New Zealand! (full version)

As you may be aware, I recently spent 2 weeks in beautiful New Zealand! I must say that I wish it had been longer (although I hear from my group of friends who are still there that it is rather rainy). The trip to New Zealand was the perfect way to end my time working for the Harvey's since it just felt like I was going on vacation. I had many expectations and fears for my trip to New Zealand and nothing went as I had planned, although I reckon it was a good th

ing.

I got to the Brisbane airport early on May 20th and

I met up with my fellow Canadians with whom I hadn't hung out in months. We hopped on and off the plane and through customs without incident. The feeling of being in New Zealand was pure ecstasy! We met up with two other Canadians who had flown into Christchurch from

Canada, it was a great reunion for everyone.

On our trip we were absolutely blessed to have rental cars (and very reasonably priced ones!). Having our own 2 vehicles meant that the six of us could roam freely around the South Island. We left Christchurch that same day and headed North West to Arthur's Pass. One the second day after a short time driving we came across Castle Rock; beautiful limestone rock formations. There we lounged, climbed, caved, took photos etc..uth Island on whichever schedule/timetable we pleased.

Later that day we drove the rest of the way to Greymouth. We spent a few nights there while we spent our days exploring the little town, thrift shopping, grocery shopping, and we even

spent an entire day at the local pool (I reckon it was the be

st pool day in history!). On the 23rd we drove to the west coast near Franz Joseph Glacier. We stayed at the most amazing (nearly deserted) campsite. On one side all you could see was mountains, then on the other was the ocean! Regrettably our days spent in and around Franz Joseph were rainy and cold (typical for the area).

When it rained we began to ironically use the saying "It,s another beautiful day in Franz Joseph" . Thankfully most of t

he rain held off for our hike to the glacier itself on the 24th.

After a terrible stormy night in Franz Joseph we drove 5 hours to Cromwell. It had to be the most beautiful drive o

ne could ever experience, the scenery changed at every corner and it only got more and more beautiful. It was a shame I felt so sick (I caught a nasty cold). We found a campsite outside of Cromwell where we stayed two nights. We had to go to a proper campground since there has recently been a ban on freedom ca

mping and we didn't want to risk a fine. Thankfully no one else was there (it being the off season) so we had the run of the place. We also got the most bang

for our buck since we used their kitchen, toilet, and shower facilities, and who could forget their selection of DVDs to watch!

During our time in Cromwell we did some wine tasting, some shopping and even an olive oil tasting where we were asked to help with some picking. Of course we were all keen to help out so we spent the next morn

ing learning about and picking olives. It was a great experience and we were even paid, but

in oil of course!

We arrived in Queenstown on Friday night and we went straight to a camp spot which was located on a small lake in a beautiful valley. After setting up our tents we explored the area by climbing a smallmountain. The boys made it higher than I did, but I blame it on the cold I had at the time. :P That ev

ening we sat around a fire eating our dinner and talking to a lovely re

tired couple from Cypris. They cooked us sausages, toasts, and even some wine! On

top of that they invited us into their camper van the next morning where they served us eggs and tea.

The day was spent in Queenstown. Shopping, internet cafes, watching rugby in a lounge, and eating massive burgers at Queenstown's famous Fergburger. The picture here is off my burger called the Hollier Than Thou which was a vegetarian burger make with tempura tofu, tomatoes, salad, coconut coriander satay sauce. It was the best burger of my life!!! Check out their website and see all the burger options: http://www.fergburger.com

The next day we headed for Dunedin after a bit of grocery shopping. I must say that Dunedin was my favourite city in New Zealand. In Dunedin we found a corner shop that sold the best chips ever for only $2.50 for a big bag (and smothered in chicken salt!). We shopped around at a few opp shops (thrift stores), checked out the uni campus, saw some terrible live jazz, and found an awesome book shop. We also spent every evening at the coolest pub ever called Al Bar. It was so relaxed, we sipped tea and played cards and trivial pursuit. It was so nice to have a place to hang out that had such a nice atmosphere.

One day in Dunedin was spent on the Otago peninsula. It was the most glorious sunny day! We ran up and down sand dunes, watched seals up close as they battled, we explored old army tunnels, checked out the albatross cen

ter and had coffee at a small restaurant. It was so beautiful and I was so excited to see wild seals up close, although I mus

t admit I was a bit nervous since we were so close to them.

After Dunedin we drove towards Timaru where we found the most incredible FREE campsite. We drove onto some government land that is only used during shearing season (which it wasn't) and we camped there for two nights. At that sight we played card games, read books, climbed limestone walls, explored caves, and had massive bon fires. It was such a beautiful area and it was so good to hang out there and spend zero dollars, but enjoying ourselves immensely!

