Maybe in Oz

We just got back from a fun-filled adventure in Krabi, Thailand.  We stayed at the very lovely Ban Sainai resort in Ao Nang, a peaceful place nestled in a lush green area a bit away from the town.  Unfortunately the trip di dn't have the best of starts as we found out that our cat Sigmund had passed away.  But it was a g ood reminder to make the most of life, and so we spent the next few days truly enjoying life. A sad evening for us in Ao Nang This sunset dedicated to Sigmund The next morning we set out on a four island tour, exploring the islands visible just off the coast of Ao Nang. We climbed aboard a a long boat and headed out for the day. long boats on the shore Most pictures you'll see of Thailand feature a green island, turquoise water, and the front bow of a long boat.  They give you the idea of a serene paradise.  They rarely show the back of the boat.  The back is where the motor (old car engine) sits, open, exposed, and noisy as ...

Hello all, Phil here.   A few months ago, the company I work for was bought out by another US company based in Colorado.   It took a few months, but they finally started to look at the Australian office and offered me a different role supporting all of the Asia-Pacific region and overseeing training and both companies product lines.   Since I am supporting the region, this means I get to travel a bit. My first big trip was to Beijing for 2 weeks, and I’ll post about that trip later…   Next up was a trip to Bangkok, Thailand to lead a training session with the Sales associates from both the Australian and Japan offices.   In the weeks leading up to the trip, the Prime Minister stepped down and sent Thailand into political turmoil. Two separate groups loyal to differing political parties began fighting in the streets at different places in the city.   They are referred to as Red Shirts and Yellow Shirts, as I assume that is their favorite color of attire...

3:37: Alarm goes off.  Seriously, do I really have to get up now?  Some people are just going to bed. :( 4:30: Leave campsite.  Dark and cold, the perfect time to still be sleeping. 5:10: Ironman finishes setting his gear up in transition, Ironman and Ironsherpa head back to the camper van for a nap. 5:50: Walk over to swim start. 6:10: Ironaman de-robes, squeezes into flattering rubber wetsuit.  Ironsherpa coats his neck with vaseline to prevent rash. 6:30: Race starts.  Lots of people wearing said flattering wetsuits waddle down the ramp into the water. 6:52: Ironman enters the water.  Ironsherpa follows the red cap until it's out of sight. Phil in the red cap on the bottom right 7:15: Ironsherpa gets mandatory race egg and bacon roll.  While stuffing face with yummy warm bacon and runny egg, contemplates the possibility of eating as many calories on race day as Ironman burns.  Realizes this is 6-7000 and might require too mu...

A couple weeks ago we went to Port Macquarie for Phil's 4th Ironman triathlon.  I am always looking for an excuse to explore, so this was the perfect opportunity to check out the area.  We flew into Newcastle.  No, scratch that.  I flew into Newcastle.  And then I picked up the camper van and drove the 2.5 hours by myself to Port Macquarie.  Because, you see, we missed our flight that morning.  We got to the counter 4 minutes after check in closed, and that was that.  We booked ourselves on the next flight, and then realised that with it arriving in Newcastle at 1:30, everything would have to line up perfectly to get Phil checked into the race by 5 pm.  Then we realised we would have to wait for his bike at baggage claim and catch a cab to get the camper van and the writing was on the wall, he wasn't going to make it.  Considering the entry fees, the plane tickets, camper van rental, and vacation time, we had to find a way to get him ch...

April 27, 2014 It is time to leave you again - we've enjoyed our adventures.  Kangaroo Island was amazing - such beautiful harbours and natural wonders.  We had good times with Janice/Ted and Karen/Harry also.  I can't imagine many tourists getting to see the things and meet the locals that we did this time. Australia is an interesting place and we are pleased that you're taking the time to explore it and the surrounding areas.  It's a chance most people don't have.  Come and see us sometime! Thanks for the nice birthday party!  I've never had a birthday in Australia before! Love, Mom and Dad Maybe cuddles with her second favourite person My mom and dad in front of the beach huts in Brighton Brighton Beach The city skyline from Brighton Beach

Seeing the Remarkables was the main thing I wanted to do on Kangaroo Island, so after that we just played it by ear and wandered about.  The next morning Phil went for a long run while my parents and I went to Hanson Bay and then went on a tour of the Kelly Hill Caves.  The bay was gorgeous, the water was nice and clear and the clouds had formed a linear pattern in the sky making it hard to take a bad picture.  On the way back to the car we even saw a bunch of kangaroo prints pointed toward a pool of fresh water. Hanson Bay Hanson Bay Roo tracks and my dad making tracks The Kelly Hill Caves were a neat stop, there was a steep staircase leading us down into the cavern filled with lots of little formations. Kelly Hill Caves We then headed to the Marron Farm for lunch and enjoyed tasty local seafood platters. Marron platter Marron Montage ----- Then to end the day Phil and I went sand boarding at Little Sahara.  We just got one board t...