tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2352570591604426912024-03-29T22:02:47.834+11:00Tezza's Beaches and Islands"THE BEST BEACHES AND ISLANDS SITE SINCE THE LAST ONE" - the Tilba Tilba Times Tourism Supplement.tezzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06099777760234890854noreply@blogger.comBlogger105125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-235257059160442691.post-61234875633754096602021-12-31T18:38:00.006+11:002022-10-06T15:58:12.822+11:00INDEX<b><em></em><span style="font-style: italic;">THAILAND</span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikDrcFxm27LWVjfEc-OnRL6mCs6VxBsYhpnddh32fS-tXnN-LFJSDN5YVF5DSfI3tFmQUhNLPQUPb4A8phVubD-aZTo9clTTnfUH4xfQS6Gs8KIF8GUVzYQURWawdEi6xg03tBh2zYYSE/s1600/Samui+Terry+132.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikDrcFxm27LWVjfEc-OnRL6mCs6VxBsYhpnddh32fS-tXnN-LFJSDN5YVF5DSfI3tFmQUhNLPQUPb4A8phVubD-aZTo9clTTnfUH4xfQS6Gs8KIF8GUVzYQURWawdEi6xg03tBh2zYYSE/s1600/Samui+Terry+132.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-style: italic;">Ao Sadet from Silver Cliff's restaurant - east coast of Ko Phangan</span><br />
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<a href="http://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com/2007/12/which-island-or-beach.html"><b>INTRODUCTION - WHICH ISLAND OR BEACH?</b></a><br />
<a href="http://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com/2008/12/ko-adang.html">ADANG</a><br />
<a href="http://tezzasthaiinfo.blogspot.com.au/2017/04/ang-thong-national-marine-park.html">ANG THONG NATIONAL MARINE PARK</a><br />
<a href="http://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com.au/2014/12/ko-bu-bu.html">BU BU</a><br />
<a href="http://tezzasthaiinfo.blogspot.com/2007/07/ko-bulon-lae.html">BULON LAE </a><br />
<a href="http://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com/2008/02/ko-chang.html">CHANG (big Chang eastern Gulf) </a><br />
<a href="http://tezzasthaiinfo.blogspot.com/2006/12/little-ko-chang-andaman-side.html">Little Ko CHANG, Andaman side</a><br />
<a href="http://tezzasthaiinfo.blogspot.com/2006/12/little-ko-chang-andaman-side.html"></a><a href="http://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com/2011/04/coral-island.html">CORAL ISLAND</a><br />
<a href="http://tezzasthaiinfo.blogspot.com/2006/12/ko-jum.html">JUM </a><br />
<a href="http://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com.au/2012/03/kanchanaburi.html">KANCHANABURI</a><br />
<a href="http://tezzasthaiinfo.blogspot.com/2007/05/ko-kradan.html">KRADAN</a><br />
<a href="http://tezzasthaiinfo.blogspot.com/2006/12/krabi-and-railay-area.html">KRABI, RAILAY, TON SAI</a><br />
<a href="http://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com.au/2017/04/khanom.html">KHANOM</a><br />
<a href="http://tezzasthaiinfo.blogspot.com/2011/01/khai-lak-updated.html">KHAO LAK</a><br />
<a href="http://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com/2011/03/khao-sok.html">KHAO SOK NATIONAL PARK</a><br />
<a href="http://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com/2010/12/ko-kho-khao.html">KHO KHAO</a><br />
<a href="http://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com.au/2012/03/ko-kood-kud-kut-updated.html">KUT (KOOD, KUD)</a><br />
<a href="http://tezzasthaiinfo.blogspot.com/2007/05/ko-lanta.html">LANTA</a><br />
<a href="http://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com/2008/12/ko-lao-liang.html">LAO LIANG</a><br />
<a href="http://tezzasthaiinfo.blogspot.com/2006/12/ko-libong-hat-yao-and-ko-laoliang.html">LIBONG, HAT YAO</a><br />
<a href="http://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com/2009/12/lipe-2t.html"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">LIPE</span></a><br />
<a href="http://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com/2008/03/ko-mak-mac-mack.html">MAK (MAC, MAAK)</a><br />
<a href="http://tezzasthaiinfo.blogspot.com.au/2014/12/maya-bay-phi-phi-leh.html">MAYA BAY/THE BEACH/PHI PHI LEY</a><br />
<a href="http://tezzasthaiinfo.blogspot.com/2007/06/ko-muk-mook.html">MUK (MOOK)</a><br />
<a href="http://tezzasthaiinfo.blogspot.com.au/2013/08/ko-nangyuan.html">NANGYUAN</a><br />
<a href="http://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com.au/2012/05/ko-ngai-updated.html">NGAI (HAI)</a><br />
<a href="http://readerstripretports.blogspot.com.au/2010/12/ko-panyeepanyi.html">KO PANYI/PANYEE</a><br />
<a href="http://readerstripretports.blogspot.com/2010/01/pattaya.html">PATTAYA</a><br />
<a href="http://tezzasthaiinfo.blogspot.com/2006/12/ko-phangan.html">PHANGAN</a><br />
<a href="http://tezzasthaiinfo.blogspot.com/2009/08/phangan-part-2.html">PHANGAN PART 2</a><br />
<a href="http://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com/2010/12/phang-nga-bay.html">PHANG NGA BAY</a><br />
<a href="http://tezzasthaiinfo.blogspot.com/2006/12/ko-phayam.html">PHAYAM</a><br />
<a href="http://tezzasthaiinfo.blogspot.com/2007/12/phuket.html"></a><a href="http://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com/2011/04/ko-phra-thong.html">PHRA THONG</a><br />
<a href="http://tezzasthaiinfo.blogspot.com/2007/12/phuket.html">PHUKET</a><br />
<a href="http://tezzasthaiinfo.blogspot.com/2006/12/ko-phi-phi.html">PHI PHI</a><br />
<a href="http://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com/2007/11/cut-price-slice-of-paradise_11.html">PHI PHI NEWSPAPER ARTICLE BY TEZZA</a><br />
<a href="http://tezzasthaiinfo.blogspot.com/2006/12/krabi-and-railay-area.html">RAILAY, TON SAI AND KRABI TOWN</a><br />
<a href="http://tezzasthaiinfo.blogspot.com/2006/12/krabi-and-railay-area.html"></a><a href="http://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com/2010/12/ko-rayaracha.html">RAYA/RACHA</a><br />
<a href="http://readerstripretports.blogspot.com.au/2013/06/readers-trip-reports-ko-rok.html">ROK</a><br />
<a href="http://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com/2008/02/ko-samet.html">SAMET</a><br />
<a href="http://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com/2008/12/you-dont-come-to-siboya-for-beaches.html"></a><a href="http://tezzasthaiinfo.blogspot.com/2009/08/samui.html">SAMUI</a><br />
<a href="http://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com/2008/12/you-dont-come-to-siboya-for-beaches.html">SIBOYA</a><br />
<a href="http://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com.au/2017/04/sichon.html">SICHON</a><br />
<a href="http://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com.au/2012/05/similan-islands.html">SIMILAN ISLANDS</a><br />
<a href="http://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com.au/2012/05/feb-08-3-day-snorkelling-trip-to.html">SIMILAN ISLANDS LIVE-ABOARD </a><br />
<a href="http://tezzasthaiinfo.blogspot.com/2007/04/some-info-on-ko-sukorn.html">SUKORN</a><a href="http://tezzasthaiinfo.blogspot.com/2007/04/some-info-on-ko-sukorn.html"></a><br />
<a href="http://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com/2011/04/kho-surin.html">SURIN ISLANDS</a><br />
<a href="http://tezzasthaiinfo.blogspot.com/2008/12/ko-tarutao.html">TARUTAO</a><br />
<a href="http://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com/2010/06/ko-tao-updated.html"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">TAO</span></a><br />
<a href="http://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com/2008/03/ko-wai-whai.html">WAI (WHAI)</a><br />
<a href="http://tezzasthaiinfo.blogspot.com/2007/04/some-info-on-ko-yao-noi.html">YAO NOI</a><br />
<a href="http://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com/2008/12/ko-yao-yai.html">YAO YAI</a><br />
<a href="http://tezzasthaiinfo.blogspot.com/2007/12/phuket.html"></a><br />
<a href="http://tezzasthaiinfo.blogspot.com/2007/12/phuket.html"></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">General Thailand Information</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://tezzasthaiinfo.blogspot.com/2007/04/some-tips-on-not-drowning.html">SOME TIPS ON NOT DROWNING</a><br />
<a href="http://tezzasthaiinfo.blogspot.com/2007/04/some-info-on-ko-yao-noi.html"></a><a href="http://tezzasthaiinfo.blogspot.com/2007/04/wet-weather-information.html">WET WEATHER INFORMATION</a><br />
<a href="http://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com/2007/07/snorkelling-in-thailand.html">SNORKELLING IN THAILAND</a><br />
<a href="http://tezzasthaiinfo.blogspot.com/2009/09/pristine-beaches-in-thailand.html">THAILAND'S NICER BEACHES</a><br />
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<span style="font-size: 130%;"><em><strong>INDONESIA:</strong></em></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ01CgcdPQrsmQzeuSEaS3QZwA8WBnQLYFhnow8E6XK-fLtlrU6g0i6DI_npyjYiyMYnMOHVoxAyJljW21-MacPDXvRIR31jIf8BfmRGtAkN92Sa5c9TPtwvG1kpeNocufQNLKlnnWOZg/s1600/BALI+09+055.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472414705054930514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ01CgcdPQrsmQzeuSEaS3QZwA8WBnQLYFhnow8E6XK-fLtlrU6g0i6DI_npyjYiyMYnMOHVoxAyJljW21-MacPDXvRIR31jIf8BfmRGtAkN92Sa5c9TPtwvG1kpeNocufQNLKlnnWOZg/s400/BALI+09+055.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 297px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Approaching Gili Trawangan, Lombok on Perama's direct boat from Bali</span><br />
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<a href="http://tezzasthaiinfo.blogspot.com/2007/07/some-info-on-bali.html">BALI</a><br />
<a href="http://tezzasthaiinfo.blogspot.com.au/2009/06/balis-best-beaches-bukit-peninsula-and.html">BALI'S BEST BEACHES - incl THE BUKIT PENINSULA</a><br />
<a href="http://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com.au/2013/06/amed.html">BALI - AMED</a><br />
<a href="http://tezzasthaiinfo.blogspot.com.au/2014/06/bedugal-and-lake-brutan.html">BALI - BEDUGUL AND LAKE BRATAN</a><br />
<a href="http://tezzasthaiinfo.blogspot.com.au/2012/08/canngu.html">BALI - CANGGU</a><br />
<a href="http://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com.au/2016/09/jatiluwhih-rice-terraces.html">BALI - JATILUWIH RICE TERRACES</a><br />
<a href="http://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com.au/2014/06/jimbaran.html">BALI - JIMBARAN</a><br />
<a href="http://tezzasthaiinfo.blogspot.com/2007/07/nusa-lembongan-bali-offshore-gem.html">BALI - NUSA LEMBONGAN</a><br />
<a href="http://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com.au/2017/06/nusa-penida.html">BALI - NUSA PENIDA</a><br />
<a href="http://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com.au/2013/06/geger-beach-and-nusa-dua.html">BALI - NUSA DUA, TANJUNG BENOA AND GEGER BEACH</a><br />
<a href="http://tezzasthaiinfo.blogspot.com/2009/06/south-bali-attracts-mafority-of-bali.html">EAST BALI - PADANGBAI AND CANDIDASA</a><br />
<a href="http://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com/2011/10/lovina.html">BALI - LOVINA</a><br />
<a href="http://tezzasthaiinfo.blogspot.com.au/2014/06/medewi.html">BALI - MEDEWI</a><br />
<a href="http://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com.au/2014/06/munduk.html">BALI - MUNDUK</a><br />
<a href="http://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com.au/2012/08/pemuteran-and-menjangan.html">BALI - PEMUTERAN AND MENJANGAN ISLAND</a><br />
<a href="http://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com/2010/09/bali-rice-terraces-sideman.html">BALI RICE TERRACES EAST - SIDEMAN</a><br />
<a href="http://tezzasthaiinfo.blogspot.com.au/2015/06/tegalalangtegallalang.html">BALI RICE TERRACES CENTRAL - TEGALLALANG</a><br />
<a href="http://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com.au/2012/08/kebun-villas-in-western-rice-fields.html">BALI RICE TERRACES WEST - KEBUN VILLAS</a><br />
<a href="http://tezzasthaiinfo.blogspot.com.au/2013/06/tirta-gangga-rice-terraces-and-water.html">BALI RICE TERRACES TIRTAGANGGA + WATER PALACE</a><br />
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<a href="http://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com/2011/08/bintan.html">BINTAN</a><br />
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<a href="http://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com/2011/09/gili-islands-updated.html">LOMBOK - THE NOTH WEST GILI ISLANDS</a><br />
<a href="https://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com/2019/07/the-south-west-gili-islands-gede-and.html">LOMBOK - THE SOUTH WEST GILI ISLANDS</a><br />
<a href="http://tezzasthaiinfo.blogspot.com/2007/07/some-info-on-kuta-lombok.html">LOMBOK - THE KUTA LOMBOK AREA</a><br />
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<a href="http://tezzasthaiinfo.blogspot.com/2009/05/perama-slow-boat-flores-to-komodo-np-to.html">PERAMA SLOWBOAT - FLORES/KOMODO/LOMBOK</a><br />
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<a href="http://tezzasthaiinfo.blogspot.com/2009/05/seraya-and-kanawa-islands-and.html">SERAYA & KANAWA ISLANDS + LABUANBAJO - FLORES</a><br />
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<span style="font-size: 130%;"><strong><em>MALAYSIA</em></strong></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD6L-x_-0gmUXyoVILu3xlZo21MYPdEYXizMNLEXUcocjPDUchVS32orOkCgYZv0C1ZTD4O10Qtn0lk6RO-UGssoihGz1Ic9ZKWIUYikd1XVWlQw9BrOUCR7Y0VfacSIVPadnXwbUXYkw/s1600/Malaysia+08+153_edited.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472415780194889474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD6L-x_-0gmUXyoVILu3xlZo21MYPdEYXizMNLEXUcocjPDUchVS32orOkCgYZv0C1ZTD4O10Qtn0lk6RO-UGssoihGz1Ic9ZKWIUYikd1XVWlQw9BrOUCR7Y0VfacSIVPadnXwbUXYkw/s400/Malaysia+08+153_edited.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 317px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><i>Taking it easy on Tioman Island, Malaysia</i><br />
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<a href="http://tezzasthaiinfo.blogspot.com/2007/07/gorgeous-tioman-island.html">GORGEOUS TIOMAN ISLAND</a><br />
<a href="http://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com/2011/08/cherating-beach.html">CHERATING BEACH</a><br />
<a href="http://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com/2011/04/blog-post.html">KAPAS ISLAND</a><br />
<a href="http://tezzasthaiinfo.blogspot.com/2009/12/langkawi.html">LANGKAWI</a><br />
<a href="http://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com.au/2013/09/lang-tengah.html">LANG TENGAH</a><br />
<a href="http://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com/2011/07/perhentian-islands.html">PERHENTIAN ISLAND</a><a href="http://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com/2011/07/perhentian-islands.html">S</a><br />
<a href="http://tezzasthaiinfo.blogspot.com/2011/07/redang-island.html">REDANG ISLAND</a><br />
<a href="http://tezzasthaiinfo.blogspot.com/2011/07/sibu-island.html">SIBU ISLAND</a><br />
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<span style="font-size: 130%;"><em><strong><br />AUSTRALIA</strong></em></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQR6G_SNgv8v-YiuiAasst4G8GJgnwF6h3LFDIr6rtP4mygttu6P1xH-B_aqWvsJOzj_D1-8usDhMUdBOA_iq1nPgrudknAEcYV_pA2YYDl4ASD05YJgWFPYjczMBmWpsCdOKTgnOcCHU/s1600/tezza+011_edited.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472416967410553810" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQR6G_SNgv8v-YiuiAasst4G8GJgnwF6h3LFDIr6rtP4mygttu6P1xH-B_aqWvsJOzj_D1-8usDhMUdBOA_iq1nPgrudknAEcYV_pA2YYDl4ASD05YJgWFPYjczMBmWpsCdOKTgnOcCHU/s400/tezza+011_edited.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 229px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Cruising down Whitsunday Island</span><br />
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<a href="http://tezzasthaiinfo.blogspot.com/2007/04/whitsunday-cruising-on-cheap.html">CRUISING TROPICAL ISLANDS ON A BUDGET</a><br />
<a href="http://tezzasthaiinfo.blogspot.com/2008/06/budget-resorting-on-whitsunday-islands.html">BUDGET RESORTING ON THE WHITSUNDAY ISLANDS</a> NTH QLD<br />
<a href="http://tezzasthaiinfo.blogspot.com/2008/06/spening-time-in-airlie-beach.html">SPENDING TIME AT AIRLIE BEACH</a> - NTH QLD<br />
<a href="http://tezzasthaiinfo.blogspot.com.au/2016/09/cape-tribulation.html">CAPE TRIBULATION - NTH QLD</a><br />
<a href="http://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com.au/2016/09/dunk-island.html">DUNK ISLAND - NTH QLD</a><br />
<a href="http://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com.au/2016/07/fitzroy-island.html">FITZROY ISLAND - CAIRNS - NTHE QLD</a><br />
<a href="http://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com.au/2016/02/cruising-south-west-pacific-on-liners.html">CRUISING THE SOUTH WEST PACIFIC ON LINERS</a><br />
<a href="http://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com/2009/06/byron-bay.html">BYRON BAY - BEACH PARADISE</a><br />
<a href="http://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com/2011/02/noosa-heads.html">NOOSA HEADS - MY ALL TIME FAVOURITE</a><div><b><a href="http://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com/2021/12/green-island.html">GREEN ISLAND NTH QLD</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com/2020/05/kiama.html">KIAM</a>A</b><br />
<a href="http://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com.au/2016/08/magnetic-island.html">MAGNETIC ISLAND NTH QLD</a><br />
<a href="http://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com.au/2017/01/darwin.html">TOP END - DARWIN</a><br />
<a href="http://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com.au/2017/01/darwin-beaches-i-didnt-go-to-darwin-for.html">TOP END - DARWIN BEACHES</a><br />
<a href="http://tezzasthaiinfo.blogspot.com.au/2017/02/kakadu-national-park.html">TOP END - KAKADU NATIONAL PARK</a><br />
<a href="http://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com.au/2017/01/litchfield-national-park.html">TOP END - LITCHFIELD NATIONAL PARK</a><br />
<a href="http://tezzasthaiinfo.blogspot.com.au/2017/02/nitmiluk-katherine-gorge-and-katherine.html">TOP END - NITMILUK (KATHERINE) GORGE and KATHERINE TOWN</a><br />
<a href="http://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com.au/2017/01/mandorahwagait.html">TOP END - MANDORAH and WAGAIT BEACH</a><br />
<a href="http://tezzasthaiinfo.blogspot.com.au/2017/02/mataranka-thermal-pools.html">TOP END - MATARANKA THERMAL POOLS</a><br />
<a href="http://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com.au/2017/01/a-cheapskates-guide-to-doing-tiwi.html">TOP END - THE TIWI ISLANDS</a><br />
<b><span><a href="https://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com/2022/09/uluru-kata-tjuta-olgas-and-kings-canyon.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;">RED CENTER - ULURU, KATA TJUTA and KINGS CANYON</span><i style="font-size: x-large;"> .</i><br /></a></span></b>
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">GREECE</span></i></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw25bpzwYs1_eJX7J2o_jawvf6gI0cG-CpblBVAEVWcTh3pVZE8fCUb1KXfcuMM6PK_zcbEyQz6a2yXxP6WO4e0Gck6ber-eAEBilLSXgS1W2dmbIDJ74aNWz3lb8vf0XRe1B5ociiA5M/s1600/247768_359300007492761_2131679110_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw25bpzwYs1_eJX7J2o_jawvf6gI0cG-CpblBVAEVWcTh3pVZE8fCUb1KXfcuMM6PK_zcbEyQz6a2yXxP6WO4e0Gck6ber-eAEBilLSXgS1W2dmbIDJ74aNWz3lb8vf0XRe1B5ociiA5M/s400/247768_359300007492761_2131679110_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<i>Cute church - Naxos</i><br />
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<a href="http://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com.au/2012/10/greek-island-hopping.html?showComment=1350804904366">GREEK ISLAND HOPPING</a><br />
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<span style="font-size: 130%;"><strong><em>TURKEY</em></strong></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjibBy3kkTxWDBKk0KHO-fRxYZh0hSCooPy0Ie3I8DwWCOgLC8bCiQ4O6FxWK1z0Yq7bxYotXowR94-uRkCh9ltqaChbEJIf-EqZHYGYv7BAXoI4l4-Z58jRa4ieF7B_ikx6nhlNGnplCU/s1600/o.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472419385979514146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjibBy3kkTxWDBKk0KHO-fRxYZh0hSCooPy0Ie3I8DwWCOgLC8bCiQ4O6FxWK1z0Yq7bxYotXowR94-uRkCh9ltqaChbEJIf-EqZHYGYv7BAXoI4l4-Z58jRa4ieF7B_ikx6nhlNGnplCU/s400/o.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 269px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Beach, forest-clad medieval ruins and up-valley budget accommodation at Olympos in Turkey</span><br />
<a href="http://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com/2008/03/budget-cruising-and-paragliding-turkish.html">BUDGET CRUISING AND PARAGLIDING THE TURQUOISE COAST</a><br />
<a href="http://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com.au/2012/10/turkey-north-agean-coast.html">THE NORTH AEGEAN COAST</a><br />
<a href="http://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com.au/2012/10/turkey-south-aegean.html">THE SOUTH AEGEAN COAST</a><br />
<span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><br /><span style="font-size: 130%;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: 130%;">SPAIN</span></span><br />
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<b><i>Looking south to Tossa de Mar</i></b><br />
<a href="http://tezzasthaiinfo.blogspot.com.au/2014/08/spain.html">INTRODUCTION</a><br />
<a href="http://tezzasthaiinfo.blogspot.com.au/2014/08/barcelona.html">BARCELONA</a><br />
<a href="http://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com.au/2014/08/ibiza.html">IBIZA</a><br />
<a href="http://tezzasthaiinfo.blogspot.com.au/2014/08/lhospitalet-de-linfant.html">L'HOSPITALET DE L'INFANT</a><br />
<a href="http://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com.au/2014/08/mallorca-majorca.html">MALLORCA/MAJORCA</a><br />
<a href="http://tezzasthaiinfo.blogspot.com.au/2014/08/monsterrat.html">MONTSERRAT</a>
<span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: 130%;"><br /></span></span><br />
<a href="http://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com.au/2014/09/the-pyrenees.html">PYRENEES</a><br />
<a href="http://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com.au/2014/08/san-sebastian.html">SAN SEBASTIAN</a><br />
<a href="http://tezzasthaiinfo.blogspot.com.au/2014/08/sitges.html">SITGES</a><br />
<a href="http://tezzasthaiinfo.blogspot.com.au/2014/08/tossa-de-mar.html">TOSSA DE MAR</a><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><b>USA - SOUTH WEST</b></span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></i>
<b><a href="http://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com.au/2015/09/u-s-south-west.html">THE BEACHES</a></b><br />
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<b><a href="http://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com.au/2015/09/the-good-bad-and-ugly.html">THE GOOD THE BAD AND THE UGLY</a></b><br />
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<a href="http://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com.au/2015/09/grand-canyon-trekking.html"><b>GRAND CANYON TREKKING</b></a><br />
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<b><a href="http://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com.au/2015/09/yosemite-camping.html">YOSEMITE TREKKING</a></b><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">USA - HAWAII</span></i></b><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></b><b><a href="http://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com.au/2016/04/oahu-hawaii.html">OAHU'S BEST BEACHES</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://tezzasthaiinfo.blogspot.com.au/2018/02/oahu-pearl-harbor.html">OAHU - PEARL HARBOR</a></b><br />
<b><a href="https://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com.au/2018/01/oahu-other-neat-places-south-east-coast.html">OAHU - OTHER NEAT PLACES:SOUTH EAST COAST</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://tezzasthaiinfo.blogspot.com.au/2018/05/oahu-other-neat-places-trekking.html">OAHU - TREKKING THE HONOLULU MOUNTAINS</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com.au/2018/05/the-kaielia-trail.html">OAHU WEST - THE KAIELIA TRAIL and adjoining trails</a></b><br />
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<b><a href="http://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com.au/2017/08/mauis-best-beaches.html">MAUI'S BEST BEACHES</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com.au/2017/10/the-road-to-hana.html">MAUI: THE ROAD TO HANA</a></b><br />
<a href="https://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com.au/2017/12/haleakala-volcano.html"><b>MAUI - HALEAKALA VOLCANO</b></a><br />
<b><a href="https://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com.au/2017/12/iao-valley-iao-state-monument.html">MAUI - THE IAO VALLEY</a></b><br />
<b><a href="https://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com.au/2017/12/lanai.html">MAUI BEST DAYTRIP - LANAI ISLAND</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com.au/2017/12/maui-other-neat-locations.html">MAUI - OTHER NEAT PLACES</a></b><br />
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<span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: 130%;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: 20.8px;"><b><i>USA - NORTH EAST</i></b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzihM3TtSOAgtOqEQCkMMuPL-yJjsXSPGFO05P0_o3aoKK0tjf8d-RDpKBJp0f_m4mBCjH1dQVSheSKfsIVkt4p3GO0S3IHt2stnYHIBr6450ajBOdXWAWMTwjZAoXdbELO64uYJcCEOM/s1600/P9230767.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="429" data-original-width="1600" height="106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzihM3TtSOAgtOqEQCkMMuPL-yJjsXSPGFO05P0_o3aoKK0tjf8d-RDpKBJp0f_m4mBCjH1dQVSheSKfsIVkt4p3GO0S3IHt2stnYHIBr6450ajBOdXWAWMTwjZAoXdbELO64uYJcCEOM/s400/P9230767.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><a href="https://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com/2018/10/nyc-beaches-visited-sept-2018-new-york.html">NYC BEACHE</a>S</b><br />
<b><a href="https://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com/2018/10/upper-and-central-long-island-beaches.html">UPPER AND CENTRAL LONG ISLAND BEACHES</a></b><br />
<b><a href="https://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com/2018/11/new-jersey-beaches.html">NEW JERSEY BEACHES</a></b><br />
<b><a href="https://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com/2019/10/massachusetts-beaches.html">MASSACHUSETTS - CAPE COD, NANTUCKET, MARTHAS VINEYARD</a></b><br />
<b><a href="https://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com/2020/04/ne-us-good-bad-and-ugly.html">NE - THE GOOD THE BAD AND THE UGLY</a></b><br />
<b><a href="https://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com/2020/04/manhattan-island.html">MANHATTAN ISLAND</a></b><br />
<b><a href="https://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com/2020/05/governors-island.html">GOVERNORS ISLAND</a></b><br />
<b><a href="https://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com/2020/05/roosevelt-island.html">ROOSEVELT ISLAND</a></b><br />
<b><a href="https://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com/2020/05/last-trek-ever-cold-spring-mt-tauras.html">LAST TREK EVER - MT TAURUS COLD SPRING.</a></b><br />
<b><a href="https://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com/2020/05/road-trip-nyc-niagara-dc-nyc-and-between.html">ROAD TRIP - NYC to NIAGARA to WASHINGTON DC to PHILADELPHIA to NYC</a></b><br />
<span style="font-size: 20.8px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: 20.8px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: 20.8px;"><b><i>SOUTH WEST PACIFIC ISLAND BEACHES</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 20.8px;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<b><a href="https://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com.au/2018/01/kaibola-beach-kiriwina-island-papua-new.html">KAIBOLA BEACH - KIRIWINA ISL - PAPUA NEW GUINEA</a></b><br />
<b><a href="https://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com.au/2018/01/mystery-island-vanuatu.html">MYSTERY ISLAND - VAN</a><a href="https://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com.au/2018/01/mystery-island-vanuatu.html">UATU</a></b><br />
<b><a href="https://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com/2019/01/champagne-beach-vanuatu.html">CHAMPAGE BEACH - VANUATU</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com.au/2018/01/yejele-beach-new-caledonia.html">YEJELE BEACH - MARE ISLAND - NEW CALEDONIA</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com.au/2018/01/isle-of-pines-new-caledonia.html">ISLE OF PINES - NEW CALEDONIA</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com.au/2018/03/noumea-beaches.html">NOUMEA BEACHES - NEW CALEDONIA</a></b><br />
<b><a href="https://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com/2018/11/easo-beach-lifou-island.html">EASO BEACH - LIFOU ISLAND - NEW CALEDONIA</a></b><br />
<b><a href="https://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com/2020/02/fiji-dravuni-island.html">DRAVUNI ISLAND - FIJI</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com/2016/02/cruising-south-west-pacific-on-liners.html">TOURING THE SOUTH WEST PACIFIC ON LINERS</a></b><br />
<span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: 130%;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: 130%;">READERS' TRIP REPORTS</span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRQJr7Nm_MImO24mshDOzYckdq-q3MthMgYqLo8sjClHCpKg35EX4Huh19gEjdzMm2jZEmPDLTFINsDUROKOKSi5DuYu4gB2IDTMmJxWTi8ZyUjE4Dmj_fvAvaA5D4F5RbSWWJkz9mJig/s1600/DSC08063.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472423752175877938" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRQJr7Nm_MImO24mshDOzYckdq-q3MthMgYqLo8sjClHCpKg35EX4Huh19gEjdzMm2jZEmPDLTFINsDUROKOKSi5DuYu4gB2IDTMmJxWTi8ZyUjE4Dmj_fvAvaA5D4F5RbSWWJkz9mJig/s400/DSC08063.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>Trip reporter Rachael and Andy on Ko Muk<br /><br /><a href="http://readerstripretports.blogspot.com/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Read the trip reports or submit your own</span></a><br /><strong style="font-style: italic;"><br /><span style="font-size: 130%;"><br />THE FORUM</span></strong><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ugHO6esZEWZSnoMAHGi6gnFPrMw7dxbo8MnN01qdaHqONYeVIFUSlbvFqEYEhdXmyQsBROqb2qCLWzNdpJdqmeYndFUnxeJj5xqs9jduT8plBsdHYMb9w7Q1uEHZI_B-18wZgYPf7uc/s1600/83068.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472963139634868450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ugHO6esZEWZSnoMAHGi6gnFPrMw7dxbo8MnN01qdaHqONYeVIFUSlbvFqEYEhdXmyQsBROqb2qCLWzNdpJdqmeYndFUnxeJj5xqs9jduT8plBsdHYMb9w7Q1uEHZI_B-18wZgYPf7uc/s400/83068.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 145px;" /></a>Yon Cassie has a lean and hungry look (image <a href="http://www.decodermot.com/legavenue.htm">Deco Dermots</a>)<br /><br /><a href="http://tezzasthaiinfo.blogspot.com.au/2007/10/forum.html?commentPage=3">Questions, comments, shoot the bull.</a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 130%;"><em><strong>GENERAL</strong></em></span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAaoaNDRkaTEsLtsMmhMGhHIYXhXCX_yjW5BBBvZtwSVsT3FM5OKRyF2BufPZ8dUfUDtI6yVQKZgyonEq1W6ogkee2wm5UbRJ1QA9v07fMsmfEsmwRf9Mvoy3ejoNUFc3mQl2vSBy61uk/s1600/Osama%2520Bin%2520Shoppin_edited.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472425240361725586" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAaoaNDRkaTEsLtsMmhMGhHIYXhXCX_yjW5BBBvZtwSVsT3FM5OKRyF2BufPZ8dUfUDtI6yVQKZgyonEq1W6ogkee2wm5UbRJ1QA9v07fMsmfEsmwRf9Mvoy3ejoNUFc3mQl2vSBy61uk/s400/Osama%2520Bin%2520Shoppin_edited.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 251px;" /></a>Sammy BinLiner steps out to the hot-tub seminar in <a href="http://tezzasthaiinfo.blogspot.com/2006/12/worry-collective.html" target="">The Worry Collective</a><br /><br /><a href="http://tezzasthaiinfo.blogspot.com/2007/04/just-for-larfs.html">JUST FOR LARFS - PART 1</a><br /><a href="http://tezzasthaiinfo.blogspot.com/2007/07/stones-from-joker-in-glass-house.html">JUST FOR LARFS - PART 2: STONES FROM THE JOKER IN THE GLASS HOUSE (1 thru 11)</a><br /><a href="http://tezzasthaiinfo.blogspot.com/2006/12/worry-collective.html">JUST FOR LARFS - PART 3: THE WORRY COLLECTIVE</a><br /><br /><a href="http://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com/2007/07/about-this-travel-site.html">ABOUT THIS SITE</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com/2019/01/the-rant.html">THE RANT</a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 130%;"><strong><em>LADY TEZZA'S TRAVELLING JAPAN</em></strong></span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_k9NcAEYipQ2HAM7xmtbhUf91wACM8nW71C5etgvylstjv5AwmOYiIDRY0ff_-PWlMB3zk36cvaQ4XLi1eCu3nMnpffferzvSX4hRMve2nYYfyK5MCFleKXqT0aZad-v5nd565ngrgqE/s1600/New+Japan+015_edited.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472435377611638546" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_k9NcAEYipQ2HAM7xmtbhUf91wACM8nW71C5etgvylstjv5AwmOYiIDRY0ff_-PWlMB3zk36cvaQ4XLi1eCu3nMnpffferzvSX4hRMve2nYYfyK5MCFleKXqT0aZad-v5nd565ngrgqE/s400/New+Japan+015_edited.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a>Sumo grand champion Hakuho.<br /><br /><a href="http://julies-japan.blogspot.com/"><strong>The basics - Osaka - Kyoto - Hiroshima & Himeji - Takayama - Tokyo - Kyushu - Daytrip to Mt Fuji National Park - Accessing your money - Other helpful stuff </strong></a></span><br />
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<br /></div>tezzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06099777760234890854noreply@blogger.com287tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-235257059160442691.post-40638381920265938042021-12-24T17:43:00.148+11:002022-12-22T17:17:16.274+11:00COVID CRUISE CONTINUED<p> <b>COVID CRUISE CONTINUED</b></p><p><br /></p><p>...<b style="font-size: 20pt; text-align: center;">For a start the line’s efforts in promoting hygiene, mask-wearing, social distancing etc on board and on official excursions before the situation got out of hand was pretty ordinary, But this was far overshadowed by its pathetic response once COVID hit. True, PRINCESS had cabins set up on deck 9 to isolate the infected, And it worked a charm as their PR bumff claimed on media outfits after the cruise.</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p align="left" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;"><span style="font-size: 26.6667px;"><b>Trouble was these measures only took care of the first 10% infected, maybe 100 of 800. <i>PRINCESS severely underestimated the problem and were caught pathetically short.</i></b></span></p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p align="left" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;"><b style="font-size: x-large; text-align: center;">The rest of us were banished to our cabins and told to isolate there. No meds given apart from a bag of RAT tests (i think they had anti-virals but were saving these for serious cases). Luckily THE LADY tested positive a day later than me which allowed her to shop a packet of cold and 'flu tabs in Auckland.</b></p><p align="left" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: large;">‘<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span><b>Isolate’ is the key word, because after a few 'phone calls from the medical center, no-one seemed interested in us – we saw about 1 crew member each day (I suspect there was a similar COVID outbreak among the crew at the same time, and Princess decided to limit crew exposure to us in order to leave enough crew for the following trip) no-one would answer 'phone calls to room service or guest services and no-one gave updates over the p.a. I thought the latter broken until on the last day it gave a burst of disembarkation info – wrong in its timing of course – we actually left the ship 4 hours later than the info suggested.</b></span></span></span></p><p align="left" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: large;"><b style="text-align: center;">The only reason we were fed was because LADY T had pre-cruise uploaded the cruise ap which allowed us to order from room service – but every meal was delivered at least 2 hours after ordering (our record was 5 hours late ). This ap was a blessing because it allowed LADY T to communicate and swap war stories with other isolationers who were having a similar or worse time than us. It also allowed the lucky few who had got the special deck 9 cabins and treatment to lord it over us and the usual PRINCESS apologists free reign (“EXAGGERATION - YOU GOT THE 'FLU….” - “DUNNO WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOU - IMAGINATION!" </b></span></span></p><p align="left" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: large;"><b style="text-align: center;">At last we le</b><b>ft the ship at abt. 1430, walked 500m to Circular Quay station, caught a train to Sutherland where LADETTE TEZZA was waiting to drive us the final hour to out south coast home.</b></span></span></p><p align="left" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>We have used this ship before - on our last pre-Covid cruise - details up page a short distance .</b></span></p><p align="left" style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>...........................</b></span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span><b>EARLY DECEMBER ‘22 – </b></span></span></span></span><span><b>OVATION OF THE SEAS</b></span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span><b> </b></span></span></span></span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span><b>TO NEW ZEALAND.</b></span></span></span></span></span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span><b>This was only a fortnight after the PRINCESS MAJESTIC disaster. How come we exposed ourselves to more risk so soon? Thing is this was another replacement for an earlier cancelled COVID trip and was a case of <i>use it or lose it</i>. Plus <i>OVATION</i> was a new experience – we have never been on a ship this big. And we boun</b></span></span></span></span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span><b>ce</b></span></span></span></span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span><b>d back well after COVID and thought if we are very careful we can avoid reinfection.</b></span></span></span></span></span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>So as much as possible we avoided confined crowds (didn't use the lifts once which was pretty good seeing our cabin was on deck 7, gym on 16, buffet on 14 <span> and some popular public places we used a lot on 3/4/5), scrubbed up frequently and well, and social-distanced when possible. The crew was good - always masked. But the patrons varied - many seemed to think COVID was over instead of half into a new wave or that their 3 injections assured non-infection (our 3 didn't). </span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>The ship is a ripper - its extra size means public places are very spacious and there is extra room for things like dodgem cars and a big arm with a gondola on the end which boosted patrons high above the ship. The service was very good as was the food. I thought entertainment up to scratch in this era of scarcer ship- board entertainers due to Covid.</b></span></span></span></span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Not everything was perfect. Getting off the ship and into waiting buses (buses needed because ship berthed in working port area a few km from city center) at Auckland was a time-consuming effort: so much so, I gave up. Hard to tell who was at fault although I personally think it was <i>Princess</i>' shore-agent's neglect or inexperience. Similarly, the line to get off in Sydney (no buses involved) was an 800m, 3 hour nightmare. Once again apportioning lbame is difficult - some said it was the cruise terminal whose fancy gangplanks malfunctioned, others the ship who should have had a backup organized, still others border farce who maybe were late as usual and have form when it comes to screw-ups. Who knows? But here <i>Princess </i>can be criticised in not having enough security people police the disembarkment line - people were pushing-in frequently leading to frayed tempers. </b></span></span></span></span></p><p align="left"><br /></p></div>tezzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06099777760234890854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-235257059160442691.post-59419131755871079642021-12-02T14:02:00.309+11:002022-10-06T15:49:59.093+11:00GREEN ISLAND<p><b>VISITED AUGUST 2022</b> </p><p><b style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Green Island off Cairns is a fully vegetated coral cay – apparently the only one in Australia (although I have seen way better in the nearby western Pacific). Fully vegetated coral cays result from an atoll attacked by storm waves filling or part-filling its lagoon with sand and coral chunks which are then heaped up by wind and wave action. Vegetation is the result of seeds dropped by birds, washed onshore by waves, blown by storm winds – given long enough a secondary rainforest results. I’ve never seen a full blown rainforest on a coral cay.</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNASNe0XJ_UrC8KEXDFWj-kkF1ew6g4XI4R5TqSuOitVgnMAxxREmp1ZZo8T9sUAhnIJHsrAV5UlDvmf3jLi6b6h-1QozE1fD9XDDfiFTQ6wL5uDcXmmko0XOo2KD9VIX8Y1bcC5h6VFvQ5qEFDbAg4CbeZ-qF5SGdHI_0qenuk6LA7KhcKOoy2GM5/s800/GI3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="295" data-original-width="800" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNASNe0XJ_UrC8KEXDFWj-kkF1ew6g4XI4R5TqSuOitVgnMAxxREmp1ZZo8T9sUAhnIJHsrAV5UlDvmf3jLi6b6h-1QozE1fD9XDDfiFTQ6wL5uDcXmmko0XOo2KD9VIX8Y1bcC5h6VFvQ5qEFDbAg4CbeZ-qF5SGdHI_0qenuk6LA7KhcKOoy2GM5/w400-h148/GI3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><i><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Appears roughly circular....</span></b></i><div><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizY1gbtsIX-f4BvI00j8T41I4_O-mTJR9ljv20DfGc7KinsRL8YgirWQ4UuQVR7BjnZnr98H-GbUXhxT5QwSs2a6_7hK21xabxcTGCpFEIsTueNvAxJADvBVBAhoUZhdSAGLQpZ0keqtS4YrkQpnihxymdXVMkDCbjQA4WguKWzQZKOKXmV-BtvQIg/s1181/GI2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1149" data-original-width="1181" height="389" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizY1gbtsIX-f4BvI00j8T41I4_O-mTJR9ljv20DfGc7KinsRL8YgirWQ4UuQVR7BjnZnr98H-GbUXhxT5QwSs2a6_7hK21xabxcTGCpFEIsTueNvAxJADvBVBAhoUZhdSAGLQpZ0keqtS4YrkQpnihxymdXVMkDCbjQA4WguKWzQZKOKXmV-BtvQIg/w400-h389/GI2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>....but ain't</b>. </span></i><span face=""Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"> </span><b><i><span style="font-size: medium;">The island is more a squashed egg shape – the short axis is abt 350M vs - the longer 550m. The lagoon inside the atoll drop-offs is considerably larger – the closest drop-off to the beach is 600m, the furthest abt 5km.</span></i></b></span></div><div><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><span face="Trip Sans VF, Trip Sans, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #333333;">BTW<b> those light building in the far background are in Cairns, abt. 28km SW.</b></span></span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><span face="Trip Sans VF, Trip Sans, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #333333;"><b><br /></b></span></span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><span face="Trip Sans VF, Trip Sans, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #333333;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcvUbmas07H9_4eHrkOq2FOwBEfgqRye7ybjPUNV9Kh6Aub_ilCP1Tee4H0bNECRT3nf6-GuTXRZMjfstt_ZNfKHTWtq5GTQcoaazs4uStGf8fG-oVQoi1Z5br9gAV_EkTv1duAzP6yuns2OZ8dM8kPcK9IDNO-HKYGD7o97mi57LrsJDE-vCt907r/s3968/P7300116.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2976" data-original-width="3968" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcvUbmas07H9_4eHrkOq2FOwBEfgqRye7ybjPUNV9Kh6Aub_ilCP1Tee4H0bNECRT3nf6-GuTXRZMjfstt_ZNfKHTWtq5GTQcoaazs4uStGf8fG-oVQoi1Z5br9gAV_EkTv1duAzP6yuns2OZ8dM8kPcK9IDNO-HKYGD7o97mi57LrsJDE-vCt907r/w400-h300/P7300116.JPG" width="400" /></a></div></span></span></i><span face=""Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><b><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Directly off the boat you hit the town square which has a lot of tourist outlets designed, as one fellow guest said, to separate you from your money. But pay attention: it is here that the fast food outlet which sells a heap of reasonably priced stuff around lunchtime is located. This area is nicely sheltered from any stiff trade winds.</span></i></b></span></div><div><span face=""Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><b><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></i></b></span></div><div><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><span face="Trip Sans VF, Trip Sans, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #333333;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuu1w3klYupmvCGUrLqUP3nY8riawWH1xWKBVcSqonMqNxuk9skYiIs4yy9yCnGNLYE3bQLdStwuf5KHD1ETiqXIKUbP-XT7ZWwDNbtuv2N2JUTa0Oc9hHCl5neMuYyFsPrn7o9294CkUP-KntrjHEIsIcv3CC0QZ9hAYSMtCViNgXBtu1DRsEKtcN/s1532/P7300143%20(2).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1149" data-original-width="1532" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuu1w3klYupmvCGUrLqUP3nY8riawWH1xWKBVcSqonMqNxuk9skYiIs4yy9yCnGNLYE3bQLdStwuf5KHD1ETiqXIKUbP-XT7ZWwDNbtuv2N2JUTa0Oc9hHCl5neMuYyFsPrn7o9294CkUP-KntrjHEIsIcv3CC0QZ9hAYSMtCViNgXBtu1DRsEKtcN/w400-h300/P7300143%20(2).JPG" width="400" /></a></div></span></span></i><span face=""Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><b><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Fancy alcohol? The pool bar to the left of the square can do this. Prices reasonable for a touristy joint although bottom-budget cheapskates like me may be outraged.</span></i></b></span></div><div><span face=""Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><b><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></i></b></span></div><div><span face=""Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><b><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNxYk6tZlD6Ox28pBgA5PzhEKUeZ8jdVF2YHLkBZg18ggs6sl8awzzqEHMZO08Y_Hzw3clB69sWkFX3o1cedlKyOcqUhxhpI69x93GKe8TV5K6Rhoo-4c6pJnkxd0OuiSILwR4GK_7H0xhOWFULTgy79aCGSGLvF7VLxhwA9jM0Xd4VsOqSXczZY3X/s336/P7200072.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="252" data-original-width="336" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNxYk6tZlD6Ox28pBgA5PzhEKUeZ8jdVF2YHLkBZg18ggs6sl8awzzqEHMZO08Y_Hzw3clB69sWkFX3o1cedlKyOcqUhxhpI69x93GKe8TV5K6Rhoo-4c6pJnkxd0OuiSILwR4GK_7H0xhOWFULTgy79aCGSGLvF7VLxhwA9jM0Xd4VsOqSXczZY3X/w400-h300/P7200072.JPG" width="400" /></a></div></i></b></span><span face=""Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><i><b><span style="font-size: medium;">The resort is to the right of the square. It looks older than Fitzroy Island’s resort (it was opened 1994) and certainly room prices are higher – for a way less appealing island IMHO</span></b></i></span></div><div><span face=""Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><i><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></i></span></div><div><span face=""Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><i><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5C1h-jqBbgPxzoVRF_5-uhkDbuMgMkdo5QVITeByiB4WHUzuWAb8h20Ap6KONIjlvGIg51P68MS7UwuzKPKD9gz_Z3vUbEGgD23qeB9mFde-ZYkfB3YTS55SHGcy75uHWJANkrZqwNR1GqOHYFrcE31B4sgl-DGRL4hzE7xj3TuacHeYfq6sW50pb/s3808/P7300142%20(2).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2855" data-original-width="3808" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5C1h-jqBbgPxzoVRF_5-uhkDbuMgMkdo5QVITeByiB4WHUzuWAb8h20Ap6KONIjlvGIg51P68MS7UwuzKPKD9gz_Z3vUbEGgD23qeB9mFde-ZYkfB3YTS55SHGcy75uHWJANkrZqwNR1GqOHYFrcE31B4sgl-DGRL4hzE7xj3TuacHeYfq6sW50pb/w400-h300/P7300142%20(2).JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><span face=""Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><b><i><span style="font-size: medium;">The main swimming/beach area is well sign-posted from the square. A short stroll, it is on the lee side of the island although my visit saw the SE TRADES strong enough to keep things cool. One correspondent I've read suggests no lifesavers: they were present my visit: maybe it is a seasonal thing. Not that there is any surf. Sand is reasonably nice, the water fairly clear and snorkeling off the beach okay although there was evidence of coral bleaching. The coral and fish were better near the pier but not mind-blowing. Didn’t see any turtles and apparently this is a good spot for them. I didn’t snorkel long. At nearly 77 I’ve seen plenty of coral and marine critters. Done that – not doing a lot more.</span></i></b></span></div><div><i><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><span face=""Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">CAVEAT:</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span face=""Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">A - Dunno what the snorkeling and swimming are like off the beach in low tide. Photos I have seen indicate a lot of the lagoon bottom is exposed. Fortunately it seemed high tide my whole visit. I seem to remember the normal 2 tides a day thingo varies inside the outer reef.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span face=""Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">And of course the height of low tide (and high) varies throughout the month and year.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span face=""Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">B - Beaches wax and wane with the weather – the current Google Earth image shows more sand/less rock than at my visit. Maybe the weather was more benign preceding Google’s shot. I can’t promise the situation when you visit.</span></span></b></i></div><div><i><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><span face=""Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><br /></span></span></b></i></div><div><i><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><span face=""Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><br /></span></span></b></i></div><div><span face=""Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">WALK AROUND THE ISLAND </span></b></span></div><div><span face=""Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Photos give the impression the beach is continuous around the island. True of some cays but not Green Island. </span></b></span></div><div><span face=""Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh15orkhTLQjE_x8SDo5Pgv97wAaiKYpNi8075Y1wBtumHIXhYgrORCZmHcaESfOE4YD7mlaUY5-2UVJqwzUoUZHT795FZFsz6fXDqZa-c0WqrcP-xEMfQkroFlw8blLxs4csy4Wn4wQCYuvLT5p229jy3QxReRV44APd50TvwZZQBOEK_0xzDvILx9/s3968/P7300138.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2976" data-original-width="3968" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh15orkhTLQjE_x8SDo5Pgv97wAaiKYpNi8075Y1wBtumHIXhYgrORCZmHcaESfOE4YD7mlaUY5-2UVJqwzUoUZHT795FZFsz6fXDqZa-c0WqrcP-xEMfQkroFlw8blLxs4csy4Wn4wQCYuvLT5p229jy3QxReRV44APd50TvwZZQBOEK_0xzDvILx9/w400-h300/P7300138.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span face=""Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><i><b><span style="font-size: medium;">For a start there are a hundred+ meters of artificial bank-erosion protection in the pier area – fortunately walking tracks a short distance inland allow you to continue your circumnavigation. </span></b></i></span></div><div><span face=""Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div><div><span face=""Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqPByl3fIytV7-vWhjHUDpnMfqx7bdeRn6INV3mpKNNv9MfCFq2uML3-f-fykCRzh5lVfQlKcrPgqBfIeOdX2eRvVHc-yIp779qBd5QVm0ViyafkBdqtnNLiizhBldOisjeoHxNx1RxGqlPpz26DSQjUDxFtUIibORWYQODChWXHqvJF5sEdFx1lbo/s3550/P7300140%20(2).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2662" data-original-width="3550" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqPByl3fIytV7-vWhjHUDpnMfqx7bdeRn6INV3mpKNNv9MfCFq2uML3-f-fykCRzh5lVfQlKcrPgqBfIeOdX2eRvVHc-yIp779qBd5QVm0ViyafkBdqtnNLiizhBldOisjeoHxNx1RxGqlPpz26DSQjUDxFtUIibORWYQODChWXHqvJF5sEdFx1lbo/w400-h300/P7300140%20(2).JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span face=""Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><i><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Where the bank protection ends near the north corner is a wide strip of sheltered nice sand but signs suggested no swimming – didn’t stop this dude from launching his near-pier snorkeling excursion.</span></b></i></span></div><div><span face=""Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><i><b><span style="font-size: medium;">This wide strip of sand continues around the island corner to become the main beach about 50m wide.</span></b></i></span></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig14JrjGmgwt9OCnex8T4cNyUkKS1aq9KbI0_8lxshP2A2YhNkVzlBj7oYp8d34bX8D2M2_N1YScBu_a3Kd6WQPayZB6urD2YuBsw2Sbse8fjsmcvI4fleK51gWmp_e9G-DEKBMjSLjQBarZ3qYBaGwjuAOoSqcTueU_D8vxXDQuHVHe_ZLbdBVlm2/s3968/P7300132.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2976" data-original-width="3968" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig14JrjGmgwt9OCnex8T4cNyUkKS1aq9KbI0_8lxshP2A2YhNkVzlBj7oYp8d34bX8D2M2_N1YScBu_a3Kd6WQPayZB6urD2YuBsw2Sbse8fjsmcvI4fleK51gWmp_e9G-DEKBMjSLjQBarZ3qYBaGwjuAOoSqcTueU_D8vxXDQuHVHe_ZLbdBVlm2/w400-h300/P7300132.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span face=""Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><i><b><span style="font-size: medium;">After about 250m it gives way to a rocky section*: easily traversed but not with bare feet.</span></b></i><span style="font-size: 14px;"> </span></span></div><div><span face=""Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><i><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Main beach in background.</span></b></i></span></div><div><span face=""Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><i><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></i></span></div><div><span face=""Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><i><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRY3fkXLYrGg9yjE6CCdoZQRFxi7Coaomcqm1dKFBH7WDAselxSJ3-KvQPX_ssZcBF_jAlrnBXSQ6lU0cdXRNHPYzlv6HTPVOCZUhIcohQDk-KFbNi85Ibx6TlbxLDdxYcJKf820uv_XWbAppkHv9iFlhV-qKMpuJ9cIDQy9ZFzb7coOq1BveyYRyb/s3968/P7300133.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2976" data-original-width="3968" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRY3fkXLYrGg9yjE6CCdoZQRFxi7Coaomcqm1dKFBH7WDAselxSJ3-KvQPX_ssZcBF_jAlrnBXSQ6lU0cdXRNHPYzlv6HTPVOCZUhIcohQDk-KFbNi85Ibx6TlbxLDdxYcJKf820uv_XWbAppkHv9iFlhV-qKMpuJ9cIDQy9ZFzb7coOq1BveyYRyb/w400-h300/P7300133.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /></b></i></span></div><div><span face=""Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><i><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfTazZ80NH8tZJGodWVfUuqVhz20Bpr9npGmUoixkxlbndw4pqCzIB3gvkYd7c-G2tSVxHHhFj2_rRllTdEqfeY-zi3AYHlrjZvP6y9BZgcHPFV0422C3H7yBA9p4Je-cQWtRuJlQdAzMyR-2XkYoQSDriUTImaU8avELXjotBCkkUYwSypHFo6ML2/s3968/P7300135.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2976" data-original-width="3968" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfTazZ80NH8tZJGodWVfUuqVhz20Bpr9npGmUoixkxlbndw4pqCzIB3gvkYd7c-G2tSVxHHhFj2_rRllTdEqfeY-zi3AYHlrjZvP6y9BZgcHPFV0422C3H7yBA9p4Je-cQWtRuJlQdAzMyR-2XkYoQSDriUTImaU8avELXjotBCkkUYwSypHFo6ML2/w400-h300/P7300135.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicYRCZMIf8Lp5SxbUxuhkZNRvf40SV-ysSvapKsHejtED5r-Qd_EBeSM2EMiHktSniCQJNATWh9rQQ0h2ZA1VwiT2MXQtGGVwr1SXC7VFkht_ElBeYH3II4XGGO6t13ZMtD6ozU34uBEAnWkuXoyMrQgCnXUUm7DguquGIbyTI7rRJfOl54JBhbqid/s3968/P7300134.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3968" data-original-width="2976" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicYRCZMIf8Lp5SxbUxuhkZNRvf40SV-ysSvapKsHejtED5r-Qd_EBeSM2EMiHktSniCQJNATWh9rQQ0h2ZA1VwiT2MXQtGGVwr1SXC7VFkht_ElBeYH3II4XGGO6t13ZMtD6ozU34uBEAnWkuXoyMrQgCnXUUm7DguquGIbyTI7rRJfOl54JBhbqid/w300-h400/P7300134.JPG" width="300" /></a></div></b></i></span><span face=""Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><b><i><span style="font-size: medium;">The rest of the circumnavigation alternates between sandy and rocky sections: the latter often with narrow strips of sand behind. All was more exposed to the SE Trades which were brisk early – later in the day they reached gale-force. At least it was sunny early – later it clouded over and we got a few light showers.</span></i></b></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;">THE ISLAND INTERIOR</span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;">The town square and circumnavigation took up less than 3 of my 7 hours. That left the island interior which GREAT ADVENTURES has tried to jazz up with 2 main walkways ("ECO" WALKS) along which are INTERPRETIVE PANELS every 50m or so on which are a lot of facts and timelines about the island's history, flora, fauna and geology.</span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5e6Zm9DJzQsrzk_IT2m6Zy5I_8fEzTQlQrTsxW8czsQa6DJm8VXgqrRKHX8RX-YOoqmqyDkaxT_29fwHKbt1qkjaWHgzQ4_R9VR2huNqjgP45Rrv4A5XlPF60yNrkCLwx_O7Hapc3FIli8j8afGbVp76GUqSwsKXoIJcDOitluFqIcG1BfmAevEyr/s3968/P7300125.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3968" data-original-width="2976" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5e6Zm9DJzQsrzk_IT2m6Zy5I_8fEzTQlQrTsxW8czsQa6DJm8VXgqrRKHX8RX-YOoqmqyDkaxT_29fwHKbt1qkjaWHgzQ4_R9VR2huNqjgP45Rrv4A5XlPF60yNrkCLwx_O7Hapc3FIli8j8afGbVp76GUqSwsKXoIJcDOitluFqIcG1BfmAevEyr/w300-h400/P7300125.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZsUBk4TwdIbFhKZraTFPR1BM1M_isqSKUTfVeTUOAVXAQJXrJ2YZ4VqF-GKNls2isEA2nJ-E0nuc8sWX5VJ4uSHxi7rv1biL-8u2R78nu6iX8T7Rm8U0kGHmHNs5zHE6OH7qYyqFBFn20rI7abxjNuqLa2bpxZJI8o-OIUucXPLKN7_IQNOlllGw8/s3968/P7300124.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3968" data-original-width="2976" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZsUBk4TwdIbFhKZraTFPR1BM1M_isqSKUTfVeTUOAVXAQJXrJ2YZ4VqF-GKNls2isEA2nJ-E0nuc8sWX5VJ4uSHxi7rv1biL-8u2R78nu6iX8T7Rm8U0kGHmHNs5zHE6OH7qYyqFBFn20rI7abxjNuqLa2bpxZJI8o-OIUucXPLKN7_IQNOlllGw8/w300-h400/P7300124.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;">I find this sort of stuff interesting but the island is small, the tracks short and I knocked them over in 45 minutes. That left over 3 hours until the ferry. So I headed for the pool....,</span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;">THE POOL</span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUdbt9IotRzOMr2t1DXAy8d7SPgT-A4mJxfLre-XntbxzFsMOftEY4cFRoYlDXzHB_rmS5MCi0ctbkzrxVqWhiWMSopU0oDVsuExtVxCWHBKVbdFcD6-4jCaJZGU4ZeZsYbQ8i8mh8mw0LbjLAhoDFC3xumsKTt3HTEySlDZAWf-8MfrmF5XMr6Bm0/s3769/P7300143.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2827" data-original-width="3769" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUdbt9IotRzOMr2t1DXAy8d7SPgT-A4mJxfLre-XntbxzFsMOftEY4cFRoYlDXzHB_rmS5MCi0ctbkzrxVqWhiWMSopU0oDVsuExtVxCWHBKVbdFcD6-4jCaJZGU4ZeZsYbQ8i8mh8mw0LbjLAhoDFC3xumsKTt3HTEySlDZAWf-8MfrmF5XMr6Bm0/w400-h300/P7300143.JPG" width="400" /></a></div></b><b style="color: #333333; font-family: "Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">The pool is pretty sweet. Adjacent the town square, it is an irregular 40mX25m and pretty sheltered from the wind. There was enough sun lounges on this not so great day, but more benign conditions may see some pressure. Judging by the few swimmers’ reactions the water was pretty chilly. Something I was not prepared to confirm – I spent my youth surfing 7/52 in cold southern waters (cold at least in winter) back in the day when we couldn’t afford wet-suites: any of you thinks I’m going to brave chilly pool water to make my trip-report more personal has another think coming.</span></i></b></div><div><span face=""Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><b><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></i></b></span></div><div><span face="Trip Sans VF, Trip Sans, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #333333; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b><i>I didn't mind spending time here - at least until it started to rain. </i></b></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><span face="Trip Sans VF, Trip Sans, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #333333;"><b><br /></b></span></span></i></div><div><span style="color: #333333; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>SUM UP</b></span></span></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;">I wasn't whelmed with Green Island -but then I've never been on a coral cay which offers more than a few hours diversion.