Stradbroke Island

August 7, 2010

Ches, Chris, Abby and I went to North Stradbroke Island which is about 60 km from Brisbane. The locals call it Straddie and it takes 3 hours to get there. We took a train, a bus, a ferry and then another bus to Point Lookout. We went on the North Gorge walk and it was spectacular.

Not sure if you can pick out the surfers, but it was amazing.

These dolphins were great. This pod was surfing.

This is called the Whale's blowhole because at certain time and tide the water comes through the rocks like a blowhole.

Aye-aye Captain!

Visit from Mimi, Marion and Don

Sharon, her sister Marion and their Uncle Don came for a visit in late July. They flew into Auckland, New Zealand and then came to Brisbane. Of course, we had to take them to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary.

Dinner at Abby's favorite restaurant, the Pig N' Whistle.

The 3 Stooges - Moe, Larry and Curly.

Brisbane Running Festival

Chris completed a half marathon at the Brisbane Running Festival on August 1, 2010. Marcus, Abby and I were able to see him cross the finish line.

Marcus, Abby and silliness

Aboriginal Corroboree

On July 29, 2010

Abby, Marcus and I attended an Aboriginal Corroboree. It is a dance and song of the indigenous people of Australia.

http://www.indigenousaustralia.info/culture/corroborees-a-ceremonies.html






The didgeridoo is such a unique sound. It is very difficult to play and requires the mastery of circular breathing.



Abby and her BF Tahlia were so precious. As the dancers would come closer, the girls would clutch each others hands harder and cower together. The dancers stomp, shout and chant.

They actually made fire!!

The O'Neills - Paige, Dylan, Mikayla and Tahlia

Whale Watching

July 11, 2010

We took a Whale Watching cruise out of Redcliffe and sailed to Moreton Bay.





Our boat captain was Kerry Lopez, the only female captain of a whale watching vessel in the southern hemisphere. Check out her photo at http://www.brisbanewhalewatching.com.au/. Every boat captain I have ever seen leans casually against their boat, too.



Abby before the boat ride out to Moreton Bay.

Abby during the boat ride.

Poor little Abby after she threw up all over the table and her Dad. The ride out there was so very rocky. Chris and I both took 2 Dramamine. The kind we had was only for children over 5 years, so we did not give Abby any. If your child says, "My tummy feels ticklish", run for the barf bag. It was like the scene in Stand By Me, people were throwing up at the tables, in the toilets, off the side and in the trash can right next to the sumptuous lunch buffet. So appetizing. After Abby chucked up, she went to sleep and then we were able to see the spectacular humpback whales. We saw many pods and they really seemed to be interacting with the boat. Truly Amazing.

It was so hard to get good photos, as the whales breach (jump) so fast. Chris did a great job.

July 4th Down Under

Abby and I attended the Australian/ American Association's July 4th picnic. There are many Americans living in Brisbane. Some through work assignments, others who live here permanently.

We won a prize in the raffle. Chris was not amused.

That evening we had a BBQ on the Kangaroo Point Cliffs with some of the other American families. Woolworths had some sparklers and poppers for sale to make our celebration complete.

It certainly felt odd to be in jackets and scarves on the 4th of July!!!