There are so many picture choices to leave you with, but I settled on something completely different — termite mounds significantly taller than myself.
As is most often the case, a click will get you closer!
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Off Again!
I will be off a little later this morning for three more days of internet black hole travel!
There are so many picture choices to leave you with, but I settled on something completely different — termite mounds significantly taller than myself.
As is most often the case, a click will get you closer!
There are so many picture choices to leave you with, but I settled on something completely different — termite mounds significantly taller than myself.
As is most often the case, a click will get you closer!
"Wicked Good"! (Long Post Warning)
After the rather lacklustre closing ceremonies, I walked out the front door of Challenge Stadium, into a crowd of European polo players smoking rather horrifying cigarettes. The congestion was instantaneous! So then I had two pretty much sleepless nights. Flying congested meant I could hear squeaky noises in my ear as the fluid moved into uncharted territory on the Fokker 50. I wasn't hearing well when I arrived in Coral Bay!
This is a quirky yet charming little hotel. They “upgraded” me to an ocean view – so I have a room with a king size bed higher than my sorry derriere that is also on casters. I don’t imagine couples make out in it with wanton abandon because it sure scoots when I hop up on it! And the room also features two double (!) bunk beds. A table and 8 chairs, too! There are a few digital tv stations, but no room phones and no alarm clocks. And it seems that, at least in WA, if they tell you they have tea and coffee making facilities in a room it means they have a kettle, instant coffee sachets and tea bags. But real milk in the fridge. I abandoned the glass mug of the Bodum in Perth, but cleverly managed to get the ground coffee and drip business into my suitcase. That definitely saved my morning this morning! There is a potable tap in the bathroom, the microwave is installed with a dangerous corner over the kitchen sink. The washing up water and showers are bore water (mmm, sulphurous!), but have outstanding pressure and I have had the best showers yet in Australia here. The two general stores in “town” don’t sell bread, because there are also two bakeries. And they are nothing short of phenomenal.
I should tell you that the staff of Coral Bay Adventures has impressed me no end. The gentleman who picked me up at the airport was quite lovely and informative, and his charming wife works in the shop/expedition office. They are a retired couple caravanning and working their way across the country. Having been here two months he was very knowledgeable about the area. Coral Bay trivia: the town runs on electricity generated by three windmills, with back-up diesel generators. There are three stations between Exmouth airport and Coral Bay. Stations are large farms of 100,000 acres of free roaming livestock. So there are signs up on the road you are to beware of wildlife (emus and kangaroos) as well as cows. There are also very impressive termite mounds!
I was first one into the shop this morning well before the 7:50 suggested arrival time, and finally, after a month in Oz, finally found a reasonable hat with a wide brim, chin strap, and UV protection value for only $20. I was fitted with my size 3 to 5 fins and extra small wetsuit with what I can only imagine are extra long arms and legs. By 8:30 or so our group was off on the buses to the jetty. We were a total 15 guests (fourteen snorkellers and one observer), to a crew of 2 swim leaders, 2 swimmers, one photographer and the captain. We were served morning and afternoon tea and a buffet lunch. Beer, wine, or a soft drink afterwards while we watched the pictures we were provided with.
Naturally my face and masks had some difficulty getting along, and the first children’s mask not only didn’t seal well, but the snorkel didn’t fit. So I had mouthfuls of seawater and my eyes stung like no get out after our trial snorkel. (I learned to swim on board ship in a saltwater pool. This was frustrating, but certainly not an unknown or insurmountable. And I had brought my seal mask just in case!) Back at the boat, they tossed me a different mask to do a short trial swim with, and it worked like a charm. We reviewed safety procedures and signals several times, as well as protocol. Whale sharks are protected under CITES and by the DEC (Department of Environment and Conservation) here in Australia, all tour operators are licensed and a $20 fee per guest goes into a protection and research fund. Our photographer’s job was also to take specific pictures of the gill areas of any sharks we interacted with, as well as any distinctive areas of fins or scarring on the animal. This information is entered into an accessible world wide database attempting to illuminate the largely unknown habits and biology of these impressive creatures.
Next we played a waiting game as the shared spotter plane worked a grid looking for the sharks. It had been overcast yesterday, but today was brilliant. The sun was out, the water was clear and warm – a very handy thing when your wetsuit doesn’t fit. But the signs were good. Small fishes were up at the surface, and birds were picking them off with relish, an indication that something big is forcing them up. There were two other boats out looking for sharks, too. One of the crew sprayed seawater from a large hose on the side of the boat to encourage the curiosity of the whale sharks. The instant the pilot indicated sharks had been spotted, our group sprung into action. Our wetsuit and fin clad bodies poached slightly as we sat on the deck with masks at the ready. From then on, for about an hour and a half, we did a shark relay, often one group standing on the marler board (a little interesting for me as the hand hold was well above and behind my head – yay for upper body strength and flexibility!) ready to enter the water as quietly as possible so as not to disturb the animals and cause them to dive. Our swimmers went first, locating the shark and acting as a living moving marker for us to swim to.
Elliott, our group leader, told me afterwards that this was the best first interaction he had led. Everyone was calm (and wildly excited at the same time); there was no panic. We had one swimmer in the group who did not see the shark, had difficulty with her breathing and could not manage the speed required. For the next round he towed her out first so she could have a real experience. Several people commented that they were tired out by the speed necessary to keep up with the sharks.
In all we had the pleasure of swimming with three different whale sharks. One was zippy, one was actively feeding, and one became so curious about us we had a bit of a time getting in front enough to keep the 4 metre protective zone around the whale shark’s head. It was an indescribable day!
On the way to our final snorkel site, the captain cut the engines significantly and we all scooted to starboard to watch magnificent manta rays swimming alongside near the surface, their fins coming out to wave at us repeatedly. This was a remarkable stroke of luck as the mantas are generally spotted by plane as well, and to happen upon two surface feeding was fabulous!
About half of us went on the final reef snorkel with both leaders. Halfway in, some returned to the boat, and the rest of us carried on. Sea turtles, cleaning stations, a myriad of different fishes and corals added to the impact of the day.
Elliott insisted I take the final piece of coffee cake later, although it wasn’t my first. “You’ve been swimming all afternoon!” was his rationale. And more or less, he was right! My shins have an interesting collection of bruises, I stiffened up a bit by early evening, tomorrow could be a bit trying and I wouldn’t have it any other way!* As our crew told us, few people ever have this experience, fewer still have the opportunity to meet three such magnificent creatures, and I would do it again in heartbeat!
A crew member said of the day, “It was wicked good.” And that really does sum it up well.
* Actually, it was fine. I wasn’t very stiff at all! I did a 1.5 k sea swim (more or less).
This is a quirky yet charming little hotel. They “upgraded” me to an ocean view – so I have a room with a king size bed higher than my sorry derriere that is also on casters. I don’t imagine couples make out in it with wanton abandon because it sure scoots when I hop up on it! And the room also features two double (!) bunk beds. A table and 8 chairs, too! There are a few digital tv stations, but no room phones and no alarm clocks. And it seems that, at least in WA, if they tell you they have tea and coffee making facilities in a room it means they have a kettle, instant coffee sachets and tea bags. But real milk in the fridge. I abandoned the glass mug of the Bodum in Perth, but cleverly managed to get the ground coffee and drip business into my suitcase. That definitely saved my morning this morning! There is a potable tap in the bathroom, the microwave is installed with a dangerous corner over the kitchen sink. The washing up water and showers are bore water (mmm, sulphurous!), but have outstanding pressure and I have had the best showers yet in Australia here. The two general stores in “town” don’t sell bread, because there are also two bakeries. And they are nothing short of phenomenal.