</span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;">But others think it the duck's guts, judging by the gushing user reviews online. To get full value from the place:</span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br style="background-color: white; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span face=""Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">1- spend up on the extras like paid snorkelling, scuba, glass bottomed boat, paragliding, the giant croc show, the big a la carte restaurant lunch etc. Note my GREEN ISLAND TRANSFER as run by GREAT ADVENTURES was a basic there-and-back transfer with 7 hours self-discovery on the island (trip was abt 50mins each way (28km) from/to Cairns marina) at $92**. The same outfit runs more expensive tours which include some of the above. Well worth checking as I discovered.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span face=""Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">2- get a perfect windless sunny day (not so common in this region of prevailing SE trade winds) when the beach and snorkeling are idyllic.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span face=""Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">3- combine your visit with another marine place out of Cairns like Fitzroy Island or the outer reef: If like me you are just out to check Green Island you can do a comprehensive tour in about 3 hours. Any longer and the place is a bit boring unless you also have 1 or 2 above.</span></span></b></div><div><span face=""Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span face=""Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: medium;"><b><br style="font-family: "Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="font-family: "Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif;">RECOMMENDATIONS</span><br style="font-family: "Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="font-family: "Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif;">- if you really want to spend time on an Australian fully vegetated coral cay, do a trip which has some extras mentioned above (note you can pay for these on the island but I don’t know if the price is the same) – or better still combine some other area like the outer reef or Fitzroy Island.</span><br style="font-family: "Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="font-family: "Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif;">Alternatively, spend less time. At least one transfer outfit out of Cairns offers a half day visit,</span><br style="font-family: "Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="font-family: "Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif;">-take warm clothing: waiting for the ferry in the SE gale was less than pleasant. Better still, lurk in the shelter of the trees near the pier until the ferry arrives – they won’t leave without you – the ferry takes time to load and there was plenty of surplus seating on the return trip.</span><br style="font-family: "Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="font-family: "Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif;">- if you are time-short and can only do one island trip out of Cairns I reckon Fitzroy is way better than Green. It’s far more interesting, has more variety and will keep dudes like me who want to do a simple transfer and self discovery way more happy. Oh, and the ferry transfer is slightly shorter and cheaper.</span></b></span></div><div><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><span face="Trip Sans VF, Trip Sans, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #333333;"><b><br /></b></span></span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><span face="Trip Sans VF, Trip Sans, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #333333;"><b>**not great value when JETSTAR can do SYDNEY-ULURU return for $99 when they have their specials up.<br /></b></span><br /></span></i></div>tezzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06099777760234890854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-235257059160442691.post-28656148104447924622021-09-23T16:24:00.013+10:002022-12-15T08:02:48.422+11:00<p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span><b><span style="font-size: large;">ULURU, KATA TJUTA (THE OLGAS), AND KINGS CANYON.</span></b></p><p><b style="font-size: x-large;"><i>VISITED SEPT 2022</i></b></p><p><b style="font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></b></p><p><b style="font-size: x-large;"></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYFjPqc9nxLP89E0efbFsuPZltczyvGe5zXbelHp5AtL244BZW_l4Fzjh1L1Vl2OOU5EbNYtW6i3psxhkDGfgDykc6-OEcxqHBVjE2aYV2A1-3-G3VURw_6zJCdkuQnji_0MSGjpn2UOLVLLzo_hOQHwEyZ6mqepqBrK3yIkem7-PTqW_3rVduoOwc/s3968/P9110069.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2976" data-original-width="3968" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYFjPqc9nxLP89E0efbFsuPZltczyvGe5zXbelHp5AtL244BZW_l4Fzjh1L1Vl2OOU5EbNYtW6i3psxhkDGfgDykc6-OEcxqHBVjE2aYV2A1-3-G3VURw_6zJCdkuQnji_0MSGjpn2UOLVLLzo_hOQHwEyZ6mqepqBrK3yIkem7-PTqW_3rVduoOwc/w400-h300/P9110069.JPG" width="400" /></a></b></div><b style="font-size: x-large;"><br /><i><br /></i></b><p></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">Firstly a reiteration of introductory stuff and how to do the area when bucks down. If you have already seen this in "THE RANT'' pass on by to </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">** **</span><span style="font-size: large;"> down page.</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Thing is ULURU IS <i>EXPENSIVE</i> Isolation/transport costs account for some of it - the monopoly of Ayers Rock Resort the rest. Whoever gave ARR the monopoly for Yulara should hang his head in shame. Accommodation at YULARA (Uluru's town which was largely built by Ayers Rock Resort,) is mainly in 4 or 5 flash hotels, 3,4 and 5 star which cost 2 or 3 times their equivalents in Sydney. $600 a night is not uncommon. Good grief!! The only inexpensive sleep is at the spacious and pretty good campground (also run by ARR) - if you don't like tents there are abt a dozen overpriced (but good value compared to the hotels) cabins - book early, they're popular. Of course, all you drive-in dudes in your vans and rigs will find lotsa ok spots and facilities in the campground. There were hundreds of rigs there with plenty of space for more. In comparison the tent areas were running less than 10%.</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">NOTE - except for high summer when it gets VERY hot and visitation is lower, book early for ALL accommodation. </span></b></div><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">The layout of the resort is pretty good - accommodation, the Town Square, and the Shell station are spaced around a ring road - a free RESORT SHUTTLE BUS circles this every 20-30mins. You can also walk across the duned center on dedicated paths in about 15min. The highest dune has a pretty good viewpoint and attracts a crowd for Ulura/the Olgas sun-ups/downs. Many accommodation options have viewpoints too. None are as good as the dedicated viewing spots within the park, of course.</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 21.3333px; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Transport is a joke with rental cars post COVID at $300+ a day minimum. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 21.3333px; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Most tours are run by AAP-KINGS or affiliates and are overpriced, so too is the JUMP ON JUMP OFF BUS which at least works out cheaper than the others for much the same thing. I thought I'd just get a bus ride but my driver gave good commentaries - "</span><i style="font-size: 16pt;">SNAKEBITE"</i><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> (Mick) my driver for all trips was super-informative and a riot to boot. I'm assuming other drivrs also give info. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 21.3333px; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Their girl at the desk in the tour office, Town Square, was very efficient and could organise stuff the website suggested not possible. But the JO/JO bus does not have guides who accompany treks as the more exxy options do.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 21.3333px; font-weight: bold;">Apart from the free RESORT SHUTTLE the only other bargain transport option is the free coach to and from airport and accommodation.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 21.3333px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 21.3333px; font-weight: bold;">Food costs likewise are a joke. How about $30 for a burger or $14 for a beer in the hotels? Cafes etc in the Town Square were only a bit cheaper. The camp ground had a food truck with lower but still outrageous prices. The only places with reasonable tariffs (given transport costs) were the IGA supermarket and the Shell station. In fact the Shell was a gem - need some item of hardware? The Shell probably has it. And more.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 21.3333px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 21.3333px; font-weight: bold;">So Uluru is expensive. Here's what I'd do to see the joint at minimal cost:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 21.3333px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 21.3333px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; text-align: left;">1 - get on Jetstar's "Specials" email list. This is where I found the $99 return fare (Sydney), These fares don't always come up on Jetstar's "Friday Frenzies".</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 21.3333px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 21.3333px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; text-align: left;">2 - spend the minimum time at Uluru to save accommodation and other costs - I planned 7 nights but experience shows 4 would suffice (if you want to include a daytrip to KINGS CANYON - if not, 3 would do) when flying in after mid-day as most do.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 21.3333px; font-weight: bold;">Stay in the campground to avoid horrendous hotel costs. If you must have a roof, stay in one of its cabins. Which must be booked early.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 21.3333px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 21.3333px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; text-align: left;">3 - buy a "Hop On/Off" 2 day ticket for days 2 and 3. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 21.3333px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; text-align: left;">On day 2 get up early for its ULURU <i>SUNRISE</i> trip. After sunrise stay on board for the Uluru circuit where the driver explains a lot of stuff. Stay on until the last near-rock stop (MALA WATERHOLE) from where you do a walking circuit of the rock. This takes 3-5 hours, so arrange to be picked up by the bus after your circuit (I don't recommend the Cultural Center - the last stop. It's a pretty boring 20mins walk each way from the rock. I was underwhelmed by the stuff at the center) </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 21.3333px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; text-align: left;">You will get back to camp pre-lunchtime-early pm if you don't include the Cultural Center.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 21.3333px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 21.3333px;"><b style="font-size: 21.3333px;"></b></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 21.3333px; font-weight: bold;">4 - Arrange for the bus to pick you up for the ULURU <i>SUNSET</i> TRIP (this is where the website said "overbooked" - girl in office said "no problem"). The dedicated bus viewing area is much closer than Yulara viewpoints and well worthwhile. After the viewing the bus goes directly back to Yulara</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 21.3333px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 21.3333px; font-weight: bold;">5 - on day 3 get up early for HO/HO bus's OLGA SUNRISE run. The bus then goes to the head of either THE VALLEY OF THE WINDS trek (8km/3-4 hours circuit (but you can shorten this by returning from some viewpoints), tough gradients+surface even for fit/experienced dudes) or the WALPA GORGE trek (shorter almost 3km/1 hour return - gradient milder:should be ok for people of average fitness - surface quite tricky underfoot in parts and as warned by driver some sections surprisingly cold on a mild Spring morning). Note A - the driver does not accompany the trekkers either walk as on some of the more expensive tours B - the shorter trek gets walkers back earlier, in time to be driven back to Yulara before the driver returns to pick up trekkers from the longer option - this longer option still gets back to Yulara in time for lunch.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 21.3333px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 21.3333px; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: 21.3333px;">6 - on day 4 get up extra early for AAT KING'S one day trip to KINGS CANYON. I found this the most enjoyable day, the guide ANNA and driver JASON were excellent, allowed plenty of sleep time both ways, and accompanied trekkers with good commentary and plenty of rest stops. There was a choice of trek (A - the Rim </span><span style="font-size: 21.3333px;">Walk is the tougher starting with 500 very steep/rough steps after which the going is way easier except for dudes like me with 2 new knees where stiffness and lousy sense of balance made some of the rougher sections a bit of a challenge:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 21.3333px; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: 21.3333px;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: 21.3333px; font-weight: bold;"><b style="font-size: 21.3333px;"></b></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 21.3333px; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">and B -an easier/shorter Garden Walk in the canyon itself which finished early enough to allow Jason to take some participants to the helicopter area for an extra-cost flight.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 21.3333px; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: 21.3333px;">This KINGS CANYON 1 day visit returns to Yulara late afternoon.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 21.3333px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 21.3333px; font-weight: bold;">7 - next morning, get up at a normal time (at last!), pack and wait for the free airport shuttle, hoping your flight hasn't been cancelled (mine was, the first in years they told me - duh! Note: the incoming flight a week before had been postponed 3 hours. Not looking real good, Jetstar).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 21.3333px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 21.3333px; font-weight: bold;">........................................................................... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 21.3333px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 21.3333px; font-weight: bold;">Note the above's what I'd do as a cash-down single aged male wanting to visit the area. Of course it's horses for courses - sooner or later rental car prices are going to return to more reasonable levels which may make my bus transport suggestions not the best option. Also people doing the big trip in their own van or rig will organise differently. But no way would I drive all the way from the capital cities (except maybe Adelaide) soley to visit the area. As part of a big trip - okay.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 21.3333px; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Not sure about travelers out of Alice Springs - I know there are 1/2/3 day guided tours out of the Alice into the area but it's a hell of a distance (Uluru 468km each way; over 300 to King's Canyon) - you do the figuring as to if you should do it.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 21.3333px; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 21.3333px; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">The final big question. IS IT WORTH IT?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 21.3333px; font-weight: bold;">Look, there are equal gorges, valleys, mountains, sights and treks much closer to home eg Sydney has them all nearby in the Blue Mountains. Compared to overseas nothing in the red center blew me away like the Grand Canyon or the Yosemite landscapes, or even Spain's higher areas<span style="font-size: 21.3333px;">. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 21.3333px; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: 21.3333px;">But face it, Uluru, Kata Tjuta and King's Canyon are ICONIC and should be seen by all Australians and as many visitors as possible - so if you can afford it, do it.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 21.3333px; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: 21.3333px;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 21.3333px; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: 21.3333px;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span>** ** </span><span><b>MY TRIP</b></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b> </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">DAY ONE - FRIDAY </span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Sydney airport was a circus - check-in lines starting near the door - flight delayed 3 hours which was just as well because it took 3 hours to get to the counter.</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Trip itself pretty good, free coach waiting to transfer 5km to accommodation.</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Campground check in pretty quick (can vary according to RV arrivals), Check-in office had a few campy and touristy things for sale/the nearby SHELL much better. Outside check-in office was a food truck with exxy coffee and food - once again the SHELL was much better.</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">The campsite is huge with abt a dozen un-powered tent <i>regions,</i> half this number of powered tent areas, at least 10 shower/toilet blocks, lotsa pay BBQs, and space for several hundred RVs. I found the largely indigenous staff kept the place in good order. Security seemed good with several after dark police cruise-thrus in a spotlight-toting ute.</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgeY-KFkteSFZZ8yGBm12aspoj_HwJh24EL15RY-n1V0k1bTfdct5hXTb0F8igrKhxhm-ZHixAp5Hk0OlSXibmbvh5d_ZwBKGjqmpK8Zr-0BeICMmXtzVmdz3gcMyk0dmjJ5-8kygQWy_AHRkK-LMIiERuyLFinT4aVVz5vsRgOK-Th_kNBPoPT_xW/s3968/P9100056%20(3).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2976" data-original-width="3968" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgeY-KFkteSFZZ8yGBm12aspoj_HwJh24EL15RY-n1V0k1bTfdct5hXTb0F8igrKhxhm-ZHixAp5Hk0OlSXibmbvh5d_ZwBKGjqmpK8Zr-0BeICMmXtzVmdz3gcMyk0dmjJ5-8kygQWy_AHRkK-LMIiERuyLFinT4aVVz5vsRgOK-Th_kNBPoPT_xW/w400-h300/P9100056%20(3).JPG" width="400" /></a></div><i>Chez Tezza yellow-blue tent rear left, from camp kitchen - good spot with shower block only 10m further left of tent. More grass than red dirt. Hardy crowded.</i></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Only problem with location - abt a 5min walk to laundry block/clothes lines</i>.</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">BTW I found tent life no improvement from the Cairns trip a few weeks before - stiffness with my 2 new knees and loss of balance make the low tent's entry and in-tent activities very difficult. A higher tent would help but at almost 77 I ain't doing that. I figure I have done my last camping trip. Future holidays will be guided cruise-liner jaunts - with LADY TEZZA guiding me from cabin to buffet.</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid7Olwp3aCoegfBfq5vzyEIoDMY30vgmdJr_du_RnkCQ7L4ES58ohdcY91wzfOo67OL3OKoZ2h2LmWKJdpsTNqyq76Iu9inXHmVipRT5L1bpKnYRRTAiGOA9n61UiQkGEELrp4VGWKDRwtEEa211wqQROnyBObRw6ZqZaCzc7RjQTw7MFBEr4IV33i/s3968/P9100057.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2976" data-original-width="3968" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid7Olwp3aCoegfBfq5vzyEIoDMY30vgmdJr_du_RnkCQ7L4ES58ohdcY91wzfOo67OL3OKoZ2h2LmWKJdpsTNqyq76Iu9inXHmVipRT5L1bpKnYRRTAiGOA9n61UiQkGEELrp4VGWKDRwtEEa211wqQROnyBObRw6ZqZaCzc7RjQTw7MFBEr4IV33i/w400-h300/P9100057.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><b><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Camp kitchen was spacious, never seemed crowded, had plenty of seating and table space outside this shot. Had microwave and several pay BBQs. No stove. Good hot water and kept clean by conscientious staff who also did a great job at the shower/toilet blocks. However no jug or kettle, only one wash up area (which could be dominated for over half an hour by an RV owner doing the big weekly wash up) and the 2 crowded fridges were always packed to the rafters.</i></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Another camp patron told me there was a second much smaller camp kitchen, but I couldn't find it. Thing is one and a bit camp kitchens is way insufficient for a park of this size. Dunno what it is like peak season (the cooler months).<br /></i></span></b><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQi2NJCuGpA5pV2j_ZwRjoKq_S7URUyKVASw9VyA2W0GZM32vAPJj3L5pDdEuQScT_gKfepXTkNH6gFmb7luQYp_R1P4y5XcHteE07QYFQGN3ODmP49x-HvpxSyDtYzNMCPJZyUJiOs-xoAC_rwZiSTuJMcQJuWXi4hmSykIxyX8FENlP6puKleILg/s3968/P9130096.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2976" data-original-width="3968" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQi2NJCuGpA5pV2j_ZwRjoKq_S7URUyKVASw9VyA2W0GZM32vAPJj3L5pDdEuQScT_gKfepXTkNH6gFmb7luQYp_R1P4y5XcHteE07QYFQGN3ODmP49x-HvpxSyDtYzNMCPJZyUJiOs-xoAC_rwZiSTuJMcQJuWXi4hmSykIxyX8FENlP6puKleILg/w400-h300/P9130096.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Campground had a pool - popular in the hotter afternoons of Spring although the kids told me the water was cold.</i></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">DAY 2 - SATURDAY(first full day in the area)</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"> ULURU SUNRISE AND KATA TJUTA TREK</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">With no car I needed a bus, and I figured a guided tour would give me information abou<u>t both places </u>from experts. AAT KINGS seemed to have the only morning departure which covered BOTH Uluru and Tata Tjuta so I went for it.</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Results were mixed. This had to be one of the few cloudy mornings in recent times so the Uluru sunrise had....no sunrise!</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCTEz4gt0R0zZamtUGmn3IovGab9ySEv_htkCewQVW5eah9Kxgt7B65DMh0gvTx6go3crNjItYw5B6hGCmJK7HDevODNvq8ue4PMoLuED1N77GIdogNlo32fYnwjWJWjoL5RY3j_f5U6QtrRwlLRNoBF1wjb-6zEQSIFUeHRlavkE_X8zfb8v_txa5/s3968/P9100038.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2976" data-original-width="3968" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCTEz4gt0R0zZamtUGmn3IovGab9ySEv_htkCewQVW5eah9Kxgt7B65DMh0gvTx6go3crNjItYw5B6hGCmJK7HDevODNvq8ue4PMoLuED1N77GIdogNlo32fYnwjWJWjoL5RY3j_f5U6QtrRwlLRNoBF1wjb-6zEQSIFUeHRlavkE_X8zfb8v_txa5/w400-h300/P9100038.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Bit cloudy. The rock is abt 25km by road south of Yulara. The sunrise viewing area is abt 5 km from the rock. Colouring comes from iron oxide dust which changes shade with the incidence of light. </i></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Note semi-arid landscape. Early mornings in Spring range from mild to quite cold - most of mine were mild but one 3am got down to 5degrees - I was snug as a bug in my cold weather sleeeping ba</i>g.</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Late spring and early autumn days (peak times at Uluru) can get real hot so carry plenty of water. I'm also told the bush flies become unbearable - apparently local merchants stock up big on face-nets. I pack some eucalyptus oil, one of those marvelous does-everything products including acting as an insecticide - gotta admit when I splashed a bit across my face the flies didn't bother me. But they were not real bad to start with. Downside - had to fight off all these desperate and dateless divorcees - that stuff smells real nice.</i></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">AAT's expert commentary on the geology, history and general features of the area was excellent. </span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">And I really enjoyed the WALPA GORGE trek. This almost 3km/2 hour return hike is not real difficult in gradient and should not worry people of average fitness. Underfoot, the weathered conglomerate made for some tricky sections with my new knees which are still stiff and affect my balance. Nevertheless, despite the guide's cracking pace I managed to arrive at the turnaround point not far behind.</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">NOTE for keen trekkers: AAT - KINGS does the other main (and tougher) KT trek (VALLEY OF THE WINDS) on its afternoon tour. But I'm told the guide turns around at the second viewpoint and does not do the full circuit.</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQLsY4kR8VFBVRp8R-GFS_JwxMBGzOt46qN4K9SCIE9HGcLPMVu39WFkVVZ2c8vTUcWYarr7MTkz0YmJfd0zV8BQOaq7NL2vv4Rf_XZCECkLiRkRW52uVPe6w_4E3qB7VwZVwJeSnVgFXXNASvMW8wydW4k9759xe9xF9wKo2vS85D6h0LPRiue9oL/s3968/P9100043.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3968" data-original-width="2976" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQLsY4kR8VFBVRp8R-GFS_JwxMBGzOt46qN4K9SCIE9HGcLPMVu39WFkVVZ2c8vTUcWYarr7MTkz0YmJfd0zV8BQOaq7NL2vv4Rf_XZCECkLiRkRW52uVPe6w_4E3qB7VwZVwJeSnVgFXXNASvMW8wydW4k9759xe9xF9wKo2vS85D6h0LPRiue9oL/w300-h400/P9100043.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Turnaround for WALPA GORGE trek. Some keen trekkers climb to highest point, despite warning signs. </i></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCZkkbVCLDil5z3FGJL3UnGzyi2Yy1kH7yPc9DZK9esYmnkEV17mJKTiDGsAoxwwnInmAyq4oapGpAHtPdgKdlkjlOcGr7T7CFHcmohebPFIcnPAdWLPoK9CutvZK0AbHz7jcT4X6rXA_Yck3ampWb8oOB78ThLiigU-A1OwIyWakP6MKuQGkFPBcq/s3968/P9100047.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2976" data-original-width="3968" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCZkkbVCLDil5z3FGJL3UnGzyi2Yy1kH7yPc9DZK9esYmnkEV17mJKTiDGsAoxwwnInmAyq4oapGpAHtPdgKdlkjlOcGr7T7CFHcmohebPFIcnPAdWLPoK9CutvZK0AbHz7jcT4X6rXA_Yck3ampWb8oOB78ThLiigU-A1OwIyWakP6MKuQGkFPBcq/w400-h300/P9100047.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><i>Weathered conglomerate can be tricky underfoot for gimps like me.</i></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">AAT got me back to Yulara before lunch, giving plenty of time after munchies to catch the resort shuttle around to Town Square to shop the IGA and check the scene.</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">That night it rained quite steadily. Unlike the last rainy night a few years back the tent didn't leak (the over-tarp I rigged up from a $4 Bunnings' tarp worked a treat) but condensation in such a small area made for a miserable night. Small tents, wet nights and condensation are keen bedfellows.</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">DAY 3 - SUNDAY (2nd full day in the area) </span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">HOP ON/HOP OFF BUS TO ULURU.</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>This outfit's website asked not to book the popular SUNRISE or SUNSET trips because of heavy patronage. Suggests to me they need more buses to cover demand. Anyway I got them to pick me up for their 2nd trip to Uluru at 8.35. </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>This delivered me to the Cultural Center at 9.25 after a circular bus tour of the rock with driver <i>"SNAKEBITE"/ </i>MICK proving every bit as good as the AAT people in explaining the geology, history and general features of the area. Plus he had a wicked sense of humour. This is why I suggest using th</b></span><b style="font-size: x-large;">e</b><b style="font-size: x-large;"> JO/JO BUS exclusively for Uluru/Kata Tjuta in my 4 day money saving itinerary up page. </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-size: x-large;">I wasn't whelmed by the Cultural Center to the point where I</b><b style="font-size: x-large;"> </b><b style="font-size: x-large;">took no pix. The 20min bushwalk to the nearest point of the rock was pretty boring too. That nearest point is MALA WATERHOLE.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Dxg6zmQHwb_MDesfssp9P7Dm8DVj8aw4GAnzNNDzzohsUi24tfoctGurIdfF-MkMjE-BahLf_L3FvT8fH4re88ypZQ2VKuRr244Berw1mjFFCJNTP2Pid3Md6c7flNe1mCRd9ciG84b7q_Z4YE9SRU3-3k1zdBOfKgqOJAsZPg5sxkMUt76DwwRl/s3621/P9110062.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3621" data-original-width="2717" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Dxg6zmQHwb_MDesfssp9P7Dm8DVj8aw4GAnzNNDzzohsUi24tfoctGurIdfF-MkMjE-BahLf_L3FvT8fH4re88ypZQ2VKuRr244Berw1mjFFCJNTP2Pid3Md6c7flNe1mCRd9ciG84b7q_Z4YE9SRU3-3k1zdBOfKgqOJAsZPg5sxkMUt76DwwRl/w300-h400/P9110062.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><b style="font-size: x-large;"><i>MALA WATERHOLE is the site of the old rock climb. It can still be seen by the grey trail up the rock. I gotta admit it looks seriously steep despite helper chains back in the day. I'm glad they closed it because at almost 77 with 2 new knees I'm silly enough to climb it. Fitness wouldn't beat me (I'm so fit I got muscles on my boogers) but general stiffness and loss of balance would.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-size: x-large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLBx1AGGDqWNgk9xsi7oXAu_NLXnIgIpGvb0QOY20BRrlrpLlfAk0qHVBaQjvGUcTgWMl5okuzw269ciwrs5TO2og_n_le6WdMw2gH0FAZsnGLz2nOii8pPAE_1-S6xcOtC7viA4ohIzXtu0Sbfb4uZvQp10q9eowgU1jx5f7CcZYq84Y0_jorc5Cq/s3968/P9110063.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2976" data-original-width="3968" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLBx1AGGDqWNgk9xsi7oXAu_NLXnIgIpGvb0QOY20BRrlrpLlfAk0qHVBaQjvGUcTgWMl5okuzw269ciwrs5TO2og_n_le6WdMw2gH0FAZsnGLz2nOii8pPAE_1-S6xcOtC7viA4ohIzXtu0Sbfb4uZvQp10q9eowgU1jx5f7CcZYq84Y0_jorc5Cq/w400-h300/P9110063.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><i>The side track into the waterhole and nearby KANTJU GORGE was relatively short.....</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-size: x-large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIAJGZtRqwjl92VXBkolkdufEHuvR4NJx2U4QF53RDT2n0NaooHQgFpdP6mxART0gY69ZWpzDAV-snJtuOoMEYd6rQKqW2ozDZw4wA2RbHnsV275X5Tecr5AulwX1uC_4w_-bnrdypSPkk4L-GRZbgnZx_dsuUc2D_HLipzejDmXDwk22iWRjzg0wU/s3968/P9110065.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3968" data-original-width="2976" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIAJGZtRqwjl92VXBkolkdufEHuvR4NJx2U4QF53RDT2n0NaooHQgFpdP6mxART0gY69ZWpzDAV-snJtuOoMEYd6rQKqW2ozDZw4wA2RbHnsV275X5Tecr5AulwX1uC_4w_-bnrdypSPkk4L-GRZbgnZx_dsuUc2D_HLipzejDmXDwk22iWRjzg0wU/w300-h400/P9110065.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><i>....but the smallness of the waterhole surprised me, given the previous night was pretty wet. However this one is permanent (must be spring-fed) which would have been a God-send to desert travelers back in the day. </i><br /><i><br /></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-size: x-large;"><i> </i>I had enough time before the bus came back to start my circumnavigation of the rock (I planed to finish this on the 'morrow). Thing is, the full circumnavigation takes a bit longer than between buses unless you are Speedy Gonzales. So why not knock over 20% now?</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLQYtOLwAQgrvQSMr3_lA8M9ZvlHDobIcl0wTuDKboHTMzx9wuLzAycDNA12splZeR-ZCcHIiVpmXeVvr4-67wINxTfFPjmDLxpE9Ok6wE1dBaKkcwcbViiJ0MF5nzXeSf3xZXwlwQqE5lOYsPGn37N9L8qCC6cTlcsJEQPRQA3I58djyBiEDPi06c/s3968/P9110068.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3968" data-original-width="2976" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLQYtOLwAQgrvQSMr3_lA8M9ZvlHDobIcl0wTuDKboHTMzx9wuLzAycDNA12splZeR-ZCcHIiVpmXeVvr4-67wINxTfFPjmDLxpE9Ok6wE1dBaKkcwcbViiJ0MF5nzXeSf3xZXwlwQqE5lOYsPGn37N9L8qCC6cTlcsJEQPRQA3I58djyBiEDPi06c/w300-h400/P9110068.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>The base walk across to MUTITJULU WATERHOLE had several fine views - this one better reflects last night's rain.</b></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span><b style="font-size: x-large;"> I got to MUTITJULU about 10 mins. before the 12.20 bus. Got back to the campground around 1300 - lotsa time for lunch and to hit the laundry. Around sunset I wandered across to the central dune IMALUNG VIEWPOINT.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF3DDkyxhqetCnG6Cw1ux1C1BT-ClPYgYjOOPPeHAgR-j_3zFSg5EXVlvZ1o57IkmV6q0XjwK0jwrwcQyJxFHHdE3IZQzqIKEpOgaw5kxjB4ikG5aTgHYZG2iInoqsTmqRjaEn4fSRiWKOq7FD8gl5rJrSCQSKltpBEeB2PwjpqkYCZKzi_2bPhpPQ/s3968/P9120082.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2976" data-original-width="3968" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF3DDkyxhqetCnG6Cw1ux1C1BT-ClPYgYjOOPPeHAgR-j_3zFSg5EXVlvZ1o57IkmV6q0XjwK0jwrwcQyJxFHHdE3IZQzqIKEpOgaw5kxjB4ikG5aTgHYZG2iInoqsTmqRjaEn4fSRiWKOq7FD8gl5rJrSCQSKltpBEeB2PwjpqkYCZKzi_2bPhpPQ/w400-h300/P9120082.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Pretty good roll call for this secondary viewpoint which is much further away than the dedicated places within the park. KATA TJUTA over left shoulder.</b></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBSk4V09BKi7ILZ3FEUPILphzwwIJgH1gF2rhp4eeO4cT0XeoS1p4OhEdShLmgNn01ACqi6f0vDD5jNhX_bDV0kC8ffx8_lA3bbcR6xtl4WYnPYX77ZEtvDVehmmWRAVLgWoFktCnVcR2qVNCU44j_4qSJBHiQhqI9CIim7ZD4WHzOeZBfwvRd8Ry8/s3968/P9120084.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2976" data-original-width="3968" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBSk4V09BKi7ILZ3FEUPILphzwwIJgH1gF2rhp4eeO4cT0XeoS1p4OhEdShLmgNn01ACqi6f0vDD5jNhX_bDV0kC8ffx8_lA3bbcR6xtl4WYnPYX77ZEtvDVehmmWRAVLgWoFktCnVcR2qVNCU44j_4qSJBHiQhqI9CIim7ZD4WHzOeZBfwvRd8Ry8/w400-h300/P9120084.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><i>KATA TJUTA from YULARA's mid circle dune viewpoint.</i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>DAY 4 - MONDAY (the 3rd full day in the area).</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>- Back to ULURU to complete the base walk circumnavigation.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>I caught the HO/HO BUS from the campsite bus stop at 11.50 for its 3rd run into the park. I got out at MUTITJULU WATERHOLE to continue my base walk of yesterday. I had abt 7.5km to do in 3 hours.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCgB25S1nbp6_HxUafz2JubAgC_TAnlvVRW0X3aZkdqhXwfxOKLAcKFYe4CTdwaHW8lWhpRIAwB9rtNruI5LCi1FiPlidXGJouE0icCIjogw3IKVIYb1BpsBIYNGvidP4w4jv5FpkQLfzcoTvvFw2MfjBiwMVBVx8HPTeHf11C4ofaKBALa1srTzNG/s3968/P9120076.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2976" data-original-width="3968" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCgB25S1nbp6_HxUafz2JubAgC_TAnlvVRW0X3aZkdqhXwfxOKLAcKFYe4CTdwaHW8lWhpRIAwB9rtNruI5LCi1FiPlidXGJouE0icCIjogw3IKVIYb1BpsBIYNGvidP4w4jv5FpkQLfzcoTvvFw2MfjBiwMVBVx8HPTeHf11C4ofaKBALa1srTzNG/w400-h300/P9120076.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><i><b>The base trail is flat and has a fair surface. These Segways are a great extra-cost way to do the circuit - a rider told me they are surprisingly easy to ride. Popular too were many rental bicycles. Trekkers? - I passed about a 100 trekkers in the 3 hours. Temps reached about 30C.</b></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPHduTmxf6Mb4qfx64akQq2wPmY6tkiwlEH1nSwzbzg43YEG8-z6smH0x2APPR3L3fGq72XYKXlzLmEl_g0-cHU_jsoVWytgE1Y7wSwWjy4jEd6Edzw6AuRuk38yPFtbKhKaWvBSIjrv9qn6RB2cZpftM0GyMQbF0fx5U2UWq19Yb8QtrPnxGFbYPd/s3968/P9120077.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3968" data-original-width="2976" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPHduTmxf6Mb4qfx64akQq2wPmY6tkiwlEH1nSwzbzg43YEG8-z6smH0x2APPR3L3fGq72XYKXlzLmEl_g0-cHU_jsoVWytgE1Y7wSwWjy4jEd6Edzw6AuRuk38yPFtbKhKaWvBSIjrv9qn6RB2cZpftM0GyMQbF0fx5U2UWq19Yb8QtrPnxGFbYPd/w300-h400/P9120077.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><i>The spectacular scenery continued. This looks like indigenous art but in fact is the result of natural weathering of the sandstone.</i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>I arrived at MALA WATERHOLE thus completing the circuit begun the day before in good time for the bus.<br /></b></span><b style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-size: x-large;">DAY 5 - TUESDAY (the 4th full day in the area)</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>AM - HOP ON/OFF BUS TO KATA TJUTA SUNRISE AND VALLEY OF THE WINDS TREK.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>This was another the website said was booked out - the HO/HO girl at the tour center said "no problem" - what a champ! I was glad because I hadn't seen enough of THE OLGAS and really wanted to do the VALLEY OF THE WINDS.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifsBkPfW6AesRFzhFyZgY4cD3ONzBsyiD_OFcjlwhzJYC_Dky6TvZk07forxsWQIngmyd20si5luDAK9boBUNp1nriC_tGAi7G7cnbktypSF_bMpmd8aojDk6P7U_N7AKbDyueDAhCNV4X-0C5afy-2RRvRkocFHtJ75JihhnwAFd6A61kkfezSbfX/s3968/P9130092.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2976" data-original-width="3968" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifsBkPfW6AesRFzhFyZgY4cD3ONzBsyiD_OFcjlwhzJYC_Dky6TvZk07forxsWQIngmyd20si5luDAK9boBUNp1nriC_tGAi7G7cnbktypSF_bMpmd8aojDk6P7U_N7AKbDyueDAhCNV4X-0C5afy-2RRvRkocFHtJ75JihhnwAFd6A61kkfezSbfX/w400-h300/P9130092.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><i><b>Pre dawn crowd at the KATA TJUTA sunrise viewing platform. 30 mins earlier we had seen the most incredible meteorite. The best of my almost 77 years - pre-dawn lack of light in the desert helps.</b></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd-lCl8F0Qfgav5Y_o36KN5NhFmCRwd7gu6991fGbOeAwykI9cuXOQl8F2k8SVqtmgjOM-nphECYnAHq6KQulfAAu8qOeNbEvuAqFNGTC3PegrUPJ-OnsrfQ1JVAy75KeBM_4jy_WPgcWAvdXCRmuPa293FUsVPJm_4xz-K9ES7JFmuqO9xX8x6X4p/s3968/P9130093.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2976" data-original-width="3968" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd-lCl8F0Qfgav5Y_o36KN5NhFmCRwd7gu6991fGbOeAwykI9cuXOQl8F2k8SVqtmgjOM-nphECYnAHq6KQulfAAu8qOeNbEvuAqFNGTC3PegrUPJ-OnsrfQ1JVAy75KeBM_4jy_WPgcWAvdXCRmuPa293FUsVPJm_4xz-K9ES7JFmuqO9xX8x6X4p/w400-h300/P9130093.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><b>THE OLGAS from the viewpoint.The sun is actually hitting the rocks - not as dramatic as Uluru. But way more rugged.</b></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijmlDCxAzB0Xn-ZAVe_ABkYucVaOgyMD5EY-QmEfDvtXHp5j-uY6EAZtQASLbsOyss3eerACg2aFtgaUIvoUXZSI6eiLo4y1hYHPYi0gP_hn0Fbt600EjKm_fSu0e3n5KVtgH4spryV-a4ukiAoknKmGrk_u7ZkVA-6qGqtxsDONZzuwNgj4RsbAOS/s3707/P9130088.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2781" data-original-width="3707" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijmlDCxAzB0Xn-ZAVe_ABkYucVaOgyMD5EY-QmEfDvtXHp5j-uY6EAZtQASLbsOyss3eerACg2aFtgaUIvoUXZSI6eiLo4y1hYHPYi0gP_hn0Fbt600EjKm_fSu0e3n5KVtgH4spryV-a4ukiAoknKmGrk_u7ZkVA-6qGqtxsDONZzuwNgj4RsbAOS/w400-h300/P9130088.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><b>Behind us, the sun was rising behind ULURU. Fair bit of telephoto here - true size about 2/3 this</b>.</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>The HO/HO BUS gives a choice between hiking easier WALPA GORGE or doing the longer more difficult VALLEY OF THE WINDS after the sunrise viewpoint. Having done WALPA with AAT - KINGS I naturally went for THE VALLEY.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>This 8km/3hr return loop has some very steep and rough sections. Unfit people should give it a miss. People of normal fitness will need a few rests and may turnaround at one of the two intermediate viewpoints (actually AAP's afternoon guide turns EVERYONE around at the second viewpoint which is abt. 40% of the circuit. Admittedly they have already seen the best of the landscape). I've heard park rangers close the trail in temps exceeding 38C.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>The HO/HO BUS has no guide and the driver does not accompany trekkers - he throws them out at the trailhead with trek instructions and to be back in 3.5 hours. He then takes less enthusiastic/capable trekkers across to WALPA. That trek is much shorter/easier and gives the driver time to return those hikers to YULARA before he comes back to pick up THE VALLEY trekkers.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>I found THE VALLEY a real test. My new knees are fine for endurance, I have rebuilt my fitness but I messed up medication in the home rehab. stage so they are stiff and lack flexibility - which has affected my balance. Consequently I had to take the many rough/steep bits slower than days of old.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLlQowTPesWuMV1vhyhZdrSOpsRBw2Ymb0LURdbIcXThRmuX4t3bAJcouRCJCtC7cg2Kv-nEW0Ma8ksHuOlytae05NTN2m1vUpC5lquqN4qMzyntWXCP_QN-7HGIMBpkVqkYyothZeEmhUVdomrX8A96uj4FuO0aCj9YiYoz3Az3gqqkidQpZrW4NP/s3968/P9130095.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3968" data-original-width="2976" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLlQowTPesWuMV1vhyhZdrSOpsRBw2Ymb0LURdbIcXThRmuX4t3bAJcouRCJCtC7cg2Kv-nEW0Ma8ksHuOlytae05NTN2m1vUpC5lquqN4qMzyntWXCP_QN-7HGIMBpkVqkYyothZeEmhUVdomrX8A96uj4FuO0aCj9YiYoz3Az3gqqkidQpZrW4NP/w300-h400/P9130095.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><i>Near the start of THE VALLEY circuit. Many steep and rough bits on this trek.</i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhzwka2vMd3UoUIPbUZTDdavY0CFW64WkRTHkWKoWeutThlZDOKCFdibeZPYTiv2bCyt3UoIMfY01aORF10P2wV2pViSeSBDJ8BCiLnwdrsr1wuLzLPJ2GPdJCDqemm3wC8UGvdtPhDCSkVPIcOsboMw0uFAqvCv-i1YHoO9eFW4iZIzjNvK5vuI8D/s3968/P9130094.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2976" data-original-width="3968" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhzwka2vMd3UoUIPbUZTDdavY0CFW64WkRTHkWKoWeutThlZDOKCFdibeZPYTiv2bCyt3UoIMfY01aORF10P2wV2pViSeSBDJ8BCiLnwdrsr1wuLzLPJ2GPdJCDqemm3wC8UGvdtPhDCSkVPIcOsboMw0uFAqvCv-i1YHoO9eFW4iZIzjNvK5vuI8D/w400-h300/P9130094.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><i>Typical VALLEY OF THE WINDS landscape.</i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>The bus arrived back to YULARA around mid-day. I got it to drop me at town square where I enjoyed an overpriced but yummy plate of chips and similar glass of beer at GHECKO'S CAFE, checked out the native art displayed by indigenous artists on the lawns, browsed the shops and then caught the free RESORT SHUTTLE around to the campground for more laundry work. </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>PM - Late afternoon I wandered out to the bus stop and waited for the HO/HO BUS to take me on its ULURU SUNSET trip.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHtc4Mi6phU-4yCp_w2QoUtCoEVJyvMU-_887a7tXN1i2ODK1NUCiVqOTggiTpU2Fv0LUJlGwzSSl09yX-TFaXI6A4WptEqE6kAap0OzRMvAyV-scSo55K0H_mdkcHipnneBXm5nyn2KgmhTV8qPE-pFYadeM3D5CD76uWAJLhzSK9cEwAYJHVuUWJ/s3707/P9130097.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2781" data-original-width="3707" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHtc4Mi6phU-4yCp_w2QoUtCoEVJyvMU-_887a7tXN1i2ODK1NUCiVqOTggiTpU2Fv0LUJlGwzSSl09yX-TFaXI6A4WptEqE6kAap0OzRMvAyV-scSo55K0H_mdkcHipnneBXm5nyn2KgmhTV8qPE-pFYadeM3D5CD76uWAJLhzSK9cEwAYJHVuUWJ/w400-h300/P9130097.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><i><b>ULURU near sunset</b></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2F98gvVRrKeGNfmbTTKy7RPR5QcBXlCiV6NPAoQp1FXWAOmBa42ckev798S5iuI9ZsuTSnLIUiPPdnu7oA8525KbfYcPQhN1CixYs3sHf2w5928eY6M8kxDBNNe6aODgG9IITAeGsQOkpvvf5Nc1nzmXXoCLa9dCSGvMDSbVbLOllyzYaidlUw5j3/s3968/P9130102.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2976" data-original-width="3968" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2F98gvVRrKeGNfmbTTKy7RPR5QcBXlCiV6NPAoQp1FXWAOmBa42ckev798S5iuI9ZsuTSnLIUiPPdnu7oA8525KbfYcPQhN1CixYs3sHf2w5928eY6M8kxDBNNe6aODgG9IITAeGsQOkpvvf5Nc1nzmXXoCLa9dCSGvMDSbVbLOllyzYaidlUw5j3/w400-h300/P9130102.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><b>ULURU post sunset.</b></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEFCJwk4N22FbdPXIqOZCrnZPTGGVXp6seAlyYlWwb9QMgAs9qpUSu7trMdzOLbCkm_C2w_s2ZxiKECmhGfHKGIhl1oIC5DxEvsQASaVgg-C38ogldmU5Mfz3OuzU2XKwXzFr3jzkch2Z0Q3lbzreOKdfXLW_Ted811qx6HmUbDur1MEyUmoU8lMzO/s1863/P9130098%20(2).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1397" data-original-width="1863" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEFCJwk4N22FbdPXIqOZCrnZPTGGVXp6seAlyYlWwb9QMgAs9qpUSu7trMdzOLbCkm_C2w_s2ZxiKECmhGfHKGIhl1oIC5DxEvsQASaVgg-C38ogldmU5Mfz3OuzU2XKwXzFr3jzkch2Z0Q3lbzreOKdfXLW_Ted811qx6HmUbDur1MEyUmoU8lMzO/w400-h300/P9130098%20(2).JPG" width="400" /></a></div><b>No shortage of coaches and people at the sunset bus area. Non-bus viewing area across road. Best outlook from top of dune behind camera.</b></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>This trip returns to YULARA in plenty of time for dinner.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>DAY 6 - WEDNESDAY</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>AAT-KINGS ONE DAY EXCURSION TO KINGS CANYON</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>I wasn't too sure about this. A mega-early start, over 700km and 8 hours in a bus with a real hard 3.5hour trek half way thru. But I<i> was </i>really determined to see KINGS CANYON and to trek it, so after alternative plans fell through, I went for it. </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>It turned out my favourite day.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>The AAT coach picked me up at 4.35 AM at the campground bus stop. Guide ANNA and driver JASON were real pros - after giving a basic itinerary of the up trip they shut up and allowed us more sleep. I'm not a good sleeper in transport but after the previous several days of trekking I cut quite a few zzzzs.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Nor long after daybreak we reached KINGS CREEK STATION which is abt. 35km south of the canyon - these folk put on an inclusive buffet brekka which I thought pretty good after my non-cooked efforts in the campground "kitchen".</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>I checked the rest of the stop zone out because apparently you can camp. I think they have cabins too. (future trips? - nah, but at one stage I had planned to stay in the area).</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Lots of touristy stuff for sale.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Arriving at the Canyon (this is abt. 5km off the main road) we split into 2 groups - one doing the tough RIM WALK (6km/3.5hr/rating 4), the second the easier CREEK WALK (shorter/rating 2). I was surprised when 3/4 of us opted for the killer.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHmDWaergxE9fKsLH3kTD751zxr2pway35DMRyJHFMCI2hOOJOkTcVyQ0mCLUPFBF4tqmEUEZrGLrXVKyxAh5HIAbVoJbIgwyUiKAtk2Hr78EzRcC2mzImDo4V8188hNZ8lOHpLCdbfSl3lNFndhUJmAJFEuhZI43xutU_Mo6oflvzdR2S9aaf4-eR/s3968/P9140105.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3968" data-original-width="2976" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHmDWaergxE9fKsLH3kTD751zxr2pway35DMRyJHFMCI2hOOJOkTcVyQ0mCLUPFBF4tqmEUEZrGLrXVKyxAh5HIAbVoJbIgwyUiKAtk2Hr78EzRcC2mzImDo4V8188hNZ8lOHpLCdbfSl3lNFndhUJmAJFEuhZI43xutU_Mo6oflvzdR2S9aaf4-eR/s320/P9140105.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><i>This is the nightmare section. RIM WALK starts with 500 very steep, very rough stairs. Guide ANNA stopped at 200 to allow doubters to change minds and descend in time to meet JASON'S group. About 10 returned.</i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>I found fitness no problem, but with stiffness and loss of balance I took the stairs slower than back in the day. ANNA waited at the top - one of many stops where she explained the geology, flora, fauna or history or allowed time for pix. At no time did I think I was holding the group up. Sometimes I arrived mid-pack.</i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>The walk gets easier at the top - average trekkers should have no problems. I still had to go a bit slow on the rougher sections.</i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVpoQil-4d3gLqC4MAMZYAL7JjgEHwvysFs1lEqcCI5Jl8Mh_L4BcGovjkMl4Ltg20saOKJpx7r1UYHpGYa8AEja2vNNMMb0j3Q7RiRxHWGPjXT0l1-aYg0DMYpcpF4Dhudr7ecZ2JyJIb1gV1dUzhN9DiIX_DnB-2gwBxU3QXT1FubR-v2SsaeByR/s3968/P9140106.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2976" data-original-width="3968" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVpoQil-4d3gLqC4MAMZYAL7JjgEHwvysFs1lEqcCI5Jl8Mh_L4BcGovjkMl4Ltg20saOKJpx7r1UYHpGYa8AEja2vNNMMb0j3Q7RiRxHWGPjXT0l1-aYg0DMYpcpF4Dhudr7ecZ2JyJIb1gV1dUzhN9DiIX_DnB-2gwBxU3QXT1FubR-v2SsaeByR/w400-h300/P9140106.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><i>JASON'S initial creek bed group from 200 steps.</i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfuNs4b3sJ4WECnFi0GIyulKLgavhJ4MyQmd0PRlYhF3JHFG-29Uu9E-yZdHiv5LDA06EOEOXS6kbn20T8sGK2EQQ8ZJl-UuJAFTKSokM_NCDcdeBjoMB41WDqiyjLMn6VhVV9fLcnNpR39yz5QzsKXxXF9lR8Zmr4CtJF0JjfKTjibSXa2rO10bLs/s3968/P9140107.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2976" data-original-width="3968" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfuNs4b3sJ4WECnFi0GIyulKLgavhJ4MyQmd0PRlYhF3JHFG-29Uu9E-yZdHiv5LDA06EOEOXS6kbn20T8sGK2EQQ8ZJl-UuJAFTKSokM_NCDcdeBjoMB41WDqiyjLMn6VhVV9fLcnNpR39yz5QzsKXxXF9lR8Zmr4CtJF0JjfKTjibSXa2rO10bLs/w400-h300/P9140107.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><i>ANNA gives us the drum. I found her an excellent communicator and a font of knowledge. S</i></b></span><b style="font-size: x-large;"><i>he urged us to drink plenty of water on this 35degree day. I had a 2 liter bladder with mouthpiece-tube in my backpack from my 2015 10 hour trek in the GRAND CANYON on a similar day - I stick the mouthpiece over my shoulder and sip as needed - it proved excellent. The bus had plenty of water and electrolyte to replenish stocks.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNA3pSjtPsktZPGQ_BYwPIfX_f_eQXKK8e8cq1JrchlKOB6aTr0z_GRlWyjU1r-jwBa6wIzeakEITTjgl2QhQ5y3AhonW4m0frw1xhJjHihuuYmw_91S8aqabw4E1GxnerwRUADYF_sme56z5x_FaE01L3OpQNrXfbV55WiyVetXGDirGv0QMyyJ_S/s3879/P9140111.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2909" data-original-width="3879" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNA3pSjtPsktZPGQ_BYwPIfX_f_eQXKK8e8cq1JrchlKOB6aTr0z_GRlWyjU1r-jwBa6wIzeakEITTjgl2QhQ5y3AhonW4m0frw1xhJjHihuuYmw_91S8aqabw4E1GxnerwRUADYF_sme56z5x_FaE01L3OpQNrXfbV55WiyVetXGDirGv0QMyyJ_S/w400-h300/P9140111.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><i>Lower canyon from high on the north rim.</i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1vkglbNP9FLetgYw9Qw0thHCkoHSuKQT_6aTbLQ9Fe2zoCdOFfyndfB7CxNqyFF5BgRUgRkVil7x4j_bHolZMJEgmOjRyhLlgOETWXZWFqQqEZtRAquF5Ek2IqXBCkCFSTjLqxEOTxwmrGilOTdah1sf3VXfXZ4kStl9MmhJpRaMfH6y8Z0c-YcVK/s3968/P9140115.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2976" data-original-width="3968" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1vkglbNP9FLetgYw9Qw0thHCkoHSuKQT_6aTbLQ9Fe2zoCdOFfyndfB7CxNqyFF5BgRUgRkVil7x4j_bHolZMJEgmOjRyhLlgOETWXZWFqQqEZtRAquF5Ek2IqXBCkCFSTjLqxEOTxwmrGilOTdah1sf3VXfXZ4kStl9MmhJpRaMfH6y8Z0c-YcVK/w400-h300/P9140115.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><i>At about 60% of the trek the canyon narrows and after descending a bit you cross to the other side on a short metal bridge. These wooden stairs take you to the top of the southern rim - easy-peasy after the many more rough stone steps at the start.</i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>If you head left at the bottom of the stairs, a few minutes, an irregular trail gets you to the GARDEN OF EDEN WATERHOLE.</i> </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqn-SAK1ghRMHLUob_vp0BFq3xmug-bV2Agi-07u0fAiPNQ2UJaAQkHQF-9ikEO_607LSSTuEcTXCJfflG8zpo5a2-VcEz1qqdfd7mu-skPgHiRHjnC_yJU3j1c98NS2H7hhZKpJNeE_5FqQ6xAcrka00FL4kP2qLoAIgXj8S5K8oP89ivuU9wB4bG/s3968/P9140118.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2976" data-original-width="3968" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqn-SAK1ghRMHLUob_vp0BFq3xmug-bV2Agi-07u0fAiPNQ2UJaAQkHQF-9ikEO_607LSSTuEcTXCJfflG8zpo5a2-VcEz1qqdfd7mu-skPgHiRHjnC_yJU3j1c98NS2H7hhZKpJNeE_5FqQ6xAcrka00FL4kP2qLoAIgXj8S5K8oP89ivuU9wB4bG/w400-h300/P9140118.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><b><i>The GE WATERHOLE is permanent but no swimming - no matter; KINGS CANYON RESORT where we later have lunch has a pool.</i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>I have seen pix of a waterfall into this pool - must have been soon after heavy rain. No swimming bu<u>t lotsa shade.</u></i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbyVKXOy_sVCAKYcWp2MtvIMHg3hQlgv51TYuoM-0q4ONGa9_kzw92lVf_WJtQ3rMZ5N6iSUhyXNVR75Oy5C5Yw_nK6UHlfmgJlaNqNr4Fasypr0pehTQhEcRYjY5aO45WNLMWPvmrD8fZapkbDx8PyGqihrAlug_QP2hLfoeZ6kqfcfLaxl9gUm9w/s3465/P9140120.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3465" data-original-width="2599" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbyVKXOy_sVCAKYcWp2MtvIMHg3hQlgv51TYuoM-0q4ONGa9_kzw92lVf_WJtQ3rMZ5N6iSUhyXNVR75Oy5C5Yw_nK6UHlfmgJlaNqNr4Fasypr0pehTQhEcRYjY5aO45WNLMWPvmrD8fZapkbDx8PyGqihrAlug_QP2hLfoeZ6kqfcfLaxl9gUm9w/w300-h400/P9140120.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><i>The narrow eastern end of the gorge - the GE WATERHOLE is down there somewhere.</i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSzedztywl3BTNgGm8SsVUh3HSchpM1Ou9ON4sfRPYUmo-gws-oaLfH6jlyijuqnT1k2RHgLVkHw1WuHVePr9j3egjdfMKNanH42EZgZBrsFqwn2y_isko6IN6r1IzDeG9v1m21Uz9dks-jtZueWr-mSAAGvshHBmzSmh4Q4bTfjQrxrKDRxaVfhHz/s3968/P9140126.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2976" data-original-width="3968" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSzedztywl3BTNgGm8SsVUh3HSchpM1Ou9ON4sfRPYUmo-gws-oaLfH6jlyijuqnT1k2RHgLVkHw1WuHVePr9j3egjdfMKNanH42EZgZBrsFqwn2y_isko6IN6r1IzDeG9v1m21Uz9dks-jtZueWr-mSAAGvshHBmzSmh4Q4bTfjQrxrKDRxaVfhHz/w400-h300/P9140126.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><i>The descent on the southern rim was more gradual (thank God!) and 3.5 hours from the start we reached the coach. JASON had returned from the creek walk in time to drive participants to the helicopter site were some chose an extra-cost overflight.</i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Then it was onboard for the short run (6km out to the highway; turn right, go another 10km) to the lunch stop at KINGS CANYON RESORT.</i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>KCR seems a better option for canyon visitors than our breakfast stop, KINGS CREEK STATION - it's bigger, has a much better dining room/bar and campground incl pool etc. We had an hour for lunch (we pay). I had a toasted sandwich and beer - the price while high was more reasonable than at AYERS ROCK RESORT.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>The drive home seemed less than 4 hours - ANNA and JASON kept us entertained with facts about the history and characters of the area in between silent periods to allow us more shut-eye. We had 2 stops:</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>1 - MOUNT CONNOR </i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcdqUzDpju6Me2cBBYNE2DIsa3AJ2FtDJnlBejLf-fAzGBcoV5bEw408TYdqxkIk2vuw0XVJzEnhoZg66BD-htAEbpS1o6ls-s4mbc9Hmv7nuJ9dbiX7cqkasm2UAEP5YMC0QwHX2MVpyG_IoHa-VRHFfLogKbalurdtSvKOvZ-UROPuK4srweVNlG/s3968/P9140124.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2976" data-original-width="3968" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcdqUzDpju6Me2cBBYNE2DIsa3AJ2FtDJnlBejLf-fAzGBcoV5bEw408TYdqxkIk2vuw0XVJzEnhoZg66BD-htAEbpS1o6ls-s4mbc9Hmv7nuJ9dbiX7cqkasm2UAEP5YMC0QwHX2MVpyG_IoHa-VRHFfLogKbalurdtSvKOvZ-UROPuK4srweVNlG/w400-h300/P9140124.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><i><b>This ULURU look-alike is106 km west of YULARA. It's actually a mesa with lower areas protected from erosion by a hard cap of sandstone and is on the grounds of CURTAIN SPRINGS station (our next stop). You can do paid tours from there or YULARA.</b></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>There is a dedicated viewing area beside the highway. Across the road is a sandhill viewpoint where to the north you can see part of LAKE AMADEUS, a salt lake which caused lots of grief to early explorers. </b></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiWCggPovQ-KAnt9H4_gNGJNkFAyMCoXgDrf3sEhG7QFv62sDAMoGG6nDO5LZHkh9XxtH58QrDXdGTcoVad0FAhVEH-Uv-Gnr25e0OcYZGxW3mBTI8u14TuTtQ3GbTy72mFfpvHbKyB5f6tuKy8c-XG7k23ZUBntGoRhtjQS8n3Oc4Wn2H-Sb8sGRY/s3968/P9140123.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2976" data-original-width="3968" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiWCggPovQ-KAnt9H4_gNGJNkFAyMCoXgDrf3sEhG7QFv62sDAMoGG6nDO5LZHkh9XxtH58QrDXdGTcoVad0FAhVEH-Uv-Gnr25e0OcYZGxW3mBTI8u14TuTtQ3GbTy72mFfpvHbKyB5f6tuKy8c-XG7k23ZUBntGoRhtjQS8n3Oc4Wn2H-Sb8sGRY/w400-h300/P9140123.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>2 - CURTAIN SPRINGS WAYSIDE INN </i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSaey7R95GQQLoOG-7zUaKyjknpJAB6CUB2wZDm9X0WWxxN0-7zBRzx-SG8SxBSYc-MyitBnrLjpOKKUqirLFiGCPLNV9jRXQzVB-_4sNz5VauGjHp2Xp1CpdnKCJmI8l_1t-7QBQElNkBpCD9DUDLjl7Ml3IHxpB4YcQyyjy-mey6XOjuPr8TJZEq/s3175/P9140125.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2381" data-original-width="3175" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSaey7R95GQQLoOG-7zUaKyjknpJAB6CUB2wZDm9X0WWxxN0-7zBRzx-SG8SxBSYc-MyitBnrLjpOKKUqirLFiGCPLNV9jRXQzVB-_4sNz5VauGjHp2Xp1CpdnKCJmI8l_1t-7QBQElNkBpCD9DUDLjl7Ml3IHxpB4YcQyyjy-mey6XOjuPr8TJZEq/w400-h300/P9140125.JPG" width="400" /></a></div></b><b><i>Another 15km closer to YULARA, this roadhouse is the original homestead of the huge cattle station of CURTAIN SPRINGS -station and roadhouse developed by the SEVERIN FAMILY. We stopped for abt a half hour - I had a beer which I thought reasonably priced given the isolation.</i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>There are eats, drinks and touristy stuff to buy, pay showers and you can stay in pay cabins and the free campground (which is all red dirt - but hey, you can't complain about the price). Closeness to ULURU means plenty of RV people camp for free and drive in for a few days.</i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Back when I thought I could get a reasonably priced rental car I originally planned to spend a few nights here. COVID ruined everything.</i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>It took the bus less than an hour to get me back to YULARA campground - late afternoon but in plenty of time for dinner.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>THE BIG QUESTION:</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Is KINGS CANYON better than ULARA/KATA TJUTA? Despite this claim from many I reckon it's about the same and certainly worth the long trip. But wouldn't travel to the red center to see it alone. Note travelers from ALICE can come by way of the WEST MCDONALD RANGES which have many touristy spots. You save many kms coming that way but will need a 4wd.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>From Yulara, if you haven't your own transport, the AAT-KINGS daytrip is the way to do it.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Note without a bus you will need a car <i>at</i> the Canyon - there is no accommodation at the canyon, and KINGS CANYON RESORT is too far to walk.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>AAT also run an exxy non-daytour bus YULARA to KCR, but I couldn't work out how to get to the canyon from there. I'm a world class hitcher btw - but scarce traffic and post COVID caution ruled that out.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>THURSDAY - DAY 7</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>I woke exhausted. I figured I had trekked over 50kms (many on steep/rough trails) the previous 6 days and the cramped tent didn't help overnight recovery. Scoffers cut me a break - I'm a 77 yo cancer survivor, not as durable as back in the day. So I determined to make this a day of rest. </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Well not quite - I did more laundry, checked the campsite's own viewpoint (not quite as good as the central IMALUNG VIEWPOINT but closer to my tent at 450m vs 850), then wandered across to the TOWN SQUARE via IMALUNG itself, for another plate of chips and a beer.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>FRIDAY - DAY 8. </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>DRAMA - arrived at airport to find flight cancelled - missed 6am Jetstar email because I haven't a smart phone. "We never have flight cancellations" the town square tour office had assured me the day before. I guess there's always a first time.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Jetstar desk girl booked me onto tomorrow's flight - took 2 hours to find me accommodation - this in a town the bus driver back in reckoned had 4000 spare bed because the hotter days of Spring were already affecting bookings. Go figure.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>My digs were in DESERT GARDENS, one of the flash AYERS ROCK RESORT hotels on the circle. Positives include a big room, clean, well equipped, effective climate control which kept room temp at 24C day and night, comfy twin king beds, nice pool (kids assured me water cold) a good associated free art gallery and film theater, 5 mins walk to Town Square and a largely indigenous staff which seemed to do everything well. I witnessed a staff act of kindness not seen in 60+years of hotel stays.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwr2decKvywx20TYDqoh0-fw7UCK49sggkTM_6LELEHed0kJ-474xpeiP5O3elKHqdWe5GFLNsJevKO_8koejeomYVNE8RdTyqHxejHCRbFa6xlnXx5vEJIX6irxiEqlwlIzab8CNeqeCBbb1QmcxhZLHdejuNLcNrzf7b1qMiVqt4X7MrGygFtcD6/s3968/P9160127.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2976" data-original-width="3968" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwr2decKvywx20TYDqoh0-fw7UCK49sggkTM_6LELEHed0kJ-474xpeiP5O3elKHqdWe5GFLNsJevKO_8koejeomYVNE8RdTyqHxejHCRbFa6xlnXx5vEJIX6irxiEqlwlIzab8CNeqeCBbb1QmcxhZLHdejuNLcNrzf7b1qMiVqt4X7MrGygFtcD6/w400-h300/P9160127.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><b><i>DESERT GARDENS room big enough.<br /></i><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Negatives include a mouse in the room (probably my fault: left the sliding door to the back courtyard open too long), slightly temperamental hot water, carpets near replacement, gardens which didn't sock me in the eye and nose-bleed prices (the room tariff was 2 or 3 times similar places in Sydney, Surfers or Cairns; the food prices blew my </b></span><b style="font-size: x-large;">$30 Jetstar food allowance in one hit at dinner - the shredded-beef burger in the bistro cost $30 alone. Leaving zero for the $14 beer to wash it down). And zero for breakfast next morning. I found out the nice looking buffet breakfast cost $40 - well above my pension grade. The IGA which has cheaper stuff didn't open until 10.30 but luckily the SHELL with its less exxy food was only an 800m walk (the Resort Shuttle which passes by the SHELL doesn't start starts until 10.30).</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-size: x-large;">I figure either Jetstar's food voucher policy was formulated when it started back in '03 when $30 would buy both dinner and breakfast at the <i>COOLANGATTA GREENMOUNT..</i>...or.....big boss ALAN JOYCE doesn't eat breakfast.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-size: x-large;">SATURDAY - DAY 9</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>YULARA airport was a circus with 2 hr queue to check in and a slow, mega-pedantic security check. Consequently we took off 10mins late, landed even later due to near airport air traffic. Sydney airport a similar circus - bags slow to start coming out and my bag last out.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Trip home a bit tricky - trackwork meant buses replaced trains the first 35 km to Waterfall but Central Station inundated with footy fans going to a night game so info was poor, and train from Waterfall stopped every station and didn't exceed 60kmh. Consequently I didn't get home until 11.45pm after dragging my bag 2km from the station (and I live in a very hilly town) - LADY TEZZA was away from home and I'm such a tight-wad I refused to order a taxi. I mean 2km is nothing compared to what I'd done the previous week or so.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b><br /><br /></b></i><b><br /><br /> <br /></b><b style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b><br /></b></i><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /><i><br /></i></b></span><b style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b style="font-size: x-large;"> </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">.........................................................</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ffd966;">If somehow you come across this report ((like, it hasn't even been indexed yet) it should be finished in a few days.<br /></span><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i><br /></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><i> </i></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 21.3333px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></div></span></div></span></div><div style="font-size: 21.3333px; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div></span></div>tezzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06099777760234890854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-235257059160442691.post-27539724281680266402020-05-26T08:14:00.003+10:002021-10-25T16:32:35.896+11:00KIAMA<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIXWKdRR6W7oc-5MCggtydYl4Ps1ZOl4_fa45g9plgksxPm2Gm9_EGGWrwd4oBFn8GOKajBAPWOARwRCZIcveCTyL23yBYhY53xcrEx5gf_-GTE-qxP6v4HviVORdRtdOKFNTMP0UFtZ4/s1600/P1080159.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="916" data-original-width="1600" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIXWKdRR6W7oc-5MCggtydYl4Ps1ZOl4_fa45g9plgksxPm2Gm9_EGGWrwd4oBFn8GOKajBAPWOARwRCZIcveCTyL23yBYhY53xcrEx5gf_-GTE-qxP6v4HviVORdRtdOKFNTMP0UFtZ4/s400/P1080159.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><i>Rock and ocean (plus a beach nearby) - no shortage of places around KIAMA to jump into the water on a hot day.</i></b>
