trailblazer's Travel Blogger Profile It's time for a new life, a fabulous journey so I'm wrecklessly quitting the job and leaving the country for a month to find myself and be open to a life that is focused on the possibility not the practical. This blog is my way of keeping all of you up to date from afar and keeping a memoir of all the experiences to be had. Wed, 19 Nov 2008 21:56:18 GMT Sun, 18 Mar 2007 05:55:43 GMT Travel Blogger Members http://www.travelblogger.net/ http://www.travelblogger.net/images/images/member_profile/337-1159756535.jpg trailblazer's Profile Picture Table for 2 http://www.travelblogger.net/members/trailblazer/?action=ViewTravelBlogs&tbid=519&beid=1545 Magical Land of Oz  Sometimes you just need to stop and take it all in.  The way music lines the streets competing but still melodic and vibrant,.  Even the street banners batter agains thte wind contribu http://www.travelblogger.net/members/trailblazer/?action=Guestbook Tue, 30 Jan 2007 22:28:28 GMT http://www.travelblogger.net/members/trailblazer/?action=ViewTravelBlogs&tbid=519&beid=1545 Like Meatloaf Says... http://www.travelblogger.net/members/trailblazer/?action=ViewTravelBlogs&tbid=519&beid=1527 Magical Land of Oz  2 outta 3 aint bad.  I opted ourt of my last surf lesson today.  Although I loved every second of rising early and diving deep into the sweels the staff at Cheyne Horan were overwhe http://www.travelblogger.net/members/trailblazer/?action=Guestbook Sat, 27 Jan 2007 13:26:24 GMT http://www.travelblogger.net/members/trailblazer/?action=ViewTravelBlogs&tbid=519&beid=1527 2 outta 3 aint bad. I opted ourt of my last surf lesson today. Although I loved every second of rising early and diving deep into the sweels the staff at Cheyne Horan were overwhelmed and as a result, underattentive. If there is time I'll get a one on one in Bondi or perhaps Miami. Plans changed quickly today as there are no hostels beds available in Byron Bay so I decided to head straight to Sydney. The extyray day and $$ can be spent on my jaunt to the Hunter Valley. Sadly the Hippy-ville of Nimbin will remain a mystery. The hostel is quiet, a nice respite certainly but no conversations to be found. As promised, I've slowed down. There is little to write about long beautiful beach days and afternoons naps on the sand, then bed, then sand again with sad attempts at surfing in between. Tired of the chatty staff and quiet hostellers I shed my backpacker look for the night and headed down to Cavill streat, the heart of Surfers Paradise. Feeling a tad over-chic in the flip flop tourist crowd I shuffled in to the the masses perusing crafts in tent kiosks aligned on the beachside. Not many suprises save for flattened fruit and beautiful murals I only resisted purchasing because of limited carrying capacity. Thirsty, I ducked into Murphy's pub and settled atthe balcon with my blue vodka to watch street performers (who varied from dog trainers to elvis impersonators to aboriginal digeridoo clans) painted bodies and melodic beats droned through the air and over the tin roof eaves just below. The youngest appearing only 12 years of age. In just a few minutes I was joined by Luke, Jared and friends who kpt my drinks and conversation full for the next few hours. On an annual pilgrimage to surfers from a small town of 10,000 a few hours away we listened to the band and debated the legitimacy of techno as music. After losing their "spare dicks" (sorry mom, not my lingo) we jetted back to their room for refills when the bar shut down at 12. The view was spectacular. Luke was face down in the carpet, to nobody's surprise, in just a few minutes and the rest of enjoyed our chat until Jared kindly walked me home to my hoste. The beach and stars were glorious.

PS Meter maids in AUS wear skimpy gold clothes and actually add money to your overdue meter...crazy eh?

]]> The Other Sunshine State http://www.travelblogger.net/members/trailblazer/?action=ViewTravelBlogs&tbid=519&beid=1526 Magical Land of Oz  I lied.  10a.m. isn't early, its about perfect.  Tomorrow's is at 8 but it should be less widny.  Nothing to complain about, well except perhaps the guy I ran into on my last d http://www.travelblogger.net/members/trailblazer/?action=Guestbook Sat, 27 Jan 2007 13:13:52 GMT http://www.travelblogger.net/members/trailblazer/?action=ViewTravelBlogs&tbid=519&beid=1526 I lied. 10a.m. isn't early, its about perfect. Tomorrow's is at 8 but it should be less widny. Nothing to complain about, well except perhaps the guy I ran into on my last decent wave. Weather was perfect and I actually wore sunscreen (I know..wierd) and still got tan. They're pretty exposed with the thin ozone here. Need to hit the market of hair ties but otherwise all needs are met. Brekkie will be a challenge in the am with the kitchen closed, but I'm becoming a connoiseur of hard boiled eggs. My poor stomach is suffering some abuse. The beach is giving me it's usual perspective. I'm heading off for a sunset but confess I know neither which direction I am facing or where the sun sets. Sort of appropriate though eh?

