～流。浪。子。的。部落格～

The GREAT preparation of 2010

2011-12-10T15:21:00.001+10:30

The GREAT long road trip of 2010.

Preparation and preparations before hand!!!

Stay tune ^.^

2010 CCB and Lab X'mas

2011-12-10T14:11:00.001+10:30

I know these photos are a bit too late, haha. It's 2011 X'mas now and yet i'm uploading 2010 X'mas??!! oh well...., LOL

CCB X'mas bbq

It was a nice one, though i missed the one this year, haha. I really like this kind of open party/bbq, just sitting on the ground (some people brought chairs). It's a day of good food, beer and wine!!! And the day you'll see people letting loose!!!

Some people played Frisbee, the photo above showed people playing soccer, and it was fun. haha. Even our CCB director, Angel Lopez joined in with his Argentinian skill!!! It's the first time i saw Angel outside of his usual smart attire and playing sport!!! Soccer is the world game, hey??!!

Next up, was the Goodall-Khew Goodall lab X'mas. Each time of the year this time, i have headache on what should i bring, haha. I'm not a good cook, neither am a good baker of any sorts. In the end, i brought marinated satays from the central market, easy, haha.

Sausages!!! There are different from our Malaysian sausages, though i've come to get use to it now, haha.

Matty, as usual acting funny, haha.

All the pretty smiles ^.^

Another 2 pretty smiles ^.^

Some serious discussion here??!!

The little Andrew!!! So cute!!!!!! He's going to be like his dad one day, genius!!!

Xiao, another one that like to act differently in front of the camera, haha.

Little Andrew and Bethany having their part of fun!!!

Some more X'mas smiles :)

It's lucky that we have Narelle this year!!!

Having fun throwing er...........

Typical outdoor summer activities even during parties and bbq!!! Too bad i'm not into this sport, i prefer squash still!!!

Jo.W brought this attractive little mini candy house, the kids just kept on looking at it!!!

Hmm......did i got it right?? haha

It was a fun X'mas time!!!

2010_12_19 Stella creek cherry picking

2011-12-10T13:00:00.001+10:30

Cherries cherries!!!! Super sweet juicy cherries!!!

Cherries here are link to X'mas!!! You'll always see some cherries in a guest's house during X'mas^^

Tash offered to tag along with them to do some cherry picking which i gladly accepted. We have been checking the website of Stellar creek for 1-2 weeks as the orchard's opening time is very dependent on weather. Big rain pour sees the cherries falling off and also rotting. Well, what we need is a good plenty of sunny day!!! The sun get the cherries to ripe faster becoming the red juicy fingerfood we like!!!

Unfortunately, the weather before X'mas and our lab X'mas bbq wasn't great, we waited and waited until that time came!!! It an overcast day but at least the orchard was opened.

Waited for Tash at train station to pick me up.

It was a long winding drive to get to basket range where Stellar Creek is located. Got there and got someone to demonstrate to us HOW we should be picking the cherries!!! We should always pluck the cherries leaving the bud or the stem i can't remember in order to allow them to flower again the following year and bear fruits. And also showed us which trees were ready to be picked. Upon here, only did i knew there are so many varieties of cherries!!! Can't remember the name now anymore, but yeah, you got to pick the right cherries, haha. Some are juicier, less sweet, some have a nice heart shape, some don't, some have more flesh, etc. It's quite a knowledge, the problem is identifying which trees are which, haha. In the beginning, the orchard boy pointed to us here, here, there. But in the end, we just went ahead and mix them, haha. U can eat on the spot too, taste them, if you like it, grape as many you want as long as you can afford to pay, haha.

Forgot to say there is an entry fee of 5$ per adult to compensate for those eating in the orchard while picking. They weight on kilos for the the bucket of cherries you brought back and depending on types. If you managed to pick 3kg or more, they will refund you the entry fee!!!

So after the lecture, off we spread off for cherry picking!!!

Here's Mark smiling during his cherry picking!!! He has his preference of cherry!!!

Here's the pretty Em enjoying her cherry picking!!!

Here's Tash, haha. Somehow i managed to capture this picture, which somehow showed she might have eaten a less ripe cherry or wasn't enjoying the taste?? haha. Only the ripe cherries will taste good!!!

The cherry picking process, There's Tash and Nathan (in red)

Here's my own bucket, i just went with the darker heart shape cherries, haha. They taste awesome!!!

As much as i like, it's hard to cherry pick and shoot photos. In addition, it wasn't a great day for photo shooting, and somehow it's tricky to find and shoot this cherries, haha.

It was FUN experience, definitely, thanks Tash for organising!!!! Oh, don't eat too much cherries at once, otherwise you'll end up having a bleeding nose because of its high sugar!!!

2010_12_04 Gawler shooting

2011-12-10T11:58:00.001+10:30

This is an old town that took me almost 2 hours on the train to get there!!! This is the furthest of the northern region one can get to on a convenient public transport. 42km from Adelaide.

Somehow i wanted to see new places and shoot new things, hence i went on this train to visit this town. It turned out to be quite a nice day walk + shooting.

Gawler is one of the gateways for most people to get to thefamous Barossa Valley due to its closer proximity. Much to my unknown, thistown is the first country town of SA!!! Hence, there's a lot of heritage valuein this town. The town plan was devised bythe colonial surveyor William Light, and was the only town planned by himother than Adelaide. Gawler prospered early with the discovery of coppernearby at Kapunda and Burra,which resulted in Gawler becoming a resting stop to and from Adelaide. Later,it developed industries including flour milling and manufacturing steam locomotives.Now, Gawler is a commercial centre for the Mid-North districts of SouthAustralia.

My visit was near Christmas where they have the Gawler Christmas street festival, almost the same time this time of the year!!! (sigh, lol). One can see X'mas decoration on the buildings. Here's the photos!!! Enjoy!!!

The last train stop

Love how the colour of the building match with "Coles" the supermarket name

Somehow i didn't expect to see such a tropical feel garden in the this part of the world, especially not so far up north, guessed this owner really like the tropical feel, hey??

Tiny little flowers that bloom like a carpet in a memoral garden

Love the colour of this "the Bunyip" shop!!!

The old and bit of X'mas decoration seems to match up well. There are many historic Gawler hotels and pubs worth visiting. In fact, there's a historic Gawler hotel trail that one can follow.

Came to park on the fringe of the town.

I just love those big barky root these trees have!!! I also love how these trees form big canopies on top much like a fairy tale Peter Pan tree, haha. Usually one see one or two of these trees in the city, but a stretch of them like here!!! Can't help myself but took a few photos of myself here and have a good nap to enjoy the place!!!

Really like the feeling this building gave me!!! I can imagine people looking out of the window much like in a western old movies, haha.

Always keen for a shot of Jacarandas no matter how many times i shot them!!! These trees are too beautiful in full bloom!!!

As mentioned above Gawler once was a place for manufacturing steam locomotives, hence this model here i gussed.

The X'mas decoration here is as good as one can get in Adelaide CBD, (one of the best). The lighting helps somehow, haha.

Merry X'mas and a Happy New year 2012 from me down under!!! It's a summer X'mas down here, Ho Ho Ho...

2010_11_20 Glenelg and West beach shooting

2011-12-09T23:18:00.001+10:30

Here's some of my chosen shots of Glenelg and West beach!!! Revisited with my new toy :) Enjoy!!!

2010/11/09 staff "Deppreciation" night

2011-11-27T18:30:00.001+10:30

Some photos of the night :)

2010/11/19 Rebecca & Andrew's wedding at St.Andrews

2011-11-27T18:01:00.001+10:30

Am very lucky to witness this couple's wedding!!!

Andrew, the senior RA in the lab is the lucky man that day!!!

It was a gorgeous day with a wonderful wedding inside a lovely chapel!!!

Here's some of my favourite photos of the day!!!

2010_11_07 Adelaide Goverment house open day

2011-11-27T17:23:00.001+10:30

A visit to the Adelaide Government house which is located at the corner between King william st and nrth tce. This house has sparked some curiousity in me everytime i walk along the tall wall of its perimeter.

The only time i can have a peep was through the front gate which has a driveway that leads into the house or i should call mansion!!!

This house only opens a few times every year and i have always missed it or either too lazy to get into the CBD to visit.

Somehow i managed to visit it at least once :) When i got in there, i was surprised to see some people dressing up in victorian style!!! Apparently there's a society of these people that gather during events and dressed up for the occasion!!! And i must say it make the visit more unique as that's the first time i saw people dressing in victorian style and i like it, felt like i'm in a victorian age!!!

The compound of the house is huge with a nice garden, trees and lawn grass!!!

The house is huge and as you can see, there's many windows to allow the sun light!!!

Typical setting of a elegant western style interior!!!

These collections of soft toys were those sent to the Governor to say thank you to him!!!

Duno what room is this but it seems like the big hall where functions are held, one can imagine yourself dancing here!!! The big windows, the chandeliers, and long curtains are really beautiful!!! One get to read the history of this house a bit and the function of the Governor and some histories :)

The library??

The working room of the Governer!!! Hmmm....can i have a room like this too?? lol

The dining room!!! This table is mainly used for entertaining guests.

How nice it is to be sitting in here enjoying your meal??

I like how they decorated the stair with arts of the same frame!!!