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<b><span style="color: yellow;">ATTENTION - THIS PAGE HAS TURNED OUT MUCH LONGER THAN EXPECTED.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: yellow;">FOR PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN DIRECTED HERE BY SEARCH ENGINES, THE FOLLOWING MAY SAVE A BIT OF TIME:</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: yellow;">KIAMA COASTAL WALKING PATH - 60% DOWN PAGE</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: yellow;">KIAMA POINT-HARBOUR-LIGHTHOUSE AND BLOWHOLE AREA -35%</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: yellow;">LITTTLE BLOWHOLE 67%</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: yellow;">SURF BEACH - 5%</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: yellow;">KENDALLS BEACH - 7%</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: yellow;">BOMBO BEACH - 10%</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: yellow;">EASTS BEACH - 14%</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: yellow;">BLACK BEACH - 16%</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: yellow;">JONES BEACH - 30%</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: yellow;">MINNAMURRA BEACH - 32%</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: yellow;">WERRI BEACH - 78%</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: yellow;">GEROA BEACH/7 MILE BEACH - 79%</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: yellow;">MAIN ST - 22%</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: yellow;">MINERS' COTTAGES - 25%</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: yellow;">THE FLAT - 18%</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: yellow;">KIAMA CONTINENTAL POOL - 20%</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: yellow;">KIAMA ROCK POOL - 40%</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: yellow;">KIAMA SHOWGROUND - 48%</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: yellow;">KIAMA MARKETS - 80%</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: yellow;">KIMA LEISURE CENTRE - 92%</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: yellow;">GERRINGONG - 75%</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: yellow;">GEROA - 80%</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: yellow;">JAMBEROO - 83%</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: yellow;">KIAMA HINTERLAND - 82%</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: yellow;">CYCLING - 90%</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: yellow;">ACCOMMODATION - 91%</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: yellow;">WHALE WATCHING - 95%</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: yellow;">ACCESSING KIAMA - 97%</span></b><br />
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<b>There are many good day trip destinations out of Sydney. KIAMA is one. It has great beaches, a beaut little harbour, a popular coastal walk, no shortage of eats/drinks joints, a full range of accommodation, scenic viewpoints, a nice hinterland yada. And we haven't mentioned its most famous attraction - THE BLOWHOLE (actually, there are 2). It seems a favourite with Asian and Middle East visitors - maybe because they get less hassle here.</b><br />
<b>Day-trip wise it has the advantage of being just under 2 hour's drive from central Sydney (just when many drivers are figuring it's time to take a break), and a scenic 2.5 hour train trip.</b><br />
<b>This is a hilly town, meaning seaside places aren't the only ones with great views.</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7kufjuB1uxY3Z3XiVqgS_vqvThGXUTtjv5PlYgKWrlpDls3TZzfZ6KIUI_7oH7U_90HHs6j6-42Lf1J8OGpZ-tZBeHUNotrjGTAbvtBStnCcvN_9GVXHbYJd50f1MywcedDNzvfbQpyU/s1600/a9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="471" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7kufjuB1uxY3Z3XiVqgS_vqvThGXUTtjv5PlYgKWrlpDls3TZzfZ6KIUI_7oH7U_90HHs6j6-42Lf1J8OGpZ-tZBeHUNotrjGTAbvtBStnCcvN_9GVXHbYJd50f1MywcedDNzvfbQpyU/s400/a9.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><i>You are looking at 120km by road from central Sydney. Not sure how accurate that scale is - but understandable knowing the dude who did it.</i></b> <b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">BEACHES </span></i></b><br />
<b>KIAMA has 4 good beaches within walking distance of the main street and another 2 a short drive further north.</b><br />
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<b>4 CLOSE BEACHES</b><br />
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<b>1-SURF BCH 2-KENDALLS BCH 3-EASTS BCH 4-BOMBO BCH</b><br />
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<b>SURF BEACH</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkQeMmww_kRqNHE9yJLJEjIa5xClT-2Ms4QjwVnqWwqbmPXvJ1e12ZdtXA9_5HtPpOreAVAaWoF7K8Ta7K6bDsaJ7EM8Atld-DWWEPOwNwqrWnOONUR_AzAfetpXn0eOZZ06BGYP8XoJo/s1600/P1080069.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkQeMmww_kRqNHE9yJLJEjIa5xClT-2Ms4QjwVnqWwqbmPXvJ1e12ZdtXA9_5HtPpOreAVAaWoF7K8Ta7K6bDsaJ7EM8Atld-DWWEPOwNwqrWnOONUR_AzAfetpXn0eOZZ06BGYP8XoJo/s400/P1080069.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><i>This is the main beach. The shopping center is only a 5 minute walk north - the rail station 3. </i></b><br />
<b><i>The building mid shot is the surf lifesaving club. This is backed by a nice park area (CORONATION PARK) which is a big destination for visiting picknickers and others particularly weekends. So too is the grassed area in foreground. Behind it is a council run holiday village with some very neat cabins with killer ocean/beach views. Note too the tents and caravans far right background. This is the showground #2 playing field which the council opens to visitors Christmas and Easter.</i></b><br />
<b><i>This beach faces SE, so picks up southerly/south-east swells (which tend to be the biggest swells on this coast) so it is not a bad surfing beach. At the same time the big showground-blowhole headland extending out of shot to the right protects it from north-east winds which are the most common here. So it is not bad north-east wind beach protection-wise.</i></b>
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<b><i>Some of those Christmas holiday makers at showground #2. Showground #1 nearby is also used at busy times.</i></b>
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<b><i>KIAMA SURF BEACH has lifeguards 7/365</i></b>.<br />
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<b>KENDALL'S BEACH</b><br />
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<b><i>To the south of SURF BEACH (yellow arrow) is KENDALLS. It is protected on the south (camera) side by long KALEULA HEADLAND so it is usually pretty benign surf wise. But I have seen a few big storm surfs here over the years.</i></b><br />
<b><i>Pastel purple arrow points at the council run holiday cabins behind SURF BEACH mentioned up page. Indigo arrow for similar cabins behind KENDALLS BEACH. There are also spaces for about 25 tents and caravans here. Orange points at more tents and caravans allowed by council at XMAS and EASTER on a big sports field between the beaches.</i></b>
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<i><b>This group of happy campers on the sports field have a great shaded spot to enjoy a beer. Their tents are left out of image. Structure behind is the council-run campers' facilities. There is a really nice pool to its right.</b></i><br />
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<b><i>Same beach from the north end. This is about as much sand as I've seen here - pretty typical actually because the beach is so protected. But occasionally (maybe averaging once a year) after a big storm there is only half the sand on most of the beach, with wave-wet silica and debris sometimes right onto the grass behind. The foreground area between those nearby rocks and camera becomes a lagoon with plenty of exposed smaller rocks. The beach can rebuild itself surprisingly quickly given a week of calmer weather.</i></b><br />
<b><i>The far end of the beach is a real sun trap in winds from the southerly quadrant - the place to head for on those colder days when the sun is strong. Even in winter.</i></b><br />
<b><i>This beach has lifeguards XMAS and EASTER</i></b>.<br />
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<b>FISHING AT KENDALLS</b><br />
<b>Beach fishing is popular with visitors. But over many years I have never seen one catch a decent fish. I used to swim the length of the beach frequently - saw few fish (once saw a big ray and once swam into a huge Portuguese Man of War stinger). The rocks near beach far end above are also popular and if you want to catch some of those bony, foul tasting muddy rock cods this is the place. However some local kids who are very good snorkellers spear some excellent fish near a bombora (treacherous shallow reef) off the end of the point - at least 300m from the beach. The end of the point is also popular with rock fishermen, and they are not wasting their time.</b><br />
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<b>SURFING AT KENDALLS </b><br />
<b>The protected nature of this beach means surfable waves of any size are not all that common. Great for families. However BODYBOARDERS work over a fun-kamikazi break at the north end when the southerly swell gets to a reasonable size and when it gets huge there is a rubbishy board/bodyboard break half way along the far rocks - the kind of wave surfers ride because it is rarely there, not because it is good.</b><br />
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<b>BOMBO BEACH</b><br />
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<b><i>Maybe 10 minutes north of the main street, this 1400m long strip of silica is where you want to go to avoid crowds and to get good surf (this beach picks up good swell and the far end is nicely sheltered from the prevailing north-easterlies).</i></b><br />
<b><i>The council provides a life guard at the north (far) end in the XMAS holidays. Not sure abt EASTER. There is also a parking area and change sheds at the north end.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>BOMBO from a slightly different angle - you can see why the north end is so protected from prevailing NE winds with the lengthy BOMBO HEADLAND. There is shuttered bluestone (mostly basalt) quarry there - that area is best known for seekers of rock-encased fossils. </i></b><br />
<b><i>A big wave surfing spot, the BONEYARD, is abt 3 mins walk north, and one of KIAMA town's less easily accessible beaches, KIAMA DOWNS BCH/JONES BEACH, another 10 minutes.</i></b><br />
<b><i>BOMBO RAIL STATION (abt mid-beach), the penultimate stop before KIAMA, must be one of the closest to the sand in Oz. </i></b><br />
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<b><i>BOMBO STATION - from platform to ocean here 100m. Less to high tide mark.</i></b><br />
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<b>EASTS BEACH</b><br />
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<b><i>This beach is about 10 minutes walk south of KENDALLS and 35 minutes walk south of the main street. You can drive it in 6. It's very protected with long headlands each side - as a result big surf is rare, making it an ideal family beach. No coincidence therefore that the area behind has one of NSW's bigger caravan/cabin/camping places, BIG 4 EASTS BEACH HOLIDAY PARK.</i></b><br />
<b><i>Although a private operation, I notice the council has set up a lifeguard operation at XMAS and EASTER the past few years.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>I'm a bit short of EAST BEACH pix, so I pinched this one off the <a href="https://www.big4.com.au/caravan-parks/nsw/illawarra/easts-beach-holiday-park">BIG 4 website.</a></i></b><br />
<b><i>The length of each headland shows why this beach is so well protected from swell and wind.</i></b><br />
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<b><i><br /></i></b><b>A 5TH CLOSE TO TOWN BEACH - BLACK BEACH</b><br />
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<b><i>Technically inner KIAMA has a 5th beach, BLACK BEACH above, between the CONTINENTAL POOL and the HARBOUR. This is a BOULDER BEACH (although the boulders are more smallish rounded stones). Attracts fossikirs of all ages. There is a narrow park </i></b><b><i>which is a popular spot </i></b><b><i>between the path and the MAIN ST.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>BLACK BEACH BAY stretches between the CONTINENTAL POOL (YELLOW ARROW) and the HARBOUR which is out of image near right. BLACK ARROW indicates PHEASANT POINT which has some magic views both this way and north over BOMBO BEACH. PASTEL PURPLE points at the old primary school which has been redeveloped into <a href="http://www.sebelharboursidekiama.com.au/">a pretty nice </a></i></b><b><i><a href="http://www.sebelharboursidekiama.com.au/">high end hotel/resort</a>. WHITE indicates the path-side stalls of the SEASIDE/GROWERS MA</i></b><b><i>RKET.</i></b><br />
<b><i>The MAIN STREET is close behind the nearer half of this bay.</i></b><br />
<b><i>It is possible to walk the rock platform near YELLOW ARROW around to BOMBO BEACH in the lower half of the tide if they swell is not huge.</i></b><br />
<b><i>YELLOW X shows the position of a surf break which only works in huge swells - another rubbishy wave only ridden because it is rarely there.</i></b><br />
<b><i>FISHING WISE - the only place I regularly see fishermen is around the YELLOW ARROW area. Ditto SNORKELLERS.</i></b><br />
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<b>THE BLACK BEACH AND BLOWHOLE POINT AREAS</b><br />
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<b><i>1- CONTINENTAL POOL 2-THE FLAT 3 BLACK BEACH BAY 4-BLACK BEACH 5-MAIN STREET.</i></b><br />
<b><i>My inadequate cropping tool couldn't exclude BLOWHOLE POINT so THE HARBOUR, LIGHTHOUSE and STORM BAY also feature well. For scale, it's 500m between the place-markers for 1 and STORM BAY.</i></b><br />
<b><i>NORTH of course is straight up.</i></b><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">THE FLAT.</span></i></b><br />
<b>This is an ex-playing field which stretches between the OLD PRIMARY SCHOOL (now <a href="http://www.sebelharboursidekiama.com.au/">THE SEBEL KIAMA HARBOURSIDE</a> - an upscale hotel/resort) and the CONTINENTAL POOL. These days it attracts joggers, picknickers and casual sports like a scratch game of footy/cricket. It is also the site of several MARKETS a month (see down page), a fun fair around XMAS and several car show and shines each year.</b><br />
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<b><i>YELLOW ARROW - the Sebel: INDIGO - the Flat: PASTEL PURPLE - Continental Pool </i></b><br />
<b><i>I modified this shot from one I pinched off <a href="https://kiama.com.au/">DESTINATION KIAMA.</a></i></b><br />
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<i><b>Not all that shiny for the show and shine. But cool. Car nerds will have noticed this is a V12.</b></i><br />
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<i><b>That's more like it, shine wise.</b></i><br />
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<b><i>The XMAS fun fair begins to arrive</i></b>
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<b><i>No shortage of market stalls from both KIAMA SEASIDE MARKET and GROWERS' AND MAKERS' MARKET - each once per month but on different days.</i></b><br />
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<b>CONTINENTAL POOL</b><br />
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<b><i>Situated at the north end of THE FLAT. Looks pretty antiseptic, but this is a proper rock pool - has waves breaking into it on big seas days. 50m long, it is real popular with local lap swimmers and visitors alike.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>That parking area to left is not directly accessible - has a steep 10m rise between. </i></b><br />
<b><i>There are new change sheds along the lower path at left maybe 60m from the pool. Showers closer.</i></b><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">MAIN STREET</span></i></b><br />
<b>KIAMA has abt 7000 permanent residents** + at least that many day-trippers each week. So the main street features what you would expect from a town of 7000 PLUS a lot of tourist-oriented joints. There is no shortage of food outlets (everything from fast food to fancy restaurants), boutiques and accommodation booking places. There is the obligatory pub and a leagues club.</b><br />
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<b>**not sure "permanent" is the best term seeing that some streets have about 25% of the houses occupied by rich dudes from the Big Smoke, mainly on weekends.</b><br />
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<b><i>The main street is TERRALONG STREET which starts in the east at the POST OFFICE ROUNDABOUT (A), runs 3 blocks to the MAIN ROUNDABOUT at COLLINS ST (B) where traffic from the north comes into town, and then runs another 700m further west where it dives under the KIAMA BYPASS and departs KIAMA for JAMBAROO. You can access the BYPASS for SYDNEY, but not to go south towards NOWRA.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>Blocks 2 (B2) and 3 (B3) are the busiest although there are other clusters of businesses (5 and C[Miners Cottages]) plus a medium size WOOLWORTHS SUPERMARKET [and soon an ALDI] plus some mall-type stores (6) about 250m west of the main COLLINS ST roundabout.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>Other map features: Akuna St carparks (7), Rail Station (8). The popular park area across TERRALONG ST from B3 businesses is HINDMARSH PARK. BLACK BEACH and BAY show nicely around the NORTH indicator. THE FLAT can be seen to their north - although the CONTINENTAL POOL at its north end (just right of the Y of SYDNEY) is not real clear. </i></b><br />
<b><i>KIAMA HARBOUR far right certainly is, STORM BAY far bottom right less so. </i></b><br />
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<b><i>MISTAKES - the "to Nowra" ARROW should be on parallel MANNING ST below the #5 place marker....</i></b><br />
<b><i>...the "to Jambaroo" arrow top left gives the impression the road curves. Not so, it is a straight shot past the BYPASS except for a roundabout just out of frame which leads to the QUARRY LEISURE CENTER (see down page). Once out of town, this road becomes JAMBAROO RD and is indeed very twisty. And hilly. Oh yeah, JAMBAROO is spelled wrong - it is JAMBEROO.</i></b><br />
<b><i>....and I forgot to put in a distance scale - it is 500m in a straight line between the place markers for "from Sydney" and "to Nowra"</i></b><br />
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<b><i>MAIN ST isn't all that clear from the image above this - so here we have it from A (POST OFFICE ROUNDABOUT) to B (MAIN ROUNDABOUT WHEN COMING FROM SYDNEY.</i></b><br />
<b><i>BLOCK 3 which takes up half that stretch is where most MAIN ST stuff can be found</i></b><br />
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<b><i>Blocks 2 and 3 tend to get pretty busy on weekends. Even weekdays sees quite a few visitors.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>KIAMA gets a lot of day cruisers bike-wise, cycle-wise and car-wise. They tend to lap the main street and park. There are also several hot rod/street machine show and shines on the FLATS and the SHOWGROUND each year. A car nerd since the 1950s, I loved this '63 IMPALA.</i></b><br />
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<b>PARKING - vacant curbside spots are limited on weekends. There is a free lot behind south side shops of block 3, accessed off AKUNA ST - this tends to fill too but there is a little known lot across the road which usually has plenty spaces.</b><br />
<b>Bus access is weird - there are no public bus stops in blocks 1, 2 or 3. You need to go up near WOOLWORTHS. But bus transport in and to KIAMA is not a big deal.</b><br />
<b>THE RAILWAY STATION is very convenient - only 200m south of the start of block 2 (and another 30m to BLACK BEACH). </b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">MINERS' COTTAGES</span></b><br />
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<b><i>Leading off the main street, the main entrance road into town, COLLINS ST, has a row of old miners' cottages (KIAMA was a major supplier of bluestone back in the day - still has a quarry a bit north at BOMBO). The miners' cottages have all been refurbished into touristy shops and eats joints. A very popular area with visitors.</i></b><br />
<i><b>If you are doing the COAST WALK and have come over the top of PHEASANTS POINT from BOMBO BCH, best turn left immediately behind camera to reach THE FLAT/BLACK BEACH. But you can also walk down past these shops, turn left into MAIN ST and access BLACK BEACH and the continuation of the COASTAL WALKING TRACK anywhere along it.</b></i><br />
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<b><i>One of the more popular eats joints - HUNGRY MONKEY. I've seen people waiting for a seat in busy times.</i></b>
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<b><i>One of several places selling touristy stuff in this strip</i>.</b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">OTHER KIAMA BEACHES, TOO FAR TO WALK FROM MAIN ST.</span></b><br />
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<b>JONES BEACH AND MINNAMURRA BEACH</b><br />
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<b><i>BOMBO BCH already mentioned is bottom of image - JONES BCH is immediately north across the rather big headland. You are looking at maybe an hour walk from KIAMA MAIN ST to central JONES BEACH - another 25 minutes to the south end of MINNAMURRA BCH. So these beaches are a bit of a stretch walking - better to access by car. Local buses go near, but are not real frequent. The train can get you within 500m of MINNAMURRA BCH, but you will have to swim/paddle/row the last few hundred meters to the ocean beach. There is no train station near JONES BEACH.</i></b><br />
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<b>JONES BEACH KIAMA DOWNS</b><br />
<b>KIAMA DOWNS is a suburb of KIAMA but this beach is a bit far to walk from town. By car it is 5km/3mi.</b><br />
<b>I've never had much to do with this beach, so can't tell you about surfing, fishing or swimming. But it faces east and would pick up swell (the near corner would be most sheltered from the prevailing north-easterlies) and has an active surf-lifesaving club and a board-riders' club.</b><br />
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<b><i>Not short at just under 1km. YELLOW ARROW points at CATHEDRAL ROCKS (see down page) not far short of popular big wave surfing spot THE BONEYARD. BOMBO BEACH is the other side of that far headland.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>I was a bit short on pix of JONES BCH so I pinched this one off <a href="https://www.coastandcountryfn.com.au/">FIRST NATIONAL's website.</a></i></b><br />
<b><i>This is more a locals' beach - gets few tourists so is a good one for lack of crowds</i>.</b><br />
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<b>MINNAMURRA BEACH</b><br />
<b>This is a short distance further north - JONES BEACH can be seen from the top of the big headland the camera is on.</b><br />
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<b><i>The inlet at left is where the MINNAMURRA RIVER empties to the sea. MINNAMURRA INLET is a popular swimming and fishing spot. </i></b><br />
<b><i>MINNAMURRA BEACH at right is difficult to access - you need to swim/boat the river. Thus it is virtually deserted. The far end is a popular surfing spot called MYSTICS which picks up big southerly swell and is sheltered from the prevailing north-easterlies.</i></b><br />
<b><i>A small island called STACK ISLAND is offshore from the river mouth just out of frame right.</i></b><br />
<b><i>Popular KIAMA GOLF CLUB is just out of image to the left.</i></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">KIAMA HARBOUR - BLOWHOLE POINT AREA</span></b><br />
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<b><i>Labels may be clearer if you can click-expand image</i>.</b><br />
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<b><i>Looking across at the HARBOUR/BLOWHOLE POINT AREA from the hill behind the CONTINENTAL POOL (YELLOW ARROW) This is a 50m rock pool popular with lap swimmers and tourists. Visitors take in the sun on the grass near INDIGO ARROW which is the north end of THE FLAT.</i></b><br />
<b><i>WHITE ARROW indicates the popular BLOWHOLE POINT ROCK POOL (see down page). CHARCOAL is at the approx position of THE BLOWHOLE which s slightly the other side of the headland. The nearby LIGHTHOUSE is lurking behind those trees to its right. The council run KIAMA HARBOUR CABINS line the sea-facing area below. ORANGE shows harbourside CARGO FISH AND CHIPS - the HARBOUR itself is to its left.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>A slightly different aspect. CARGO FISH AND CHIPS (YELLOW) HARBOUR BOATS (WHITE) ROCK POOL CAR PARK (CHARCOAL) and LIGHTHOUSE behind the Norfolk Pines (INDIGO)</i></b><br />
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<b>CARGO FISH AND CHIPS</b><br />
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<b><i>This place has a great position at the north-west corner of the harbour. In busy times there are at least a dozen outside tables near the birds. Those birds surprise me - there are usually more - all going "CHEEPS! CHEEPS!! CHEEPS!!!" Seagulls speak English?? </i></b><br />
<b><i>Gets better - the local PELICANS often engage in the begging stakes. And some are BIG dudes.</i></b><br />
<b><i>You can get better value greasies up MAIN ST, but those joints don't have this outlook + the avian entertainment.</i></b><br />
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<b>MOVING EAST ALONG THE HARBOUR</b><br />
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<b><i>Lotsa private boats and commercial craft. </i></b><br />
<b><i>The COASTAL WALK goes right along the harbourside. </i></b><br />
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<b><i>KIAMA HARBOUR from the east. CARGO FISH AND CHIPS is prominent in the middle-background.</i></b><br />
<b><i> Abt 25% of those boats are CHARTER FISHING BOATS - these pick up customers particularly on weekends for a few hours of offshore drinking, telling lies and ..... occasionally fishing. Sounds like a fun time to me.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>Local kids do the jump into the harbour thing on a hot day, near one of those CHARTER FISHING BOATS.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>There are a few trawlers out of KIAMA, this is no commercial fishing fleet port. The few provide fresh fish to the FISH MARKET at the north-east corner of the harbour area.</i></b><br />
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<i><b>The harbour has a good boat ramp which attracts private boaties from far and wide. These people are making use of the WASHING BAY a bit uphill from the ramp. Plenty of car and trailer parking adjacent this area.</b></i><br />
<i><b><br /></b></i><b>FISHING AT KIAMA HARBOUR </b><br />
<b>I see a lot of people dipping a line here. But I have never seen anyone haul a fish in. So I can't really say if this is a gun place to wet a line.</b><br />
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<b>KIAMA ROCK POOL</b><br />
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<b><i>Immediately east of KIAMA HARBOUR is this small but rather nice rock pool - very popular with locals and visitors. Has a fairly big parking area and change sheds.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>Looking north across to BOMBO (north) HEADLAND - BASS POINT near SHELLHARBOUR beyond. </i></b><br />
<b><i>In big seas, waves break into the ROCK POOL, making things a bit exciting. In the same conditions the wave you can see mid-left becomes surfable - but once again it is fairly rubbishy, only ridden because it is rarely there.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>Nice area - you can see the CHANGE SHEDS and CAR PARKING - KIAMA HARBOUR CABINS just out of shot bottom left</i></b><br />
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<i><b>You are not far from KIAMA LIGHTHOUSE here. The (BIG) BLOWHOLE is just out of frame to its left. </b></i></div>
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<i><b>The COASTAL WALKING TRACK goes by here.</b></i></div>
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<i><b>KIAMA HARBOUR CABINS overlook the pool area, ocean, and along the road at right THE HARBOUR. I'm gonna stay here one day.</b></i></div>
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<b>KIAMA LIGHTHOUSE</b></div>
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<b><i>This is right at the top of the headland. There is a fair bit of lot and street parking around but in busy times the council opens up the adjacent reserve for extra spots. </i></b><br />
<b><i>The lighthouse is not open to visitors.</i></b><br />
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<b>THE (BIG) BLOWHOLE</b><br />
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<b><i>The BLOWHOLE is pretty adjacent the LIGHTHOUSE and really attracts the visitors. </i></b>
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<b><i>Ideal conditions are a big southerly swell and higher tide levels. Pretty benign on this day, but I have seen it pumping water higher than the LIGHTHOUSE. All people in these shots would get real wet.</i></b><br />
<b><i>Over the years, the bore has increased, meaning bigger swells required. </i></b><br />
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<b><i>Back in my surfing days we would amuse ourselves when no waves were around by jumping into the entrance cut - abt a 12m drop. Seemed like a fun idea at the time, but recently a 16yo girl badly injured her back doing same.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>I had no pix of the BLOWHOLE in angry seas so I pinched this great one from <a href="https://kiama.com.au/">DESTINATION KIAMA.</a> You wouldn't want to be jumping into the entrance cut in these conditions.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>Wow!</i></b><br />
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<b><i>BLOWHOLE POINT extends a lot further out to sea than the BLOWHOLE itself. You can spend a 30+ minutes wandering around - longer if you are fishing (I counted 10 fishermen on the original - you may be able to see them if you can click-expand image). Whether wandering or fishing please be careful - and read my section on ROCK SAFETY below.</i></b><br />
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<b>ROCK SAFETY</b><br />
<b>Dozens of rock-explorers and rock fishermen are swept to their DEATHS in Australia each year. Sadly KIAMA is not exempt. Some years back a dozen Asians were swept off those rocks above. Most couldn't swim. And there have been many other instances in different parts of the municipality. </b><br />
<b>Some tips:</b><br />
<b>- if rock fishing always wear the compulsory life jacket</b><br />
<b>- beware of ROGUE WAVES which come along every now and then and can be TWICE the size of the average swell. This is what got the Asians.</b><br />
<b>- if swept into the water don't try to climb back onto the rocks - most deaths occur when people are smashed against the rocks, knocked cold and drown. Instead swim out away from the rocks. tread water (a minimal effort activity even the poorest swimmer can do for hours - if you can't swim at all you shouldn't have been on the rocks) and raise a hand in the air (the universal HELP signal). A surfer or competent nearby rough water swimmer will soon pick you up. KIAMA SLSC dudes and dudettes have been training for years to do this sort of thing and are itching for a chance to help. The club has a JET POWERED RESCUE BOAT, several OUTBOARD POWERED RUBBER DUCKIES and even more RESCUE BOARDS. Latest additions - several JET SKIS towing a RESCUE SLED. A RESCUE HELICOPTER is stationed at nearby ALBION PARK AIRFIELD and there are often NAVY 'COPTERS passing.</b><br />
<b>Even simpler, someone on the rocks may throw you one of the many FLOATATION DEVICES the council installed in tricky rock areas around the municipality after the Asian tragedy.</b><br />
<b>Don't freak about SHARKS when in the water - you have more chance of being struck by lightning than nibbled by a noah. I surfed for 40 years, often in the sharkiest places, and never had trouble.</b><br />
<b>HYPOTHERMIA shouldn't be a problem - even in KIAMA'S coldest winter water this will take several hours to kick in - you should be out and dry long before. </b><br />
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<b><i>SLSC dudette searches for a potential CPR partner. </i></b><br />
<b><i>It is not a real good idea to ask if she needs a CPR practice-partner unless you are a sun-bronzed surfer-grommet (which I haven't been since the early 1960s) - these ladies are taught some very effective chop-sockie moves to disengage panicking swimmers who grab them during a rescue. Don't ask how I know this.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>SLSC dudes practice rough water rescue skills</i></b><br />
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<b><i>Council supplied rock rescue device. I can see one top of the headland 3 pix up page.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>HARBOUR - BLOWHOLE POINT FEATURES MENTIONED ABOVE</i></b><br />
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<b><i>H - HARBOUR C - KIAMA HARBOUR CABINS RP - ROCK POOL L - LIGHTHOUSE</i></b><br />
<b><i>B - BLOWHOLE</i></b><br />
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<b><br /></b><b>LIGHTHOUSE TO STORM BAY</b><br />
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<b>The BLOWHOLE HEADLAND</b><br />
<b> - has quite a few activity zones.</b><br />
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<b><i>1-council run KIAMA HARBOUR CABINS 2 -council tennis courts 3-MILK AND HONEY/DIGGIES cafe+TOURIST OFFICE 4-PILOTS COTTAGE MUSEUM 5-southern lawn area for picknicking etc. The COASTAL WALKING TRACK goes right along here to STORM BAY/</i></b><br />
<b><i>My inadequate cropping tool shows BLACK BEACH BAY far left and the BLOWHOLE far bottom right. The HARBOUR AREA also comes out well.</i></b><br />
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<b>MILK AND HONEY CAFE (now DIGGIES)</b><br />
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<b><i>When I last visited, MILK AND HONEY was still operating. But later DIGGIES from WOLLONGONG took over. They have the same great position with many outside tables and outlooks in several directions, but the fit-out of course is new. Go to <a href="https://diggies.com.au/kiama/">the website</a>.</i></b><br />
<b><i>This place is less than 100m downhill to the west of the LIGHTHOUSE and is a very pleasant place to spend time.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>Given the position, cafe understandably popular.</i></b><br />
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<b>KIAMA VISITORS' TOURIST INFORMATION OFFICE</b><br />
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<b><i>This shares the same building as DIGGIES (nearer the road). Has a bunch of touristy stuff for sale plus can book you into accommodation, functions etc not only in the KIAMA area but just about anywhere in NSW. Lotsa maps, brochures and the ladies are a font of verbal information.</i></b><br />
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<b>PILOTS COTTAGE MUSEUM</b><br />
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<b><i>Immediately west of DIGGIES, this place is the usual time bandit in that you allocate it maybe 20 minutes and stagger our several hours later overwhelmed with info and the displays of regional history, particularly in relation to timber-getting, fishing and the basalt quarrying industry.\</i></b><br />
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<b><i>The PILOT'S COTTAGE back in the day when the pilot did live there (lotsa bluestone ships loaded at the harbour, needed a pilot - a railway line from one of the quarries ran down the middle of the main street to those loading gantries).</i></b><br />
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<b>PRESENT DAY</b><br />
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<b><i>Sure has changed - lots more buildings and trees on BLOWHOLE POINT and closer. Note large DIGGIES/TOURIST OFFICE building directly behind PILOTS COTTAGE and the nicely positioned KIAMA HARBOUR CABINS mid-left. Harbour boats are way smaller now than the granite colliers - don't need a pilot.</i></b><br />
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<b>STORM BAY</b><br />
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<b><i>STORM BAY is back towards town and abt. 300m west of the LIGHTHOUSE which is lurking behind those far trees. It indeed can get real stormy - if you look at the aerial shot of THE BLOWHOLE 12 images up page, it is a turmoil of white water. But more often it looks like above.</i></b><br />
<b><i>I have seen a fair few SCUBA DIVERS here - I think a local scuba school uses this as home base.</i></b><br />
<b><i> Snorkelling is also popular, and kids....</i></b><br />
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<b><i>....like to play jump in the water off the rock platform middle-right in the pic above this.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>----------------------------------------------</i></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>THE SHOWGROUND</b><br />
<b>This is immediately south of STORM BAY.</b><br />
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<b><i>Actually there are TWO showgrounds - #1 nearest STORM BAY, and #2 adjacent the north end of SURF BEACH. The COASTAL WALKING TRACK goes around the sea-side of both - it's actually quite a drop from #1 to the ocean. Some good rocks there but mainly the domain of fishermen. Some rock jumpers closer to SURF BEACH.</i></b><br />
<b><i>It's 360m in a straight line between the place markers for STORM BAY and SURF BEACH.</i></b><br />
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<b>AFTER CROSSING SURF BEACH and KENDALLS BEACH to its south, you then come to....</b><br />
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<b>....LITTLE BLOWHOLE BAY (or DOLPHIN COVE as one overlooking airbnb place calls it).</b><br />
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<b><i>This bay is between KENDALLS BEACH and EASTS BEACH. The camera is on KALUA HEAD which is KENDALLS' southern headland - and is looking south across the bay at THE LITTLE BLOWHOLE (see below) and MARSDEN HEAD which is the big northern headland of EASTS BCH.</i></b><br />
<b><i>The COAST WALKING TRACK comes via the camera's headland - then moves out to BOANYO AVE. to go south (those rocks are impassable - there is a big gorge (close right) leading into FRYERS CAVE which goes in so far I have never had the courage to swim up there even in the calmest seas. Some say it goes thru to just short of KENDALLS). </i></b><br />
<b><i>The gorge is a favourite spot for ....</i></b><br />
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<b><i>....thrill seeking cliff jumpers. There have been a few good rescues of these maniacs (the 15m drop's a little north of my comfort zone - even when I was young and stupid). Rock fishermen tend to get into trouble here too.</i></b><br />
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<b>This bay gets a lot of rock fishermen - they seem to do okay particularly when Blackfish (Rock Drummer) are running (usually after a storm when waves are big, chopping up the plentiful weed near the rocks).</b><br />
<b>The bay is also good for snorkelling and scuba diving. Beside the usual fish/lobsters/crabs there are also ABALONE although they are a bit deep for snorkellers (strict bag limits for snorkellers -scuba divers are not allowed to get them. Licensed abalone divers use air lines from compressors in boats - stay down for ages and take hundreds - but they always leave enough to regenerate). </b><br />
<b>Abalone are delicious on the BBQ. </b><br />
<b>I used to put in a lobster pot each night - often got zero, sometimes over a dozen. When they were around (less often than not) I knew several good cracks where I could grab them when snorkelling.</b><br />
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<b><i><br /></i></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">LITTLE BLOWHOLE</span></b><br />
<b>This proves to be more consistent than the big blowhole and works best in a north-east swell which the big one rarely responds to - so it is always worth checking out.</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNI36FhSqKIgBma7gfTzj19Alg2Vs05H-NRsslJqrL_067NCHfjHx-MaZXTUI9fiyY8Cmw28HP8qz6IqtTR8Y0MPp43Jnhn_3pyU81EAwZiz2039sKJFEuN19G0EiuVbMczK3KENstrsA/s1600/P1080171+%25282%2529_LI.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1206" data-original-width="1544" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNI36FhSqKIgBma7gfTzj19Alg2Vs05H-NRsslJqrL_067NCHfjHx-MaZXTUI9fiyY8Cmw28HP8qz6IqtTR8Y0MPp43Jnhn_3pyU81EAwZiz2039sKJFEuN19G0EiuVbMczK3KENstrsA/s400/P1080171+%25282%2529_LI.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i><b>Waves move up a gutter in the rock platform (CHARCOAL ARROW) and explode up thru a vent in the rock (YELLOW) from the cave underneath. Best conditions are in the higher part of the tide when there is a good north-easterly swell working (although bigger swells from the south work too). Pretty benign here - I have seen it blowing higher than the houses behind.</b></i></div>
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<b>THAT'S MORE LIKE IT</b></div>
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<i><b>The swell came up after I wrote the above - this is more like a decent blow. </b></i></div>
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<i><b>Audio has value - goes SWOOSH!! - kind of a cross between a jet and rocket engine. </b></i></div>
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<i><b>Note the VERY WHITE area between camera and LITTLE BLOWHOLE is usually a nice big rock pool with lots of small crabs, octopi, and other rock pool dwellers. They are probably hanging on for grim death above, saying STREWTH!</b></i></div>
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<b>One time a couple of school teachers decided to amuse their excursion class by placing over the vent one of those big metal ice cream containers the shops take delivery of bulk stuff from the factory. The blow sent it 25m in the air - kids diving every which way to dodge its landing. </b></div>
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<b>Jeez - those fun school teachers!</b></div>
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<b>Another time I lost a lobster pot after an overnight storm - thought it might be in the blowhole cave so waited 'til the swell diminished and swam in for a look. Zero visibility - the cave was filled with finely chopped up sea weed - was like swimming in a huge tea pot. Never found the pot.</b></div>
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<b>When waves break in the cave, vibrations often spread around the surrounding neighbourhood. One resident had to uninstall a brass door knocker because it knocked in response to the vibrations.</b></div>
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<b>The COASTAL WALING TRACK goes right by the LITTLE BLOWHOLE then heads east (left above) around MARSDEN HEAD to EASTS BEACH.</b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">VIEWPOINTS</span></b></div>
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<b>With so many headlands and hills KIAMA isn't lacking in good viewpoints. I personally think the view north across to BLOWHOLE POINT, the SHOWGROUND, SURF BEACH etc. from KALEULA HEADLAND immediately south of KENDALLS BEACH takes some beating. As does that from BLOWHOLE POINT both north and south. Not to mention the top of PHEASANT'S POINT north over BOMBO BCH or from the top of MINNAMURRA ST just west of the MINERS' COTTAGES to the east over the HARBOUR and BLOWHOLE POINT.</b></div>
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<b>Fact is, KIAMA has so many headlands and high areas with good views that it's hard to pick a winner</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0AOSI9fawZZ-_Nb85yBsyLqzqngyJdMpvqAVsSCoji973xrRpsr4VpS-y9M4aCde4cOsCQ40mpmq6hwxL7cyPzEMUgNwa4MiFrrSfLcGG-yd-Ps68zxXoUpShWKtqbxMSbCKCCm8QBks/s1600/P6050243.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0AOSI9fawZZ-_Nb85yBsyLqzqngyJdMpvqAVsSCoji973xrRpsr4VpS-y9M4aCde4cOsCQ40mpmq6hwxL7cyPzEMUgNwa4MiFrrSfLcGG-yd-Ps68zxXoUpShWKtqbxMSbCKCCm8QBks/s400/P6050243.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><i>View over BOMBO BEACH from the top of PACIFIC ST.</i></b></div>
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<b>But for most people the area's undisputed top viewpoint is.....</b></div>
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<b>....SADDLEBACK MOUNTAIN LOOKOUT</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiRsYxcxSrBd5ydHLNCuw7Rmy0drWjATkK-B7ktm9-FxZnn4OCd6bbkGp0Vv5Dp6RXI-nbWDbufGdov1n1MQCh6tDvgCQIyrhsx6DJNKoKXiFCvXFThrGn8MA1s6Ep1jB3C9CfTpSclGQ/s1600/P2070204.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1320" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiRsYxcxSrBd5ydHLNCuw7Rmy0drWjATkK-B7ktm9-FxZnn4OCd6bbkGp0Vv5Dp6RXI-nbWDbufGdov1n1MQCh6tDvgCQIyrhsx6DJNKoKXiFCvXFThrGn8MA1s6Ep1jB3C9CfTpSclGQ/s400/P2070204.JPG" width="330" /></a></div>
<b><i>SADDLEBACK is a genuine mountain (at least in Australian terms where mountains ain't high) - at 600m (abt. 2000ft) it's a outlier of the ILLAWARRA RANGES, the heavily dissected plateau backing this area.</i></b><br />
<b><i>The road up here varies from moderate to steep - gets REAL steep the last 500m which we see above. I have come up here often on a bicycle, but the only time I have ridden all the way was early in my triathlon period when I was younger and real fit. But I had to zig-zag this last 500m.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>Not flat.</i></b>
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<b>ACCESS - best take SADDLEBBCK MOUNTAIN RD which leaves the main road south thru town (the OLD PRINCES HIGHWAY) at the high school. After 1500m it intersects with OLD SADDLEBACK RD - turn left and go another 4.7km to the lookout. </b><br />
<b>About 25% of this is steep, 5% very steep, 25% flat or even downhill, the rest moderate - I walked up here daily when training for my<a href="http://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com/2015/09/grand-canyon-trekking.html"> GRAND CANYON trek</a> - carrying lotsa water and pushing a bicycle. Fanged back down on my pushy - tip: it ain't a good idea to reach the high school at warp speed when students are leaving for the day</b><br />
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<b><i>SADDLEBACK MTN is an outlier from NOORINAN MTN (right) which is part of the ILLAWARRA PLATEAU.</i></b><br />
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<i><b>The top has walkways to several viewpoint areas.</b></i></div>
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<i><b>This one looks south towards 7 MILE BEACH which stretches from GEROA (12km south of KIAMA) to SHOALHAVERN HEADS. That's MOUNT COOLANGATTA mid-background right. On a clear day you can see JERVIS BAY.</b>
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<b><i>Just before the top, a path to the right leads to this north-east looking viewpoint. It was a bit hazy on the day of the pic - things might be clearer if you can click-expand image. YELLOW shows the position of BASS POINT near SHELLHARBOUR - INDIGO the cliffs of the ROYAL NATIONAL PARK just south of SYDNEY.</i></b><br />
<b><i>Note the lovely hilly countryside close to the camera. Classic dairy farming country although some farms are now hobby farms for retirees and rich dudes from THE BIG SMOKE.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>One of the closer farm homesteads.</i></b><br />
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<i><b>A western facing viewpoint looks towards NOORINAN MTN which is slightly higher than the lookout at 662m. A track starts near camera and leads across the lower saddle and then up on top of the distant area. From there you can join the trekking tracks of BARREN GROUNDS PLATEAU which go for miles. I did this 15 years ago - was up there all day.</b><b><br /></b>
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<b>LOWER VIEWPOINTS</b><br />
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<b><i>There are several good outlooks on the way down the mountain. This one is only 1500m short of the HIGH SCHOOL, just where the road steepens in its descent into town. YELLOW points at BLOWHOLE POINT/KIAMA LIGHTHOUSE.</i></b><br />
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<b><i><br /></i></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">KIAMA COASTAL WALKING PATH</span></b><br />
<b>This has become very popular with local and particularly visitors since the council negotiated with southern landowners and improved the south end of the track about 10 years ago. Prior to that it did exist - I walked the southern section with a friend abt 20 years ago (and have used the northern and central sections for more than 40 years): had to ignore crossing private farm property, climbing seaside cliffs and charging thru a railway tunnel back then.</b><br />
<b>There are 3 parts to the track: THE NORTHERN MINNAMURRA TO KIAMA section; THE MID SECTION THRU TOWN; and THE SOUTHERN LOVES BAY TO WERRI BEACH section. Each takes about 2-3 hours - the whole 3 can be done in one day, but ordinary trekkers will find one section at time a good deal.</b><br />
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<b>THE NORTHERN MINNAMURRA TO KIAMA SECTION.</b><br />
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<b>If you have your bicycle, the paved part starts a little uphill from the spot in the pix below, off CARSON PLACE. You can ride all the way into KIAMA on good paved surfaces except at JONES BCH and BOMBO BCH where you should take the roads immediately behind.</b><br />
<b>If walking, you can start a few hundred meters downhill to the north at....</b><br />
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<b><i>....JAMES OATS RESERVE at the southern end of MINNAMURRA INLET where the river enters the sea just out of frame left. The track goes over the headland in background, where at the top...</i>.</b><br />
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<b><i>....you get a great view of JONES BEACH (KIAMA DOWNS). The best bet is to head along the beach (first INDIGO ARROW) and then take the road at the far end which goes up and along the headland (left INDIGO ARROW) where in the vicinity of the YELLOW ARROW (which also is the approx location of CATHEDRAL ROCKS (see next pic) it changes to a concrete path which goes past the big wave surfing spot (THE BONEYARD) to bring you out above BOMBO BEACH 2 pix down.</i></b><br />
<b><i>The MINAMURRRA HEADLAND WHALE VIEWING PLATFORM is just to right of camera.</i></b><br />
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<b>CATHEDRAL ROCKS</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-whV353NUF1VSIgvxbPsaDf-S1fX6-C9X2oP2s-62WYdvwV8nCkeIpXkl9Tx5U9SwR23VRIvwhqT66T0tVdlcYpbEkHKJt7vlvC-rU3HAjhTC1B3d5X4Dvr3lJnYqdzq4cdjeakcO0jI/s1600/P2100263.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="906" data-original-width="1209" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-whV353NUF1VSIgvxbPsaDf-S1fX6-C9X2oP2s-62WYdvwV8nCkeIpXkl9Tx5U9SwR23VRIvwhqT66T0tVdlcYpbEkHKJt7vlvC-rU3HAjhTC1B3d5X4Dvr3lJnYqdzq4cdjeakcO0jI/s400/P2100263.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><i>Located about 400m south of the southern end of JONES BEACH (background - previous shot was taken high on headland far background right) is one of the most painted/photographed sections of the KIAMA coastline. Place has never whelmed me - but I guess the outcrop's outline does look kinda like a cathedral. Go online for shots in more sympathetic light.</i></b><br />
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<b>THE BONEYARD</b><br />
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<b><i>Best known for big wave surfing, THE BONEYARD is also a pleasant spot for a sheltered swim when conditions elsewhere are a little gnarly. This is because of the semi-enclosed nature of the "lagoon" there. </i></b><br />
<b><i>The big wave take off area is actually just out of image lower-left - although there is not enough swell on the day of this particular GOOGLE EARTH IMAGE for it to work.</i></b><br />
<b><i>The area is accessed by a path leading down from the COASTAL WALKING PATH alongside the rail line lower right. The path and line are a good 20m higher than the water.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>This is more like it - big swell at THE BONEYARD. I modified this shot from one I found at </i><a href="https://beachsafe.org.au/beach/nsw/kiama/kiama-downs/cathedral-rocks-boneyards">BEACHSAFE.ORG.AU</a> - <i>there is another pic on that link maybe better</i>.</b><br />
<b><i>Beach in background is BOMBO. Structure in abandoned bluestone quarry is the KIAMA SEWAGE WORKS. The coastal walking path shows well in this shot.</i></b><br />
<b><br /></b><b>KIAMA COASTAL WALKING TRACK - MINAMURRA TO BOMBO SECTION</b><br />
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<b><i>1 - MINAMURRA RAIL STATION</i></b><br />
<b><i>2/3 - TRAIL START (see below).</i></b><br />
<b><i>4 - MINAMURRA HEADLAND WHALE WATCHING PLATFORM</i></b><br />
<b><i>5 - JONES BEACH</i></b><br />
<b><i>6 - CATHEDRAL ROCKS</i></b><br />
<b><i>8 - THE BONEYARD</i></b><br />
<b><i>Straight line distance from 1 to 8 = 3000m</i></b><br />
<b><i>Symbols may be clearer if you can click-expand image.</i></b><br />
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<b>GETTING TO THE START IF YOU HAVEN'T A CAR</b><br />
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<b><i>1 - MINAMURRA RAIL STATION \</i></b><br />
<b><i>2 - JAMES OATS RESERVE - abt 700m from station.</i></b><br />
<b><i>3 - CARSON PLACE - abt 850m from station.</i></b><br />
<b><i>There is a bus stop on the yellow route only 160m from JAMES OATS RESERVE. #71 runs hourly on weekdays, less often weekends. </i></b><br />
<b><i>Straight line distance from 1 to 3 = 600m</i></b><br />
