Hell’s Gates and Devil’s Island
I took a boat tour to Hell’s Gates and Sarah Island, aka, Devil’s Island. The convict history was fascinating and alarming. If the convicts survived, they could leave as skilled tradesman. Others were cannibalized.
to... Category: Travel
[searchandfilter id="18732"]
Tasmanian Landscape
Tasmania has some beautiful landscape! I stayed in a cabin at a distillery, then drove to Leven Canyon and Preston Falls. When I arrived at my motel in Strahan, the woman said “I knew you’d be a problem.” Do I look like I’m problematic?
Hiking at Cradle Mountain
I thought hiking at the end of winter would be fine, but it was cold and foggy at Cradle Mountain! The park was still incredible with amazing views! Some of the trails were steep rocks with chains to hold on to.
Fairytale Cabin at a Distillery
I took the ferry from Melbourne to Tasmania (known as Tassie). I booked a fairytale cabin next to an apple orchard! I was provided free gin & brandy tastings from the onsite distillery. The host even provided me with dinner and great conversation!
Full-Circle with Old and New Friends
As a solo traveler, I value the opportunities where I get to meet new people as well as meet up with old friends along my travels. Returning to Melbourne gave me the opportunity to reunite with a new friend that I met months earlier, and an old friend and co-worker from the U.S.
Closing The Loop
I was approaching Melbourne, which would close the loop. My drive around Australia was complete. After 6 months on the road, it felt surreal. It felt like I was coming home.
Betrayal
Betrayal is one of the hardest things to get past. When someone we love and trust betrays us, it changes our perception of our life, and it changes us.
Sydney’s Convict History
Sydney’s convict history is fascinating. My favorite story was about the ship, The Juliana, which transported female prostitutes. They would go on to become wives, mothers, and respected women.
Hero or Villain?
The weather in Sydney was awful. I wandered into the Maritime Museum and walked through a fascinating exhibit about William Bligh. Each item and story presented the argument that he was a hero and one that showed he was a villain. We even got to vote at the end. Was he a hero or a villain? I also explored the inside of the Sydney Opera House.
It’s Easier to Talk to Strangers
I walked along the Sydney Harbor, enjoying the nice weather and beautiful views. As I sat on a concrete block with headphones on, a young man approached and asked me for directions. I ended up getting to know all about him and have stayed in touch with him. Talking with strangers is easier than talking with people we know because they don’t hold our past mistakes against us.
Bondi Beach: Heaven or Hell?
I drove to the beautiful and famous Bondi Beach near Sydney, but was overwhelmed with the amount of people there. Just as I contemplated living as a hermit in the woods, a few people brightened my day.
Exploring Sydney by Bridge Walk & Bar Tour
I finally arrived to Sydney! I spent the day climbing the famous Sydney Harbor Bridge overlooking the Sydney Opera House. That evening, I went on a bar tour, where I met people from around the world.
No Place Is Perfect
The fires in Australia started early and it was becoming clearer that this was going to be one of the worst fire seasons on record. I checked into a motel in Newcastle, Australia, and was treated so poorly by the man at the front, he even sent me a nasty email while I watched T.V. in my room.
Hippy Beach Town
I drove from the Gold Coast to Byron Bay, stopping at places along the coast. There are lots of quick hikes that provide outstanding views. Byron Bay is a hippy town with an eclectic vibe.
Outback Friends in the Gold Coast
I saw glowworms inside of a cave and then drove to the Gold Coast. I met some fellow travelers in the Australian outback and randomly ran into them a few times in the Northwest. While in the Gold Coast, I met up with them again – at the perfect time!
Consequences of Long-Term Travel
I had been traveling full-time for nearly 15 months. One thing I didn’t expect was to lose close friends as the distance between us grew each day. Friends who suddenly felt they couldn’t relate to me any longer.
Exploring Brisbane by Rope, Bike, and Ghost Tour
I went on an abseiling tour at Kangaroo Point Cliffs, a bike tour of the city, and a ghost tour at a prison. On the ghost tour, I met a guy who said he used to be possessed when an exorcism went wrong.
Crikey! The Australia Zoo
After exploring an outdoor market, I went to the Australia Zoo – home of Steve Irwin. The crocodile hunter’s reputation still lives on. I watched a crocodile lunge out of the water to eat some prey in a zookeeper’s hand. The beast was enormous and only inches from the man holding the bird.
