B Y R O N . B A Y . L I G H T H O U S E

Took a morning stroll to the Byron Bay Lighthouse and small cayes and beaches in its vicinity. The lighthouse is a fixture in this coastal surf town. A shining beacon on the hill over the town at night, and a looming white castle during the day. We toured the grounds, gatekeepers cottage and then back down the hill in the "Loop" trail. This walking trail was one of the nicest walking paths I've ever been on, with its cobblestone, plank boardwalks and cliff hanging paths through the coastal rainforset with all its wildlife and birds. There is even a hangglider ramp! Wonderful little coastal icon with quite a bit of history. With its sunken ships in these coastal waters its truly needed. Its raining today(our last day in OZ : [ ) so . . maybe we won't be able to explore it more or those sunken ships!

S T E V O F E S T

Well, the Day has finally arrived for Mr. Half-Century! The day started out with Surf Lessons part II. A flat day compared to the Big Waves we have seen here at Byron Bay. Surf Legend and USA Champion Rusty Miller was on hand to give tips and pointers to those who were signed up. Lots of smiles and the day was just beginning! The Birthday Boy "Stevo "(aka "Stoney "now after our trip to Nimbin) had a big surprise back at the condo courtyard. A "party palace", and was decked out all in Mardi gras beads and colour(in aus)! Of course Mimosas and OrangeBlossoms were the drinks of choice and a scumptious buffet brunch by Michelle & Dave. Next up was walk down the beach, shopping, and then Happy Hour + A "B-day Gift" ramp up for the BIG 5-Ohhhh festivities at "The Balcony" Restuarant(see below). What an awesome local spot, with atmosphere and outta' this world cuisine. Thumbs up all around! (Loved the 3 layer Chocolate B-day cake!) The birthday boy was so very happy with all the outpouring of love, cards,emails and letters from friends and family across the globe. We love you Stevo!


Awoke a bit worse for wear for our loop hike of Byron Bay and its famous Lighthouse (c 1901)

Life down under seems sideways?!?!

A U S . B U S H F I R E S

While exploring the many beautiful countrysides here in the "Gold Coast" of Australia, one has to come home to the grim reminder on the "telly" of what the rest of the county is going thru. Massive flooding in the north (Caines) with Billions in damage. And now the recent outbreak of these Massive Firestorms in the east. All the while wondering how close they were to my Host familys home I just recently stayed in (seems just days ago). Today I learned via email, just how close! Literally just down the hill, much of the town and I think the grocery I shopped at that 1st day - gone! At first I did not recognize the names of the towns. But by the TV news map - I knew better! Just last week, I had helped them load and box documents and photos for a "bushfire" that had not yet started. And now I know why. It just happens so fast and with no warning. Just frightning and devastrating! So now I know why all the preparation the hillside residents take: bushfire warning days, homemade mobile watertank trucks w/ hoses, etc. It brings back memories of our Oakland wildlands fire(100's dead, 1000's of homes lost) and that was a "firestorm" like Australia is seeing. We were not so prepared. Like ours though - perhaps this is their worst yet. You get these perfect conditions of super dry foliage from the recent record heat, high temps and winds - it just spells uncontrolable disaster! I know these are trying days/conditions for for all Australians - and I know many of us Californians can relate. But, when watching the news last night, of how people had no news of the fire and then escaping people were caught and burned to death - just brought back those very vivid memories of that dark October night in Oakland. And oddly, my conversation with my "Hosts" the other week of having a early warning system in place. Perhaps having a reverse 911(AUS 000) that calls every house in case of fire evacuation, like we do. She was going to talk about it to their fire Dept. about implementing it. Now looking at the chain of events on Sat. - I think that system could have saved lives. Problem is - more and more people have mobile phones instead of land lines. Maybe not the case here in Australia?

I have to say watching the news and seeing some coverage and stories, really is a very telling tribute of the character, spirit and and community commitment of Australians. Really quite moving from an "outsiders" perspective. But as a Californian - I can relate - you have to rely on eachother when facing mother natures' wrath. So odd - we both face many of the same natural threats - well - at least - they don't have to deal with the earthquakes! One nice thing!

Signing out for now from "Australias "Holiday Partytown"-Byron Bay". You would never guess that a good deal of the rest of the country is either flooded or in flames by the comings and goings here. Just unreal! It's 24/7 Party here! Very fun and carefree. We are enjoying our enjoying our stay tremendously. Our group Seakayaked yesterday, riding the big waves and treated to the breathtaking sights of nearby Seaturtles and Bottle-nosed dolphins. It was really a special treat. Today is surf lesson day- Oh to live the Australian Surfer dream - if just for a day.

P R A Y E R S T O A L L H E RE

B L U E . M O U N T A I N S

After meeting up with Californaia friends Glen, Donna (+ Son Noah), we spent the warm summer eve touring the bustling Darling Harbor. Drinks at Johanson's and nice waterfront Italian dining at Oliva's. Watched the afternoon become eve and the light dance about. My stay coming to a close. So my last remaining day in Sydney was spent in the Blue Mts. - kinda the Grand Canyon of Australia. Did a tour package of wild animal park, 3 sisters rock formation, the Scenic Blue Mt, and rainforest, Wentworth Falls and finally a quick sunset cruise of all the sight of the Sydney Harbor: Skyline, Opera House etc. Hate to leave this "lovely" city as they like to say here. Next Stop: Birthday Revelery in East Coast's BYRON BAY! Surf up!

