up at a reasonable hour this morning to find that the weather was much the same as yesterday. The weather in Darwin apparently doesn't change much anyway, except that we have arrived at the start of the dry season. So we ventured out again and went in search of a jetty where they supposedly have tourist attractions and boat trips. After a hot sweaty walk, and a few wrong turnings, we found the jetty in question, which,as you can see from the photos, didn't really have much there at all. We managed to get a beer and something to eat though, so it wasn't that bad. Then we wandered back to the hotel, via the shopping area and a few local sights. We ate in the hotel tonight, and it wasn't bad food really. We have to get the hire car tomorrow, then head off for Kakadu, which is about 300k away from Darwin.

Submitted on 11/4/2002
Hi,
Well we arrived in Darwin at about 1pm after a 3 hour flight. It is really hot here at the moment, about 34 C I think. Plus it is really humid, so its like being in a sauna.
After checking into the hotel, we went for a wander around the centre of Darwin, such as it is. It is a pleasant place to look at but if action is what you want, forget it ! Anyway, got some nice pictures and a bit of video. We found an Irish pub, where we got some food and a few drinks, then went back to the hotel, had a few beers and went to bed. (I did say it was quiet.)

Submitted on 10/4/2002
Hi
Ok, well I haven't added to the story for a few days as there hasn't really been a lot going on. The day after we arrived back in Perth, I went to check on my card, guess what ?, thats right, no sign of it. So I went off and got fairly well drunk for the rest off the day. I found myself giving out free computer lessons in a pub. Great fun. Anyway, after that I forgot to phone the abbey national, so that meant waiting until the next afternoon to phone them. Of course the next day was a friday, so when I phoned I didn't get anywhere whatsoever, and was told to call again on Monday. This is starting to really piss me off. They don't seem to care that due to their incompetence, I am stuck in one place with no money on the other side of the world. They act as though I'm a pain and troublemaker. Anyway, spent saturday creating a new photo browser for the web site, (which I hope you like). Still working on it but its nearly there I think. Sunday, Lisa and I went out to Rottnest Island which is about 20k off the coast of Perth. The first bit you see is horrible with lots of tourist crap, but as you head away from the dock the place gets a lot quieter. Got some nice video of lizards and a little marsupial that looks like a rabbit called a Quock or something. So after 5 hours there, we came back to Perth and had some grub then bed. On Monday I phoned the Abbey National again, and was told that they still couldn't trace where my replacement card had been sent, although it had been sent, they assured me ! Fat lot of good that is. So basically, the idea is that they are now going to resend the card, but to my home address in the UK, where my mother can pick it up and send it on to where I want it sent to. So that means I have waited over a month for the bank to not do anything very much, and now I have to wait another 2 weeks at least.
Anyway, at least I know they can send cards to the UK ok, lets hope they get it together this time. I feel a lawsuit coming on....
So, right now I am clearing up any little jobs on the internet, and waiting to leave for Darwin tomorrow. We are catching a plane from Perth which takes about 3.5 hours to get there. We only have 3 weeks left in Australia, so to get to Darwin, then down to Ayers Rock in the middle then on to Melbourne is going to be tight. But if we fly some of the way we should be ok. I wanted to drive the whole way, but that just isn't possible now. So the next time I write, I will be in Darwin on the North coast of Australia. Lets see what that place is like...

Submitted on 3/4/2002
Hi,
Well, after wandering around a deserted airport for a while, I found that there was a 24hr bar, so we had to sample that ! After that, there really was very little to do except try to get some sleep sitting on the departure room chairs, until 6.45am when the Quantas staff arrived, and we could finally check in for our flight to Perth. After checking in, I went straight to the Internet station, where, there is free broadband connection if you use your own laptop, so I managed to get the rest of the broadband video uploaded in about 20 minutes, not bad for nearly 100Meg ! I rushed off to get the plane then, before I realised that my laptop was still on Japanese time so I was an hour early ! I took this opportunity to grab some breakfast and coffee, then it really was time to catch the plane. That flight was about 5 hours long, and tried again to sleep but just couldn't settle in those seats. Anyway, we eventually arrived back in Perth at about 2.30pm and then got thoroughly searched and questioned by the immigration and customs guys. They had a sniffer dog and were really keen, so either we looked shifty, or they had an alert on over something. We got through ok anyway, and found ourselves outside in about 75 F in Australia again. This is starting to get confusing. Anyway, we headed for the hotel to do some washing etc, and hopefully to eat, drink and sleep in a bed again. Tomorrow, I go to see if my new bank card has turned up....

Submitted on 2/4/2002
Hi,
Well, got out of the hotel by 10.30am today, but decided there wasn't really time to go and do anything what with check in times and all, so we headed straight for the station. We hung around there for an hour, waiting for a likely looking train to the airport and then we were off. The train took over an hour to get to Narita, so it was past 1pm when we arrived. So we managed to check our bags in and then it was a matter of waiting until 5.40pm to board the plane. There was an outdoor viewing area, so I spent some time taking photos, then went to get something to eat. At last the time came, and I went down to the gate and got to board the plane. It's a 7 hour flight to Singapore from Tokyo, so had the airline food, and went to sleep where possible. We arrived in Singapore at 12.30am Wednesday morning, and of course basically everything was closed. See next installment -

Submitted on 1/4/2002
Hi
Ok, yet again, after the efforts of yesterday, we didn't get out of the hotel until nearly noon, so the first thing was, again, get on the train and head out. Today we went to Ueno where there is a zoo and a park with lots of Shinto Shrines and museums. Quite a pleasant place to be with all the cherry blossom in bloom and the sun shining. We had a good wander around, then went down to the lake and all the street vendors selling food along the path. So I got myself a corn on the cob and a can of beer for breakfast ! Then after a bit more wandering around, we went back to the station and headed back to the city. When we arrived, we went down to the Imperial Palace and had a walk along the grounds outside the Palace proper. There are lots of manicured trees and moats with large fish in and swans swimming on. Lots of tourists there, but mostly Japanese strangely enough. In fact the whole time we've been here, we have hardly seen any western people at all. Then we went further into the commercial area of the city and went window shopping. Its a very busy city during the day, and the traffic is heavy, but every one seems to obey the traffic signals so its not too bad to navigate on foot. Eventually, we went back to the hotel, and got some food and a few beers. We have to leave Japan tomorrow at about 6pm, and we have to be out of the hotel by 11am so I wonder what we're going to do for 4 or 5 hours while we wait to go to the airport. Not a lot carrying the backpacks I'll be bound. Anyway, we'll see what tomorrow brings.