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000<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-NGLNLlmKclQZSdgHi9dHxxe-cl7hscI0L4YiD_titOZr499J-6-32XVJviFtbRprLeSsdJCymW1MYPmhSZ33i_C9JQ_pUwSowddMsnHN60rlx1fo4GqV_Re3-3YjSG07Vt2kKNkdhBg/s1600/P2100260.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-NGLNLlmKclQZSdgHi9dHxxe-cl7hscI0L4YiD_titOZr499J-6-32XVJviFtbRprLeSsdJCymW1MYPmhSZ33i_C9JQ_pUwSowddMsnHN60rlx1fo4GqV_Re3-3YjSG07Vt2kKNkdhBg/s400/P2100260.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<b><i>No shortage of route signs - this one at the north end of BOMBO BCH.</i></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7JnsYgD1GklNdmy4yburEDCFaudetMhQ0ZLE_zOIdzN4su_VdcswLHGn7Lp081tyn7DdxChJ11WI-VJSgV2Rg5zZktCDN1hlFMQPGLjWy8wXbLy7QBcdDXGx8wCiEy-2WFhkJDCprYPQ/s1600/P2100276_LI.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7JnsYgD1GklNdmy4yburEDCFaudetMhQ0ZLE_zOIdzN4su_VdcswLHGn7Lp081tyn7DdxChJ11WI-VJSgV2Rg5zZktCDN1hlFMQPGLjWy8wXbLy7QBcdDXGx8wCiEy-2WFhkJDCprYPQ/s400/P2100276_LI.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<b><i>BOMBO BEACH. Once again walk along the sand. At the far end you can usually walk around the seaside rocks below the top half of the tide unless the swell is big. If so, take the road UP OVER the headland (YELLOW) which will dump you into KIAMA at the MINERS COTTAGES and close to BLACK BEACH.</i></b>
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<b>FINISH OF NORTHERN SECTION - SOUTH BOMBO BCH TO BLACK BCH. KIAMA</b><br />
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<b><i>1 - STH BOMBO </i></b><br />
<b><i>2 - LOW TIDE LOW SWELL ROCKS ROUTE</i></b><br />
<b><i>3 - GIPPS/COLLINS STS. OVER PHEASANT POINT</i></b><br />
<b><i>4 - MINERS COTTAGES</i></b><br />
<b><i>5 - MAIN ST</i></b><br />
<b><i>6 - BLACK BEACH</i></b><br />
<b><i>It's 700m in a straight line from 1 to 6.</i></b><br />
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<b>GETTING BACK TO THE START.</b><br />
<b>Train travellers from Sydney may not be bothered - they simply get off at at MINNAMURRA STATION and walk thru to KIAMA - there to continue the walk, explore the town or whatever.</b><br />
<b>Almost as easy for car people - leave vehicle near station, walk thru to KIAMA and then train back to MINNAMURRA. The alternative is the not-so-often bus - <a href="https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-32.83115,150.0523617,6z">GOOGLE MAPS </a>will tell you which bus to look out for.</b><br />
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<b>0000000000000</b><br />
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<b>THE MID SECTION THRU TOWN. </b><br />
<b>Take the path in back of BLACK BEACH, and if you didn't eat at MAIN ST or MINERS COTTAGES stop for a feed of greasies at CARGO FISH AND CHIPS. Place is more expensive than uptown but has great outlook - also beer/wine which is rare uptown. </b><div><b>Then walk along the harbourside to the ROCK POOL, go uphill to the BLOWHOLE. Then go down the headland to STORM BAY, around the SHOWGROUND PERIMETER to SURF BEACH and then over to and along KENDALL'S BEACH. </b><br />
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<b>MID SECTION - STAGE 1 - BLACK BEACH TO KENDALLS BEACH</b><br />
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<b>1 - BLACK BEACH</b><br />
<b>2 - KIAMA HARBOUR</b><br />
<b>3 - ROCK POOL</b><br />
<b>4 - KIAMA LIGHTHOUSE</b><br />
<b>5 - THE BIG BLOWHOLE</b><br />
<b>6 - STORM BAY </b><br />
<b>7 - KIAMA SHOWGROUND #1</b><br />
<b>8 - SURF BEACH</b><br />
<b>9 - KENDALLS BEACH</b><br />
<b>Linear scale - 1400m in a straight line from 3 to 9</b>
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<b><br /></b><b>From there (KENDALLA BCH) make your way to THE LITTLE BLOWHOLE (maybe a quick diversion to the nearby v popular <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Restaurant_Review-g528977-d15306960-Reviews-Little_Earth_Cafe-Kiama_Kiama_Municipality_New_South_Wales.html">LITTLE EARTH CAFE</a> for a coffee/snack/ the wine bar/art gallery up there is also popular - often has live music). </b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjljijZmIHchQ6hEO1vB_bJ0GRtuHXMdBTBbGyN6-fnbNbXzUty58HDfW61wpcAILI00X7BdNvDilZV1JzdaxL1Z7GQUFJBlhSpX48avqYE4X_DHNu_PymQlPxFjT8Hf2SZqPFyUZkGrXo/s1280/Aa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjljijZmIHchQ6hEO1vB_bJ0GRtuHXMdBTBbGyN6-fnbNbXzUty58HDfW61wpcAILI00X7BdNvDilZV1JzdaxL1Z7GQUFJBlhSpX48avqYE4X_DHNu_PymQlPxFjT8Hf2SZqPFyUZkGrXo/w400-h225/Aa.jpg" width="400" /></i></a></div><i><b>Kiama Little Blowhole - needs lower tide level and decent swell to work best.<br /></b></i><b><br /></b></div><div><b> </b><b>Then head around the headland to and across EASTS BEACH, and finally make your way around its southern headland to the beginning of the 3rd section of the track at LOVES BAY. You may find the final few hundred meters easier to do on the roads adjacent the reserve.</b></div><div>
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<b>MID SECTION STAGE 2 - KENDALLS BEACH TO LOVES BAY</b><br />
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<b>From the top:</b><br />
<b>9 - KENDALLS B</b><b>EACH</b><br />
<b>1 - BOANYO AVE</b><br />
<b>2 - LITTLE EARTH CAFE</b><br />
<b>4 - EASTS BEACH</b><br />
<b>5 - LOVES BAY</b><br />
<b>NORTH is straight up. LINEAR SCALE - 1900m in a straight line from 9 to 5. Click image to make numbers clearer.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>GETTING BACK TO THE START</b><br />
<b>You could simply retrace your steps - but this is not the shortest route. That is to retrace your steps to the north end of EASTS BEACH and then take surface streets back to the MAIN ST area.<a href="https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-34.6857163,150.8522091,14.25z/data=!5m1!1e2"> GOOGLE MAPS</a> is once again your friend.</b><br />
<b>People not wanting to walk will find the #126 leaves from a stop in KALANG RD only 200m from the LOVES BAY end of the central section. But that bus is not real frequent.</b><br />
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<b>000000000000000000</b><br />
<b><br /></b><b>THE SOUTHERN LOVES BAY TO WERRI SECTION</b><br />
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<b><i>The council improved track starts at a parking area at the end of ELANORA RD KIAMA HEIGHTS. </i></b>
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<b><i>It's pretty clear where the track goes. I confess I haven't walked this section since it has been improved. But I remember lovely dairy country, some great seaside cliffs and rock platforms and various gradients up to pretty steep.</i></b><b><br /></b>
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<b>CAVEAT - the walk ends at WERRI BEACH and to access the beach and get to parking areas, bus stops (services are not very frequent) or to continue your walk to GERRINGONG STATION you need to cross the entrance to WERRI LAGOON. Normally this is no problem - 95% of the time the entrance is shut. 4% shallow because of minimal flow, but in rare times after heavy rain it is impassable. You have no real option but to retrace your steps north to LOVES BAY.</b><br />
<b>Open/shut status can be checked on 1300 654 262 </b><br />
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<b><i>Lagoon entrance certainly closed in JUNE 2020....</i></b><br />
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<b>....as was the case when the GOOGLE EARTH satellite snapped this in FEB 2016</b><br />
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<b><i>1 - walking path from LOVES BAY</i></b><br />
<b><i>2 - amenities block</i></b><br />
<b><i>3 - small parking lot (more curbside).</i></b><br />
<b><br /></b><b>As can be seen above, there are rest rooms adjacent the small beach parking area at the end of the walk.</b><br />
<b>If you are hungry, a fish and chip shop is about 900m along the beach road.</b><br />
<b>There are bus stops adjacent the FISH AND CHIPS SHOP (not sure which side goes north, which side goes south) - the #126 north goes back to KIAMA STATION. But google the timetable - they are not frequent.</b><br />
<b><br /></b><b>KIAMA COASTAL WALKING TRACK ROUTE - SOUTHERN SECTION</b><br />
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<b><i>This is the most rural of the 3 sections - you won't be trekking any suburban streets along here.</i></b><br />
<b><i>Total walking distance is 6km contrasting with a straight line distance between 1 and 2 at 3.7km</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b><i>#1 is the start of the SOUTHERN WALK at LOVES BAY - #2 the finish at the amenities block NORTH WERRI BEACH.</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b>GETTING BACK TO THE START</b><br />
<b>RE-WALING the 6 km route is one option. But that is pretty time consuming. </b><br />
<b>A better choice for 2 or more with a car is to drop one half of the trekkers at LOVES BAY, drive and park at the WERRI BEACH end, start trekking north - and swap keys when meeting the other half.</b><br />
<b>Alternatively you could walk one way and catch the train the other. BUT....</b><br />
<b>....</b><b>GERRINGONG RAIL STATION is a hell of a distance from the end of the COASTAL TRACK - abt 3.6km. However most is a pleasant walk. Best trek along lengthy WERRI BEACH, turn inland and go up the hill to GERRINGONG MAIN ST, walk down it and turn right at BELINDA ST, off which you will find the station after 900m. A southward going 126 bus from the beach road adjacent the chips shop drops at a stop in BELINDA ST 500m from the station - this south-going 126 goes thru to GEROA BEACH further south which is the north end of 7 MILE BEACH and is a destination worth exploring in itself.</b><br />
<b>Alternatively you could catch a NORTHWARDS heading 126 and go right thru to KIAMA - either the main street/railway station area or (if you have left a vehicle at LOVES BAY) to a stop in KALANG RD abt 500m from your car. Ask the driver for the nearest stop to the start of the track.</b><br />
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<b>GETTING TO GERRINGONG STATION</b><br />
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<b><i>2 - end of walk, amentities block, parking</i></b><br />
<b><i>1 -chip shops, adjacent bus stops</i></b><br />
<b><i>3- Gerringong Whale Watching Platform</i></b><br />
<b><i>4 - Gerringong main street</i></b><br />
<b><i>5 - rail station</i></b><br />
<b><i>The straight line distance between 2 and 5 is 2.5km</i></b><br />
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<b><i>-------------------------------------</i></b><br />
<b><br /></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">GERRINGONG</span> - this township has the usual retirees, holiday makers and younger people who mainly work in nearby PORT KEMBLA heavy industries, in WOLLONGONG businesses or are TRADIE FAMILIES (bricklayers, carpenters, sparkies and other trades-people who work in the busy building/extensions trade of the region). Others of course.</b><br />
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<b><i>GERRINGONG MAIN ST is a kinda mini KIAMA MAIN ST - quite touristy with several good places to graze. </i></b><br />
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<b><i>Main St. is fairly high above sea level so some places have great views from outside tables. </i></b><br />
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<b><br /></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">WERRI BEACH</span></b><br />
<b>Even though WERRI and adjacent GERRINGONG are within KIAMA MUNICIPALITY, I don't regard the beach as a KIAMA BEACH because at 10km from KIAMA MAIN ST it ain't exactly close.</b><br />
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<b><i>Nevertheless this 1900m .long strip of silica is worth a look if in the area.</i></b><br />
<b><i>Council has spent big on a long narrow park like area between the beach and the backing PACIFIC AVE. I last visited on one of those magic, windless, sunny winter days - the whole town seemed to be out walking the paths, sitting on the grass or supervising kids on the many areas of play equipment.</i></b><br />
<b><i>Note there is a WHALE WATCHING PLATFORM higher up this headland behind camera.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>---------------------------------------</i></b><br />
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<b>GEROA BEACH. </b><br />
<b>This is the northern end of long 7 MILE BEACH. The village of GEROA too is part of KIAMA MUNICIPALITY, but at 17km you can't say GEROA BCH. is a KIAMA town beach.</b><br />
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<b><i>This is shot from KINGSFORD SMITH LOOKOUT just before the main road descends to the area behind the beach.</i></b><br />
<b><i>Note that KIAMA MUNICIPALITY ends abt 3km down that beach - south of that is SHOALHAVEN SHIRE.</i></b><br />
<b><i>The mountain far right is MT COOLANGATTA just north of the SHOALHAVEN RIVER and east of NOWRA.</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b>GEROA is a neat little town. Most of it is spread along the headland to left of camera - many places have great views down the beach. The CROOKED RIVER (more a large creek) runs into the sea adjacent the headland. The beach has SURFING SCHOOLS, good WIND SURFING and has a big caravan park just the other side of the river bridge. A popular big wave surfing spot is against the headland left of camera, but I don't know what access is like these days. </b><br />
<b>If you want to explore the beach the #126 bus terminates at the beach holiday park - simply take one of the tracks thru the dunes to a pretty nice strip of silica.</b><br />
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<b><i>1 - KINGSFORD SMITH LOOKOUT</i></b><br />
<b><i>2 - HOLIDAY PARKS</i></b><br />
<b><i>3 - CROOKED RIVER.</i></b><br />
<b><i>Straight line distance between 1 and the further 2 is 1km</i></b><br />
<b><i>Symbols may be clearer if you can click-expand image.</i></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>The rest of 7 MILE BEACH is largely backed by a national park until the town of SHOALHAVEN HEADS at the southern end. There are occasional picnic areas etc along it.</b><br />
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<b><i>-------------------------------------------------------</i></b>
<b><i><br /></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">MARKETS</span></i></b><br />
<b>KIAMA MAKERS AND GROWERS MARKETS - run the 4th Saturday of the month at BLACK BEACH RESERVE/THE FLATS.</b><br />
<b>So too does KIAMA SEASIDE MARKETS on the 3rd Sunday of the month.</b><br />
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<i><b>Crowds vary - my visit was at a pretty quiet time but on busy weekends the stalls can cover half THE FLAT and line most of BLACK BEACH's path. This shows better on a shot below I stole from the <a href="https://kiamaseasidemarkets.com.au/">official website.</a></b></i></div>
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<b><a href="https://kiamafarmersmarket.com.au/">KIAMA FARMERS' MARKETS</a> runs in CORONATION PARK behind SURF BEACH each Wednesday.</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWOvN1nBAtp-hboOHa_9Tk2NVnN_xKspqBgDAyN1YGxelOWTIPItAaekh_T6HIS0HilgMm3tVQYsg3EUCx2UGfudFAHCtgs_J3XvI9F0-tLQSqD-H2b4a9tvRqS3l-HHLtx6GRghxPUHQ/s1600/apples.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWOvN1nBAtp-hboOHa_9Tk2NVnN_xKspqBgDAyN1YGxelOWTIPItAaekh_T6HIS0HilgMm3tVQYsg3EUCx2UGfudFAHCtgs_J3XvI9F0-tLQSqD-H2b4a9tvRqS3l-HHLtx6GRghxPUHQ/s400/apples.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><i>Apples behind the sand. Sweet.</i></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">THE HINTERLAND</span></b><br />
<b>KIAMA is backed by a mainly hilly hinterland - sure, the MINNAMURRA RIVER has some adjacent flat floodplains, but away from there you are looking at very undulating countryside. This is until you are abt 15km from the coast - then you hit the rather steep ILLAWARRA ESCARPMENT which leads up to the heavily dissected plateau given the name these days: the ILLAWARRA RANGES. </b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJQYULoXcA1KsALAiEWTz0aCoj7L2aWXZf_QM9-8C8j8_f4_Q4vkhDrol1iUjUXBlp08hLoPpNBKGEnNXiSZR-C_kFfjGudezCvu4YLn9XRxtaZRrb4dyX_ddodUDkk0rSmakr9an4pbo/s1600/a6+%25283%2529_LI.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="376" data-original-width="638" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJQYULoXcA1KsALAiEWTz0aCoj7L2aWXZf_QM9-8C8j8_f4_Q4vkhDrol1iUjUXBlp08hLoPpNBKGEnNXiSZR-C_kFfjGudezCvu4YLn9XRxtaZRrb4dyX_ddodUDkk0rSmakr9an4pbo/s400/a6+%25283%2529_LI.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><i>The steep ILLAWARRA ESCARPMENT. View above of most the 15km of intervening hinterland is blocked by the high hill immediately west of town.</i></b><br />
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<b>The LOWER HINTERLAND has quite a few points of interest:</b><br />
<b>JAMBEROO ROAD - this connects KIAMA with the village of JAMBEROO 10km west. It is largely twisty and hilly, tends to be a favourite with cyclists, bikers and car nerds. If coming from SYDNEY the road by the same name 11km from ALBION PARK to the north is similar.</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzBJBUYuHMtv1uyObLNDc4beG_y1eOAluqDT56z-eYzjYNQ3kkvkEn8FLC9qAJpC7PqJRp9mhhKPVnu1ohunNAyhecJxNIum2BR6jEf0DaukEElW5q3CX8qIe0_gXBO2fb7VadzfspwpU/s1600/a24.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzBJBUYuHMtv1uyObLNDc4beG_y1eOAluqDT56z-eYzjYNQ3kkvkEn8FLC9qAJpC7PqJRp9mhhKPVnu1ohunNAyhecJxNIum2BR6jEf0DaukEElW5q3CX8qIe0_gXBO2fb7VadzfspwpU/s400/a24.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><i>Drivers'/cyclists'/bikers' delight.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>JAMBEROO VILLAGE</i> - this is your typical country village, like BERRY (further south on the highway to NOWREA) was back in the day before SYDNEY trendoids discovered it. For the visitor JAMBEROO has a lively pub, a golf club and several places to find grub. The local park is sweet for picnics - also has a POOL. </b><br />
<b>JAMBEROO is 9km west of KIAMA.</b><br />
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<b><i>The popular pub at JAMBEROO dates from 1837 - draws a good crowd on weekends.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>MINNAMURRA RAINFOREST </i>- this reserve is one of the southern-most examples of SUB-TROPICAL RAINFOREST. A deep gorge into the ILLAWARRA ESCARPMENT protects from the cold SOUTHERLIES and the orientation catches lots of rain. </b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5yRUL0MeOmXsGGXTNQppCRDsMnsD94LdarVSttIXV_GYLy_u3PvnWXEURP-L_iH-6_3UsNuOVQ30arHYYKhsrPcFJgu3m6nlx4gOxau9W_amrdo7-NwxIE0iGs5pxGkxnU_d4sDiXl4I/s1600/a22.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="767" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5yRUL0MeOmXsGGXTNQppCRDsMnsD94LdarVSttIXV_GYLy_u3PvnWXEURP-L_iH-6_3UsNuOVQ30arHYYKhsrPcFJgu3m6nlx4gOxau9W_amrdo7-NwxIE0iGs5pxGkxnU_d4sDiXl4I/s400/a22.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><i>It's got the lot: a 4.2\km return path passing by tree ferns, giant emergents and all the other expected rainforest vegetation, ending at ....</i></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvFHEaRJBf6kI-saAoNdbsltXFlOTMjtKPh5MtwZliDCgQYKEUDczIuaaVVNwuDmndc026X0Wx1BV41tXpL2s5fNhKMSpa0e0mk7YaVdcs-FJGWnj8fhyoyjl-7JAkrSUsQQmYs1SmDwM/s1600/a21.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvFHEaRJBf6kI-saAoNdbsltXFlOTMjtKPh5MtwZliDCgQYKEUDczIuaaVVNwuDmndc026X0Wx1BV41tXpL2s5fNhKMSpa0e0mk7YaVdcs-FJGWnj8fhyoyjl-7JAkrSUsQQmYs1SmDwM/s400/a21.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><i>....THE LOWER FALLS where you can swim if it catches your fancy.</i></b><br />
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<b>There is a side track which leads to the UPPER FALLS - not many people go up there. It's kinda rough.</b><br />
<b>The ARRIVALS AREA has all the expected facilities.</b><br />
<b>Usual access is by car and motorcycle although this is a nice ride for keen cyclists. A local bus (#125) does come from KIAMA but only twice per day.</b><br />
<b>I must confess I haven't been up here for maybe 20 years, before which it was an annual thing - part of my schoolteacher excursion shtick (yeah I was a teacher for many years - one of many vocations). Writing this, I feel the urge to re-visit. To the rainforest - not teaching.</b><br />
<b>This area is 16km north west of KIAMA, off JAMBEROO MTN. ROAD.</b><br />
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<b><i>JAMBEROO ACTION PARK</i> - this is the KIAMA area's water park. On the ALBION PARK to JAMBEROO road, it's 14km from KIAMA; 4km north of JAMBEROO.</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCzzn66jl9OrBpBaysPaSBUWiO3b2OC7FzqZ1ko4w3taUgCLid-W5shmPqxr5deiKpgjyjq45Q06fCPx0N4cc1s4JuqxQ4xgFzr84xwr6xtLh0ytKeF9c0OLbnQiKurKeuhtlosVNHT6g/s1600/A23.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="578" data-original-width="800" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCzzn66jl9OrBpBaysPaSBUWiO3b2OC7FzqZ1ko4w3taUgCLid-W5shmPqxr5deiKpgjyjq45Q06fCPx0N4cc1s4JuqxQ4xgFzr84xwr6xtLh0ytKeF9c0OLbnQiKurKeuhtlosVNHT6g/s400/A23.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><i>Once again I haven't been there since my teaching days - how can this place be justified as a legitimate excursion destination? But according to TV commercials the place adds a new feature each year. Was pretty good way back - gotta be better now.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>LOWER HINTERLAND ATTRACTIONS</i></b><br />
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<b><i>K - KIAMA AP - ALBION PARK JV - JAMBEROO VILLAGE JAP - JAMBEROO ACTION PARK </i></b><b><i>MR - MINAMURRA RAINFOREST</i></b><br />
<b><i>YELLOW is JAMBEROO RD between KIAMA and ALBION PK</i></b><br />
<b><i>PALE BLUE is JAMBEROO MTN RD - is in the lowland hills until JP (JAMBEROO PASS)</i></b><br />
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<b><i><br /></i></b><b><span style="font-size: medium;">HIGH HINTERLAND ATTRACTIONS - TOP OF THE ESCARPMENT</span></b><br />
<b>Getting a bit marginal here - many would argue that once you climb the escarpment on the narrow twisty and scenic JAMBEROO PASS you have left the KIAMA area. </b><br />
<b>But the fact is there are some interesting attractions up there - naturals for KIAMA visitors with motor vehicles to visit. And not out of bounds for keen cyclists - I have been up there on a number of occasions.</b><br />
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<b>ILLAWARRA/JAMBEROO LOOKOUT</b><br />
<b>The very short access road to the right is off the main road a few hundred meters past the finish of JAMBEROO PASS (it's about 20km from KIAMA).</b><br />
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<b>This lookout is worth the trip - with a panoramic view from LAKE ILLAWARRA in the north to SOUTH KIAMA. Above is simply a section - YELLOW is STACK ISLAND at the south end of MINNAMURRA BCH - INDIGO points at BOMBO HEADLAND at the north end of BOMBO BCH.</b><br />
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<b>BARREN GROUNDS - this largish area of BUDEROO NATIONAL PARK is on the inland side of the road to the lookout - a turn in to the BARREN GROUNDS PICNIC AREA is just off the road to the left a bit closer KIAMA - to the NATIONAL PARK PARKING AREA a few km further along the main road. This is the place for trekking - there are tracks leading many ways - some go to the eastern edge of UPPER KANGAROO VALLEY.</b><br />
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<b>ILLAWARRA FLY TREETOP WALK</b><br />
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<b>CARRINGTON FALLS</b><br />
<b>You are really stretching things KIAMA wise, because this place is closer to ROBERTSON (11km), a sleepy Southern Highlands town, than to JAMBEROO (22km), let alone KIAMA (30km). But if you have a vehicle or are a keen biker or cyclist and have a spare day when you want to explore the larger surrounds, this place is well worth the call in.</b><br />
<b>Note it is 5km north of the turn off to the ILLAWARRA FLY.</b><br />
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<b><i>Not a bad drop where the KANGAROO RIVER falls from the ILLAWARRA PLATEAU into UPPER KANGAROO VALLEY. There are picnic facilities and viewing platforms at top and a several walking tracks which radiate from near the picnic area. There is also a camping area off the access rd. a short distance from the falls.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>UPPER HINTERLAND ATTRACTIONS</i></b><br />
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<b><i>The pertinent high hinterland places are along the PALE BLUE RD left half of the image but because my basic cropping tool is so crap I had to include a lot of lowland too - the right hand side of image. </i></b><br />
<b><i>BGPA - BARREN GROUNDS PICNIC AREA</i></b><br />
<b><i>IJL - ILLAWARRA/JAMBEROO LOOKOUT</i></b><br />
<b><i>IF - ILLAWARRA FLY</i></b><br />
<b><i>CF - CARRINGTON FALLS</i></b><br />
<b><i>Others - R-ROBERTSON MP-MACQUARIE PASS AP-ALBION PARK </i></b><br />
<b><i>JV-JAMBEROO VILLAGE JP-JAMBEROO PASS K-KIAMA</i></b><br />
<b><i>For a linear scale - the straight line distance beween ROBERTSON and KIAMA is 25Kkm.</i></b><br />
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<b><i><br /></i></b><b>THE BIG LOOP - if you continue another 6km north once back on the main rd (JAMBEROO MTN RD) you will come to the intersection of the ILLAWARRA HIGHWAY. Left leads to ROBERTSON (4km), Right back to the coastal plain via twisty, busy MACQUAIRIE PASS (ALBION PARK is 22km from the intersection). From ALBION PK you can go back to KIAMA via JAMBEROO, or go another few km east to the MAIN SOUTHERN EXPRESSWAY and turn right. Seems a big deal, but with a vehicle this is a good half day or more excursionb(depending on how many places you call in to). I have also done it on a motorcycle and bicycle - in the latter case CLIMBING MACQUARIE PASS</b><b> is way easier than JAMBEROO PASS. So go ANTI-CLOCKWISE. </b><br />
<b>NOTE - way back at the original intersection with the ILLAWARRA HW is the <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Restaurant_Review-g529019-d2211032-Reviews-Robertson_Pie_Shop-Robertson_Southern_Highlands_New_South_Wales.html">ROBERTSON PIE SHOP</a>, well worth a call-in if you are feeling nibbly.</b><br />
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<b>THE BIG LOOP</b><br />
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<b><i>K-KIAMA J-JAMBEROO R-ROBERTSON AP-ALBION PARK</i></b><br />
<b><i>JP - JAMBEROO PASS MP - MACQUARIE PASS</i></b><br />
<b><i>YELLOW - Jamberoo Rd</i></b><br />
<b><i>PALE BLUE - Jamberoo Mountain Rd</i></b><br />
<b><i>GREEN - Illawarra Highway</i></b><br />
<b><i>WHITE - Southern Expressway (A2- Princes HW)</i></b><br />
<b><i>For scale - the straight line distance bewtween R and K is 25km</i></b><br />
<b><i>Total road distance around either loop is much the same at 73-74km.</i></b><br />
<b><i>This map is near identical to the one above it - you may ask why I didn't combine the two. Simple answer - I did this one first plus thought that putting both highland and lowland places on would overload it.</i></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">CYCLIN</span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">G</span></b><br />
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<b>At first glance a hilly town backed by a hilly hinterland would not be good for cycling. But if you are keen, it is an excellent place to train - those hills really build fitness. The JAMBEROO ROAD tends to be packed with cyclists from SYDNEY and WOOLONGONG on weekends. Cyclists wanting extended flats for wind sprints will find them on the MINNAMURRA flood-plain along SWAMP ROAD off JAMBEROO RD about 4km west of town.</b><br />
<b>For visitors not keen on mixing with cars and trucks, there are also several CYCLING TRACKS - I haven't used them much, preferring the road but details<a href="https://www.visitshellharbour.com.au/images/articlepages/Kiama%20Cycleway%20Map.pdf"> can be found here.</a></b><br />
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<b><br /></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">ACCOMMODATION</span></b><br />
<b>KIAMA has a full range of accommodation with the exception of A BACKPACKER'S** joint. One near the station recently closed for a new development. Apart from that you name it, KIAMA has it - from several really good camp and caravan parks (thing about KIAMA's is that you can see the ocean from them - most NSW coastal parks are separated from the ocean by a high foredune) thru rooms in pubs, Airbnb rooms/apartments/houses, plenty of the same offered thru rental agents, mid to high end resorts - yada.</b><br />
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<b>**If you have read other pages of this blog, you'll be aware I am a budget traveller, always looking to stay low dollars. To this end I reckon BACKPACKERS should consider the 4 HOLIDAY CABIN PLACES in KIAMA - here 4 people sharing an ocean view cabin with all the extras will pay less each non peak than a bed in a crummy 16 bed dorm in a no-view SYDNEY street.</b><br />
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<b><i>The front row bungalows of KIAMA HARBOUR CABINS have excellent water views - but all 3 other holiday cabin places feature many with ocean views. Tend to be expensive weekends and holidays but you can cut a bargain off peak.</i></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">THE QUARRY LEISURE CENTRE and SPORTS COMPLEX.</span></b><br />
<b>This area is very popular with locals and visitors. The LEISURE CENTRE has a great 25m heated indoor pool and the building also has a gym, an exercise area and a big hall for balls/displays/basketball and gymnastic type stuff.</b><br />
<b>Outside the former quarry area has been converted into playing fields, a 400m athletic track, a skateboard arena and a big netball court area.</b><br />
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<i><b>Heated pool ideal for lap swimmers 7/365 - also has aquarobics, learn to swim and is a popular area for kids' parties.</b></i><br />
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<b>Skateboard arena - also hosts BMX cyclists. Athletic track to right.</b><br />
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<a href="https://heysports.com.au/01978999/Kiama_Quarry_Sports_Complex">https://heysports.com.au/01978999/Kiama_Quarry_Sports_Complex</a><br />
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<b><br /></b>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">WHALE WATCHING</span></b><br />
<b>Thousands of whales migrate north and south along the NSW coast each year. KIAMA with its headlands and high vantage areas is an ideal place to spot them. Over the years I have seen thousands of them (no hyperbole). Some are kms out to sea (spotted because of the almighty splash after breaching), others much closer. I have seen them within 10m of the seashore rocks.</b><br />
<b>WHALE WATCHING is a seasonal thing - May to July they are heading north: October to November, south. It seems to me they are in less of a hurry moving south and are more likely to enter bays and harbours for a look-see.</b><br />
<b>BTW - if you see one moving the "wrong way" for the time of year, no worries: it is simply a sprinter moving back to join up with its mates.</b><br />
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<b><i>Imagine the splash when this baby lands.</i></b><br />
<b><i>Another favourite trick is to lie on its side and bash those (sometimes 2m+ long) side flukes (fins) on the water. On still nights you often here them going BASH BASH BASH even though they may not be near shore.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>Note there are WHALE WATCHING PLATFORMS on MINNAMURRA HEADLAND at the south end of JONES BEACH and on GERRINGONG HEADLAND high above the south end of WERRI BEACH - but you don't need a platform to spot them. </i></b><br />
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<b><i>MINNAMURRA HEADLAND WHALE WATCHING PLATFORM</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b><i>Some of the fishing charter boats do WHALE WATCHING CRUISES out of KIAMA HARBOUR in season.</i></b><br />
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<b>ACCESSING KIAMA</b><br />
<b>About 98% of visitors come in by car or train. Actually - given the hoard of cyclists and bikers arriving via JAMBEROO ROAD on weekends, my percentage needs lowering.</b><br />
<br />
<b><i>BUS ACCESS</i> is not a big deal - sure local buses come in from the WOLLONGONG SOUTHERN SUBURBS and <a href="https://www.premierms.com.au/PMS/pages/timetables/">PREMIER COACHES</a> run long distance coaches from EDEN (near the Victorian border) to SYDNEY via the SOUTH COAST and KIAMA, but although popular with far south coast folk, few people use them for KIAMA. </b><br />
<b>KIAMA has a local bus service (<a href="https://www.kiamacoaches.com.au/timetables/">KIAMA COACHES</a>) - the services are not particularly frequent, but they may help people organizing transport to/from various parts of the COASTAL WALK and places in the HINTERLAND. </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><i>CAR ACCESS</i> can be quite pleasant. If coming from SYDNEY consider diverting the short extra distance off the M1 at the HELENSBURGH exit to take in the SEA CLIFF BRIDGE on LAWRENCE HARGRAVE DRIVE. Just short of this are great viewpoints at BALD HILL and STANWELL TOPS - each not far off the main route to the bridge.</b><br />
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<b><i>Spectacular SEA CLIFF BRIDGE on the coastal road between STANWELL PARK and THIRROUL. There is a parking area at the south end which allows people to park and walk.</i></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>A longer diversion is to take the exit at LOFTUS in Sydney's far south to go thru the ROYAL NATIONAL PARK for some nice bush country and very twisty dirvers' roads. This can be shortened considering by exiting at WATERFALL into the National Park about 12km further south. Both these diversions go past/near BALD HILL, STANWELL TOPS and the SEA CLIFF BRIDGE. </b><br />
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<b>If you stick to the most direct M1 route great lookouts can be found at BULLI TOPS and not far off the main route at MT KEIRA.</b><br />
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<b><br /></b>
<b><i>TRAIN ACCESS </i>can be likewise spectacular scenery wise. Between STANWELL PARK and THIRROUL are some great sea views (sit on the left side of the carriage), likewise near KIAMA. There is some nice bush scenery for an hour or so thru the ROYAL NATIONAL PARK.</b><br />
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<b><span style="color: yellow; font-size: large;">ATTENTION - IF YOU SEE MISTAKES OR HAVE EXTRA INFORMATION, PLEASE POST BELOW. BUT ASK ANY QUESTIONS ON <a href="http://tezzasthaiinfo.blogspot.com/2007/10/forum.html?commentPage=3">THE FORUM PAGE</a> WHICH I CHECK FAIRLY REGULARLY - WHEREAS I REVISIT THESE INDIVIDUAL PLACE PAGES ONLY OCCASIONALLY</span></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b></div>tezzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06099777760234890854noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-235257059160442691.post-65035467741279641292020-05-17T12:48:00.002+10:002020-05-25T17:07:44.675+10:00ROAD TRIP - NYC-NIAGARA-DC-NYC AND BETWEEN.<b>DONE SEPT 2018</b><br />
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<b><i>Close to AMERICAN FALLS on the CROWS NEST PATH (these panorama images click-expand nicely).</i></b><br />
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<b>This is not a page on islands or beaches. So it seems out of place in a blog on islands and beaches. But here's the thing. I'm writing this as an almost 75yo with several life-threatening problems. Maybe I'll soon be reassigned to the permanent past. If so, perhaps this page will act as a memento to members of my family. In the meantime I'm getting a bit of a kick out of writing it - all the stuff I have to remember, the re-reading of trip diaries, the checking of web-sites to see details forgotten+distances between major destinations etc. One thing's for sure - now I don't frequent the travel forums, there are few readers from those sites who might take offence at a page which strays from this blog's original purpose.</b><br />
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<b>WHY A PACKAGE BUS TRIP??</b><br />
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<b><i>With very limited time, this was the only way I was going to see NE US icons like WASHINGTON DC and NIAGARA FALLS. Plus experience has shown no matter how much pre-trip study of guide-books and online stuff, the commentary of experienced tour group leaders can't be beat. Finally VALUE is fantastic - competition between online tour retailers is intense meaning the basic cost of the tour was less than I could get 2 nights in equivalent accommodation in DC and NIAGARA - let alone all the transport and commentary.</i></b><br />
<b><i>Above is MAIN ST WATKINS GLEN, a small touristy town on the shores of LAKE SENECA, one of north NY STATE's finger lakes. I'd read about this town as a kid - didn't ever think I'd spend time in it.</i></b><br />
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<b>TRIP ROUTE</b><br />
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<b><i> Day 1 - white Day 2 - yellow Day 3 - indigo</i></b><br />
<b><i>Total distance 1250miles/ 2200km without any of the usual backing and shuffling.</i></b><br />
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<b>DAY 1 - O700 - CHINATOWN NYC.</b><br />
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<b><i>Tour leader LILLIAN gets her group organised. Kinda difficult because about 3 different (destination) bus tours leave this location early morning - and because LILLIAN's company seems to be a TOUR AGGREGATOR: she has people booked on several other online sites besides my TAKE TOURS.</i></b><br />
<b><i>LILLIAN was a marvel - she could juggle finances, bookings, give extensive introductions at each stop in both CHINESE and ENGLISH, field calls from head office and chase after recalcitrant passengers who didn't seem to think it important to show up at the bus on time after a free-time period.</i></b><br />
<b><i>Passengers about 60% Chinese, 30% Indian and 10% Caucasian. I was the only Anglo, the rest were Russian.</i></b><br />
<b><i>Early start needed because it is over 400mi/640km to NIAGARA where we need to arrive mid-afternoon to take in some of the sights.</i></b><br />
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<b>CAVEAT ON COSTS - the initial online ask is astonishingly low, but you will end up spending more. For a start, everyone paid a compulsory staff tip. Then there are all the CALL-INS - want to check out the SECRET CAVES? Pay more. Visit WATKINS GLEN STATE PARK? Pay more......yada. Some of these call-ins are very good, some cost little extra. Some are expensive, some underwhelming. MY TIP - study the online "brochure" to see what the extras are and go to review sites such as TRIPADVISOR to find what others are saying. Then decide what you will include or give a miss. In the latter category I decided to give the 3rd day motel breakfast a miss, ditto the luncheon buffet that day. I paid for all the others - the only one which left me less than gruntled was the first day's HIDDEN CAVERNS thingo.</b><br />
<b>Also be aware that some of these call-ins are SEASONAL - some passengers at WATKINS GLEN STATE PARK were asking "WHEN DO WE VISIT THE CORNING GLASS FACTORY?" LILLIAN pointed out this was a winter activity when the fabulous STATE PARK is closed because the river in the gorge often freezes.</b><br />
<b>Could you do the tour without the add-ons (apart from the compulsory tip - and if travelling solo, the single supplement)? Sure - some passengers were doing just that. I'm a bit surprised that I (a world-class cheapskate) wasn't - fact is some of the add-ons were very good; others suggested cheesiness (eg the IMAX theater at NIAGARA) but were not expensive and turned out way better than I estimated.</b><br />
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<b><i>Our bus was in very good condition, clean, quiet, comfortable. Seated abt 70 - we were just about at capacity.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>We were allocated permanent seats - I was lucky to score one up front with a good view thru the windscreen. Up-state NY countryside is pretty gorgeous (I come from the SUN-BURNT COUNTRY where rural areas tend to be BROWN).</i></b><br />
<b><i>Driver EDDAR a fiery little Latino was a bit of a hard case. But he was a good safe driver, got us thru some horrendous traffic in the DC - BALTIMORE - PHILLY - NJ - NYC urban corridor on typical 12+ hour days. He was constantly fielding calls from head office wanting him to take extra tours, despite the fact that his log-book would be maxxed-out after our trip.</i></b><br />
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<b>I was so impressed with EDDAR and LILLIAN's work effort that despite coming from the land of fair wages and no tips (what's the difference between an Aussie and a canoe? - Canoes sometimes tip) and despite a compulsory staff tip included in the tariff, I slipped them a few extra dollars at the end of the trip.</b><br />
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<b>DAY I - abt 1200 -SECRET CAVERNS/HOWE'S CAVE upstate NY</b><br />
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<b><i>NYC to NIAGARA is a hell of a distance - to break the trip we called in here for about an hour. Under the building is the entrance to a cave - but I have to tell you I was not whelmed, having seen much better. The good news is that like most of the call-ins along the trip this one was OPTIONAL - if you didn't pay you hung around in the rather good gift shop/cafe in shot or took it easy in the pleasant park-like area outside.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>The cave area takes less than 20 minutes to check out. Note it's way cool underground (about 50F/10c) and wet underfoot in some areas - be prepared. I've seen far better limestone formations and colour.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>DAY 1 - ABT 1530 - BEST WESTERN HOTEL NIAGARA FALLS</i></b><br />
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<b><i>LILLIAN allocates rooms at our hotel. Seems chaotic but worked a dream. We had about 15 minutes to find our room and then report back for the walk to the nearby falls viewing area....</i></b><br />
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<b><i>I fell in love with my room - simply luxurious after a fortnight of share hostel dorms. As a single traveller on the bus trip I had to pay a single supplement (although I would have shared had there been other singles) - can't tell you how great it was to have this giant, spacious comfy room all to myself after sharing dorms with up to 15 others. Only complaint - no coffee making in room (coffee available 24/7 in the lobby).</i></b><br />
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<b><i>Hotel had a small gym and pool plus its own dining room and an adjacent casino if you were feeling lucky. Best of all it was abt. a 5 minutes walk to.....</i></b><br />
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<b>....the AMERICAN FALLS VIEWING AREA in the NIAGARA FALLS STATE PARK </b><br />
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<b><i>This nicely landscaped area has good views of the main falls area. We had at least 60 minutes to do our thing here - I'm a little annoyed that I had not done enough research and was unaware of nearby should-visits like GOAT ISLAND with its various paths and smaller viewpoints. So I just hung around in this area and drank in the scene....</i></b><br />
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<b><i>....which was pretty good. Note you are fairly side-on here, but next day I found places further south such as the OBSERVATION DECK at the NIAGARA FALLS VIEWING TOWER which gave less oblique views.</i></b><br />
<b><i>That's AMERICAN FALLS closest camera, smaller BRIDAL VEIL FALLS part behind/above and a section of HORSESHOE (CANADIAN) FALLS in background. </i></b><br />
<b><i>Notice the highrises of CANADA's version of NIAGARA FALLS town, which is an even bigger deal tourist-wise than the US side. People say the viewpoints, accommodation and food are better on the Canadian side - I was determined to confirm this in 2019. Unfortunately lack of time forced me to cancel NIAGARA in 2019.</i></b><br />
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<b>These falls kinda blew me away. I've seen higher, but as they say, it's the VOLUME of water going over here which is outstanding.</b><br />
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<b>DO YOUR RESEARCH!!</b><br />
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<b><i>People on GOAT ISLAND getting a close-up of HORSESHOE FALLS. I could have easily walked across to that viewpoint from the AMERICAN FALLS OVERLOOK in abt. 15 minutes.<15 i="" minutes.=""></15></i></b><br />
<b><i>The island has several viewpoints - ones which allow a different perspective of all 3 falls</i></b><b><i>.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>By this stage (late afternoon) the "MAID OF THE MIST" boats were wrapping up their cruises.</i></b><br />
<b><i>We would be down there next morning.</i></b><br />
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<b>OVERVIEW OF FALLS AREA</b><br />
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<b><i>Labels might be clearer if you can click-expand image.</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b><b>DAY 1 1930 - DINNER AND FALLS BY FLOODLIGHT</b><br />
<b>After some time back at the hotel to shower etc, LILLIAN took us to an area near the AMERICAN FALLS OVERVIEW with lots of eating options, told us we also should not miss the falls by night and asked us to be in the lobby next morning at 0600. </b><br />
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<b><i>Ground floor here is a big FOOD HALL with options covering all budgets. Ditto street-front joints in the adjacent blocks.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>I went for a pizza in one of the latter areas - ate it at the outside tables on this pleasant early Fall night. Pretty yummy and not bad value (overall I was not a fan of the value of US fast food).</i></b><br />
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<b><i>LILLIAN was right. The floodlights make a nocturnal revisit well worth while.</i></b><br />
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<b>THE REST OF THE NIGHT - after checking this area I wandered back to the hotel, used the gym and pool and then hit the sack. But in retrospect I wasted much of the night - not having to be on deck until 0600 next morning, I could have spent a few hours wandering over to the CANADIAN side and checking the scene. My only excuse in not being prepared to fully use this spare time is I was unaware such periods existed on our schedule and thought TAKE TOURS would have every second filled - which they certainly did next day.</b><br />
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<b>DAY 2 - 0620 - WHIRLPOOL STATE PARK</b><br />
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<b><i>Surprise!! - we met in the BEST WESTERN LOBBY at 0600 with NOBODY DRAGGING THE CHAIN! Then we bused to this place less than 3 miles/5km down river from the FALLS area (if you have plenty of time you can walk it along the rim of the gorge or ride in the DISCOVER NIAGARA SHUTTLE which passes by this spot (although maybe not this early).</i></b><br />
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<b><i>Because of certain geological factors in the river's course, you have some pretty impressive RAPIDS and WHIRLPOOLS in this area - made more impressive by the fact that several boats have navigated thru here (eg all the "MAID OF THE MIST" craft).</i></b><br />
<b><i>There are restrooms, picnic tables, a historic display (closed this early) and a chance to take a path down by the river if you have time. We didn't....</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b><b>....moving on after 30 minutes to FORT NIAGARA</b><br />
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<b><i>Located strategically where the NIAGARA RIVER meets LAKE ERIE, this place under successive FRENCH, BRITISH and US control had two main purposes. To stop "foreign" penetration into the NE interior. And as a trading post between colonialists and indigenous peop</i>le.</b><br />
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<b><i>Interior was restored to reflect life back in the day - this is one of the soldiers' barracks....</i></b><br />
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<b><i>....this room reflects colonial trading.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>Local ladies has set up a kitchen supplying pretty good stuff for an inexpensive breakfast - important to us given our early start.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>Downtown TORONTO the other side of LAKE ERIE.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>Near the exit, this dude was giving a demonstration of loading and firing a period fire-arm. Wouldn't work for him, which apparently was pretty common back in the day. Wet powder.</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b><b>I enjoyed the visit to FORT NIAGARA, considering it well worth while the modest extra charge. </b><br />
<b>So did the other passengers - I think no-one opted out of this one.</b><br />
<b>If any did, they had 90 odd minutes to grab breakfast in the nearby township.</b><br />
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<b>EARLY DAY 2 LOCATIONS</b><br />
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<b><i>As can be seen WHIRLPOOL STATE PARK, FORT NIAGARA and LAKE ERIE are downstream to the north of the FALLS.</i></b><br />
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<b>NIAGARA ADVENTURE THEATER</b><br />
<b>By this stage it was past 0900, so we retraced our steps to the FALLS VIEWING AREA where things were beginning to open.</b><br />
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<b><i>I had my doubts about this one, but the stuff it dished up on past history and people who had gone over the falls either accidentally or on purpose was good value. The IMAX effect was a bit weak, but I think there are more specific IMAX shows either here or elsewhere if you want to go the thrills route.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>The arcade outside the theater had a whole bunch of touristy mementos etc - prices seemed reasonable if that kinda stuff floats yer boat.</i></b><br />
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<b>NIAGARA HIGHLIGHT - "MAID OF THE MIST' CRUISE BENEATH THE FALLS</b><br />
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<b><i>This is a MUST DO if you are in the area - and the cost is very modest. Boats get very close to the falls. Raincoats are part of the package - you get to keep them.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>Close proximity.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>I don't think I'll ride my barrel over AMERICAN FALLS - the chance of landing on a rock is reasonably high.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>Boats were shuttled thru very quickly. In this way, the modest early morning (in early Fall) line of people waiting shortened quickly. Not sure about the wait in high season's longer lines. </i></b><br />
<b><i>Above is one of the boats behind our's. Can't remember if this was when we were coming back (the dock is close to that high structure at left) or leaving.</i></b><br />
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<b>CROWS NEST PATH</b><br />
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<i><b>This is a short distance to the right of disembarkation - the not too steep steps went about half way up the side of AMERICAN FALLS. I doubt you could get closer. Could be tricky in high season </b></i><br />
<i><b>crowds.</b></i><br />
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<b>NIAGARA FALLS OBSERVATION DECK</b><br />
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<i><b>This is cantilevered off the LIFT TOWER which takes people down to the "MAID OF THE MIST" boats. If you have a "MAID OF THE MIST" ticket, entrance is free. If not it was a ridiculously cheap $1.25 (I understand it is FREE for all in low season).</b></i>
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<b><i>The tower is less than 200m north-west of the AMERICAN FALLS VIEWING AREA.</i></b><br />
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<i><b>Base of tower - multiple lifts take passengers down to gorge bottom - wait for lift in early Fall was not too bad - could be different high season.</b></i>
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<i><b>The viewing platform gives a less oblique outlook - not as good as from the boats of course.</b></i><br />
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<i><b>The CROWS NEST PATH kinda stood out.</b></i><br />
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<i><b>BRIDGE TO CANADA</b></i><br />
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<b><i>A short distance north along the gorge from MAID OF THE MIST and the OBSERVATION TOWER is the bridge to CANADA - US customs one side, CANADIAN the other. Need your passport of course, but otherwise stroll across. Most people driving of course.</i></b><br />
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<b>DAY 2 - ABT 1330 - WATKINS GLEN STATE PARK</b><br />
<b>We departed NIAGARA abt 1030 and cruised thru the rather nice upstate NY countryside to WATKINGS GLEN alongside SENECA FINGER LAKE. Lovely country, scenic lake, and lotsa WINERIES if you are traveling by car or on a bus trip with more time to spare.</b><br />
<b>I knew this town from reading about its <i>motor racing circuit</i> in my youth, but a study of the trip itinerary made clear we were going nowhere near that. Instead our destination was the STATE PARK - I didn't hold any great hopes but the extra charge was very modest and so I went for it. This was one of those places turned out way better than expected.</b><br />
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<b><i>After dropping non-participants in a car park alongside the main road (ample opportunities for shopping, sightseeing in the 45mins we were gone) we bused the hill a short distance to the STATE PARK ENTRANCE. As can be seen, the POOL was already closed in early Fall, as was the rather nice camp ground. However the GORGE TRAIL was still open (it too closes in the really cold months when ice can make things treacherous underfoot) - which we headed for.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>After using the rest rooms up top, we took off down the GORGE TRAIL, the first 40% of which is this rather pleasant well surfaced amble thru lovely forest. Patrons have the choice of UP or DOWN here (there is a free shuttle takes patrons back to their start - I saw the sign but don't know if it runs in shoulder season) - it was only a few days after my big WIPEOUT on the <a href="https://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com/2020/05/last-trek-ever-cold-spring-mt-tauras.html">TAURUS MOUNTAIN TREK</a> so I had additional aches and pains on top of the usual shot arthritic knees (bad knees HATE down-slopes, particularly down-STEPS which we hit in the gorge) so I would have preferred to walk upwards, but I think unfit people would go for the downhill thing (note - no killer gradients along the way apart from a few of the steps). BTW 90% of walkers were going DOWN meaning few crowding problems with early Fall's modest patronage - dunno about high season though.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>There was no shortage of instructional panels regarding history, geology etc. Worth reading.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>After abt 10 mins the track drops into this rather good gorge, cut by Glen Ck into the shale. Above is one of several spectacular waterfalls along the way.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>Gets a bit wet - I was glad of my hiking shoes and poncho. No shortage of stairs for aching knees.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>The gift shop at the foot of the trail had the usual touristy merch - prices didn't seem too much of a gouge (in Oz, these places are always a tourist trap). Also had drinks and snacks plus another set of rest rooms.</i></b><br />
<b><i>There were several fast food outlets in close vicinity.</i></b><br />
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<b>Our bus was waiting in the lot across the main road, so we jumped on board and headed for the DC area. This was quite a trip - nearly 300miles/480km and taking over 5 hours. Fortunately it was through some gorgeous countryside - at one stage we were progressing along a river valley in rural PENNSYLVANIA so attractive it was hard to believe that some of these rural PENNSLYVANIAN areas are among the least prosperous economically in the nation.</b><br />
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<b><i>REFLECTIONS ON WATKINS GLEN - I was so impressed I made plans for a 2019 return a bit earlier in the year, stay in the camping area in my tent for a few nights and really explore the area well. But research showed poor public transport from NYC which would have forced me to rent a car - I no longer rent cars where they drive on the wrong side of the road. So scratch WATKINS GLEN for 2019 - replace with MARTHAS VINEYARD.</i></b><br />
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<b><br /></b><b>DAY 2 ABT 1930 - ALL YOU CAN EAT BUFFET - SOMEWHERE IN MARYLAND.</b><br />
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<b><i>Not far short of our overnight accommodation in LAUREL, MARYLAND, we stopped for dinner at the above. It was another extra on the cost of the trip but I think everyone went for it - I had little to eat since FORT NIAGARA and planned to eat little next day until my hostel in NYC, so I paid the extra and gave the buffet a real good nudge. For a skinny guy, I can sure hoover stuff at an ALL YOU CAN EAT.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>The selection of mains and deserts on offer was pretty mind-boggling.</i></b><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /></span></span><b>2000 SECOND DAY - RED ROOF INN, LAUREL, MARYLAND</b><br />
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<i><b>Only 20miles/32km from WASHINGTON'S NATIONAL MALL, once again I was impressed with the quality of overnight accommodation. I expected mom and pop style motels for this trip's price - but RED ROOF INNS are a national chain probably 2 steps up from mom and pop.</b></i><br />
<i><b>So like the previous night I had a spacious room all to myself, with the usual inclusions EXCEPT AGAIN no in-room coffee making, This was available in the lobby 24/7. </b></i><br />
<i><b>For the record I thought the previous night's BEST WESTERN another step up, but RED ROOF was pretty good.</b></i> <b><i><br /></i></b><br />
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<b>DAY 3 ABT 0800 WHITE HOUSE, NATIONAL MALL</b><br />
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<i><b>We got another early start from our accommodation - joined the horrendous early morning traffic into DC - and headed for the WASHINGTON MONUMENT. However it was closed due to some ceremony, so took the bus to as near as we could park to the WHITE HOUSE VIEWING AREA. After checking that out....</b></i><br />
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<i><b>....we moved the bus to another parking spot close to the LINCOLN MEMORIAL. </b></i><br />
<b><i>LILLIAN did her usual Chinese/English run-down of things in the area (including some food trucks near the bus - we left RED ROOF before breakfast but I was still full from the HIBACHI BUFFET and made do with a free coffee + choc bar from the lobby vending machine.) Then she told us to be back at the bus in 60 minutes.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>The memorial interior gives visitors a photo opportunity in front of the great man himself.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>The outlook from the steps of the LINCOLN MEMORIAL is pretty good. That's the WASHINGTON MONUMENT the other end of the REFLECTING POOL. The pool is approx 620m/680y long. It's actually 1300m/1440y to the monument, which is a little short of half way along the NATIONAL MALL. The VIETANAM WAR MEMORIAL is abt 250m/280y to the left of the camera - the KOREAN WAR MEMORIAL a similar distance to the right. Our bus was parked a short distance behind the VIETNAM WAR MEMORIAL. </i></b><br />
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<b><i>Directly behind the REFLECTING POOL is the WW2 WAR MEMORIAL - at a slightly lower level. Those vehicles have probably brought in disabled veterans. The top of the </i></b><b><i>WHITE HOUSE DOME is depicted by the YELLOW arrow - the building is more or less directly north of the WASHINGTON MONUMENT. The INDIGO arrow points at the THE CAPITOL, the dome of which is hidden by the monument. THE CAPITOL is at the far end of the mall, some 3800m/4200y from the camera. So THE LINCOLN MEMORIAL is at one end of the mall, THE CAPITOL at the other.</i></b><br />