So this sunshine state isn't unlike our own, It has its own Miami and Surfers isn't much removed from Daytona Beach meets Vegas feel. I ventured out for an after dinner beer and instred found restauranteers peddling for customers on the sidewalk. There is a defininte world cutlure happening. Every corner is dotted with Indian food, Gelatto, an American Fast food or Chinese/Malaysian restaurant. Everything that resembedl a bar was empty (besides Hard Rock which I rejected out of principle) and i gave up the social beer idea for the preferred "stuffy glass of wine". After tsting a few I opted for a mediocre Wirra Wira. I quickly befriended Coleen whose weekend condo was nearby.

The room at Gold Coast Internation makes a budget cruise bunk seem luxurious despite the en suite bathroom and balcony. The slider is left always, which works well during my naps. My skin is dry, feet blistered, hair frizzed and the Milford sandflies have destroyed my hands and ankles. Still, I can't remember when I have had more fun or been more at peace.

]]> Change of scenery http://www.travelblogger.net/members/trailblazer/?action=ViewTravelBlogs&tbid=519&beid=1525 Magical Land of Oz  Childrens laughter is a much sweeter sound to be arisen by than drunk German girls trying to whisper.  So I guess it's no surprise that I've been longing for sleep all day.  I chase http://www.travelblogger.net/members/trailblazer/?action=Guestbook Sat, 27 Jan 2007 13:04:15 GMT http://www.travelblogger.net/members/trailblazer/?action=ViewTravelBlogs&tbid=519&beid=1525 Childrens laughter is a much sweeter sound to be arisen by than drunk German girls trying to whisper. So I guess it's no surprise that I've been longing for sleep all day. I chased it on the celebration lawn at Roma Street Parklands and again on the trail. After arriving on the Gold Coast I snuck in an atual nap. The small hot room pushes me downstairs to thumping house music. It's good, but hard not to act like a loner when you're alone. Dollars are running low but I've groceries, a bed and my surfing lessins over the next few days. Not getting enough veggies or protein. At the grocery store today I learned why, a red pepper (capsicum here) is $13.99 AUD, faux meat is non-existent.

There is nothing solitary about this kind of travel. Even in a room where only Japanese is spoken, your mind is engaged in the activity of others. You become aware how little is said over the course of day that is actually meaningful. Anyway, enough of this, early surfing lessons tomorrow.

]]> My Boyfriend Leonard http://www.travelblogger.net/members/trailblazer/?action=ViewTravelBlogs&tbid=519&beid=1524 Magical Land of Oz  Last night I crept into my first dorm.  A 3 person mided,  It was dark so I felt y way through pajamas and toiletries in the stifling heat.  next to my bed lay a man pretending to http://www.travelblogger.net/members/trailblazer/?action=Guestbook Sat, 27 Jan 2007 12:57:10 GMT http://www.travelblogger.net/members/trailblazer/?action=ViewTravelBlogs&tbid=519&beid=1524 Corrections and whatnot http://www.travelblogger.net/members/trailblazer/?action=ViewTravelBlogs&tbid=519&beid=1523 Magical Land of Oz My brother says I screwed up slideshow...yeah well I'm less techie than Jennygail gives me credit for.  Anyway here's the link again if you haven't seen the old pics from NZ Heather put up.http:/ http://www.travelblogger.net/members/trailblazer/?action=Guestbook Fri, 26 Jan 2007 11:58:11 GMT http://www.travelblogger.net/members/trailblazer/?action=ViewTravelBlogs&tbid=519&beid=1523 Fiorland Adventures http://www.travelblogger.net/members/trailblazer/?action=ViewTravelBlogs&tbid=509&beid=1516 Kiwi Style  Bowen falls amy be one of the most awe and silence indusing creations of nature I have ever seen.  U;m getting ahead of myself of course.  After abitger dat if druvubg we practically c http://www.travelblogger.net/members/trailblazer/?action=Guestbook Mon, 22 Jan 2007 21:29:50 GMT http://www.travelblogger.net/members/trailblazer/?action=ViewTravelBlogs&tbid=509&beid=1516 On the Road again http://www.travelblogger.net/members/trailblazer/?action=ViewTravelBlogs&tbid=509&beid=1506 Kiwi Style  Delay does not begin to describve it.  Just an hour after our late departure from Franz Joseph while lamenting the coastline view that wasn't, we realized there was no petrol (gas for you A http://www.travelblogger.net/members/trailblazer/?action=Guestbook Mon, 22 Jan 2007 21:22:54 GMT http://www.travelblogger.net/members/trailblazer/?action=ViewTravelBlogs&tbid=509&beid=1506 Picture link!!! http://www.travelblogger.net/members/trailblazer/?action=ViewTravelBlogs&tbid=509&beid=1514 Kiwi Style Since I can't download all the pics and still make time to cuddle with Koala's Heather posted a slideshow of the NZ portion our trip.  It's just a sampling but I figured it'd pacify you guys s http://www.travelblogger.net/members/trailblazer/?action=Guestbook Mon, 22 Jan 2007 06:25:26 GMT http://www.travelblogger.net/members/trailblazer/?action=ViewTravelBlogs&tbid=509&beid=1514 Since I can't download all the pics and still make time to cuddle with Koala's Heather posted a slideshow of the NZ portion our trip. It's just a sampling but I figured it'd pacify you guys since I haven't put up a decent blog in a few days....I'll get right on that as soon as Norman (the Koala) let's go of my arm. Follow the link below