Trying to take the picture of the Governor but got this, haha.

Some more rooms and separate living rooms, mainly for guests like the Queen!!! The Queen of UK is a frequent guest here. Really love the window allowing the ambience light into the room!!!

We were only allowed to tour the ground floor of the house :)

Really love their outfits and smiles :)

It's a nice visit after all!!!

Because it's also the day of some war day or something, haha. There's all these little crosses along north tce to commemorate those who sacrifices for peace including their contribution to Malaya borneo!!!

2010-11-07 Adelaide Botanic garden- roses eVERywhere!!!

2011-11-03T23:32:00.001+10:30

Get ready to dive into the captivating colourful world of roses!!!

A song for them...

2011-11-03T22:37:00.001+10:30

Turned on my music - blue jazz list on a Thursday evening, home alone...

And this song was played -

And it suddenly reminded of 2 friends that i have not seen and haven't being in contact much...

This song posted up here was dedicated to them - Pei li and Beh,

It's because of them that i knew this wonderful wonderful song!!!

"Falling Slowly" is a song written andperformed by Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová, as well as by Hansard'sband, The Frames. It appeared in their 2007 film Once, from which it won the AcademyAward for Best Original Song at the 80th Academy Awards. (from Wikipedia)

Here's the wonderful lyric...

I don't know you
But I want you
All the more for that
Words fall through me
And always fool me
And I can't react
And games that never amount
To more than they're meant
Will play themselves out

Take this sinking boat and point it home
We've still got time
Raise your hopeful voice you have a choice
You've made it now
[ Lyrics from: http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/g/glen_hansard_ft_marketa_irglova/falling_slowly.html ]
Falling slowly, eyes that know me
And I can't go back
Moods that take me and erase me
And I'm painted black
You have suffered enough
And warred with yourself
It's time that you won

Take this sinking boat and point it home
We've still got time
Raise your hopeful voice you had a choice
You've made it now

Take this sinking boat and point it home
We've still got time
Raise your hopeful voice you had a choice
You've made it now
Falling slowly sing your melody
I'll sing along

2010_11_06 McLaren Vale vineyard walk

2011-10-29T00:44:00.000+10:30

Decided to go for a vineyard and cellar door photo shooting on a weekend although the clouds don’t looked so kind as i got closer and closer to McLaren Vale, a town famous for its wineries, second to Barossa Valley. Many people visit this place due to its close proximity to the town and located in between Adelaide and Victor Harbour (relax and beaches). However, it took me 1 and half hours and careful planning of time to get here!!!

The slightly overcast day somehow created a perfect shooting days as i’m pretty much shooting more close up rather than landscape photos, so the overcast kinda brought up the colours and did not cast shadows on my subjects!!!

Once i got to the town, it’s all walking and shooting!!!

Saw these lavenders at bloom with all the bees hovering around, catching them on the shot required patience, haha.

Then it’s all vineyard shooting all the way…

Saw this patch of meadow like grass with yellow wildflowers at bloom!!!

Love how these old vines kinda twist around showing its wrinkle!!!

New leaves and new grapes after trimming which is a painful job!!!

I got the guts to open up the gate to the patchy grass, in fact it wasn’t lock, haha.

Suddenly got this idea of shooting the bag and the map, which turned out to be eye-resting point!!!

Amazing vines twisting!!!

Some more vines stem twisting and the early soon to be grapes in a few months’ time!!!

Came upon this Maxwell winery/cellar door, saw this beautiful line up of vineyards from the hill, really pretty!!!

But i was chased down by this hound and its mate!!!

Didn’t thought the macro world of this flower looked so pretty before i shot it!!!

Wana sit down with a glass of red/white wine at hand while enjoying the splendid view?? This is how most Aussies spent their time at the cellar doors!!!

I just love the wine barrels and this old wheel cart. Love the rusty look of it!!!

Love how the sky was lit up!!!!

Not the perfect photo, but love the way it leads the viewer into!!!

Tapestry cellar door!!

A glass of wine someone???!!!

Saw this family walking down towards the vineyards, the thought of shooting them came into mind. I chased up against them and tried to shoot their photos which turned to be one of the best photos i have taken with people in it, the kids being so innocent and natural!!! Since then i craved for shooting landscape photos with human subjects!!!

Note: do ask the people for permission for shooting before you start, i was lucky he did not get angry at me when he got up to me asking me why am i taking photos?? haha…i have to explain, luckily he took it all in :)

We always look from our standing point of view, but actually the undergrowth of the vineyards was very pretty too especially during spring when the flowers add to the beauty of the vineyards!!!

Not a perfect shot as the focus was not quiet what i wanted, but i liked how the photo lead the viewer and blur out behind!!!

Sometimes you wondered how these vineyards can be so straight!!! Century old vines with lots of care and trimming!!!!

The weather was not on my side, hence i shorten my walk to hit the main road, thought of hitch hiking on the way back to town since it’s likely to rain!!!

Love all the shots from today!!! Though hitch-hiking wasn’t easy!!! Hitch-hiking really isn’t common on the mainland of Australia. I have to wave and walked at the same time, until a nice couple who live in the town decided that i’m no harm and turned back to pick me up!!! Had a nice chat with them!!! Lovely couple!!!

Hope ya enjoyed all the photos!!!

Spring blossoms in Mt.Lofty botanic garden 2010-10-31

2011-10-17T00:40:00.003+10:30

Morning greetings by morning glory near my house.

The weather was great that day, here’s all the chosen shots from the trip, some i couldn’t decide which to put up and which not to, so i put them all up, haha.

Hope you guys enjoy the pics!!!

The above pic shows the different effect of lighting on the flowers!!!

Really like all these weeds!!! They are tiny yet pretty!!!

Somehow that bluish button-like flowers looks very attractive to me, in a way “kawai”

The mail box of my neighbour looks really nice with the rose next to it!!! It was a great shooting day!!!

TITANIC in Melbourne!!! 2010-10-13

2011-10-15T21:04:00.001+10:30

Here on another mission again…

This time my mission finished way earlier than what i expected, so i have ample time till my flight back to Adelaide. Hence i walked around the CBD for some photo shooting, it’s a rainy day, something new for me, as i have not seen the busy Melbourne CBD in rain particularly in the morning where commuters were scurrying to their work place to avoid the rain.

It’s a foggy morning…without the right light, everything appeared dull, haha. Nothing really worthy of shooting.

Went back to the laneways famous for graffiti, in the overcast day, the colours of the graffiti stand up evenly and pretty well, hence a few shots :). Quite like the contrast of the pure white old scooter in front of the red demonic like graffiti of the shop, haha.

The above 2 photos just showed how creative graffiti can be and somehow appeared to fit with the doors and windows of the shops!!!

Where else have i not been…in interest of time, i went to the Melbourne Museum which has a pretty good reputation for its display.

This cube was another interesting art outside next to the museum.

This photo turned out very well because of the balance in colours, mainly dark, brown and green colour. Most importantly, the umbrella matched too!!!

A relaxing sight in the CBD!!!

Another relaxing sight in the CBD!!!

This church like building was opposite the Melbourne Museum, hence i step in to sneak peak but didn’t dare to go further, lol.

Yes, Melbourne Museum, and guessed what!!! there’s a UNIQUE SPECIAL display – the artifact exhibition from the TITANIC!!!

What a coincidence!!! I decided since i have so much time and the artifacts retrieved from the Titanic would be interesting, i’ll give it a go.

It’s not that expensive to go in with a concession, haha. There’s quite a queue to get in, and it’s organized in such a way that there’s time slot for you to go in, so that it doesn’t get congested inside the “Titanic”!!!

Frankly, besides the movie Titanic, i don’t know much about the actual Titanic except that it sank because of an unexpected huge iceberg! Many people died… Somehow, the few pieces of exhibition before entering the “Titanic” excites and stimulate my urge to know more!!! I didn’t know that there’s so much stories, happenings and facts that relate to the Titanic. It even has something to do with Australia!!! And actually people from many parts of the world!!!

Getting into the “Titanic”, the entry represent a replica of the Titanic ship. Unfortunately, STRICTLY NO PHOTOS inside, so from here onwards, there’s no photos to help with my descriptions.

I must say that i was totally amazed at the things i saw and news & pieces i read, every bit was just as exciting!!! The tour was divided into few sections, the first the building and construction of the ship, how did the idea came upon, who was behind it, the machines, the people, how and where constructions took places. All i can say is the facts are quite interesting that one has to see for himself!!!

The other parts which i can’t really remembered in the correct order involved a section of the replica of the rooms, the doors, the different rooms and services available to the people onboard. Bunks for poor peasants, better beds for the affordable, really nice elegant bedroom for the rich. What was interesting was to look at the artifacts recovered that showcase all the kitchen cutleries, the accessories etc that was designed for different class of people. Poor peasants that can afford a ticket have only limited services and everything look nothing special, where as the stuff for the rich were all unique, special designs, special services, the rich can use the gym, can smoke in a nice room, delicate flower vases, the delicate liners, marble pots, etc. Reading and seeing them with your own eyes really makes a huge difference!!! Some stuff for the rich were imported from China, India…etc. Even the meal menu was so different!!!