I should tell you that the staff of Coral Bay Adventures has impressed me no end. The gentleman who picked me up at the airport was quite lovely and informative, and his charming wife works in the shop/expedition office. They are a retired couple caravanning and working their way across the country. Having been here two months he was very knowledgeable about the area. Coral Bay trivia: the town runs on electricity generated by three windmills, with back-up diesel generators. There are three stations between Exmouth airport and Coral Bay. Stations are large farms of 100,000 acres of free roaming livestock. So there are signs up on the road you are to beware of wildlife (emus and kangaroos) as well as cows. There are also very impressive termite mounds!
I was first one into the shop this morning well before the 7:50 suggested arrival time, and finally, after a month in Oz, finally found a reasonable hat with a wide brim, chin strap, and UV protection value for only $20. I was fitted with my size 3 to 5 fins and extra small wetsuit with what I can only imagine are extra long arms and legs. By 8:30 or so our group was off on the buses to the jetty. We were a total 15 guests (fourteen snorkellers and one observer), to a crew of 2 swim leaders, 2 swimmers, one photographer and the captain. We were served morning and afternoon tea and a buffet lunch. Beer, wine, or a soft drink afterwards while we watched the pictures we were provided with.
Naturally my face and masks had some difficulty getting along, and the first children’s mask not only didn’t seal well, but the snorkel didn’t fit. So I had mouthfuls of seawater and my eyes stung like no get out after our trial snorkel. (I learned to swim on board ship in a saltwater pool. This was frustrating, but certainly not an unknown or insurmountable. And I had brought my seal mask just in case!) Back at the boat, they tossed me a different mask to do a short trial swim with, and it worked like a charm. We reviewed safety procedures and signals several times, as well as protocol. Whale sharks are protected under CITES and by the DEC (Department of Environment and Conservation) here in Australia, all tour operators are licensed and a $20 fee per guest goes into a protection and research fund. Our photographer’s job was also to take specific pictures of the gill areas of any sharks we interacted with, as well as any distinctive areas of fins or scarring on the animal. This information is entered into an accessible world wide database attempting to illuminate the largely unknown habits and biology of these impressive creatures.
Next we played a waiting game as the shared spotter plane worked a grid looking for the sharks. It had been overcast yesterday, but today was brilliant. The sun was out, the water was clear and warm – a very handy thing when your wetsuit doesn’t fit. But the signs were good. Small fishes were up at the surface, and birds were picking them off with relish, an indication that something big is forcing them up. There were two other boats out looking for sharks, too. One of the crew sprayed seawater from a large hose on the side of the boat to encourage the curiosity of the whale sharks. The instant the pilot indicated sharks had been spotted, our group sprung into action. Our wetsuit and fin clad bodies poached slightly as we sat on the deck with masks at the ready. From then on, for about an hour and a half, we did a shark relay, often one group standing on the marler board (a little interesting for me as the hand hold was well above and behind my head – yay for upper body strength and flexibility!) ready to enter the water as quietly as possible so as not to disturb the animals and cause them to dive. Our swimmers went first, locating the shark and acting as a living moving marker for us to swim to.
Elliott, our group leader, told me afterwards that this was the best first interaction he had led. Everyone was calm (and wildly excited at the same time); there was no panic. We had one swimmer in the group who did not see the shark, had difficulty with her breathing and could not manage the speed required. For the next round he towed her out first so she could have a real experience. Several people commented that they were tired out by the speed necessary to keep up with the sharks.
In all we had the pleasure of swimming with three different whale sharks. One was zippy, one was actively feeding, and one became so curious about us we had a bit of a time getting in front enough to keep the 4 metre protective zone around the whale shark’s head. It was an indescribable day!
On the way to our final snorkel site, the captain cut the engines significantly and we all scooted to starboard to watch magnificent manta rays swimming alongside near the surface, their fins coming out to wave at us repeatedly. This was a remarkable stroke of luck as the mantas are generally spotted by plane as well, and to happen upon two surface feeding was fabulous!
About half of us went on the final reef snorkel with both leaders. Halfway in, some returned to the boat, and the rest of us carried on. Sea turtles, cleaning stations, a myriad of different fishes and corals added to the impact of the day.
Elliott insisted I take the final piece of coffee cake later, although it wasn’t my first. “You’ve been swimming all afternoon!” was his rationale. And more or less, he was right! My shins have an interesting collection of bruises, I stiffened up a bit by early evening, tomorrow could be a bit trying and I wouldn’t have it any other way!* As our crew told us, few people ever have this experience, fewer still have the opportunity to meet three such magnificent creatures, and I would do it again in heartbeat!
A crew member said of the day, “It was wicked good.” And that really does sum it up well.
* Actually, it was fine. I wasn’t very stiff at all! I did a 1.5 k sea swim (more or less).
Inspiring!
Who’s watching whom? In truth, we are scooting away as fast as we can. The shark became curious about us, and we are trying to maintain the 3 metre protective zone around the animal's head. And this is now my wallpaper.
Looks suspiciously like I’m reverting to side kick drill while swimming with a whale shark!
Just blending in … for now!
My day with the crew from Coral Bay Adventures on the Ningaloo Reef was bordering on indescribable. But I did give it my best shot that day. The next post is decidedly long, but hopefully will give you an idea of how the Whale Shark Adventure unfolded.
N.B. Images enlarge!!
Friday, April 25, 2008
Roos!
Margaret, the two Pats & I headed out into the Swan Valley region today. We had an Anzac Day picnic, saw an art exhibition, stopped at the Margaret River Chocolate Company and the Caversham Wildlife Park. We petted and fed kangaroos, touched a koala, and saw Tazmanian Devils. So for now I'll leave you with Kanga & Roo (who is also having a little grass snack)! Click for detail.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Museums!
So … I’m feeling a bit more myself today. By 11:30 I was heading out to the local CAT bus stop on my way to Museum. Push the big blue button and the sign will speak to you — but only to tell you how long till the next bus. Although some of the signs at downtown stops are out of order. As usual, a click will get you closer!
Hopping off at Museum will get you to the Western Australia Museum, and the Art Gallery of Western Australia. At the Western Australia Museum I did a quick run through the Mammal, Butterfly, Bird and Marine Galleries. Aboriginal Culture, then through Diamonds to Dinosaurs Gallery, and finally the Museum Shop and Café. Oh! And I saw megamouth (the only specimen ever found in Australia; deceased when found)! After a bite of lunch, some flora pictures and a little souvenir shopping (I’m still having trouble hitting the souvenir treasure trove, but I did get some great postcards), I headed over to the art gallery. I wasn’t up for more than one floor of the Art Gallery, though.
Tomorrow is Anzac Day, so the nation will be commemorating in the morning. In the evening there are the Closing Ceremonies. I’ll finish up much of the packing and check out of the hotel in advance during the day, as on Saturday morning I have a pick-up to go to the airport at 7:30, and up to Coral Bay, where internet access will be limited or non-existent.