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<b>THE VIETNAM WAR MEMORIAL</b><br />
<b>With less than an hour after I finished with the LINCOLN MEMORIAL, I figured I only had time to do the VIETNAM WAR MEMORIAL and had to give the nearby KOREAN WAR MEMORIAL the miss. No worries, I got there one year later. I chose the VIETNAM MEMORIAL because it was much more pertinent to my generation: I missed the lucky-dip Oz call-up but many of my mates went. Some did not return.</b><br />
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<b><i>The famous black wall, inscribed with the names of those lost - made so famous in numerous books/films/TV shows was a lot less imposing in reality. But no less sobering.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>NATIONAL PARKS which maintains the area has a good system for locating names on the wall. They are not in alphabetical order.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>Many atmospheric sculptures add to the occasion.</i></b><br />
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<b>DAY 3 - ABT 1200 - THE MUSEUM PRECINCT</b><br />
<b>EDDAR relocated us to outside the AIR AND SPACE MUSEUM on the side of the NATIONAL MALL abt half way between THE WASHINGTON MONUMENT and THE CAPITOL. There LILLIAN gave a bilingual run-down of the many SMITHSONIAN MUSEUMS in this area (they are all excellent and FREE - do your research to see what floats yer boat), gave some recommendations and said she would see us back at the bus in 90 minutes. </b><br />
<b>DILEMMA - I desperately wanted to see THE SUPREME COURT (there have been some very big cases there over the years and there was one of note on at that time) and also THE AIR AND SPACE MUSEUM on account I've been an airplane nerd all my life. Could I do both in 90 minutes?</b><br />
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<b>SUPREME COURT - ABT 1225</b><br />
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<b><i>The SUPREME COURT is 1mile/1.6km east of the AIR AND SPACE MUSEUM, behind the CAPITOL building. So I hobbled up there on my shot knees in 25 mins - didn't have time to go inside but at least I can say I've seen it.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>On the way back I got a glimpse of the REAR of THE CAPITOL. Very similar to the front architecturally, it seemed to be far busier.</i></b><br />
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<b>ABT 1250 - AIR AND SPACE MUSEUM</b><br />
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<b><i>What a place - for a airplane nerd this is Mecca. Big enough to have many different aircraft, there are also flight simulators, interactive displays, IMAX type theaters, educational lectures and more. Of course my 40 odd minutes was way inadequate to cover it all, so I vowed to return the next year and spend way more time....</i></b><br />
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<b><i>....</i>WHICH I DID! (see down page). </b><br />
<b>There was a lot of unfinished business in DC so I made a point of penciling in 4 days here in SEPT 2019, staying in the HOSTELING INTERNATIONAL joint, a rather good place only a few blocks north of THE WHITE HOUSE.</b><br />
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<b><i>SOMEONE IS MISSING! On return to the bus it became apparent we were short 2 couples. After 20 minutes of frantic phone calls LILLIAN became aware they had decided to take a room and explore unseen things next day.</i></b><br />
<b><i>Which is fine, except they didn't inform LILLIAN beforehand. Which cost us 20 minutes in a tight schedule and made for a late arrival in PHILADELPHIA just as things were closing down.</i></b><br />
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<b>PLACES VISITED IN WASHINGTON</b><br />
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<b><i>My tour visits in central WASHINGTON. The NATIONAL MALL can be seen mid-pix stretching W to E nearly 4km from 7 to the CAPITOL. The WHITEHOUSE has its own extension N off the mall abt mid way. The river bottom left is the POTOMAC. </i></b><br />
<b><i>Places depicted (from left) - 7 LINCOLN MONUMENT 8 VIETNAM WAR MEMORIAL </i></b><br />
<b><i>9 KOREAN WAR MEMORIAL 6 REFLECTING POOL 5 WASHINGTON MONUMENT </i></b><br />
<b><i>3 AIR AND SPACE MUSEUM 2 SUPREME COURT 10 PIER FOR RIVER CRUISE</i></b><br />
<b><i>Labeling may be clearer if you can CLICK-EXPAND image.</i></b><br />
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<b>RIVER CRUISE - ABT 1420</b><br />
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<b><i>After sorting out our missing passengers, we bused down to the nearby marina in the WASHINGTON CHANNEL for a quick river cruise. This was done on one of the regular cruise boats, but despite a crew member telling me this particular one was reserved for the bus company alone there seemed to be other passengers on board..</i></b><br />
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<b><i>Some of the happy trippers. The boat had a big salon below with snacks, rest-rooms yada. Most people went there.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>Our route. We cruised down the WASHINGTON CHANNEL, out briefly into the main POTOMAC R. did a turn off the WASHINGTON RAEGAN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT and retraced our wake. Total time was about 45 minutes - I got an idea the trip was shortened a bit in order to regain some of that lost 20 minutes. A pity - I would have liked a RIGHT TURN up the POTOMAC to see the nearby PENTAGON and ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY.</i></b><br />
<b><i>The cruise commentary was chatty and informative, particularly in relation to the military housing and establishments on the left bank of the CHANNEL heading out.</i></b><br />
<b><i>That narrower river at right is the ANACOSTIA.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>This is about as far as we got. The AIRPORT is on the west bank of the POTOMAC.</i></b><br />
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<b>WASHINGTON RETROSPECTIVE - we certainly managed to fit the basics into this tour. But overall I had the impression of NOT ENOUGH TIME - after all we only had about 6 hours to do all this. <a href="https://www.taketours.com/new-york-ny/3-day-niagara-falls-cave-of-the-winds-washington-dc-tour-from-new-york-new-jersey-678-7719.html">The new itinerary</a>, by switching things to DAY 1 and incorporating AFTER DINNER time, seems to have addressed some of this problem. </b><br />
<b>But I left with the impression of UNFINISHED BUSINESS. There were many places I'd like to spend more time + a whole bunch of other DC icons not visited. The only way to do this was to return for a multi-day visit, something I did a year later....</b><br />
<b><br /></b><b>A YEAR LATER - SEPT 2019</b><br />
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<b>....MORE TIME AT THE AIR AND SPACE MUSEUM....</b><br />
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<b><i>....although 4 hours still left a lot of stuff not dealt with fully.</i></b><br />
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<b>....A VISIT TO THE AIR AND SPACE ANNEX OUT NEAR DULLES AIRPORT....</b><br />
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<i><b>....where greater space allowed more and bigger aircraft and space-craft including ENOLA GAY (yellow) and the CONCORDE (indigo). Space shuttle DISCOVERY and an SR 71 BLACKBIRD in other areas.</b><b> Lotsa Soviet-era aircraft - plus others this 74yo airplane nerd had never heard of.</b></i><br />
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<b>....ONE MORE SMITHSONIAN MUSEUM....</b><br />
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<b><i>There are more than half a dozen SMITHSONEAN MUSEUMS around the perimeter of the NATIONAL MALL. They are all free, and all get excellent reviews from users. But the one seemed to be the family favourite was THE MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY. Wow! This place was huge and a real TIME BANDIT in that I allocated 1 hour and staggered out after 4, still not having covered everything in detail.</i></b>
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<b>....THE KOREAN WAR MEMORIAL</b><br />
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<b><br /></b><b>....THE WORLD WAR 2 WAR MEMORIAL</b><br />
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<b>....ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY </b><br />
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<b>....THE PENTAGON</b><br />
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<b>....plus a whole bunch of others including EMBASSY ROW, GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY, FORDE THEATRE (where LINCOLN was shot), CHINATOWN, UNION STATION yada. Thing is, WASHINGTON DC is the type of place where you need several weeks to see everything of interest. I had 4 days.</b><br />
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<b>DAY 3 ABT 1615 - HOOLINSWOOD MALL WEST BALTIMORE</b><br />
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<b><i>Heading north out of DC a bit behind time, we hit heavy afternoon traffic on the short journey to BALTIMORE. There we diverted to this suburban shopping area where for extra cost there was another BUFFET (a rather late lunch). But given the previous night's overindulgence I opted out and settled for something a bit more modest at the mall's SUBWAY.</i></b><br />
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<b>DAY 3 BALTIMORE - ABT 1700</b><br />
<b>This was just a whistle-stop. The tour itinerary said we would view the major attractions from the outside only, but given our latish arrival, the INDEPENDENCE ICONS were shutting down and had we independently wanted to pay extra to go inside, it would have been too late. I'm thinking those wasted 20 minutes waiting for the non-showers in DC cost some of us dearly. LILLIAN gave us about 50 minutes to wander around the INDEPENDENCE AREA and check the scene.</b><br />
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<b><i>The famous LIBERTY BELL from outside.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>The INDEPENDENCE HALL - also shut for the day</i></b><br />
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<b><i>LILLIAN obliges in INDEPENDENCE PARK</i></b><br />
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<b><i>Not everything shut - some fast food counters in the INDEPENDENCE VISITORS' CENTER.</i></b><br />
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<b>PHILADELPHIA IN RETROSPECT</b><br />
<b>I wasn't too upset about the whistle-stop nature of our Phily visit. This is exactly what I expected - heck, it's on the way back between DC and NYC so why not spend an hour or so? Fact is if you are a history buff or independence nerd TAKE TOURS and others have more specific PHIADELPHIA TOURS where you will spend far more time.</b><br />
<b>Thing is, I'm not big on the birth of US democracy and the Constitution. The latter I think is to blame for a lot of the present seemingly intractable ills. So a whistle-stop was just what I wanted - been there, seen that, now move right along. Certainly my whistle was not wet for a return visit, unlike DC.</b><br />
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<b>DAY 3 ABT 1945 - CHINATOWN NYC</b><br />
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<b><i>The bus terminated close to our pickup point. I walked several hundred meters past bustling restaurants and shops (I thought CHINATOWN vibrant in daylight - after dark it is TWICE as busy) to CANAL ST SUBWAY and jumped on a train for COURT SQUARE in QUEEN's LONG ISLAND CITY.</i></b>
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<b>2045 - THE LOCAL HOSTEL NYC - QUEENS</b><br />
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<b><i>THE LOCAL has a rooftop terrace with comfy chairs and an excellent view of the MANHATTAN SKYLINE + plus the QUEENSBORO (ED KOCH) BRIDGE (right), where I parked myself soon after return with a takeout pizza and a mug of JD sour mash.</i></b><br />
<b><i>BEST WESTERN NIAGARA FALLS and RED ROOF LAUREL were pretty cool places for this budget traveller, but they don't have an outlook like the above.</i></b><br />
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<b>NEW <i>TAKE TOUR</i> ITINERARY</b><br />
<b>In writing this page I naturally booted up <a href="https://www.taketours.com/new-york-ny/3-day-niagara-falls-cave-of-the-winds-washington-dc-tour-from-new-york-new-jersey-678-7719.html">TAKE TOUR's online itinerary</a> to refresh my memory. Boy, is it now different! I think they have sat down and said "How can we improve this tour?" The result:</b><br />
<b>- ORDER OF PLACES HAS REVERSED - so that its now PHILADELPHIA, followed by WASHINGTON and lastly NIAGARA FALLS.</b><br />
<b>- there seems to be a lot more things included - eg visits to all 3 war memorials in the DC NATIONAL MALL, a night tour there - plus other DC inclusions. Elsewhere some of those 'WINTER ONLY" call-ins now seem all year. A lot more NIAGARA STATE PARK places are included - eg passengers are now taken to GOAT ISLAND overlooks. I think they have managed more inclusions by cutting down on the amount of "free time" and by having post dinner activities in DC.</b><br />
<b>The only thing missing seems to be WHIRLPOOL STATE PARK + FORT NIAGARA both of which I thought pretty good - and SECRET CAVERNS which I didn't. </b><br />
<b>But NIAGARA to NYC in one hit last day (no doubt there is a call in at a highway rest-stop) seems a real stretch.</b><br />
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<b><i>TRIP RETROSPECTIVE</i></b><br />
<b><i>This was a good tour, worth every penny. The way TAKE TOURS has reorganised the itinerary suggests it may be even better now.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>- TOP 3 HIGHLIGHTS (in order): 1 "MAID OF THE MIST" 2 AIR AND SPACE MUSEUM 3 WATKINS GLEN GORGE WALK.</i></b><br />
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<b>- DISAPPOINTMENT: SECRET CAVERNS</b></i><br />
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<b>- UNEXPECTED BONUS - standard of accommodation was better than I expected. It seems the company has managed to screw some really good deals out of these chain hotels and motels. Which one seemed to be a last minute thing - I gained the impression LILLIAN didn't know our actual night's destination until home office phoned it thru to her in transit.</b></i><br />
<i><b><br /></b><b>- PROBLEMS: seemed to be too much free time which we were not forewarned of, so that we could do some pre-trip research on how best to fill it. This was particularly so on DAY 1. The reorganisation of the itinerary suggests the tour operators have tried to minimise this.</b></i><br />
<b><i> : PHILADELPHIA seemed rushed. A particular problem was that time of arrival was late afternoon, just as things were shutting down. The new itinerary has arrival morning of DAY 1.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>- CUDOS - to LILLIAN and EDDAR for great service and professionalism 14 hours a day.</i></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: yellow; font-size: large;">ATTENTION - IF YOU SEE MISTAKES OR HAVE EXTRA INFO, PLEASE POST BELOW. BUT QUESTIONS SHOULD BE ASKED ON <a href="http://tezzasthaiinfo.blogspot.com/2007/10/forum.html?commentPage=3">THE FORUM PAGE</a> WHICH I CHECK REASONABLY OFTEN, WHEREAS I SELDOM GET BACK TO THESE INDIVIDUAL "PLACE" PAGES</span></b><br />
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<b><i><br /></i></b>tezzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06099777760234890854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-235257059160442691.post-41125442283621581412020-05-16T05:37:00.007+10:002022-10-05T11:22:39.633+11:00LAST TREK EVER - COLD SPRING MT TAURAS<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>VISITED SEPT 2018</b><br />
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<i><b>WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH, THE TOUGH.....FALL DOWN.</b><br />
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<b>or .....THEY SHOOT HORSES DON'T THEY?</b></i><br /></span>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i>WEST POINT and the HUDSON from part way up MT TAURUS</i></b><br />
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<b>Descending one of the steeper, rockier parts of the MT TAURUS trail, my arthritic knees (worn out from too much jogging back in the days with no shoes/bad shoes - not to mention years of mid-life intensive TRIATHLON TRAINING - plus some huge treks in more recent years like the <a href="http://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com/2015/09/grand-canyon-trekking.html">GRAND CANYON EPIC</a>, <a href="http://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com/2015/09/yosemite-camping.html">YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK GALLOP</a>, <a href="http://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com/2015/09/the-good-bad-and-ugly.html">MOUNT WHITNEY JAUNT</a> and several <a href="http://tezzasthaiinfo.blogspot.com/2018/05/oahu-other-neat-places-trekking.html">shorter but killer slogs around HAWAII) </a>are killing me. They give up the challenge and down I go into a slide, tumble down the hill. Miraculously the damage is a few grazes.</b><br />
<b>It was at this point I realise that my trekking days are finished. The ol' knees can no longer support me on those rocky, slippery down-slopes. And I still have several miles back to the railway station - the first half down-hill, which busted knees HATE.</b><br /></span>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>Trek route real simple - up the WASHINGTON TRAIL and down the UNDERCLIFF (yellow arrows). Total length abt 3miles/4.8km.</b></i><br />
<i><b>This area is part of HUDSON HIGHLANDS STATE PARK.</b></i><br />
<i><b>Took panoramic shots at viewpoint WHITE X.</b></i><br />
<i><b>Lost trail approx at point WHITE STROKE. </b></i><br />
<i><b>Took tumble approx where the up ARROW HEAD is positioned.</b></i><br /></span>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>My trek up the WASHBURN TRAIL started at the far end of this ROUTE 90 parking area at LITTLE STONEY POINT approx a 1 mile/1.6 km walk west of the station. The NATIONAL PARK rangers' hut across the road was shut on an early Fall weekday but a lidded box at the trail-head contained okay maps.</b></i><br /></span>
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<i><b><span style="font-size: medium;">This is not a difficult trek - early on slopes are flat to very gentle, later they steepen but never reach the VERY STEEP category, let alone HEARTBREAKER or DON'T SEND FLOWERS. Width varied - from fairly wide here to narrow; surface largely benign - some smoothish gravel, some broken rocks eg at the section where I had my wipe-out.</span></b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Initial sign posting seemed pretty good to me. Above is an indication the trail turns right BEFORE reaching that quarry in background.</span></i></b></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Partway up the WASHBURN are short detours to the side where you can view surroundings. That's the lovely village of COLD SPRING below and of course the HUDSON RIVER.</span></b></i><br />
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<i><b><span style="font-size: medium;">The famous WEST POINT MILITARY ACADEMY on the opposite bank can also be seen. I cranked in a bit of telephoto to get this shot.</span></b></i><br />
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<i><b><span style="font-size: medium;">This is just short of the junction of the WASHBURN and the UNDERCLIFF. </span></b></i><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i>Soon after turning onto the UNDERCLIFF a mark on a rock indicates the short side-trail to the area's premier viewpoint. That's COLD SPRING (yellow) and WEST POINT (white).</i></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i>Trail markers were real clear - only an idiot could get lost. Which this idiot did. But no worries friends - I have form for this. A previous report on one of the HAWAIIAN treks was titled "WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH, THE TOUGH....TURN BACK".</i></b><br />
<b><i>So I didn't waste too much time searching for the proper descent trail - I turned back to the way I'd come up, THE WASHBURN, even though research indicated it was a fair bit steeper to descend than the UNDERCLIFF. Bad knees hate steep down-hills..</i></b><br />
</span><b><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Particularly rough, slippery steep down-hills. So down </span>I went in a screaming heap.</i></b><br />
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<i><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Needless to say, the rest of the descent was taken REAL SLOW. As usual, my eyes were peeled for wild-life, something which is a necessity in the Aussie bush. Saw fewer birds than normal, no big animals, and TWO of these skinny black shakes. Experience has shown that snakes only attack when feeling threatened, so I left them to do their thing and they left me to do mine.</span></b></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>TREK SUMMARY</b><br />
<b>DIFFICULT? Not really. I would classify my route as MODERATE. There is an abundance of other trails and circuits in the area, most of which are longer, some of which could be more difficult. But the good thing is there is a host of online stuff which details trails, problems.</b><br /><b>You shouldn't shy from my route by the LOST problem I had - none of the online trail descriptions mentioned this. It is simply something I'/m real good at.</b><br />
<b>WHO SHOULD PARTICIPATE? Well maybe not real old geezers with shot knees. But experienced trekkers will find this merely a good, short workout with some nice outlooks. Inexperienced fit types will have no problems, the unfit will maybe need a few rest stops but should do this shorter loop okay. </b><br />
<b>KIDS?? Their energy will keep them keeping on unless they are total over-sheltered wimps. Of which we have more than a few these days - fortunately less so in the US compared to the ASIAN MIDDLE-CLASS. </b><br />
<b>FOOTWEAR - some sections have baseball-sized sharp weathered rocks on steep slippery slopes which require better than flip-flops or lightweight sandals. Joggers would be just OK, hiking shoes better.</b><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i>Can't beat quality</i>.</b><br />
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<b>POLES? Not necessary but a help on steeper slopes, Mine didn't stop my wipe-out.</b><br />
<b>CROWDS - I passed only 10 trekkers all day. The car-park had lots of spaces. However this was a (nice) early Fall weekday - I wouldn't be surprised if high season sees way more people.</b><br />
<b>EMPATHY - back at my NYC hostel I messaged LADY TEZZA (who refuses to travel more than 4 hours from home - CHEZ TEZZA is 20 hours from NYC) that my trekking days were finished - this 73 yo old geezer was officially LAME. She answered: "THEY SHOOT HORSES DON'T THEY??" </b><br />
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<b><i>COLD SPRING</i></b><br />
<b>WHY COLD SPRING?? - I have read so much about upstate NY towns I was determined to see one. PLUS everyone says you hafta take a trip up the HUDSON. So I went online, searching for a small neat town on the HUDSON not too far from NYC which had okay trekking trails nearby. That WEST POINT, of which I've read s0 much, was in sight was a bonus. </b><br /></span>
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<b><span style="font-size: medium;">YELLOW depicts the RAILWAY STATION. PASTEL PURPLE is the intersection at the top of the MAIN STREET and ROUTE 90. Turn left, go 1100m to the TRAIL HEAD PARKING AREA (B</span>LACK).</b><br />
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<i><b><span style="font-size: medium;">My train from NYC departs COLD SPRING station. </span></b></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i>The main street goes uphill to the right from the underpass at the western end of the station.</i></b><br /></span>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i>Seemed to have more than the normal amount of trendy touristy places - I think the town gets plenty of weekend and high season visitors.</i></b><br /></span>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>A good variety of cafes too. This is the GARDEN CAFE where I ended up post-trek.</b></i><br /></span>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: medium;">I checked the Realter window. I was surprised how reasonable prices for pretty nice joints were in this town - but then at home we have just had a real-estate boom in Oz which has left prices crazily high.</span></i></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>At the top of the main street is a set of lights and the intersection of ROUTE90 - turn left for a pleasant 1100m walk to the trail head. All the houses along here were pretty neat - as a matter of fact I saw no shabby houses in the whole town.</b></i><br />
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<b>BACK IN TOWN AFTER THE HIKE</b><br />
<b>I had quite some time before my return train was due - so I turned down the short distance to the river at the railway station.</b><br /></span>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i>This is a nice area with a good waterfront park overlooking the town marina - my research had shown it is possible to rent all sorts of watercraft from an outlet here, something I could have gone for given more time.</i></b><br /></span>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i>WEST POINT can be seen down river - there is a fair amt of telephoto cranked into this shot.</i></b><br />
<b><i>BTW it is possible to do a paid tour of the academy - once again time shortage precluded this.</i></b><br /></span>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i>Nice place to relax.</i></b><br /></span>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i>The near-river area seemed to have a lot of the town's accommodation - I checked prices, hoping to do a few days in the area - sadly out of reach (even in the Fall) for this budget traveller.</i></b><br />
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<b>I still had time after checking the above area so I decided to wander the several hundred meters back up the MAIN STREET, seeking refreshments.</b><br />
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<b>GARDEN CAFE</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i>Found just the place halfway up the hill at the GARDEN CAFE, which had a whole bunch of yummy eats, a good range of beers and some homemade SANGRIA. I love SANGRIA. </i></b><br />
<b><i>Another plus was outside pavement tables which allowed me to check the passing scene on this late Fall weekday - surprisingly busy. However all the outside tables were taken, but some locals graciously allowed me to share their spot.</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i>TRAIN JOURNEY BESIDE THE HUDSON</i></b><br />
<b>Travel guides say if you can, do a trip up the HUDSON from NYC. Best for views is one of the river cruises, but there is no boat between NYC and COLD SPRING, besides which cruises cost a bomb which is not ideal for this bottom budget traveller - the rail trip is maybe not as scenic but is pretty good. And inexpensive! </b></span><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: medium;">NYC's GRAND CENTRAL has amazing architecture and is BUSY.</span></i></b><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: medium;">0900 train uncrowded and comfortable. Quiet with big deisel loco way up front.</span> </i></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>It's surprising how quickly the landscape "countryfies" heading out of NYC. Not far up-river, the river and valley narrows with just enough room for the railway track and interstate each side. A pronounced escarpment is on the inland side. Blowed if I can find what that bridge or monument is.</b></i><br /></span>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: medium;">There are several major bridges spanning the HUDSON. This is the new TAPPAN ZEE BRIDGE (officially the MARIO M CUOMO BRIDGE) nearing completion. It carries the NY THRUWAY (1-87, 1-287) across river.</span></i></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i>Further north is the BEAR MOUNTAIN BRIDGE TAKING US202 across.</i></b><br /></span>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i>Only a few km short of COLD SPRING , the famous military academy of WEST POINT can be seen across river. There is a dedicated station opposite (GARRISON).</i></b><br /></span>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Finally after 90 odd mins (44mi/73km) - COLD SPRING</span></i></b></div><div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></i></b></div><div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></i></b></div><div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">UPDATE NOV 2021</span></b></div><div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">The good news - I have 2 new knees, so maybe my heading for this page = "LAST TREK EVER" is bullshit.</span></b></div><div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">We will see.</span></b></div><div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">UPDATE OCT 2022</span></b></div><div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Indeed, I have just finished 2 trips - to CAIRNS/FITZROY ISL/ELLIS BCH + ULURU, KATA TJUTA/KINGS CANYON - where I did a lot of trekking. Knees went real well endurance-wise but a mess up with post-hospital rehab meds has resulted in stiffness and loss of flexibility which have affected my balance, resulting in a slower pace than back in the day.<br /></span></b>
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<b><i><span style="color: yellow;">IF YOU SEE MISTAKES OR HAVE EXTRA INFORMATION, PLEASE POST BELOW. BUT PLEASE ASK ANY QUESTIONS ON <a href="http://tezzasthaiinfo.blogspot.com/2007/10/forum.html?commentPage=3">THE FORUM</a> WHICH I CHECK FAIRLY REGULARLY, WHEREAS I SELDOM REVISIT THESE INDIVIDUAL "PLACE" PAGES.</span></i></b></div>
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tezzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06099777760234890854noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-235257059160442691.post-57412492505519460232020-05-11T15:20:00.004+10:002020-05-12T10:27:28.129+10:00ROOSEVELT ISLAND<b>Visited SET 2019</b><br />
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<b>ROOSEVELT ISLAND is a narrow 3.2km (2 miles) long strip of land in the middle of the EAST RIVER adjacent the midtown high-rise area.</b><br />
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<i><b>I stole this image from <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roosevelt_Island">WIKIPEDIA</a> - here you are looking south down the EAST RIVER. </b></i><br />
<i><b>Mid-town MANHATTAN is to the right - QUEENS on the left. The bridge passing over the island is the QUEENSBORO (ED KOCH) BRIDGE. Those high-rise buildings left of the bridge are part of the LONG ISLAND CITY CBD - a sort of secondary business zone in an attempt to avoid MANHATTAN's murderous rents and land values.</b></i><br />
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<b>ROOSEVELT ISLAND has a bunch of attractions - arts and performance areas, a university campus (CORNELL TECH), low income housing (also some high income riverside condos), old areas (hospitals, insane asylums yada) in ruins - some open to inspection, most barred to visitors, lotsa park areas and some good riverside walking paths. BUT.... </b><br />
<b>....the main reason tourists will visit ROOSEVELT ISLAND are:</b><br />
<b>- TO RIDE THE ROOSEVELT ISLAND TRAM</b><br />
<b>- TO OBSERVE MIDTOWN MANHATTAN, QUEENS, THE EAST RIVER and the QUEENSBORO BRIDGE from a new perspective.</b><br />
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<b>* THE TRAM</b><br />
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<b>"TRAM" is misleading. I'm thinking CABLE CAR. Starts at a MANHATTAN station just left of the western QUEENSBORO approaches, runs parallel to the bridge for some distance and then drops to an island terminal about 200m south of the subway station. In this way it is possible to do a kinda loop - I came in on the TRAM, exited via the SUBWAY. Note it is also possible to use the Q 102 BUS from QUEENS via a road bridge (you could walk this if you are keen - I preferred to walk the QUEENSBORO from LONG ISLAND CITY to the MANHATTAN TRAM TERMINAL). You can also access the island via FERRIES from both sides of the river.</b><br />
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<b><i>TRAM traversing the first half of the trip before dropping to the island.</i></b><br />
<b><i>TIDAL CURRENT NERDS should check the whitecaps in the channel - the narrowing of the EAST RIVER sure gets the water rushing thru here mid-tide.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>Soon after takeoff - note BRIDGE pylons in background.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>Running parallel to the bridge deck.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>A famous guide book says some of the best MANHATTAN HIGHRISE views are from the tram. I disagree - bridge superstructure gets in the way of ICONS like the CHRYSLER (white) and the more distant EMPIRE STATE (yellow). Riverside icons like the UN BUILDING are similarly blocked. Thing is a lot of these are much better from the island itself.</i></b>
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<b><i>However it is still a pretty scenic trip - this is the MANHATTAN shore north of the bridge. No iconic buildings along here - but I wouldn't mind some of those condos.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>INFRASTRUCTURE and TRAFFIC WONKS will enjoy the outlook over the bridge. Note the QUEENSBORO is twin-deck.</i></b>
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<b><i>The view up the west channel of the EAST RIVER aint shabby either.</i></b>
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<b><i>Dropping towards the island. The trip only takes 4 minutes with a service every 7.5 minutes (so 15 minutes between rides each end). Cost is minimal - $2.25 and you can use your SUBWAY CARD - since I had an UNLIMITED RIDE card my trip was effectively free. There are also concessions - see online for details.</i></b><br />
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<b>* GREAT VIEWS OF<i> </i>MIDTOWN MANHATTAN, QUEENS, THE EAST RIVER and the QUEENSBORO BRIDGE from a new perspective.</b><br />
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<b>MIDTOWN MANHATTAN</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFBOEmeTKZr2ZJBo4y0QlOZRh8kHsCnFZ9OZaj5hRHtcaGfqwQ2b_PA8XTqiczfphQMcuQh9n0OZjfY00rE7gMdd3ni0q0Fqy562IX9B9XgYdlUP2oU2ot9iLI3MU581zrFmY2K_BYPv4/s1600/P9121132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFBOEmeTKZr2ZJBo4y0QlOZRh8kHsCnFZ9OZaj5hRHtcaGfqwQ2b_PA8XTqiczfphQMcuQh9n0OZjfY00rE7gMdd3ni0q0Fqy562IX9B9XgYdlUP2oU2ot9iLI3MU581zrFmY2K_BYPv4/s400/P9121132.JPG" width="298" /></a></div>
<b><i>Once down on the island those iconic riverside buildings south of the QUEENSBORO like the UN are in view. </i></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvLyOhBkconlSehrm569CWkX3hxOhVu9H99uDTnHr2cbMOlTJq70L7E7gZNlYc2zQs8OAA4bq01heU2ECWXZO-of68Eix_-Mjf41KVdvsw3BRz94A4yZz8j0JWyEvLv1AIMb8VtY4hyuc/s1600/P9121136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvLyOhBkconlSehrm569CWkX3hxOhVu9H99uDTnHr2cbMOlTJq70L7E7gZNlYc2zQs8OAA4bq01heU2ECWXZO-of68Eix_-Mjf41KVdvsw3BRz94A4yZz8j0JWyEvLv1AIMb8VtY4hyuc/s400/P9121136.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><i>So too are mid-town classics further inland, although other buildings hide a lot - check the EMPIRE STATE far left and the art deco classic, THE CHRYSLER BUILDING at right.</i></b><br />
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<b>QUEENS</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVT78dwSuTtu6HKwlH0prYmrUIBZQ8UkYd7kNLZaG6BowbJ9glOlbViL5hyvyHaTpwRGgQ4oTbfMf9TdlqgGfu7XfNJ5A6oS-D6nDV8bt1UXQlaUzTbBN-r7aKmQ6OWpo3Q-QxnHvuAcA/s1600/P9121133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVT78dwSuTtu6HKwlH0prYmrUIBZQ8UkYd7kNLZaG6BowbJ9glOlbViL5hyvyHaTpwRGgQ4oTbfMf9TdlqgGfu7XfNJ5A6oS-D6nDV8bt1UXQlaUzTbBN-r7aKmQ6OWpo3Q-QxnHvuAcA/s400/P9121133.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><i>The opposite QUEENS SHORE shows some impressive riverside condo developments - these are behind LONG ISLAND CITY's waterside GANTRY PLAZA STATE PARK.</i></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7WeQMo2Csa48LoykwawNLfJ86vn_jkODXVeJgKhgKGlaWpxeGe7RQLm9PznXq1irmr4zJfzRqVBDwMMs0RDu1Tl3BQp7u4Tz_aTxQsoGiMM97b0FE2EJRZ8lL33q4AROiDG8Kp7tUL2A/s1600/P9121134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7WeQMo2Csa48LoykwawNLfJ86vn_jkODXVeJgKhgKGlaWpxeGe7RQLm9PznXq1irmr4zJfzRqVBDwMMs0RDu1Tl3BQp7u4Tz_aTxQsoGiMM97b0FE2EJRZ8lL33q4AROiDG8Kp7tUL2A/s400/P9121134.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><i>Some of the high-rises at LONG ISLAND CITY's CBD are impressive too.</i></b><br />
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<b>THE EAST RIVER</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuY63Qo10YW9KsXBlxcpGYDZujjnKZMrUrNAHMaTPKqHIfOzl_FxJtScoL-_eP0BUOoE03ojLbr3BGnyOTjCxwXLukMS7Hd3OMnlvOj2h7dAkj8rP2EXI4ebaZ0EZj1DyWtcjB2tZ1F6g/s1600/P9121137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuY63Qo10YW9KsXBlxcpGYDZujjnKZMrUrNAHMaTPKqHIfOzl_FxJtScoL-_eP0BUOoE03ojLbr3BGnyOTjCxwXLukMS7Hd3OMnlvOj2h7dAkj8rP2EXI4ebaZ0EZj1DyWtcjB2tZ1F6g/s400/P9121137.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><i>If watching passing river traffic is your thing, this is a good place. This is the western channel of the EAST RIVER between the island and MANHATTAN - it seemed to get the majority of river traffic.</i></b>
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<b><i>This shot of the east channel of the EAST RIVER between the island and QUEENS is kinda confusing. The nearest bridge is the ROOSEVELT ISLAND BRIDGE bringing road traffic (including the afore-mentioned Q102 bus) from QUEENS onto the island. Behind it can be seen some of the spans of the QUEENSBORO (you may have to click-expand image). The GANTRY PLAZA riverside condos shown up-page can be seen middle-background. The power station at left belongs to TLC CON EDISON.</i></b><br />
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<b>THE QUEENSBORO (ED KOCH) BRIDGE.</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLdmBZv2W38ZABQOEENcBuOj9Tm6o4Xa0ccIbn_3rjSpMH1vVj1knNv2oJ3B6hsP-XiMjFtLMWWgONlQXE562DnDGnBru-J2zGax602IoGlb1Mf8oGVV5CwNYyIWABoC1DeKkAblIs_Iw/s1600/P9121128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLdmBZv2W38ZABQOEENcBuOj9Tm6o4Xa0ccIbn_3rjSpMH1vVj1knNv2oJ3B6hsP-XiMjFtLMWWgONlQXE562DnDGnBru-J2zGax602IoGlb1Mf8oGVV5CwNYyIWABoC1DeKkAblIs_Iw/s400/P9121128.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<i><b>This is one of NYC'S busiest bridges giving a straight shot from mid-town MANHATTAN onto LONG ISLAND which not only has the crowded boroughs of QUEENS and BROOKLYN, the 2 main airports (JFK and LA GUARDIA), but a whole rash of commuter towns further up island.</b></i><br />
<i><b>You can get good views of the bridge from the TRAM, walking across it, from the LONG ISLAND side and of course from passing river cruises and water taxis, but the island itself gives a new perspective. The above is across the western channel of the EAST RIVER (so you are seeing abt. 40%</b></i><i><b> of the bridge) from near the southern tip of the island.</b></i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3aYPgectdSzGokaZP_zczYaJW4642Z7z_lqBmPIRazql7_a84ddYXQKxK9GuZrpL-omhWcx1ceBtED6z-lWWA8tSziIGUA0QttnoXTOpM33UDhuzKm25eP6gZHpD4HZtxD8lNUCezWlM/s1600/P9121140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3aYPgectdSzGokaZP_zczYaJW4642Z7z_lqBmPIRazql7_a84ddYXQKxK9GuZrpL-omhWcx1ceBtED6z-lWWA8tSziIGUA0QttnoXTOpM33UDhuzKm25eP6gZHpD4HZtxD8lNUCezWlM/s400/P9121140.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<b><i>From near underneath</i></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6NFy_09ZuYvkE-EWfZtp6ricEaVzbng_5S-xwvzpdM6D_d72BlBRS7c5DZSvj_t0F0i8TMApnPw6hSYa1UNSfaj5eQS2nySxMTy42YNuDvDR_nKrbugBcY7tMaXhzwwLL32yGoalDtN0/s1600/P9121127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6NFy_09ZuYvkE-EWfZtp6ricEaVzbng_5S-xwvzpdM6D_d72BlBRS7c5DZSvj_t0F0i8TMApnPw6hSYa1UNSfaj5eQS2nySxMTy42YNuDvDR_nKrbugBcY7tMaXhzwwLL32yGoalDtN0/s400/P9121127.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><i>From the RED BUS</i></b><br />
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<b>GETTING AROUND</b><br />
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<b>THE RED BUS</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhte9f0VkOa8oNu5-ngWJq8c89KumsVInnbSdtUZElQ6jz7_-iKRVZABukQ-WPCDn_9m-uheWocRZDbL-cfdhkc2XoxfrZJF5eVt_lGa3eSO8B2iPn7wXihPiDvlfsQu56H1h5Y7yWWiwg/s1600/P9121121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhte9f0VkOa8oNu5-ngWJq8c89KumsVInnbSdtUZElQ6jz7_-iKRVZABukQ-WPCDn_9m-uheWocRZDbL-cfdhkc2XoxfrZJF5eVt_lGa3eSO8B2iPn7wXihPiDvlfsQu56H1h5Y7yWWiwg/s400/P9121121.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><i>The RED BUS is FREE and runs a loop from near one end of the island to the other, via of course the SUBWAY STATION and TRAM TERMINAL.</i></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY69fifJJJEILoElkV-1qq3je6vb2v7kjPJ8K254AEysH3Duiq3eFG8Rc8jU9r4k3zvP9mKwI0fRoj0y0J2iig3_c5ZR7tvAWWdyROFzHFNwHMHEdPAOp6ka5jeKxR3M76Wrxcv4uR6Nw/s1600/P9121122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY69fifJJJEILoElkV-1qq3je6vb2v7kjPJ8K254AEysH3Duiq3eFG8Rc8jU9r4k3zvP9mKwI0fRoj0y0J2iig3_c5ZR7tvAWWdyROFzHFNwHMHEdPAOp6ka5jeKxR3M76Wrxcv4uR6Nw/s400/P9121122.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><i>RED BUS is kinda popular. Most passengers seemed (low income) seniors. Noted lack of students, but I think term had not started.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>WALKING</i></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizO-xq77bUV69pAG0FiJcDnNZuzwM2EwweloXx1VxORqJbKAK8NQj_iKdwwwAxCeufrMIP5BHIV76ULdyzue91v2My2f5la4OJykDJrcujhI0-aWdAn-kKpg7DrwrTckzs04mPVm3Jrfk/s1600/P9121124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizO-xq77bUV69pAG0FiJcDnNZuzwM2EwweloXx1VxORqJbKAK8NQj_iKdwwwAxCeufrMIP5BHIV76ULdyzue91v2My2f5la4OJykDJrcujhI0-aWdAn-kKpg7DrwrTckzs04mPVm3Jrfk/s400/P9121124.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><i>With only 3.5km from one end to the other, keen visitors will take advantage of the RIVERSIDE PATHS both sides of the island to check the place on foot.</i></b>
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<b>OTHER</b><br />
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<b>LIGHTHOUSE PARK</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVvEAWxwP0ySRpGLA7b1XkV0awJLRiV4qeIjFt40lvMRfpanGlzDRV_MYiK8_JTQwxxCczTuxeapPQj5dbddMh6EjIi2cPmo3M_nXT6Ex-c2mejR1WC_NUpdFmiK7SuMuLDIesUZxybdc/s1600/P9121126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVvEAWxwP0ySRpGLA7b1XkV0awJLRiV4qeIjFt40lvMRfpanGlzDRV_MYiK8_JTQwxxCczTuxeapPQj5dbddMh6EjIi2cPmo3M_nXT6Ex-c2mejR1WC_NUpdFmiK7SuMuLDIesUZxybdc/s400/P9121126.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><i>The northern end of the island has a 3.5 acre park the outstanding feature of which is this lighthouse built to warn shipping back in the day.</i> </b><br />
<b><i>Good views to the north up the river are assured, but to tell the truth this happy camper's arthritic knees were hurting such from the 300m walk from the RED BUS's northern turn-around point to where I snapped this pic, that I was not prepared to walk the last 150m to get the money shot.</i></b><br />
<b><i>I was not too upset, having seen the EAST RIVER both north and south of the island on the AROUND MANHATTAN CRUISE the day before.</i></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4dMdxQZr7ZHQqf0RFbUxCcVqNqS7L67LfE0ixneUN4Boj15lakAzfk8W1C7AprxhwuOdQPor4_UUX_iHcntAKGmnja5SxsGcxhaywRTRrs3LIcWenB7TSlJsfS5lE6abuzW6m3yEfvqI/s1600/P9121130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4dMdxQZr7ZHQqf0RFbUxCcVqNqS7L67LfE0ixneUN4Boj15lakAzfk8W1C7AprxhwuOdQPor4_UUX_iHcntAKGmnja5SxsGcxhaywRTRrs3LIcWenB7TSlJsfS5lE6abuzW6m3yEfvqI/s400/P9121130.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><i>The southern end is similarly marked by a park - the FRANKLIN D ROOSEVELT FOUR FREEDOMS STATE PARK.This is the section right off the bus - once up those stairs....</i></b>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNEYZLUv8DFRzj1VJd8a07XGCXKU9lqQi2bGk2tlrsjEp8at05r_3Y8I8_avR1JdY-X2izGC-NfeFpD0RgUObbFohJSznrQe05x7Cn7Lnh-hFVsWypzhb2PVjLJmNcmf4tnEUTP3KtM5k/s1600/P9121131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNEYZLUv8DFRzj1VJd8a07XGCXKU9lqQi2bGk2tlrsjEp8at05r_3Y8I8_avR1JdY-X2izGC-NfeFpD0RgUObbFohJSznrQe05x7Cn7Lnh-hFVsWypzhb2PVjLJmNcmf4tnEUTP3KtM5k/s400/P9121131.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><i>....we have this rather nice section to the far end. Once again my knees cried NO despite it being only 150 extra meters.</i></b>
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<b>SMALLPOX MEMORIAL HOSPITAL</b><br />
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<b><i>History and old building nerds may find this southern island ruin flats their boat. Maybe not - it was closed to visitors (I'm not sure of plans post restoration).</i></b></div>
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<b><i>This is the island's subway station entrance a little south of mid-island, reasonably close to both the BRIDGE and TRAM. On the F line,</i></b><b><i> frequent trains can have you in MANHATTAN in 2 minutes, LONG ISLAND CITY a little longer.</i></b><br />
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<b><i><span style="color: yellow; font-size: large;">ATTENTION - IF YOU SEE MISTAKES OR HAVE EXTRA INFO PLEASE POST BELOW - BUT ANY QUESTIONS SHOULD BE ASKED ON <strike><a href="http://tezzasthaiinfo.blogspot.com/2007/10/forum.html?commentPage=3">THE FORUM</a></strike> WHICH I CHECK FAIRLY FREQUENTLY - WHEREAS I SELDOM REVISIT THESE INDIVIDUAL PLACE PAGES.</span></i></b><br />
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tezzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06099777760234890854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-235257059160442691.post-30569302951755012662020-05-08T20:22:00.000+10:002020-05-09T01:35:54.842+10:00GOVERNORS ISLAND<b>GOVERNOR'S ISLAND - visited SEPT 2019</b><br />
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<b>This small island has a great location - less than 1km off the crowded southern tip of MANHATTAN (and even closer to BROOKLYN) guarding the entrances to both the EAST RIVER and WEST (HUDSON) RIVER.</b><br />
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<i><b>GOVERNOR'S ISLAND seen from SOUTH MANHATTAN'S ONE WORLD OBSERVATION DECK. Background is the VERRAZZANO NARROWS BRIDGE joining STATEN ISLAND at right to the BAY RIDGE area of SOUTH BROOKLYN. Closer is BROOKLYN'S RED HOOK dock area.</b></i><br />
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<i><b>Kinda shaped like an ice-cram cone. Interestingly the ice cream part is the ORIGINAL ISLAND - the cone handle is A LATER EXTENSION done by dumping spoil from NYC subway construction. </b></i><br />
<i><b>In all, a pretty compact island - longest axis 1350m : widest 800m : average width 500m</b></i>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE</span></i></b><br />
<b>Although it has enjoyed periods of singular purpose over the years, the island today has attractions which will appeal to many types of visitor, both local and from further afield.</b><br />
<b><br /></b><b>1 - HISTORY AND MILITARY BUFFS - the strategic location makes the island a natural for defensive installations to guard the approaches to NYC. Once established, the military went nuts building all sorts of installations - admin buildings, schools, barracks/</b><b>officer housing, hospitals, jails, forts, leisure areas. The military has now gone, but the installations remain. Visitors who are into military history and history in general will love this.</b><br />
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<b>CASTLE WILLIAMS</b><br />
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<b><i>CASTLE WILLIAMS - with a shoreline aspect looking right up the WEST RIVER, this is a natural defensive position. </i></b><br />
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<b><i>In later years the place was used as a military prison. </i></b><br />
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<b><i>Lotsa explanatory placards etc for cheapskates like me want to do a self-tour: </i></b><br />
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<b><i>NATIONAL PARK staff put on periodic tours</i>.</b><br />
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<b>FORT JAY</b><br />
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<b><i>FORT JAY was the main defensive position - right at the top of the (slight) hill. You are looking at its dry moat and walls. Scaffolding covers renovations to the entrance.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>Layout of FORT JAY - check the moat, outer wall, inner wall. Once again you can organise an expert-led tour but I just did my thing.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>The greater area around the top of the island had an abundance of old administrative and residential buildings - some restored, some not. You can tour some. A few were being used currently as admin areas for NATIONAL PARKS and the island authority.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>The NEW YORK HARBOR SCHOOL is in some of those buildings. Part of NYC's high school system, this one has a bunch of subjects specialising in nautical stuff.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>A big area at the top of the island is given over to OFFICER ACCOMMODATION and adjacent leisure areas. Some of these places had been restored, others not.</i></b><br />
<b><i>Lower ranks tended to be housed in apartment blocks like 3 shots up.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>At least 3 churches in this zone.</i></b><br />
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<b><br /></b><b>2 - SIGHT-SEEERS</b><br />
<b>People wishing to view or photograph NYC icons from a unique perspective will not be disappointed.</b><br />
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<b>THE LADY</b><br />
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<b><i>You will get closer (but not much) from passing ferries, but won't get a static shot as above - from the island's lower west coast walkway.</i></b>
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<b>THE FINANCIAL DISTRICT</b><br />
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<i><b>There are ample opportunities to view some of the most expensive real estate in the world. Above is from a neat cafe near the ferry dock.</b></i>
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<b><i>....this one is from one of the artificial hills in the southern part of the island.</i></b><br />
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<b>BROOKLYN BRIDGE</b><br />
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<b><i>Kinda mixed in with the MANHATTAN BRIDGE behind. Tall building is the Lower East-side's ONE MANHATTAN SQUARE condos - kinda a neat place to live.</i></b><br />
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<b>JERSEY CITY</b><br />
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<b><i>NJ's equivalent to the MANHATTAN FINANCIAL DISTRICT at JERSEY CITY directly across the HUDSON.</i></b><br />
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<b>Of course there are equally good views (but not as spectacular) of BROOKLYN, STATEN ISLAND, THE VERRAZZANO BRIDGE etc.</b><br />
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<b><i>In the reshaping of the southern half for leisure activities, several hills and paths were put in - this one leads to a viewpoint with pic opportunities like 2 shots up, or....</i></b><br />
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<b><i>....by swinging the camera 40 degrees, this one of lower playing fields and in the distance, downtown BROOKLYN.</i></b><br />
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<b>3 - LEISURE SEEKERS</b><br />
<b> When the island was extended south in the early 1900s almost all the new area was given over to the military. At one stage there were barracks to house many thousand soldiers not to mention airstrips and a whole bunch of other military facilities. The COAST GUARD also established itself here.</b><br />
<b>In 1966 the military and Coast Guard withdrew. For a time argument reigned about the island's future but eventually it was decided to run it as a public park and historic area. To this end most of the southern section was cleared of structures and remodeled into what could be called a general leisure area including extensive lawned area for picnics, corporate events, sporting activities, concerts, displays. playgrounds, gardens - all traversed by winding asphalt paths great for cycling (although distances are relatively short making walking the island easy).</b><br />
<b><br /></b><b>CORPORATE EVENTS</b><br />
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<b><i>The day of my visit saw a whole bunch of happy people from a MANHATTAN wholesale firm on the ferry across headed for the south lawn where hospitality tents had been set up for their "picnic day".</i></b>
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<b>PLAYING FIELDS</b><br />
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<b><i>The southern half includes several playing fields - this one being used for SOCCER, but is okay for other uses ranging from BASEBALL thru CULTURAL FESTIVALS to ROCK CONCERTS.</i></b><br />
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<b>FLYING FOX</b><br />
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<b><i>This FLYING FOX was not being used on a slow Fall Monday.</i></b>
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<b>GLAMPING</b><br />
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<b><i>If you fancy a night or more in a tent, this can be done. Prices vary according to size etc but aint cheap.</i></b><br />
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<b>GETTING AROUND</b><br />
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<b><i>My rental bicycle from BLAZING SADDLES bargain basement model with fixed gear (this proved okay on all but the steepest section of the island's small hills) but in very good condition. Lots of other models to choose from.</i></b><br />
<b><i>Note base of THE LADY in the background.</i></b><br />
<b><i>The island has 11km of bike paths.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>CITYBIKE had 3 rental stations - this one near ferry terminal from BROOKLYN.</i></b><br />
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<b>GETTING THERE</b><br />
<b>GOVERNORS ISLAND has good inexpensive ferry trips from SOUTH FERRY in MANHATTAN'S FINANCIAL DISTRICT and from BROOKLYN. </b><br />
<b>A few services are free. Check online.</b><br />
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<b><i> MANHATTAN FERRY arrives at SOISSONS LANDING in the island's north. Note short distance and lack of vehicles (I think private vehicles are banned - not so bicycles)</i></b><br />
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<b><i>BROOKLYN FERRY at YANKEE PIER in the island's mid-east. ONLY 400m across to BROOKLYN.</i></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">CAVEAT - SEASONAL<i> </i></span></b><br />
<b>To avoid disappointment, note GOVERNORS ISLAND does not operate in the low season - is open between the beginning of MAY until the end of SEPTEMBER. Check online.</b><br />
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<b><span style="color: yellow; font-size: large;">ATTENTION - If you see mistakes or have extra information, please post below. But for questions, please ask on <a href="http://tezzasthaiinfo.blogspot.com/2007/10/forum.html?commentPage=3">THE FORUM</a> page which I check reasonably often whereas I revisit these individual place pages infrequently</span></b><br />
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<br />tezzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06099777760234890854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-235257059160442691.post-21941800399257159302020-04-28T19:33:00.001+10:002021-04-15T11:59:35.108+10:00MANHATTAN ISLAND<b><span style="font-size: large;"> LAST VISITED SEPT 2019</span></b><br />
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<b>BLOGGER'S BLOCK</b><br />
<b>I usually know how to start a page like this - but right now I haven't a clue.</b><br />
<b>Um.....so here's one way:</b><br />
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<b><i>A CITY OF ISLANDS:</i></b><br />
<b>NYC is a city of islands - of the 5 BOROUGHS, 4 are located on islands. BROOKLYN and QUEENS are on the SW-end of large LONG ISLAND. STATEN ISLAND is self-explanatory. And of course the epicenter of the city, MANHATTAN is on that small island DUTCH colonialist originally bought from local Indians back in the day. Only THE BRONX is on the mainland.</b><br />
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<i><b>MANHATTAN ISLAND does not look separate from THE BRONX - that's because the dividing HARLEM RIVER is quite narrow there. As a matter of fact the far wider HUDSON RIVER, running northward up the center of the image makes THE BRONX itself look like part of an island. But it aint - keep heading north and you will go up thru coastal CONNECTICUT, RHODE ISLAND and into MASSACHUSETTS.</b></i><br />
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<b><i>The island nature of MANHATTAN comes out pretty well above - below the yellow arrow we have the HUDSON RIVER which separates NYC/MANHATTAN from NEW JERSEY to the left. </i></b><br />
<b><i>On the right of the island is the EAST RIVER - reasonably wide in the southern half between MANHATTAN and BROOKLYN/QUEENS but in the north-east becoming the narrow HARLEM RIVER between MANHATTAN and THE BRONX (the EAST RIVER actually turns right abt. mid-map and dives into LONG ISLAND SOUND.</i></b><br />
<b><i>The yellow arrow indicates where the narrow HARLEM RIVER hits the HUDSON thus indicating the very north end of the island.</i></b><br />
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<b>WESTERN BOUNDARY - THE HUDSON</b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMak8QMbx3XNMPBMwvPtWNupye3YoBwsuXxH_TNzgziyIG9Y0ITl-PXPsgByrptwaBND6DDsTLodTbJKscm4j1rLqYJexhPKVKr3baL1QSQFWyH_JEEdaKAK01uYfBM9oLEPXoCLQ-ras/s1600/P9090995.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMak8QMbx3XNMPBMwvPtWNupye3YoBwsuXxH_TNzgziyIG9Y0ITl-PXPsgByrptwaBND6DDsTLodTbJKscm4j1rLqYJexhPKVKr3baL1QSQFWyH_JEEdaKAK01uYfBM9oLEPXoCLQ-ras/s400/P9090995.JPG" width="300" /></a><br />
<b><i>Shot from ONE WORLD OBSERVATION DECK looking north up the HUDSON. NEW JERSEY's HOBOKEN (where Frank Sinatra was born and where baseball started) is on the left (the highrises of JERSEY CITY are to the left and behind camera). The highest buildings of the west side of MANHATTAN's MIDTOWN HIGHRISE area can be seen far background-right (they're actually the new buildings of HUDSON YARDS, some unopened at the time of shot). </i></b><br />
<b><i>SULLY SULLENBERGER landed his A 320 on river-central in this shot.</i></b><br />
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<b>SOUTHERN BOUNDARY - UPPER NEW YORK BAY</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYnXl-jwaCqUZrw2SgVjWIfWVUkHrASmGLDoGytShCUkh3MhO8mXN6Uzim9AIny6ipbXWY0ICtgNny3_yijKWTFO6K-74dfTitLn4twhCksGvHf9aW3TDgB_mca5eauLDfg20OT3W_c_w/s1600/P9090983.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYnXl-jwaCqUZrw2SgVjWIfWVUkHrASmGLDoGytShCUkh3MhO8mXN6Uzim9AIny6ipbXWY0ICtgNny3_yijKWTFO6K-74dfTitLn4twhCksGvHf9aW3TDgB_mca5eauLDfg20OT3W_c_w/s400/P9090983.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><i>Also shot from ONE WORLD OBSERVATORY looking south over the UPPER BAY. The bridge in background is the VERAZZANO NARROWS BRIDGE joining SOUTH BROOKLYN at left to the mid-east of STATEN ISLAND. The island in the foreground is GOVERNORS ISLAND - a small section of MANHATTAN - well worth visiting but closed in low season. Part of the BROOKLYN waterfront is behind. The EAST RIVER starts on the left of GOVERNORS ISLAND - the HUDSON on the right abt where that STATEN ISLAND FERRY is.</i></b><br />