There’s also a section where they showcase who were the people known to board the ship, of course those that were well known, like businessmen. Why they board the ship…etc. All these facts were very interesting to read which you don’t find on wikipedia, haha.

Then comes the section about the crash and the sink of the ship. They actually put up a huge piece of ice maintained at the temperature of the sea when the ship sank for people to feel how cold was the ocean!!! It’s also quite cool to see what they pull up from the base of the ocean of the pieces of the ship, huge steel, huge this and that of the ship that looks rusty, haha.

One of the most interesting fact that i didn’t know about was, how many people died and who died!!! Have a look at how many people onboard were rich wealthy people, middle class men, how many workers, how many poor peasants. Then have a look at which class of people survived most!!!! It was shocking to me, that most that survived were the rich wealthy people, and the rest some middle class people while most of the workers, the poor people all were DEAD!!!! What a sarcastic fact to me!!! I meant the rich wealthy people was the least number of people onboard where as the workers and poor peasants made up majority of the people on the ship, yet the minority rich people were the ones to survive most!!! It just meant that at that time, those rich people were given priority to board the boats!!! I was also given a person’s name before entry and i am supposed to look up for his name on the list of names of survivors and dead. Unfortunately, mine was a guy doing some specialty job, and he was among the many unfortunate ones.

There’s also details on how those people survived the sank, how long before the tragic news spread, how long before they were found, etc. Another interesting thing was the people that survived!!! their stories and their descendants, and if i did not recall wrongly the last Titanic survived person died a few years ago.
One can also read the role of Australia in the whole Titanic history, there were quite a few of Aussies that board the ship and what happened to them…etc.

All in all, i was completely blow away by the interesting facts and artifacts of the Titanic revealed to me throughout the whole exhibition!!! Didn’t regret it at all that i even paid to buy the photos that i was shot inside one of the replica used for the Titanic movie, lol. Definitely WORTH THE MONEY!!!

Remembered this famous beautiful grand stairs with the clock in the titanic movie where the main actress was walking down?? haha, the picture unfortunately didn’t turned out as good as i want it to be, lousy photographer, lol.

Didn’t want this photo, but to get the 1st photo of me, i have to buy the next photo, choosing between this one above or me standing in front of the propeller of the Titanic. But it looks too odd for me with the propeller, so i opted for this one above.

While wondering around the museum after i came out of the exhibition, i suddenly realized that i remembered my flight time wrongly and that i only have 1-2 hrs left to catch the flight, i quickly ran down the street, caught the tram, caught the bus, and JUST IN time for the flight!!! To make it worse, i was asked to be checked for explosive when i was rushing in the lousy tiger terminal!!! I was like WTF!!! LUckily i can still make it …..phew…never again i told myself!!!!

Heart Of The World - Lady Antebellum

2011-09-26T22:37:00.007+09:30

Another song since band Perry's " If i die young" & Train's "Marry me" that i found I can't stop listening over and over again.

The lyrics are awesome, love the wordings so much!!!

All in all, an AWESOME LOVE SONG!!!

Heart Of The World
Tom Douglas / Scooter Caruso

Tin cans rattling the pavement
Confetti scattered everywhere
She falls asleep in the seat beside me
Rice caught up in her hair
I don't mind it, I keep driving
Flying on these wheels of steel
A bit anxious, a bit nervous
The moment's all we can feel

If oil is the soul of the engine
Then wine is the drink of the gods
Forgiveness the road to redemption
Faith can still beat the odds
We're meant to be
Baby hold on to me
You'll never not be my girl
Cause love is the heart of the world

I leave him sleeping as I rise early
Always up before the dawn
The house is dark but I see clearly
The kettle sings a morning song
The bacon's frying, baby's crying
I soak up the sights and sounds
Minutes turn to ...days and I
Wish that I could slow 'em down

If grease is the soul of the kitchen
And coffee the drink of the gods
Routine too perfect to mention
Time is a thief I would rob
We're meant to be
Baby hold on to me
I’ll never not be your girl
Cause love is the heart of the world

If hope is the soul of the dreamer
Then Heaven is the home of my God
It only takes one true believer
To believe you can still beat the odds
We're meant to be
Baby hold on to me
You'll never not be my girl

Never not be your girl
Cause love is the heart, love is the heart

Love is the heart of the world

Blossoms along Marino coastal 2010-10-02

2011-09-26T00:22:00.000+09:30

Springtime was one of the most colourful season with the weather 'just nice' …
Everywhere flower greets you…
On my visit to Marino, i was totally taken surprise by the beautiful wild flowers at full blooms along the coastal!!!

Here are my favourites!!!!

What a colourful garden-scape, lol.

I took heaps of photos in front of this coastal house, haha.

Lying on the bed of flowers was awesome!!!! Embrace the sun, lol.

Green vs blue

In my own world!!! Yeah!!!

Another spur with heaps of wild flowers but too scattered to get a nice shot, and the sun had gone down.

The ideal place for morning or afternoon jog!!!

The different geology features of hallet cove conservation park

Saw this owner kept playing with his dog by flying the “bone”, wish that dog was mine, lol

New look of Hallet cove beach train station, pretty nice design and definitely upgraded to cater for more people to visit.

When i got back to Adelaide station, saw all these naruto cosplays, apparently there’s the OZ-Asia anime cosplay event…but i’m not interested, hehe. What a great day for shooting, totally enjoy it!!!

Celebration of Friendship!!!!

2011-09-22T00:36:00.000+09:30

Fast forward track to 2011,

19th September 2011

Met with one of my best friend in Adelaide, a day that i never expect much but it was probably one of my best day in 2011 so far. Frankly, I am very thankful that after all these years since we both went on to pursue our own future, gone through different stages of life and despite we seldom keep in touch, yet both of us could still share and have common views and opinions, laugh at each other, laugh at anything and everything as well as support each other when we met……

Now that’s something to celebrate, cherish & remember!!!

Melbourne!!! 2010/09/21-22 Day 2

2011-09-04T15:59:00.002+09:30

An early overcast gloomy weather greeted me when i set out for my official mission. The place i’m heading to is just near this magnificient victorian style bluestone building, now the Victorian college for the deaf. Since i was at the place i’m supposed to visit WAY earlier than i thought, in the cold i went around to explore this building.

What a contrast!!!! haha

I wasted ~1-2 hrs waiting because… anyway, happy to see some faces on the same mission too. In fact one of them was from Adelaide too, haha.

Finally we got to wait inside the hall. It’s a pretty big hall with many rooms and kitchen, 2 living rooms. As seen on the far left pic, the hall was extended to accommodate more people.

After all the waiting, ….etc. I’m finally released, haha. I have been eyeing what to see along the way in the tram, so i decided to walk partially on the way back which is one of the best way to explore. And luckily i did!!! Saw this strange building with a big dome on top (left pic), which look attractive to me and thought it was some sort of administrative buildings because many of the victorian/edwardian/english buildings usually housed government work place or some sort of museum etc. However, it turned out to be a jewish church call a synagogue!!! I was quite surprised to find that, it’s the 1st time i came upon a jewish worship place!!!

Another beautiful building which i saw along the way is actually the Melbourne Grammar school!!! My 1st impression was WOW, what is this?? And i was actually quite shock to know it’s actually a school!!! Don’t you want to study here?? It’s a bit like harry potter?? Not that i read/watch harry potter, haha. It’s an independent Anglican day and boarding school predominantly for boys. The clock tower is call Witherby tower. This bluestone building dates back to 1858!!!

This place is huge and there’s a church and a chapel in there!!! I love the little chapel!!!

The next obvious building which one will not miss it is the Shrine of remembrance war memorial located on top of a hill, a building to remember the Australian who serve for war. This memorial is huge but still nothing to compare to the one in Canberra i heard.

I really like feel of the granodiorite stones engraved with words used to build the war memorial!!!

Ceremonial Avenue, looking towards the city of Melbourne from the shrine.

Another direction viewing east of Melbourne.

One of my favourite…the Gallery of Medals!!! Looking at all the shinny medals, haha.

Inside the Shrine is the Sanctuary, a high vaulted space entered by four tall portals of Classical design. The inscription is part of a verse from the Bible (John 15:13) "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends". The Stone is aligned with an aperture in the roof of the Sanctuary so that a ray of sunlight falls on the word LOVE on the Stone of Remembrance at exactly 11 a.m. on 11 November, marking the hour and day of the Armistice which ended World War I. Since the introduction of daylight saving in Victoria, the ray of sunlight is no longer in the right place at 11 a.m. A mirror has been installed to direct sunlight onto the Stone at 11 a.m.During the rest of the year, a light is used to simulate the effect (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shrine_of_Remembrance).

Beneath the Sanctuary is the Crypt containing a bronze statue of a father and son, representing the two generations who served in the two world wars. Around the walls are panels listing every unit of the AIF, down to battalion and regiment, along with the colours of their shoulder patch. The Crypt is hung with the standards of various battalions and regiments, listing their battle honours (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shrine_of_Remembrance).

Malaya was one of the many country in scripted on the tower outside which OZ have send forces to.

All in all, although i did not really explore every corner of the memorial, but it’s really a worthy place to visit. The sanctuary does give you a bit of “da vinci code” or “angels and demons” kinda feeling. So divine!!!
There’s also a visitor centre at the foundation, education centre, a remembrance garden which i somehow did not find the exit to it, haha.