On Friday we drove two and a half hours to Christchurch where we stopped at a pool to relax and clean up a bit. Wow, did it ever feel good to shower! Not much was open in Christcurch it seemed so we spent lots of time loitering in McDonalds, KFC, and

Countdown (grocery store). We stayed up until 4am since we didn't want to sleep in the cramped cars and it was my last night. We took a walk into the city center where most of the damage from the last earthquake was. you couldn't even walk into the center since it was completely blocked off. I reckon the buildings are still very unstable. It was horrible seeing all the damage, but I couldn't have left Christchurch without checking it out.

Loitering in the Countdown parking lot with our mustaches.

The next morning I sadly hopped on the plane back to Brisbane. My two weeks in New Zealand were so amazing and I hope to go back again one say, hopefully to check out the north island.

camping solo

Over the Easter holidays Ashleigh and Maddison headed off to their mother's leaving me with some free time. So I decided it would be great fun to do some camping, since I haven't done any at all during my time here. I asked around, but no one seemed to be free to join me. So off I went camping on my own.

For me this felt a bit odd since I am usually so social, but I've come to realize that I need to get used to doing things on my own. So a camping I went.

I decided on Lamington National Park since it was in the mountains and rain forest, it's a beautiful park that I'd encourage anyone to go to. Since I kept a journal while I was there I thought that I'd just write that as my blog post, here you are...

Day One:

After slithering slowly up the mountain through the usual Australian Eucalypt forest into the rain forest I managed to arrive at the Green Mountains. Once there I was helped by a most helpful ranger in his mid 60's name Steve. I had called the day before to see if I could make a reservation (since it was the busiest camping weekend of the year). They were all full, but Ranger Steve was so kind and let me stay in the sites reserved for The Great Walkers ( a walk across the park from Binna Burra to the Green Mountains which takes 2-3 days). I was so excited since it was a walk-in site therefore it was separate from all the other campers so I felt so immersed in the rain forest.

My first walk of the trip was short and sweet. Since there were no maps left (I was told to come get one later that night) I had to stick to the very well marked trails. So, I did a 1/4 of the West Canungra Creek Circuit (4 km, 13 km). The track was muddy as! Thankfully I brought my boots rather than my joggers.

As I got back it began to rain like mad! I quickly hopped into my car and read for about 10 mins, then thankfully it stopped. I made dinner (couscous and veggies) did the dishes, then ran into a group of young French people!

I had seen that a turkey had gotten into their garbage at their site, so as they were walking by I told them. They didn't quite understand so I asked where they were from and they answered France. Later that evening we had a lovely chat ever tea. Laurie and François are dating and have been traveling around Australia together for a few months and their friend Nicolas was visiting them for a couple weeks. They even shared one of their precious bottles of imported French wine.

After tea and wine I headed off to my tent which was nicely hidden in the bush. Thankfully I had my head torch! I wasn't even nervous like I thought I might be about being in the dark rainforest at night, which I was very proud of.

Day Two:

François, Laurie and Nicolas invited me to do a walk with them in the morning. I obviously accepted and we ended up doing two short walks: Python Rock, and Moran falls. The two trails were bot

h beautiful with spectacular views of the waterfall. Afterwards we had lunch together and then they left for their next destination (Sydney I believe). Oh no! I hear thunder!...

Thankfully the thunder was accompanied only by a very light drizzle. After my delicious meal of 2 minute noodles and an apple I quickly cleaned up my dishes and headed to a small chapel near the campground for their Good Friday service. I arrived about 10 minutes early and was promptly asked by the Priest if I could do the scripture reading. I agreed of course, I was honored, but it was odd since I was there in my extremely dirty smelly clothes. I did the reading of the passion from John alongside the Priest and a lovely Woman named Marilyn. the mass was lovely (I think about 15 people attended) and I had a great chat with Marilyn afterwards (It turns out she only lives 20 mins away from me).

When I returned to my campsite I went to greet my new rowdy young neighbours. They invited me to join them so we joked, laughed and ate together until I headed to bed around 9.

Added note:

As I was hiking alongside the Frenchies I suddenly noticed a massive amount of blood running from my knee down my leg. I was so confused since my leg was not hurt and I didn't remember cutting it on anything.

I had read earlier on that there were leeches at Lamington. Obviously I assumed that meant in the waterways (along with fresh water eels) since leeches are only in lakes and so on. Well apparently leeches are all over in the rain forest.

I ended up with a heap of the tiniest leeches ever all over the back of my knee and they were sucking me dry. I only had salt back at my tent so I bravely picked them off of my bloodstained knee. Then quickly ate a hand full of sultanas to regain my lost iron.

Day 3:

I didn't wake up until 7 today! What a long sleep!

