Big Silver bird to Bali - 17th June

The next leg of our trip finds us in the Bali Patra Holiday Resort just outside of Kuta (our holiday within a holiday!).

See photo - Birds are ready to fly.

We left the racetrack and headed for the Airport to check in, found our way to the duty free and got pole position to board the aircraft. On board Aiden sat with his nose stuck to the window while Riley sat by the isle across from Dad for our 2 1/2 hour flight, eyes glued to the laptop for all but the take-off and landing ( which he loved ). Aiden spent the entire time looking out the window which made for good conversations about everything from clouds, us being above them to the flight controls and what they did! When leaving Darwin via passport control Aiden & Riley decided to inform the passport officer of his full name including his middle name and how old they were, where they were going, etc etc etc ........hehehehe!

We finally arrived in Bali and the boys needed the little boys room so off to the toilet with Bell they went, inside they quizzed her as to why some of the toilets are holes n the ground!! they also thought the other toilet had a shower in it! The lady in the cubical next to us laughed, I had no idea how to explain except all I could say is don't touch anything !!...don't touch anything !!.... I must have sounded like a neurotic mother but Bali Belly on the first day wouldn't have been a holiday!

See photo - Boys on a main road in Kuta.

Our first morning found us overwhelmed by the range of food available at the buffet breakfast (caravan brekkie is Wheat Bix.......and nothing else!) , but the one thing the boys had their eye on from across the room was the Chocolate milk! We caught the shuttle into Kuta at 10am and walked a little until we found good old Matahari's Shopping Centre, this was the better way to shop with the kids, when the locals approached us with the kids, the boys were interested in what they had to say which as you can imagine made it hard to .....escape.... After we let the boys choose a toy for the holiday, bought them a few clothes and some refreshments we headed back to the hotel to relax by the pool..... as you do in Bali!

We then went out for a lovely dinner at the Green Garden restaurant around the corner, while we were there the manager spied the boys and their blond hair.......she was around in a flash to say hello and just couldn't stop touching Aden's hair and giving him a kiss on his blond hair when she left. Just after dusk we  sat on the beach and watched the aircraft take=off and land from the nearby airport.   Next day, after an 8am start and a swim in the pool (it was Sunday after all), the boys decided they wanted to go into the Kids Club so we thought we would make the most of this by walking into Kuta to do some shopping. It was pretty successful, except when we picked up the kids the boys said they did not do half of what was on the program and were a bit disappointed, but they did make some new friends which made them happy. We then spent the rest of the afternoon by ...yes....the pool relaxing as our two little blond fish swam for the entire afternoon.....BLISS!

The hotel is pretty good, just the usual maintenance requests for broken door, door handle and toilet, but apart from that the boys thought it was pretty cool how the room boy tidy’s up their beds even better than they do.....  puts the teddy’s on the bed and even lines up all their cars on the bed side tables.

One of the many things to
do at Water Bomb Park 

 Today (Monday ) we went to Water Bomb park. A huge day and the boys just kept on going, thank goodness there was some slides they could go on without us and we could just sit and watch them for a bit. Chris went on the Climax, which drops you straight down a chute free falling for about 2 meters and then spiral to the end 50 meters later! We managed to spend the entire day there and on the way home stopped for dinner and drinks just outside the hotel. Even with some late nights for the boys, they seem to be OK … Aiden slept in until 8am this morning!


The boys are just loving the walks along the beach footpath to head out for dinner, we are meeting so many lovely people including a couple from Byron Bay, who have offered us to come and park up on their property, they are great value and we hope to do so on their 30+ acres just off the coast!. The boys are really good at their two words of Indonesian ‘terima kasih’ (Thank you) & ‘suma suma’ (your welcome), they do it really well and the locals love it.

See photo - Bali Bird Park - Family photo.

Tuesday we went to the Bali Bird and Reptile Park, and yes you guessed it another place they loved!. The boys got to hold Parrots,  Macaws and even an Iguana for something different. Bell managed to get picked out from the crowd to feed some Hawks from her head, yes head!, (they put food in her hair and they would fly past and pick it off her mid flight!

