An Alphabetical Stroll Through Bali and Australia-Z is for: Zig-zagging Through the Daintree Rainforest (3/22)

[pkondz]

Day 22- The Outback, Australia

5:50 AM and still dark.

This sounds like one of those voice-overs before a classic detective movie!

I silently dressed by flashlight

Oh? You didn't chat loudly with some German speaking ladies?

There was no chance of waking Anara up

Sadly, the best places were already taken by the earl(ier) risers

Rope drop for the win... except the winners in this case wasn't you.

In the end, I had to migrate a bit during my half hour there.

I've heard of great migrations (Africa and Canada), never knew there was one in Australia...

nonetheless, sunrise over Kata Tjuta is a magical experience that is quite extraordinary.

Very nice, but I agree... not as nice as your sunset shots.

And sometimes it pays to look behind you and look where fewer people do. This view, was in some ways even more spectacular:

Whoa! Yes it is! Love it!

My low fuel light came on and I thought to myself, it’s all okay. Plenty of gas to get back to town…

Ominous foreshadowing...

Like this shot

it had grown uncomfortably warm, but I donned my hat and set out.

At least this time you remembered to bring water with you.

Right?



RIGHT????

There were posters at the trailhead warning visitors of snakes, but I never saw a single one at any of the remote places we went while in Australia save one.

Disappointing for you, I'm sure.

I was very careful when I stepped off the trail to find a place to, well, yeah, I admit, I had to find a place to peepee.

The trail was just busy enough that I was super nervous the entire time and we all know what being nervous does to a bladder. If snakes had wanted to find me, they had plenty of time.

it is here that on the hottest of days, when it is 40C or above, they close the trail altogether after 11:00AM. You’re either past this point by then, or this hike is off-limits. It’s just too dangerous and remote; I’m sure the rangers are all too used to dragging heat stroked folks out.

Huh. But makes a lot of sense.

You're so tiny in comparison!

Perhaps in my enthusiasm to “see all the things” I lost my sense of responsibility and became idiotic.

Uh, oh.........

I literally begged God to get me to a gas station out loud and came very close to panicking.

Remember, it was 33 miles from where I was!!!!

Juuuust a wee bit too far...

I thought I understood and started the car again and drove that way… only to get lost a bit in a little neighborhood between the lodge and station.

I can attest that to fill a Nissan crossover in the Outback cost me $200 USD.

$200!!!!

It may not shock you that I also bought a couple of meat pies for my breakfast.

Nope!

I was glad to be alive. It would not be the last time on this trip...

Oh dear...

I’ve been out of the primary care environment since late October, and I feel like things just don’t come as fast as I’m going to need them to when I am with patients. So, I’ve been building a master “cheat sheet” so to speak as I review each of the most common patient issues I will likely see- from diabetes and migraines to hypertension and low back pain and everything in between, system by system. My treatment options, recommendations, labs and tests, follow up guidelines, special things to consider, etc… My neighbor who was my main MD Preceptor has agreed to look it over in the coming weeks. February 10th is quickly approaching!

Sounds like you're being proactive about it. Good luck!

 

[Steppesister]

We're getting pretty close to departure now, so I'll still be following along with interest (on both your TRs) when I can, but probably won't be commenting much. You had some wonderful adventures on your first day in the Uluru area, and amazing stamina in that heat! Looking forward to seeing the sunrise at Kata Tjuta.

WHeeee! You're going to have the BEST time!

Sunrise was really nice, as was my morning walk amongst the formation. The gas bit, not so much.

 

[Steppesister]

I won't comment on all your photos but I did see the same views when we travelled to Australia back in June of 1991. We were on a bus tour so we flew into Alice Springs from Cairns then bussed it to the then called Ayers Rock area and stayed at the Four Seasons. We too did the sunset tour and sunrise tour.

Really a trip worth taking- there's just nowhere else on Earth like it.

First up is the infamous don't brush the flies off the person in front of you because they will just land on you. I think there were more flies on his coat at other times.

Yep, I took a couple of these photos as well that I'll post of our next day.

Here I am on the bus wearing my outback hat. It didn't come with the cork bobbers which was all the rage then,

Awww, what a fun photo! My folks wore the bobble hats as well.

Back in 1991 you could climb the rock and some of our little group managed to do it but not I. I couldn't make it past the steep climb at the beginning and people were just pushing by you to get up. Time crunch you know.