After a quick breaky I did the box tree circuit track which was by far my favourite track! I took about a 30 minute brake once I got to the falls since I was able to sit on a rock in the midst of it. I sat there reading, it was so peaceful and beautiful!

After that track (roughly 13 km I reckon) I packed up my tent, ate some lunch and headed back to Capalaba. On my way though I stopped at the coolest little dragon fruit farm were I bought a couple of different types...yummmm! And also I stopped at an alpaca farm, unfortunetly you couldn't pet them. Darn!

Pictures to come tomorrow :)

Nightcap

It is nearly 10pm here and therefore past my usual bedtime (laugh if you must). The problem is that I am very sleepy, yet unable to sleep.

I have had a busy day helping Monique move the remaining things (furniture and all) over here (her house has finally sold! yay!). So, I'm feeling rather tired from that, but I am just too excited to go camping tomorrow morning! I've been here 5 months and I still have not gone camping and enjoyed the lovely nature that Australia has to offer! So, tomorrow morning at exactly 7:45 am I will leave home and head off to Lamington National Park. The reason for the time being that I need to stop and pick up some food at Woolies, and it only opens at 8.

I am all packed and ready to go so maybe I will even enjoy a bit of a sleep in tomorrow morning! Who knows!???

Also, we now have 6 chickens living in the front yard. I still need to name mine and I have no idea! Any suggestions?? She's a white chicken that lays pink eggs, her next and head is quite fluffy and she has an exceptionally long neck. I'll post a picture soon, but in the mean time name suggestions will be accepted.

Happy Easter everyone! Eat heaps of Paska for me! (I hope to make some on sunday or monday).

aussie thunder 2

so it has come to another wet holiday here in aussie land, so what we are doing this easter is buying some

arancana chickens they lay blue green and pink coloured eggs, and im not crapping u they really do so the kids will love them and em is naming one as well so everyone has a chicken dec has named his ben10 ashleigh has named hers daisy and the others we are driving up to gympie to get them tomorrow which is 3 hrs north of here, prob spend 100 bucks in juice to get 4 chickens the things we do for our kids hey. well emilly had a major hair emergency omg! looks or looked like a easter egg head check the pics, so after racing her to the emergency hair room shaving her head its all good now and looks great and by the way april her hair will grow back its nice with the shaved look!!

we took the kids and em up to the mountains there are great little botiques and lolllie shops and lollie shops and a few coffee shops and oh did i mention the lollie shops ummmmm so good fudge fudge, oh yeah and then after a sugar fix we drove to a place called ettamogah pub u can google that its a great pub just alittle on a lean great beer crap food but we all had a great day.

monique my sexy europeeing goodess has sold her house and we are in full swing moving her gear to the main house and we will all live here for eva and a day.

ashleigh and maddison are doing well. they had a cross country race the other day which is another way of just haveing a race but putting a bluddy bush in the way, and ashleigh came in 6th and maddison thought after the first lap she would go and get some ice for her ankle and then sly back in the race on the last lap and yeah yeah yeah came in , yes you guessed it 4th and placed for nationals lol she didn't think dad would work out that if she walks every time during practice and finishes like 20th that a miracle would occur on the day and with gods hand she would come in 4th. lmao yeah dads not stupid so now she has been on chore duty cause of what she did.

i think emily has had allot on her mind with all the boys and grog she has been drinking lol not really i think she thinks allot about her future and what she would like to do not knowing which way to turn or go or what would her future be its funny that even as adults we still don't know and i don't think we ever do but just kinda stumble through it in what direction life gives us, my advice to her i gave was to not rush but to do what feels right to talk to your mum and dad and just work out a goal even if it changes but to make a decision and just go with it or to write down a list of what u would like to do and just make a path to that goal.

on a less lighter note!! we all saw koalas in the park yesterday and we haven't had to much rain as late and yes i aussie thunder am and as always beautiful one day and bluddy gorgeous the next!!!! be safe and we will keep em safe for u here

aussie thunder

hi to everyone who reads this blog. we thought since Emilly doesn`t blog so much we will help her out alittle with the life and times of Canadian bacon.

well she came to us as a shy little girl who said she loved kids and swimming, then we have slowly seen the truth of who is Emilly, well to our surprise she is like a daughter to us and a great addition to our house, she has travelled to Sydney and to a friend of ours in cairns and all over brissie even got her sea legs deep sea fishing while three other Canadian girls namely Paul, jeremy, jordons. you think they would be able to keep there lunch while at sea but no they threw up everywhere even my daughters had a good laugh. took them all to a island for a swim relax that's when we had the squid fight ( funny as ) then the boys went there own way and haven't heard from them since they went on there adventures.