See photo - Eagle Owl with Riley.

Wednesday we managed to do some shopping today as the boys wanted to go into Kids club again! with a new friend they have met, so we made the most of it by going into town. I bought 6 pairs of shoes for $65, really nice ones from Mataharis and I can’t believe they all fit me so nice, I was a bit overwhelmed (so many to choose from) the other day when we went into town with the boys looking around, but soon got into it today. I also have bought two pairs of bathers for $18 each and a couple dresses. I think if I was here for another week I could really get into shopping, but you know me I hate shopping at home! and we don't have any more room in the caravan!

See photo - View on way home.

Thursday the boys and Bell headed to the Safari Park to feed the elephants. Chris is having a man day as he's not fussed about another tour and also it is so expensive to do all the tour places as a family ( children under 5 are not free here like at home!! ) Safari park was great, Bell and the boys boarded the bus at the Dynasty Resort and made way to the park a long drive (with even a longer one home as we got stuck in traffic). It was a brilliant place once you eventually got in, even though we left at 9am, we did not actually get in until 11.20am! But at least we got to catch the elephant education show at 11.30am which the boys then got to touch an elephant and have a photo after. With so many things to do you will see by the photos how many exciting up close views and encounters with animals they had. The excitement of the Safari drive was brilliant as one animal after another just looked at us with no care in the world of our presence. The highlights included feeding elephants, a cuddle with a baby Orangatang, the water log ride and of course just having so much to see .... as you will see the boys fell asleep in the bus (we were jammed in the front).

With Friday being our last full day,  we nipped into town to pick up some canvas prints we have ordered, get some shoes for the boys then go back to the hotel and relax by the pool until 4pm before we need to head to the airport (this late flight will be fun as we don’t get in until 11pm.)

The flight home found us leaving at dinner time, so we headed to a nice restaurant (Chris didn't have anything as he was still recovering from the last day or so with the dreaded 'Bali Belly'). Avatar was on the big screen TV and we had fun trying to explain it to the boys, in the end I took them for a walk and left Chris to relax as it just got to hard (thank goodness there was no sound!)

See photo - Last sunset at Bali for the Somers.

Of course once again the boys were excited about going on the plane, we got settled on a half full flight (yay!) and enjoyed the lights of Bali as we took to the sky. After a light snack and a drop of phenergan to help relax the boys, the little  angles were both fast asleep. As we landed the boys half woke up crying, and all they wanted was to go back to sleep and stop their ears from hurting. We eventually got of the plane through customs we collected our car that Uncle Glenn had driven to the airport for us and got home at midnight! The boys could not be happier than  to climb into their beds and go to sleep...... neither could we!

 

See photo - Pool at Patra Bali.

We spent Saturday and Sunday relaxing with family, catching up with some food shopping, home cook meals at Tracey's and Aunt Robins, and of course the kids being spoilt by Aunt Robin ) . It was a lovely way to get back into "Travel around Australia" mode for our next adventure across the top of end of Australia to Cairns.

 

As for Bali, it was a great experience for the boys to realise just what a beautiful clean country we live in................on that note here is our latest video!

Darwin – weather to die for - 7th June...

Darwin – weather to love.

Our last morning in Kakadu found us very organized packed and ready to head to Darwin. We picked up some croc shirts for the boys before we left and said goodbye to our new found fellow travellers Tracey, Toni, Charlie & Mathew . We also met another family before we left Sue & Phil, after exchanging details we hit the road for our next adventure. The drive was enjoyable as we took in the bush scenery of Pandanas and Coolabah trees, we were amazed by the size of the termite mounds and finally found one close to the edge of the road (so we could avoid the snakes) and took the tourist photo for our records.

We entered Trippe St, Humpty Doo on the GPS and followed the burning off to Aunt Robbin’s house (Bells Auntie). We dropped of the caravan (Glen and Robin were out) then headed into Darwin (35 min drive) to orientate ourselves. We drove straight in and parked in the city centre...........right next to the visitors centre, there it was without even trying!  We soon learned that Darwin is really easy to navigate and everyone seems so laid back, it was a joy on the roads.



