July 6, 2005

Plans for the upcoming trip are progressing after our one week visit with all 4 travelers in one location. The anticipation is mounting and as we find ourselves in “motor mouth mode”, we also have noted that everyone we talk to about travel to Australia says the same thing; “Australia! That is the one place we have always wanted to see!”

We are here to advise…Do it! The only one word description that meets our minds is “MAGIC!”

Since our home community of Sequim, Washington is a well known lavender growing region, we are eager to get to the Margaret River area of Western Australia to visit a slice of heaven at Cape Lavender. This promises to be a visit to thrill all senses. It is 75 acres that was originally intended to be café/restaurant with emphasis of lavender but has grown into magnificent gardens, gift shop with even a lavender wine tasting room. In looking at their website, we are all too anxious to get there.

We have again contacted Aussie Bush Discoveries. This charter company will customize a day to fit your wishes. We again are planning to enjoy Breakfast with the Kangaroos. We did this a few years back and it was fabulous. As the day progresses, we will get to the Blue Mountains and a zoo so we can get our 1st time to Australia travel mates, Steve and Chris up close and personal with the Australian animals. We will count on our guide to come up with other creative thoughts. This company is the best for exceeding expectations. That’s why every trip we make to Sydney includes this planned day.

This year we are especially happy to have the opportunity to experience a charter ferry boat company that we have heard nice things about; Rosman Ferries. The EXTRA special part is that it will be on New Year’s Eve! From what we understand, there are several boats in their fleet. The one we have selected is the Proclaim. There are party boats, boats with all inclusive champagne and snacks, and dinner cruises. Prices for New Years Eve range from $100.00 to $800.00 for the evening.

Sydney is the place to be to welcome the New Year in. The city virtually sends off fireworks from the Harbor Bridge and Heaven knows where else!!! The people Downunder like to party like no other so this is an event that brings everyone out. There are lots of vantage points throughout the city; many for free but the idea of spending the evening on a boat with dinner, music and many new friends seems like too much to pass up. If you are looking to go using a peak event, plan early.

Tour boats operate all year long on the Harbour and vary in cost and amenities so investigate the options. We will let you know what we find out to help you plan.

Still more to come...

Louise & Lynn

March 21, 2005

Plans for the 2005 trip are quickly coming together. We have learned from our previous experience that planning ahead holds many benefits AND is essential if you want choices.

Travel to Australia in December is PEAK SEASON! Don’t forget that the seasons are reversed from the Northern hemisphere so it is summertime….and holiday /vacation time for the locals. These folks get 3 weeks plus to spend in the cities, on the beaches and, trying to get a reservation at a savings can be limited if you wait too long. That means March is not too early. We have already noticed that “saver” fares increase the first of April!

Our flight will take us on Cathay Pacific to Perth in Western Australia. Our flight will be through Hong Kong to arrive 2 days later in Perth. Our plans are to spend several days at the Crowne Plaza Perth while we explore the city. Our hotel is overlooking the beautiful Swan River and is the only hotel situated on Langley Park. Since we will not have a car while in the city, the hotel is within easy walking distance of Perth's commercial and business district and close to many of Perth's major attractions.

Situated on the Swan River, this is the capital of the state and one of the most isolated cities in the world. With the sun always shining, white sandy beaches and a cosmopolitan atmosphere. There appears to be lots to see and do.

We will be picking up motor homes from Britz. The ones we found available are “suitable” for 4 people, or so we are told. The layout appears to be a bit smaller than our past Aussie rentals but it sleeps 4 and is equipped with stove, microwave, refrigerator, A/C, toilet and shower. We have found that the additional sleeping area, over the driving cab offered space for luggage. Anyway, we will let you know how it goes. Traveling to the various holiday parks (RV parks) with former campground owners, Steve and Chris Hennings will be interesting. The opportunity to exchange ideas will be enlightening, for certain.

We have some specific stops planned. The Swan Bells are situated on the Barrack St. Jetty, overlooking the Swan River and the city’s skyline. This tower includes the twelve bells of St Martin-in-the-Fields which are recorded as being in existence from before the 14th century.

We have a tour set with Swan Valley Wagon Trails using one of the most creative ways of traveling. We are going to take a half day tour into Perth's Wine Country - the beautiful Swan Valley aboard a Clydesdale-drawn fully upholstered and weatherproofed wagons. They offer lots of options but this one sound like too much fun to pass up. Does this mean that as we sample wine that our designated driver will be a horse?

Our travels are scheduled to take us through Perth and south still inside WA (Western Australia) We will get to the Margaret River region and as far as we can comfortably see in two weeks. We are eager to learn the high points so that we can share them with you.

Just after Christmas, we will fly aboard Qantas to Sydney and again stay at our favorite hotel, the Travelodge at Martin Place. We discovered this haven on a trip a few years ago and can’t avoid returning for more of that special hospitality. Great price-great value-spectacular place! The world has heard about the New Year festivities in Sydney and this year, it will be our experience.

After visiting the city, we will rent cars to drive south to Canberra and over to the Southcoast…. Planning is a big part of the fun and comparing ideas with friends makes it even more special. Be sure that everyone has a say in the planning. It makes for more excitement.

More to come...

Louise & Lynn