http://rendletrek.blog.co.uk/en-UKhttp://backend.userland.com/rss092http://rendletrek.blog.co.uk/http://data5.blog.de/design/preview/10/1a7b050af023a5b6bb1cf7d6c1579b_160x200.jpg <p>We decided on a traditional day at home with Eddi.</p> <p>Woke up and opened our pressies we had bought each other.</p> <p>Had smoked salmon with scrambled egg for breakie, and Bucks Fizz...posh hey! Eddis idea. Was very nice and made a change.</p> <p>Then Eddi and Paulie put a small joint of stuffed turkey in the oven and we poured our first sherry.</p> <p>It was a baking day so Paul and Eddi just wore board shorts all day and nothing else, except the hats from our crackers ofcourse.</p> <p>Lunch at 4pm...we had Turkey with Cranberry stuffing, sausages wrapped with bacon, roast pots, parsnips and carrots, sprouts, cauliflower and leek cheese and gravy. It was pretty yummy. Too full for Christmas pudding!</p> <p>Watched a few films on the telly, drank lots of G&Ts and snoozed too. So had a nice relaxing day and stress free. Played cards in the evening and drank more.</p> <p>Boxing Day we went to the beach with Eddi and his girlfriend Leona for a picnic bbq. Went for a nice swim with Eddi and had some sun action. Everyone else had the same idea so we weren't alone.</p> <p>The day after that Paulie and I went to the Blue Mountains with a friend Kate, who we met in Fiji, and her brother. They had a camper van and we saw all the sights. The views were amazing looking over canyons filled with euculyptus trees and yes,there was a slight blue haze and lots of flies. Saw kangaroos in the wild, cockatoos, kookaburras and took some great photies. All in all a nice day out. Arya and Jono were staying up there with her father for a couple of days.</p> <p>Last night we went to a party and a night out in Coogee. Saw a live band playing and met lots of Leonas and Eddis friends.</p> <p>Tomorrow we set off to a beachhouse north of Sydney at Mc Masters beach, with 5 others including Eddi, Jono and Arya. We are there for New Years Eve and the week after. So should be fun and looking forward to moving on. We will then make our way up the east coast to Bryan Bay, Fraser Island and Brisbane.</p> <p>Shall do another update from there...lots of Love Kate & Paulie xxx </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://rendletrek.blog.co.uk/2005/12/30/merry_christmas~425960/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://rendletrek.blog.co.uk/2005/12/30/merry_christmas~425960/Fri, 30 Dec 2005 03:56:29 +0100 <p>We managed to get a cheap flight to Sydney and there they were at the airport. So pleased to see them and yes I cried.</p> <p>Jono and Arya live right near the city centre in a suburb called Glebe...to the left of Darling Harbour and Circular Quay.<br> Eddi is staying at Aryas mums house. Aryas Mum has a sweet little Jack Russel called "Rocket".</p> <p>We are staying in Jono and Aryas lounge, on the sofa bed. They have a nice place with a bbq area and garden. And they have a lovely Christmas Tree with decs, which felt very homely. Christmas was looming, but it really didn't feel right, although all the shops and streets had loads of decorations and lots of people out doing there Christmas shopping.</p> <p>We went into the city with Eddi and had a look at the Opera House, the harbour bridge, Circular Quay, across the bridge at Darling Harbour and a bit of the botanical gardens, beautiful views over the harbour. The weather was not too hot that day, but since then we have had some really hot and humid days and some pleasant sunny, breezy days.</p> <p>We have had a few bbqs at Jono and Aryas and one at Eddis in their garden.</p> <p>Have encountered several large huntsman spiders in the house, mostly out the back where the loo is. They aren't prone to biting and aren't too poisonous thank god. Abit scarey though and the thought of them crawling across you in the night is not good.</p> <p>Went to a few beaches...Manly Beach with Jono one day and went to Clovellys and swam with Eddi in a lovely little rocky inlet...lots of people though and the sun is so strong here...plenty of suntan protector cream.</p> <p>Pauls Birthday was on the 22nd and a few surprises had been planned. He had a bunch of helium balloons with 30 on them and a card with a kangaroo with sunglasses on. In the day we just chilled and met Eddi after work and went for a drink in Darling Harbour with some of his friends, then we went to a bar dishing out free bubbly... which we drank quickly so we could have more. Anyway, we got pretty tipsey to say the least...then met up with Jono and the gang for a Thai. Paulie had a freshly made Black Forest Gateau cake and we had a lovely meal.</p> <p>And then Christmas!</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://rendletrek.blog.co.uk/2005/12/30/syders~425948/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://rendletrek.blog.co.uk/2005/12/30/syders~425948/Fri, 30 Dec 2005 03:37:48 +0100 <p>Booked into a backpackers in the city and planned to stay with our friend Laura, who we met in Fiji. She is living and working here for a while.</p> <p>After a little nap we ventured out to have a look around. There is a big brown river running by the edge of the city and loads and loads of ennoying flies...but apart from that first impressions, very like London with some "ye old" shop door ways with a victorian feel to the place, although a very mixed cultural feel to it aswell.</p> <p>We met up with Laura the next day at her flat, and stayed for around five nights.