Boys just having fun

 Our first day we started with some shopping and schoolwork, then it was time to hit the free (yes free!) Leanyer Recreation Park Water slides.  As we arrived Riley said ‘I am so excited’ (it is his first time on a water slide), Aiden just wanted to take his toy jet ski and the boys loved it! unfortunately Aiden was an inch to short to go on the slides but Riley made the most of it and dragged us both up the stairs over 20 times! how Riley has so much energy we have no idea and soon became such an expert that he hit the slides in all angles going in and coming out.

 

Day two found us heading to Stolks working wharf, there were 3 navy ships in dock and a huge tug boat. We then visited the WWII oil storage tunnels, Aiden ran wild while Riley played it more cautious and stayed with mum. With the day warming up we headed to the amazing wave pool, only $16 for the day and every 10 min there is a 20min burst of waves, it was a blast and wore us all out. Towards the end of the day we had to make the most of the Thursday night Mindle markets, what an atmosphere with a vast array of foods, crafts and entertainment we all had a great time.  Riley did some rock climbing for the first time and loved getting to the top on several occasions. He also let the instructor know all about himself and how he was travelling around Australia. Aiden was not so keen but of course had to make the most of the enormous bouncy castle. We then brought some dinner and sat on the beach to watch the sunset along with about a thousand other people…true the beach was packed! After a huge day we only managed to only spend $60 (go Darwin!) we were all exhausted and headed back to Humpty Doo around 8pm.

See photo - Aiden with no fear.

Day three we had a slow start but managed to get to the Territory Wildlife park for the day, some of the highlights were the bat flying lessons in the Nocturnal house and the little echidna who came up to the glass and say hello to the boys. The yellow faced turtles were just as inquisitive as we watched them swimming around through the glass and of course the aquarium section was a hit with each section revealing a new critter with every turn. The main highlight for Aiden was the train ride back to the main station, he was so quiet and seemed to be mesmerised. With the temperature warming up it was time to cool of at Berry Springs National Park (just around the corner) what a magical place. It was only reopened a week ago (closed because of crocs! ) and the water temp was just divine and the boys were able to swim from one end of the spring (over 30m ) without our help. They were amazing, both the boys would flip on their backs when they needed a little rest along the way and then continue until reaching the other end. After a couple hours we headed home and along the way stopped at the Didgeridoo Hut & Gallery, where they had a pink and grey who would sit on your hand, a black pig and the boys also got to hold a Python for the first time. The boys are really becoming great explores and are now not scared to try almost anything.

See photo - The family.

Day 4 was a little less planned with a trip out to the Coolalinga & Parap Markets then the Smith’s Street Mall. We then took a visit to the Botanic Gardens and headed back to go out to dinner at Phil & Tracey’s House (Bells Cousin). We had a blast and it was the latest the boys had stayed up to ever!….10pm. We could have stayed later but thought we should be responsible ..heheh. It was really great to finally meet Tracey, Phil and Jasmine (Tracey’s daughter). The boys hit it off with Jaz and we had a great evening getting to know each other for the first time (and it will not be the last).

Day 5 found us waking up at 8am! Phew .. thank goodness the boys slept in (they were amazingly good last night). We slowly got ready then headed into Darwin with Robin and Glen for the Glenti Festival (Greek), Riley again spied the rock climbing wall and had to do it over all the other rides on offer, and Aiden's eye caught the motorbike rides.......they were off!. We had our eye on all the food and took the opportunity to have some traditional Greek food for lunch. The boys got to meet Diago and Dora and watch some Greek dancing followed by the Diago show. After lunch we took a scooter ride with the boys along Fannie Bay and then drove to East point and admired the beautiful homes along the way.

See photo - First aeroplane Chris worked on.