P.S. They just mentioned on the news that they could set an all time record for rain in Perth by Sunday or Monday. Doesn’t that figure? From snow to rain!
Hopping off at Museum will get you to the Western Australia Museum, and the Art Gallery of Western Australia. At the Western Australia Museum I did a quick run through the Mammal, Butterfly, Bird and Marine Galleries. Aboriginal Culture, then through Diamonds to Dinosaurs Gallery, and finally the Museum Shop and Café. Oh! And I saw megamouth (the only specimen ever found in Australia; deceased when found)! After a bite of lunch, some flora pictures and a little souvenir shopping (I’m still having trouble hitting the souvenir treasure trove, but I did get some great postcards), I headed over to the art gallery. I wasn’t up for more than one floor of the Art Gallery, though.
Tomorrow is Anzac Day, so the nation will be commemorating in the morning. In the evening there are the Closing Ceremonies. I’ll finish up much of the packing and check out of the hotel in advance during the day, as on Saturday morning I have a pick-up to go to the airport at 7:30, and up to Coral Bay, where internet access will be limited or non-existent.
P.S. They just mentioned on the news that they could set an all time record for rain in Perth by Sunday or Monday. Doesn’t that figure? From snow to rain!
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Sick Day!
Relay Day was good fun! The Canadian social afterwards was good fun of a different sort. However I had some moments of feeling quite unspectacular (bordering on iffy) during the day, and this morning I was quite clearly sick. However, I’m feeling considerably more even tonight, and the contents of my stomach seem to be staying where they belong. But it’ll be an early night tonight! So, while I set about feeling better, I leave you with a Grevillea (also with bee) or spider flower. Rumour has it they are also very popular with honeyeaters!
Monday, April 21, 2008
World Masters Meet Report Part 3
A quick bit before I head off for relay day. Following the relays the Canadians are having a social, so it may be 24 hours before my next post!
I swam the 50 free yesterday at around 10:00 a.m. — a GUBT of :35.19 (that would be about :34.39 scm, :30.98 scy) — in fact, .4 faster than I have swum a 50 short course! Much later ... after 6:00 p.m. I swam a :44.44 fifty breast, about .7 slower than my best time, but a reasonable swim given the very long day. It is important for me to see the forest for the trees (or the stork through the reeds) and not worry about not swimming best times each time out. Click for a better view!
P.S. The 50 fly was definitely a :39 low ... :39.09 to be exact.
I swam the 50 free yesterday at around 10:00 a.m. — a GUBT of :35.19 (that would be about :34.39 scm, :30.98 scy) — in fact, .4 faster than I have swum a 50 short course! Much later ... after 6:00 p.m. I swam a :44.44 fifty breast, about .7 slower than my best time, but a reasonable swim given the very long day. It is important for me to see the forest for the trees (or the stork through the reeds) and not worry about not swimming best times each time out. Click for a better view!
P.S. The 50 fly was definitely a :39 low ... :39.09 to be exact.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
World Masters Meet Report Part 2
Well, my 50 fly was not brilliant, nor was it abysmal. If I had to grade it, I think it would probably be a B. It felt fine. By all accounts it looked good. However it wasn’t quite as fast as I would have liked. I actually couldn’t see the clocks when I touched — there were individual displays for each lane up a hill, but invisible from behind the bulkhead where I finished — but I’m told it was a :39 low.
Tonight I leave you with a spoonbill from the Perth Zoo. Not only is it a beautiful bird, but the water droplet captivated me when I downloaded the image. A click will get you closer still.
Tonight I leave you with a spoonbill from the Perth Zoo. Not only is it a beautiful bird, but the water droplet captivated me when I downloaded the image. A click will get you closer still.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
World Masters Meet Report Part 1
Eucalyptus caesia ‘Silver Princess’ with bee. Click to enlarge.
Sadly the swim meet has not yet featured clear blue skies and warm weather like the weekend prior in Mandurah when I took this picture.
In fact, there were thunderstorms during the 800 free, and some confusion about whether the race was called or not. So those ladies who left thinking the event was over will be allowed a “reswim”. But it will be relay day, indoors, so warm-up in the pool we're swimming in will likely only be 7:30 - 8:00, then they'll run the 800's, then the relays.
We are alternating days swimming in the 10 lane outdoor pool, so that’s where my 50 fly will be today as the gents will swim inside. (I'm in heat 20.) The event is scheduled to run at 4:00, so I am aiming for a 3:00 arrival at the pool, meaning I will leave here at or around 1:30.
Yesterday we were indoors, but I warmed up in the 8 lane outdoor pool, as the likelihood of arriving for a 7:30 warm-up when I didn’t swim until the afternoon was not high. There were wall to wall people in the warm-up pool. Really.
I had been a bit concerned about the first day’s swims since I started to train here. I never got a 100 free below 1:30 the whole two weeks, although I did get from 1:43’s when I started down to that 1:30. Clearly, travel is hard on my body! As far as breaststroke was concerned, I was not getting 50’s under :50, and the more 50’s I swam, the slower they went.
First up was the hundred free, and I can tell you honestly I have never been so nervous before a swim in my life. When I got up in the morning my hands were actually shaking! On one of my many bus trips back and forth to Challenge, I met a charming retired couple who were going home after getting their voluteer accreditation. One of them was marshalling, so it was great to see a friendly face on the deck!
While sitting in marshalling, I had the good luck to watch Shane Gould swim the hundred free (and place second at 1:02 and change!). For my part, I must say, I felt awful the entire 100. I did what I planned to do, breathe every four, hit my turn okay, and somehow finished in 1:18.4? — a GUBT! My best short course is 1:17.5, so that’s a significant improvement. So even though it felt nasty, it was much better than I’d imagined while swimming it.
The hundred breast felt equally bad, and in an unusual way. Usually my arms feel tired the last 25, but this time both my arms and legs did. I really had no power in my legs the second 50 at all. So it was rather a pleasant surprise to see I went 1:38.81. Not as fast as I’ve gone, but not nearly as slow as it felt!
So overall I was pleased with the first day of swimming. Tomorrow is the 50 free in the morning, the 50 breast at the end of the day. And given how yesterday unfolded, I feel fairly confident that those will be up to snuff. Margaret has lent me a full leg suit, so I think tomorrow I’ll wear the knee suit for the 50 free (it clearly worked fine for the hundred) and then make a decision about long or “short” for the 50 breast. But I’ll certainly change suits after the 50 free – no sitting around in a wet suit! Of course it means lugging more gear everywhere I go, but that’s the way it goes around here.
Cuteness!
Isn’t this the most beautiful Fijian Crested Iguana you have ever seen?? Granted, it is the only one I’ve ever seen. They're critically endangered. And awfully cute.
Lizard courtesy of the Perth Zoo. Click for detail! Not as much detail as usual, as for some reason I had to size down the picture for Blogger to agree to post it.
In other news, the hundreds free and breast are this afternoon. We'll see then if nervousness and adrenaline work in my favour! I'll head to the pool for noon so I can cheer on Pat Niblett after I warm up. I swim the 100 free three heats after Shane Gould — so hopefully I'll get to see a legend in action! The ladies swim indoors today, the gents are in the outdoor competition pool. The 8 lane outdoor pool is dedicated for warming up and cooling down throughout the competition. Did I mention that they haven't had this much rain in Perth in April in 82 years? (The organizers have said it's to make the Brits feel at home.) The weather is destined to become "fine" after I'm finished swimming!