Submitted on 31/3/2002
Hi
Ok, after the efforts of yesterday, we didn't get out of the hotel until nearly noon, so first we headed over to the station, and caught a train over to Minami-Funibashi, which is where there is the Tokyo Ski-Dome. The journey was not without incident, as the train we were on didn't actually go past the stop we wanted, so we had to get off and after grabbing something to eat and drink, got back on another train, and went back a couple of stops to the one we wanted. The Ski-Dome looks like an aircraft hanger with one end raised up in the air from the outside, but once you get inside, its amazing. I rented skis, boots and outer clothing for about $40 US, including a ticket to ski from 1pm until 8pm ! Having never skiied before it was a bit of fun I can tell you. I started off on the babies slope, which isn't a doddle especially on your first attempt. After 3 or 4 runs down that, I was managing to stay upright and stop without crashing, so I moved up to the next higher level. Oooh dear, as soon as you set off there, you accelerate rapidly down a load of lumpy snow and have to steer etc while trying not to lean backwards. So ass over tip I went, several times on the first descent. But as I kept trying it, I was gradually getting better, but still couldn't make it down that section without crashing once at least. I had been at it about 2 hours when I decided to call it a day, as I was getting pretty tired from crashing and getting up all the time. Still, overall, I don't think I did too badly for my first ever attempt at it.
So we left there (after a beer) and got the next train back to the city. When we got back it was about 6pm so we headed over to Roppongi (Foreigner Town) and went in a bar by the name of Gas Panic. Don't know why they call it that but it had a lot of Americans in there. Had a few beers in there and chatted to a girl from Oregon called Jessica and her friend Elisabeth. Went for a wander around a bit more but as it was Sunday, most places were closing early, so we went back to GasPanic for a few more beers. Eventually left there at about 11.30pm and got a taxi back to the hotel. Knackered.

Submitted on 30/3/2002
Hi
Well, we had to catch the train back to Tokyo today, so that was that for Hiroshima. Pity as I enjoyed the place and could have spent at least 2 more days there. So after another 5 hours on the train and some excellent views of Mt Fuji, we arrived back at Tokyo station. After checking in to our hotel, we headed out and went over to an area of Tokyo called Akihabara, or Electric Town. I assumed this was because of all the neon signs but on getting there, we discovered that virtually every shop was selling some kind of electrical equipment, from cameras to computers, to tvs and fridges. Street sellers and lots of noise, it was a techies dream. We took the opportunity to get Lisa a digital camera, at slightly less than it would cost at home, and I got a new memory card for my camera too. That means that I now have the capacity of taking around 650 still pictures before downloading them to the laptop.
After the buying frenzy, we wandered about waiting for it to get dark so we could see the lights. As it happened, we stopped outside an Indian Restaurant, so went in and had a good meal with beers of course. By the time that was over, night had fallen, so we started walking back to the hotel, and took some pictures of the lights on the way. Quite a good day really. The hotel has beer vending machines on the 8th and 14th floors, so thats a bonus...

Submitted on 29/3/2002
Hi
Ok, after a beautiful arrival in Hiroshima last night, we awoke this morning to rain, lots of rain. But, time is precious, so we set off to Peace Park. After about 30mins walking, we reached the park and the A-bomb Dome, which used to be a local government building before the bomb dropped almost directly over head. After looking at that, we walked around Peace Park to the Cenotaph and the Eternal Flame of Peace, then went into the Museum. Some of the items in there are too much to be described. Items of burnt clothing, twisted girders, and burnt and fused glass, metal, money and everyday items. Plus of course the photographs. I have put a few items from the museum in my photo section, so have a look. After that, we went to the cafe in the museum, where I tested out a machine that dispenses hot microwave meals, and ended up with something that looked like dumplings, but seemed to have bits of octopus tentacles inside ! Tasted fine though, if a bit rubbery... Then we walked over to Hiroshima Castle, or what remains, and a partial reconstruction. The tower was the best part, partly because it was inside, out of the rain, but also it had displays of Japanese historical artifacts, such as swords, armour, old paintings etc. So we spent about an hour in there. Then we walked back to the hotel, stopping to get some food, and some beer in a local supermarket. The beer is essential, because in the hotel its about 750 yen for a half pint, (1000 yen = $8 or 5 pounds) where as in the supermarket, you can get 6 x 500ml cans for 1400 yen. So currently, I am sitting in the hotel, drinking, drying off and writing this. We leave for Tokyo again tomorrow morning so this is the last I shall see of Hiroshima for a while. Pity it rained all day, but at least I've been here. The place seems very pleasant and the people are all polite and friendly, and there is no litter, dog muck, or for that matter dogs. Pretty quiet over all, for a biggish city.

Submitted on 28/3/2002
Hi
Well, got up before 9am today because, a)we had to find a cash machine, and b)we had to catch the train to Hiroshima at 11am. We went around the corner to try out the tip I got from the web last night, and although the machine wasn't where it was supposed to be, there was another one that had english instructions, and so we got some cash at last. First stop, tobacconists, then got a drink from one of the many vending machines that are everywhere in Japan. So, after that we went and checked out of the hotel, and went to catch the train to Hiroshima. Managed to find the platform and the train arrived perfectly on time ( as usual ). We had seats reserved and it was a pleasure to ride in that train after my experiences with British Rail. Anyway, spent 5 hours watching Japan speed past at a rate of knots. It is about 1000k to Hiroshima from Tokyo, so we must have been doing around 200kph at least, because we stopped 5 or 6 times at stations. Anyway, nice trip, and when we arrived in Hiroshima, the Hotel was convieniently located right outside the station again. Quite classy hotel really, with about 9 Restaurants and 3 bars over 23 floors. So we tried out the bar on the 22nd floor, and of course we had sake. So now I am sitting looking out over Hiroshima, with the streets all lit (its about 8pm) and a full moon shining. We'll go and explore tomorrow, but for now it's beer and food.