S E N S A T I O N A L . S Y D N E Y

Made it to Sydney, after very nice tour with Norman Jackson of the Melbourne Penisula. I hated to say goodbye to these dear, kind and amazing hosts for my past 7 days. Truly showed be not only the beutiful Australian coastline and seaside towns, but the spirt of the Australian people. Thank You!

Arrived in Sensational Sydney on Tuesdau via VirginBlu, to cloady skys but a much welcoming cooler environment. 45 c was a lil too hot! Nice here 28 c and partly cloady and will get warmer over the next few days. I did a walking tour of the downtown area; Victoria Bldg, Town Hall and all the incredible modern skyscapers inbetween. More today and perhaps a tourbus out to the Blue Mts on Friday. Will post my tours/travels soon. Off to Byron Bay on Sat to meet up with the rest of the Grateful Globetrotters!

A U S S I E O P E N

It was such a treat to be invited to the Australian Open By my Host family the Jacksons. We arrived at the Womens Semi Final a bit late by certainly in time to catch all the drama and intense interaction of the feircely competitive women. As expected Sarina Williams won her set "straight away" and that left the eastern European women to battle it out to see who would play Sarina in the womens finals. End the end after some long sets it was Darvina Safrina winning slugging it out for the win. It was a very exciting experience to see this type of competition and to watch the subsuguent matches and variouys locasl ending in the 5 game late night win by Rafael - The Aussies take their tennis seriously and were rooting for this underdog. Now #1 in the world.

Tennis anyone?

Y A R R A V A L L E Y

Awoke to another hot but splendid day at Mimosa House in the hills above Melbourne.  Were the wild sounds of Parrots and DoDoo Birds awake you to a new day.  After breakfast I helped my gracious hosts try to save there beautiful garden grounds from this immense heat that is literally shriveling everything in sight.  The very striking and eye-opening  downside of when a large hole in the inversion layer combined with global warming/record heat(45+ c) merge to wreak such damage on trees, shrubs ferns just about everything.  Wide spread damage to home gardens and agriculture here in Melbourne area.

In this last day in the hills we ventured over the Mt. to the Yarra Valley (famous aus. wine region) for some sampling of the wines and the have lunch at the foodie  destination  Bella Bedera for a most fantastic Australian culinary experience.  Wine Tasting and tours of Borro Springs, Chandon, Yarra Station and others in this sprawling wine region not unlike California. Beautiful Region and great food and of so nice wines . . .what more could you want. My last day in the neck of Australia will be Peninsula and still hope to have a few pix to post after that trip. Then its onto Sydney 2/3-2/7

M E L B O U R N E

Arrived drained and dreary from such a long trip via Fiji (one day layover in Nadi, so sad - recently flooded with heavy damage in the downtown area) to MELBORNE arrived on 2/27. Was greeted the next day by some very friendly faces; The Jackson's (Norm and Peg-Longtime Family friends)! They wisked me off from the Mantra and we were off to see the town. After a quick tour of this very old yet incredibly vibrant and modren city, we headed to the " Club" . That is the RACV club downtown for a nice lunch in an incredible lobby like setting. After avisit and tour of their neat vintage victorian home, I met Marisha and headed to "the hills". To Mimosa House in Sasafrass. Were the past days spent relaxing and touring the hillside areas county towns, shops and parks. Then it was back to the "city " for wonderful city tours of period homes, districts and landmarks all lead by gracious Marisha who had a few treats in store. One being tickets to thursdays Women's Semi -Final! Sarina Williams and Darvina Safina the winners of the day. What great tennis matches at Rod Lavor Arena. Super fun and what a treat! The next day was my incredible tour of Melbourne's Arts & Architecture(Lots of Old and Modern Bldgs.), the National Gallery, City Centre and Potter Gallery. But - then only to spill out into city chaos of widespread power outages, total train cancellations and general havoc on one of the hottest days on record in E. Australia~ 45.1 c (I think thats over 110•)

Survived the heatwave to tour another day. This time the Great Ocean Rd. in S . E. Australia.

Sights included: Surfers Coast, Bells Beachand Lorne. Plus Great Ocean Rd. towns and landmarks: 12 Apostles, London Bridge and the Otway Rain Forest. Just incredible hard surf, big waves, stunning coastline and long sandy beaches. WOW! Oh to tour another day in this neck of Australia. Hope to post pixs soon. Next up-Peninsula and tip of Melbourne bay!

S O U T H . P A C I F I C . J O U R N E Y

T he time has come to start my long awaited South Pacific Journey. I've always been awestruck by Australia and fascinated with Fiji (whether from classic books, or War Stories from Dad) thus my desire to visit for as long as I can remember...and now the time has come! For starters, there'll be a "Surf City" birthday rendezvous with good friend Steve-o and revelers as well as re-connecting with good friends of the family in Melbourne.
Look for the blog covering the captivating Australian cities of Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, as well as the picturesque countryside towns and providences of S. East Australia. In addition, seaside towns along the Great Ocean Rd.Fairy and Gold Coast-Byron Bay. Last stop, will be the exotic Waya Isle (Yasawa Group) in Fiji where I'll explore the reefs, forests and villages.

Follow the exploits of the Grateful Globetrotters in our Blogs in the coming month. The long Journey begins here in Los Angles January 24, 2009!