 Interesting start to day 6. Riley was not in the mood to do school work so we didn't finish until lunch time so our planned trip to Litchfield national park has now been postponed until later. In the end we decided to go to the aviation museum where the home of the B52 is. We couldn't stop the boys yelling with excitement so we just let them go for it. Not only did they have all the aircraft on display but also outside they had some taking off and landing from the nearby airport. We all had a blast.

Day 8 We went to the Darwin Museum and Art Gallery and saw Sweetheart the 17ft monster salty weighing over 700kg, a great place just a shame they have not made the most of the lovely view to the beach with an outdoor area, although the ski club next door has, with a bar overlooking the bay!       We then went to the town beach and watch the boys swim in the cool water, Riley had a great chat with the lifeguard whilst we enjoyed the lovely warm sun. Oh yeah and by the way did we tell you that Darwin is going through a cold snap (10 at night and 28 daytime)? You can pick the locals as they are all wearing winter clothes...haha. For us it is just perfect. We were then off to the huge shopping centre at Casurina (a good place to go if you like to place that has everything)

See photo - Chris, Uncle Glenn, Aiden,
Aunty Robin & Riley  watching the
noisy trucks.

Day 9 we headed into Darwin to watch the truck convoy with A Robin and U Glenn. The boys spent most it covering their ears as the trucks blew their horns continuously as they went down the main street.  On the way home there were more bush fires, as we have learnt that at this time of the year they do a lot of back burning through the bush and this week has made for some interesting views of enormous fires! That evening we went out for dinner to Hogs Breath Café with Robin & Glenn.

 

On the Friday (day 10) we got up early 7am! said our goodbyes and headed to Hidden Valley for the V8 super cars. We could write another novel about the boys first experience on the track and in the pits, but we'll try and keep it short and sweet ........

Favourite: Crossing the track between races

Second: Watching the V8's (don't forget earplugs if you are a kid, we didn't!)

Third: Riley getting to sit in a formula 3 race car

In fourth place but only just: Climbing up, in, on and around army and navy machines.

 

With no time for lunch (to much to look at) Tracey collected us at 1pm and took us to the airport for our trip to Bali.

Without further ado here is our next video clip.

 

NT: Border, Old Victoria River Crossing to Kakadu - June 3rd...

See photo - It says it all, boarder crossing.

Yahoo!!!... we did it, we made it out of WA and still as excited as when we left 6 weeks ago. We had covered 6524 kms in WA, caught 6 tiddlers but nothing to eat!. Now the kids are much better at longer trips and  we now push the 440 km stretches with a couple stops along the way. Interestingly the kids are not fussed about watching DVD's, they just love asking questions when they spy things along the way!.

Our stop at Victoria Crossing found us relaxing on the old road bridge fishing, while the boys had Drag races on their bikes for the 3 hours! Unfortunately we did not catch anything, except Chris did a great job losing his rig 5 times, including an unbelievable retrieval when the snag let go and the sinker shot past Chris and I between the railings across and over the other side of the 4 lane bridge!



See photo - Boys wanted a photo in Katherine on the old digger.

Our arrival in Kakadu was earlier than expected, we passed thru Katherine with a quick stop to look at the markets and some old Digging Machines (request from the boys), we took some photos and pressed on to Pine Creek and the turnoff to Kakadu. Pine Creek was an old mining town and had a plethora of vintage steam driven mining and haulage equipment on display, we got some photos of the boys on some old trains and we were off! We arrived at the Entry point and stopped to pay for our entry tickets only to find Aiden fast asleep, so we bribed Riley with a Lollipop and pushed on thru to Cooinia and the Gagudju Lodge Kakadu resort and Caravan Park.

As we entered the Kakadu National Park we found ourselves waiting for the scenery to change, it felt like we where in Kalamunda back home. We arrived at the Gagudju Lodge Kakadu Resort only to find the Jim Jim Falls and many other areas were closed due to excessive Croc activity . We checked in (at cost of $55 per night ....ouch), then headed straight to the pool. It was a beautiful resort style pool the best yet, but we guess that is what you should get at that price per night.

See photo - Riley the explorer, pointing to rock art.