A magnificent building standing proud in the heart of Melbourne!!!

Some floral attractions along the Queen victoria garden including the famous floral clock which was donated n 1966 to the City of Melbourne by a group of Swiss watchmakers.

Melbourne like Sydney has many parks and gardens which is a PLUS for the city as the parks really make the city looks greener and many use the parks to exercise, or relax. Tourist like me love them, haha. These parks are all well-maintained.

Creative architectural designs, another selling point for Melbourne. Indeed, Melbourne is trying to make the city a city of arts!!! All the stupid, funny, cool, fantastic designs have been drawing tourist to Melbourne to see them.

The building on the left pic attracted me due to its creative use of colours to beautify the building instead of a single turquoise glass colour.

Melbourne, city of arts and festivals can’t do without all the theatres, art galleries, entertainment complex…etc!!!

Indeed, the national gallery of Victoria (NGV) is a huge one and packed with people!!! The oldest and largest public gallery of Australia!!! This one here is the NGV international, located on St Kilda Road, in the heart of the Melbourne Arts Precinct of Southbank. The entrance is creatively designed with water flowing down the glass windows!!! This gallery houses International galleries, old and modern.

One of the features of the gallery buildings are famous for is the Leonard French ceiling, one of the world's largest pieces of suspended stained glass. The ceiling casts colourful light on the floor below (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Gallery_of_Victoria). Indeed the stained glass ceiling was so mesmerizing!!!

Walking back to Franklin St./Flinders st. The Eureka tower and the Flinders st.Railway station looks impressive in daylight.

Inside St.Paul Cathedral which is just opposite of Federation Square. Looks alike with every church/cathedral i went in, haha except for the stained glass door in the middle (left pic). The right pic depicts the sandstone buildings of federation square in daylight.

The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, the first public art museum dedicated to Australian art. This building is on the corner of the federation square. Here, one can see heaps of Aboriginal arts too. While there, i was lucky to visit 2 temporary awesome galleries, the one on top, John Davis presence while the one following on from Mari Funaki objects. Both were very creative and inspiring for me, given that i like art!!! Moreover, these arts are something out of the blue!!!

Art from other galleries. Hmm…..i really like the painting of the right pic, unique and creative. BUT….is the one on the left pic a piece of art??????????? LOL

Federation square…wondered why so many Indian pics on the building? It’s to do with all the bully and murder of Indians in Melbourne 1-2 years back. In order to show that Aussies and Australian government condemn the act of some gangs, they put the pics up to express their support for the Aussie Indians.

Inside ACMI – Australian Centre for the Moving Image, but i didn’t end up watching any screen or play here.

Some fascinating buildings in Melbourne CBD. This one used to be a theater.

One of the more famous buildings smack bang in the CBD (left pic) with its tall clock tower. The right clock tower is part of the Melbourne city hall.

Something that turned from vandalisms into a popular street art in laneways of Melbourne CBD is now a MAJOR tourist attraction!!! These graffiti have somewhat turn into free public galleries which many youngsters like and took picture with them. If done properly, me too supports the street art!!! LOL, Why not?? they looked AWESOME!!!!

My favourite of all the graffiti i've seen with the light box installed on top!!!!

I snapped this picture to later kinda annoyed the guy, lol. Luckily he didn’t rush up to me to take my camera!!! But somehow with him and the dog, the picture looks more meaningful and portray street life in the back alley and laneways.

Nothing is spared from Graffiti!!!! LOL

All these graffiti were a collection of various locations around Melbourne CBD that i walked tirelessly to find them, lol.

Poster pasting on the walls are a common thing, but when many mono colour of black and white, somehow the spot turned into an attractive spot!!!

Melbourne library!!!! One of the grandest library i’ve ever seen, too bad i have no time to explore, but heard good comments on it.

RMIT building…again trying to be creative!!!Somehow weird things can get people's attention if it's not the best too, haha.

Bikes ride is a good way to explore the city if you don’t to take the bus yet don’t want to walk too. All you need to do is insert coins!!! Of course, riding a bike here is MUCH safer than back in KL, LOL. I wouldn’t really want to explore KL in bike ride, haha.

Chinatown of Melbourne CBD is consist of a main lane and several cross section laneways, full of restaurants to pick from!!! Many chinese restaurants, in fact too many that it causes confusion of which to choose, lol.

One of the older theatre (on the right pic). Because entertainment like play is a culture here, theatre can survive here.

My 1st Korean meal since i came over to Oz…haha. Yummy and it’s time to catch my flight….the tiger terminal experience was an unpleasant one…pretty much a low cost terminal but way crappier than what i thought!!! Oh well, what to do….cheap flights comes with cheap terminal too here!!!

Melbourne!!! 2010-09-21-22 day1

2011-08-28T14:54:00.000+09:30

MY first official visit to Melbourne!!! Pass by this city twice before this but only got a glance. Of course, the first impression was that it’s a lot more alive than Adelaide, heaps more skyscrapers. The CBD is bigger too of course :) Though i really didn't knew that Melbourne was listed as one of the UNESCO city of literature!!! haha.

To a brand new city on my own was ALWAYS fun & exciting, I really like this kind of exploration like a backpacker though i’m here on an official mission. First off, to find my backpacker hostel from the Southern cross station, the interchanging hub of public transport in Melbourne.

On the way to the hostel, behind me was a splendid sunset. There’s many old Victorian style buildings among the many new modern buildings too. The old buildings looks really nice which kinda remind you that you are in a western country, while the newer buildings all comes with different architectural designs, afterall Melbourne is the art and festival city of Australia.

Along bourke st, the second busiest street in Melbourne CBD after Collins street, which is home to two major luxury department store – Myer and David Jones.

Royal arcade, one of the best preserved Victorian style arcade in Melbourne. Very grand look. Looks pre
tty similiar to Adelaide’s Adelaide arcade.

The Melbourne town hall with its own clock tower on the right pic along Swanston street.

Found my hostel, which i must say is definitely not hard to find. It’s located above a police station, haha. So should pretty safe eventhough it’s located on an alley off the main road.

Somehow i found this street florist with its lightings along side Swanston street very attractive. Something you can see in Australia major cities and worldwide.

My dinner for the 1st night at the end of Elizabeth street. This should showed that i’ve done some research right?? It’s a m’sian north indian food, though i would say more towards just northern indian food, haha. It’s a long story that i found this shop which serves FANSTATIC nasi bryani with lamb!!! Love it so much that i went back everytime i went back to Melbourne, lol. I don’t think i have such a tasty Nasi bryani back in M’sia.

Went for another late night stroll in the CBD. This is GPO, a former post office in Melbourne but now a shopping mall. Located on the corner of Elizabeth Street and Bourke Street in the heart of the Melbourne CBD, it is a landmark of the city and is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_Post_Office,_Melbourne). The picture above showed the walkway with warn yellow lightings. It looked quite a bit like the Kuching post office in fact.

Some sort of spanish or european bakery which i forgot the names, haha. Another pic of another city lane with heaps of restaurant to pick.

The famous Flinders Street Railway Station at the corner of Flinders and Swanston Streets is the oldest station in Australia (1910) although the first station on this site opened in 1854! Definitely one of the busiest suburban railway station i have ever seen!!!

Federation square opposite the Franklin st railway station. All these icons are just right smack bang in the centre of the CBD next to the Yarra river. It’s the perfect place for small concerts, promos, gatherings…etc.

Some interesting neon lightings on one of the tenant restaurants of the federation square. Another icon of Melbourne, the Victorian Art Centre with its tower that looks a bit like the Paris Eiffel tower.

The night view of the Melbourne CBD buildings and skycrapers along the Yarra river from Southbank.

Click to see enlarge view!!! Overlooking part of Melbourne’s hoddle’s grid from Southbank precinct.

Inside Southgate, one of the shopping mall along the Southbank.

Walking along the Southbank promenade.

My first sight of Australia’s tallest building, the Eureka Tower!!!It’s also the tallest public vantage point in the sourthern hemisphere!!!

Inside the Crown entertainment complex, which housed a luxurious hotel, shopping boutiques, fine dining restaurants, a casino, etc. While inside, i was so impressed by the atmosphere inside, and there’s someone playing the song “kiss from a rose, seal” on the grand piano inside the casino!!!! Though, i was just standing outside the casino, haha.

The darkly lit foyer of the Crown Hotel is worth a look because of its towering ceilings, impressive staircases and water features.

A 90-minute Four Seasons light show in the five-storey atrium takes place at night (http://www.melbourne.com.au/crown.htm). The light show was really spectacular!!!!

After visited the Crown entertainment comples, i walked back to my hostel across the southbank footbridge which is just another modernly designed bridge….Ooops!!! iT’s midnight 1-2am already, i still got to wake up super early tomorrow to catch the tram…LOL.

Tasmania, the hidden jewel of Australia 2010/08/01-15 day14-15 end of trip

2011-07-10T12:05:00.001+09:30

We drove to somewhere near Devonport and tried to a campsite or a creek to camp anywhere. In the end, we found one.

Woke up very early because we were supposed to be at the ferry terminal at 7.30am to queue in the car loading section. Got a bit of breakfast. Luckily we managed to find our way without much fuss to the ferry terminal with a map.