Thursday, April 17, 2008
The Games are Open!
Yesterday I caught up with team mate Tracey and her partner Tim, who’ve been here a couple of days now. In fact, after attending the swimming technical meeting, going for a swim, and watching some divers practice, I met up with a bunch of team members for the opening ceremonies. I will borrow pictures from friends after we’re all home, as I didn’t want to take my camera and abandon it on the pool deck while I swam!
As I was watching the divers in the afternoon, an older gal from New Zealand came and sat with me and did the same. She was telling me that she had a bit of a scare three weeks ago; a problem with her heart; and she had to get clearance from a specialist to come and compete. “I may not do my best times,” she confided somewhat conspiratorially. She’s 91 years old!!! Now that’s something to aspire to! And incidentally, she and her daughter-in-law will also be on the Indian Pacific with me on the 30th!
The room housing the ceremonies was jam packed full. Speeches were kept brief, and included a welcome from an aboriginal person representing the original owners of the land, meet organizers, the FINA president, and the Premier of Western Australia who declared the games officially open.
There was an aboriginal dance troupe performing to the music of the didgeridoo, a Stomp-like group that played bamboo poles and garbage cans, a singer, and a folk group that had the assembled masses join in the chorus of Waltzing Matilda, followed by an informal time featuring a jazz band. Tim, Tracey and I left shortly after the jazz band began their set, and it was lovely to get a ride into the city from them.
I'm not swimming today, so I'll make a trip to Woolies for provisions! Tomorrow is the 100 free and the 100 breast. I'm not entirely sure I'm looking forward to it!
I’ve had several nice surprises from home of late. Denise has sent pictures of The Boarder and the first early bulbs in my front garden. And last night there were these from Jenny & Blackie! Thanks you guys!
As I was watching the divers in the afternoon, an older gal from New Zealand came and sat with me and did the same. She was telling me that she had a bit of a scare three weeks ago; a problem with her heart; and she had to get clearance from a specialist to come and compete. “I may not do my best times,” she confided somewhat conspiratorially. She’s 91 years old!!! Now that’s something to aspire to! And incidentally, she and her daughter-in-law will also be on the Indian Pacific with me on the 30th!
The room housing the ceremonies was jam packed full. Speeches were kept brief, and included a welcome from an aboriginal person representing the original owners of the land, meet organizers, the FINA president, and the Premier of Western Australia who declared the games officially open.
There was an aboriginal dance troupe performing to the music of the didgeridoo, a Stomp-like group that played bamboo poles and garbage cans, a singer, and a folk group that had the assembled masses join in the chorus of Waltzing Matilda, followed by an informal time featuring a jazz band. Tim, Tracey and I left shortly after the jazz band began their set, and it was lovely to get a ride into the city from them.
I'm not swimming today, so I'll make a trip to Woolies for provisions! Tomorrow is the 100 free and the 100 breast. I'm not entirely sure I'm looking forward to it!
I’ve had several nice surprises from home of late. Denise has sent pictures of The Boarder and the first early bulbs in my front garden. And last night there were these from Jenny & Blackie! Thanks you guys!
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Yawn ...
I think I could be this tired.
Maybe this tired.
Or even this tired! The soft focus on the dingo is a function of shooting through glass from a few feet away. The koala is just plain far away.
I may not be able to stay up till 8:30 to watch House! Yet all I did today was head out to the pool for a short swim (and another argument with an Arena full leg suit — the suit won and I quit), some “rink food” at the pool, then back into town with a stop at “Woolies”. That would Woolworths, the only downtown grocery store. My bread expired. Coffee was running low. Jam needed replenishment. I impulse bought an apple, and picked up an individual cereal serving to see if it is at all palatable. I figure the days I have to be at the pool for around 8:00 warm-up I will have to leave here around 6:30. Cooking eggs is probably out of the question! I also showed some Americans staying up the road how to get to Woolies while I was at it.
There was a great haze over Perth today. The news reports say there were controlled forest burn-offs going on, and farmers were also burning fields ready for seeding. It should be gone tomorrow, as it is to rain tonight and change to showers during the day.
Speaking of tomorrow, it will bring the swimming technical meeting at 2:00, and the opening ceremonies at 6:00 or 6:30. As I won’t be going back and forth twice, it seems reasonable to swim after the technical meeting and grab a bite at the Stadium. But the crush of humanity looking to board those shuttle buses afterwards is intimidating me a tad! I may be playing tomorrow evening by ear!
All images clickable. Animals courtesy of the Perth Zoo.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
I Get By …
With a little help from my friends!
As you know, yesterday athlete accreditation began. I hopped out of bed at 5:00, and enjoyed coffee. Oh, that little wonder of glass and plastic from Bodum via David Jones is a fine thing! Shortly after 8:10 I left here. I stopped at the Murray Street Mall post office and mailed the post cards I’ve written of late. I wandered into the Transperth outlet and got a train schedule. The reason for that will become apparent. Then I joined a bunch of other swimmers waiting for the number 28 (which, for the first time in my experience, was late!). At 9:45 we debarked at the Stadium, and I met the two Pats and Margaret to join the accreditation line.
There was no volunteer at the back of the line giving priority to the older athletes or those with disabilities. One began waiting in the sun outdoors (at least today is cloudy for those lining up), then entered a tent with almost no air circulation and that happened to be black inside. At this point the line stopped moving. For a long time. Those of us who had our water had planned well. Eventually we sent a 91 year old gentleman to push through the masses and get himself to the front of the line. After an hour, the ladies sent me to push through, and although they wanted me to do the same as the older gent, I went into the building that followed the tent, found a wall, and waited for the line to catch up with me, and leapfrogged along that way. Finally the line started moving. Once sitting in front of a volunteer with a computer, things went swimmingly. And approximately an hour and forty-five minutes later we had crossed over to the accredited side. Later in the day we were hearing the process could take two and a half to three hours. Some of our teammates gave up after waiting in line for some time, knowing they wouldn't get a swim in otherwise. So they're back there today. I do hope it goes more quickly for them!
We had planned to swim immediately, but revised the plan and got granola or nut concoctions at the snack bar. I must say, the “homemade” nut bar — a variety of nuts held together with sugary substance was a bargain at $3.50! Then a swim. If you recall, we had planned to come to my place, then go to the ladies’ place and eat — that was so not happening! So we got sandwiches at the snack bar. Someone called out, “Hey, Ottawa!” It was the American water polo players that had befriended me in the accreditation line and had we had ended up with in the same lane of the pool while we were swimming. So we joined the fellows at their table, and learned the sushi is not a good choice but the chicken strips are.
We went to the Swimeroo tent, picked up souvenir tees and caps, Pat got goggles and I tried on an Arena full leg racing suit. Apparently a 36 was too big because it went on too fast (they are supposed to take 15 minutes to get into). Two sizes smaller (as the staff person suggested) didn’t get past my calf. A 34, well, I got it up to my butt. But hot, sweaty, tired, and attempting to put it on standing up, well, I gave up! I’ll try again today, but before I do a short swim. But maybe I'll try a zipper back! Then it was back here, then to the ladies’ place, then to the pre-meet Canadian Social (thanks to Jim for organizing this, and many thanks to Mike O’s cousin Lyn for a ride back to my hotel!).