Submitted on 27/3/2002
Hi
Ok we made it to Japan. The weather was terrible coming in and the plane was leaping around all over the place. I've never been in a 747 that acted like a cessna before ! However, when we eventually touched down, we never even felt the wheels touch... quite an achievment really. We got off and went to immigration, where there was a huge queue, that took 40mins to get through. No trouble at the desk though, and the passport was nicely stamped. We get 90 days here if we want, pity we're only staying 5 !
Anyway, due to the long queue, our bags were on the floor when we got down to the baggage collection, and all that was left was customs. I had to declare the laptop and camera as personal items, and we were free. We went and exchanged our Japan Rail tickets for the real passes, and then went to catch the Narita Express into Tokyo. The trip took about 50 minutes and then when we got off we had to find the hotel. Fortunately, Being called the Tokyo Station Hotel, it was where it should be.... outside the station. So after booking in there and trying a bit of Japanese out on the porter, we had to go and find a cash machine. This may seem easy, but in Japan, they are all inside buildings and not all of them take the usual card types, visa etc. We found one likely looking machine, but the instructions were in Japanese pictograms. So even if it accepted the card, we couldn't work out how to use the machine ! So back to the hotel, with no money and being nearly 10pm we went to bed. Not before I conducted an extensive search of the web, to try and find out, a) more about pictograms, b)where likely machines might be, and c)if there may be an easier way round it. As it turned out, this is a common problem in Japan. Internationally issued Visa cards are not usually accepted in Japanese machines, so not only do you have to find a machine, but you have to find the right machine ! Anyway, I found a page that had an ongoing discussion on where to find such a machine, and one of the locations is around the corner from here, so tomorrow we see...

Submitted on 26/3/2002
Hi,
Ok, got up about 8.30am and did the e-mail thing. Then after shower and coffee we got a taxi over to a place we found yesterday, where they do the harbour tours from, at a good price. We got on the boat/junk at 10.15 and left at 10.30. Nice views from the Singapore river, especially of the city and the docks. Very, very hot today though, I think I'm starting to melt ! We got to the island (Kusu) for a stop and had a quick wander around. It is a turtle sanctuary/shrine so there are tortoises and turtles in evidence. Nothing massive though, just the average size. Then we got back on the boat and headed back to the city. The whole trip lasts about 2.5 hours, and in that heat thats good !
I had forgotten the map today so we couldn't find our way back to Chinatown, and got completely embedded in hi-rise buildings, so we couldn't see any landmarks either. Eventually I caught a glimpse of the Old Parliament building, so we headed for that, and suddenly it all became clear. By this time though, it was too hot, and too far to walk back to Chinatown, so we decided to go back to the hotel and rest. I needed to clear the pictures from my camera anyway. Went into a bar at Raffles called the Long Bar, where they give you bowls of peanuts from a huge sack, and consequently the floor is covered in shells ! Had another crack at the Satay chicken and a jug of beer, then came back to the room. I've been processing video ever since, and its about 9.30pm now. We leave for Japan tomorrow, flying out at 6.30am, so we are getting a wake-up call at 3am.... ow ! So that was Singapore. Can't really do much in 2 and a half days really but I think I'd like to come back again sometime. Thailand sounds good too. Anyway, off for some (ha!) rest.

Submitted on 25/3/2002
Hi,
I got up at around 8am and had a shower and ordered some coffee to be brought up. I went and sat outside the room at a table and had a smoke and read the daily paper which had been delivered by then. Had my coffee, then we decided to go and find Clark quay, which is where you can harbour tours from, apparently. After deciding against a taxi, and a rickshaw, we managed to head off in completely the wrong direction. Had a good look around though, and eventually stopped for a beer and checked the map... It seemed we had gone right off the city section, so it took a while to find where we were, but soon headed off in the right direction, which also took us through Chinatown. Some pretty good shops and markets there for later.
Found Clark Quay, and decided against taking the harbour tour today as it was too late to get the boat that had a stop off at one of the islands in the area. So we sat at a quayside cafe/restaurant, and had some Falafel, (Lebanese dish, satay type, veggie, but good) and of course a beer or 2. Then we headed back to the hotel, which was much closer than the earlier expedition had suggested. We went through some techy shops trying to find a good price on a digital camera for Lisa, but the prices aren't that much different to Australia really, so we'll leave that for Japan. Managed to get my arm twisted into buying a lens cover/uv filter for my camera, by a persistent guy in one of the markets though. I think I got away lightly really, as he was offering to buy my camera and "upgrade me" ! Anyway, we got back to the hotel, and I did a bit of uploading as we have a decent broadband connection here. I'm trying to stay up to date for a while...
Went out to a local bar (where the beer is cheaper) called Lot, Stock and Barrel. I'm not sure if that is intentional. But the beer was nice and they were nice to us in there. Also had a Singapore Sling. Then off to bed, lots of walking again. Have to do the boat trip tomorrow.

Submitted on 24/3/2002
Hi,
Well we arrived in Singapore at about 2pm and headed straight into the city to get checked into the hotel. Which hotel ? Raffles, of course. After being dropped by the taxi on the wrong side of the building, we eventually found our way to reception and got checked in. The room wasn't ready so we went to one of the many bars in Raffles Courtyard, and sat and had a few beers and some very tasty chicken satay. After a while the room was ready so we went and sorted ourselves out. I went for a quick stroll about and took some pictures, before we headed out to have a look around the place. There is an exclusive shopping precinct built into the hotel, and something like 9 bars and restaurants. We eventually sat back in the courtyard to eat, and pretty good it was too. Went back to the room at about 12 midnight after a nightcap, and collapsed onto the very comfortable bed ! The temparature had been about 28-30C all day and very humid, and it makes you drip. Being right on the equator I should have expected that, I guess.

Submitted on 23/3/2002
Hi
Well, had a good wander around Perth yesterday. Managed to find all sorts of hidden shopping places and bars. I was meaning to go on a trip down the Swan river, but I haven't yet. We leave in the morning for Singapore at 8.30am. That means being up by about 5am to get to the airport in time and checked in. Still no sign of my bank cards so I guess I'll have to wait until I get back at the beginning of April.
So hopefully the next report will be from Singapore in a couple of days.

Submitted on 21/3/2002
Hi
Ok, strangely enough there was no loud music today at the crack of dawn... I think enough people complained yesterday to make a difference. I was up by 7am and back in my position in the smoking capsule, drinking coffee. I managed to get a few bits of video as we reached Perth at around 9.30am. We got off the train and said our goodbyes to various people, then walked into town to check into our hotel. It was about 26C and after walking for about an hour we were really sweating, what with our back packs and other stuff. Got to the hotel around 11am and checked in. Got cleaned up a bit and I went off to the ANZ bank to check if my cards had arrived from England yet. No was the reply so I went and found a bar/cafe and had a few beers and a Wild Boar curry for lunch. I went in search of fresh tapes for the camera, and managed to get 3 for the same price I paid in the US. Back in Surfers Paradise they were double the US price. So thats good, I have enough tape for Singapore and Japan now. Hopefully, the tapes will be even cheaper in Japan, and I will be able to stock up. Then it was back to the hotel and I started uploading video of the train journey. Managed to get a fair bit done but I'll do more tomorrow. I went down to the bar at around 6.30pm and had a few before realising the price so I then went down into the town and found a pub for a few more. The pub shut at 10pm though, so I went back to the hotel and did a bit more video then bed.