Somehow even though we boarded early, the ferry didn’t depart until like 9am???

Guessed what? This is a 9-11hrs ferry ride!!! It’s my maiden longest ferry voyage!!! LOL. Well, luckily i’m not boarding it alone, lol.

From the time i boarded the ferry, i have been exploring the ship as you will see with the pics below.

How much is it for an hour internet usage?? lol…

I’m on board the ship called Spirit of Tasmania. We only bought the day ride ticket, with no seat allocation, no cabins for zzzz, no ocean recliners on the ship deck. Still, there are ways around it, people sleep on the benches…etc.

The upper left pic shows the disconnection of the bridge for boarding cars into the ship.

I went around the ship from one end to the other end, climbed all the floors (can’t remember how many levels there are). Explore the decks, and around the ship. Looking at the rescuing/escape boats reminds me of Titanic, lol.

When the ship finally set sail, i was basically withstanding the wind at the deck behind looking at Devonport as it became out of sight and then the land became out of sight. Next on, all one can see is the ocean, lol. I spent a bit of time talking to an Oz who came over overnight to Devonport to purposely picked up his son’s boat. What a dad!!!

There’s pretty good facilities on the ship, you can hire entertainment stuffs, pay to use the internet, gift shop, tourism information centre, gaming lounge, kids playroom, games arcade, etc.

And the one i love best and spent a few hours there to kill the time is the on board cinema!!! It’s free, haha. I watched 2 movies there, haha which are the prince of egypt and invictus. I really quite like the movie invictus, quite touching and inspiring!!! Most of all, i love the soundtrack which is now one of my favourite soundtrack.
There’s a few dining places on the ship, deck bars, lounge, main bar, a la carte restaurant and buffet. As the food on board are not cheap, i only bought sausage rolls, they were pretty good, haha. Jono spent some time online, Alex reads the newspaper he bought and also the cinema.

Still, there’s HEAPS OF TIME despite doing all of that!!!!!

Luckily i came across a band who are playing and practicing some songs!!! My 1st assumption that they must be a band playing live in pubs. Their songs are very nice and are consist of country music somewhat irish. I just sat nearby them enjoying their music, looking at how they practice and at the same time reading my book, haha.
Believe it or not, their songs accompanied me throughout most of the ferry ride, that i could sing the chorus part too. There were a few people who unintentionally found them like i did took photograph of them, stand and listen to their songs, haha.

Before they called it a day, i told them i love their songs!!! They told me they are a band from South Australia called “the timbers”. I was pretty surprised to hear that as i never heard it (i don’t hang out in pubs, lol, of course i don’t know). They played in hotels and pubs. Back then they were touring some parts of the country.
Best of all, the songs that i have been listening and enjoying throughout their practice were their new written songs!!! They said i just enjoy a free show, lol. They gave me a business card, here’s their website, you can check it out http://www.thetimbersband.com/timbersband/

I was really lucky to have them as my radio, otherwise i really have no idea how to kill the longest slowest time in the world!!! LOL

Night time, we entered Port Philip bay and we can see land & light on the both sides of the ship. But we ain’t anywhere close yet as Port Philip bay is huge. We only got to Port Melbourne at around 7-8pm, got the car, had a nice pizza, haha and then sent Jono to his friend’s house to get his car, then ALex and me were off on the highway back to Adelaide. It felt like the longest day of my life, lol.

We camped somewhere next to the highway on our back and then continue the ride back. On the way back, we found SA was so green!!!

All in all, i’m so glad that i managed to join the tasie trip!!! I really love tasie!!! Thanks to Alex and Jono for everything on this trip!!!!

Tasmania is really a hidden jewel of Australia to me especially the mother nature part, just as the famous John Chapman said:

JOHN CHAPMAN | With its wild variable weather and huge wilderness areas the western half of Tasmania is the realm of bushwalkers.

Here there is a raw untamed landscape of mountains and cliffs separated by scrubby plains and forests. Progress through this region is ruled by the ever changing weather and it’s not uncommon not to see much for days on end.

However, when the weather does change the effort of surviving here becomes worthwhile and the area changes into a photographer’s paradise. Through photographs we are able to give others a small glimpse of what is hidden in this large wilderness region.

Tasmania, the hidden jewel of Australia 2010/08/01-15 day 13

2011-07-10T01:47:00.000+09:30

We woke up as soon as the first day light hits.

Guessed who’s the unexpected guest that came and visit us last night? It’s a fat possum, lol. Someone mentioned it in the log book and we were aware of its presence as soon as we heard scratching noise over the roof, and it will come into the hut through the opening on top of the door which is apparently big enough for a fat possum to squeeze and came in to steal food and poo, lol.

We had fun playing with the possum, we even saw its head peeping through the opening. Alex even waited for the possum to peep through the opening again with a wooden baseball bat, lol. Though in the end, we didn’t hit it, but we managed to kinda scare it away up onto the pine tree next to the hut. To be cautious, we blocked the opening with a piece of wood which is what you saw on the upper left pic :)

The hut still under shade as the sun rises…

Dixon’s kingdom in clear skies…yeah!!! Click to view enlarge photo!!!

There’s icy patches from the patches of water. We didn’t thought that it would be such a good day today. We started early to get to Mt.Jerusalem before the sun gets to the top of us directly.

More icy patches and it’s relatively new to see the icy diamond shapes!!! The boardwalk was really slippery with ice forming on it, everytime we walked through one, we could hear the ice sheets cracked, haha.

The views around us was just so breathtaking under the clear skies!!!!

I really love this shot of mine with the pencil pine skeletal!!!

The hike to Mt.Jerusalem is not really that hard because it rises gradually but it’s longer. The view on top shows the pencil pines both in green and white skeletal remainings. Click to view enlarge photo!!!

View from a higher and further vantage point :) Click to view enlarge photo!!!

When we got higher, we could this MAGICAL alpine tarns!!! It was in awe and mesmerized by the water and ice reflections on the tarns!!! Just as Alex said, you don’t need to be a professional photographer to get these shots!!! It’s very true indeed, no matter how you shoot, because the mother nature is pretty, the photo always comes put pretty too. It’s all about timing and the moment!!

Even better, the sun wasn’t high up yet, in fact the sun ray was shooting at the tarns at an angle that makes the reflections even more unique and special!!!!

I can’t help but clicking away my camera shutter. Click to view enlarge photo!!!

Also i wished i could stay there for the whole day just looking at the water and ice reflections!!!! Click to view enlarge photo!!!

Unfortunately, we had to move on, as we ascent gradually (pretty slippery with all the wet ice), and got higher above the tree lines, the faraway views came clearer!!!

The whole places just displayed to us all like a magical and fantasy garden!!!!

Finally we were at the top of Mt.Jerusalem (1459m) !!! The peak allows a 360 degree view of every direction into Tasmania’s central plateau!!!! Click to view enlarge photo!!!

And from here one can see the whole overland track which is represented by the peaks on the overland track!!! Click to view enlarge photo!!!

There’s barn bluff and cradle mountain!!!!! AMAZING!!!!

Looking east…which is decorated by a burn but slow regrowth of pencil pines

Looking north…facing Lake Tyre, Lake Thor, Lake Sidon and Zion gate

Looking maybe south??? haha…

Looking South east….. into Chinaman’s plain which is dotted by thousands of alpine tarns & lakes!!!

Looking South west…part of the reserve peaks on the faraway mountain ranges

Our best stylish group photo throughout the whole trip, LOL!!!!

We spent almost an hour on top of Mt.Jerusalem enjoying the view and the sun, lol. We all wished we can stay longer, but it’s time to leave. Saying goodbye to Mt.Jerusalem.

Heading back to Dixon Kingdom’s hut, i noticed the creek have icicles formed on the plants where the water runs through!!!

Jono and me taking our last photo with the nice little hut!!!

Back on the track, last snap shot of halls buttress & solomons throne and the beautiful cushion plants which is everywhere.

While on the peak of Mt.Jerusalem, we were trying to pinpoint where could the the temple ruin is. We decided to give it another go. Back on to the temple, the view across the valley was another irresistible view!!! There’s the pool of Bethesda on the bottom right hand corner which we didn’t visit.

Finally we found the temple ruins!!! Where it’s located it seems to be on the slop on the other side of the temple. From there one can get a good view of the East walls and Mt. Jerusalem!!!

We had a light snack at the ruin. The ruins wasn’t anywhere near what we saw on the net on the photo taken by people who take care of the backcountry huts ages ago. The picture on the net show a pretty complete stone hut, but now it seems like there’s only the wall left. We didn’t spent heaps of time there, but were happy to be able to find it…yeah!!!!

On the way back we detour a bit to visit the Solomon jewels which we didn’t visit on our way in. It was another surprisingly pretty places, and live up to its name!!!

Last snap shot of king david’s peak, maybe some day when i come back, i might climb it, lol. very FUNNY!!!!

Last glimpse of Damancus gate…

We went all the way back to the car…on the way we met some europeans, have a nice chat. They were lucky to go in at the right time, but there seems to be weather moving in too, haha.