http://http://www.slide.com/channel_finder?pcid=cZWUIwKN5lBUWVfmCo502LwyeTfmjtNNUOXZedwL9jKg0tpHsTxDDA&view=large

]]> Coming soon... http://www.travelblogger.net/members/trailblazer/?action=ViewTravelBlogs&tbid=519&beid=1505 Magical Land of Oz  to a PC near you...a few updates.  Internet here is pricey so it should be better in Sydney.  I took lessons, still can't surf worth a lick but I don't want this to be a spoiler, http://www.travelblogger.net/members/trailblazer/?action=Guestbook Thu, 18 Jan 2007 00:56:10 GMT http://www.travelblogger.net/members/trailblazer/?action=ViewTravelBlogs&tbid=519&beid=1505 to a PC near you...a few updates. Internet here is pricey so it should be better in Sydney. I took lessons, still can't surf worth a lick but I don't want this to be a spoiler, just a note te say I'm happy, healthy and tan. Headed on a train to the worlds 2nd biggest city today for a weekend of fun and frolick thanks to my fabulous brother and his fund-replenishment services. I'll also post a greatest hits list of my fave Aussie and Kiwi phrases...it's great fun and my new mates trained me well over a few bevvies on the town last night!

Cheers!

PS keep the comments coming I love to hear from you and know you're checking in on me.

]]> Up a Glacier, Down a Beer http://www.travelblogger.net/members/trailblazer/?action=ViewTravelBlogs&tbid=509&beid=1496 Kiwi Style  Montrose was nice and quiet.  The combined luxury of beds, and no scheduled movement until after 12 meant a leisurely morning we have not yet been afforded.  After some mellow time at http://www.travelblogger.net/members/trailblazer/?action=Guestbook Mon, 15 Jan 2007 01:00:51 GMT http://www.travelblogger.net/members/trailblazer/?action=ViewTravelBlogs&tbid=509&beid=1496 Vagabond http://www.travelblogger.net/members/trailblazer/?action=ViewTravelBlogs&tbid=509&beid=1495 Kiwi Style  The south island, with its late sunsets and lazy attitude has been unkind to our agenda.  We reached Hamner Springs after 10pm and rang up our hostile for directions only to be advised t http://www.travelblogger.net/members/trailblazer/?action=Guestbook Sat, 13 Jan 2007 23:24:35 GMT http://www.travelblogger.net/members/trailblazer/?action=ViewTravelBlogs&tbid=509&beid=1495 The south island, with its late sunsets and lazy attitude has been unkind to our agenda. We reached Hamner Springs after 10pm and rang up our hostile for directions only to be advised that they'd donated our room to another bed seeker. The small hot spring town was packed on this Friday and the only vacancy sign represented a boutique hotel far outside our means. Instead, we steathily pulled our car behind a hotel parking lot, retrieved the sleeping bag and reclined the seats for a restless nights slumber. It was cold, foggy and uncomfortable. To make matters worse I had to give up my glorious walking stick so we could shut out the cold air.