</p> <p>Had a fun time together...at the park we fed the possums in the evening, Laura took us out to see the bussling street cafes and italian restaurants, plus, much to my delight, we went to a chocolate cafe where we treated ourselves to some cake and chocolates...yummm! So many chocolate sweets, small and huge cakes and drinks...very popular place.</p> <p>Laura cooked one night, we went to a pool tournament another night which was a laugh as we are both abit rusty at playing pool, but gave it our best shot and had fun.</p> <p>Paulie got his 30th Birthday present here..a tattoo of a turtle...very nice.</p> <p>Then on our last day we went to the zoo and had our first sight of kangaroos and kaolas and many other brilliant animals and reptiles.</p> <p>Sad to leave Laura but so excited about seeing Eddi and Jono. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://rendletrek.blog.co.uk/2005/12/30/the_land_of_oz_melbourne~425940/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://rendletrek.blog.co.uk/2005/12/30/the_land_of_oz_melbourne~425940/Fri, 30 Dec 2005 03:19:42 +0100 <p>The ferry crossing was 3 hours then we arrived in a little town, Picton. The next day we travelled down the stunning east coastline, following a winding road (so many windy roads in NZ)along the edge of mountains covered in rainforest/treeferns, right next to the beaches. The weather was rainy in places, so we didn't stop too much.</p> <p>Arrived in Christchurch and found a nice hostel. Met up with Dave, another of our friends we met in Fiji. Christchurch has a cathedral andis on the river edged with willow trees, punting down the river...very English, very Oxford/Abingdon, where I was born. They also have trams in the centre. Our hostel is right next to a huge park.<br> Went to "Christmas in the park" with Christmas carols, other songs and a big performance on a stage (sponsored by Coca cola)and again met up with our other friends...got quite drunk, bought Christmas hats and felt very festive!</p> <p>Also visited a great market by the Arts centre, posted stuff back home and developed our underwater pics from Fiji, which came out great.</p> <p>Dave decided to come on a roadtrip with us to Queenstown. Travelled through some stunning scenery, with snow peaked mountains in the distance - Mt Cook, stopped for a picnic and a photo session at Lake Tekapo where the colour of the lake was an unbelievable icy aqua blue...just amazing, with a little sweet church next ot the lake.</p> <p>Camped at Lake Wanaka, another friendly town by a lake. Our car broke down as we arrived, so we changed it for another one.<br> Went to Puzzle World the next day and went around a big wooden maze...great laugh, plus lots of optical illusions and interactive stuff...well worth visiting.</p> <p>Queenstown was quite expensive, but nice. Watched some bungy jumping, but didn't do one this time. Ate a huge lamb burger, bought wine and played cards and Yatzee game in the tent...all three of us were camping in our tent...cosy! Paul went busking here and we played crazy golf again. Dave caught bus back to Christchurch and we went back to Wanaka via the mountain range. Camped in a different site, with a lovely pool and great views. The weather was roasting and we managed to top up our tans.</p> <p>But...got a speeding fine here...damn (but didn't pay it..ooops, naughty girl)The policeman kind of hinted that if we were leaving the country soon it wouldn't be followed up, so don't worry, just means we wouldn't be able to emigrate there...ah well.</p> <p>Then we had a beautiful drive up to Fox Glacier and walked to the base of the Glacier here, in the rain. Met up with a friend we made in Canada at the other glacier village, Frans Joseph. He is a helicopter pilot and takes peeps up over and on the glaciers, so he offered to take us for cheap...but the weather proved to be a pain and he didn't fly the whole 3 days we were there...booo hooo.</p> <p>The scenery was incredible there, even in the rain. The rainforest covers the lower mountains, and the tops are covered in snow but slightly hidden by cloud, so eery! We had a laugh with Duncan and his flat mate and Paul cooked them toad in the hole.<br> We also went to a shed party and tried locally shot wild venison and mussels on the BBQ. Also tried "Mutton Bird", which is a flightless sea bird that only Maoris are allowed to catch, then after biting their heads off to kill them, they store them in barrels of brine..anyway they were really salty and oily...a real experience though...yuk!<br> Managed to go to the gym here (tiny room in their empty community centre, of which Duncan had the key). Also went out on a nearby lake in Duncan"s speed boat. Great fun driving the boat (plenty of 360's). Cloud cover was still plenty, so moved on North to Greymouth and Westport. Stopped on the way at the "Pancake Rocks" and also checked out a fur seal colony in the rain.</p> <p>The best thing was our 2 day trek in Abel Tasman in the North. We packed our backpacks with tent, sleeping bags, stove, clothes, enough food for the journey and set off with fairly big packs.</p> <p>It started with a boat trip to Tonga Bay, again visiting a Fur seal colony on the way and saw a little blue penguin swimming.<br> The combination of the most amazing beaches, stunning sea and edging tropical rainforest was incredible.<br> We hiked for 2 hours then had our lunch and a sim and sunbathe in Bark Bay, before another 3 hours hike to our first destination in Anchor Bay. On our way we found Oysters in a tidal bay, which we were chuffed about and ate willingly. We camped for one night then continued with a 4 hour hike back to the town where we started.