That’s how Tasmania highland is. We signed out and were happy to see Alex’s car in good shape. We managed to be out by mid-afternoon. Now we have to settle for tonight’s stay and get as close as possible to Devonport to board the ferry the following morning :)

Tasmania, the hidden jewel of Australia 2010/08/01-15 day12

2011-07-09T15:45:00.002+09:30

The next morning, we had a better day with a bit of sun light.

The trapper’s hut and the creek next to the hut.

Today’s aim was to get to Dixon’s kingdom!!! SOund somewhat fantasy right??!! That’s how the different features in this small national park are named!!! When i first saw all these names while reading on the net, it make me anticipate and looking forward to it so much because i like fantasy stuff!!! LOL. The walk/hike wasn’t really hard all the way, it’s kinda undulating but the weather wasn’t great and it’s pretty wet from the rain yesterday.

Everywhere was filled out with water. Having said that, the Walls of Jerusalem National Park is an alpine wilderness dominated by dolerite peaks, tarns, lakes and alpine vegetation.

As written in http://www.discovertasmania.com The Walls of Jerusalem National Park will mesmerise you with its contrasts - the drama of its Jurassic peaks, the rich textures of its conifer forests, the delicacy of its cushion plants and the stillness of its tarns and lakes.

John Chapman: The Walls of Jerusalem is part of the extensive central plateau of Tasmania.The plateau is covered with thousands of lakes which are depressions that were gouged out by an ice cap during recent glaciation. The Walls are a series of higher craggy hills on the western side of the plateau and are a significant feature of the area. Exterbally the higher peaks seem to be the feature but once in the Walls you quickly realise the major features are the u shaped glacial valleys and the pretty lakes.

The Walls of Jerusalem National Park is not as popular a destination when compared to its neighbour, The Cradle Mountain National Park. But that doesn't mean that it is not as good. It is at a higher altitude, for a start. I suspect it is more to do with it is not as easy to get to and you need to be fully prepared. What I mean by this is the only way to get there is by car or a hire vehicle as no public transport goes anywhere near it. (http://www.wises.com.au/wallsinfo.htm)

All in all, I SIMPLY LOVE THIS PLACE and will let the pictures below tell you why!!! haha.

Countless numbers of small and big tarns while walking through and couldn’t even how many rainbows we seen so far since the Overland track!!!

There's diversed vegetation here.

The lake overflows into the walking paths, our boots were not spare from the water, lol.

The markers are sometime on the trees so one have to look out for them but it’s not easy to get lost here, though we did went the wrong way once here, lol. We failed to see the log that blocked the path.

The pic on the upper right showed we were heading to the mountains in front of us.

Along the way countless tarns and small running creeks again…

We got to a point where we had to descent to cross a low flat land full of water overflowing in order to get to the mountains, lol.

But the view was just FANTABULOUS!!!! All the cushion plant and coral ferns!!!

Passing through wild dog creek …lol

A bit of a hike got us to the 1st camp official campsite of this national park

Another bit of hike took us to the view of Herod’s gate!!! AMAZING!!! It just looks like a portal into the magical mother nature or another dimension!!!

Climbing up Herod’s gate and looking back, can’t remember what bluff or peak is that now.

The ascent passed Herod’s gate brought us to a valley with rocks and walls high up surrounding us!!!!

Simply breathtaking view of the valley even in a weather like this!!!! That’s lake Salome in the middle of the valley greeting us!!!

Looking back over Herod’s gate and Lake Salome.

The weather was really unpredictable, it was pretty misty and rain came down in between.

While walking across the valley, heading towards Damancus Gate, the entry into Dixon’s kingdom!!! LOL, sound playing a RPG Final Fantasy game, lol.

The view back into the valley with King David’s peak dominating on the left of Lake Salome.

The hike towards Damancus gate passed by Solomons throne which is shown on the picture above.

Into Dixon’s Kingdom where there’s plenty of snow and wet snow, lol.

Dixon’s kingdom!!!! OMG…….it’s like entering another realm!!!! Richea Scoparia almost blankets the valley ahead and provides a spectacular display of colour!!!

Dixon Kingdom’s hut!!! An atypical hut, haha. It’s very low on the roof and pretty small, lol. You have to bend your head to get in. The hut is located next to a patch of pencil pines with a pretty flat land in front.

Alex walking back to the hut under a full rainbow after collecting water from the icy creek nearby the hut.

Unpack our stuff, quick hot drink, we were back on business.

To tackle the Solomons throne!!!

Not very high but high enough to provide a good view below on the valley, the mist was so thick that we have to wait for it to clear.

Viewing south from the peak. Lake ball if i'm not wrong, haha.

We decided not to push towards King David’s peak as it was pretty misty though we kinda can see it from Solomons throne peak.

When the weather cleared for a while, we have one of the best sneak peak on the panoramic view of the East walls and Mt.Jerusalem which is the highest peak on the East walls.

Going back down through the narrow gully

THis time we headed over to the Temple which is directly opposite of the Solomons throne.

From the temple, we could get a grant view of the West walls that includes the Wailing walls, Solomons throne and King David’s peak!!!

We were trying to find a ruin, but couldn’t find it and the weather wasn’t just treating us very well, haha.

Went back down…

Part of the West walls again…

That’s the weather, one second you can see clearly, another second it’s blur, lol.

Back in Dixon’s Kingdowm, I was able to capture this view that stretches far enough that you were able to see Lake Ball when the skies cleared off a bit. There's an unmark track that extend from here to Lake Ball and links up with Junction Lake track back to Trapper's hut to form a circuit.

Wet and soggy, lol. Luckily again there’s no one staying in the hut, we can have it to ourselves!!! We spent a bit of time reading through the hut’s log book, and there’s poo all over that we have to clean it a bit, lol.

Dinner and zzzz…At night we have an unexpected visitor!!!!

Tasmania, the hidden jewel of Australia 2010/08/01-15 day 11

2011-07-03T13:07:00.000+09:30

The next morning, we headed for our final destination of this Tasie trip – Walls of Jerusalem National park. Walls of Jerusalem is another World heritage area of Tasmania linked with the greater world heritage area. This national park is a small one compared to the others, but full of of backcountry unspoilt alpine wilderness. Tell you what??!!! I LOVE THIS PLACE SO MUCH!!!! You’ll see why when you read on!!!

It was a bit of a drive to the car park of the national park, and it was raining, LOL. There’s no car there other than ours. And there’s a sign there saying park at your own risk, LOL. Alex was cursing why put that sign up?? Now he don’t feel so at ease of leaving his car there. Apparently, because this car park is not guarded and so isolated, hence there’s been a few car break in that occurred here.

Nonetheless, despite the weather and the sign, LOL, we are GOING IN!!!! Yeah!!!

The first bit of walking wasn’t so bad, it’s pretty flat.

Alex registering the group at the information and registration shelter.

Somehow i was having problem, LOL. THe reason??? i was reading in the car and it made me felt sick and very uncomfortable throughout my whole body. This happened to me many times before back in Malaysia every time i tried to read in the car, but somehow it was OKAY most of the time while i am in Oz!!! So i read on the way to Walls of Jerusalem, and ……sigh, i felt like vomiting and weak after reading a while. Nothing can heal it unless i get out of the car and do something else.

So i was tailing behind for a quite a bit all the way to Tapper’s hut, the first hut along the track. Luckily halfway, i felt much better and was able to walk normally and caught up with Alex and Jono.

Still it was raining, the whole day it rained!!!

It was actually quite a short hike to Tapper’s hut, we reached Tapper’s hut in an hour, lol!! but because the weather ain’t going to get better at all, we decided to call it a day by staying in the tiny Tapper’s hut. Luckily they are no one there besides us, and the hut can just fit the 3 of us with just a little bit of space left, lol. There's a small stream 200 meters away, making it so convenient for getting water and drinking!!!

Nice historic story telling about the hut which i spent a bit of AMPLE time reading. It was only noon 1.30pm when we reached the hut. So we had the whole afternoon to ourselves, lol. Apparently, this hut was used during winter when the trappers would go and trap the animals that have grown heaps of furs to survive winter. The animals trapped would be brought back to the trapper’s hut to skin …etc. The skin + fur would be hang up and smoked to dry it ….etc, until it’s ready and brought down for sell. This hut have actually been renovated a few times, so it’s really depicting how it was ages ago, still one would imagine staying in this hut to trap, smoke during winter would be a pretty harsh life!!!

The hut ain’t the best of course, it’s kinda more of an emergency hut i reckoned. There’s water dripping down from the roof or side, LOL. Luckily not a lot. At some point, the rain turned into wet snow, LOL!!!! We went out to enjoy it ONLY for a few minutes before it turned back into water droplets, lol. The place got dark quickly in winter and we had our dinner early, and we called it a night early, hoping the weather will turn better tomorrow.

Tasmania, the hidden jewel of Australia 2010/08/01-15 day 10

2011-07-03T12:19:00.000+09:30

Today we left the beautiful Lake.St Clair National park for a 3 hours ish ride back to Cradle mountain National park to retrieve Alex’s frozen car, lol. As there’s no transport available during this season, we have to arrange our own charter and it cost all AUD$400-500??!! for the 3 of us for that ride. Can’t complain even though it’s a lot, it’s the only way of getting out and around, other charters or taxi offer higher or similiar price.

It’s good for us especially Alex since he can have 3 hours of rest and worried not bout driving.