Now for the other bit of news. All the people I met have expected the shuttle buses to be running from the major hotels to the venue. Not so. They are running shuttle buses (on competition days only, so we’re on our own for a bit yet) from the stadium to the Claremont train station. Our deck passes get us free services on Transperth from the 15th – 25th. We are then expected to take the train into town, and make our way to our hotels on our own. From the train station I would take a CAT bus back here. From Sunday to Thursday inclusive these buses stop are finished by 6:15 or 6:20 in the evening. So I’ll have to get a cab over to the hotel several times (because you know I won’t be walking the 2 kilometres by foot, which is an additional kilometre by vehicle in the “you can’t get there from here” scheme of things!).
As you know, yesterday athlete accreditation began. I hopped out of bed at 5:00, and enjoyed coffee. Oh, that little wonder of glass and plastic from Bodum via David Jones is a fine thing! Shortly after 8:10 I left here. I stopped at the Murray Street Mall post office and mailed the post cards I’ve written of late. I wandered into the Transperth outlet and got a train schedule. The reason for that will become apparent. Then I joined a bunch of other swimmers waiting for the number 28 (which, for the first time in my experience, was late!). At 9:45 we debarked at the Stadium, and I met the two Pats and Margaret to join the accreditation line.
There was no volunteer at the back of the line giving priority to the older athletes or those with disabilities. One began waiting in the sun outdoors (at least today is cloudy for those lining up), then entered a tent with almost no air circulation and that happened to be black inside. At this point the line stopped moving. For a long time. Those of us who had our water had planned well. Eventually we sent a 91 year old gentleman to push through the masses and get himself to the front of the line. After an hour, the ladies sent me to push through, and although they wanted me to do the same as the older gent, I went into the building that followed the tent, found a wall, and waited for the line to catch up with me, and leapfrogged along that way. Finally the line started moving. Once sitting in front of a volunteer with a computer, things went swimmingly. And approximately an hour and forty-five minutes later we had crossed over to the accredited side. Later in the day we were hearing the process could take two and a half to three hours. Some of our teammates gave up after waiting in line for some time, knowing they wouldn't get a swim in otherwise. So they're back there today. I do hope it goes more quickly for them!
We had planned to swim immediately, but revised the plan and got granola or nut concoctions at the snack bar. I must say, the “homemade” nut bar — a variety of nuts held together with sugary substance was a bargain at $3.50! Then a swim. If you recall, we had planned to come to my place, then go to the ladies’ place and eat — that was so not happening! So we got sandwiches at the snack bar. Someone called out, “Hey, Ottawa!” It was the American water polo players that had befriended me in the accreditation line and had we had ended up with in the same lane of the pool while we were swimming. So we joined the fellows at their table, and learned the sushi is not a good choice but the chicken strips are.
We went to the Swimeroo tent, picked up souvenir tees and caps, Pat got goggles and I tried on an Arena full leg racing suit. Apparently a 36 was too big because it went on too fast (they are supposed to take 15 minutes to get into). Two sizes smaller (as the staff person suggested) didn’t get past my calf. A 34, well, I got it up to my butt. But hot, sweaty, tired, and attempting to put it on standing up, well, I gave up! I’ll try again today, but before I do a short swim. But maybe I'll try a zipper back! Then it was back here, then to the ladies’ place, then to the pre-meet Canadian Social (thanks to Jim for organizing this, and many thanks to Mike O’s cousin Lyn for a ride back to my hotel!).
Now for the other bit of news. All the people I met have expected the shuttle buses to be running from the major hotels to the venue. Not so. They are running shuttle buses (on competition days only, so we’re on our own for a bit yet) from the stadium to the Claremont train station. Our deck passes get us free services on Transperth from the 15th – 25th. We are then expected to take the train into town, and make our way to our hotels on our own. From the train station I would take a CAT bus back here. From Sunday to Thursday inclusive these buses stop are finished by 6:15 or 6:20 in the evening. So I’ll have to get a cab over to the hotel several times (because you know I won’t be walking the 2 kilometres by foot, which is an additional kilometre by vehicle in the “you can’t get there from here” scheme of things!).
Monday, April 14, 2008
K is for ...
As tomorrow is accreditation day, the weather today was “fine” and there is rain forecast from Wednesday through Saturday, I spent a few hours at the Perth Zoo instead of at the pool. I pretty much confined my activities to the Reptile House, Nocturnal House, and Australian Bushwalk. And that took me over three hours! Cross-training, right?
The Australian exhibits are beautifully set up, there are walk through aviaries shaded by trees as well as fabric, an Eastern Australia rainforest walk, important flora is labelled as well as the fauna, and the volunteers are knowledgeable and helpful. The kangaroos are roped off (although there are plenty of signs asking people to stay on the path!) allowing unobstructed vision. All the “roos” on show are female for safety reasons. I saw one grooming another and snapped the picture above. The volunteer admitted that doesn’t ordinarily happen, but on closer inspection, noted that one was the offspring of the other. I am not sure there are many animals that relax better than kangaroos.
The koalas are safely sequestered in a sunken exhibit, but their treetops are easy to view. They have two “thumbs” to help them grip.
The Australian exhibits are beautifully set up, there are walk through aviaries shaded by trees as well as fabric, an Eastern Australia rainforest walk, important flora is labelled as well as the fauna, and the volunteers are knowledgeable and helpful. The kangaroos are roped off (although there are plenty of signs asking people to stay on the path!) allowing unobstructed vision. All the “roos” on show are female for safety reasons. I saw one grooming another and snapped the picture above. The volunteer admitted that doesn’t ordinarily happen, but on closer inspection, noted that one was the offspring of the other. I am not sure there are many animals that relax better than kangaroos.
The koalas are safely sequestered in a sunken exhibit, but their treetops are easy to view. They have two “thumbs” to help them grip.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Hearing Voices …
Yesterday I braved the Sunday bus schedule. The bus that runs to the stadium from downtown runs … wait for it … every two hours on Sundays!! But I found some nice postcards at a souvenir shop as I was wasting time between buses, so I got batch number two written last evening.
Approaching the changing room at Challenge I heard voices. Familiar voices. When I walked through the door the four people in the room were all from Ottawa! I can’t tell you how nice it was to see those gals!! (Margaret and the two Pats.) Quickly we formulated a plan for tomorrow — accreditation day. We’ll meet at the pool, get the accreditation done, lock important things in their trunk, have a swim, go back to their place (overlooking the Indian Ocean) have lunch and spend the afternoon. In the evening we’ll have our first social of the competition! How’s that for a plan?
After I had a dip in the indoor pool (I will be swimming everything indoors but the 50 fly), I went out to see how things were going in the 10 lane outdoor pool. So I ran into Mike O. and Paul! (Who told me Mike H-E had been stuck in that American Airlines debaucle and spent 4 days getting to Australia! What a nightmare that must have been!)
And now … some more startling beautiful bird pictures taken at one of the Peel Zoo’s open aviaries. You see these rainbow lorikeets around Perth, although they are not native here, but to coastal northern and eastern Australia. The local population is from aviary releases. A click'll get you closer.