Submitted on 20/3/2002
Hi
Right, the first thing that happened this morning was the tannoy system started playing loud music in our cabins at about 5.45am ! You can imagine the reaction this got after another restless night being thrown around in bed. Then, the tannoy started announcing in loud tones various points of "interest" along the track. So having a spare pillow over my head, I managed to escape the worst of it for a while. I had enough eventually though, and repaired to the smokers cabin for a coffee and a smoke. The landscape has changed significantly over night, and the red earth is now quite visible between the scrub. We had quite a long trip towards and through the Nullaboor Plain before we reached the "town" of Cook, which was where the west-east and east-west sections of the track were first joined. It is largely uninhabited now though, with only 4 people living there. The train has to stop to get water and fuel so we all got off and had a wander around. It wasn't until I got a good 200 yards from the train that I got really annoyed by the number of flies that started attacking me. I find it amazing that so many can exist in what looks like a lifeless area. So I headed back to the train to escape. After about half an hour, the train moved on across the Nullaboor, which really is flat and there are no trees, just small plants that grow to about a foot high at most. The Nullaboor is twice the size of England, so it was a long featureless ride through it. After many hours, (during which I got some video processed) we approached Kalgoorlie which is about 200km after the end of the Nullaboor. It was dark by this time, and there was an optional tour, but again I didn't go. Instead, we went into the town and found a few pubs and had a few games of pool. Quite a boring place at night really, but who knows in the daytime. The train was leaving at 10.30pm so we headed back in time and got on. The temparature when we first got off the train was about 30 C and muggy, which was quite a shock after the air conditioned train for so long. Managed to survive though ! Went to bed soon after the train left Kalgoorlie, and tried to get comfortable. Last night on the train though, as we arrive in Perth tomorow morning.

Submitted on 19/3/2002
Hi
Ok, the beds suck on this train ! The train was rolling and shaking so much last night that sleep was virtually impossible. Then at around 6am, the cabin attendant brought round a cup of coffee. Consequently, I was up at around 7am and firmly esconced in the smoking compartment (see video). The first stop of the day was at a place called Broken Hill, which is a mining town. There was an opportunity to go on a coach tour around the town for an hour, but after being on the train for so long, I decided to have a wander by myself.
We left Broken Hill and headed on to Adelaide, which we reached at about 4pm. We stopped for 2 hours there, and again, I opted out of the coach tour. I am hoping to get to Adelaide on the return trip anyway, so no worries. I got talking to a fellow smoker called Lloyd, who comes from Edmonton in Canada. There are only 4 or 5 of us smokers on the train in our section so the capsule is quite a nice place to sit. Normally, you have to be the queen or the pope to sit in a room like that !
Anyway, after we left Adelaide, we were heading towards the west of Australia, but as it soon got dark there wasn't too much to see. More tomorrow...

Submitted on 18/3/2002
Hi
Well we had to leave the hotel by 10am today, and after only having about 5 hours sleep last night, I was a bit groggy. I went off to the station to wait for the train, and Lisa went off to investigate some train passes for Japan. After a couple of hours Lisa came and found me, and we had to go down to the shop with our passports to get the passes. Then, back to the station and on to the train at about 1.45pm.
The cabins on the train were pretty small, but they contain a bed, loo, and washbasin, and you are free to wander the rest of the train. The train left at about 2.50pm and we were off towards Adelaide. We won't get there until about 4.30pm tomorrow so time to get a beer, some food and try out the bed.

Submitted on 17/3/2002
Hi
Ok, I started processing video at about 9am today, and went out at about 2pm. I wandered around Sydney and went to the Harbour Bridge and the opera house, then went up in the Sky tower. I wanted to climb the bridge but they were asking AUS$150, which is about 50 quid so the tower had to do ! It is much higher anyway, so you get a better view. After that I returned to the hotel and did a bit more on the video, then went down to the bar and had a few... sometime later I returned to the video task and finished at about 4.20am on monday !(today). So forgive me if I don't do any more for a week or so. I am lucky to have a broadband connection here, so the uploading doesn't take as long as usual. Anyway, we're off to Perth on the train tomorrow, so I'll tape that and upload it in 5 or 6 days time. Until then, there are loads of photos and much video for you to peruse ! Later dudes....

Submitted on 16/3/2002
Hi
Well after a latish start we got on the road to Sydney this morning. Its about 900k so it was a long drive. The only bright spots were when (a) I stopped and had bacon, sausage andd eggs for breakfast at about 2pm, and (b) when at about 7pm I noticed we were about to run out of petrol. The first one was a pleasure to deal with, the second a pain, as I hadn't seen a sign for petrol for about 80k and it was dark, and we were in the middle of nowhere... So at the first offramp leading to a town, I left the highway and started looking for petrol. We had to go about 10k to the town and then hunt down the petrol station by guesswork, but eventually we got it sorted. Then of course we had to find out way back to the highway again. When we eventually got back on the highway (where we left it) we went round the next corner and there was a sign for the next services...only 2k away !!! I don't regret it because with 100k to go and only 10 litres of petrol you have to be careful, but still, that was typical. Anyway we made it to the Marriot in Sydney, which has a bar and a high speed net connection, so I'm sorted. I have uploaded all the available video now, which is up to 3 days ago, so the next lot will come later. Right, enough of this, off to bed (after 11 hours driving and 3 hours computer work)

Submitted on 15/3/2002
Hi
Well got on the road by 9am today and headed for Brisbane. We got there at about 1.30pm but kept going as I don't want to have to drive 1000k to Sydney tomorrow. Stopped about 120k further at the Gold Coast, Surfers Paradise to be precise. Managed to find a decent place to stay, with an ocean view and right in the centre of things. I went out trying to get more tapes for the video camera, but only got one as they are really expensive here. Had a few beers at the Hard Rock Cafe, and then headed back to the hotel to catch up on the uploading. This is getting really difficult, as I always seem to have more to upload ! Still, I'll get there in the end I guess. Head off to Sydney tomorrow, so it'll need to be an earlyish start... Until tomorrow...