Above is the backpacker lodge we stayed the night and lake st.clair jetty on the right hand side picture.

It’s a calm morning…as we left.

Rolling mountains along the ride

The Frenchman cap!!! Can you see it?? it’s the white pointed sharp peak in the middle. The driver said it might not be snow but the way the rock already is. The Frenchman cap was named so because of the way the peak looks like a frenchman cap when they saw it. The route up and a circuit takes 3 days??? and it’s pretty hard.

Lake Burbury, a man-made lake.

I couldn’t blog about the ride without speaking of the lady that was our driver!!! She is one of the many Ozies that drive big cars, trucks, buses!!! The Oz ladies here are pretty amazing, which is unlike the Asian ones, haha, these ladies just do almost anything. She was telling stories and stories, but i could barely catch her accent and tasie slang, thus i was having a hard time listening, with Alex or Jono making it simpler for me to understand, lol.

Driving up the quite scary mountain road towards Queenstown!!! Why it’s scary? That’s because there’s heaps of big trucks driving along this road which is the Lyell highway which is so twisted!!! Luckily the driver is familiar with the road so she can control and maintain speed at the same time.

One could'n’t help notice about this place is it’s a barren moonscape mountain range!!! So exposed!!! Hardly any trees compared to any other hills!!! I learned that this place + town used to be a mining industry for gold, then copper, then another brief boom for the town when the construction of Lake Burbury dam nearby. The trees was cut down and used for smelting during the industrial periods, now the soil condition of these mountainous slopes are barely able to have any regrowth of trees, though there are already efforts trying to do so.

Now this town is more of a tourist town on the west coast of Tasmania. The town is now home to a small but thriving arts community, and has inspired writers, painters, photographers and historians by both its unique beauty and history (wiki). While driving through the town for a stop, one can see historic buildings, and old used mining machineries for display.

The photo on the right is Queenstown’s post office.

Orr street, Queenstown. I must say i like the mountainous backdrop of this town.

Got our car, THANK GOD the car is fine!!! LOL, another long drive out of Cradle mountain national park to our resting spot of the day, Sheffield, the town of murals!!! By now, you must felt like the name of the towns sounds very english, indeed it is, many towns here followed the english names due to the people started here are mostly convicts from UK.

We got ourselves a good bargain by following the tasie newspaper. The boss/manager was surprised to see the cheap price on advertisement because it’s actually NOT. SHe was complaining those advertiser simply advertised!!! Nonetheless, she gave us a price that is not as cheap as advertised but still a good deal for a room of 3 beds, haha. For another night we can have a good rest, hot shower and nice food, lol.

The weather wasn’t very good, it was very windy as we expected with clouds hovering through, a sign of rain. We went to the local library to get connected with the world again, and then I went off alone to explore the town of murals!!!

As the pictures depicted above, almost every shop on the main street, there’s mural on the wall!!! And all the art are so pretty and delicate!!!

There’s also a competition that was held a while ago, and the winners art were on display in the nearby small park!!! Lucky me, spent a bit of time here reading what the mural mean and appreciating the exceptional piece of art.

The mural on the right hand pic was my favourite, HOW I WISHED i can have it on my wall!!!!!

Of all the murals in the town, some of them were very very amazing, and are considered heritage in some way. Some of them like the one you see above have a history. And the mural make use of the building design and architecture!!!!

Mt.Roland!!!!! One of the most photographed mountain in Tasmania which lies on the north of Tasmania. One will see Mt.Roland in the tourist magazine with a rolling of farm land in front of Mt.Roland. Before coming here, i wished so much to see it myself. Haha, and i didn’t thought that i would see it here from Sheffield, because according to the tourist magazine, they photographed it from somewhere near Devonport.

Click for enlarge view!!!

While waiting for Jono who was still at the library, Alex and I have the comfy of sofa, fireplace and Wizard smith ale in the pub below where we stay!!! I love the Wizard Smith ale better than any other beer i came across in Oz so far, too bad it’s only available in tasie. Alex and I spent a bit of money trying our luck on bingo, which you can get from the machines inside the pub, haha. No luck….lol.

We had a decent meal at the pub and …resort to our room after that as it was raining, lol. I can’t help but looking at the map and book on the next place we are heading to tomorrow!!!!! So excited!!!!!

Tasmania, the hidden jewel of Australia 2010/08/01-15 day 9

2011-06-24T21:16:00.002+09:30

Guessed what??!! My backpack was invaded by mice last night!!!! they chewed a hole on my wraps, surprisingly they only eaten a hole and not finished up the whole packet, haha. Alex said he heard
some noises but both Jono and I heard nothing, haha. I woke up the next morning to find that there’s
a hole in the wrap!!! LOL.

Again i made the early morning walk to Narcissus bay for photo shooting. It’s a relatively short walk from the hut. The jetty at Narcissus bay is the 1st ferry point for transfer from overland track to Lake St.Clair park headquarter which is what normally people do by ending their overland track at this point and take the ferry. Otherwise one can also catch the ferry at a 2nd point at echo point but that’s further down.

No idea who did this, lol.

Mount olympus with the 7 apostles on the left hand side of the mountain!!!

Interesting moss shot :)

Mt.Olympus again

Water reflection on the calm waters of Lake St.Clair

Interesting gum tree growth!!!

Some other interesting macro shots along the walk back to the hut.

Mt Bryon (1378m) on the left peak follow by Byron gap and part of Mt.Olympus.

Inside Narcissus hut. That a telephone BOX on the upper left pic which is used only during summer for calling to the radio on the ferry to book a ride or ask information. There are cupboards in this hut probably so that people can keep their food safely from the mice/rats, haha. We found quite some stuff in there left behind by other hikers, really generous of them, haha.

Really like this photo i taken on a bark of a gum tree before we departed on the track again, it’s the first time i’ve been able to take such a striking pattern!!!

Today’s journey was the last leg of the whole overland track!!!! Yeah!!!! This part of the track are less walked by hikers because it’s less exciting compared to other sections, but to complete the whole overland track, we DID it!!!!

Narcissus to echo point 6.5km, 2hrs
Proceed westward from narcissus hut then take the track on the left (south) to the hamilton plains and lake St.clair. The track passes through rainforest around the lake's edge until reaching echo point

Echo point to Cynthia bay 11km, 3-4hrs
Continue through rainforest around Lake St.clair. The track sits on the crest of a glacial moraine for the short distance between watersmeeet bridge and cynthia bay

Jono with part of travellers range behind

Some weird red mushroom and so weird thingy on the way!!! haha.

Echo point hut!!! Saw this animal skull sitting on the table inside. It’s a really small hut, would be hard to sleep inside. We met a group of Ozies that track the opposite way from south to north and have slept in here saying it’s really not a good place to zzz.

But i like Echo point hut, i really like the old woody colour of the hut somehow!!! The upper right showed Jono taking water for drinking/cooking from the stream that flows into Lake St.Clair.

This hut is located just next to Lake St.Clair which makes it an awesome hut in some ways, because you can just walk out of the hut and enjoy the lake view straightaway!!!

Red moss on the rocks around this area. It’s similiar to the red moss found anywhere, you don’t have to go to bay of fire to see them, haha. You can find them here too, even on Granite island, South Australia.

Mt ida (1239m), a prominent peak on the traveller range.

Camp fire spot next to Echo point hut.

Some other weird things growing along the track, haha.

Wild berries!!! Not sure if you can eat them or not.

We had a rest stop and it’s just so nice to look at the calm lake with the reflections on the other side!!!

At 167m, lake st.clair is australia's deepest lake.

Went through rolls of uphill and downhill (i thought it’s pretty flat, but NO!!!) maybe i was bit tired already and kinda expect to see the end, but the end was always endless eventhough if you can see some buildings far away, lol. In the end, the AWESOME FANTASTATIC overland track has to come an end which is marked by crossing the bridge at watersmeet, which means two rivers meet and merge into one!!! We were all kinda laughing or smiling, we had a funny feeling somehow that it’s the end, Alex said: “well this is the end eddie, you make it!!!!” High five to Alex and Jono, haha.

From watersmeet, it’s still a fair bit of walk to the main park headquarter. On the way, we were discussing what to do for the night…etc. COLD BEER!!!!! LOL, cigarette for Jono, LOL

Some animal dung collection in the kinda part museum part souvenir shop on the upper right pic.

The BEST burger i had!!!! The OVERLAND BURGER, haha, not sure if it’s because i’m too hungry and crave for real food after being on the overland track for 6 days??? or was it that good?? haha, couldn’t differentiate.

After the meal, it’s pretty much dark already and we checked into the Lake St.Clair national park hostel which is bit costly. but oh well, we need a good nice warm bed to ZZZZZZZZZZZZ and rest, haha. And it turned that the hostel was not bad because there’s hot shower (have to insert coins, haha) and a nice big kitchen cum dining room to hang out.

At night Jono and Alex actually WALKED 5km to Derwent Bridge to get some beer!!! ANd they got a free ride from the hotel owner of the derwent bridge hotel!!! I didn’t join as i’m not so much a drinker!!!
I hanged out in the kitchen/dining room with the heater on, enjoying my reading on tasmania still. Looking at different travel leatlets, haha. Also had a chat with a German friend which we came to know that night too who was staying a few night there.