My dad and sister climbed it as well back in like '82? '83? They said it was a pretty tough slog.

I can't remember how long our tour was but you only had so much time at the Rock to tour and climb the rock. My sister and some of the other people in our group made it to the end and signed the guest book before they had to make the long climb back

I totally get why they stopped letting people climb it, not only to respect the Arrente beliefs, but it really did scar the face of it, but that would have been so neat to sign the book and get that view.

View from the top.

WOW! What a view!

 

[Steppesister]

Love this picture of you! So much joy from the intrepid traveler! Nice that you ran into that other lady, so you could snap pics for each other

The hikes they have around the area are wonderful! Easy and you can make them as short or long as you'd like.

This is just beautiful!!

Such a pretty scene!

Wow. Just wow. All of those picture were gorgeous. I'm glad God was smiling down on you and gave you the beautiful moments of sun. Those pictures are some of your most incredible, for certain!

I am too! It was a magical moment and one I'll remember forever!

 

[Steppesister]

You have to! I mean... it's not like you're there a lot.

So true! When this is a once in a lifetime visit... you do all the things.

Love it when things like that happen.

For sure! They were so helpful and nice.

When I see things like this, I wonder who (or what) lived there over the millenia.

Yes! A perfect shelter for just about anything. Although, I'd not want to waltz in for fear that things with fangs had the same idea.

An hour for 2km?

I think they are speaking to the "slowest common denominator". They also said the Valley of the Winds hike was "hard". It wasn't even difficult at all.

Ain't no bugs gonna bother you!
I take it they were still bad.

Oh yes! Everywhere.

This (and the other places with drawings) is so cool.

Very! It's amazing how well they are preserved- Apparently the climate is perfect for that.

So... that's what I'd think 2km would take at constant walking. Did you do the whole thing?

No, I'd seen enough to get a good idea and took time to stop and read the signs along the way.

I'd love to go someday... but... well... maybe.

I hope you can get there! It's really amazing!

Fish! Really! Huh!
Were you allowed to dip a toe, or is it a place of worship and not allowed (Like climbing Uluru now)

Nope, no swimming allowed. But don't worry, we find an opportunity soon somewhere else...

Very nice of her. I say don't knock out her tooth.

She'd probably return the favor.

No, that's just the sun going down.

<slow clap>

 

[Steppesister]

Congratulations! That is wonderful news!!

It's so exciting! But scary at the same time! EEK!

 

[Steppesister]

Congratulations - I am so proud of you and excited that you got your dream job. All your hard work has paid off. Is it near your current home?

Yes, just a few miles away! Commute is a cool 12-15 minutes!

 

[Steppesister]

Wow! Congratulations! That's wonderful news!!

Thanks!! It really is! I can finally get back to work and make some money for the next travels!

 

[Steppesister]

Many many congratulations!!!!
So well deserved after all your hard work. Absolutely brilliant news. Best of luck in your new role

Thank you SO very much!! I love that I have friends here who can share in my excitement and journey!

 

[Steppesister]

Congratulations! This took a lot of hard work and dedication. I'm so happy for you.

Thank you, Sue! It's been a long, and at times difficult, journey. Now to get back to work and make some money for the next traveling!

 

[Steppesister]

Congrats!!!

Thanks, Irene! Lots of exciting things happening on the horizon!

 

[Steppesister]

This stunning photo is my favourite of all time

It's definitely a striking one whose simplicity makes it interesting!

Blimin heck I’m glad to know that after making it to the gas station the shock of the fuel price didn’t finish you off! That’s a crazy amount of $ to fill a tank!

RIGHT?!!!! Crazy!

Love your idea of a “cheat sheet” to help in your new role. I’m sure you will be fabulous and your patients will no doubt benefit from your knowledge, professionalism and care.

If anything else, it keeps me studying until I start!

 

[Steppesister]

he sunset pictures were prettier but sunrise is always an awesome experience.

It was and it got me up and out early so I could get a little hiking done before we did the Cultural Center and our long drive back.

I would think that it would be hard to find a secluded spot out there. I've done that on a hiking trail in Hawaii, but it was pretty lush and green there.

I'm a full-on snake lover, but this made me a little nervous to be true- not just snakes but other hikers. LOL!

What a relief!

For SURE! You have NO idea! OY!

You are very fortunate to have a neighbor like that.

