Archive for November 18th, 2007

2007 11 18 – Big Trip – Day 201 – New Zealand – Welcome to Auckland

Sunday, November 18th, 2007

Hilton Auckland, North Island, New Zealand 

Greetings from Auckland, the metropolitan center of New Zealand, where we landed several hours ago. Our day began early in the morning at Adelaide Airport, where we arrived three and a half hours prior to takeoff. We have found that with 3 kids, a double stroller, 3 car seats, 6 pieces of luggage, 4 carry-on bags, and 5 passports, it usually takes the check in person 30 minutes at least just to get us checked-in to the flight. Then security, immigration, diaper changes here, Ron to the toilet there, and we are almost out of time… (more…)

2007 11 17 – Big Trip – Day 200 – Australia – Last Night in Oz

Sunday, November 18th, 2007

Adelaide Shores Caravan Park, Adleaide, South Australia.  Total Oz km = 7555

The kids are in bed sleeping, the bags are packed, and we can’t believe two and a half months have passed by so fast. Australia was a warm friendly and inviting country, and it was not too hard for us to lapse into the easy going Aussie life. While we weren’t overwhelmed by gigantic mountains or deep canyons like some of the parks in the US, there were several things here that have made Australia special for us. (more…)

2007 11 16 – Big Trip – Day 199 – Australia – Kangaroo Island

Sunday, November 18th, 2007

Western Kangaroo Island Caravan Park, Kangaroo Island, South Australia.  670km

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Koala at our campground, Kangaroo Island

Shabbat Shalom!

We have spent the last 4 days on Kangaroo Island, relaxing and exploring nature and wildlife. The weather has been very hot during the day (hence the relaxation) and cool in the evenings. We saw sea lions, seals, pelicans, koalas and kangaroos galore. Not as many kangaroos as the island’s name implies, but still a great finale to our Australia visit.

Our week started on a sour note when we returned the RV in Adelaide. (more…)

2007 11 11 – Big Trip – Day 194 – Australia – Adelaide

Sunday, November 18th, 2007

Adelaide Shores Caravan Park, Adleaide, South Australia. 2850km

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Adelaide Art Gallery

Australian word of the day: Capsicum – Red Pepper (gamba). Goes well as a pizza topping.

We left Flinders Ranges on Friday after an interesting hike to Arkaroo Rock to see ancient Aboriginal paintings. The 3km circular hike normally takes 1 hour but we walked with the girls part of the way, and carried them on the stroller through rocks and stairs most of the way. Shir fell asleep 25 minutes into the hike. Orr walked nicely to the rock but on the return she was tired (nap tired) and got into a bit of a crying fit when we offered her the stroller instead of Paola’s arms. The rock paintings are nice to see but it’s not like we visited the Louvre. The walk itself through the hot, arid and red landscape was a good experience. Ron walked beautifully the whole way. In fact, it’s hard to remember the last time he had any issues with walking all the way on hikes. Next step is to start putting some weight on him (water bottle or two). (more…)

2007 11 08 – Big Trip – Day 191 – Australia – Flinders Ranges

Sunday, November 18th, 2007

Wilpena Pound Campground, Flinders Ranges National Park, South Australia. 2295 km

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Emu family, Flinders Ranges National Park, South Australia

Driving 400km up here yesterday was worth the effort. Today’s adventures were well worth the long haul.

Yesterday began with a short visit to a winery/gourmet shop owned by a famous Aussie cook called Maggie Beer. We bought some goodies and started the long drive up north. Along the way, many pastures with cows and sheep. Interesting to note that the farther north we drove in the last few days, the warmer it has gotten. The predominant color has changed from green to yellow, and towards the last part of the drive yesterday, red.

As you may know most (70%) of Australia is arid land, and most of that is a red dirt. We finally reached the famous “outback”. Took us almost 2 months in country, but we did it. (more…)