Cramped, aching and looking all the part of homeless people we muddled into a cafe for pastry and a warm bevvie. Serendipity was kind, todya was the day to sit in the hot springs at Mauria (or Mariah Carey Springs as we prefer to call it) for a traditional onsen style Japanese bath with its teeny stool and bucket. Stretching our cramped limbs in the two baths looking outside as the sin dried up early mist. We moved outdoors to the rock pool which would have been relaxing if not for the swarm of mosquitos. We took the hing, and ended our bath with a quick lunch. We missed the pancake rocks and took a bit of a detour down Arthurs pass until we finally arrived in Franz Joseph at the Montrose Backpackers. I headed off to bed as soon as we finished dinner while H watched fight club and charged up our electronics before calling it a day.

]]> Wino Adventures the Sequel http://www.travelblogger.net/members/trailblazer/?action=ViewTravelBlogs&tbid=509&beid=1494 Kiwi Style  Homeless for the night we discovered the historic but tattered St. Andrews motel.  The simple view, microwave and cow serenade provided more luxury than we'd hoped for.  Refreshed, we http://www.travelblogger.net/members/trailblazer/?action=Guestbook Sat, 13 Jan 2007 23:16:14 GMT http://www.travelblogger.net/members/trailblazer/?action=ViewTravelBlogs&tbid=509&beid=1494 Valley girls http://www.travelblogger.net/members/trailblazer/?action=ViewTravelBlogs&tbid=509&beid=1493 Kiwi Style  Wildlife house, we found was aptly named because of the primal noises and scurrying about by fellow travelers in the middle of the night.  Arising early we gro http://www.travelblogger.net/members/trailblazer/?action=Guestbook Sat, 13 Jan 2007 22:34:33 GMT http://www.travelblogger.net/members/trailblazer/?action=ViewTravelBlogs&tbid=509&beid=1493 Wildlife house, we found was aptly named because of the primal noises and scurrying about by fellow travelers in the middle of the night. Arising early we groggily showered, nibbled on leftover curry and samosas and reached port in time to board our ferry, the massive Interislander that would carry us across Cook Straight to the South Island. With the car stowed safely two decks below we sipped lattes and chai tea from our reclining charis and wandered outside to admire the fiords. 3 hours later the Picton harbor ornamented by small sailboats came into view. Picton was a charming harbor town with quaint shops and light lunches. Haggling at the outdoor market we secured some scarves, braceletes and my beloved recycled skirt made of saris. We lingered longer than planned tending to camera needs and strolling about (yeah more shopping). Finally aware of the time we sped the 26km to Blenheim to hire our bicycles for an afternoon of vineyard touring in Marlborough valley. Our late start and heavy wind limited our stops to Kathy Lynskey (where I actually purchased a lovely CHARDONNAY and no red wine if you can believe that one) We also hit Matua where Heather found some garlic infused olive oil and a sauvignon blanc and ended up at Fromms. The ribbons of vine cascading down the mountain agains the mountains was breathtaking as the cellars began to close their doors. After a misguided map sent us careening into neighborhoods we made it back to return the bikes, re-enacted a scene from the Super Sari comic strip before hitting a dinner and crashing for the day. ]]> Southern migrations http://www.travelblogger.net/members/trailblazer/?action=ViewTravelBlogs&tbid=509&beid=1492 Kiwi Style  Leaving Tongariro we hit the I-site for some Maori legend nd world heritage site information and then sped off to Wellington.  Only a few small stops along the http://www.travelblogger.net/members/trailblazer/?action=Guestbook Sat, 13 Jan 2007 22:26:05 GMT http://www.travelblogger.net/members/trailblazer/?action=ViewTravelBlogs&tbid=509&beid=1492 Leaving Tongariro we hit the I-site for some Maori legend nd world heritage site information and then sped off to Wellington. Only a few small stops along the drive we picked up some items at a Maori craft boutique who specialized in painted rocks, overpriced jade carvings and kari bookmarks. Dissapointed we kept moving forward until stumbling happily upon the my dear ole friend Humpty Dumpty merrily perched upon his wall in a large childrens park in Kowhai. Unable to resist his charms, we pulled off the road for an ahour of silliness amongst the fairy tail figurines and children. Heather dined with Goldilock’s bears while I checked out the Old Lady who lived in a shoe, We played and pranced in the afternoon sun with only a minor incident with Moby Dick (which I am happy to say ended without H being eaten alive) before resuming our journey. When we finally arrived in Wellington, food was top priority. Famished, we completely lost the ability to make decisions and walked in circles before wandering into Tulsi for some wonderful Indian fare of Chicken Mango Curry, garlic naan & samosas. Cuba street was bristling with goths, skaters and one particularly eccentric gladiator dominating his imaginary battle and befriending passersby much the their dismay. Fat and happy we retired to our zebra striped hoset to book the next day adventure to South Island.
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