<br> The weather was kind to us the whole trek, which was lucky and we loved it.</p> <p>Then onto Nelson in the North before a long drive back down to Christchurch. Nelson was a nice town by the sea and the hostel was lovely, with a pool and jacuzzi which was really lovely after our hike. Did have back and leg ache for a couple of days after.<br> Stayed here two nights...went out for a drink in town, walked along the huge beach (noticed loads of beach and surf kiting in the distance).</p> <p>Dropped off the car back in Christchurch then caught our flight to Melbourne. We had to check in at 4am, so slept abit on the floor in the airport that night. Good flight and here we are! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://rendletrek.blog.co.uk/2005/12/15/new_zealand_south_island~387808/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://rendletrek.blog.co.uk/2005/12/15/new_zealand_south_island~387808/Thu, 15 Dec 2005 03:03:22 +0100 <p>Stayed with Penny and Pat for a couple of days in the outskirts of Auckland(friends of Lesleys). Had wonderful homemade meals and desserts...roast chicken to start on our first day...mmm. A lovely big house...and carpet (looked strange after none for so long). They showed us around the area and local coastline. This was all far to nice and comfortable for us backpackers, so we said our farewells and moved into the city backpackers....got my wallet stolen! Then camped in Auckland for a night and met up with friends from Fiji. Arranged a rental car, then drove North to Bay of Islands, staying with another friend on the way up. Ate wonderful, huge green lip mussels (very cheap to buy here) and Andre showed us around the coastline there...beautiful and we saw our first dolphins in the bay there.</p> <p>At Bay of Islands (Pahia), we camped next to a mini version of Niagra Falls. Weather was really lovely and the coastline was stunning. Went to a Maori site and meeting house, went on a boat and saw more dolphins close up.</p> <p>Then travelled down the west coast, lots of sheep everywhere, stopping to see the largest Kaori trees in NZ and camped by a beautiful lake with great sunsets. Swam in the lake too! Saw our first living possum until it got run over as we saw it. They are considered a real pest over here as they destroy the trees and in turn various wildlife....shame bacause they are quite cute.</p> <p>Then returned to Auckand and Penny and Pat and also met up with friends from Fiji. Went on to Bay of Plenty on the East coast south of Auckland...Mount Monganui, where we stayed for four days in an empty flat of...you guessed it, friends we met in Fiji.<br> The mount was on the end of a spit/peninsula..holiday town with lovely beaches. We walked around and up the mount for spectacular views and good exercise. Lots of sheep on the Mount. Went to a party in the town and also swam in the naturally heated hot pools there...lovely!</p> <p>Had arranged to meet friends from Fiji in Rotarua, renowned for its thermal springs, geysers, bubbling mud pools and stench of rotten eggs...sulphur. Went up in a gondola overlooking the lake and had a few rides in the Luges (little one seated trolleys with a steering column that also acted as a brake when pulled)...loads of fun racing each other (5 of us) with 3 different tracks. All stayed at the same campsite and had a great BBQ.</p> <p>All moved onto Lake Taupo (huge extinct volcano summit, now filled with water). Played crazy golf there, went to the Earthquake Centre (of which they have many, as they do volcanoes, with a major fault running straight up the middle of NZ). Also went to a Bee Centre and tasted honey...mmm and saw some rapids and a waterfall.</p> <p>Moving on, Paul did a well know trek "Tongararo Crossing" which crossed 3 volcanoes and was a 17km hike. He really enjoyed and I' so glad I didn't go.</p> <p>Then went to the West surfing coast, but we didn't go surfing but some of our friends did. We stayed in New Plymouth on a campsite next to the beach...again great sunsets, BBQ, and went to the local Aqua park to continue Dive Club practice on a great set of spring boards and it had a wave machine...what a laugh.</p> <p>Left our friends and headed down to Wellington, to catch the ferry across to South Island. Here we went to a brilliant free museum, although our car was involved in a hit and run while we were away.<br> After a police report, a lot of hassle, worry and detective work we found out who did it and they kind of owned up, thanks to a note left on our windscreen. We nearly had to pay $2,500 excess if we couldn't find them, so got away with $100 excess and another car...phew, but what a pain. Also paid more to catch the ferry the next day. Had a nice Indian Meal in Wellington to make us feel better...</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://rendletrek.blog.co.uk/2005/12/15/kiwiland~387779/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://rendletrek.blog.co.uk/2005/12/15/kiwiland~387779/Thu, 15 Dec 2005 02:20:47 +0100 <p>After the fire the place around the old dorm building looked like a building site...but we had one week left and decided to stick with it.<br> Life went on, dive club went on, friends left and new people came to stay, some new friends made. Whenever friends left the island on the big boat, dive club used to give them a good send off, diving off the jetty as the big catamaran pulled away. Dives ranged from 3-5 metres depending on tide and usually about 3-5 people diving in all at once.