The next day we took a drive out to ..... Aiden was truly not in the mood for a bush walk, but we managed to get his attention from time to time and break the winging moments with questions. However Aiden had been odd the last day or so, so we think he was still recovering from (maybe lack of sleep!) on the other hand Riley, the explorer loved it and we took the lead to all the sites and Aboriginal paintings. We continued along and popped into another couple of spots on the way home to find nothing of  any real interest until we came to the Aboriginal Culture Centre, it was an amazing Cultural Centre and well worth the time.

So what to do now, we thought. We had planned on spending another 3 nights across at Aroura Kakadu, but most things were closed due to the floods and increased number in crocs, they are planning on opening up the areas in mid June after they catch and relocate the feisty eaters, so maybe next time..........

See photo - Hanging out with Tanya, Tony and boys

Our next day we decided to have laze around the pool and have a lamb roast for dinner. By this stage we had a chance to meet our latest neighbours from Rockhampton Tracey & Tony with their two boys Charlie and Matthew who are also on there away around this amazing country of ours. It was .great to spend some relaxing time with them. We hope to meet up with them as they come up the east coast as we are travelling in opposite directions! Their blog address is www.gillfamilyozodyssey.blogspot.com/ 

See photo - Keeping a close eye on the croc.

By the end of our stay in Kakadu we decided we had to do a tour that would really give us something to write home about (I think we where spoilt by the beauty of Karijini), we did the Yellow Water Tour on the Alligator River (by the way there are no Alligators the bloke who discovered the place made a mistake with what he saw!) It was lovely, however Aiden was very restless and took turns at annoying us, thank goodness we took a bag of snacks to stuff his face with. As it was an afternoon trip we got to see a beautiful sunset, and a big 3 mt croc swimming in front of us and even a Jabaroo fishing in the reeds. We also enjoyed the delights seeing birds like the King Fisher, Data (looks a little like a Shag, but is rare and shy in these waters), Egrets, Rainbow Bee Eater and Whistling Ducks. See our video to enjoy the sunset as we did.

Next morning we decided to get an early start and head off to the big smoke DARWIN......... stay tuned!

Boabs, Fitzroy, Wyndham "n" Kununurra we go! - May 29th...

See photo - Boab vs Car & Caravan.

We left Broome and steadily made our way east towards Fitzroy Crossing and up to Kununurra, it wasn't to long before we could hear the faint "are we there yet" closely followed by the "how many minutes is that" and "can i have some sandwiches". So we pulled in 100km up the road and fed the troops! Following the turnoff to Derby / Kununurra (yes we took the right one!) we found the biggest Boab tree ever..... and proceeded to make it flash blind! We continued across the Willere Bridge and pulled into the Willere Roadhouse for the boys to look at what we all think was the biggest Dozer ever built!, it was huge and the crowd was amused by it also. Continuing along we found .......yes, another huge Boab tree (you can see a pattern emerging cant you!), we then stopped 80km outside Fitzroy Crossing for our last Boab photo opportunity, a grove of 5 to 10 of them, very nice indeed!.


We headed to the Fitzroy River and its crossing, the caravan park was just over the river and out of town, fantastic spot as evident by the HUGE line of caravans behind us only minutes after we arrived (good timing!), we got our pick of the sites and setup, the boys then proceeded to ride their bikes thru every puddle as fast as they could and get dirty as quickly as possible, to which i give them credit...... they did a great job!.

See photo - One of 11 fresh water crocs we saw
on the Geikie Gorge tour.

Dinner was marinated chicken thighs grilled on the Webber (something different) with mash and corn, then it was shower and an early bed ready for another 430km trip to the Warman (Turkey Creek) and on to Wyndham. First thing it was up and out to the Geikie George tour along the mighty Fitzroy River ( per volume flow the largest river in Australia ) every 75 minutes it flows Perth's total combined water stock) and the volume of Sydney Harbour every 24 hours!