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<b>EASTERN BOUNDARY - THE EAST RIVER (WIDE)</b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9UsTPFmEnZq4GpPru0phDpteiSYAvi-aOKModpui4r1YuArkrl1ILurFudRRJZ3k1YKJYaaAZFriEJ4H8_IyvnfDfyrAg1CLZxnuTnAU90i4F1aOTOPffmTgosFG-Y0o_jBBBqzsMwSY/s1600/P9090990.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9UsTPFmEnZq4GpPru0phDpteiSYAvi-aOKModpui4r1YuArkrl1ILurFudRRJZ3k1YKJYaaAZFriEJ4H8_IyvnfDfyrAg1CLZxnuTnAU90i4F1aOTOPffmTgosFG-Y0o_jBBBqzsMwSY/s400/P9090990.JPG" width="400" /></a><b><br /></b><b>ONE WORLD shot showing the southern part of the EAST RIVER (nice and wide here) across to BROOKLYN - that's the famous BROOKLYN BRIDGE closest to camera.</b><br />
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<b>NORTH -EAST BOUNDARY - THE HARLEM RIVER (narrow</b>)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf8EcbsToTAyayLEP7F0WryYxH9SuDCGWTNCMG1aDweETdqZqIiChbQPCN6TFj0Q0Vehc96_V5zfIYrgdt02fmOjByBcS8ytTmxI9kAFru4kGGNbRbwKIXqzLt2MuKABffKr-EFv6KZR4/s1600/P9101013.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf8EcbsToTAyayLEP7F0WryYxH9SuDCGWTNCMG1aDweETdqZqIiChbQPCN6TFj0Q0Vehc96_V5zfIYrgdt02fmOjByBcS8ytTmxI9kAFru4kGGNbRbwKIXqzLt2MuKABffKr-EFv6KZR4/s400/P9101013.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i><b>Getting narrow - MANHATTAN (left) and THE BRONX (right).</b></i></div>
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<i><b>BACK TO THE HUDSON</b></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl52E253erSgmhNba47LWo4VntnIgk3XtI5efhhI2Pa1wRdhjcj74dULY8oUpkt6Iq4IH_Jfcjb6Ozvq9OQAOTMuq42kxE7pCrRBVQwf8m3DhfE48PWahrioASDlT72CAauDJL-nFqfaw/s1600/P9101016.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl52E253erSgmhNba47LWo4VntnIgk3XtI5efhhI2Pa1wRdhjcj74dULY8oUpkt6Iq4IH_Jfcjb6Ozvq9OQAOTMuq42kxE7pCrRBVQwf8m3DhfE48PWahrioASDlT72CAauDJL-nFqfaw/s400/P9101016.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><i>That's the famous GEORGE WASHINGTON BRIDGE, the busiest in NYC and probably anywhere. The MIDTOWN HIGHRISE area is to left and behind left pillar - DOWNTOWN HIGHRISE is too far to stand out. High buildings on right are mainly residential towers in NJ's HOBOKEN.</i></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">AREAS OF MANHATTAN</span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCskj7Ixfxajzch81Vtrh73eSEX5-0wHQcr3nKx-Ex6q57UYfJs9cmZIRhyphenhyphenZL6F8mm6DPGLFy23Vbb5Axy__tEzOEHaFFYHyMCuXH9myfhUjYK7rzEGZpdQ_XjG7ZJ53FLKfDczyZDvGk/s1600/manhaatan_LI.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="301" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCskj7Ixfxajzch81Vtrh73eSEX5-0wHQcr3nKx-Ex6q57UYfJs9cmZIRhyphenhyphenZL6F8mm6DPGLFy23Vbb5Axy__tEzOEHaFFYHyMCuXH9myfhUjYK7rzEGZpdQ_XjG7ZJ53FLKfDczyZDvGk/s400/manhaatan_LI.jpg" width="257" /></a></div>
<b><i>Here's the thing - the island has many sub-areas. Above is one idea: maybe a simplification.</i></b><br />
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<b>If you want more detail, perhaps the following can help:</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqKPeSv9wnUHm_0yMxelyP46O5zLU14vSTEOp2WnsB0NmCuNmi_vtR7t3g6i5ORJV3ba9SNKY9hczcWGY63UkX2AJeQ5HJoxq76uwSdsquff6an2CGhtfwnsFwKU7i5qxXpSosAlGOv2s/s1600/MAN2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1163" data-original-width="730" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqKPeSv9wnUHm_0yMxelyP46O5zLU14vSTEOp2WnsB0NmCuNmi_vtR7t3g6i5ORJV3ba9SNKY9hczcWGY63UkX2AJeQ5HJoxq76uwSdsquff6an2CGhtfwnsFwKU7i5qxXpSosAlGOv2s/s400/MAN2.jpg" width="250" /></a></div>
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<b>This is getting complicated - I can simplify both above a bit. Below is my idea of the main areas of MANHATTAN<i>:</i></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSYLswUabY3YMVej7IB0tRDw83MwW4B0M8qocILLEHbITwIGGr8g-KcBVudU3GDTaTR4ErR7wpj2zUFtoDUkC9MSSP3mD09DIwsjNFIL7s9Wka-wz597loTlvUuf4dPnPphbQoJL65gBU/s1600/manhaatan_LI+%25284%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="300" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSYLswUabY3YMVej7IB0tRDw83MwW4B0M8qocILLEHbITwIGGr8g-KcBVudU3GDTaTR4ErR7wpj2zUFtoDUkC9MSSP3mD09DIwsjNFIL7s9Wka-wz597loTlvUuf4dPnPphbQoJL65gBU/s320/manhaatan_LI+%25284%2529.jpg" width="206" /></a></div>
<i><b>1 - SOUTHERN HIGHRISE AREA </b></i><br />
<i><b>2 - SOUTHERN-MIDTOWN LOWRISE AREA</b></i><br />
<i><b>3 - MIDTOWN HIGHRISE AREA</b></i><br />
<i><b>4 - UPTOWN</b></i><br />
<i><b>5 NORTH OF UPTOWN (HARLEM and others)</b></i><i><b><br /></b></i><br />
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<b>ZONE 1 - THE SOUTHERN HIGHRISE AREA</b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpuxJumThl8PZ96jruKvqlwUIhXPJG_S62bLEQefAjKYdkggXq5hMZ7GJkAaYRhTZoWONlWvSP39ngF-ynX5tcTwaq3k-4O64fF2fjmkfXiHgu-w68BrZghGl2kdUjJgh-1mO6K1qhUlo/s1600/P9010682.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpuxJumThl8PZ96jruKvqlwUIhXPJG_S62bLEQefAjKYdkggXq5hMZ7GJkAaYRhTZoWONlWvSP39ngF-ynX5tcTwaq3k-4O64fF2fjmkfXiHgu-w68BrZghGl2kdUjJgh-1mO6K1qhUlo/s400/P9010682.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<b><i>The SOUTHERN HIGHRISE AREA is often called THE FINANCIAL DISTRICT although it contains a lot more than just banks and insurance company head offices etc. This is the southern and western side seen from BROOKLYN HEIGHTS just south of the bridge.</i></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYuqHvOLO4qrXgxxPcIOTXBG4JRxrwisirFUp9mTPDft5BHvJkq84j9DN8bvpQBI-a1e_FrPbXVU0-oafYYflMo3zN-J4iVujmJs4ok7q0x_w33X_QXsB6Z-Ha54vRBMBFuN4g3FHEOBU/s1600/P9111057.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYuqHvOLO4qrXgxxPcIOTXBG4JRxrwisirFUp9mTPDft5BHvJkq84j9DN8bvpQBI-a1e_FrPbXVU0-oafYYflMo3zN-J4iVujmJs4ok7q0x_w33X_QXsB6Z-Ha54vRBMBFuN4g3FHEOBU/s400/P9111057.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><i>The southern face as seen from GOVERNORS ISLAND (very similar views can be seen from the free STATEN ISLAND FERRY). The highest building is ONE WORLD TOWER. Tents in foreground are part of glamping on the island.</i></b><br />
<b><i>The opening shot at top of the page is very similar - that one is from the free STATEN ISLAND FERRY from only a few hundred meters to the left of above.</i></b><br />
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<b>THIS AREA HAS A DIVERSE RANGE OF ATTRACTIONS - I SPENT AT LEAST 8 HOURS WALKING IT, PLUS EXTRA IN CAFES AND OBSERVATION DECKS. COULD HAVE SPENT MORE.</b><br />
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<b><i>South Street Seaport</i></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5m3xTjeC2I6KA0SnN0UdxItC1cz-3V4iIjU4cVcwWI11OOCcz_Rp5Hj9B18NtFJpym6bAWx0wRREuGxvj-rQaesEkmH4fQUI1MaoIms4wiEucvJEF4RiJIa5YJTQrXGJFOo4x52GN8l0/s1600/P9060026.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5m3xTjeC2I6KA0SnN0UdxItC1cz-3V4iIjU4cVcwWI11OOCcz_Rp5Hj9B18NtFJpym6bAWx0wRREuGxvj-rQaesEkmH4fQUI1MaoIms4wiEucvJEF4RiJIa5YJTQrXGJFOo4x52GN8l0/s400/P9060026.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<b><i>Along the south-eastern side of the zone is a preserved area of piers and wharehouse - no shortage of shopping and eating opportunities - or for tightwads like me, just to wander and drink in the scene</i>.</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx1EebYQm1LTB6TXoFC-5DhaOAzB-hV1SSTYbXLkmII3L8GCG3aV6s6ci6RE0Yee6VXPapmhnQaYEctTnb-o32DpnhgSVLMmeKqCw5xwRDx4uj0LhV2m0NC_JsRKnQaJDqT6Mms6ZLT_Y/s1600/P9060032.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx1EebYQm1LTB6TXoFC-5DhaOAzB-hV1SSTYbXLkmII3L8GCG3aV6s6ci6RE0Yee6VXPapmhnQaYEctTnb-o32DpnhgSVLMmeKqCw5xwRDx4uj0LhV2m0NC_JsRKnQaJDqT6Mms6ZLT_Y/s400/P9060032.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><i>Any visit to this area must include the WALL ST STOCKMARKET BUILDING - actually it fronts BROAD STEET - WALL ST is that one along the side.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>The famous CHARGING BULL is thought of as another must-see. This is on BROADWAY, a couple of blocks south-west of the exchange.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>ONE WORLD is the highest building in NYC and has what I think as the BEST OBSERVATION DECK. Adjacent at ground level is another must-see for many - the 9/11 MEMORIAL.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>The compact nature of this SOUTHERN HIGHRISE ZONE can be sen here - easy to bail out at one of several subway stations and walk E-W across the whole area in 20 minutes.</i></b><br />
<b><i>But the reason I show this shot is to emphasise the waterfront parks in this area.</i></b><br />
<b><i>MANHATTAN and NYC in general has many riverside parks - at least 50% of the island's shoreline in parkland - and pretty nice ones too. There are some great websites on NYC parks. Note how the parkland extends up the HUDSON SHORE at left. </i></b><br />
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<b><i>Both in 2018 and 2019 I sat in this shady cafe in BATTERY PARK sipping local brewed and checking the passing people and river traffic. That's a STATUE OF LIBERTY FERRY who's MANHATTAN pier is a short distance right.</i></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBFWvoBZgfHATmFEksrwqqYPAT1-fBKQ1xc5BCzdIHQjYK4ZxR9dXNsUPib7_8Y5uaWHqfcWSzJzmb4j61lTcwkeGTPpWfXpiViOiJq6JT42UkeAu3MxXIt7UaWSnS-W2ZJRPMUu0TBEw/s1600/P8310667.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBFWvoBZgfHATmFEksrwqqYPAT1-fBKQ1xc5BCzdIHQjYK4ZxR9dXNsUPib7_8Y5uaWHqfcWSzJzmb4j61lTcwkeGTPpWfXpiViOiJq6JT42UkeAu3MxXIt7UaWSnS-W2ZJRPMUu0TBEw/s400/P8310667.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><i>This is SOUTH COVE PARK, one of those parkland extensions up the southwest HUDSON shoreline.</i></b>
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<b><i>ZONE 2 - THE SOUTHERN and MIDTOWN LOWRISE AREA </i></b><br />
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<b><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsEB8IQaqug846Kn0SJ1fI0Xg7YBlM4Od-AAxkLYg3ONOhlBjyIYhKCLZYqJDdbL_mIl_bqndSIIEr2A3amunvbDQYXvmj88a6aaRE-y8Np7M5bkMAhAnqqCM97__q4u33Q8AKPqcajtw/s1600/P9090988_LI.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsEB8IQaqug846Kn0SJ1fI0Xg7YBlM4Od-AAxkLYg3ONOhlBjyIYhKCLZYqJDdbL_mIl_bqndSIIEr2A3amunvbDQYXvmj88a6aaRE-y8Np7M5bkMAhAnqqCM97__q4u33Q8AKPqcajtw/s400/P9090988_LI.jpg" width="400" /></a></i></b></div>
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<b><i>The lowrise nature of this zone can be readily seen against the background of HIGHRISE MIDTOWN. </i></b><br />
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<i><b>Same area from the reverse (north) end - shot from the EMPIRE STATE. Yellow is ONE WORLD. The low-rise area between shows well.</b></i><br />
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<b><i>Actually most of the above lowrise areas 2 shots up belong to LOWRISE MIDTOWN - areas of LOWRISE DOWNTOWN are closer to camera and close to right of that image (see pic below).</i></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRvQD9sYoak3_3ePJZn9PW7gLxKX0RAOzFOI-jTB0v2bhd-Eh0lPd-mHXqiVLEFPkX6rtJ5-bpJhvAoRBVU-JQiMvwaJVHQYJATBOCRXXfwxkcfxRKMNUvI3Bu58p12kBFYjyV5rcimhg/s1600/P9090990+%25282%2529_LI.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1203" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRvQD9sYoak3_3ePJZn9PW7gLxKX0RAOzFOI-jTB0v2bhd-Eh0lPd-mHXqiVLEFPkX6rtJ5-bpJhvAoRBVU-JQiMvwaJVHQYJATBOCRXXfwxkcfxRKMNUvI3Bu58p12kBFYjyV5rcimhg/s400/P9090990+%25282%2529_LI.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<i><b>Part of the Lower East Side which contains NYC icons like CHINATOWN and LITTLE ITALY.</b></i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvekPpmAjFvPeuy3WER5ZeoJwyyKcZyH5rg6S-g9KIhNOvSAvyzuy88phU2NDBIMnAJAXpLvKbpGiY9w8_2BUBzwnhBbQJ0BhnMsS8GdwWbMe9A0Z6OuKuP33VH_In26yMZ2tb2z7OC6k/s1600/P9170450_LI.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvekPpmAjFvPeuy3WER5ZeoJwyyKcZyH5rg6S-g9KIhNOvSAvyzuy88phU2NDBIMnAJAXpLvKbpGiY9w8_2BUBzwnhBbQJ0BhnMsS8GdwWbMe9A0Z6OuKuP33VH_In26yMZ2tb2z7OC6k/s400/P9170450_LI.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><i>Another view of the Lower East Side - this time from the EMPIRE STATE</i></b><br />
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<b><i>UNDERWHELMED - I must admit is wasn't blown away by my several hours' wander thru this zone - north west area like HELLS KITCHEN and CHELSEA I thought pretty ordinary, as were many sections further south like WEST VILLAGE, GREENWICH VILLAGE, EAST VILLAGE, SOHO, NOHO,TRIBECA. But then I'm not into trendy residentials or boutique shopping.</i></b><br />
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<b>CHELSEA MARKETS - HO HUM</b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEQTiaCSi4bU3PLrZjkcpEBeuZIPgF0vQK2F5_INlKDgTo7nRRYJHaxoytZq5rv9yAqJEnRCKHhwv43GU8XTSpkZ-UGc1stwesjT-032kigfcumzAyyBwA0RhWdYwtc4MkaXv-BeN94fk/s1600/P9160379.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEQTiaCSi4bU3PLrZjkcpEBeuZIPgF0vQK2F5_INlKDgTo7nRRYJHaxoytZq5rv9yAqJEnRCKHhwv43GU8XTSpkZ-UGc1stwesjT-032kigfcumzAyyBwA0RhWdYwtc4MkaXv-BeN94fk/s400/P9160379.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<b><i>Travel guides online+print rave about this joint - I found it way yuppyfied. Probably pretty good back in the day.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>BUT I MUST ADMIT I ENJOYED THE NEARBY HIGH LINE.</i></b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrmUyKSMgSSVT9raIi6paCtUZyJ7II-PoE5Oov54E8vm2x996hIcwhSfd3ZshfWgF1PausJ26lTQTTaGjtVGpzuVV3SwKx0h5iRjouEptl1XlBeoPoTXjDhEEUT8dlThzwfHDyoYAo2Hc/s1600/P9160382.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrmUyKSMgSSVT9raIi6paCtUZyJ7II-PoE5Oov54E8vm2x996hIcwhSfd3ZshfWgF1PausJ26lTQTTaGjtVGpzuVV3SwKx0h5iRjouEptl1XlBeoPoTXjDhEEUT8dlThzwfHDyoYAo2Hc/s400/P9160382.JPG" width="300" /></a><br />
<b><i>This walk along a converted elevated railway easement contains lotsa great views....</i></b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmG5XIXzB-LZ4RRiaPn1N3c6uvAI8XiTvctcnFBsQy6h1mpxsZXpo5T3jWBNv6ENxRZFMmOuLPoNm7e2ikh0tGmsfc_SD7KB6v42wdODo8owZaLaOZ6lhVoaIf4l-ULb9o2XcLwvToTok/s1600/P9160388_LI.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmG5XIXzB-LZ4RRiaPn1N3c6uvAI8XiTvctcnFBsQy6h1mpxsZXpo5T3jWBNv6ENxRZFMmOuLPoNm7e2ikh0tGmsfc_SD7KB6v42wdODo8owZaLaOZ6lhVoaIf4l-ULb9o2XcLwvToTok/s400/P9160388_LI.jpg" width="300" /></a><br />
<i><b>....such as this outlook north towards the new HUDSON YARDS development. This HIGHLINE WALK actually passes HUDSON YARDS to the left.</b></i><br />
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<b>AS SAID, MOST CENTRAL+LOWER LOWRISE AREAS LEFT ME UNMOVED.</b><br />
<b>BUT I WAS IMPRESSED WITH LITTLE ITALY IN THE SOUTH EAST....</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRgfWqiMwLShSh4eX5hcEsOq2XOGw36GnL07UR_BmkkaC92T8C2Rj563TzmQPldAs23lK4aSzEYr2vR2ruqXxuiIQknhF2kQ-yYw0YgpzCb9wDu-D8QzP3Eogrxplgb5hFTwIuf95miTc/s1600/P9140330.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRgfWqiMwLShSh4eX5hcEsOq2XOGw36GnL07UR_BmkkaC92T8C2Rj563TzmQPldAs23lK4aSzEYr2vR2ruqXxuiIQknhF2kQ-yYw0YgpzCb9wDu-D8QzP3Eogrxplgb5hFTwIuf95miTc/s400/P9140330.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<i><b>Not sure if this is a periodic thing (weekly/monthly?) or temporary, but a large section of MULBERRY ST was turned into a MALL with lots of on-street dining and market stalls.</b></i><br />
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<b>.....AND THE ADJACENT CHINATOWN.</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyTCwq0tRngBKdtovV1I5sqfWO0zOI1kExc4GRU5oNET6lKLcoKRZS3z-TlplV1-4o1xlY1SGjLXiDIo4-m2poGF2vqaHtLz4Ki1f-emJBDN2eFgp2WO7qn_WUhNtjvziUVWIOuJuQIFU/s1600/P9140337.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyTCwq0tRngBKdtovV1I5sqfWO0zOI1kExc4GRU5oNET6lKLcoKRZS3z-TlplV1-4o1xlY1SGjLXiDIo4-m2poGF2vqaHtLz4Ki1f-emJBDN2eFgp2WO7qn_WUhNtjvziUVWIOuJuQIFU/s400/P9140337.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<i><b>Colourful by day, this area is way more so after dark - the stores and restaurants really draw the crowds in then.</b></i><br />
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<b>THE FLATIRON - ZZZZ</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz-w6fzLkRiyIL38q4ZSO-POyvgYoaENkj0mhPTYCd4T0_iZeHuZTvyuFTUzYLgfTmup1cl30IGH2S2LaiHgcE8RC9jYwz2F6zpPYCA42xlF1GDsD-qU4jFYl36ocNxgnRFGfVfLWZ3lM/s1600/P9140318.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz-w6fzLkRiyIL38q4ZSO-POyvgYoaENkj0mhPTYCd4T0_iZeHuZTvyuFTUzYLgfTmup1cl30IGH2S2LaiHgcE8RC9jYwz2F6zpPYCA42xlF1GDsD-qU4jFYl36ocNxgnRFGfVfLWZ3lM/s400/P9140318.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<b><i>At the northern junction of the MIDTOWN LOWRISE and HIGHRISE AREAS is the FLATIRON, another the guides go nuts about. I was less than gruntled - it may have been an architectual feat back in the day, but today plenty of cities have skinny buildings and others with more innovative building methods.</i></b><br />
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<i><b>ZONE 3 - MIDTOWN HIGHRISE AREA</b></i><br />
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<i><b>This sizable zone of high buildings between the Midtown Lowrise area and Central Park (the start of the UPTOWN zone) has many iconic buildings including R to L: THE CHRYSLER (pastel purple). EMPIRE STATE (white), CENTRAL PARK TOWERS (yellow - under construction at time of pic) and the highest tower of HUDSON YARDS (black - also under construction).</b></i><br />
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<b><i>Some fine views of this zone can be seen from across river both sides. This is the eastern side from one of the good EAST RIVER riverside parks in LONG ISLAND CITY-QUEENS. On the other side of MANHATTAN, across the HUDSON R., New Jersey's HOBOKEN has many similar riverside parks for views of the opposite side of this MIDTOWN HIGHRISE zone.</i></b><br />
<b><i>Note the above viewpoint was a fine spot for picking if the time was okay to climb to one of the higher observation decks - the EMPIRE STATE's top (yellow) is obscured by cloud. So too is THE CHRYSLER's top (white) although that doesn't have an observation deck.</i></b><br />
<b><i>These PANORAMA pix click-expand nicely.</i></b><br />
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<i><b>ONE OF THE BEST OVERVIEWS OF THIS ZONE....</b></i><br />
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<i><b>....is from the TOP OF THE ROCK OBSERVATION DECK. Because it is in the north of this zone you can see most of the other landmark buildings - eg EMPIRE STATE (yellow) and the under-construction highest tower of HUDSON YARDS (black). The CHRYSLER BUILDING is just out of shot to the left - my elcheapo camera's field of view too narrow to include it.</b></i><br />
<i><b>Out of zone building include ONE WORLD (pastel purple) and the towers of JERSEY CITY on the opposite HUDSON shore (grey).</b></i><br />
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<b>THERE ARE TOO MANY SITES IN THIS ZONE TO DO EACH JUSTICE. BELOW ARE JUST A FEW....</b><br />
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<b><i>GRAND CENTRAL STATION - the architecture here draws many visitors who also may be planning/finishing a train trip. But add NYC locals (there is a very busy subway station in the basement) and commuters from reasonably near-by, and you come up with the one single place gets more pedestrian traffic than anywhere else in MANHATTAN </i></b><br />
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<b><i>TIMES SQUARE - probably sees more visitors to NYC than any other place. </i></b><br />
<b><i>I know the travel guides say give it a miss but I found it great.</i></b><br />
<b><i>Neophytes note - the above is several blocks north of TIMES SQUARE SUBWAY STATION.</i></b><br />
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<i><b> Not a highlight location - any intersection in this zone imparts the busy nature of the area. I found it fun to wander around checking the people and activity. If I was a shopper it would be more fun.</b></i><br />
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<i><b> On the Hudson River side of the zone is PIER 86 which has the fabulous INTERPID AIR SPACE AND SEA MUSEUM. I spent half a day here - fascinated. But then I'm a 'planes, ships and shuttle nut - others may prefer to spend their time elsewhere.</b></i><br />
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<i><b>A BLACKBIRD SR 71 poking above the trees lining 12th Avenue? Indeed.</b></i><br />
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<b>BILLIONAIRES' ROW</b><br />
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<b>A fitting northern bookend for this zone is BILLIONAIRES' ROW - a bunch of high rise residential towers lining the south end of CENTRAL PARK - so called because you need a minimum of $us50m to get an upper floor apartment. I pinched this shot off realty website <i><a href="https://therealdeal.com/issues_articles/billionaires-row-2014-2016/">THE REAL DEAL.</a></i></b><br />
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<b>OTHER MIDTOWN-HIGHRISE ATTRACTIONS</b><br />
<b>There are so many other place may attract visitors' interest, like HIGH END SHOPPING ON 5TH AVENUE, THE UN AREA, and the iconic HIGH RISE BUILDINGS** yada. But I don't shop, and haven't room here for a lot of other MIDTOWN HIGHRISE places. </b><br />
<b>**but I do have a comparison of the highrise OBSERVATION DECKS down page.</b><b><i><br /></i></b><br />
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<b><i>ZONE 4 - UPTOWN</i></b><br />
<b>We are talking about 3 areas in this zone: UPTOWN WEST SIDE, UPTOWN EAST SIDE and between them, CENTRAL PARK.</b><br />
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<b><i>UPPER WEST SIDE (white) - UPPER EAST SIDE (yellow).</i></b><br />
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<b><i>Note how the UPPER WEST SIDE extends further north than the UPPER EAST SIDE where EAST HARLEM extends down the south-east side of northern CENTRAL PARK. Labels may be clearer if you can click-expand.</i></b><br />
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<b>Upper West Side</b><br />
<b>You are looking at the west side of the island from 59th street (the south border of CENTRAL PARK) to 110th street. This is a fairly affluent neighborhood (but not as flash as the UPPER EAST SIDE) which also has a smattering of museums/performance areas (<i>NATURAL HISTORY, LINCOLN CENTER)</i>, colleges <i>(COLUMBIA U)</i> and churches<i> (CATHEDRAL OF ST JOHN the DEVINE)</i></b><br />
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<b><i>The most expensive real estate in this area lines 8TH AVENUE - CENTRAL PARK WEST AVENUE along the...um... west side of CENTRAL PARK. Foreground is the famous DAKOTA BUILDING of JOHN LENNON and YOKO fame (also for the earlier flick "ROSEMARY'S BABY"). Apparently the UPPER WEST SIDE is more for RECENT WEALTH, and you have to have a LOT of recent wealth to afford anywhere along the above.</i></b><br />
<b><i>Elsewhere in the Upper West Side you don't have any of the poverty that featured back in the WEST SIDE STORY days. It's a pretty OK area.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY - is right at the north end of the UPPER WEST SIDE</i>.</b><br />
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<b>ELSEWHERE IN THIS ZONE</b><br />
<b>The LINCOLN CENTER is towards the south. </b><br />
<b>Stretching right along the HUDSON R in this zone is the RIVERSIDE PARK - not just walks, lawns and trees but plenty of tennis/'ball courts and similar facilities. Views across to JERSEY are pretty good.</b><br />
<b>There are several museums including that of the NEW YORK HISTORICAL SOCIETY - if you are a museum freak GOOGLE will find others. </b><br />
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<b>Upper East Side</b><br />
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<b>Probably best know to visitors as the site of the MUSEUM MILE and to locals as the MANHATTAN ABODE OF OLD MONEY.</b><br />
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<b>THE MUSEUM MILE </b><br />
<b>This few-blocks-longer-than-a-mile section of 5TH AVENUE along the east side of CENTRAL PARK contains 10 museums including the famous MET and the FRICK COLLECTION. I'm not a huge fan of museums but always enjoy time in the better ones - so I spent many hours wandering the marvelous MET. Lack of time precluded others.</b><br />
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<b>THING ABOUT THE MET IS IT HAS SO MANY DIVERSE AREAS.</b><br />
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<b><i>This is part of the OLD MASTERS' section.</i></b>
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<b><i>The Egypt Section had this recreation (the blocks were shipped from the original location) of THE TOMB OF PERNEB</i></b><br />
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<b>OLD MONEY RESIDENTIAL</b><br />
<b>My research indicated that the most expensive part of this zone is along 5th AVENUE because of those park views. But riverside areas are way expensive too. The areas between aint exacltly cheap either. In all, the realty value of the whole zone is higher than the Upper West Side - although those pesky NEW MONEY types have bid the best 8TH AVENUE apartments higher than on 5TH avenue.</b><br />
<b>Note that 5TH AVENUE south also has an extension of HIGH END SHOPPING out of the central CBD.</b><br />
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<b>Central Park</b><br />
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<b><i>This is another TIME BANDIT area - it is easy to spend way more time than you plan exploring it. I ignored the bike-hire and rental-surreys near the southern entrance and took off on foot. More than half a day saw no more than the southern (more interesting) part of the park covered, despite more than one area being closed for renovation.</i></b>
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<b><i>Part of BILLIONAIRES' ROW from the lake in CENTRAL PARK. Row boat rental was popular on this nice Fall day - but not for this budget-travelling tight-wad.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>Those exxy NEW MONEY apartment buildings along 8TH AVENUE bordering the park.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>ZONE 5 -NORTH OF UPTOWN AREA</i></b><br />
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<b><i>This is not a great "map" because it doesn't exactly isolate Manhattan's NORTH OF UPTOWN zone - the basic cropping device on my computer leaves much of THE BRONX to its right and a lot of near-river NEW JERSEY on the left. </i></b><br />
<b><i>Hell, I can even see some runways of LA GUARDIA in north QUEENS bottom right. </i></b><br />
<b><i>The NORTH OF HARLEM section at the very top has the urban areas of WASHINGTON HEIGHTS, HUDSON HEIGHTS, FORT GEORGE and INWOOD.</i></b><br />
<b><i>Whoever chose the colouring of the labels needs a brain transplant - click-expand for better clarity.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>In the south of HARLEM is the famous APOLLO THEATER on 125th st. This was an interesting street to wander with the some atmospheric stores and restaurants probably much the same as back in the day. But in contrast to back in the day, much of HARLEM these days does not have a high crime/high poverty reputation.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>HARLEM has a bunch of churches. One of the more spectacular is in the south not far from 125th STREET - the RIVERSIDE CHURCH.</i></b>
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<b><i>Project housing in HARLEM - most no longer nestbeds of crime and poverty.</i></b><br />
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<b><br /></b><b>The Far North of ZONE 4</b><br />
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<b><i>Parkland runs alongside most of the west (HUDSON R) side of this zone. Not far inland are residential areas like HUDSON HEIGHTS, FORT GEORGE and INWOOD. Gentrification has been a recent factor is this area. I didn't get up into these urban areas to check the scene - to me, having seen NASSAU COUNTY on LONG ISLAND, outer urban areas are much the same.</i></b><br />
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<i><b>AN ISLAND WITHOUT BEACHES</b></i></div>
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<b>No doubt MANHATTAN had strips of silica in pre-colonial times, but today they have disappeared under shipping piers, riverside walks and other development.</b></div>
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<b>So you have to go to another BOROUGH to get to the beach. The closest from most parts of MANHATTAN is ORCHARD BEACH in the BRONX.</b></div>
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<b>I was surprised how nice this man-made large strip of sand backed by parkland was. I thought it the best of the 4 NYC beaches I visited. I have more on ORCHARD in NE - <a href="https://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com/2020/04/ne-us-good-bad-and-ugly.html">THE GOOD THE BAD AND THE UGLY</a></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">SO WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO GET A GOOD IDEA OF MANHATTAN AS A WHOLE?</span></b></div>
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<b>In 2018 I studied up books and online - when I hit the ground I used the subway, buses and shanks-pony to check the scene. But in 2019 following a lucky PAID EXCURSION experience in BOSTON I realiszd that some of these are not overpriced and some information they give can't be got elsewhere. Not to mention the humour which these tour guides are rather good at.</b></div>
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<b><i>Tour guide NICK at Boston's HARVARD - excellent.</i></b></div>
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<b> So I researched which reasonably price paid tours would give me the best orientation of MANHATTAN. And I came up with 2 good ones - the CIRCLE LINE AROUND MANHATTAN TOUR and the BIG BUS TOURS.</b></div>
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<b><i>THE BEST FOR ORIENTATION - CIRCLE LINE TOUR OF MANHATTAN</i></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR4oONo5ynzYytIXtaqN5NmLDvBuOCM_WnjBdLPo7nIhTS_v9XC_j-SEW4qSuUAGv0YPA9-vpe8ju0GscaHOFijqYLoRYXnRC0BPPxM6bxgs9DzcRLgUMvZhXeryrt6x-O6cYo_ojme7o/s1600/P9100997.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR4oONo5ynzYytIXtaqN5NmLDvBuOCM_WnjBdLPo7nIhTS_v9XC_j-SEW4qSuUAGv0YPA9-vpe8ju0GscaHOFijqYLoRYXnRC0BPPxM6bxgs9DzcRLgUMvZhXeryrt6x-O6cYo_ojme7o/s400/P9100997.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i><b>Tour begins at PIER 83 - guide TOM revs up the punters....</b></i></div>
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<b><i>....and the punters are not slow in getting the pix....</i></b></div>
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<i><b>....like downriver a bit for ONE WORLD and nearby</b></i></div>
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<b><i>....or a bit further south in UPPER NEW YORK BAY.</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Same area seen from ONE WORLD (ignore yellow arrow indicating north-west STATEN ISLAND).</i></b></div>
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<b>TURNING NORTH WE HEAD UP THE EAST RIVER....</b></div>
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<i><b>....and under the BROOKLYN BRIDGE - The first of many.</b></i></div>
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<b><i>A bit further on, a view of some iconic central area buildings (here the CHRYSLER - cherish this, it's hard to get a good view of it elsewhere)</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Not MANHATTAN, but further north where the river narrows between MANHATTAN and THE BRONX, you get to see the latter's famous YANKEE STADIUM. The previous year it took me a 50 minute subway ride to check this.</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Some of those bridges over the narrow north east East River are pretty low.</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Back on the home stretch - turning south down the HUDSON, GEORGE WASHINGTON BRIDGE ahead - highrise of MIDTOWN further on. Southern FINANCIAL DISTRICT highrise too far to feature.</i></b></div>
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<b><i>PIER 83 in sight.</i></b></div>
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<b>HERE'S THE THING - I finished this tour with a much better appreciation of the extent of MANHATTAN - and got to view areas in the north I am sure many visitors miss. Not to mention an increase in knowledge from the guide's vast reservoir of facts not easily found elsewhere.</b></div>
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<b><i>THE SECOND BEST WAY TO ORIENTATE TO NYC</i></b></div>
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<b><i>THE RED HOP ON HOP OFF BUS TOUR (or one of its competitors).</i></b></div>
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<b>This is a good one - you can book online beforehand or get a ticket from one of many pavem</b><b>ent salespeople found at most stops (rival companies reps are there too - some of those tours may also be excellent). I don't think THE RED BUS is as good an orientation as the ROUND ISLAND CRUISE because it does goes no further north than SOUTH HARLEM and if you combine all its options. is way more time consuming, particularly if you use the HOP OFF/ON option to spend time at attractions along the way (which in itself is an advantage - you can't get off and on the CIRCLE LINE CRUISE - but there are hop-on-off water taxis and other cruises). And the bud routes are designed to pass by all the major MANHATTAN attractions.</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr61iv6q4JLpW9vPFShK99a0NL45DGXGD1wuOnL3JKpTY4IvE2vPaIld1_z_FOpWw3ihZ6a18yKg8HgVhY_l9taEP4X8V9RB3YtQMO8PA0XUCESIJRSIqH0piZfWRPpjCt7aC6eKpLYg4/s1600/P8310669.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr61iv6q4JLpW9vPFShK99a0NL45DGXGD1wuOnL3JKpTY4IvE2vPaIld1_z_FOpWw3ihZ6a18yKg8HgVhY_l9taEP4X8V9RB3YtQMO8PA0XUCESIJRSIqH0piZfWRPpjCt7aC6eKpLYg4/s400/P8310669.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><i>In high season there can be considerable lines waiting at popular spots (this is the CENTRAL PARK stop) for the next bus (these start the day 10 minutes apart but naturally gaps stretch and shrink over time). I hate lines and just stayed on the bus for the whole circuit - despite this I found both DOWNTOWN and UPTOWN loops took over 2 hours each.</i></b></div>
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<i><b>Bus approaches TIMES SQUARE. From this shot you can appreciate the advantages of buying a trip on the day - if pre-booked the day could be rainy and there is only limited sheltered seating.</b></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLViwZb3PFA02NlDOFOicGQbth-0yhdLuqirLRouvh9nJl3VVa2zvZdQPJaJ7Ibof4G_0euhnBVOXz_DwqCADl2GEdKc769q2G5prBsj_ZlV83tRAf-mEmLu9PQwEFS4eJ9TxxyMmrxw4/s1600/P8170123.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLViwZb3PFA02NlDOFOicGQbth-0yhdLuqirLRouvh9nJl3VVa2zvZdQPJaJ7Ibof4G_0euhnBVOXz_DwqCADl2GEdKc769q2G5prBsj_ZlV83tRAf-mEmLu9PQwEFS4eJ9TxxyMmrxw4/s400/P8170123.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<i><b>Approaching the CHRYSLER.</b></i></div>
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<b>THE UPTOWN CIRCUIT</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGU5qnfWrkHo-ThjuBn4daRpPq4xwBiOB2-BkjL8vRyTOgTgW0Lh9Sb0qeNq96mq5z4bPFcTRnQuR3y6i0uNbLqoOCzNBiA9z8xh7elubW178YWYU67f5OjBQ2pcqkr-az0tEcSTAacsQ/s1600/P8170124.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGU5qnfWrkHo-ThjuBn4daRpPq4xwBiOB2-BkjL8vRyTOgTgW0Lh9Sb0qeNq96mq5z4bPFcTRnQuR3y6i0uNbLqoOCzNBiA9z8xh7elubW178YWYU67f5OjBQ2pcqkr-az0tEcSTAacsQ/s400/P8170124.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i><b>Moving up 8TH AVENUE alongside CENTRAL PARK</b></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFsY6BlxWq2pFOZ-Fi52dHhCV0cDjVYhaUMSAWdkVrp11nI9HvsH_45joyFtWAvoCskv-2IFtJBRUxipFoPSC8tu1cwrW32WJOMZP3CTO2FbolePudxgQV0-fHq_or9_6I5dtOIp5gmao/s1600/P8170128.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFsY6BlxWq2pFOZ-Fi52dHhCV0cDjVYhaUMSAWdkVrp11nI9HvsH_45joyFtWAvoCskv-2IFtJBRUxipFoPSC8tu1cwrW32WJOMZP3CTO2FbolePudxgQV0-fHq_or9_6I5dtOIp5gmao/s400/P8170128.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<b><i>RIVERSIDE CHURCH is southern HARLEM</i></b></div>
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<b>IN ALL - you could do your whole NYC visit based on this bus. Pick the sites you want to see and which hop on hop off bus circuit (DOWNTOWN-UPTOWN-BROOKLYN etc) goes by. Then either buy your ticket online or on the day(s).</b></div>
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<b>But you must take care to give yourself time for all this - my mistake was buying a full ticket with ALL ROUTES + BONUS CRUISE with only a day and a half to fit them in. As I said, just staying on the bus is time consuming. Then getting between major starting points takes time (they start at different points although there are some common stops to simplify transfers if you plan carefully. Plus some tours start at limited specific times which makes it hard to transfer from one loop to these). Way it half-worked for me is I fitted in the DOWNTOWN-UPTOWN loops plus the BONUS CRUISE**, biy had to give the BROOKLYN LOOP and the NIGHT LIGHTS TOUR a miss.</b></div>
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<b>**My ticket's BONUS CRUISE was from pier 86 into UPPER NEW YORK BAY - so we saw much the same things as the first 25% of the AROUND ISLAND CRUISE. Despite this I enjoyed it - you never tire of sights like the FINANCIAL DISTRICT or STATUE OF LIBERTY from the water plus the tour guy had a whole lot of new info and gags</b></div>
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<b>But from what I can see these companies are fluid in their offerings - the latest online stuff is a bit different from that on offer summer of '19.</b></div>
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<b>TIPS - if you have time, a good way to tour is to start early, do the whole loop on the bus, stay on and get off/on at your desired stops second loop.</b></div>
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<b>- if time/money limits you to one tour, I'd suggest the DOWNTOWN LOOP. </b></div>
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<b>- to save time between loops it may be best to stay on the bus part of an extra circuit to where it intersects the other loop.</b></div>
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<b>- you don't have to start a loop at the first stop. You can jump on at any stop along the way, get off where you like.</b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">GETTING AROUND</span></i></b></div>
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<b>As a budget traveler, I eschewed taxis, uber etc and used the subway and buses, both of which MANHATTAN has an excellent system. When wanting to cross to QUEENS, THE BRONX or JERSEY I also occasionally used the RIVER TAXIS which also have a good inexpensive system.</b></div>
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<b><i>THE SUBWAY</i></b></div>
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<b>Sure it's initially confusing, often crowded, hot, noisy and dirty but once I sorted things I really appreciated its frequency ,multiplicity of trains/lines/stations and the lack of expense. </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSXXN6grWYRG2kMX2yd9OIFfRJH9Fwo4oKwU-H1c1E8tpKTKgB7c8BuUDtpMr6e3qwTSX84CJbinZOWLwcfpwh-5ti750ZpPf6jQpeDFUQewyx45s3xMNkQMtBih7vvZvi979KRtUzgWY/s1600/P9160430.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSXXN6grWYRG2kMX2yd9OIFfRJH9Fwo4oKwU-H1c1E8tpKTKgB7c8BuUDtpMr6e3qwTSX84CJbinZOWLwcfpwh-5ti750ZpPf6jQpeDFUQewyx45s3xMNkQMtBih7vvZvi979KRtUzgWY/s400/P9160430.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><i>Can get busy - TIP: avoid peak hour if possible. But peak NYC is more than one hour both am/pm.</i></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoDa7HtDy0z_F3vhzJT1pRd7DzKkzZErjZA4Ks5rDAd9GB1uaBTEFpstER-iEXJCHMzqzYzNpUWr2pUnfCp8Soxlgnnyh8WpbU1juZlVbZvLwAmiMBA6QuX1WXXv7DBkW8Lfut7KXeIm0/s1600/P9111115.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoDa7HtDy0z_F3vhzJT1pRd7DzKkzZErjZA4Ks5rDAd9GB1uaBTEFpstER-iEXJCHMzqzYzNpUWr2pUnfCp8Soxlgnnyh8WpbU1juZlVbZvLwAmiMBA6QuX1WXXv7DBkW8Lfut7KXeIm0/s400/P9111115.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<b><i>Not very crowded on this off-peak service.</i></b></div>
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<b>GENERAL SUBWAY ADVICE</b></div>
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<b>-There is a whole bunch of online stuff both official and unofficial which give invaluable info.</b></div>
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<b>-Do your research pre-trip re the best subway ticket for your stay. In 2018 I used an unlimited METRO CARD but that didn't work out for my 2019 visit with more but shorter stays in NYC.</b></div>
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<b>- pick up a METRO MAP from any ticket office at most stations (patrons tend to use the ticket machines so the offices are usually uncrowded). These maps are invaluable in planning next activities.</b></div>
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<b><i>THE BUSES</i></b></div>
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<b>NYC has a brilliant bus system. I didn't use it all that much simply because the SUBWAY does such a good job. But locals ride a lot.</b></div>
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<b>One LONELY PLANET guidebook suggestion I found a good one - I hopped on a northbound bus in the FINANCIAL DISTICT, the aim being to stay on until the route's conclusion - this was somewhere up in THE BRONX. I crossed the road and hopped on the next bus heading downtown. Its destination was SOUTH KEY, but when we arrived at TIMES SQUARE things were jumping - so I bailed out. </b></div>
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<b>THING IS THE BUS GIVES WAY BETTER VISUAL REFERENCE TO AREAS than the subway. I guess the same can be said for taxis/uber - but they were above this octogenarian tight-wad's pension grade. </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh7kftsbMAhjA_hO9BTcg57gHHFKOsMleJyVz8HNFxEh_9bAWqQ2gHUCA3rk9BL4wEsF1AJGIKzVmerwGi5mg3SG4tvjysaWtZ_HALh-I0G3Y0mb4UxTxYR6UhUDIkrgbm8VXnVkxh_8s/s1600/P9121122.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh7kftsbMAhjA_hO9BTcg57gHHFKOsMleJyVz8HNFxEh_9bAWqQ2gHUCA3rk9BL4wEsF1AJGIKzVmerwGi5mg3SG4tvjysaWtZ_HALh-I0G3Y0mb4UxTxYR6UhUDIkrgbm8VXnVkxh_8s/s400/P9121122.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><i>ROOSEVELT ISLANDS FREE RED BUS tends to pack them in....</i></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjWKdU6kXh8oZaszfyCNP-QWUmY-8tRqHctC_aiqTNulUF3fHxt8067rBdnZ4RN8V5VfxoGp3kBV6IsvE57j1Oe49_YqoBuhcT5vFBHZ-bVVla2Q1f_bYJ56X5Y7xS0mUJkQyeMl2LalI/s1600/P9130300.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjWKdU6kXh8oZaszfyCNP-QWUmY-8tRqHctC_aiqTNulUF3fHxt8067rBdnZ4RN8V5VfxoGp3kBV6IsvE57j1Oe49_YqoBuhcT5vFBHZ-bVVla2Q1f_bYJ56X5Y7xS0mUJkQyeMl2LalI/s400/P9130300.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><i>....but that return city bus from THE BRONX mentioned just up page was way less crowded. Mind you this was not near peak hour. </i></b></div>
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<b><i>THE WATER TAXIS</i></b></div>
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<b>There's a whole bunch of frequent services across/along both rivers at reasonable rates - very scenic.</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_9wUk18tNdoiw1aSVJJnAlolKAvpd5ryZC1hEH6_XW_Gu3aGadGzw17W-MLkdaVpBwOaW39sH0IQ3jH1zP8yXmBssUmjBuFETkWXGmVvsCFCP290cE71cWBC4C0O1OmjjbPirEVuKbdI/s1600/water+taxi.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="957" data-original-width="1300" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_9wUk18tNdoiw1aSVJJnAlolKAvpd5ryZC1hEH6_XW_Gu3aGadGzw17W-MLkdaVpBwOaW39sH0IQ3jH1zP8yXmBssUmjBuFETkWXGmVvsCFCP290cE71cWBC4C0O1OmjjbPirEVuKbdI/s400/water+taxi.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><i>GETTING FROM THE AIRPORT</i></b></div>
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<b>I have come in to NYC by aircraft, bus and train - but for overseas arrivals it's gonna be via the airports - JFK, LAGUARDIA and NEWARK, NJ**. Of these I have used the first two - the thing is they are not in MANHATTAN and so you have to transfer across. </b></div>
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<b>Once again there are great official and unofficial guides online with good advice abt the multiple modes of transport to use and how/where to get tickets etc. But for single budget travellers like me, the AIR TRAIN-SUBWAY option from JFK and the BUS or BUS-SUBWAY option from LAGUARDIA is the go.</b></div>
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<b>Which is cheaper? LAGUARDIA but JFK will not break the bank. LAGUARDIA is also a shorter trip.</b></div>
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<b>**fewer overseas arrivals.</b></div>
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<b>AIR TRAIN</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjon40F03GZ6V4rgewULAnFswmtdZGOr_Abb8emHT4EmWQrVzPXmTi_bzKgMom7LiDAHuOcewawpwtVJLzn83mFtL9j6jg-H_IN4D41d5wTNHjTDGUdyLpmQvSU6IQAtwLAQeOob4Rav44/s1600/P9050021.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjon40F03GZ6V4rgewULAnFswmtdZGOr_Abb8emHT4EmWQrVzPXmTi_bzKgMom7LiDAHuOcewawpwtVJLzn83mFtL9j6jg-H_IN4D41d5wTNHjTDGUdyLpmQvSU6IQAtwLAQeOob4Rav44/s400/P9050021.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i><b>....runs frequently, is clean and not particularly expensive. Take advantage of the helper-staff where it meets the normal subway network - these people give great advice re the best train to your destination and the best ticket to use. They even ran me through how to get an UNLIMITED RIDE TICKET from the machines - a pretty simple process for non-octogenarians.</b></i></div>
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<span style="color: yellow; font-size: large;">ATTENTION - IF YOU SEE MISTAKES OR HAVE EXTRA INFORMATION, PLEASE POST BELOW. BUT DIRECT ANY QUESTIONS <a href="http://tezzasthaiinfo.blogspot.com/2007/10/forum.html?commentPage=3">TO THE FORUM</a> WHICH I CHECK REASONABLY FREQUENTLY WHEREAS I SELDOM GET BACK TO THESE INDIVIDUAL PLACE PAGE</span>S.</div>
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<br />tezzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06099777760234890854noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-235257059160442691.post-87877087472943601652020-04-12T10:00:00.004+10:002020-08-12T18:10:20.347+10:00NE US - THE GOOD THE BAD AND THE UGLY<b>LAST VISITED AUG-SEPT 2019</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>I've done 2 NE US trips of about 4-5 weeks each - the first Sept 2018, the second Aug-Sept 2019. My base was NYC and the thing they say about how it draws you back is true. A dedicated cheapskate and liker of laid back locations which is the antithesis of expensive, brash NYC, I was determined to go back, both to revisit places I thought great and to check a few new locations out.</b><br />
<b>But NYC was just the epicenter - I ranged as far north as BOSTON, as far west as NIAGARA, south to CAPE MAY and east to CAPE COD. Other places visited included WASHINGTON DC, THE HAMPTONS, CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN LONG ISLAND, NANTUCKET, MARTHAS VINEYARD, RHODE ISLAND, ATLANTIC CITY and other south JERSEY SHORE places, PHILADELPHIA, COLD SPRING plus a whole range of places between - seen from bus or train windows.</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUDKXP6do_kcEiW4eZba_WNwtxKk2D8YsnhPBkXrsaDABcKgy4DNiW8VuQbX-iXLbMKvrfdpNJNcXNUCNXV5joFwlGYK0qsfdVLT3nPWi5UqkF5qUPQ_J2zmCGjqjqc2YJorIy0zlf8UQ/s1600/MAP.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="256" data-original-width="434" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUDKXP6do_kcEiW4eZba_WNwtxKk2D8YsnhPBkXrsaDABcKgy4DNiW8VuQbX-iXLbMKvrfdpNJNcXNUCNXV5joFwlGYK0qsfdVLT3nPWi5UqkF5qUPQ_J2zmCGjqjqc2YJorIy0zlf8UQ/s400/MAP.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b>CC (top right) is CAPE COD. The touristy islands of NANTUCKET and MARTHAS VINEYARD can be seen just below the Cape. MONTAUK is at the NE end of LONG ISLAND and the HAMPTONS. Fer old time imperial fans needing help with the linear scale, 250km is about 155miles.</b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">THE GOOD</span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQE-2cF2nd-qsixrpt9SAQgjNrRkeLYr6C1q1S9ehOJff8lIZMNuP_RUnGXsHa8qpAzLGq42WwGxWdG3kbhmO446cXJIE-4MDN8iK6AEF2FGMzyI9PnfQjinJeQl-t8BEzA7o9xwZ2WKk/s1600/GRETA.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQE-2cF2nd-qsixrpt9SAQgjNrRkeLYr6C1q1S9ehOJff8lIZMNuP_RUnGXsHa8qpAzLGq42WwGxWdG3kbhmO446cXJIE-4MDN8iK6AEF2FGMzyI9PnfQjinJeQl-t8BEzA7o9xwZ2WKk/s640/GRETA.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<b><i>You may disagree, but Greta is my idea of good.</i></b><br />
<b><br /></b><b><i><br /></i></b><br />
<b><i>THE TOTAL BLOWOUT</i></b><br />
<b>It'd so unsophisticated (as I am) and commercial, but what I though the highlight of my NE USA tours was THE"<i> MAID OF THE MIST" </i>CRUISE under NIAGARA FALLS</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMXiYs47D5N34onq_w1_JBXd5ljAjRCNC4GUDu1L8YERsiUnFd_iFQl8E-1uMU-DDUvEUdsZqANQ626IaktPMz3XD_VirG7uFMFxA-_DoXkcggxyrwOQUcqqovEBRS2U9YOxLsxtrXBc8/s1600/P9200614.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMXiYs47D5N34onq_w1_JBXd5ljAjRCNC4GUDu1L8YERsiUnFd_iFQl8E-1uMU-DDUvEUdsZqANQ626IaktPMz3XD_VirG7uFMFxA-_DoXkcggxyrwOQUcqqovEBRS2U9YOxLsxtrXBc8/s400/P9200614.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhusJdl12pAen5bwzbHS2_5pLhUdM9QfW4DQAjf1o63zvNiuD5KEJzryNepaxeWnKTbXv3Pg2hco8bB-Tar0Ta6je8T8keFvde5l8U0YsP1SK3gaBuJb285Qs0PaFOUSl2Av0CIbCtK3ZY/s1600/P9200617.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhusJdl12pAen5bwzbHS2_5pLhUdM9QfW4DQAjf1o63zvNiuD5KEJzryNepaxeWnKTbXv3Pg2hco8bB-Tar0Ta6je8T8keFvde5l8U0YsP1SK3gaBuJb285Qs0PaFOUSl2Av0CIbCtK3ZY/s400/P9200617.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwpbCwWLFnwLg_QcA7e1tM0XlevLYo3aebdrWV4px3eEwjVAv2kVBI90PBoigb7pOj1y2MAcZ-nL63CZmLorv4LT4u6QVazn5lwO8TLymKodQ3TP1xZNmh_iY0_BzMy_7lWSxEwWANXr4/s1600/P9200621.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwpbCwWLFnwLg_QcA7e1tM0XlevLYo3aebdrWV4px3eEwjVAv2kVBI90PBoigb7pOj1y2MAcZ-nL63CZmLorv4LT4u6QVazn5lwO8TLymKodQ3TP1xZNmh_iY0_BzMy_7lWSxEwWANXr4/s400/P9200621.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCIawJLCrXP7ZiM1wl3rWKOL3A1eWBckIP5do1yVMwKf3xHJ79Kw_3pOl18cOolqz1Vm6UmDoPTXnVN1wO_aQYai-4ytHRpbge7cPdDF_Mv6RMAfvtLKSYw3w7-jKljarYh7gY78TLyQA/s1600/P9200637_LI.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1472" data-original-width="1104" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCIawJLCrXP7ZiM1wl3rWKOL3A1eWBckIP5do1yVMwKf3xHJ79Kw_3pOl18cOolqz1Vm6UmDoPTXnVN1wO_aQYai-4ytHRpbge7cPdDF_Mv6RMAfvtLKSYw3w7-jKljarYh7gY78TLyQA/s400/P9200637_LI.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWXdnlIld9Q_mAmykCk2UPPgDhdl67SDNLxEnIEas1seTK-FyRmyIwTUCH5ou5mHoMEn9hGJjd5yK9ueAkzM8COEVjc_Dd6RoA_AIwRz7USNArJ8870wufG7UsPdfHsreM1xm8_bjTmxg/s1600/P9200638.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWXdnlIld9Q_mAmykCk2UPPgDhdl67SDNLxEnIEas1seTK-FyRmyIwTUCH5ou5mHoMEn9hGJjd5yK9ueAkzM8COEVjc_Dd6RoA_AIwRz7USNArJ8870wufG7UsPdfHsreM1xm8_bjTmxg/s400/P9200638.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><i>In actual fact </i>all<i> NIAGARA was a blow out. Visitors to the north-east are nuts if they miss it.</i></b><br />
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<i><b><br /></b></i>
<i><b>UNEXPECTED GEM </b></i><br />
<b>1 - THE CAPE COD MARITIME MUSEUM: HYANNIS PORT</b><br />
<b>I was looking to fill some time before my ferry left for NANTUCKET, so I called in here hoping it might absorb a bit. Kidding, this compact place is so fascinating I could have spent half the day - or more. Entry cost very modest.</b><br />
<i><b><br /></b></i>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgReFXXqKRfWpsP7N5k6dpoHnpavGEdySbOv98Aa5WajytvCA7WqTghmu5ugZR2qvpP6_pUwcNBuBNa5iP9qm6Xnqj-vfVX4Q14oig_NAXrzZxEpk1DwiJvtdRG9ogyhxzAR7IWshRkoBg/s1600/P8240339.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgReFXXqKRfWpsP7N5k6dpoHnpavGEdySbOv98Aa5WajytvCA7WqTghmu5ugZR2qvpP6_pUwcNBuBNa5iP9qm6Xnqj-vfVX4Q14oig_NAXrzZxEpk1DwiJvtdRG9ogyhxzAR7IWshRkoBg/s400/P8240339.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><i>The downstairs boat restoration area - those dudes are full of information, like a natter. But this is just part of the museum - want facts, pix, models of New England small and larger craft and trade. A whole lot of info on general sea-going including navigation, tsunamis. A library where I could have spent all day. And more.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>Restored boats for sale</i></b><br />
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<b><i>Boat nerds will love it.</i></b><br />
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<b>2 - WATKINS GLEN STATE PARK </b><br />
<b>This was a whistle-stop on the long bus trip (do buses whistle?) from NIAGARA to DC. My prior knowledge of WATKINS GLEN was confined to the motor racing circuit which I knew we would go nowhere near. So I was delighted that our brief stop included a trek down the really excellent local gorge.</b><br />
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<b>So my short call-in was way better than I expected.</b><br />
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<b><i>OTHER BETTER THAN EXPECTED</i></b><br />
<b><br /></b><b>1 -NYC SUBWAY </b><br />
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<b><i> My prior-trip reading left me not expecting too much from the subway - sure it was initially confusing, noisy, often crowded, often hot and often dirty but after I worked out how it ran I found the lack of expense, the frequency and the mulitplicity of lines and stations excellent.</i></b><br />
<b><i>TIPS - get a free subway map from just about any ticket office. Use the helpful advisers at the junction of the AIR TRAIN and normal system to work out your initial route and ticket. Work out prior to visit (online info excellent) which type of ticket is best for your stay - the adviser will get this for you. (I found unlimited use tickets brilliant but this depends on how long your stay).</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b><b>2 - ORCHARD BEACH</b><br />
<b>A public beach in the BRONX. And a good one at that - I preferred it to the other NYC beaches I visited - CONEY ISLAND, BRIGHTON BEACH and ROCKAWAY BEACH (all a much further stretch for most NYC residents). What's more ORCHARD is completely man made - whoever filled in the bay to create this wide, deep stretch of sand backed by extensive park areas sure did a good job.</b><br />
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<b><i><br /></i></b><b>3 - HARVARD TOUR</b><br />
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<b><i>A fan of self-guided tours, I read up about HARVARD intending to go it alone, and popped out of the subway just when guide NICK above was starting his spiel. It was so good I asked if I could join in and pay the modest fee at the end. Sure.</i></b><br />
<b><i>NICK, a student, had an insider's knowledge of locations and history, with a neat and often humorous delivery. He pointed out things I would have definitely missed. Well worth the modest cost.</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b><b>4 - TIMES SQUARE</b><br />
<b>All the travel advisories say give it a miss. Sure it's touristy and crowded but I personally thought the energy, people watching, refreshment opportunities and other attractions fantastic.</b><br />
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<b><i>Busy</i></b><br />
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<b><i>The Square has several interactive AV displays. Not too sure about the dodgy dude arrowed.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>No shortage of refreshment opportunities....</i></b></div>
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<b><i>....and free entertainment artists.</i></b><br />
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<b><br /><i>BEST BEACH</i></b><br />
<b>In general I was not gruntled by north-east beaches, which are mainly long, featureless east facing barrier beaches, many impacted by storm erosion. But CAPE MAY at the southern tip of New Jersey was different - facing more to the south, interrupted (but not in the pic below) by frequent mini-breakwalls and small changes in direction</b><br />
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<b><i>The eastern beach at CAPE MAY - these panorama shots click-expand nicely.</i></b></div>
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<b><i>A section further west</i></b></div>
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<i><b>The town itself was </b><b>pretty nice - had maybe the best pedestrian mall all 2 NE trips.....</b></i><br />
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<b><i>.....and some excellent period architecture. Very expensive though.</i></b><br />
<b><br /></b><b>And despite being AFTER the Labor Day long weekend, this was one beach place hadn't died. As can be seen from the mall shot 2 up.</b><br />
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<b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>BEST LARGE CITY</i></b><br />
<b>Of course this must go to NYC.</b><br />
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<b><i>LITTLE ITALY epitomizes the bustling nature of NYC</i></b>
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<b><i>BEST MEDIUM CITY</i></b><br />
<b>BOSTON.</b><br />
<b>BOSTON a medium city? Well compared to NYC or even Oz's SYDNEY it ain't particularly big. Which is part of its attraction - there are so many things to see and so much history within a short distance that I did nearly all either on foot or by a quick subway/bus ride.</b><br />
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<b>Note I thought WASHINGTON DC was almost as good for much the same reasons.</b><br />
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<b><i>BEST SMALL TOWN AND BEST RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE (for normal folk).</i></b><br />
<b>COLD SPRING</b><br />
<b>COLD SPRING in up-Hudson NY STATE was everything you expect of a small north-east town. Cute main street, immaculate old-style housing. As a matter of fact it also gets my award for BEST RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE over places like Jersey's CAPE MAY or Nantucket's SIASCONSET because the last two are just too expensive for normal folk</b><br />
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<b><i>COLD SPRING main street</i></b><br />
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<b><i>COLD SPRING HOUSING - a glance in the local realter window showed these a fraction of the price in NYC and the MASSACHUSSETTS islands and way cheaper than my home town.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>SIASCONSET housing - very nice but way overpriced. We are looking at $US3million+. Kidding. You could buy TEZZA'S seaside/clifftop home in a much nicer town with way better beaches and NO HARD WINTERS for half that. And Oz has had a crazy real estate boom and wage levels to equal USA's (but maybe not as many people as those who buy real-estate on NANTUCKET).</i></b><br />
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<b><i>BEST NATURAL VIEWPOINT</i></b><br />
<b>MOUNT TAURUS NEAR COLD SPRING</b><br />
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<b><i>The above viewpoint down the HUDSON on the MT TAURUS TREK (one of several trails just west of COLD SPRING) shows WEST POINT (white) and COLD SPRING (yellow). Although I did a lot of waking around NYC, BOSTON, the JERSEY SHORE, WASHINGTON DC and the MASSACHUSETTS SHORE this was the only rural trek I did in the north-east. Unlike previous years in the south-west or HAWAII where I did many. Getting old - the knees are pretty hopeless.</i></b><br />
<b><i>It was really excellent although not unusually I lost the trail and also took a tumble on a steep rough slippery down-slope. So I titled my TRIPADVISOR report: </i>"WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH, THE TOUGH....FALL OVER"<i>. No damage apart from some lost skin despite being a fortnight short of my 74th birthday.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>A veteran of Australian bush treks, I kept an eye out for wildlife - was initially disappointed. Eventually I came across this black snake - not an unusual occurrence at home, I know if snakes feel non-threatened they mind their own business. So I ignored it, and it ignored me. </i></b><br />
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<b><i>BEST OBSERVATION DECK </i></b><br />