Approaching the changing room at Challenge I heard voices. Familiar voices. When I walked through the door the four people in the room were all from Ottawa! I can’t tell you how nice it was to see those gals!! (Margaret and the two Pats.) Quickly we formulated a plan for tomorrow — accreditation day. We’ll meet at the pool, get the accreditation done, lock important things in their trunk, have a swim, go back to their place (overlooking the Indian Ocean) have lunch and spend the afternoon. In the evening we’ll have our first social of the competition! How’s that for a plan?
After I had a dip in the indoor pool (I will be swimming everything indoors but the 50 fly), I went out to see how things were going in the 10 lane outdoor pool. So I ran into Mike O. and Paul! (Who told me Mike H-E had been stuck in that American Airlines debaucle and spent 4 days getting to Australia! What a nightmare that must have been!)
And now … some more startling beautiful bird pictures taken at one of the Peel Zoo’s open aviaries. You see these rainbow lorikeets around Perth, although they are not native here, but to coastal northern and eastern Australia. The local population is from aviary releases. A click'll get you closer.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Pretty Birds!
More pictures from yesterday!
Wild Corellas in Adrian & Suzanne's yard:
A "pink & gray" or Galah at The Peel Zoo:
A Indian ringneck parakeet at the Zoo:
An Australian ringneck, or twenty eight at Suzanne & Adrian's feeder:
As usual, a click gets you a better view!
Wild Corellas in Adrian & Suzanne's yard:
A "pink & gray" or Galah at The Peel Zoo:
A Indian ringneck parakeet at the Zoo:
An Australian ringneck, or twenty eight at Suzanne & Adrian's feeder:
As usual, a click gets you a better view!
Something I Did Today ...
Many thanks to Suzanne for the image; to Suzanne & Adrian for hosting and hospitality. Click to enlarge if you choose.
Friday, April 11, 2008
Road Trip!
Today I swam outdoors in the 10 lane pool at Challenge. Then I dawdled during my walk through the mall looking at cases upon cases of opals.Joe, more on pools later, I'm in a bit of a rush! So some might even call this post laconic. I'm off very shortly, and will have something more to say tomorrow night I'm sure. So while I'm off on my road trip, please enjoy my very favorite flower. This one was at Swan Bells.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Bits and Bobs ...
This is my raven. Well, actually, it is its own raven, but it visits me. I thought it sounded close … but I didn’t realize until this morning it’s been parading around making noise on the ledge just below my balcony and window. I expect the raven really feels I am part of its territory. (If you go here and click on the third entry down you can hear what it sounds like. Only louder. Significantly louder.) The leaves are dropping from the London plane trees so a raven is easier to spot. But as just as I was pressing the shutter button …
I had a swim in the indoor 50 metre pool at Challenge today. In trying to test AD’s theory about 50 metre pools in Australia being akin to hockey rinks in Canada, I can offer the following. There are six 50 metre pools in the immediate area. A lifeguard said there was one ice rink (the other having been torn down), but another staffer said, “We have an ice rink??”
On the way back from the pool I stopped in to see a jewellery shop specializing in Australian pearls. They do beautiful work, and would sell me a temporary strand, but had only baroque and no keshi pearls. So I think I’ll pass. And really, for what I could get, I can do better at home.
I looked at opals yesterday before meeting Adrian & Suzanne. Because I like crystal opals, and the store was not busy, the sales person got a tray out of the vault — an old parcel the owner had just bought to set into jewellery. Some were formed in shells, some in tubes, and they were delightful. But I did not buy an opal.
I did, however, stop at David Jones, and buy this! Marked down 30% even. And some overpriced ground Arabica beans at Woolworths. It seems I go there every day! And I had a much better morning this morning.
I had a swim in the indoor 50 metre pool at Challenge today. In trying to test AD’s theory about 50 metre pools in Australia being akin to hockey rinks in Canada, I can offer the following. There are six 50 metre pools in the immediate area. A lifeguard said there was one ice rink (the other having been torn down), but another staffer said, “We have an ice rink??”
On the way back from the pool I stopped in to see a jewellery shop specializing in Australian pearls. They do beautiful work, and would sell me a temporary strand, but had only baroque and no keshi pearls. So I think I’ll pass. And really, for what I could get, I can do better at home.
I looked at opals yesterday before meeting Adrian & Suzanne. Because I like crystal opals, and the store was not busy, the sales person got a tray out of the vault — an old parcel the owner had just bought to set into jewellery. Some were formed in shells, some in tubes, and they were delightful. But I did not buy an opal.
I did, however, stop at David Jones, and buy this! Marked down 30% even. And some overpriced ground Arabica beans at Woolworths. It seems I go there every day! And I had a much better morning this morning.
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Perth Time ...
It is apparent that I haven’t really quite made the switch to Perth time. It became really apparent at 04:00 this morning, when I couldn’t for the life of me get back to sleep. Oh, I tried. But it just wasn’t happening. And it seems that 20:00 and it’s lights out!
Sunday night I was reading a proof copy of Jenny’s new book, The Explosionist, due out soon (!), when my eyes just would not stay open. Sophie, the heroine, had been dealing with the aftermath of explosions. I put the book on the bedside table, turned off the lamp, and went to sleep. I was awakened, not much more than an hour later to repeated explosions. Fireworks, in fact. So I got out of bed, looked out the window, and enjoyed them. The launch site was close by, as I could even smell gunpowder in the air! And had I been more suitably attired, I likely would have gone out on the balcony and tested the fireworks function on this camera of mine. As it was, I did not. And then I tottered back to bed.
But … back to today. I’m still having some difficulty with coffee free mornings. Imagine a kitchen with no coffee maker! Tea is all very well and good, but doesn’t kick off my mornings with the same punch as my usual coffee. I had a lovely cup of coffee after lunch today, proving that good coffee can be found here, but not in this particular hotel. And it is very helpful to know what a flat white is. Like a café au lait. Short black = espresso. Tall black = regular black coffee (I think).
I took the Blue CAT bus into the Murray Street Mall, and after some looking found the post office. This area is a pedestrian mall, as is Hay Street Mall right next. Not only are there shops along the mall, there are little arcade offshoots housing more shops. Located in one of those offshoots is a post office!! I felt like I’d hit the motherlode when I actually found it. For $1.35 you can send a letter or a post card overseas. So I sent my first batch of 5, and some letters for a friend back home. Kind of like the travelling gnome scenario, but with letters and post cards! I also bought a bunch of stamps, ready for round two. And I later found a place with cheap postcards, which I will stop back at another time.
Then I toddled down to the Perth Mint for a charming tour. Our guide was fun, informative, and appeared to thoroughly enjoy his job. There are some gold displays set up, a full size diorama shown below in which you are shown replicas of some of the largest nuggets ever found, an area where you can strike your own coin, and the best bit of all, the gold pour demonstration where liquid gold in a 1300 degree crucible becomes a gold bar in mere seconds.
Then it was the Red CAT bus two stops up to the Criterion Hotel. I wish I could show it to you in its entirety, but I would have needed a different lens. I just couldn’t back up any further.
Lovely art deco architecture, a fine meal (prawns fettuccine with lemon and peppers), but best of all was the company! Merrickville pal Holly’s half brother Adrian and partner Suzanne did me the honour of meeting for lunch. An absolutely charming couple — I thoroughly enjoyed their company! So much so that I happily agreed to head out their way Friday evening on an overnighter. I’m really looking forward to it!