Well enough stats, we set off for the Bungle Bungles and an overnight stop at the Bungle Bungle Caravan park which is inside the park itself, it should be signposted, the advert said, but we have no communication apart from email........? so off we went, well 4 1/2  hours later with 2 ragged kids there was nothing at the entry point about a caravan park, and barely enough space to turn around at the entrance so what to do?, well off we went to Warmun, 58km down the road....a very bad one!, and after nearly getting killed by a Truck driver with a road train who's last trailer ran us half off the road we arrived. 7 sites at the roadside with the roadhouse, great people, 20 stray dogs and 4 stray horses from the 'local' community round the corner, the boys got on their bikes and cut the place up..... dust everywhere and heaps of laughs, until Riley stacked it! Then it was dinner and then bed without a word, you beauty!.

See photo - Family by the Boab tree Near Marlgu Billabong.

Well after a good sleep we were up at the crack of dawn and on the road to Wyndham and the Parry Farm Caravan Park, what a great place, perfect location off the road, huge Boabs a pool, bird watching of the feathered variety, and a 2 meter saltwater crock......... somewhere in the park (you got the prize if you find it!). And the boys were on their bikes ..... again and this time no stacks. After lunch it was in the car, again, and off to the Marlgu Billabong via the old Telegraph Homestead, what a fantastic view of the wetlands (the bird life was amazing and to date this is the best Billabong we have ever seen - will update if anything changes) Bell did some bird-watching then it was off across the10km wetland plain  to Wyndham (fantastic open plain once the wet season water level drops!). Wyndham.......... well what a DUMP!, there is nothing there so we got a photo with the concrete croc, Bell saw someone wearing an ECU Sports T-shirt, got some fuel $1.65 / Lt (nice not to get "done over" for it just once) and up to the 5 Rivers Lookout up the hill, great view and then off back to the caravan park.

See photo - A late night for the boys,
but why wouldn't you for this view!

On the way back we saw the turnoff for the "Boab Prison Tree", it was 4pm but we had a stash of lollies to bribe the boys when the going got tough, so off we went!. The track was pretty good, we had 4 water crossings and a crock sighting, on the way back we got some amazing sunset images of the Boabs across to the Western Ranges , and almost ran over a python (our first so far) also some photos of the wetlands.

See photo - Kununurra Diversion Dam.

The next day we packed up and headed to Kununurra staying at the Hidden Valley Tourist Park. As the gateway to the East Kimberley, the town was established in the 1960's to service the Ord River Irrigation Scheme. As we arrived we drove over the Diversion Dam, seeing the rushing water going under the bridge brought excitement to the passengers after a bumpy stretch of road. After settling in and checking out the freezing cold swimming pool we took an after walk through part of the Hidden Valley National Park. We made a mistake with Aiden letting him wear sandals and every minute he was stopping to empty his shoes after a whinge! At the end of our lovely walk we found some soft rocks that someone had collected from the park and left near the entrance. So with a hammer the boys let loose, made some paint and did some Aboriginal painting, and . We did learn that water does not work as well as spit!

See photo - Boys trying their hand at Aboriginal art.

The next morning we headed out to finish our National Park walk, along with the sighting of a stink bug, goanna and numerous birds there was plenty of entertainment as we climbed on rocks along the tracks. On our return we headed for a more detailed exploration of town which included trying to buy local fruit (unfortunately the floods this year took longer to recede and we were about 2 weeks too early), Kelly's Knob Lookout and window shopped at the Argyle Diamond store!

See photo - Lake Argyle - damming of Ord river in 1972.

For our last day we decided to take a day trip (70km) to Lake Argyle. It was an impressive sight, of 1000 square kms of water. We saw a croc as we crossed the main bridge and stopped for a chat with the fisherman and admired the dozens of pike fish taking advantage of the fast flowing water that diverted into the side streams. After taking in the views we stopped for a picnic lunch and were joined by a dozen birds including one very dirty white/brown Corella who looked like he had been playing the muddy puddle. After a nice steady ride home we then enjoyed a leftover Teriyaki pork dinner and it was off to bed for and early departure ...... and our journey to the Top End!

Here are our East Kimberley photos