<b>ONE WORLD</b><b> </b><br />
<b>It's not so much that it's higher (not by much anyhow over </b><b><i>EMPIRE STATE</i> - and slightly lower than the not-finished-at-the-time-of-my-visit <i>THE DECK AT HUDSON YARDS</i></b><b>) - rather ONE WORLD's position on the west side of the downtown office zone with fewer high buildings to hinder outlook gives superior views </b><b>over JERSEY, the SOUTH RIVER, BROOKLYN, the midtown/southern LOWRISE AREA and the MIDTOWN/UPTOWN SKYSCRAPER area. (however CENTRAL PARK is hidden by MIDTOWN/UPTOWN highrise).</b><br />
<b>ONE WORLD has a subway stop (WORLD TRADE CENTER) virtually in the basement. It seemed to have quickest access, but maybe that was time of day. There was seating at the observation level.</b><br />
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<b><i>Outlook north - HUDSON YARDS (black)....CENTRAL PARK TOWER (yellow) which will be the highest residential building in the world when finished; the roof is actually higher than ONE WORLD [which wins if you include the spire].....EMPIRE STATE (white)....THE CHRYSLER (pastel purple).</i></b><br />
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<b>Outlook to the south</b><br />
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<b><i>That's GOVERNORS ISLAND close. The far bridge is the VERRAZZANO NARROWS BRIDGE </i></b><br />
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<b><i>joining STATEN ISLAND (right) to SOUTH BROOKLYN.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>Outlook to the SSE.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>The Lady.</i></b><br />
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<b>THE EMPIRE STATE V TOP OF THE ROCK</b></div>
<b>I thought TOP OF THE ROCK was the better viewpoint despite being considerably lower. </b><br />
<b>For a start it had an outlook over CENTRAL PARK to the north (although I'm wondering how long that will last with the current building boom of residential towers bordering the south end of the park)....</b><br />
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<b>....and to the south you can also see the EMPIRE STATE (yellow) and ONE WORLD (pastel purple). The CHRYSLER is off to the near left of image, but my camera's field of view could not include it.</b><br />
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<b>Swing a few degrees west....</b><br />
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<b><i>....JERSEY CITY (gray) and the unopened highest tower of HUDSON YARDS (black - notice THE DECK sticking out on its eastern side which when opened will be (just) highest in NYC).</i></b><br />
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<b><br /></b><br />
<b>But here's the thing - the EMPIRE STATE has way more cachet in being a genuine NYC icon. It has a way better lobby display, a better gift shop and the views from the top aren't exactly shabby....</b><br />
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<b><i>....with great 360 views. Above is west towards the HUDSON R and NEW JERSEY. The highest MANHATTAN building in shot</i> <i>is the under-construction highest tower of HUDSON YARDS. </i></b><br />
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<b>On the downside EMPIRE STATE is most crowded, has the most intrusive security check and has little seating on the observation deck levels.</b><br />
<b>However if I only had time to do one OBSERVATION DECK, this would be it on account of the cachet. But don't beat yourself up - either of the other 2 is excellent. Or maybe 3 - see below.</b><br />
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<b>THE UNKNOWN - THE DECK AT HUDSON YARDS</b><br />
<b>Due to open in the Spring of 2020 this promises to be (slightly) the highest observation deck in NYC. It's also transparent which should be spectacular. But being cantilevered off the east side of the building - does that mean no west facing views over the HUDSON and JERSEY?</b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil7g-bihleSQ6OjxQ5WXmudJw3Uxt1UGbI_UnDJq-00JZKNUnkAJeyo5n1HLbSCg045VZKdV-S9oKjKvZTTVnh2wVdox2ch4k5GaA_ub5ocEuYXhgxPJmmQcwho6WUE_lSJB4PbEtNubw/s1600/P9090986_LI+%25282%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil7g-bihleSQ6OjxQ5WXmudJw3Uxt1UGbI_UnDJq-00JZKNUnkAJeyo5n1HLbSCg045VZKdV-S9oKjKvZTTVnh2wVdox2ch4k5GaA_ub5ocEuYXhgxPJmmQcwho6WUE_lSJB4PbEtNubw/s400/P9090986_LI+%25282%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a><b> </b><br />
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<i><b>Unfortunately I'm too old and live too far from NYC to return, so I'll never know if THE DECK beats the others. If you check it out, could you please post in at the foot of the page and let us know.</b>
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<b><i><br /></i></b><br />
<b><i>BEST FREEBIE</i></b><br />
<b>There's a host of things you can do for free if you do your research (people have even written books on FREE NYC), most work if you are prepared to check them out on foot, like a foot tour of the FINANCIAL DISTRICT,9/11 areas, CENTRAL PARK, (um, there's so many great places so let's say just about ALL Manhattan south of south HARLEM), ROOSEVELT ISLAND, the parks of riverside QUEENS/LONG ISLAND CITY and of course walking BROOKLYN BRIDGE and checking the touristy precinct on the other side. Not to mention wandering around upstate NY, BOSTON, CAPE COD, the offshore islands, ATLANTIC CITY and nearby plus WASHINGTON DC. There's also a bunch of cultural freebies like movies in the park, free admission to museums and galleries at certain times.</b><br />
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<b>But of the things I expected <i><span style="font-size: large;">would normally have a charge</span></i>, the ones that stood out were:</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>The STATEN ISLAND FERRY</b><br />
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<b><i>If you are bucks down, you don't need a paid harbor trip to see THE LADY up close. Check downpage for the view of southern MANHATTAN which is also excellent. As a matter of fact the whole across/return trip is excellent.</i></b><br />
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<b><br /></b><b>The ROOSEVELT ISLAND BUS</b><br />
<b>The RED BUS runs frequently from near one end of the island to another passing the subway station, for zero cost - details online. You can also walk this 2 mile stretch. Don't confuse it with the pay Q102 which runs between Queens and the island.</b><br />
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<b>The ROOSEVELT ISLAND TRAM</b><br />
<b>OK, this cable car starting adjacent the west end of the QUEENBORO BRIDGE, running parallel to it and then down to the East River island is not really free - has a very reasonable normal subway charge - for which you can use your subway card. And for people like me with UNLIMITED RIDE cards this in reality meant the ride cost <i><span style="font-size: large;">zero extra</span></i>. BTW some guide books say this has the best MANHATTAN views of all - but I can think of half a dozen better.</b><br />
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<b>THE VESSEL AT HUDSON YARDS</b><br />
<b>This interactive piece of architecture has free tickets to climb...</b><br />
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<b>....and magic views from the top</b><br />
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<b><i>Westward outlook over HUDSON RAILWAY YARDS, HUDSON RIVER and HOBOKAN NJ.</i></b><br />
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<b>So which of the above 4 is THE BEST FREEBIE? I'll give it to the STATEN ISLAND FERRY for those fabulous views of THE LADY and the SOUTH MANHATTAN HIGH-RISE DISTRICT.</b><br />
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<b>CAVEAT - some freebies are disappearing. I found this to be true of several museums which used to have free periods for certain customers - eg THE MET for oldies at certain times. So check online as to the latest status. This will also tell you if specific areas are closed - eg THE MET's pop art section was being refurbished when I called by. Sometimes the whole attraction is closed - eg THE DECK (observation) at HUDSON YARDS was closed both years of my visit - I expected it to be finished in the second year. I believe the latest date for opening is SPRING 2020.</b><br />
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<b><i>Many interesting places the guide-books may mention can be closed</i>.</b><br />
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<b><br /></b>
<b><i>BEST MANHATTAN VIEW</i></b><br />
<b>Gee, I'm not sure. Is it from the BROOKLYN SIDE OF THE BROOKLYN BRIDGE? From the STATEN ISLAND FERRY; from ROOSEVELT ISLAND; from THE TOP OF THE ROCK where in one direction you can see north into CENTRAL PARK - in the other south over most of the MIDTOWN HIGHRISE, MIDTOWN/SOUTH LOWRISE, SOUTHERN HIGHRISE areas, not to mention magic views EAST and WEST (ONE WORLD reverses this except CENTRAL PARK is hidden); from RIVERSIDE PARKS in LONG ISLAND CITY or JERSEY CITY/HOBOKEN - or a host of other places? </b><br />
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<b><i>The SOUTHERN HIGHRISE AREA from the STATEN ISLAND FERRY. Just to the right, the view from GOVERNORS ISLAND is similar (below).</i></b><br />
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<b><i>Or is it the same area from just below the BROOKLYN SIDE of the famous bridge?</i></b><br />
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<i><b>Alternatively it could be the MIDTOWN HIGHRISE area from GANTRY PLAZA STATE PARK** on the LONG ISLAND CITY shore. Note how tops of highest buildings are enclosed in cloud - in this way I avoided going to the EMPIRE STATE at the wrong time (which if you have a per-booked tour you can't do easily).</b></i><br />
<i><b><br /></b></i>
<b>**NYC, JERSEY CITY and HOBOKEN have dozens of good riverside parks where big money has been spent, making them very attractive for visitors and locals. There's even a web page on these parks.</b><br />
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<b>Or maybe best MANHATTAN VIEW is from one of a dozen other places. eg check some of the shots from the highrise observation decks up page.</b><br />
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<b><i>BEST OVER THE TOP </i></b><br />
<b>I enjoy things/places that are way too much. The one that stood out most was </b><b>THE PROVINCETOWN (Cape Cod) GAY PRIDE PARADE</b><br />
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<b><i>I took the long bus trip from HYANNIS to northern CAPE COD to check out the PROVINCETOWN BEACHES. These were typically pretty ordinary but I lucked in - the annual GAY PARADE was on that day, with a quarter-million extra people in to check the scene - and for many visitors both gay and straight, to fancy-dress and parade both during and for several hours before actual kick-off time. Good stuff.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>BEST BAR</i></b><br />
<b>I'm not a bar crawler, but the one I liked best was the SANDBAR at Nantucket's Jetties Beach. Good service, prices okay, cool 60s/70s/80s music and friendly fellow customers.</b><br />
<b>The adjacent beach was pretty good by US standards, but would not make my top thousand of world beaches (and there's lots of the world I haven't seen).</b><br />
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<b><i>BEST MUSEUM</i></b></div>
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<b>I have already mentioned the CAPE COD MARITIME MUSEUM under "UNEXPECTED GEMS" up page - but one I <span style="font-size: large;">expected</span> <i>would</i> be good and was in fact<i> excellent</i> was the free Smithsonian MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY adjacent the National Mall in DC.</b></div>
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<b>BTW this was not my best free museum <i>personally</i> (see below) but I reckon this is the one which would suit a whole family best. I could have spent the whole day here - mum and the kids will love it.</b></div>
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<b><i>BEST FREE MUSEUM</i></b></div>
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<b>SMITHSONIAN AIR AND SPACE MUSEUM - DC.</b></div>
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<b>I'm an airplane nut so this was my </b><b>personal </b><b>best free museum - also on the side of Washington's NATIONAL MALL. I reckon most males both adult and junior will rate it #1 - females maybe less so. </b><b>My visit in 2018 was rushed and so I made a point of returning here in 2019 (in fact it was my major reason for revisiting DC) - spent many extra hours. </b></div>
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<b>AIR AND SPACE MUSEUM ANNEX NEAR DULLES AIRPORT</b></div>
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<b><i>I enjoyed the main museum so much I was determined to check out the even bigger annex in VIRGINIA when I returned to the NE in 2019 - took me about 45 mins each way via train + bus from WASHINGTON. Big parking area for normal folk. Many sources say it is as good as the main museum. It was.</i></b></div>
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<b><i>This place has so much room there were airplanes I'v never heard of. Plus famous ones - note "ENOLA GAY" and the CONCORDE</i></b></div>
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<b><i>"DISCOVERY" and sundry satellites.</i></b></div>
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<b><i>OTHER GOOD MUSEUMS</i></b><br />
<b>THE NANTUCKET WHALING MUSEUM</b><br />
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<b><i>This is a good one - a modest entry fee gets you into this place which consumes yer time like crazy. My TRIPADVISOR review is titled "TIME BANDIT". Displays, history, talks, audio-visual, magic views from the rooftop viewpoint.....and more.</i></b><br />
<b><i>Gotta say the associated NANTUCKET TOWN WALKING TOUR was excellent value.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>BEST VALUE HOSTEL</i></b></div>
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<b>IN 2018 ATLANTIC CITY HOUSE got the gong. </b></div>
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<b><i>Yellow arrow shows access with good security. Blue arrow small balcony - a good place to hang out. White - ATLANTIC CITY main steet, with bus station less than 5 minutes walk left. The famous BOARDWALK only 300m behind camera. Place a converted apartment house - nicely done up inside by someone with an artistic touch. Excellent manager SUSAN. Main faults: a bit small and crowded, limited parking and in a dodgy neighborhood (latter didn't worry me - there were always cops on the beat or in prowl cars nearby and hostel security was excellent).</i></b></div>
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<b>BIG CHANGE for 2019 - <i>ACH </i>(name change to <i>ATLANTIC HOUSE</i>) relocated to Texas Avenue less than 15 mins walk south. Although further from bus station, closer to boardwalk (only 50m) and in a better neighborhood. More parking but not great. Also bigger with more rooms - unfortunately communal areas still crowded. Had nice outdoor area for relaxing in back. New manager had good people skills but lacked SUSAN'S organisational flair so some things a bit slack. Pricing similar at the time I booked, but I preferred the old joint. </b></div>
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<b>.... <span style="font-size: large;">in 2019</span> I thought <i>another</i> place, <i>HOSTELING INTERNATIONAL on MARTHA'S VINEYARD</i>, was best value hostel. HI places are not exactly cheap, but for this mega expensive island the joint was a relative bargain - I think some sort of HI cross-subsidy works in the north-east:<i>NYC HI</i> was way overpriced even considering that city's mega expensive real estate.</b></div>
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<b>OK, <i>HI MARTHAS VINEYARD </i>is way out of town in the middle of the (compact) island, but a good inexpensive bus service stops outside and several bike trails pass by. The place itself was clean, quiet, not too big and very well managed. The last was more than I can say for <i>HI NANTUCKET</i> which otherwise was of similar value. Had a good near beach location but not near town.</b></div>
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<b><i>HI MARTHAS VINEYARD</i></b></div>
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<b><i>BEST HOSTEL </i></b></div>
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<b>NYC HOSTELING INTERNATIONAL</b></div>
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<b>This huge institution on the upper westside has a lot going for it. Close to a subway station, clean, good rooms/bathrooms, good security, a very good value cafe, a spacious kitchen and common areas, hard working staff and a big outside area in back (not expected in a mid city hostel). </b></div>
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<b>But it isn't perfect - no free breakfast (unusual for a HI), no air-drying for washing (plenty of room out back - probably some stupid local ordnance), and expensive even given its NYC location (HI is genuinely a non-profit organisation, but as I say elsewhere on this page, I am sure there is some sort of cross-subsidy making other NE HIs cheaper than expected - which is fine for dudes like me who got to use them).</b></div>
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<b><i>Reception could get too busy at times - but it's kinda hard to anticipate a whole load of unbooked people turning up at once.</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Cafe eating area just one of several spots to take a meal.</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Another HI plus is a bunch of rather good NYC excursions out of the hostel. This is JERRY, an octogenatian who leads an all day foot/train/ferry city tour encompassing BROOKLYN (including the bridge walk), LOWER MANHATTAN which has a bunch of diverse attractions and the STATEN ISLAND FERRY. This is free although pensioner JERRY will not refuse tips. I gave him $10 which probably makes this BEST VALUE NYC EXCURSION. </i></b></div>
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<b><i>Hope JERRY did alright in the recent COVID 19 crisis.</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Checking the BROOKLYN HEIGHTS brownstones.</i></b></div>
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<b><i>BEST VALUE ACCOMMODATION</i></b></div>
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<b>BEST WESTERN AIRPORT RHODE ISLAND</b></div>
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<b>You would think one of the hostels would win here, but for only a few dollars more I got me a lovely room at THE BEST WESTERN WAWRICK AIRPORT RI in midweek (rates vary markedly - I was lucky, got me a slow night). Beats sharing a crowded dorm with others and the double bed/huge room were luxury. Joint had great facilities, close to a bus stop which is important for me (and of course good parking for others)...</b></div>
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<b>....not to mention what I thought a yummy filling comp breakfast.</b><br />
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<b><i>OTHER "GOODS" NOT MENTIONED ABOVE</i></b></div>
<br />
<b>BRYANT PARK</b><br />
<b>THE MET</b><br />
<b>THE HIGHLINE</b><br />
<b>USS INTREPID AIR SPACE AND SEA MUSEUM</b><br />
<b>AROUND MANHATTAN BOAT TOUR</b><br />
<b>NYC BIG BUS TOUR</b><br />
<b>HOPPING ON A PASSING NYC BUS AND TAKING IT TO THE END</b><br />
<b>CROSS-RIVER FERRIES NYC</b><br />
<b>GRAND CENTRAL STATION NYC</b><br />
<b>LITTLE ITALY</b><br />
<b>LITTLE ODESA</b><br />
<b>CHINATOWN</b><br />
<b>COLUMBIA U</b><br />
<b>MOST OTHER PARTS OF MANHATTAN </b><br />
<b>HARLEM</b><br />
<b>THE BRONX</b><br />
<b>BROOKLYN BRIDGE</b><br />
<b>BROOKLYN'S TOURISTY ZONE ON THE RIVERSIDE NEAR BRIDGE</b><br />
<b>THE VIEW FROM ANY OF THE DOZEN OR MORE NYC AND JERSEY </b><br />
<b> RIVERSIDE PARKS</b><br />
<b>THE LOCAL HOSTEL LONG ISLAND CITY/QUEENS</b><br />
<div>
<b>FERRIES OUT OF CAPE COD, NEARBY ISLANDS.</b><br />
<b>HI BOSTON</b><br />
<b>MOST ATTRACTIONS IN BOSTON</b><br />
<b>HI HYANNIS</b><br />
<b>HYANNIS HARBOUR CRUISE</b><br />
<b>CAPE COD BIKE TRAIL</b><br />
<b>HI WASHINGTON DC</b><br />
<b>JUST ABOUT EVERY ATTRACTION IN WASHINGTON DC</b><br />
<b>NJ TRANSIT BUSES</b><br />
<b>BALLY'S CASINO ATLANTIC CITY</b><br />
<b>ATLANTIC CITY BOARDWALK</b><br />
<b>BOARDWALK TRAMS</b><br />
<b>STEEL PIER ATLANTIC CITY</b><br />
<b>EPSILON LIGHTHOUSE ATLANTIC CITY</b><br />
<b>OCEAN CITY NJ</b><br />
<b>GOOD SERVICE - I know, low wages and reliance on tips lead to this. But good service most of the time is still refreshing after the variable stuff we get in Oz.</b><br />
<b>LOTSA COPS - another I know. In a system which lacks a social safety net and therefore has a high crime rate**, you need lotsa cops to keep a lid on things. Nevertheless I was comforted by having them always seemingly close on hand - in Oz you can seldom find them quickly when needed.</b><br />
<b><i>**all those cops seem to have the crime rate under control. I never felt threatened in NYC, ATLANTIC CITY or WAHINGTON DC which used to have bad reputations for crime.</i></b><br />
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<b>----------------------------------------</b></div>
<b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>SO SO THINGS - NOT GOOD, NOT BAD</i></b><br />
<b>MOST NE BEACHES</b><br />
<b>PORT AUTHORITY BUS STATION</b><br />
<b>NY PUBLIC LIBRARY</b><br />
<b>CONEY ISLAND</b><br />
<b>GREYHOUND BUSES</b><br />
<b>CHELSEA MARKETS</b><br />
<b>WILLIAMSBURGH SELF GUIDED TOUR</b><br />
<b>BED-STY SELF GUIDED TOUR</b><br />
<b> MOST MID-TOWN/SOUTH LOW-RISE DISTRICTS</b><br />
<b>----------------------------------------</b> <i><b><br /></b></i>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">THE BAD</span></i></b><br />
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<b><i>A genuinely bad guy</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i>BAD 1 - NOISY FIRETUCKS</b><br />
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<b><i>I've visited many countries, but nowhere have I experienced the racket that NYC fire trucks kick up. As matter of fact, nowhere have I seen the swagger these dudes put on - seems post 9/11 they are starting to believe the media's hero worship. Fact is these blokes are no braver than Brit firemen in the days of the blitz - yet those blokes weren't boosted to national hero status. They just got on with it - as do fire men in other countries. </i></b><br />
<b><i>In NYC fire trucks can't even go to a routine alarm check without multi sirens, horns blaring, engines screaming etc.</i></b><br />
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<b>At present the true 2020 heroes constantly putting themselves in harm's way are the front line medical people - nurses, paramedics, doctors, other hospital and medical staff etc. I wonder if they will become long time folk heroes? I doubt it.</b><br />
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<b><i>True 2020 heroes - they don't face danger for just one horrible afternoon in Sept - but everyday, day after day.</i></b><br />
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<b>BAD 2 - HIGH FASHION - WHERE?</b><br />
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<b><i>Pre visit, many people mentioned NYC's highlight to them was the abundance of fashionably dressed people. Seems something I missed - sure there are fashionable folk there, but no more than in other big cities I've visited, and way fewer I'd suggest than LA.</i></b><br />
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<b>BAD 3 - FAST FOOD</b></div>
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<b><i>I thought FAST FOOD in the north east very disappointing - way overpriced, often undersized, often lacking in heat. This one behind SURFIDE BEACH in NANTUCKET added to the sins in having nowhere to sit and eat - apparently visitors are supposed to eat in their cars (I was on foot) or on the beach (it was cool and blowy).</i></b><br />
<b><i>I actually thought the scene in NYC better - still mainly overpriced but at least there was usually somewhere to sit and something interesting to check out. And the pizza was hot and yummy. So was food truck stuff some of which was even value - I got a $1 hot dog from one! Some of yu dudes are probably rolling yer eyes big time but for a true cheapskate that's a win. And the roll was soft and fresh.</i></b><br />
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<b><i><br /><span style="font-size: large;">THE MOST BAD - WAY PRETENTIOUS AND OVER-RATED.</span></i></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">THE HAMPTONS</span></b><br />
<b>I have read so much, seen so many films/TV shows featuring this north-east section of LONG ISLAND that I was expecting something really fantastic. Instead I found fairly flat largely featureless countryside, very ordinary beaches, way overpriced housing and accommodation and a general pretentious air. I think this is the result of being so close to a huge city with a big bunch of wealthy people able to bid up prices and over-hype the attractiveness of a pretty ordinary location for their own benefit. No wonder these people are gob-smacked by the GREEK ISLANDS, TUSCANY, COASTAL SPAIN and so many other places. Hell, I can think of dozens of locations in Australia (including parts of Sydney and even my own town south of Sydney) which are more attractive.</b><br />
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<b><i>Location close to NYC explains a lot</i></b><br />
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<b><i>Beaches very ordinary - would not make my top 1000. This is MONTAUK. Note lack of people on a reasonably nice 70% sunny, warm day just after the LABOR DAY weekend. NE beach places sure die after Labor Day.</i></b><br />
<b><i>This beach thing got me - I relied on TRIPADVISOR reviews and similar to indicate what beaches were worth visiting but maybe this is not so reliable in certain areas. Thing is a lot of reviewers are city/country folk seldom see a beach and when they do they go ape-shit - OF COURSE it's the best beach in the world! So they rate it EXCELLENT when if fact it is pretty ordinary. Others use the sites' ratings systems to reinforce their impecable taste - "I chose this beach so OF COURSE it's excellent!" and they rate it as such. Moral of story - don't believe those ratings.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>A BIT PRETENTIOUS</i></b><br />
<b>NANTUCKET AND NEIGHBOURS</b><br />
<b>OK, the HAMPTONS are more pretentious than most. But one other I thought a bit too cool for school was NANTUCKET. Sure it's an attractive island and worth visiting, but the towns, beaches, general landscape don't warrant the hype and ridiculous high season pricing. Ditto neighboring MARTHA'S VINEYARD and even nearby CAPE COD.</b><br />
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<b><i>NANTUCKET TOWN - cobbled streets epitomize the slightly pretentious nature of these MASSACHUSETTS islands.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>WORST BEACH</i></b><br />
<b>FIRE ISLAND</b><br />
<b>In general the north-east beaches weren't up to much, most of them rating NOT GOOD, NOT BAD and some of them fitting the downright BAD category. The one I thought <span style="font-size: large;">worst </span>was on LONG ISLAND's offshore FIRE ISLAND. This featureless barrier island beach went on and on, backed by equally featureless dunes and severely knocked around by storm erosion.</b><br />
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<b><i>Not too much sand left at high tide. Beach weed and dune grasses not particularly attractive.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>Crikey</i></b><br />
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<b>Note FIRE ISLAND is not part of the overblown HAMPTONS (see up page) - but its mid LONG ISLAND LOCATION is close enough to still have some of that over-hyped thing. </b><br />
<b>However my visit was not a waste of time - I'm interested in how CLIMATE CHANGE with its more frequent storms and high tides is impacting coastal areas; also the ferry trip from/to the "mainland" was enjoyable and DAVIS PARK VILLAGE/MARINA/WATCH HILL DUNE WALK were interesting (although confirming the truism that north east resorts die after LABOR DAY).</b><br />
<b>So central Long Island is not a write off. Note too that central and far Long Island are well served by the LONG ISLAND RAILROAD and a good inexpensive local bus service. </b><br />
<b>South-west LONG ISLAND of course has the sizable BROOKLYN and QUEENS [part of NYC]. Once NYC officially ends there is a whole bunch of conurbated commuter towns which can be thought of as part of GREATER NEW YORK. LI an interesting island. </b><br />
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<b><i>MOST EXPENSIVE AND WORST VALUE ACCOMMODATION</i></b><br />
<b>DUANTS ALBATROSS INN - MONTAUK (the HAMPTONS)</b><br />
<b>Despite being shoulder season after Labor Day, this place cost me more than any other joint including very nice high season rooms at BALLY'S CASINO ATLANTIC CITY and BEST WESTERN NIAGARA. </b><br />
<b>Daunt's room wasn't up to much - an old style motel with thin walls (not great when people one side decide to party and the other to have a domestic) and no breakfast. In its favor was closeness to the beach and town-central, an okay pool-outdoor area, good parking (although I came in by train and the station was a hell of a walk) and great reception staff (the Irish girl was a gem).</b><br />
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<b><i>DISAPPOINTING.</i></b><br />
<b>I - THE CHRYSLER</b><br />
<b>OK, its exterior is aesthetically pleasing, more attractive than the <i>EMPIRE STATE,</i> but it's difficult to find somewhere where you can get a good free view......</b><br />
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<b>.....and the biggest disappointment was no public access apart from the fancy foyer which IMHO is way overhyped. At least it was free. This place has no observation deck.</b><br />
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<b><i>2 - </i>THE FLATIRON</b><br />
<b>So it's type of construction was novel at the time. As was its height and skinny appearance. But there is nothing novel about this building these days - NYC has higher, better looking etc and plenty of cities have buildings as narrow or with more novel construction techniques. I thought my long trek from the FINANCIAL DISTRICT was wasted (there is a nearby subway station but I wanted to check lowrise areas to the south which apart from CHINATOWN and LITTLE ITALY were similarly ho-hum) apart from the rather good park across the road.</b><br />
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<b><br /></b><b>3 - RHODE ISLAND -IN GENERAL including PROVIDENCE, NEWPORT and the HISTORIC BUILDING SECTION. </b><br />
<b>About the only good things I found on RI were the efficient bus system, the excellent mid-week value of the AIRPORT BEST WESTERN INN and the kindness of some passing elderly locals who picked me up in their car in the pouring rain near the ferry terminal and took me to the nearest (not really near) bus-stop with shelter.</b><br />
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<b><i>I wasn't whelmed by the NEWPORT waterfront - a bit pretentious and no reference to historical events like the AMERICAS CUP CHALLENGES of the 70s/80s.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>Similarly NEWPORT'S historic buildings didn't blow me away - nearby BOSTON and EDGARTOWN (Marthas Vineyard) have the equivalent. Hell, even SYDNEY can match this.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>BIGGEST TOURIST TRAP</i></b><br />
<b>SECRET CAVES - upper NY state</b><br />
<b>This place is dead lucky for its location about midway between NYC and NIAGARA making it the perfect break-trip call-in. Apparently the caves were refuges for local cattle back in the day and this is how they were found by early settlers. But as far as underground caves are concerned, I thought them way ordinary. The countryside on the short trip off the interstate was sure pretty, however</b><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">THE UGLY</span></i></b><br />
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<b><i>Genuinely ugly dude.</i></b><br />
<b><i>Don't get much uglier than the current TEZZA. Maybe looking a bit more rugged than normal on account of just finishing a 14km down and back by bicyle on the ATLANTIC CITY BOARDWALK.</i></b><br />
<b><i>Hard to tell that under that weathered exterior is a honed athlete could handle a posse of pole dancers in one session - and win a district age-group triathlon afterwards. Except for the dodgy knees and 2 life-threatening health problems. How good was life only 3 years ago?</i></b><br />
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<b><i>LAND OF THE FREE - NOT</i></b><br />
<b>There are more rules, regulations and "DO NOT" signs in the USA, plus cops and other officials to enforce them**, than any other democracy I've visited. I put this down to the surplus of lawyers leading to a litigious society. And probably a backlash from 9/11.</b><br />
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<b>**average Americans are lovely people but it seems that if you give them a uniform and some authority many go on a power trip. The over-reaction of lifeguards at ORCHARD BEACH and ATLANTIC CITY BEACH to non-threatening situations left me gob smacked.</b><br />
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<b><i>"NO" is the theme.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>Say WHAT?.... WHY?</i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><br />
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<i><b>More</b></i><br />
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<i><b>....and more.</b></i><br />
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<b><i>THE SUBWAY</i></b><br />
<b>Hold on, I listed NYC's SUBWAY under "<i>THE GOOD"</i>. But initially the subway lived up to its ugly reputation - confusing, noisy, often hot, overcrowded and dirty. TIP - give it time: with experience it tends to do the job well.</b><br />
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<b><i>HOMELESS</i></b><br />
<b>I can't complain of being hassled by street people - maybe the era of ZERO TOLERANCE has removed that. But what I thought ugly was the<i> sheer number</i> of these people. Once again, the lack of a social safety net in the USA was showing the results, something someone from a country which has a good safety net system and doesn't pay huge taxes finds hard to understand.</b><br />
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<b><span style="color: yellow;">IF YOU DISAGREE WITH MY JUDGEMENT, SEE MISTAKES OR HAVE EXTRA INFO PLEASE POST IN BELOW. BUT IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS PLEASE ASK THEM ON <a href="http://tezzasthaiinfo.blogspot.com/2007/10/forum.html?commentPage=3">THE FORUM </a>WHICH I CHECK FAIRLY OFTEN WHEREAS I SELDOM GET BACK TO THESE INDIVIDUAL PAGES.</span></b>
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<br />tezzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06099777760234890854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-235257059160442691.post-80742318162641528612020-02-17T15:49:00.002+11:002020-02-17T21:34:54.061+11:00FIJI - DRAVUNI ISLAND<b>VISITED LATE JAN 2020</b><br />
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<b>I've spent a lot of time in Fiji - first as a package tourist to the CORAL COAST of the main island of VITI LAVU in the 70s, then as a backpacker in about a dozen places mainly on small islands off the coast of VITI LAVU. That was back in the days (late 80s) before this blog, when I travelled super-light with no camera, so I have no shots to show you of these idyllic locations. </b></div>
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<b>Since then I've previously visited twice on cruise ships - this latest was the third cruise visit and was kinda unique: I'd not been anywhere SOUTH of the main island and certainly not to any place as out of the way as DRAVUNI </b></div>
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<b><i>DRAVUNI is a small island NE of Fiji's southern island of KADUVU.</i></b></div>
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<b><i>All those tiny islands to center/right of image are part of Fiji.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>DRAVUNI and neighbouring islands are surrounded by the GREAT ASTROLABE REEF which makes for a big and very sheltered lagoon, ideal for cruise ship anchorage.</i></b><br />
<b><i>The reef apparently has an awesome drop-off and excellent diving, but distance-wise you are going to need a boat from the island. Funny thing - I didn't see anyone offering dive trips on DRAVUNI - or on the ship. Maybe other cruise-lines (this one was PRINCESS) offer dive trips.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>DRAVUNI is compact at abt 2000x500m. There are no roads, vehicles or cinemas. The only village of 200 people is in the north west of the island.- solar panels, satellite dishes and outboard fishing boats instead of outrigger canoes are the only indication of the 21st century - otherwise things are much the same as way back. The main western beach runs the full length of the island - there are several smaller beaches on the eastern side. A hill about 130m high is at the south end - a lower ridge extends from this hill up the center of the island.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>Locals had this helpful map set up near the landing pier. Details will be clearer if you can click-expand. Note the path to the southern hill (on the right of this tilted image) is said to be not too steep for most people. I demurred on account my wrecked knees are only good for a few hundred meters these days. But I did try the cross island track from the village to one of the east coast beaches - found the short section across the ridge extremely steep and had to give up on that one too, despite helper ropes. Bad knees hate steep descents.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>DRAVUNI from the ship.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>The ship from DRAVUNI</i></b><br />
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<b><i>The arrivals area with the only village behind.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>Area behind arrivals pier.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>The main western beach SOUTH of arrivals. Wide enough from the high tide mark, dry sand more white than yellow and reasonably fine, not much of that pesky coral debris or broken shell. Bit of rock on entry to water but limited. Water clear, no waves or currents (lee side of island + reef protection), shelved normally to about 3m deep 70m out - I took a mask but few fish, not any coral and I wasn't prepared to go the 1km+ to the outer reef where the good stuff is. The east coast beaches are said to have decent snorkelling - I'd be looking around the rocks at each end.</i></b><br />
<b><i>Note southern hill in background, shade trees in back of beach (good idea to seek a tree cleared of ripe coconuts). </i></b><br />
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<b><i>The main western beach NORTH of arrivals. More of the same.</i></b><br />
<b><i>Note Fiji is subject to TROPICAL CYCLONES (aka HURRICANES/TYPHOONS) which can drastically alter beach/water conditions.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>Behind the beach, locals had set up market stalls with the usual touristy clothing, trinkets, food + drinks, hair braiding, massages etc. They were offering around island boat rides for $aud10. One enterprising place had rental camp-chairs set up in back of the sand.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>The village is immediately inland from the north-west section of the main beach. Worth a wander - the locals are extremely friendly. If you are lucky you might chance apon a cultural ceremony. For some reason I took no village pix - had to pinch this one from the <a href="https://www.hollandamerica.com/blog/destinations/south-pacific/volendam-visits-dravuni-island-in-fiji/">Holland America Cruise Line blog.</a></i></b><br />
<b>Note Fijians are extremely religious and conservative - cover up swimwear when visiting the village.</b><br />
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<b><span style="color: yellow; font-size: large;">If you see mistakes or have additional info please post below. But ask any questions on THE FORUM accessed via the INDEX: I check it frequently whereas I seldom revisit individual destination pages such as this one.</span></b></div>
tezzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06099777760234890854noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-235257059160442691.post-62129981396767647732019-10-12T11:19:00.006+11:002020-08-24T07:05:31.677+10:00MASSACHUSETTS BEACHES<br />
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<b><i>KATAMA BEACH MARTHAS VINEYARD</i></b><br />
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<b>MASSACHUSETTS has thousands of beaches - no way did I have time to check them all so I confined myself to some on CAPE COD, MARTHAS VINEYARD and NANTUCKET. I tried to concentrate on those beaches the reviews said were above average.</b><br />
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<b>AREA COVERED</b><br />
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<b><i>BOSTON** is about 210m/340km by road from NYC. It's another 60m/100km until you cross the CAPE COD CANAL which is the western boundary of CAPE COD. Then it's another 9m/15km to the biggest settlement and main port BARNSTABLE/HYANNIS although you can go a hell of a lot further: trendy PROVINCETOWN in the far north is 62m/100km from the canal.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>NANTUCKET ISLAND is abt 25m/40km offshore from HYANNIS.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>MARTHAS is 20m/30km although parts of it are much closer to CAPE COD.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>** NOTE BOSTON is in the wrong place on this image - that's just south of PROVIDENCE RI. BOSTON is out of image slightly top right. Correcting the map is very time consuming and I'm feeling lazy - so sue me.</i></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">CAPE COD</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>CAPE COD is an extension of the MASSACHUSETTS mainland at left, not an island, but technically it became one in 1914 when the 7m/11km CAPE COD CANAL was opened, effectively surrounding the cape on all sides with water. The canal cut boating distances from NYC to BOSTON by 135m/217km, a great boon to both commercial and leisure shipping.</i></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>There are 15 towns on the Cape although with a tight dance-card I confined my time to HYANNIS and PROVINCETOWN.</i></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: medium;"><i> </i></span></b><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>The Cape is famous in history as the place of first landing by the PILGRIMS (at PROVINCETOWN) although European visitors go much earlier - there are several documented visits by PORTUGUESE navigators, plus rumoured calls-ins by THE VIKINGS.</i></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Once again BOSTON above is shown in the wrong place - it should be out of image top centre/left.</i></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Labels may be clearer if you can click-expand image.</i></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><i>HYANNIS BEACHES</i></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: small;">I based myself in HYANNIS. It has several beaches in town, the most noteworthy below:</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: small;"><i>VETERANS PARK BEACH and KALMUS BEACH are both on OCEAN ST approx 1100m and 1800m respectively from HYANIS' small inner harbour which is only 400m south of the E-W main st (just out of image top).</i></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Note how well the inner harbour is protected first by LEWIS BAY (the main body of water on the image) which in turn is protected from the open ocean (sometimes referred to as NANTUCKET BAY) at the foot of image. It's no mystery why HYANNIS became a major harbour last century.</i></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Famous HYANNIS PORT which was the summer hangout of the KENNEDYS starts west of that N-S line (which is actually SEA ST) at image far west and goes out of image. "PORT" is a bit of a stretch - a long breakwall (bottom left dark) does give shelter from the ATLANTIC swells to small craft but is a bit exposed for bigger vessels. </i></span></b><b><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Maybe back in the day.......</i></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: small;"><i>As you can see, there's lots more strips of sand around LEWIS BAY, the INNER HARBOUR and the ATLANTIC COAST bottom left, but my dance card was kinda full and I didn't make them. </i></span></b><br />
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<b>VETERANS PARK BEACH</b><br />
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<b><i>VETERANS PARK BEACH is the strip of sand from image top to YACHT CLUB pier, a distance of abt. 280m. The park area is between the beach and N-S road (OCEAN ST) - that vividly white area towards the south end of the park is actually a new concrete extension of the car park which also stretches north immediately behind the sand. The KENNEDY MEMORIAL PLACEMARK is at top - might be worth click-expanding image to make labels clearer. The KOREAN WAR MEMORIAL is in those trees back of center beach.</i></b><br />
<b><i>The beach below the yachting pier is private to club and condo people.</i></b><br />
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<b>This is a beach best suited to families with little kids and non-swimmers on account it's position on protected LEWIS BAY means open ocean swell seldom penetrates so there is no need to worry about tricky waves and associated rip-currents 99% of the time. The bay also has very shallow water so it is possible for people to wade far from shore. All the same, keep a close eye on kids (despite lifeguards in summer) - they can get into trouble so quickly, even in benign areas. One other thing about the isolation from the open ocean and the shallowness - the water seemed a few degrees warmer than open ocean beaches nearby.</b><br />
<b>Sand tends to be more tan-yellow than white with quite a lot of shells and small pebbles near the water. In the water the stones continue - mostly rounded so no trouble for waders.</b><br />
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<b><i>VETERANS BEACH from the north end - not narrow and uncrowded 11AM on a nice week day about a fortnight before LABOR DAY. Note YACHT CLUB in background with pier out into bay to the left.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>VETERANS BEACH from the south end.</i></b><br />
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<b>THE PARK AREA</b><br />
<b>This grassed and treed area is not small, occupying a 280x130m area between the beach and OCEAN ST. In the north it contains the JFK MEMORIAL, central treed areas contain the KOREAN WAR MEMORIAL, plus there is a kids' playground, change areas, a food outlet, lifeguards' building and numerous picnic tables and benches. There are a couple of grills.</b><br />
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<b><i>The JFK MEMORIAL was restrained and well worth a visit.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>North end of VETERANS BEACH and LEWIS BAY from the JFK MEMORIAL That's the NANTUCKET VEHICLE FERRY heading towards the even more protected INNER HARBOUR about a km north</i></b><br />
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<b><i>War memorials always move me - make me feel how lucky my life has been.</i></b><br />
<b><i>My camera ran out of battery so I had to pinch this one from <a href="https://capecodphotoalbum.com/hyannis.html">CAPE COD PHOTO ALBUM</a> via good old GOOGLE IMAGES.</i></b><br />
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<b>ACCESS</b><br />
<b>The beach and park are a walkable distance south along OCEAN ST of the popular HYANNIS INNER HARBOUR, MAIN ST AREA and not much further from the regional bus center (HYANNIS TRANSPORT CENTER). They are also on the route of the handy HYANNIS TROLLEY which does a free circuit past HYANNIS' main attractions every 45 minutes from the TRANSPORT CENTER. Will put down/pick up wherever safe. The beach/park are about 70% into the anticlockwise circuit.</b><br />
<b>There is a big parking lot behind the sand - unfortunately the cost is $20 irrespective of time spent (although if you are keen you can use the parking ticket at 3 other BARNSTABLE area beaches the same day). The good news is that walk/cycle-ins enter free. There is also a smaller half hour lot adjacent the JFK MEMORIAL for people wanting to check the sand or the memorials.</b><br />
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<b><i>The free HYANNIS TROLLEY goes past VETERANS BEACH</i></b><br />
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<b>SUM UP</b><br />
<b>I kinda enjoyed my two visits here, not so much for the beach which is pretty ordinary by great beach standards, (although if I had a few kids in tow I would have thought differently), but because of the MEMORIALS and the general park area which is a great place to relax after the walk down from town.</b><br />
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<b>KALMUS BEACH</b><br />
<b>This is actually a TWIN beach, being located on DUNBAR POINT SPIT at the entrance to LEWIS BAY, about a km further south than VETERANS BEACH. Spits usually have beaches both sides, so here we are talking KALMUS BAY SIDE - and less than 200m south on the other side of the spit, KALMUS OCEAN SIDE.</b><br />
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<b>KALMUS BAY SIDE AND OCEAN SID BEACHES.</b><br />
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<b><i>This area is less than 2km south along OCEAN ST (far left of image) from the busy HYANNIS INNER HARBOUR and not much futher to the main street and bus station (HYANNIS TRANSPORT CENTER). It is also on the HYANNIS TROLLEY route which is a good option seeing the big parking lot charges $20 irrespective of duration - walk or cycle-ins FREE. I walked down from the harbour area one visit - didn't take too long and VETERANS PARK (up page) is a good place for a rest about half way.</i></b><br />
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<b>KALMUS BAY SIDE BEACH</b><br />
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<b><i>This is nicely protected from any brisk onshore sea breezes and ocean swell (with the associated rip currents) so is a good beach for families with little kids. The water tends to be fairly shallow and slightly warmer than the other side.</i></b><br />
<b><i>Sand was pretty ordinary - a grey shade of white with lots of shell fragments. Nice and wide here adjacent the access from the amenities block, narrower elsewhere. It stretches about 700m from LEWIS BAY entrance to right of pic to the HYANNIS YACHT CLUB far background. </i></b><br />
<b><i>Nice and sheltered from the brisk onshore sea breezes. There was not a big crowd this nice August week day.</i></b><br />
<b><i>I'd rate this beach very average unless I had little kids in tow.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>The wider section of KALMUS BAY SIDE adJacent access from the amenities block (white arrow).</i></b><br />
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<b>KALMUS OCEAN SIDE</b><br />
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<b><i>The south side beach seen from the entrance to LEWIS BAY. Note the weed - there were also lots of shells and stones in this area too. Breakwall in foreground stretches right across the entrance and bookends BAY SIDE beach too - popular with people fishing and after a view.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>KALMUS OCEAN SIDE is slightly longer and a fair bit wider than the bay side beach. My visits saw strong onshore sea breezes which made things a bit unpleasant - hence few people on the beach. However it may be the place to head for on those really hot summer days when there is a bit of a sea breeze around.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>However the breezy conditions where just the ticket for about half a dozen wind-surfers. They no doubt rate this beach way above my BARELY AVERAGE.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>Big AMENITIES BLOCK is mid-spit, halfway between each beach. Contains change sheds, lifeguards' area, a small museum like section, and a food outlet with a big undercover seating section which you can see at its left.</i></b><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">PROVINCETOWN BEACHES</span></i></b><br />
<b>PROVINCETOWN in the far north of Cape Cod is a hell of a long way from HYANNIS but according to my research, has some of the best beaches on CAPE COD. So I jumped on a series of buses and slowly made my way up to the far northern area of the Cape. When I arrived I found the annual GAY PRIDE PARADE was on that day, and that the trendy town was crowded with an estimated 100,000 visitors, good fun but making regular transport out to the nearby beaches a bit disrupted.</b><br />
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<b>SOME GAY-PRIDE PARADE PIX</b><br />
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<b><i>Everyone likes fancy dress - it seems a lot of visitors both straight and gay decided to get in the mood of the celebration by dressing up outrageously and parading up and down main street for several hours before the main parade. Most of the above shots are pre-parade pix.</i></b>
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<b>THE BEACHES</b><br />
<b>There are lotsa beaches in this area - actually the beach in town is not too bad - but the two which get the rave reviews are HERRING COVE BEACH and RACE POINT BEACH.</b><br />
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<b><i>Each beach is a few kms out of town, HERRING COVE the closer. Access is no problem with big parking areas and a connection by modestly priced beach shuttle bus which does a circuit every 30 or 60 minutes (see online schedule). Actually there are 2 shuttles - the NORTH TRURO one goes to places on the far right of these images (bigger buses from the south don't stop the PROVINCETOWN side of TRURO VILLAGE on safety grounds). Cycling is also big in this area and a popular way to access beaches. Shuttles have bike racks if you are feeling lazy on return.</i></b><br />
<b><i>Each beach is part of the CAPE COD NATIONAL SEASHORE - a national park set up by JFK to protect north-east CAPE COD from development. This ranges over 40m/64km of the eastern and northern CAPE COD ATLANTIC COAST, wrapping around the northern most point (in shot) and heading down the west facing CAPE COD BAY to the tip of the hook adjacent the 5KM marker. You have more or less a continuous strip of sand along this distance. Sand dunes back the beach in many places, not least the northern sections in this image.</i></b><br />
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<b>RACE POINT BEACH</b></i><br />
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<b><i>Being a section of a 64km long strip of sand, RACE POINT is not short of length. And it is plenty wide from the high tide mark in shot to the dunes in back. Sand was nothing special - reviews talked of white sand but it was struggling to make off-whit my visit and there was a fair bit of shell grit and small stones at the high water mark.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>Access is via a 100m path thru the dunes from the parking area. Have footwear, that rubber paving can get hot.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>RVs had taken over the beach about 300m north - GOOGLE MAPS shows and access lane.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>Dunes covered with the usual featureless dune grass.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>Wouldn't be the LAND OF THE FREE without the usual restrictive signage.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>RACE POINT BEACH has a big parking area - cost is $15 a day. Rear left is the change shed area - there was also a food van doing good business back there. Note beach wheelchair - a mobility-impaired person arrived and lifeguards produced this neat gadget to take them to their place of choice down on the beach. This is something Australian life-savers don't provide. Neat.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>Just when you thought it safe to go into the water....</i></b><br />
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<b>RACE POINT BEACH COURTESY GOOGLE EARTH</b><br />
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<b>MY RATING - this is not a bad beach but is nothing special - overall I'd rate it AVERAGE. </b><br />
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<b>Which brings me to TRIPADVISOR reviewers' ratings - of the 1400+ about this beach at the time of writing only 4% agreed with my AVERAGE rating. Fully 73% thought it EXCELLENT with another 21% at ABOVE AVERAGE.</b><br />
<b>Which leads me to the conclusion that a lot of reviewers don't know what they are talking about - many attend a beach once a year when on holiday and to them any cleanish strip of sand with sparkling blue water is excellent. And then there are others who use the ratings system as AN AFFIRMATION OF THEIR INFALLIBLE TASTE<i> - they selected this beach, so of course it's excellent. </i>Finally we have a bunch of very experienced beachgoers who prefer these big open rather featureless beaches, Fair enough that they rate them higher than me - but heck: EXCELLENT? I've seem many way better examples of this type of beach. So I think most of these experienced big wide beach lovers would be rating one step down from EXCELLENT at ABOVE AVERAGE/VERY GOOD.</b><br />
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<b><i>HERRING COVE BEACH</i></b><br />
<b>This is the second of PROVINCETOWN''s beaches the reviews rave about as being something special (70% rated EXCELLENT - say what?) - but I was disappointed; to me this beach was not bad, not extra good - AVERAGE by world standards.</b><br />
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<b><i>HERRING COVE SOUTH - typical of the beach here, definitely narrower: probably not as aesthetically pleasing as RACE POINT - but there are other pluses which lift it to a similar level.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>HERRING POINT NORTH - the parking area extends to the north which allows beach-goers to extend much further along the beach than RACE POINT. Arrow point at entrance to a rather big mid dune lagoon/swamp called "HATCHES HARBOR" - the entrance was kinda shallow and was proving a great place for kids. Be aware these places change over time. CAVEAT: this area is at least 1KM/600yards north of the beach entrance, but way less if you manage to score one of those northern parking spots.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>HERRING POINT SOUTH - note the rocks. I also say some lumps of tar-like dumped boat bunker fuel - dumping this is illegal but proof? Lotsa passing boats of all sizes. Fortunately it was not widespread. </i>UPDATE AUGUST 2020 - "Fitguy" saw my tar remarks on a review I did for TRIPADVISOR and messaged me that the tar is actually the remnants of the old parking lot which was destroyed by a storm a few years back. Good to know<i>.</i></b></div><div><b><i>Sand was closer tan-yellow than the white many reviews mentioned. ARROW points towards nude area: apparently there are LESBIAN and GAY areas betweenn - life guards told me nude area is abt 1km south - I'm a naturist but was not prepared to walk this just to see another nude beach. So shoot me.</i></b><br />
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<b>BUT HERE'S THE THING - I thought the lateral stratification of the beach - TEXTILES/LESBIANS/GAYS/NUDES was a PLUS over RACE POINT which was a much more concentrated textiles only area.</b><br />
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<b>Another PLUS was the food outlet - in place of the FOOD TRUCK with deficiency of seating at RACE POINT, here we have a full service outlet with way more eats then fries/soda (even went to wine in cans) and lotsa sit down areas under shade.</b><br />