Submitted on 14/3/2002
Hi
Today dawned bright and early, but unfortunately, my nose and sinuses were so blocked up, I really couldn't go for my second dive. That was annoying, as I wanted to get some more photos and see if I could improve my air consumption, but it isn't worth a pain in the head for. I have to drive later when we get back to the mainland, so I need my brain. But I definitely will dive again when I get chance. The boat back was at 2pm so I spent the morning wandering about and reading my book on survival Japanese ! The ride back on the boat was a bit of fun too. The sea had about a 9 foot swell so the boat was rolling quite nicely. I spent the whole trip out on the back deck getting covered in salt, and chatting to a guy who had been skippering the dive boat from the day before. Apparently he had 5 days off so he was going to Brisbane. They only get that time off twice a year ! Still, the job must make up for it, living on a coral island and going out in a boat every day.
We got back to Gladstone at around 4.30pm and discovered someone had nicked one of the wheel trims from the hire car ! Just one, for some reason, so I'll have to find one somewhere later. I managed to drive for about 2 or 3 hours down to a place called Bundaberg, where we are staying for the night. We head down to Brisbane tomorrow.

Submitted on 13/3/2002
Hi
Well I got up early and went for my scuba lesson this morning. After a video and a chat we went down to the pool for some basic lessons on clearing your mask, using the air regulator and a few hand signals. Then it was off to the jetty and out to the edge of the reef for the real thing. One big step and we were in the water and within 10 minutes we were 30 feet down and surrounded by large fish, coral, and sea cucumbers. Amazing experience, but over all too soon as being beginners, we got through our air much too quickly. We were down for about 30 minutes altogether and got down to about 33 feet. The water was really warm even down there. The only problem I had was my sinuses began to hurt at over 30 feet. I took a few photos underwater, but didn't really have time for much more. I have booked for another dive tomorrow anyway. I spent the rest of the day wandering around and in the bar, and getting some sun.

Submitted on 12/3/2002
Hi
Well, we got down to the dock in time and got on the boat out to Heron Island. Pretty good trip out and there was plenty of time to soak up the sun on the back of the boat. The Pacific is nice when the sun's out ! The trip out to the island took about 2.5 hours, and we only saw 2 other islands on the way, both of which are uninhabited. We arrived at about 2pm and got taken to our rooms then lunch (all meals included). I went to the maritime centre and booked up for a scuba dive for tomorrow morning. Apparently, there are turtles nesting and hatching on the island at the moment, but after a quick (30 min) walk around the island, I couldn't find any turtles just tracks in the sand. Went for a few beers then bed as I've got to be at the centre for the scuba training at 8.15am tomorrow.

Submitted on 11/3/2002
Hi
Ok, well we headed south today and made it as far as Gladstone. It is only about 150k from Rockhampton, but while we were looking around, we found that they do trips to Heron Island, which is on the Great Barrier Reef. Of course, we signed up, and we leave tomorrow morning for 2 nights on a coral island ! Until then we have booked into a motel, and spent the afternoon lying by the pool. Gladstone is a harbour town and they apparently have the largest aluminium plant in the world just down the road.

Submitted on 10/3/2002
Hi
Well because we got an hour back yesterday, as a result of entering Queensland, we managed to be on the road by 9am today. Of course today is Sunday, so in anything, the roads should be even quieter ! We left Charleville and had only gone about 10k when we had to stop and let some emus cross the road. They are quite big birds close up. It put me in mind of a new slang term for number 2s....a Rod Hull ! Never mind, we drove on and on and on, and the roads seem to change in scenery over each rise. We were heading North North-west at this stage. Eventually, we reached the Capricorn highway after about 400k. So, we turned right, and headed east towards Rockhampton, some 580k away. There are some tiny little towns along that road, which is despite the grand name only a 2 lane blacktop. As we neared the last 100 or so kilometers it started to rain, in big sub-tropical drops. Not for very long, as we were just catching the end of a cloud, but it soaked the road. Warm rain in warm wind, quite a change from England.
Anyway, it started to get dark after we crossed the Great Dividing Range to reach the coast again, so we just hurried to get to a motel before the bar shut ! So thats how we ended up in Rockhampton, Queensland, on a muggy Sunday night in March. There is video and there are photos of today and the last few days on the Australia page if you care to take a look. We are heading a little bit more south tomorrow, and going to try and find a place from which to launch an assault on the Great Barrier Reef. Don't move that dial !

Submitted on 9/3/2002
Hi
Ok, We left Nyngan before 10am today and headed on up the Mitchell Highway towards Bourke which only took 2 hours or so. Saw plenty of emus beside the road and the place started to look like the Australia you see in books. Wide open plains and scrubland with hardly another car in sight for hours on end. A few road trains were most of the company on the road, and quite a lot of dead kangaroos (roadkill). I was disappointed because I haven't actually seen a live one yet, but there is plenty of time left to go. We have stopped in Charleville, which is in Queensland, and tomorrow I hope we are going to get to the Capricorn Highway. Anyway, enough for now, off to find the bar !

Submitted on 8/3/2002
Hi
Well we left Sydney at about 10am today and headed inland towards Lithgow and beyond. There is a pretty steep climb through the Blue Mountains before you reach Lithgow, and most of the time it was raining. That could have been because we were actually in the clouds !
Anyway, we came down the other side and drove through Bathurst, Orange, Wellington and Dubbo, before reaching our overnight stop at Nyngan. The guy running the motel in Nyngan has only been there 2 weeks after coming back from running a backpackers hostel in Edinburgh. Nice food, and plenty of beer later, I am going to bed. Ta ta.

Submitted on 7/3/2002
Hi
Well, we set off at about 9.30am today, and went through some deeply forested areas on the way to Sydney. The drive took about 9 hours because of roadworks etc, plus we stopped for a bite to eat and coffee. Eventually got to Sydney about 6.30pm and the only hotel we could be bothered to try was the Hilton, so here we are ! I am going to head inland tomorrow, and try to get to the Capricorn Highway, which is, strangely enough, on the Tropic of Capricorn. Anyway, nuff said.

Submitted on 6/3/2002
Hi
We got our car this morning, and headed off into the Australian countryside. However, after about 50k I decided to check the map, and discovered that we were going in completly the wrong direction !
So after a hasty about-turn, we headed back to Melbourne, and eventually found out way back out of the city and onto the M1 which leads around the coast towards Sydney. We only managed to get as far as a place called Lakes Entrance, which is at one end of the ninety mile beach. Excellent accomodation at a small motel. A 2 bedroomed chalet with shower, washing machine, dining/living/kitchen area, all for the pricely sum of $70 for the night. (about 25 pounds !! )
I found a good place to eat called Miriams and had a few beers too. Have to leave fairly early tomorrow, as we need to get to Sydney soon. We only have 12 days before we catch the train from Sydney to Perth, and I want to get as far up the east coast as we can before we go. Ok, nuff for now.

Submitted on 5/3/2002
Hi
Well today was a wandering around day, and I arranged with the ANZ back to have my new bank card delivered to them in Perth. Hopefully it'll be there before I go to Singapore. I expect I'll need it there, and Japan. We hired a car so we'll be off around the country tomorrow morning. Haven't driven here yet so that should be fun. Think we'll head for Sydney and the east coast. Anyway, until tomorrow...