Most definitely! Dr. Dils has been wonderful to me in letting me do Clinicals with him! Even before I started Clinicals he reviewed some of my papers and coached me along. He's an old-school, all-around great guy.

 

[Steppesister]

This sounds like one of those voice-overs before a classic detective movie!

LOL!! I used to put so much more effort and care into my writing. Once upon a time I was actually funny and creative. Now... I'm just so busy. I'm not a stay-at-home mom with teens anymore so the quality writing had to go. But, once in a while, a creative spark hits me.

Oh? You didn't chat loudly with some German speaking ladies?

Geez, some people.

Rope drop for the win... except the winners in this case wasn't you.

Yeah... this time I let the ball drop.

I've heard of great migrations (Africa and Canada), never knew there was one in Australia...

It was a little comical actually. I was bopping from end to end of the platform holding my camera up, quickly popping into new vacated spots, once time a nice guy said, "Here get in front of me". I snapped a couple and moved on.... LOL!

Very nice, but I agree... not as nice as your sunset shots.

I think the foreground lends a bit more interest and the colors were a bit softer in the Uluru ones.

Whoa! Yes it is! Love it!

RIGHT?! The simplicity of it makes it a stunning view/photo.

Ominous foreshadowing...

Duh, duh, dunnnnn.....

Like this shot

Mysterious, no?

At least this time you remembered to bring water with you.

Right?



RIGHT????

Disappointing for you, I'm sure.

Yes, as long as it's not while I'm using the facili-trees. Reminds me of a time my dad was out doing a bit of business and looked down to see a Mojave Green Rattler RIGHT by his bare butt. Mom says he literally ran out from behind the bush with his pants around his ankles.

You're so tiny in comparison!

Just lil 'ol me.

Sounds like you're being proactive about it. Good luck!

I'm sure trying!

 

[pkondz]

So true! When this is a once in a lifetime visit... you do all the things.

Yes! A perfect shelter for just about anything. Although, I'd not want to waltz in for fear that things with fangs had the same idea.

Here there be monsters...

I think they are speaking to the "slowest common denominator".

Dead people?

They also said the Valley of the Winds hike was "hard". It wasn't even difficult at all.

Huh. Odd.

Very! It's amazing how well they are preserved- Apparently the climate is perfect for that.

Just a wee bit... arid, is it?

Nope, no swimming allowed. But don't worry, we find an opportunity soon somewhere else...

She'd probably return the favor.

 

[pkondz]

LOL!! I used to put so much more effort and care into my writing. Once upon a time I was actually funny and creative. Now... I'm just so busy. I'm not a stay-at-home mom with teens anymore so the quality writing had to go. But, once in a while, a creative spark hits me.

Nah. I think your writing is still entertaining.

Yeah... this time I let the ball drop.

No, no, no.
Rope drop... Rope drop!
Ball drop is New Years Eve, Times Square.

It was a little comical actually. I was bopping from end to end of the platform holding my camera up, quickly popping into new vacated spots,

Bob and weave!

once time a nice guy said, "Here get in front of me"

Betting he was a tad taller than you.

Mysterious, no?

Yes, as long as it's not while I'm using the facili-trees. Reminds me of a time my dad was out doing a bit of business and looked down to see a Mojave Green Rattler RIGHT by his bare butt. Mom says he literally ran out from behind the bush with his pants around his ankles.

 

[Steppesister]

Here there be monsters...

There's probably 2' spiders in there.

Dead people?

Okay that made me lol for reals.

Just a wee bit... arid, is it?

Just a tad.

Nah. I think your writing is still entertaining.

Aw shucks, thanks.

No, no, no.
Rope drop... Rope drop!
Ball drop is New Years Eve, Times Square.

Well, crap. That's where I went wrong.

Bob and weave!

Works for Disney, worked here too.

Betting he was a tad taller than you.

Isn't everyone?

 

[pkondz]

There's probably 2' spiders in there.

I'm glad you said 2' and not 2"...

Well, crap. That's where I went wrong.

Understandable error. It's from being on the other side of the planet and a day ahead.

Isn't everyone?

 

[Steppesister]

I'm glad you said 2' and not 2"...

Huge.

Deadly.

And for in there.

Understandable error. It's from being on the other side of the planet and a day ahead.

Of course it is!

I KNEW you'd toss those out there.

 

[pkondz]

I KNEW you'd toss those out there.

You're welcome.