<br> Games and activites that developed on Mana were powerhour...running up the hill, sit ups, push ups...but limited members for that...as it was so hot some days and we couldn't be bothered! "Mana Ball" was passed on...a small bouncy ball in a square with four sections...abit like table tennis but without the table or bats..used your hand to hit it instead.<br> Opened coconuts to drink and eat, I often helped in the bar, serving or collecting empties. Sometimes helped with unloading provisions fromt he boat. Often dragged in to sing the farewell and welcome song to guests and Paulie played his guitar loads..the human duke box, when the electric was off or in the evenings.</p> <p>Our last night was epic. It was Fiji night, so Paul and myself were invited to be chief and chiefess again and our friend Ed was chief spokesman and Lesley helped in the Kava making ceremony. We all wore costume that night and makeup.<br> After the Kava ceremony came the dancing and I decided to dance two dances with Latu and Andy, with my grass skirt on. Really loved it!<br> The staff bought out plenty of beer for "taki" and we partied on.<br> The next morning we all packed and really didn't want to go..it was so sad. Just before we got on the boat all the friends (staff) gathered around on the decking and sang their Fiji fairwell song to us. Everybody cried...who knows if we'd ever go back again and even if we did people come and go and it wouldn't be the same. They had all become such good friends and made the place what it is. A very special two months for us...</p> <p>We left the island and stayed in Nadi for two nights at a nice hotel with three swimming pools, two restaurants and hot water! Went out to a club with some of the staff who had come over for their days off, met more of their relatives and friends.</p> <p>Finally said farewell to Ed and flew to Auckland, NZ. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://rendletrek.blog.co.uk/2005/12/15/last_days_on_mana~387752/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://rendletrek.blog.co.uk/2005/12/15/last_days_on_mana~387752/Thu, 15 Dec 2005 01:43:14 +0100 <p>It was about 4pm, walking back from a cup of tea at the bar. Noticed smoke coming from the top of the building. Ran over to see the flames and smoke billowing out the building.<br> The whole of the upstairs was on fire. Paul, our friend Ed and some of the locals were running in and out of the building pulling peoples packs and matresses out. We managed to salvage our rucksacks and a few other bits, until the upstairs wasan inferno and it was decided it was too dangerous to risk it. The whole village turned out to watch and some of the backpackers lost everything (those on 2nd floor), Manager Mark and Rashma lost everything too.<br> We and some others had our passports, cash, tickets in the reception safe.<br> The fire soon spread to the lower floor and the whole building burnt to the ground. Locals hosed down nearby hut roofs as the heat was so intense and things were exploding...It was a real shock and quite scary, but no one was hurt.<br> The staff immediately moved out of their dorms and allowed us to move in. Electric was out in other buildings, so we all had dinner while it was light then gathered in the bar, in candlelight for a couple of hours until cables were joined and we had light again. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://rendletrek.blog.co.uk/2005/11/22/survived_the_mana_island_fire~327558/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://rendletrek.blog.co.uk/2005/11/22/survived_the_mana_island_fire~327558/Tue, 22 Nov 2005 03:35:54 +0100 <p>Made friends with a couple of Kiwi builders who frequented the bar...Tyson & Steve.<br> They were contracted to build a house by "Sunset Beach". We went up there a couple of times with Pauls' guitar, some beers and they had a BBQ. Paul cooked Pasties up there one day and they were great (first time for Paul).<br> After a few weeks on Mana we felt island life was for us, so we extended our stay several times. Made friends with all the staff.<br> Stayed in a dorm for 2 weeks then tryed camping, but after two nights got invaded by little red ants. The manager felt for us and agreed we could move into a private room with a fan for 8 pounds a day, to include 3 meals. We got on well with the Manager Mark and his girlfriend Rashma.<br> After 5 weeks I did a trip to the mainland with some leaving friends. The island had been quite isolating and the internet was expensive, so no contact with home and not much news coming in. Short of provisions too. It was a shock coming back to civilisation...traffic, noise, so many people. Stayed for two nights, not intentionally, but our arranged lift left us behind. (Moses, the resident artist and fisherman had been payed to take us back to Mana but decided he couldn't wait). Had some treats on the mainland, hot showers, Pizza, curry and shopping! (Toiletries, snacks, alcohol)<br> After a week back on the island we watched our dormitories burn down! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://rendletrek.blog.co.uk/2005/11/22/please_scroll_down_to_beginning_and_work~327549/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://rendletrek.blog.co.uk/2005/11/22/please_scroll_down_to_beginning_and_work~327549/Tue, 22 Nov 2005 03:27:03 +0100 <p>We had BBQ lunch on island hopping and white wine from the island bar. Also went snorkelling around another island.