Submitted on 4/3/2002
Well, after the weekends exitement, it's back to the grind (ha ha). We left the hostel today and booked in to a "classy" hotel in Melbourne. I spent the day wandering around the city and have found that there are quite a few parks that are worth visiting as well as a few pubs !
I eventually got to the hotel room at about 7.30pm and have been carrying on with the uploading since then. We have got another day here and then off to Sydney. I reported my bank card stolen today, and it's going to take 3 weeks to get another one delivered here. Good job we've got other means of getting cash. So I should get my bank card back by the time I am in Perth, or maybe when I get back to Perth after Japan. I hope it's before because Japan is a pretty expensive place.
Anyway, 'nuff for now. L8ter, dudes...

Submitted on 3/3/2002
Hi
Well the race was excellent, pity about the lack of screens where you need them.
I missed the start and all the fun there, but eventually found a good spot where I could see the track and the screen !
All a bit predictable really in the end but thats F1 I spose. Anyway off for a beer or two now.
Cya later

Submitted on 2/3/2002
Hi,
Well, didn't get up that early today, but still managed to get a decent spec for the start of qualifying. It rained pretty consistently, and the teams don't know what to do for tyres. They still promise sun for Sunday (!?) but we'll see eh ...
I managed to persuade an internet cafe to let me connect my laptop to their fast internet, so I am uploading like mad right now. The place is the Internet Cafe in Grey St, just off St Kilda Rd in Melbourne Australia, if anybody's thinking of coming down.
Anyway, must get on uploading....

Submitted on 1/3/2002
Hi,
Well day 2 of the F1 and we got to see some the F1 cars in practice today. God they're loud !
It has been raining on and off but it promises to be fine for the weekend and the race itself. I went into Melbourne city today to try and find Lisa, who had arranged to meet me at a restaurent. Problem was that by the time I got there, I couldn't remember what the place was called, or even where it was ! So I got a tram back to where we are staying, and went down the road for a beer and a bowl of spaghetti in an Italian place. Prety good too. Well, tomorrows qualifying so must be up quite early.

Submitted on 28/2/2002
Hi,
Well I got my tickets today for the F1 and spent the rest of the day finding my way around the circuit. Found a couple of good spots but there will be more people on race day I'm certain.
Have to find a decent pub tonight, and something to eat would be nice too. The prices at the Albert Park circuit are pretty steep.

Submitted on 27/2/2002
Hi all,
Well we made it to MElbourne Australia. We got here at about 8am this morning and have been wandering about ever since.
We have got a room about half a mile from the grand prix circuit, and I am going to pick up my tickets tomorrow !
I am really loking forward to this race, it'll be the first time I've ever been to a formula 1 meet, and it hear that it can't be beaten.
We ate at a Vietnamese restaurent earlier, I had Satay chicken which was great. May have to go and find more beer later tho, at the time of writing it is about 8.30pm on Wednesday 27th Feb.
By the way mark, I tried to pay my dues for the F1 comp, but the abbey were so slow, I don't know whether it went through. I'll check again tomorrow.
Until then, good bye and good luck all.

Alan

Submitted on 26/2/2002
We got our coach down to Auckland today, and checked into the hotel, so I have been frantically writing and uploading stuff. I had to get my e-mail first and after 9 days there were about 300 messages waiting ! I think I got the important ones, but I deleted most of the junk.
Our flight is at 6.30am tomorrow, so the next time you hear from me I'll be in Australia, Melbourne to be exact, and the Grand Prix is on Sunday....Nice !

Submitted on 25/2/2002
Well, another lazy day today. My back got fried yesterday and the sun is beating down today too, so even with a t-shirt on, I am too hot in the sun.
So I am just going to read a book and do nothing all day. Except get a beer in later I expect. I have tried to catch up on all the writing but its been a week since I last did any so there is lots to remember. The video is a bit behind too, but I'll try to catch up where I can. The place we are staying doesn't have any real net access so its difficult to upload stuff here. We are going back to Auckland tomorrow as our flight to Australia leaves early Wednesday morning. But we get to stay in a hotel tomorrow so I'll try to get up to date !

Submitted on 24/2/2002
Well, after a night on the boat, we were off after breakfast at 8am, on another boat which took us to one of the islands. We got off and climbed up to the top which gave an excellent view. They have lots of old bunkers up there from the war. Anyway, we climbed down the other side to a deserted beach (apart from the sheep ! ) and proceeded to go swimming, snorkelling and kayaking around and the fish were amazing. The water is so clear that even in 60m of water you can still see the bottom.
After a couple of hours we got back on the boat and went over to one of the big rocks out at sea, and had to jump in and collect mussels from the side of the rock, underwater ! The sea had quite a swell so it was difficult getting down deep enough to get the really big ones. They cooked the mussels up once we got them back to the boat. I'm not sure if I really like mussels, but at least I knew they were fresh !
After that we went off to another island called Roberton Island, which is where Captain Cook landed first in New Zealand. Went for a climb up to the viewpoint on the top and that was pretty good too. Then back down to the beach for a laze about before we headed back to Paihia. So overall, a pretty good day, and the weather was excellent. There were only a few of us so it was all quite friendly. Straight to the pub for a beer when we got back, then I had to hit the sack, knackered as I was !

Submitted on 23/2/2002
Well we just lazed around on the beach today, until it was time to go and catch the ride to the Rock. The weather has been a bit rainy this afternoon, but it was good this morning. The guys from the Rock picked us up and took us out to the boat, and gave us all a run down on the safety and stuff. Then we had fun shooting a plastic bottle with airguns for a bit. They towed it behind the boat and it was hard work.
Then as it started getting dark, we tried a bit of fishing, but not to much avail I'm afraid. There were about 12 of us on the trip so not too many for comfort. When the sunset came it was brilliant, really good reds against the beautiful scenery. Then it was time for tea, and we had steak and sausages and salad and spuds and it was good. They have a bar on the boat, so after tea, it was down to the drinking. I went to bed quite early, as my leg and shoulder were giving me gip, something to do with the damp air I think. I managed to sleep ok though, the rolling of the boat was hardly noticeable.

Submitted on 22/2/2002
Well today we went for a trip on the ferry over to the other side of the bay to a place called Russell. The weather was a bit gloomy, but still warm, and so we had a walk along the beach and I collected a few sea shells. We had lunch at a local pub over there, then headed back to Paihia in the afternoon, and mooched about town and then went for a beer and back to the hostel. Not much to do when the sun goes in really, but no matter. Every other day is good here so tomorrow should be ok. We booked up to go on the Rock, which is an overnight trip where you sleep on the boat and then go island hopping the next day. Looks like fun, so we leave for that at 5.15pm tomorrow (Saturday).