So much for the last day of the overland track!!!! The longest multiple day track i have ever done 100+km of walking+hiking+climbing!!!!! YEAH!!!!

Tasmania, the hidden jewel of Australia 2010/08/01-15 Day 8

2011-06-20T01:55:00.001+09:30

Left the big big modern hut for nature again, our aim was Pine Valley hut, a long side track that is not frequent by people a lot. Worse still, the heater there was being removed for repair during this time, lol. We were having a hard time deciding to go there or not. However, it sounds like a magical land according to Alex’s description who have been there and hike the Labyrinth, a place with stunning view of many big and small lakes. Hence, we all decided we got to get to pine valley!!!

About 5kms from Bert nichols hut, is the turn off to the pine valley track.

It takes approximately 4 hrs return trip to the pine valley hut from the overland track at least that’s what the brochure/map said. Haha, can’t remembered how long it took us, but we were on high speed…=.= because we knew there’s weather coming in and we wanted to aim for the Acropolis (1471m) after reaching Pine Valley hut.

The upper right pic was Mt.Gould (1491m).

The track passed through several streams, suspension bridges and some parts were well-build with boardwalks. Lots of moss all the way. The forest we walked through was really just like walking through a magical virgin temperate rainforest, SO PRETTY!!!! Every corner was a surprise especially when the sunlight cut through the trees.

As we were moving at high speed and too little light, there’s not a single good chance to take any photos. I can only said everything was captured by my eyes, haha. Many times, i was like: “ If only…that’s a nice one…”

I fell down on the way there, and it was so hilarious because i slipped on my back, Jono who was after me slipped at the same spot just seconds after me, Alex HAD A GOOD LAUGH watching both of us fell behind, LOL.

If i’m not mistaken it took us 1- 1 and a half hour to reach the pine valley hut, but it was seriously freezing cold here, even at day time it’s 2 degree when we got there. Imagine what' it’s like at night without heater!!!
Alex said it’s like that because this place is somehow located in a low lying area in between mountains and thus it forms it’s own local climate different from the main overland track.

The hut looks like no one have been there for a while because there’s no heater there. Some places are bit wet or damp. There’s also diarrhea cases not too long ago, haha.

Pine valley hut, a hut amongst trees. Very pretty!!!

After drinking some hot drink, i quickly spared myself some time to walked the way we came to try to shoot some the magical moss forest.

Unfortunately, i couldn’t wander by myself far from the hut as i’m bound by the time to start hiking to the Acropolis.

Nonetheless, my best shot was as above, a sample of the PURE UNTOUCHED SERENE BEAUTY of the forest we walked through.

Time to head back …arghhh…what to do…

Again we were hiking up towards the Acropolis like rockets!!!! Jesus, luckily i could catched up, lol. Alex was so fast!!!!

But somehow, i found myself much capable of catching up by then because mentally and physically my body has been transformed during the last few days, lol.

Above was cerphissus falls on the way up.

Seriously the hike up in such a pace and short distance was really a hard one!!!!! When we got up there to the plateau (not yet the acropoplis yet), there’s snow again!! but a bit wet, haha.

I love this shot of the snow gum!!!!

View of the Du Cane range, a different part of the Du Cane range we saw from the main overland track. From left to right: Mt.Gould, The Minotaur, The Parthenon. Click for enlarge view!!!

Pandani trees are really pretty to look at whenever and whereever!!! We passed through a whole stretch of Pandani on the way.

Unfortunately, we bailed in the end when we started hiking up The Acropolis. Alex decided there’s no point, the weather was very unstable and we don’t want to get caught in a storm there as it was kinda raining and snowing. As you can see from the upper left pic, we still have quite a bit to go, and we can’t see the peak which is actually higher up which required scrambling. Hence we decided it’s too risky even if we manage to somewhere near the peak so we turned back. I was a bit disappointed, nonetheless, Alex’s decision was right.

We descended in god’s speed, haha. Crazy… i was bit slow because of my knee…And i took my time to capture some bits of this amazing forest!!!

In the end, we did something even CRAZIER, because it was really freezing cold in the hut too, and Jono doesn’t have a down sleeping bag, we decided to head for Narcissus hut!!!! Er…what time was it again?? afternoon…

And we walked out of pine valley in god’s speed again, Alex went running!!! haha, he said he wanted to use that chance to hike as fast as he can!!! I was tailing behind Jono, i’m tired…haha, though i was at my best, i still couldn’t catch up with those 2 speed demons!!!! haha.

By the time i got out of the pine valley junction, the sun was setting!!! Nowhere am i to see those 2 demons, i was bit grumpy, hahaha, they left me!!!! Oh well, i walked alone all the way until i met them sitting in front after a small bridge crossing, i was like 15-30mins behind them, haha. I was grumpy but glad to see them, at least they waited for me still. By that time, it was dark already, we continue walking towards Narcissus hut, luckily the track was pretty flat all the way or gradually descending since the pine valley junction.

Narcissus hut seems so near YET SO FAR!!! LOL, that day we walked + hiked 25-26kms!!!! My legs were dead tired, luckily Alex was making dinner and hot water, while Jono get the heater going.

It was a LONG day!!! Far out!!!

Tasmania, the hidden jewel of Australia 2011/08/01-15 day 7

2011-06-19T13:33:00.001+09:30

Another day passed, another nice cosy hut, another cold morning…

The view of Du Cane ranges near Kia Ora hut.

One last and only group snap shot with Chun-Hui, the taiwanese girl before we left Kia Ora hut. From here onwards, we will not likely to meet again as she was going straight down to Narcissus hut to catch the ferry the next day, so she pushed for 19km instead of 10km to Bert nichols hut where as we will stay a night at Bert Nichols hut. Nonetheless, she only had to endure the 1st 10km, because the remaining 9km is gradually downhill and flat.

My back country pass!!!

This is Du cane hut with its beautiful backdrop. It now served as emergency hut only.

Super nice hut and i just love the colour of the hut. The wood used here to build the hut must be different.

Well, was supposed to write something about the hut, but can’t remembered anything already, lol. But this hut was built by Paddy Harnetts with king billy pines around in 1910. And it still stands today thanks to the conservationist!!!

The walk through the forest was simply serene!!! Moss everywhere, sound of rushing water, tall trees…

One of my regret was failure to capture the beauty without a tripod with me and time to stop and shoot them.

Side track to view these some amazing waterfalls.

D’alton falls on the left (nothing really impressive, too much water) and Fergusson falls on the right (very big and pretty cascading!!!)

Another photo of Fergusson falls…

Another short side track to view this Harnett falls named after Paddy Harnett. ANother breathtaking cascading waterfall!!!!

View of Mersey river from Harnett falls on the upper left pic, one of the longer rivers on the overland track flowing from Lake Rowallan.

Didn’t take lots of photos this time as most of the time we were under shady light in the forest and nothing new anymore, having said that, it’s still very pretty everywhere, every corner you turned.

Passing through Du Cane gap to reach the now BIGGEST hut on the overland track, Bert Nichols hut (formerly known as windy ridge hut) that was rebuilt and make bigger to accommodate more people. As you can see from the upper right pic above, there’s no more woody feel!!! It’s really bit disappointing to see this kind of hut. THough really HUGE, but the cosy feeling you get inside those previous huts was lost.

There’s been a lot of issues while proposing and building this new hut, on the impact, how, materials…, still in the end it was approved.

The new hut replaced the old 1974 windy ridge hut. The name change honours the role of Bert Nichols, a trapper, ranger and pioneer guide on the Overland track. His passion for the area and tfor the track itself contributed greatly to its existence and popularity today. Tent platforms are nestled around the new hut in the nearby forest. (history from the Cradle mountain/lake.St.Clair map/brochure)

The interior of the new hut, hmm….just like a school canteen, sigh…they even built some creative stuff inside hanging down on the roof. Too modernize feel…don’t like it.

Luckily the view outside of the Du Cane range is still tells you that you are among nature!!! hehe. There’s huge elevated platform outside for one to sunbath and view these mountains for as long as you can stand sitting outside, haha.

The above 2 panoramic pics just showed how the weather changed on the overland track, haha.
It’s a short hike from Kia Ora hut to Bert Nichols hut, so we did have plenty of time here where we went for EXPLORATION, LOL!!! Click for enlarge views!!!

And here i learned that everywhere in the world even in this beautiful island of Tasmania, the trees in the forest could never escape their fate of being cut down by chain saws…, really sad, those huge pines, centuries old were cut down in many areas around Tasmania by a big multinational logging company that controls the island, the government despite NGO and locals protesting. What i’m seeing here on the overland track luckily are preserved and safe from logging. Here too i learned of the stories and news that were not known outside of Australia and probably not outside of Tasmania. Lots of NGO tried their best efforts to save those trees by doing heaps of stuff e.g, staying on the tree to prevent the big tree from being cutting down, in the end they failed too, got captured. And worse of all, no one can control the big multinational logging company that has been cutting trees and earning millions and billions all by one family!!!! Not even the government because the government need their money for campaigning…sigh

By this stage of the hike, even my partial gore-tex hiking boots/shoes have gone wet or soggy, lol. Sun derpived too, drying was hard. At night we just slept near heater, haha.