<br> In the hostel there were a couple of resident doggies, and you know what we're like about dogs.<br> Loads of wild dogs on the island. People often gave scrpas to the dogs around the hostel.<br> "Lazy" was the main hostel mascot.. Famous for her bandy front legs, which made her walk like a crocodile...she appeared in the hostel quiz questions and we invented a dance after her. She was also very pregnant as were all the females on the island at this time. Another was "Ginger" who reminded us of Santas little helper...she was the first to have puppies, under the decking. We all fed her under the decking while the puppies fed and we nurtured the puppies as they grew bigger and bigger and ofcourse named them all. Then Lazy had hers under the other end of the decking, but far out of reach. A couple of her pups died.<br> Then further tradegy stuck one evening. The resort had put poison down to kill any stray dogs. Unfortunately Ginger had eaten some and died on the beach. The next morning all her puppies were taken to the mainland by the hostel manager and luckily found homes.<br> Then a few days later the same happened to Lazy, but her puppies were too young, so they were burried with her. It was so heartbreaking..so sad. We missed them both terribly.<br> Andy was the other hostel dog and her puppies came after, so we started feeding her and keeping check on the puppies. The father of many of these pups was a stray dog we named "Demon" He loved to play and bite playfully. Did get kicked a few times by the locals too. anyway, enough about dogs... </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://rendletrek.blog.co.uk/2005/11/22/title~327542/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://rendletrek.blog.co.uk/2005/11/22/title~327542/Tue, 22 Nov 2005 03:08:43 +0100 <p>Other nights consisted of hermit crab racing (betting on a crab to win and win a prize), drag night competition when all the girls would lend their clothes and our large food bowls were used on a regular basis for big boobs. (Paul won the Miss Mana title twice - he was a pretty girl, with the big boobies), quiz night, traditional "Kava" drinking sessions, games and limbo comps...<br> Fijian night always involved a traditional "Kava" (drink made with water and squeezed Kava Root vegetable), it looked like muddy water and didn't taste much better. Two guests would be chosen to be Chief and his Wife and dress in traditional costume and sit at the head of the seated guests...everyone sat on a woven palm leaf mat. The Kava made your lips abit tingly and numb though. You drank it out of a half coconut shell. We did have our own Kava night when we bought some over from the mainland. After quite a few it did make you feel abit soporiphic.<br> On Fijian night they served food that had been cooked in a "lovo" (an underground oven with fire and hot rocks). The meal consisted of chicken, fish, spinach in coconut, Kasava & Taro(both root vegetables)and sausage. A really tasy meal although we always said we preferred fried or roasted Kasava, as the roots tasted very bland and fibrous.<br> Other meals consisted of lots of rice, sausages, veggie curries, stir fry veg, fruit, bread (tasted sweet). Breakfast was fruit (papau, melon, mango,banana), cake (banana, currant, chocolate), either cornflakes, weetbix, porridge, on occasions pancakes or doughnuts. After many weeks they amazed us with fish and chips and burger and chips.<br> After 4 weeks on an island with lots of rice we did start to crave certain food, so this was great. Boiled Kasava was often on the menu too...yuk!<br> We went island hopping twice, which allowed us to buy a few treats at one of the islands supermarkets (e.g. cheese and biscuits with piccalli)...On island hopping we went to some really nice resorts, had a cocktail and swam in some nice swimming pools and had a hot shower. OUr showers on Mana were cold.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://rendletrek.blog.co.uk/2005/11/22/title~327537/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://rendletrek.blog.co.uk/2005/11/22/title~327537/Tue, 22 Nov 2005 02:56:46 +0100 <p>The weather was great when we were there...nearly always hot and sunny, had a couple of humid days and abit of rain twice. The sea would be so calm some days, then choppy, then calm again. The wind would pick up in minutes then drop again...strange.<br> Some days were spent on the decking, bit of sunbathing, swimming or just floating in the sea, beach games, reading, snorkelling, some diving.<br> Paul did his open water diving course and we swam with loads of reef sharks, a turtle, rays and the odd sea snake. You would notice different fish everytime you went out in the sea. Another Paul was the dive instructor. He was a real laugh and we got on really well. Got a few cheap trips on the dive boat too.<br> Made loads of friends who also extended their stay. Had loads of fun together. Paul and some others developed "dive club", diving off the end of the jetty and the pontoon down by the resort, with different style dives..<br> The evenings were always entertaining.<br> The staff were so nive and friendly and always up for a laugh- often encouraging us to take part in takis(shots of beer around the table)and often their beer! This often ended in continuation sessions up "the hill".<br> 3 nights a week the chore group of entertainment staff would perform dancing (Fijian, Polynesian and Pacific...all quite similar). Latu, Jerry, Patric, Andy, Jo & Romano would dance and were amazing...Check the photo out! The music and costumes were great too. Always finishing with some amazing fire dancing. The fijian men had the most amazing muscular bodies (all covered in coconut oil) and the women dancing were so attractive and they all could move so well...ooo eeer!