Submitted on 21/2/2002
Well,I got up at about 9am today. I waited until about 10.15, but Lisa was only just getting out of bed then so I went off to explore. Booked myself on a bay tour for 1.30pm and went for breakfast. Nice greasy eggs and bacon and coffee ! Eventually the time came to go on the boat and what a boat. It was probably not more than a few months old and there were only about 35 people on the same trip. The video shows things up quite well. The veiws from around the bay were excellent, and the bit where the boats goes through the hole in the rock was great fun. A bit disappointed not to see any dolphins but the ride was still well worth it. Got back at about 4.30pm and headed for the pub. Went back to the hostel and found Lisa and went out for a drink then bed. This sea air really tires you out !

Submitted on 20/2/2002
Well we caught our coach ok, the coaches have loads of legroom here so thats a blessing. The trip to the Bay of Islands took about 5.5 hours and we are staying at a place called Lodge 11 in the town of Paihia. The hostel really is only 100m from the beach. We just booked in and unloaded our stuff then headed back to the town for a drink and food. Plenty to do here though. Have to check it all out tomorrow.

Submitted on 19/2/2002
Well we travelled back up to Auckland today on the coach. Nice scenery going past Taupo. We'll have to visit there next time I think. We didn't get into Auckland until nearly 7pm so I'm off for a pint and some grub. Our coach leaves for the Bay of Islands at about 1.30pm tomorrow, so I write more then.

Submitted on 18/2/2002
Hi there,
Well, got up fairly late today, after the efforts of yesterday. Went for a walk along the river and got some goods pictures and video. Totally relaxing here, hardly anybody about, and it's not at all touristy. Bought some postcards and did my duty there, so thats done for a bit. I've been trying to even out the red colour across my body, in the hope that I may get a real tan for once. We have made arrangements to leave here tomorrow, and go back North, past Auckland to the Bay of ISlands, where there is a nice looking hostel, about 100 yards from the beach.
We are going to stay there until Tuesday 26th Feb, and then go back to Auckland to catch the plane to Australia on the 27th.
Grand Prix is getting closer, and I can't wait ! Anyway, just bumming around today really, get some laundry done and sort out the travel arrangements. It's about 75-80 degrees outside, and with the hole in the ozone layer, you really feel it. They say 13 minutes to burn so plenty of sunscreen needed. Ok, thats it for now. Please check out the video if you get chance. Until later...

Submitted on 17/2/2002
Hi there,
Well I went off on my hike today, and it was some trip. They take you about 45 minutes down the road by van, then drop you off at the start of the track. It all starts off nicely enough, but gradually, you realise that there is some serious climbing ahead ! It takes about 3 - 4 hours to reach the middle of the walk, by which time you are at about 6000 feet up and in the crater of one of the volcanos. Some spectacular scenery up there, but I was torn between taking pictures and video, or making it to the pick-up point on the other side by 4.30pm. I did my best to capture the best bits, so there are some good bits on video I hope. It really is like being on another planet someimes. Desolate places and hardly a sign of mans inteference anywhere.
There must have been at least 300 people walking today, but you soon spread out and can find yourself alone in the middle of no-where quite often. It's nice to see other people struggling too ! Managed to complete the trip about an hour early, but thats because I didn't stop for lunch really, as I wanted to make sure I didn't miss the bus back ! We just about got down from the highest points before a cloud drifted in to the mountains and it must have been hell trying to find your way in thick mist. All I had was sunshine the whole walk. THe last section goes through a thickly forested region with a stream and things. Very relaxing after the dry desert like higher sections.
Right, I am knackered now so its beer then bed I think. Bye for now.

Submitted on 16/2/2002
Hi there,
Well we left Wellington at about 12 noon today, and got a coach up to a place called Turangi. Its near a big lake right in the centre of the North Island. Pleasant trip, and we stopped for the driver to have a break for half an hour at a little roadside cafe. Peaceful and warm and no worries !
We got to Turangi at about 6.30pm and eventually found our hostel. Its called Club Habitat and it has its own Micro-brewery, so thats handy. There are 3 types of beer, light, dark, and somewhere in between. I am drinking the dark stuff and its pretty good. Must be for about 1 pound 40 a pint ! Anyway, had a few beers and off to bed. I am booked to go on something called the Tongariro Crossing tomorrow, which is a hike over and between 2 local volcanos. About 10 miles altogether and we leave at 7.30am so got get some rest.
Bye for now.

Submitted on 15/2/2002
Hello there,
Well got up and went out this morning and the weather had dried up a bit, so we went for a walk along the harbour side and ended up going in a cable car to the top of the surrounding hills. Unfortunately, by the time we got there, the rain had started again so there wasn't much of a view, but I got some nice shots of plants in the botanical gardens. Apparently the ferries still aren't running at the moment because the seas are immense etc etc, so looks like I'll have to skip the South Island this time around. We only have 12 days left in New Zealand before we go to Australia, and I think we'd need at least that to explore the South Island plus we need time to get back to Auckland for the flights on the 27th. That takes a day by train and if the ferries stop running while we're down there....
Anyway, we are going to head north again tomorrow, and go to Taupo (I think) where there is a lake and a volcano and loads of walking areas so that should be good. Takes 6 hours on the bus to get there but, hey, what am I here for. There is video of the NZ trip so far on the New Zealand page. See you later.

Submitted on 14/2/2002
Howdy,
Well we caught the train this morning at about 8.30am, and spent a long day traveling down to Wellington. The trip is about 800km but the train does no more than 50kph and stops about 15 times ! Consequently the journey takes 11 hours ! Oh, well, there was some nice scenery on the way, I guess thats why they call the train the Tranz Scenic. There are lots of sheep here and cattle and an awful lot of open spaces surrounded by mountains. Hardly any people to be seen at all in some places.
We got to Wellington at around 7.30pm and headed to the hostel. Nice room, with an en-suite shower and loo ! The weather is pretty miserable though, cold, grey and raining but it may clear up tomorrow. Hoping to get down to the South Island, but the rumour is that the ferries aren't running because of bad weather at sea. We'll know more tomorrow. Had a few pints at an Irish stylee bar and listened to an Irish stylee band play. Off to bed now, see you tomorrow.