Emilly helped me out in the tragic floods of Brisbane that was a experience that will stay with allot of us for ever as it happened last time in 1974. we have tried to make her feel at home in every way and keep a eye on her just the same as i would a daughter, and yes that means keeping the boys at bay too... lol just kidding....

so over came the brauns mum and dad lol.... they had a blast going to the goldcoast the sunshine coast and all over town em`s dad had to check all of the hardwear stores gotta love it hope he got all the info he needed to take home with him ( if not let me know and i`ll send over more stuff for u ) and em`s mum was glad to see her daughter i`m sure.

hope they had a great trip and are welcome back anytime, they also did seaworld a few times and liked the dolphins so i hear.

now alittle about our household. steve`s ( me ) fav word is dumbass, think that god made to many dumbasses in australia, there is monique my european goddess she`s a bueat chick then there is maddison and ashleigh my twin daughters who can allways do with a kick in the bum lol and little declan who is full of beans..

we have a medium paced lifestyle here set in a semi rual setting we do get koalas in the trees and kangaroo`s down the back, the kids goto school we goto work and life revolves alittle like that, we have a big fishing boat and a pinball machine out the back for fun.

emilly is about to head out with her churchie friends for a chinwag and a cuppa so i will try and up date all of u on what this little chickie is up to in a typical aussie way.

word of the day is wanker!! this is another version of dumbass... lol

hope u dont take offence to our aussie lingo.. or words if you can`t understand that

Dealing with homesickness

When it comes to missing Canada, friends and family I am most confused with how my mind deals with it all. The first few month here seemed to pass by so slowly, I felt the need to email, skype and write letters non-stop to people back home in order to stay sane. It felt so difficult to socialize with locals my own age, I think I just felt insecure. I had no idea how I would adapt from living in Winnipeg with heaps of friends to go out with and spend time with nearly every day of the week to going to a place where I knew absolutely no one. Thankfully Steve and Monique were so kind as to let me join them in every single family activity. They've always been sure to invite me to family events and include me in every outing. Without that I think I would have gone insane from boredom and lack of human contact. With their help and some self motivation I slowly began to make friends. It's so hard to tell when it happened, but over the past month or two I began to feel very connected to this community and my new found Aussie friends. It seems like I have now past the barrier of acquaintanceship and passed into real friendship. This has made me feel much more at ease and comfortable here. I no longer feel the need to constantly check my email and be on Skype every hour of the Canadian daytime. It's a wonderful freeing feeling not to have to live through conversations and emails regarding life back in Winnipeg, I feel like I have a life of my own now here and I couldn't be happier about it! Thank you so much to all who are thinking and praying for me, I appreciate it and need it so very much. Just because I'm feeling more comfortable here now doesn't mean you have to stop sending me mail and emails, I still love and appreciate them so very much! I love you all and I miss you! I'll see you on Canada Day (I will conveniently be arriving home on July 1st)!

Things here in Capalaba have become quite routine. Monday to Friday I take the children to and from school, I spend my days visiting with friends, Skyping with friends and family, cleaning, and whatever else ends up filling my time. Most evenings are spent helping with homework, dinner, and card games. A couple nights a week I sneak out early to go to bible study or visit with friends that live around the area. I have become so comfortable here that it's hard to believe I've only been here 4 months!

I have been praying for some sort of part time or casual job for the pasts 2 months and as of Sunday my prayers have been answered! I got word from one of my friend's in the area that there was a family he knew in need of a support worker for their teenage son. I sent them an email Sunday afternoon and by Sunday evening I was offered the job! Every Tuesday until I come back to Canada I will be driving to the north side of the city (about a 40 minute commute) to pick the young man up for his work experienc

e. I help him out with his office admin type work at a company called Mamre. This involves scanning, filing, etc... Then we go out for lunch (Macca's is his favourite so I'll need to be prepared to go every week). The timing couldn't be better either! It works out that I can fit in the shift perfectly between the children's school hours! This is such a Godsend and I couldn't be happier with how my first shift (last tuesday) went. I'm really looking forward to see what next wee

k will bring!

Driving over the Gateway Toll bridge is part of my commute.

Last week I discovered one of the Gold Coast's more beautiful beaches. I've been to all the popular ones: Surfer's Paradise and Main Beach. Last Friday though I got the opportunity to check out Burleigh Heads. WOW! The water was crystal clear, the sand was soft and white, and there was plenty of parkland around to picnic on. This is by far my favorite beach on the Gold Coast...for now.

I nearly forgot! Last week Steve and Monique came home and sent the girls and I to the local park to see a Koala in one of the trees. We spent about 10 minutes searching the trees for the koala, when suddenly it ran out on one tree and onto the next. This is the first wild koala I have seen while here in Australia, so I was quite excited!

Pretty cute isn't he?