</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://rendletrek.blog.co.uk/2005/11/22/title~327525/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://rendletrek.blog.co.uk/2005/11/22/title~327525/Tue, 22 Nov 2005 02:41:27 +0100 <p>All the beaches had pure white sand and coral and shells washed up the shore line. The island took about two and half hours to walk around. It had many grassy hills with fantastic lookouts where you could watch the sunset or just view the whole island and surrounding outer reef and other nearby islands.<br> Our backpackers bar and decking was on the South beach...and from here you could view the sunset with a Fiji Bitter in hand ofcourse. Note great photo of sunset and jetty!<br> The next beach we visited was "Dream Beach" and that it was... headed towards the back of the village,past the goats and chickens, past the dorm, and over "the hill". Descended through a grove of coconut palms onto an empty dream of a beach..a secluded cove. The reef was best on the left with an option to jump off the rocks on the point at low tide.<br> The best reef to swim from the beach was off "Sunset Beach" and "Picnic Point". This was at the other end of the island, past the airstrip. This was, for all those snorkellers amponst us...a mindblowing experience. Beautiful coral reef, fish every colour you can imagine and guarantee you'll see a shark or two. (Sunset cruise included a snorkel on this reef-once saw upto 10 sharks in one snorkel) We went on the sunset cruise 4 times...finished off with a few beers, silent dive competition off the boat and watch the sunset go down...pretty perfect.... </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://rendletrek.blog.co.uk/2005/11/22/title~327518/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://rendletrek.blog.co.uk/2005/11/22/title~327518/Tue, 22 Nov 2005 02:24:52 +0100 <p>On the morning we arrived in Fiji we caught a boat straight to Mana Island (translated Island of Magic).<br> Booked into a dormitory. The backpackers called Ratukinis, had a bar/reception right on the beachfront, with a dive shop, then the dining area behind (inside and out). We began paying about 12 pounds a day each to include 3 meals.<br> When we arrived we were greeted by some of the staff, had a welcome drink and they sang to us with a guitar. Mary, the receptionist said she recognised me from my previous visit 4-5 years ago.<br> The building with the rooms in was set back in the village. The island had three backpackers, 1 resort 9out of limits to the likes of us scum). The village that surrounded ours had a church, a school, outbuildings (homes of some of the locals) and some bures that belonged to the Ratukinis. Beautiful trees with Frangapani, hibiscus, mimosa and many others filled the grounds with little dirt paths that led us to and from the backpacker buildings.<br> There were 4 main beaches on the island... </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://rendletrek.blog.co.uk/2005/11/22/at_last_left_mana_and_here_is_our_story~327507/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://rendletrek.blog.co.uk/2005/11/22/at_last_left_mana_and_here_is_our_story~327507/Tue, 22 Nov 2005 02:13:33 +0100 <p>Please click on the box titled Paulie photo and that should take you to some more photos... byeeee </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://rendletrek.blog.co.uk/2005/08/26/photos~144687/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://rendletrek.blog.co.uk/2005/08/26/photos~144687/Fri, 26 Aug 2005 21:10:33 +0200 <p>On leaving Victoria we caught the bus to Thetis Lake which is on the outskirts (10 miles) of the town. A lovely campsite set by right by the lake. The lake is a fresh water lake and really warm to swim in, even Paul ventures in. The weather is still hot, notice your temperatures in England are still good according to a newspaper I read yesterday.</p> <p>So, we've been swimming, chillin by the lake, reading our books, sunbathing, bbqs and a bit of walking around the lake and nearby forest. We have bald eagles and some deers around here too which is nice. Not a great lot of other things to do around here unless you hop on a bus and spend money.</p> <p>We take a trip to the nearest supermarket every three days and had a bargain wild salmon that we cooked in tinfoil on the bbq...it cost us all of two pounds.</p> <p>We have been picking blackberries and making our own jam, as we are surrounded by them in all the bushes here and they're free. Found an apple and a plum tree today on the "Galloping Goose Trail", so we are making crumble tonight.</p> <p>We joined the local library free, to gain free internet access.</p> <p>Neighbours come and go at the campsite and we have met some really friendly, kind people who have donated various things to us...a light for our tent, some cold cans of pop, a ride in an inflatable boat across the lake, and we were invited to breakfast with one family, ofcourse we had to take them up on the offer...sausages, scrambled egg and blueberry pancakes and syrup, which they eat all on the same plate out here...mmmm. So we get by.</p> <p>We plan to stay here for a few more days as it's very cheap (seven pounds a night total) and really nice. Looking forward to my afternoon dip in the lake as the walk back from here can be hot.