Submitted on 13/2/2002
Hi,
Well didn't do much today, mainly due to the fact that I got robbed the first night and lost my cash and cards. They only got about 50 quid but gave me a nice mark to remember them by. So today has been spent recuperating and getting ready to travel to Wellington tomorrow.
We are going to catch the train down there as its about 800 km away. The weather has been pretty good today though, not like yesterday. It must be well over 75 F but I guess with that hole in the ozone layer being so close then it has more effect !
Anyway, until tomorrow....

Submitted on 12/2/2002
Hi all
Well we made it !
Got to Aukland at about 8am this morning (Tuesday 12 Feb). Got a bus into the city and signed up with the YHA which gives us discounts on backpacking hostels etc. The place we are in now cost us $21 per night, which is about $10 US or 7 pounds ! Got beds and laundry and showers, what else do you need ?
Anyway, I can't upload any video from here as this is an internet only terminal, so I'll do that when we get a real hotel somewhere.
Hope you're all well, I'm off to find a beer now !

Submitted on 10/2/2002
Hi,
Well we left Tucson at about 10am today and headed west towards California and San Diego. The roads are so quiet going across the desert areas, and it still surprises me how much of the US is actually completely empty. We crossed into California and got an hour back as we entered the Pacific time zone. The first bit of California is desert...I mean real desert, with big dunes and sand blowing everywhere. Later on you climb into the mountains again where they seem to made from big rocks just piled together.
Anyway, we reached San Diego at about 4pm and tried to find the ocean. That took a while but we got some good views over the city. Eventually found our way down to Coronado which is a sort of island connected to the shore. By this time I needed a drink and we stopped in a small bar, where, by buying the last bottle of Hooch, I won a sort of seat/ bag combo. Lots of the locals had been drinking all day to win that so I handed it over to the nearest guy. I have too much stuff to carry anyway, but its amazing that the only time I win something is when I don't need it !!.
Ok, thats it for now, the next update will be from the southern hemisphere, probably sometime on Tuesday. There is some video of California here. See ya later.

Submitted on 9/2/2002
Hi all,
Well we left Roswell this morning but I didn't go to the UFO museum. I really wanted to go to the Litle Ale'inn which as I pointed out before is in Nevada. Anyway, we had a pleasant drive through New Mexico, heading south south-west towards White Sands Missile range. I was hoping to go to Trinity site, where they test fired the first Atomic bomb back in 1945, but they only let you visit that twice a year, and I have missed that until October. Anyway, we stopped at the White Sands park, where the dunes are composed of Gypsum and it really is quite a sight.
After that we drove on another 30 miles or so to reach the Missile Range. It is an active air force establishment, so we had to get a pass and were only allowed to visit the museum just inside the gates. You can find some video of todays exploits here.
We then drove on to Tucson, Arizona, where, due to a convention of some variety, we had a sod of a time finding somewhere to stay for the night. Eventually found a place but the phone wouldn't let me connect to the net so thats why this bit of the story's late. Must do better! I'm tired now so Cya later.

Submitted on 8/2/2002
Hi folks,
Well here I am in Roswell New Mexico. Haven't seen any aliens yet (at least not legal aliens !). We left Oklahoma City at about 10am and drove through mist for about half an hour before the sun came out. Since then it has been beautiful driving weather, not a cloud in the sky.
Had lunch in Amarillo, Texas, and then as soon as we hit New Mexico headed south towards Roswell. The scenery is big, I can't describe how big really you have to be there. At one point you could see at least 100 miles in any direction... What can I say to describe that ? Anyway, the road goes on (and on) and eventually we reached Roswell.(As luck would have it, I am in completely the wrong state to go to the Little Ale'in which is in Nevada apparently.... cheers Mike for pointing that out ! )
Anyway, we have booked into the Holiday Inn express (which is off the planet anyway) and have spent a few happy hours imbibing at the bar next door. Tomorrow is going to be mostly finding the UFO Museum and Research Centre in Roswell and then driving further south in the intention of getting to LA before Sunday evening (NZ day). Thats all for now (well what else did you expect :-) Cya

Submitted on 7/2/2002
Well today I be mostly trying to stay on the road !
After we stopped at Chattanooga last night, we went to bed and woke up to find the world had turned white. Not too much but enough to cover the car with 3 inches of snow, and make me put a sweater on.
So off we went in the general direction of Nashville/Memphis. The road wasn't too bad but as we started to climb the hills from Chattanooga, I felt the wheels start to play tricks on me when changing lanes. I carried on (as you do) but with one hand ready to grab my ass when the car decided to let go ! It didn't but it was quite exciting coming down from the hills. By the time we reached Nashville (about 130 miles) the snow had decided that it was going to try really hard to stop proceedings. It was building up on the road and you had to drive in the wheel tracks or pay the consequences. We saw a wreck where someone had already paid and it wasn't pretty. (You can see a minute or so of video here of the snow in Nashville).
So we made it out of there anyway, and struggled with the elements past Memphis and Little Rock Arkansas, where it decided not to snow anymore, but the road was still dicey.
I originally intended to get as far as Oklahoma City by tonight, but after all the snow trouble it looked like we would have to stop before then. Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be a call for accommodation anywhere between Arkansas and Oklahoma City, so I kept going. We eventually got here at about 9.15pm and got a room. The gas station next door sells beer too, so that was (is) nice.
So another day closer to LA, and so to NZ. (ps. the date above this is UK time so you have to adjust back one day. Unlees I write this before 6pm our time then the server in england is on the next day already. All the accounts are on consecutive days (so far ! )

Submitted on 6/2/2002
Hi folks,
Well thanks to you for signing the guestbook. Not so sad now ;-)
We got as far as Chattanooga today, didn't leave until 10.30 this morning ! Had a good drive up though, I'm still managing to avoid the rain and other inclement weather. We got here at about 6.30 this evening and are staying in the same motel that I stayed in last time.... funny that !
We went out for a meal at Mount Vernon Restaurant which was nice. Had a steak (as usual). Must get up before 10 tomorrow because we have to try and get to Oklahoma City if we want to go to Roswell later this week. Sitting in the motel drinking and typing right now, so can't be bad.
Take care and cya l8er.

Submitted on 4/2/2002
Hi all,
Well the time is nigh, and after waiting since the 11th of November 2001, (albeit in sunny Florida)I am finally off on stage 2 of the trip.
We set off tomorrow morning (fairly) early, to drive across the states and we fly out from Los Angeles next Sunday at around 10pm Pacific time (add 8 hours to GMT). I have got a few more things to see on the way, so I'll post video if there is any along the way, and I'll keep this monologue (diatribe !) going where time permits. The next major point of interest will be when we reach New Zealand of course, which should be sometime on the 12th of February. There will definately be some video and more writing then.
Anyway, keep checking here for new video for the time being.