Sunday night I was reading a proof copy of Jenny’s new book, The Explosionist, due out soon (!), when my eyes just would not stay open. Sophie, the heroine, had been dealing with the aftermath of explosions. I put the book on the bedside table, turned off the lamp, and went to sleep. I was awakened, not much more than an hour later to repeated explosions. Fireworks, in fact. So I got out of bed, looked out the window, and enjoyed them. The launch site was close by, as I could even smell gunpowder in the air! And had I been more suitably attired, I likely would have gone out on the balcony and tested the fireworks function on this camera of mine. As it was, I did not. And then I tottered back to bed.
But … back to today. I’m still having some difficulty with coffee free mornings. Imagine a kitchen with no coffee maker! Tea is all very well and good, but doesn’t kick off my mornings with the same punch as my usual coffee. I had a lovely cup of coffee after lunch today, proving that good coffee can be found here, but not in this particular hotel. And it is very helpful to know what a flat white is. Like a café au lait. Short black = espresso. Tall black = regular black coffee (I think).
I took the Blue CAT bus into the Murray Street Mall, and after some looking found the post office. This area is a pedestrian mall, as is Hay Street Mall right next. Not only are there shops along the mall, there are little arcade offshoots housing more shops. Located in one of those offshoots is a post office!! I felt like I’d hit the motherlode when I actually found it. For $1.35 you can send a letter or a post card overseas. So I sent my first batch of 5, and some letters for a friend back home. Kind of like the travelling gnome scenario, but with letters and post cards! I also bought a bunch of stamps, ready for round two. And I later found a place with cheap postcards, which I will stop back at another time.
Then I toddled down to the Perth Mint for a charming tour. Our guide was fun, informative, and appeared to thoroughly enjoy his job. There are some gold displays set up, a full size diorama shown below in which you are shown replicas of some of the largest nuggets ever found, an area where you can strike your own coin, and the best bit of all, the gold pour demonstration where liquid gold in a 1300 degree crucible becomes a gold bar in mere seconds.
Then it was the Red CAT bus two stops up to the Criterion Hotel. I wish I could show it to you in its entirety, but I would have needed a different lens. I just couldn’t back up any further.
Lovely art deco architecture, a fine meal (prawns fettuccine with lemon and peppers), but best of all was the company! Merrickville pal Holly’s half brother Adrian and partner Suzanne did me the honour of meeting for lunch. An absolutely charming couple — I thoroughly enjoyed their company! So much so that I happily agreed to head out their way Friday evening on an overnighter. I’m really looking forward to it!
Monday, April 07, 2008
Western Timetable 33!!
I intended to go to Kings Park on Sunday, but the divided highway between it and the bus stop made for a quick change of plans. So as you know, I trod about on the system of bike/pedestrian paths here along the Swan River area. There is signage showing the bike paths throughout Perth, but some imbecile had put graffiti on it.
Although this time when I saw one I did get a snap of a dusky moorhen! As usual, a click gets you a bigger image.
A darter (also known as a shag, or snake bird) drying its wings by one of the ponds I walked past on my way from the Old Swan Brewery to Barrack Square. Either that or he wants me to look at him and not the coot!
This one is grooming itself beside the Swan River. You can tell that by the wave action and the stone bank — it was shot on the same long walk as the previous bird.
I clearly chose one of the less favoured pathways, as along here I saw only a few cyclists and a jogger, but along the river it was much busier. Except in the pictures I took! So I didn't post those. Plus Blogger is being impossibly slow today.
This morning I’ve treated myself to a continental breakfast and newspaper at the hotel. I told Jim I thought every so often I would do that and load up on fruits and juice. Enough vitamin C for a week in one or two breakfasts is now part of my eating plan.
There may be some thundershowers today, so I will have to plan my trip to the pool accordingly. Because everyone has to get out of the water if it thunders!
Speaking of the pool, there is one bus that goes out there from the CBD (central business district), and for most of the day it runs only hourly. At more peak times, however, it goes every half hour. There is a CAT bus that runs from the hotel to near the stop for the number 28. There is, however, no posted schedule for the CAT bus, save the interval in minutes between buses (which for the blue CAT — there are red, yellow and blue CAT routes) changes from between every 7 to every 15. But … the CAT bus stops at 6:00, except on Friday and Saturday nights.
Yesterday I missed the CAT bus I clearly ought to have taken, as then I missed the number 28 by 5 minutes. I tell you, it took every ounce of determination I had to wait for bus out to Challenge. Thank heavens the weather was nice! Or as they say here "fine". "It'll be fine," means the weather will be good. Oddly, the bus doesn’t change its sign depending on what direction it is going, so you must ask the driver at Challenge Stadium to be sure if the bus is heading into the city rather than out to Claremont. The bus will always say 28 East Perth. I suppose I could have rejigged my plans, wandered back to the train station and taken the train to Claremont, and a bus from there, but it is the same bus on a big loop. If I then missed the bus at Claremont, it would be another hour. Then I had to pay attention to the time once I got to the pool so that I didn’t miss the CAT bus to the hotel. The bus on the way back was much better, and the driver gave me a timetable, as I couldn’t find one. It’s really no wonder I couldn’t see one. The banner on the timetable you need for the 27 and 28 buses is … wait for it … Western Timetable 33!!!
Although this time when I saw one I did get a snap of a dusky moorhen! As usual, a click gets you a bigger image.
A darter (also known as a shag, or snake bird) drying its wings by one of the ponds I walked past on my way from the Old Swan Brewery to Barrack Square. Either that or he wants me to look at him and not the coot!
This one is grooming itself beside the Swan River. You can tell that by the wave action and the stone bank — it was shot on the same long walk as the previous bird.
I clearly chose one of the less favoured pathways, as along here I saw only a few cyclists and a jogger, but along the river it was much busier. Except in the pictures I took! So I didn't post those. Plus Blogger is being impossibly slow today.
This morning I’ve treated myself to a continental breakfast and newspaper at the hotel. I told Jim I thought every so often I would do that and load up on fruits and juice. Enough vitamin C for a week in one or two breakfasts is now part of my eating plan.
There may be some thundershowers today, so I will have to plan my trip to the pool accordingly. Because everyone has to get out of the water if it thunders!
Speaking of the pool, there is one bus that goes out there from the CBD (central business district), and for most of the day it runs only hourly. At more peak times, however, it goes every half hour. There is a CAT bus that runs from the hotel to near the stop for the number 28. There is, however, no posted schedule for the CAT bus, save the interval in minutes between buses (which for the blue CAT — there are red, yellow and blue CAT routes) changes from between every 7 to every 15. But … the CAT bus stops at 6:00, except on Friday and Saturday nights.