</p> <p>We shall head back to Vicotira for a couple of days before catching the ferry to Vancouver, then we will stay there until we depart for Fiji on the 30th August.</p> <p>Love to you all...thanks for your e-mails, it's so briliiant that we can keep intouch whilst so far away from you'll. Takecare and have fun, Kate & Paul xxxxxx </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://rendletrek.blog.co.uk/2005/08/20/title_19046/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://rendletrek.blog.co.uk/2005/08/20/title_19046/Sat, 20 Aug 2005 00:24:05 +0200 <p>Why hello again....<br> We love Vancouver...a big city, but near to the parks and lots to see and do. Left to sail on the ferry to "the island" (great film by the way!). The ferry ride was nice, sitting out on the deck, sailing through many smaller islands before reaching the southern tip of Vancouver Island....then another bus trip to Victoria.</p> <p>Victoria is a pretty harbour town, with many artists, street entertainers (bit of competition for Paulie hey), lots of tourists here so prices are higher then Vancouver. Booked into our hostel downtown and sorted.</p> <p>Spent a couple of days seeing the sights...famous Empress Hotel, Parliament Buildings, cafes, market stalls, more gorgeous yachts that don't belong to us..boo hoo. Sunshine every day...and yet another firework display over the harbour to celebrate BC Day on the 1st.</p> <p>After seeing a beautiful watercolour painting of a beach with directions underneath it and a chat with the artist..we were well taken on the idea of heading off camping on the west coast trail..which involved shopping for dried food, couple of tins of something for stews, plenty of fresh water, and a few other bits..left some stuff in storage at our hostel and told the staff that if we weren't back by a certain date to send out a search party... good idea to do this if off trekkin...</p> <p>Caught a bus, then hitched to the start of the trail with a nice Canadian couple off on along weekend up the coast. Went down the wrong trail a couple of miles..which was pretty annoying...but there we go. Finally found our trail through some amazing woodland (bear and coogar country, so made lots of noise). Giant ferns, trees with roots everywhere and a cool suspension bridge...then after a few dodgy steps and a load of mud..finally found "Mystic Beach". A medium sized cove, with black sand and plenty of driftwood and a perfect camping pitch. (The beach is a proper site and we payed 2.50 each a night at the head of the trail, in an honesty box (wander how many people pay, but there was a warden about so we did).</p> <p>Pitched our tent, collected wood for the fire and had a little explore. At one end of the beach is a fresh water waterfall (which we showered under and collected water to boil for drinking etc.). The surf was crashing down on the shoreline and we spotted a couple of seals in the bay. At the other end of the beach was a cave that you could walk through and follow the shoreline over many smaller coves at low tide (Good place for more fire wood). And another waterfall for showering too, with a bit more privacy. There were a couple of other couples on the beach camping and a couple of people visiting the beach by day on the trail.</p> <p>The views over the ocean to the American coast were stunning and one morning I spotted a group of about 7 or 8 Orca Whales in the far distance, but good enough for us to see really clearly throught he binocs.... Some evenings an eerie pink mist would roll in and cover the tops of the pine trees at either end of the beach.. and we saw some awesome sunsets aswell.</p> <p>Did have a quick dip in the sea, but rather chilly, so not for long...plenty of sunbathing, reading our books and I did a sketch of the beach.</p> <p>Food had to be packed away at the end of the day and pulled up a tree away from the tent, to prevent the bears attacking us. On the first night something had a nibble at one of our bags...must have been a bird we think.</p> <p>Unfortunately, on the third day Paulie fell Paulie(Poorly). Thought it was sun stroke at first.. but it turned out to be his throat and tonsils. He spent the day in the tent..not well at all. Touch and go but the fourth day we had to leave or people may have worried if we didn't report back on time. Paul was feeling abit better and we made it back and pleased to book back into a hostel and hostel comforts again.</p> <p>Anyway...sorry to go on but it was a great camping place.</p> <p>Since then we briefly met our friends of the family who live in Victoria and made some more friends and changed hostel. Back in town for a couple more days then off camping again by a lake not far from here...then possibly camping in a place called Sooke, next to some "potholes" (watering holes haat you can jump and swim in)....so folks. Hope I haven't bored you too much.</p> <p>Shall leave you to reply with your comments...hope to hear from you all soon. Love Kate & Paulie xxxxx </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://rendletrek.blog.co.uk/2005/08/11/vancouver_island/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://rendletrek.blog.co.uk/2005/08/11/vancouver_island/Thu, 11 Aug 2005 07:31:36 +0200 <p>Headed to Banff National Park, where we climbed Sulphur Mountain with the most amazing views from the summit, we also swam in the hot sulphur springs (not as romantic as it sounds...a swimming pool basically fed by hot springs, but we could do with a bath by then). The water was very hot too...weird.</p> <p>Camped with Will & Margo (our Canadian friends)for one night. They also took us to see a lovely waterfall nearby. Had lots of camp fires, the odd bbq, hot pots and plenty of mosquitos. The campground was in some pine woods up Tunnel Mountain Road with great views over the river and surrounded by mountains.</p> <p>We then went North to Lake Louise, by bus. Did some great treks here and saw amazing glaciers which cause many different colour lakes (aqua marine, bright marine blue). The woodland is a lush green and we saw a coyote, a porcupine, a black bear (from a distance), a mule deer (in the dark) and plenty of goffers/ground squirrels, chipmunks and lots of different kinds of birds.</p> <p>The weather has been varied, to include a great thunder storm on our first night here, but luckily we had a tarp up between two trees to sit under and cook our dinner. Our tent is only just waterproof, can't be bad for 12 pounds.</p> <p>Now in Vancouver, abit of a shock after the rockies. Big city, with lots to see and do. Today went to an island with lots of markets and trade stalls, then went for a picnic in the park nearby.</p> <p>Tomorrow off to see a fireworks display over English Bay. In the day we plan to walk around a huge park (Stanley) and sit on the beach.</p> <p>Our hostel is fairly basic, but lovely to sleep in a bed again.<br> We plan on going to Victoria on Vancouver Island at the end of the week...camping again I think. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://rendletrek.blog.co.uk/2005/07/27/title_13231/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://rendletrek.blog.co.uk/2005/07/27/title_13231/Wed, 27 Jul 2005 03:22:07 +0200 <p>Hi All,</p> <p>And we're off again to Grizzly Bear country....Banff initially, camping in some campgrounds, so we'll be quite safe.</p> <p>As mentioned, meeting up with Will & Margo to camp at Radium Hot Springs at the weekend.</p> <p>Then we will moving on to Lake Louise and heading North to the Icefields.</p> <p>Speak soon,<br> Kate & Paulie xxx </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://rendletrek.blog.co.uk/2005/07/13/title_11069/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://rendletrek.blog.co.uk/2005/07/13/title_11069/Wed, 13 Jul 2005 18:04:28 +0200 <p>Made some new friends on Canada Day, and had a great evening, a few beers, playing pool and havin a laugh. Since then seen our friends, Will & Margo twice and still havin fun. Paul picked up a days work with Will, sanding door frames. Cash in hand and survived to tell the tale $72 richer.<br> Paul is cooking a meal at their place tonight and they're thinking of joining us in the rockies for a long weekend camping.</p> <p>Managed to find cheap beer, last night it was a buck a beer, can't get cheaper than that hey.<br> Paul is now only $62 richer...he he.</p> <p>The town is getting busier for the Stampede and we're looking forward to our free breakfast aswell as our B&B. The weather is still very hot, but while Paul was working I enjoyed a nice walk in the park and over the river.</p> <p>We went to Calgary Zoo the other day and that was cool. A really great zoo where we watched hippos swimming under water through a glass tank, checked out the grizzly bears and saw lots of other Canadian animals as well as tigers, giraffe etc. There was also a conservatory with some lovely tropical plants that reminded us of Ma & Pas garden and home.</p> <p>Stay tuned for pics when we work out how to use this damn site, and find somewhere that will let us down load them....</p> <p>Love to all. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://rendletrek.blog.co.uk/2005/07/06/title_10220/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://rendletrek.blog.co.uk/2005/07/06/title_10220/Wed, 06 Jul 2005 20:29:46 +0200 <p>We're here in Calgary and having a brilliant time!</p> <p>The Canadians are so friendly and have met some great people.<br> On arriving we did a walking tour of the town and Paul bought his guitar and went busking on the very first day and has been a couple of times since and sold some of his CD's.</p> <p>Had a great Canada Day yesterday, sitting in a park, drinking wine and listening to some really good live bands.</p> <p>The weather has been scorching, after severe flooding before we arrived. Heard you've had some storms yourself. The mosquitoes suck! Our hostel is very pleasant, but a little tame for our liking.</p> <p>Well buddies, take care and speak soon xxx Paul & Kate </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://rendletrek.blog.co.uk/2005/07/03/title_9698/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://rendletrek.blog.co.uk/2005/07/03/title_9698/Sun, 03 Jul 2005 01:11:46 +0200 <p>Here is our itinerary</p> <p>On Tuesday 28th we fly from</p> <blockquote><p>London to Canada</p></blockquote> <p>Calgary<br> Calgary Stampede Festival 7th - 12th July<br> Hostel & B&B</p> <p>Banff National Park; Lake Louise 12th July - 1 Week?<br> Camping</p> <p>Jasper National Park 19th July - 1 Week?<br> Camping</p> <p>Whistler<br> Hostel? Couple of days</p> <p>Vancouver - 3 weeks<br> Hostel?</p> <p>Vancouver Island<br> Camping - Couple of days</p> <p>Fly to Fiji September for 3 weeks<br> Head for an Island</p> <p>September<br> Fly to Auckland, NZ (North island) </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://rendletrek.blog.co.uk/2005/06/02/welcome_friends_yeehaa_nearly_time/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://rendletrek.blog.co.uk/2005/06/02/welcome_friends_yeehaa_nearly_time/Thu, 02 Jun 2005 17:54:46 +0200