Yesterday I missed the CAT bus I clearly ought to have taken, as then I missed the number 28 by 5 minutes. I tell you, it took every ounce of determination I had to wait for bus out to Challenge. Thank heavens the weather was nice! Or as they say here "fine". "It'll be fine," means the weather will be good. Oddly, the bus doesn’t change its sign depending on what direction it is going, so you must ask the driver at Challenge Stadium to be sure if the bus is heading into the city rather than out to Claremont. The bus will always say 28 East Perth. I suppose I could have rejigged my plans, wandered back to the train station and taken the train to Claremont, and a bus from there, but it is the same bus on a big loop. If I then missed the bus at Claremont, it would be another hour. Then I had to pay attention to the time once I got to the pool so that I didn’t miss the CAT bus to the hotel. The bus on the way back was much better, and the driver gave me a timetable, as I couldn’t find one. It’s really no wonder I couldn’t see one. The banner on the timetable you need for the 27 and 28 buses is … wait for it … Western Timetable 33!!!
Sunday, April 06, 2008
More Birds!
I saw this little fellow across the road at the duck pond the first time I went. An animated little bird — it took me a couple of days to find out what it was. But when I was on the bus out to the Stadium, I had a chance encounter with a lovely elderly gal; an expatriate Brit who has been here 30 years; and she was able to help me out with some ID’s (betwixt her complaints about the transit system in Perth). So let me introduce you to willy wagtail. Really. Again, I kid you not! And yes, they do waggle those tails. But I think one of his greatest features is those eyebrows!
Now even though I’m new here, I wasn’t buying it when some people tried to tell me a bird like the one pictured below was a crow. I said, “Oh, I thought it was a magpie.” Then I needed correcting with an admonition like, “No, it’s a crow!” I thanked the people for helping me. But just so we’re all clear, it really is an Australian magpie!
Yesterday I saw my first native parrots flying over the road by the ocean. And I had a nice visit with a rottie and his person at the beach. I do miss The Boarder, so it was nice to at least pet something warm and fuzzy. This morning I ventured out to the duck pond again (and did some bus stop reconnaissance beginning by walking a good way the wrong direction), and this time got pictures of the dusky moorhen, and a bonus bird, this adult little pied cormorant! There's a pied comorant, too, but I haven't seen one of those.
I should probably confess here and now that I have more bird pictures to come! (And as usual, a click will get you a larger image.)
Now even though I’m new here, I wasn’t buying it when some people tried to tell me a bird like the one pictured below was a crow. I said, “Oh, I thought it was a magpie.” Then I needed correcting with an admonition like, “No, it’s a crow!” I thanked the people for helping me. But just so we’re all clear, it really is an Australian magpie!
Yesterday I saw my first native parrots flying over the road by the ocean. And I had a nice visit with a rottie and his person at the beach. I do miss The Boarder, so it was nice to at least pet something warm and fuzzy. This morning I ventured out to the duck pond again (and did some bus stop reconnaissance beginning by walking a good way the wrong direction), and this time got pictures of the dusky moorhen, and a bonus bird, this adult little pied cormorant! There's a pied comorant, too, but I haven't seen one of those.
I should probably confess here and now that I have more bird pictures to come! (And as usual, a click will get you a larger image.)
Saturday, April 05, 2008
On Wading and Swimming ...
Today I swam in the rain at Beatty Park, home to aquatics at the 1962 Commonwealth Games — a 50 metre outdoor pool closer to the Central Business District. On my way back here, I stopped at the grocery store (no Sunday shopping in Perth) and picked up some essentials.
A little later my teammate Jim (who has been here training since January) picked me up for a vehicular tour of the town, including my first visit to the Indian Ocean. So I took my shoes off and went wading! We had dinner at the house Jim is sharing while here in town — a take-out chicken, rice, corn and salad. "Here," quipped Jim, "is a $40 dinner in Perth!" For dessert? Ice cream bars! Here's the sunset from Jim's balcony. (Click to enlarge if you choose.) Many thanks to Jim for dinner and a tour — monumentally better than dinner and a movie!!
A little later my teammate Jim (who has been here training since January) picked me up for a vehicular tour of the town, including my first visit to the Indian Ocean. So I took my shoes off and went wading! We had dinner at the house Jim is sharing while here in town — a take-out chicken, rice, corn and salad. "Here," quipped Jim, "is a $40 dinner in Perth!" For dessert? Ice cream bars! Here's the sunset from Jim's balcony. (Click to enlarge if you choose.) Many thanks to Jim for dinner and a tour — monumentally better than dinner and a movie!!
Friday, April 04, 2008
Old Coots!
Today I made it out to the venue and swam a nice easy 2000 metres once I was there, but it took about twice as long as estimated to get both there and back. Next time I give it a go I think I’ll try the train!
At Challenge Stadium the indoor 50 pool was hosting a kids swim meet. There was a big Australia wide girls under 21 (and under 19, and under 17) netball (basketball) tournament going on. And in the outdoor 50 metre pools, a fair number of old us
Click to enlarge the photos.
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Bits & Bobs!
I’m now in a room with broadband. Hoorah for broadband! However, the gizmo the cable plugs into has an oversized plug. So my laptop won’t plug in while I’m online, and must be lugged elsewhere to charge. Nothing is ever simple or easy!
I tried to get to the pool today, but it didn’t work out. Note to self: schedule one thing per day when jet-lagged and PMS-y all at once. I did, however, get to the Swan Bell Tower I mentioned. Sat and listened to most of the bells outside, although I did see some from the viewing gallery. The lookout is six storeys up. I hope you enjoy the views.
Oh, and across from the tower is a place called “The Lucky Shag”. I kid you not. I know, I should have taken a picture! Oh, wait! You can kind of see it behind the parked buses in the middle picture if you click to enlarge.
I tried to get to the pool today, but it didn’t work out. Note to self: schedule one thing per day when jet-lagged and PMS-y all at once. I did, however, get to the Swan Bell Tower I mentioned. Sat and listened to most of the bells outside, although I did see some from the viewing gallery. The lookout is six storeys up. I hope you enjoy the views.
Oh, and across from the tower is a place called “The Lucky Shag”. I kid you not. I know, I should have taken a picture! Oh, wait! You can kind of see it behind the parked buses in the middle picture if you click to enlarge.
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
For The Birds!
I think you can rest assured I’m going to be taking lots of pictures. I didn’t take my camera for my first trips on the CAT bus (but I will try to get a picture while I’m here – the logo is a black cat!). The bus went past the Swan Bell Tower (I’m told it is the largest musical instrument in the world). I’ll probably head down there later this week. I went down to the Murray Street Mall to find sticker shock a grocery store. For $20 and some change I got two small yogurts, a loaf of raisin bread ($4.50!) that is sliced too thickly to fit into my toaster, 3 teeny bags of microwave popping corn, a package of spaghetti, a small jar of Newman’s Own tomato sauce and a bit of parmesan. And that was pretty much all I could carry. This is all very well and good, as I will change rooms tomorrow to one with broadband, and it might be prudent to just use the expandable gusset on my bag and stuff things back in with a bit less attention to making them fit. I think the second I opened it things expanded exponentially! Being disconnected is really for the birds! I really have been feeling kind of like this Australian white ibis looks! Feel free to click and enlarge.
You see, when I got back to the hotel I had a cup of tea, then took my camera across the road to the duck pond! I did not fall in. I did not feed the ducks or other fowl. I did, however, take almost a hundred pictures including the two above. I’m now trying not to bore you!
You see, when I got back to the hotel I had a cup of tea, then took my camera across the road to the duck pond! I did not fall in. I did not feed the ducks or other fowl. I did, however, take almost a hundred pictures including the two above. I’m now trying not to bore you!
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