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<i><b>HERRING POINT BEACH FOOD OUTLET</b></i><br />
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<b><i>HERRING COVE LIFE GUARDS</i></b><br />
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<b><i>As can be seen, these dudes had a pretty easy task on the day I visited when surf conditions were very benign. But don't be fooled - little kids can get into trouble so quickly even in the calmest of conditions and those dudes in shot may be distracted by those hot co-eds in the G-strings: I know every male on the beach except cool-hand TEZZA was. If someone gets into trouble alert the life-guards: they have the surf/rescue knowledge and endurance which the average dude hasn't. I don't wanna think about the number of people drown when trying to help others in trouble.</i></b><br />
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<i><b>The beach shuttle - this starts in town and does a circuit which includes HERRING COVE and RACE POINT on a 30/60mins schedule (look online - my day was complicated by route changes in town due to the parade).</b></i><br />
<i><b>Arrow points to receptacle where passengers put $10 NATIONAL PARK ENTRANCE fee. A bit stiff if like me you just wanna check the beach, not stay any length of time.</b></i><br />
<b><i>Shuttle has bike racks for people who dont wanna ride back to town (PROVINCETOWN is very big on bike rentals). This brings up another plus of this beach over RACE POINT - closer to town and with few sand-dune gradients.</i></b><br />
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<b>OVERALL - once again I thought this was an okay beach, but nothing to get excited about. Aesthetically is is not quite as good as RACE POINT,but has the advantages of closer to town, more diversification and a much better food outlet. However these were not enough to drag it higher in my rating - I also give this one an AVERAGE rating - albeit a bit higher than RACE POINT.</b><br />
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<b>THOSE SUNSETS - I didn't stay for sunset. But from reader reviews, I get the idea that this west facing beach does those pretty well. So if I was judging solely from the point of view of being a sunset beach, maybe my rating may be higher than AVERAGE.</b><br />
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<b><i>I had to borrow this pic from<a href="https://www.pinterest.com.au/pin/343047696597844794/"> PINTEREST/PROVINCETOWN</a></i></b><br />
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<b><br /></b><b>HERRING COVE BEACH AREA</b><br />
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<b>NANTUCKET ISLAND</b></span></i><br />
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<b>This small island (4.5m x14m/7km x 23km) is abt 30m/48km south of Cape Cod. It is the outward remnant of an ice age out-wash plain, isolated from the mainland by sea level increase. As such it is pretty flat with few hills. There are quite a lot of small lakes which were formerly big ice lumps in the sandy/gravelly outwash. Plenty of island and offshore sand has contributed to beach construction - and so we have a more or less continuous strip of sand from the western-most point, along the south coast up to the north-east point of the island (42km/25mi) - -past here heading west again along the north coast is much the same with a few interruptions for inlets and bays. If a BARRIER BEACH is an offshore beach (maybe connected to the mainland in a few spots) behind which is a lagoon-like area, I guess the eastern half of the north coast fits. Confusingly, most of the rest seems similar to barrier beaches I know - long, featureless, backed by low dunes (although there are also low cliffs in the north east and along parts of the north coast).</b><b><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></b>
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<b>Parts of the island not settled (there are a few villages apart from NANTUCKET TOWN, of which SIASCONET is probably the largest) are covered by the type of forest and scrub not fussed by the sandy soil and are reasonably attractive. Sandy soil was and is a big barrier to any meaningful agriculture on the island. Whaling on the other hand.....</b><br />
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<b>I think NANTUCKET is reasonably attractive. It looks good, has a lot of interesting history which the locals have preserved nicely, some small very attractive towns and the beaches are not bad. At the same time, I think this place has been over-hyped in the same way THE HAMPTONS on LONG ISLAND have - there is too much money chasing nice spots in NE USA which had elevated these pretty good places way too much. In no way do the beaches, towns etc meet the "EXCELLENT" rating so many TRIPADVISOR reviews give them. In truth, most GREEK ISLANDS would blow NANTUCKET out of the water when it comes to landscape, villages, history, killer beaches. But NYC people can fly to NANTUCKET in 90mins and drive/ferry under 5 hours - way fewer than the GREEK ISLANDS. </b><br />
<b>Um....the CARIBBEAN islands are way closer.</b><br />
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<b><i>SURFSIDE BEACH</i></b><br />
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<b><i>SURFSIDE is part of the seemingly endless strip of sand on NANTUCKET's south coast. The majority of beach-goers were concentrated on the sand around the scale line/near where the access track from PARKING arrived.</i></b><br />
<b><i>Yellow arrow represents HOSTELING INTERNATIONAL NANTUCKET, where a dorm bed cost me a fraction of the average nosebleed holiday accommodation tariff. NANTUCKET is an expensive island. </i></b><b><i>Seems like I'm gloating about the accommodation deal I got - well price-wise I am, but in terms of the usual HOSTELING INTERNATIONAL HOSTEL<a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Hotel_Review-g29527-d619049-Reviews-Star_of_the_Sea_Hostel-Nantucket_Massachusetts.html"> it was kinda disappointing.</a></i></b><br />
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<b>SUNSET OPPOSITE THE ARRIVAL TRACK</b><br />
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<b><i>This is a fairly popular beach, as seen by the crowd close to the access track from the carpark/amenities. The sand is not exactly that blinding white the NANTUCKET publicity bits talk about, but at least nice and wide here from the high tide mark to the start of the dunes - length is indeterminate stretching off towards the horizon for miles but further sections are given different names eg FISHERMANS BEACH to the east and MIACOMET to the west but don't ask me where the boundaries are.</i></b><br />
<b><i>Surf was benign the days I visited but this beach faces the open ATLANTIC and at times gets quite big swell - with associated dangerous surf and rip currents. Surfer dudes would love this - others less so. Fortunately life-guards are provided.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>The beach is backed by up to 200m of low dunes with the usual dune grass. I find such back-drops pretty boring. The longish access path has more than its fair share of gravel and sharp grass seeds plus gets a bit hot under the sun - footwear recommended.</i></b><br />
<b><i>That's the AMENITIES block background right - the PARKING AREA starts to the left. This is very large - hourly buses from town terminate in the area close to the access path above.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>This is THE BEACH SHACK - containing dressing sheds/showers far end and a food outlet closer to camera. I was not real impressed with the exxy prices at the outlet, and my hamburger was pretty mushy too. There is a taco truck around the back (no bargain) and some picnic tables but not a lot of seating near camera.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>About 600m west an access track allowed these off-roaders to hold a tailgate parties on the beach. This apparently is pretty popular on the island and is about the only use in 4WD these vehicles get. Not sure if this is still SURFSIDE or has some other name - is a bit short of MIACOMET.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>In the other direction, I could see a smaller crowd about 400m east of the main group 4 pix up page, no doubt where some main access track or road hits the beach. </i></b><br />
<b><i>This shot gives some idea of the endless nature of NANTUCKET's southern beach. I find it boring but some people love these wide open, unlimited beaches. Others see only one beach a year on holidays on naturally think it's the best beach in the world. Plus as I've pointed out elsewhere, some people reckon whatever beach/restaurant/attraction they pick is automatically totally excellent and use the ratings system on review pages as an affirmation of their infallible taste.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>JETTIES BEACH</i></b><br />
<b>JETTY in NEW ENGLAND-speak means break- wall (all the places I know regard a jetty as a WHARF or PIER) and there are TWIN BREAK-WALLS adjacent this beach, lining the entrance to NANTUCKET CHANNEL, the entrance to NANTUCKET TOWN HARBOR</b><br />
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<b><i>ARROW points to the western "jetty" at this northern beach.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>Modified GOOGLE EARTH image shows location adjacent the entrance to the channel leading to NANTUCKET HARBOR. The beach at one stage must have been really narrow, but a section of the low sand dunes has been hollowed out to form a "cut" (WHITE ARROW) which provides quite a lot of extra flat sand for beach goers. Despite the surrounding dunes being fairly low, this area was surprisingly calm and warm given the strong cool north-east wind blowing my visit. SANDBAR RESTAURANT is in back of this "cut". </i></b><br />
<b><i>You can see the narrow beach also extends up the inside of the channel, but conditions that windy day were not nice there and there were few beach-goers in this area apart from a couple of fishermen.</i></b><br />
<b><i>JETTIES has quite big parking areas (P) behind which are some public tennis courts. A bus runs from this area the one mile into town every half hour or so. Only takes 10 minutes each way - waits outside the WHALING MUSEUM in town between runs.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>The "cut" - arrow shows SANDBAR RESTAURANT's good position at rear.</i></b><br />
<b><i>As can be seen, sand color aint exacty CARRIBEAN white. Has a fair few small stone pebbles closer the water too. Rubber matting gets pretty hot on sunny days - footwear recommended.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>The "cut" from the alfresco dining terrace at SANDBAR</i></b><br />
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<b><i>More terrace. I like these areas although in true TEZZA style I spent most time inside, nursing a beer or three at the bar.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>Apart from the bar area, inside also had more dining tables (background-left). Whole area had a good vibe - helped by the old-style 70s/80s hits on the sound system. </i></b><br />
<b><i>I reckon NSW beaches are way better than anything in NE USA but are inferior in this area - our antiquated liquor licencing laws don't allow hard stuff to be sole at the beach. However in QUEENSLAND most surf clubs have a licence - and some have terrific beach views from their beer lounges.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>Bar close-up. Check TEZZA'S cool beer can holder bottom right.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>Traveled some distance. Don't ask how I got it.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>The SANDBAR building extended further west to include change/shower areas and this section selling surf wear and craft.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>BACK TO THE BEACH</i></b><br />
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<b><i>Beach-goers braving the cooler wind in the mouth of the "cut". Note how the beach narrows down past the cut in background.</i></b><br />
<b><i>Note too the fairly benign surf despite the strong onshore wind - this beach faces the mainland which does not give enough distance for big swells to build up. So nasty surf and the associated rip currents would be pretty rare here - making it a good family beach. Despite this the beach has seasonal lifeguards.</i></b><br />
<b><i>People say these northern beaches have slightly warmer water than the ATLANTIC facing south coast beaches.</i></b><br />
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<b>SUM UP - aesthetically this beach is no great shakes. Despite this, it was my pick of the various NANTUCKET beaches I visited. I thought the beach expansion and shelter afforded by "the cut" was a great improvement and I did enjoy the atmosphere at the SANDBAR. Convenience is a plus too - this beach is the closest open ocean beach to town, has a frequent and inexpensive bus service, lotsa parking etc. Has lifeguards and is a good family destination (although surfer-dudes will be underwhelmed). Finally unlike most NE US beaches it has kinda borders - the breakwall to the east and the narrow section past the cut (as seen in the above pic) to the west - and doesn't appear to stretch on forever.</b><br />
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<b><i>NANTUCKET TOWN BEACHES</i></b><br />
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<b>CHILDRENS BEACH is tucked into the north-west corner of NANTUCKET HARBOUR only a few hundred meters from the ferry piers and downtown. </b><br />
<b>BRANT POINT is the prromitory where the incoming channel from the sea turns into NANTUCKET HARBOUR. </b><br />
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<b><i>CHILDREN'S BEACH</i></b><br />
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<b><i>As can be seen, CHILDREN'S BEACH is pretty compact - the sand area only abt 100mx30. Behind is a park type area in the north and a smaller area to its south with change sheds, a food outlet and some picnic type seats and tables.</i></b><br />
<b><i>The beach has lifeguards and a netted enclosure - not a bad idea:anecdotally harbour areas a sharkier than most. Water clarity not bad but not as clear as open ocean beaches. Parking is pretty limited. Authorities put on kid-friendly activities during the summer. </i></b>
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<b><i>BRANT POINT BEACH</i></b><br />
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<b><i>EAST COAST NANTUCKET - SIASCONSET</i></b><br />
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<b><i>WEST COAST NANTUCKET - MADAKET BEACH</i></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: yellow; font-size: large;">ATTENTION - THIS IS A WORK IN PROGRESS: SHOULD BE FINISHED IN A FEW DAYS - tezza Oct12</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: yellow; font-size: large;">UM - MAYBE A FEW MORE THAN A FEW- IT'S NOW Oct 22 AND i'VE JUST COME HOME FROM A CRUISE. FINDING IT HARD TO GET MOTIVATED RE WRITING.</span></b><br />
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tezzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06099777760234890854noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-235257059160442691.post-26579624052424728492019-07-06T11:10:00.000+10:002019-07-18T16:13:17.760+10:00THE SOUTH WEST GILI ISLANDS - GEDE AND LAYAR<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>VISITED JUNE 2019</b></div>
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<b><i>Sunrise just south of mainland LOMBOK's RINJANI VOLCANO from GILE GEDE (late June - sun will move rigtht until late December).</i></b><br />
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<b>Gili means "small island". LOMBOK has hundreds - the best known are the NORTH WEST GILIS of TRAWANGAN, MENO and AIR but others offer holiday possibilities, the SOUTH WEST GILIS (aka "THE SECRET GILIS") among them.</b><br />
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<b>LOCATION</b><br />
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<i><b> I've long checked out the small islands off LOMBOK's south west peninsula </b></i><i><b>from those creaky slow vehicle ferries out of PADANGBAI in BALI</b></i><i><b> when cruising towards west LOMBOK's</b></i><i><b> main west coast ferry port of LEMBAR - on hearing there is now a fast boat connection from Bali's KUTA I decided it was </b><b>time to check some out. The fast boat lands at GILE GEDE - I spent 6 nights there split by 4 on neighbouring GILI LAYAR</b></i><br />
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<i><b>GEDE and LAYAR</b></i><br />
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<i><b>GEDE and tiny LAYAR are quite close to the mainland whose main departure point is the small fishing town of TEMBOWONG.</b></i><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">GILI GEDE</span></b><br />
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<i><b>Seen here from slightly north of west, GEDE is about 4km long and averages 0.8km across. The near peninsula (which actually stretches west) is about 1km long. Total island circumference 13km. There are 3 lakes/lagoons/swamps (arrowed) - 2 tidal. That's the mainland top right.</b></i><br />
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<b><i>GEDE (here from the north-east) is quite hilly - as a matter of fact people from flat countries might say some higher areas are small mountains. Note I have cranked in some vertical exaggeration to show the relief - nevertheless no way is this a flat island.</i></b><br />
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<b>VILLAGES</b><br />
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<b><i>GEDE has a few thousand people spit between 5 villages and a handful of smaller settlements. Central-west PEGAMETAN is largest, followed by TANJUNGAN far south-east. Locals are Muslim so no dogs, surprisingly few cats (maybe they aren't compatible with the free range chickens). No cars, some motos. Main activities are fishing, cattle, goats and chickens with tourism increasing in importance.</i></b><br />
<b><i>The arrival pier for the fast boat is in the central east's ORONG BUKAI which is joined to PEGAMETAN by a 300m path with houses all along. Don't ask where one village stops/other begins.</i></b><br />
<b><i>Each village has a mosque. They are close enough that the 5am call to prayers becomes an overlapping chorus - even better in the south when the 2 nearest mainland mosques join in.</i></b><b><i> </i></b><br />
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<b>EXPLORING THE ISLAND</b></i><br />
<b>At 13km around it's too big to do in one hit, especially on my worn out painful knees, so I did the NORTH HALF one day, the SOUTH HALF the next.</b><br />
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<b>NORTH HALF</b><br />
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<b><i>Tracks once went almost right around but a lot of disruptive building activity in the west saw me walking the beach past the NE corner down to PEGAMETAN. I went anticlockwise from ORONG BUKAI - took 2.5hours for the full circuit - good knees may almost halve this.</i></b><br />
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<i><b>Only 5 minutes north of the ORONG BUKAI pier I found the tidal entrance to the NE lake/lagoon (see lake pic from viewpoint down page) - crossing done on this hand-line punt: easy.</b></i><br />
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<i><b>VILLA SELALU's beach club is at the north east corner - beach better than average here (groomed). They have done a good job cleaning up the area behind the beach - more like a park than the typical scrub.</b></i><br />
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<i><b>Cool beach park sculpture</b></i><br />
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<b><i>The villa is high on the hill behind the north-east corner.</i></b><br />
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<b>NORTH COAST</b><br />
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<b><i>GEDE's north coast is nothing to write home about - the usual narrow beach with lotsa reef debris and (in back of the sand at the high tide mark) flotsam and jetsam.</i></b><br />
<b><i>There is a big coral reef offshore - at lower tide it is pretty exposed and was a popular fossicking place for locals and (at weekends) visiting mainlander,</i></b><br />
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<b>WEST COAST</b><br />
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<b><i>GEDE's west coast beach (seen here from GILI LAYAR's viewpoint) looks ok but has the typical narrowness, beach debris and rubbish back of beach.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>There are a couple of beach houses behind the sand on the west coast - not sure of access, maybe by boat.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>Half way down the west coast is this enty/exit to the NW lake/lagoon/swamp - lake not tidal (check the low dam wall white arrow) but foreground IS and would be a bit hard to pass with dry footwear top quarter of the tide. Section to left of image had a lot of beach scrub to traverse (the beach ran out for about 200m), good footwear recommended. </i></b><br />
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<b>BEACH END</b><br />
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<b><i>The west coast beach ends top left at the eastern end of PEGAMETAN village - actually it turns across in front of the village (arrow) but is even narrower and dirtier + there's lotsa fishing boats on the sand. </i></b><br />
<b><i>Note CLEARED AREA foreground - a Singaporean company was filling an ex-swamp with spoil from the hillside close-left. The plan is to build a MULTI BED RESORT. (see CONSTRUCTION CAPERS down page).</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>From east PEGAMETAN I took the short path left out of image across the low saddle to my starting place at ORONG BUKAI pier where I arrived 2.5 hours after departure. Will take you less.</i></b><br />
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<b>SOUTH HALF</b><br />
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<b><i>Paved paths go just about all the way around the southern half. I started at ORONG BUKAI pier just out of image top right, walked the gap around the CAMPING HEADLAND rocks (yellow arrow), picked up the track again and because the tide was up, walked around the INLAND SIDE of the SE lake/lagoon/swamp (at lower tide levels it is possible to walk the beach east side of lake and wade across the mouth of the lagoon [purple arrow])</i></b><br />
<b><i> I continued on the path thru LABUAN CENIK and TANJUNGAN villages to the southern most tip - took to the rocks to cross the gap (white arrow) to the MARINA, picked up the coastal path again across to the south-west corner of the island and then up the southern west coast to GEDANG SIANG from where it is possible to walk the path the short distance to PEGAMETAN (just out of image at top) and then complete the circuit on the short path back across to ORONG BUKAI. Took me 3+ hours.</i></b><br />
<b><i>Note above (near foot of image) it is possible to take a short steep track across the steep saddle from the MARINA to TANJUNGAN, - and (halfway up the east coast) a longer but equally steep path to join the SE lakeside track, - plus (near top) continue west thru GEDANG SIANG to about halfway along the western peninsula (I didn't try to walk around the full peninsula - no paths + more tricky coastal rocks than sand).</i></b><br />
<b><i>Labels may be clearer if you can click-expand image.</i></b><br />
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<b>WALKING THE CAMPING HEADLAND AREA SOUTH OF ORONG BUKAI</b><br />
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<b><i>This is close to the very start.</i></b> </div>
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<i style="font-weight: bold;">At the southern end of ORONG BUKAI pier village the coast path ends. The obvious continuation is to walk the rocks at the base of the CAMPING HEADLAND ahead (only 150m or so - yellow arrow). However you will get wet shoes in the top quarter of the tide and have to traverse some treacherously slippery rocks ANY tide level (I went head over turkey - not such a good idea for a 73yo - we is supposed to be fragile).TAKE CARE.</i></div>
<b><i>The alternative is to go up OVER the headland - the south side (white arrow) is pretty easy but the north side was steep, overgrown and ill-defined. The CAMPING GROUND itself is spacious and has some great views - that amenities building is gutted but would be great for wet weather shelter. </i></b><br />
<b><i>Of course you can bypass all this by going by path across to PEGAMETAN and GEDANG SIANG on the island's western side, heading south and then taking the diversion back east (see map and explaination down page). But this would take 45 minutes vs 10 above.</i></b><br />
<b><br /></b><b>At coast level to the left of above image you can either walk along the sand-spit beach if the tide is below 3/4 or walk along the path in back of the lake (see 2nd pic down).</b><br />
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<b>WADE THE SE LAKE ENTRANCE</b><br />
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<b><i>If you are heading south along the beach (hard to do at higher tide levels) it is possible to shortcut across the entrance to the SE LAKE just north of LABUAN CENIK village in the bottom half of the tide and continue south on the coastal path behind the houses in pic. Above half tide you will find at least waist-deep water and may take the longer inland path around the west side of the SE LAKE - see below.</i></b><br />
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<b>SE LAKE/LAGOON/SWAMP AND PATH</b><br />
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<b><i>I modified this GOOGLE EARTH image to make the abpve hopefully clearer. </i></b><br />
<b><i>Note if you are coming from the north to THAMARIND or adjacent neighbours, walking the beach is a bit hard top quarter of the tide - instead take the path on the lake side of the resorts; goes thru their back yards - this is a right of way which all staff and many guests use.</i></b><br />
<b><i>To the south, note how the coastal path continues out of image. It goes another 600m to where you reach the start of TANJUNGAN village.....</i></b><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /></span></span><b>TANJUNGAN VILLAGE</b><br />
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<b><i>The coastal path comes around the far point and ends just left of camera. TANJUNGAN is behind this whole section. The second biggest village on the island, it is quite attractive and has a bunch of resorts and restaurants/cafes which seem oriented towards mainland visitors. I was impressed with the location and appearance of THE BEACH and TANJUNGAN BUKIT resorts.</i></b><br />
<b><i>Turn 180 degrees for the following view.....</i></b><br />
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<b>ISLAND'S FAR SOUTH - THE DEL RAY MARINA AREA</b><br />
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<b><i>The coastal path ends to right of camera so you have to hoof it over the rocks (no problems and I'm a long time rock-hop hater).</i></b><br />
<b><i>Note SECRET ISLAND RESORT in this area, an old time favourite of visitors, was closed down JUNE 2019 - owner very sick.</i></b><br />
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<b>DEL RAY MARINA REFURBISHMENT</b><br />
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<b><i>Across at the marina big time refurbishments were going on - this pool was about 70% finished. See CONSTRUCTION CAPERS down page.</i></b><br />
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<b>DIVERSION - SHORT CUT BACK TO TANJUNGAN VILLAGE</b><br />
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<b><i>This paved path leads up from pool/pier areas and crosses the saddle back to JANJUNGAN 200m from top (see modified GOOGLE image up page). In this way you don't have to do any rock-hopping from the southern most point. Path very steep both sides.</i></b><br />
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<b>SOUTH-WEST CORNER OF THE ISLAND.</b><br />
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<b><i>The coastal track starts again at the pier and heads a few hundred meters west to the island's SW CORNER where Aussie NIGEL was putting in a VILLA on the hillside to left. Part of the deal was upgrading the path from dirt/concrete to cobbles. He also plans to have some boat moorings in the mangroves at right. For more see CONSTRUCTION CAPERS down page.</i></b><br />
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<b>WEST COAST PATH</b><br />
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<b><i>Past NIGEL's the coast path turns right and heads up the islands south-west side for nearly 2km to the mid-west village of GEDANG SIANG - there's a scattering of fishing and farming houses and small settlements along here, with steep hillsides starting just to the right.</i></b><br />
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<b>DIVERSION - SHORT CUT ACROSS TO THE EAST SIDE</b><br />
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<i><b>About half way along, there is a junction - head right to take a short-cut back to the east coast. This is relatively short (400m), but very steep - much more so than pic suggests.</b></i><br />
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<i><b>Although the summit is on a saddle between hills/mountains it still is abt 100m high. The drop on the other side is just as steep - comes in thru a lake-side linear settlement which makes finding the start difficult when coming from the east (I used this shortcut several times when staying at THAMARIND other side of lake).</b></i><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /></span></span>
<b>GEDANG SIANG</b><br />
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<b><i>Back on the coastal path, another 1km north gets you to the eastern side of south-facing GEDANG SIANG village. The village itself is not that attractive, has lotsa rubbish on the beach and alongside the path - and one resort, the funky PAPAYA LODGE (see down page).</i></b><br />
<b><i>The yellow arrow designates a path across to north-facing PEGAMETAN from where its a short trudge back to the starting point at the ORONG BUKIT pier. See modified GOOGLE IMAGE up page. Took me over 3 hours for the full circuit, but non-crippled knees will do it faster. </i></b><br />
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<b><i>Alternatively, if you stay on the path thru GEDANG SEDANG which then heads a little further east (to white arrow) and then inland, you will easily be able to walk a few hundred meters of bush to the northern side of the peninsula on a bush track to....</i></b><br />
<b><i><br />....VIA VICARE's BEACH</i></b><br />
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<b><i>This is on the north-facing side of the western peninsula. I shot pic from VIA VICARE resort - those employees are working hard to clear the sand of flotsam. This is one of several smaller beaches on GEDE. Once again we are not talking about a <a href="http://tezzasthaiinfo.blogspot.com/2007/04/whitsunday-cruising-on-cheap.html">WHITEHAVEN BEACH </a>competitior.</i></b><br />
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<b>NORTH-FACING WESTERN HEADLAND RESORTS</b><br />
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<b><i>These resorts are on the low headland just past the western end of PEGAMETAN village. White arrow is beach in the image above this, yellow is VIA VICARE from which a short bush track leads to purple HULA HOOP. </i></b>
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<b>VIA VICARE</b><br />
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<b><i>Pretty attractive and well located. I talked to the lady owner - seems a real sweetie.</i></b><br />
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<b>HULA HOOP</b><br />
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<b><i>Ditto. Has several cliffside sitting platforms and cabanas - the perfect place to sit with a drink or meal from the restaurant and check the view across towards G LAYAR.</i></b><br />
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<b><i> Sitting platform on the low cliff at HULA HOOP</i></b><br />
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<b><i>GEDE BEACHES</i></b><br />
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<b><i>Sand stretches from the entrance to the lake behind THAMARIND RESORT and neighbours, up the east coast, around the north of the island and half way down the west coast (exception about 200m of rocks below the CAMPING GROUND hill - purple arrow).</i></b><br />
<b><i>There are smaller patches of sand in other parts of the island.</i></b><br />
<b><i>(I modified this image from a booking.com pic - looking from the north-east) </i></b><br />
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<b><i>You won't write home to mum about the beaches - mostly strewn with reef and coral debris, lotsa rubbish back of the beach at the storm tide mark, and narrow (this is mid-tide - notice the wet sand indicates not much left at full tide). These characteristics were pretty common all over the island - however some resorts had done some sand grooming. This area is not far north of the arrivals pier on the east coast.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>West coast trash - wind blown and current -carted from mainland, other islands and passing boats.</i></b><br />
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<b>BEST BEACH SECTIONS....</b><br />
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<b><i>....were in front of THAMARIND and neithbours on the mid-east spit (yellow arrow) - however it still disappeared completely at full tide during my FULL MOON king tide period. Purple arrow points at lake/lagoon/swamp hidden by trees. I shot this from the CAMPING GROUND area....</i></b><br />
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<i><b>....+ in front of KOKOMO/adjacent FLOWER PARADISE resorts near the pier....</b>.</i><br />
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<b><i>... and.on the north east corner where VILLA SELALU's beach club had cleaned up.</i></b><br />
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<b>DESERTED</b><br />
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<b><i>The beaches may be mediocre but one thing's for sure - it's dead easy to find a patch of deserted sand (as long as the tide's not full high). It took me an hour to walk from the north-east corner to the end of the sand mid west coast - I saw no-one.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>GEDE RESORTS</i> </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>MY RESORTS</b><br />
<b>I stayed at 2: THAMMARIND and FLOWER PARADISE, each for 3 nights. </b><br />
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<b>YUT'S FLOWER PARADISE</b><br />
<b>This was my first place on arrivaL. Booked because it is only 100m walk north of the pier - after a 3 hour journey from my BALI resort I didn't feel like another 30 minute walk or expensive/bompu/wet small boat transfer - so I looked for a not-too-expensive place close to arrival with good user reviews. I wrote a TRIPADVOR report <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/ShowUserReviews-g2148152-d6535662-r686524558-Yut_Inn_Flower_Paradise-Desa_Sekotong_Barat_Lombok_West_Nusa_Tenggara.html">HERE</a>.</b><br />
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<b><i>PARADISE is only 100m north of the arrivals pier - FAST BOAT shot from my bungalow.</i></b><br />
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<i><b>PARADISE has huts of various sizes and comfort levels spread around a grassed s</b><b>q</b><b>uare.</b></i><br />
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<b><i>My elcheapo fan hut at PARADISE</i></b><br />
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<b><i>Outlook from CHEZ TEZZA at PARADISE.</i></b><br />
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<b>THAMARIND</b><br />
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<b><i>My (expensive) transfer boat from GILI LAYER nudges in to THAMARIND. The big open-sided restaurant is dead ahead. I chose THAMARIND on the basis of price, good reviews and good location (nice beach in a central position not too far from the pier). I put a review on TRIP ADVISOR which you can check out<a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/ShowUserReviews-g8707649-d10777710-r686788519-Thamarind_Resort-Gili_Gede_Gili_Islands_Lombok_West_Nusa_Tenggara.html"> HERE.</a></i></b><br />
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<b><i>CHEZ TEZZA at THAMARIND resort at right - naturally an el-cheapo fan/outside bathroom joint. But spacious, airy, comfortable. Owner told me most elcheapos being converted to inclusive b/r - bungalow on left already done.</i></b><br />
<b><i>Huts arranged around a big grassed area - mid bathroom block about 10m behind camera. </i></b><br />
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<b>THAMARIND also had some of the best snorkeling on GEDE (although it was not great) and magic sunrises making it well worthwhile being on the beachside sunbeds circa 0630 that time of year. See pics down page. The beach was good by GEDE standards although it disappeared at high tide (at least that time of month which had full moon king tides).</b>
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<b>OTHER RESORTS - on my walks around the island I called in at as many resorts I could - this is what I found:</b><br />
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<b>MOST FUNKY</b><br />
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<b> <i>PAPAYA LODGE on the western side of central-west GEDANG SIANG village seemed suitably new age....</i>.....</b><br />
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<b><i>....and TANJUNGAN BUKIT up the steep hillside east end of the far south-east's TANJUNGAN village looked different and attractive.</i></b><br />
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<b>BEST SUNSET</b><br />
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<b><i>HULA HOOP at the start of the western peninsula and immediately west of PEGAMETAN has some low-cliffside sitting platforms and cabanas ideal for watching the sun sink over nearby G LAYER. (that time of year at least).</i></b><br />
<b><i> VIA VICARE, a short distance further to right has similar although fewer platforms.</i></b><br />
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<b>BEST SUNRISE</b><br />
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<b><i>Any of the east coast resorts had good outlooks. This is from THAMARIND</i></b><br />
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<b><br /></b><b>BEST SNORKELING....</b><br />
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<i><b>....OFF THAMARIND AND NEIGHBOURS: </b><b>Gede water quality and/coral;fish are underwhelming - best off the spit seaward of the SE lake/lagoon/swamp. Good enough to keep novices interested but hard-core fin-flappers will not be impressed. Want reasonable snorkeling? Take one of the snorkeling excursions to GILI LAYAR or better still go stay there as I did for 4 nights.</b></i><br />
<b><i> The best stuff above is on the reef drop-off just past fisherman - note low tide exposes a lot of reef rock: high tide sees no beach at all - at least during my FULL MOON (king tide) visit. The above is not the best time to go snorkeling unless you are off that snokel tip boat in pix -otherwise access is a lot easier in the top half of the tide when the drop-off is about 50m from water's edge.</i></b><br />
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<b>BES</b><b>T BEACH<i> </i></b><br />
<b><i>See up page for beaches adjacent VILLA SULALU, FLOWER PARADISE and THAMARIND.</i></b><br />
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<b><br /></b><b><i>GEDE'S VIEWPOINT</i></b><br />
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<b><i>The track to the viewpoint leaves the main coastal path about 500m north of ORONG BUKAI PIER (yellow) - outlooks in various directions are spread over 100m or so of hilltop, hence the length of the white line. Note there are several higher hills/small mountains on the island but access to their tops is difficult.</i></b><br />
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<i><b>Path is signposted and fairly flat for the first few hundred meters. One way takes maybe 15 minutes, no killer slopes.</b></i><br />
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<b><i>Best views are to the north and west. South and east are not so hot (vegetation-hindered). This is the view north - that's the north-east lake/lagoon/swamp - the yellow arrow is VILA SELALU atop its NE hill.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>Close up to the west is the big new multi bed resort project being put in on a former swamp. Please excuse crap nature of this composite shot - my elcheapo camera does not always do a good job. Or maybe it's me?</i></b><br />
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<b>S<i>unset to the NW this time of year (late June) - if not for the usual cloud it would be dropping into the sea north of BALI. That's not BALI in the pic but way closer GIL1 ASSHAN</i></b><br />
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<b><i>GEDE CONSTRUCTION CAPERS</i></b><br />
<b> - lotsa new stuff going in on GEDE in June 2019.</b><br />
<b><br /></b><b>CLOSE TO THE PIER</b><br />
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<i><b>VILLA VISTA was putting in some new places higher on the hill behind ORONG BUKAI than their existing joints - some of thenew places will eventually go much higher than those in shot.</b> </i><br />
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<b>IN THE FAR SOUTH....</b><br />
<b><br /></b><b>- DEL RAY MARINA</b><br />
<b>In the very south of the island <i>DEL RAY MARINA</i> was undertaking some big time expansion.</b><br />
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<b><i>Close right is a new clubhouse-dining area - yellow arrow depicts pier area which I understood to have been refurbished first.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>Dining area has lovely outlook over the pier area, water and LOMBOK mainland. Appeared to be 80% finished late June 2019.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>New pool area below clubhouse-dining also 80% done.</i></b><br />
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<b><i> </i>There was also a lot of new work going on on BOAT SERVICE and SUPPLIES buildings.</b><br />
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<b>At first I was flummoxed about this new work. Surely a small island like Gede would not have enough boat owner residents and visitors to justify this size marina? But my friend NIGEL pointed out the marina is aimed mainly at providing somewhere for out-of-area boat owners to use as a home base for cruising the LESSER SUNDA ISLANDS: and for cruising boaties to have a good call-in spot. The fact that GEDE is half way between SINGAPORE and AUSTRALIA is significant.</b><br />
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<b>- VILLA BAKAO</b><br />
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<b><i>On GEDE's SW corner, Aussie NIGEL was putting in a new villa on the hillside. Foreground is pool area.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>NIGEL was particularly proud of the local stonework....</i></b><br />
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<b><i>....and his antique teak timber-work (source from old LOMBOK buildings)....</i></b><br />
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<b>....not to mention his deep anti-earthquake footings.</b><br />
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<b>THE BIG KAHUNA</b><br />
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<b><i>In the CENTRAL WEST just north of PEGAMETAN village a Singaporean developer is putting in a big multi bed resort - has filled a former swamp area with cut from the nearby hillside. Goes back at least 500m from camera and averages abt 90m across.</i></b><br />
<b><i>In the far north of this section VILLA OMBOK of Gili Trawangan fame is developing a smaller resort.</i></b>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">GILI LAYAR</span></b><br />
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<b>I split my 6 night GEDE visit halfway thru with 4 nights on nearby LAYAR. Every GEDE review says you must do a snorkel trip to LAYAR - so why not stay there?</b><br />
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315</div>
<b><i>GILI LAYAR from G GEDE's west coast beach.</i></b><br />
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<i><b>LAYAR is tiny and only 900m north-west of GEDE. That's the mainland bottom right of image</b></i><br />
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<i><b>As mentioned, pretty small - averaging about 900m across and 3 km around the coast. The only resort is in the south-east (white arrow). Yellow arrow points to what looks to be a similar lake/swamp to GEDE's 3, but which in fact....</b></i><br />
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<i><b>....is an infilled swamp with a lot of dense low scrub. There's still a small patch of water at purple arrow. The rest of the island has mainly been cleared of the original forest for free range cattle grazing, but a lot of secondary scrub has regrown. Cattle have cut trails thru this bush. There are also patches of fruit orchards. There are 2 farming families but I saw none of them over my 4 days (and I can't see any farmhouses in the above 2 shots: perhaps they live on GEDE and come the 10 minutes across to LAYAR to farm) - add the resort's 6 or so employees + whatever guests the 5 bungalows have and there's very few people here (away from weekends when the place attracts mainlanders) which leads to what many reviews rate as "A ROBINSON CRUSOE ATMOSPHERE". Indeed on my Thursday walk around the island I saw no-one. </b></i><br />
<i><b>My circumnavigation took 90 minutes on ruined knees - you will do it much quicker.</b></i><br />
<i><b>LAYAR is much flatter than GEDE, but has some decent hills west side - white arrow points at the VIEWPOINT (more down page)</b></i><br />
<i><b>I pinched the above shot from </b></i><i><a href="https://indonesiaproperty.investments/">INDONESIA PROPERTY INVESTMENTS</a> </i><i><b> - the block of land outlined on the south coast must have been subsequently sold because when I passed by, a NOT FOR SALE sign was prominent.</b></i><br />
<i><b>For orientation the above pic is shot off the SE corner. Check the resort on the lower right coast. Number of boats suggests this is a weekend. </b></i><br />
<i><b><br /></b></i><b>LAYAR BEACHES</b><br />
<b>- sand runs right around the island except for the west coast. But like GEDE, the beaches are less than whelming, being narrow (very little sand left most places at full tide) and littered with a lot of coral debris most places, not to mention plenty of rubbish at the storm tide mark back of beach. The best section is in front of the resort where some grooming is done. There are parts of the southern beach which are not too bad.</b><br />
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<b>BEST BEACH SECTION</b><br />
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<b><i>Resort staff groom beach to a certain extent but note there is still a fair bit of reef debris on the sand.</i></b><br />
<b><i>NOTE too the high tide mark - not a lot of sand left at full tide. Here the tide is about 3/4 high.</i></b><br />
<b><br />SOUTH BEACH....</b><br />
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<b><i>.... had the next best section - here the tide is near low but once again high tide covers most of the sand. A fair bit of rubbish back of the sand, in some places in piles obviously resulting from someone cleaning up. </i></b><br />
<b><i>A feature of all beach areas I visited was the lack of any sort of surf (makes sense in dry season when winds are benign and don't blow over much ocean - the "fetch") but I did see an aerial shot of this beach showing small wavelets coming onshore - maybe a fine day (it was sunny) in wet season when the winds are stronger and blow over a longer fetch.</i></b>
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<b>WEEKEND VISITORS</b><br />
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<b><i>Away from the resort I saw NO people except on WEEKENDS when the island attracts mainlanders - about a dozen campers and 50 or more fishermen and reef fossikers. </i></b><br />
<b><i>Top pic shows low tide reef at LAYAR's north near low tide - </i></b><b><i>GILI RENGIT in background.</i></b><br />
<b><i>Lower pic a fisherman walking the underwater spit near the reef drop-off on the island's south-east corner. GILI GEDE in background.</i></b><br />
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<b>NORTH COAST FULL LOW TIDE</b><br />
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<b><i>This was shot a little later than the pic 2 up - not real attractive except to the weekend reef fossikers.</i></b>
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<b>THE WEST COAST</b></div>
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<b><i>The full 700M distance is covered by this rock platform. I found it fairly difficult to cross even at full low tide - lotsa debris, way more pools than appears. It would be even harder as the tide came in - next to impossible at full tide (that sand in back is steep, very narrow and has plenty of hindering vegetation). Foot wear here a must (and no flip-flops).</i></b><br />
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<b>THE NORTH-WEST CORNER.....</b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibVKAoQ8qCdPcFDk_Sk89z49iZx7lDESyGBPia6F9ALqm2kf2vv__NbpQPsY5liuXQepGpWFCpLaNoZotCyhtu8OzWKnnpjzyZIUHfxCvssU1XJzKWhW8Zk22Z5zewCGeLygMwOFSb5xg/s1600/P6160384.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibVKAoQ8qCdPcFDk_Sk89z49iZx7lDESyGBPia6F9ALqm2kf2vv__NbpQPsY5liuXQepGpWFCpLaNoZotCyhtu8OzWKnnpjzyZIUHfxCvssU1XJzKWhW8Zk22Z5zewCGeLygMwOFSb5xg/s400/P6160384.JPG" width="400" /></a><b><br /></b><b><i>....would not be easier. Is about 150M of mangroves, okay at low tide with footwear, would be very difficult at high tide levels.</i></b><br />
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<b>THE SOUTH-WEST CORNER has fewer mangroves but once again would be difficult away from low tide levels.</b><br />
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<b>SNORKELING</b><br />
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<b>LAYAR is the "to go" place for snorkeling in the region - attracts many snorkeling boats (and dive boats) from GEDE and THE MAINLAND.</b><br />
<b>But I was underwhelmed - it was no-where near world class - about as good as the best in the NORTH WEST GILIS but way poorer than stuff I saw in WEST FLORES and way way poorer than AUSTRALIA's BARRIER REEF. But okay, non-hardcore snorkelers will enjoy it.</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgupxfQjnbuZl8gZw0AMmjhdqZ1uWK2XjlJJ9d9EUXy-_iZXL72HcgaI3U7-dGELasa1YvdS1im9SKH5tqmJ7dn31k2saQAG3rKHwuL_0fQsjGvpfcRH4k-Ohn7k6jeYwfRd9i7e613Eo0/s1600/AAAAAAB+%25284%2529_LI.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="610" data-original-width="610" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgupxfQjnbuZl8gZw0AMmjhdqZ1uWK2XjlJJ9d9EUXy-_iZXL72HcgaI3U7-dGELasa1YvdS1im9SKH5tqmJ7dn31k2saQAG3rKHwuL_0fQsjGvpfcRH4k-Ohn7k6jeYwfRd9i7e613Eo0/s320/AAAAAAB+%25284%2529_LI.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b><i>Best coral and fish are along the reef drop-off out from the resort (white). Gentle drift to left on the tidal current a bit like GILE TRAWANGEN - might reverse when tide changes.</i></b><br />
<b><i>Water entry a bit difficult over the reef rocks in lower half of tide but easy at the underwater spit SE corner of the island (yellow).</i></b><br />
<b><i>There were some sitting platforms behind the sand for visiting snorkeling boats which don't want to use the resort restaurant and for weekending mainlanders. The campers set themselves up in this area.</i></b><br />
<i><b> I modified this image from </b><a href="http://yourtripmate.blogspot.com/2015/08/a-getaway-to-gili-layar.html">YOUR TRIP MATE blog</a> via GOOGLE IMAGES.</i><br />
<b><i>Who knows where the blog got it from? (most blogs can't afford aerial photos even in this age of drones)</i></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0YPLiSz7vzRYRb3-bDDfHrdNNrohyA7I5X4L015eoTtLPzZUcwkxPRGNxYgPWV1SgkHAtJzje8GwmIMwZEK9NYWCcqvb7Uxs6Q2MGgQEiAmeg_rm0POZtTiJpO27gcozUgRfK_GOqhjg/s1600/P6160387.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0YPLiSz7vzRYRb3-bDDfHrdNNrohyA7I5X4L015eoTtLPzZUcwkxPRGNxYgPWV1SgkHAtJzje8GwmIMwZEK9NYWCcqvb7Uxs6Q2MGgQEiAmeg_rm0POZtTiJpO27gcozUgRfK_GOqhjg/s400/P6160387.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><i>Snorkel trip boats don't have to worry about shallowness across the reef - they unload their passengers in the deep water the other side of the drop-off.</i></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqMefXA2JR-9_AQ-Bi1mWxd-uDLwdOWUjqdUJYvcUPkWhANL9Ty2GPqKwyplYqHSgRBWShPRKa99fgWSdfAIuAi3qx7gSHxrkYfl7otkoqN7qvs6RezdyV17heB0QikXtqJ4GFlApYSig/s1600/P6140348+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="755" data-original-width="1008" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqMefXA2JR-9_AQ-Bi1mWxd-uDLwdOWUjqdUJYvcUPkWhANL9Ty2GPqKwyplYqHSgRBWShPRKa99fgWSdfAIuAi3qx7gSHxrkYfl7otkoqN7qvs6RezdyV17heB0QikXtqJ4GFlApYSig/s400/P6140348+%25282%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><i>Visiting snorkelers drifting the reef drop-off.</i></b>
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<b>THE RESORT</b><br />
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<b>LAYAR BEACH BUNGALOW is the only resort on the island, located only 100m north of the south-east corner. It is pretty low key with only 5 bungalows (yellow - 2 expensive beachfront: white - 3 budget fan outside bathroom - the 2 bathrooms are at indigo arrow). The restaurant (purple) is way bigger than 5 bungalows would suggest because it pays host to visiting snorkeling and dive boats (but only on 2 of my 5 days).</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghODaSg4QoWn-SdCaaOeInxCKWhKWtJpdU72sAAzoqSe46jHwOiXQe6vDgRO1IVl81Rj7kLFn7WQhePxrb7NMw7lDgVLW8D3or05It_k-OaK3w7JW9KbYyA-wCHaru01UtccmALmD_YaI/s1600/AAAAAA+%25282%2529_LI.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="380" data-original-width="672" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghODaSg4QoWn-SdCaaOeInxCKWhKWtJpdU72sAAzoqSe46jHwOiXQe6vDgRO1IVl81Rj7kLFn7WQhePxrb7NMw7lDgVLW8D3or05It_k-OaK3w7JW9KbYyA-wCHaru01UtccmALmD_YaI/s400/AAAAAA+%25282%2529_LI.jpg" width="400" /></i></a></div>
<b><i>The above modified GOOGLE EARTH image has crap resolution, so I went looking for a better one....</i>.</b><br />
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<b>....BETTER DEFINITION</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5WC30bcz3PnY2I0SOK0THQ2Od6PcQpiyHXFq61ZKKMY2xJy-ku8Iy61LUhf8T95U0yV-oYkF_ioN84xpXkntkXjhumx4l0Hux4Cq2K2XSlNbHgQZFw23rIjBMT-s6eMAaf5ekPUZ1GXU/s1600/AAAAAAB+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="297" data-original-width="296" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5WC30bcz3PnY2I0SOK0THQ2Od6PcQpiyHXFq61ZKKMY2xJy-ku8Iy61LUhf8T95U0yV-oYkF_ioN84xpXkntkXjhumx4l0Hux4Cq2K2XSlNbHgQZFw23rIjBMT-s6eMAaf5ekPUZ1GXU/s400/AAAAAAB+%25282%2529.JPG" width="398" /></a></div>
<i><b>....this one is a fair bit clearer. This image is modified from the <a href="http://yourtripmate.blogspot.com/2015/08/a-getaway-to-gili-layar.html">YOUR TRIP MATE blog</a> via GOOGLE IMAGES I mentioned before.</b></i><br />
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<b><i>Note the sand in front of the resort looks pretty good - was not too bad up to the bigger beachfront bungalows but finer and dirtier around the 3 smaller ones - I found a lot of fine grit got inside my bungalow on windier days (2 of my 5) I soon learned to shut all doors and windows - bungalows design was such it didn't heat up much. People in the flasher places said no problem.</i></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1sX7rTkihx8K45gm8yVdxFY_owr34nh_6_gt-1ZlRh9-__XnwMwX7J-LLt81A6Q_vMGdlBhTJ9Xl3fkDsyjA1V1F5ChwpopGIRhNVotQHUcKHipZK0Am0PPIvm3b5Y28HMZ79Kq6ijy8/s1600/P6140353.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1sX7rTkihx8K45gm8yVdxFY_owr34nh_6_gt-1ZlRh9-__XnwMwX7J-LLt81A6Q_vMGdlBhTJ9Xl3fkDsyjA1V1F5ChwpopGIRhNVotQHUcKHipZK0Am0PPIvm3b5Y28HMZ79Kq6ijy8/s400/P6140353.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><i>CHEZ TEZZA (mid one) - typical old-style timber and grass roof beach bungalow. Note drying rack and big bin of sea water at foot of steps to wash sand off feet. A lot of mid-range bungalows don't supply these. Also a mini toiletry kit inside.</i></b><br />
<b><i>This very tiny fan cooled outside toilet hut would cost IDR250K most islands but was actually 350k. But I'm prepared to pay an extra 100k for the "ROBINSON CRUSOE" thing so I thought it was fairly priced,</i></b>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGExbXYWKVAzdX6MSOtDW8w2R6zP4i1B6PIfrZGaDH09ajNc80chENgwfdhFT-3BQWawIIb5Rj7lEJSTlZXna4eZrfvYSWWOBzEmITRj-fHb6PwrHiepS0jkCqLbwPh9tS1tpv-do_CUw/s1600/P6140349+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGExbXYWKVAzdX6MSOtDW8w2R6zP4i1B6PIfrZGaDH09ajNc80chENgwfdhFT-3BQWawIIb5Rj7lEJSTlZXna4eZrfvYSWWOBzEmITRj-fHb6PwrHiepS0jkCqLbwPh9tS1tpv-do_CUw/s400/P6140349+%25282%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><i>Super compact interior - old style matress on floor, comfy bed, good net (didn't have to use any of my peg/safety pin makeshift repairs), but would be real squeezy for 2 people and their gear.</i></b>
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<b><i>LAYAR BEACH BUNGALOWS had 2 beachfront aircon bungalows. Looked pretty nice and only 20m or so from the high tide mark. But WAY OVERPRICED at 900K+ - these are actually 450k bungalows: add 100K and you are still way short of 900.</i></b><br />
<b><i>But on 2 of my 4 nights they were both taken, so maybe my values are a bit tight.</i></b><br />
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<b>Note with only 5 bungalows in total it would be a good idea to book ahead in high season. My shoulder season visit saw occupancy vary from just me to all 5 taken.</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq814DnnqhI4CPzttQuWBhZO8qnQaljByV_TxCwtN_v90_QaeqCkommTOBDqrapJdMstPRhCHVzMToiHaLPhjvAoYQhgilsUABpD0nQ-rSL_6JbuLfJ_LUQfnAnJzq3JSfqe2cKpWYmPY/s1600/P6130345.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq814DnnqhI4CPzttQuWBhZO8qnQaljByV_TxCwtN_v90_QaeqCkommTOBDqrapJdMstPRhCHVzMToiHaLPhjvAoYQhgilsUABpD0nQ-rSL_6JbuLfJ_LUQfnAnJzq3JSfqe2cKpWYmPY/s400/P6130345.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><i>LAYAR BEACH BUNGALOWS had some good seaside sun-lounges and no lack of beachfront shade, just the place to......</i></b><br />
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<b><i>....check out the sun rise each morning. Note RINJANI volcano background left.</i></b>
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<b><i>Kinda nice.</i></b><br />
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<b> I did a TRIPADVISOR review of Layar Beach Bungalow <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/ShowUserReviews-g297734-d8404168-r685886988-Layar_Beach_Bungalow-Mataram_Lombok_West_Nusa_Tenggara.html">HERE</a></b><b><br /></b><br />
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<b>GILI LAYAR VIEWPOINT</b><br />
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<b>LAYAR has a decent viewpoint top of its biggest hill above the west coast. I reckon it is at least 100m high. I could see as far as GILI TRAWANGAN's HILL in the north, RINJANI VOLCANO on mainland LOMBOK west, BALI's AGUNG VOLCANO east. Visibility south was vegetation impeded.</b><br />
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<b><i>Following directions, I headed NORTH from the resort to miss the ex-swamp and then turned inland in a direct line for the highest hilltop which was clear to see. Along the way I traversed a lot of secondary scrub (particularly in the area of the purple arrow) but the free range cattle had cut alleys so it was pretty easy. BTW those cattle are pretty shy, not aggressive.</i></b><br />
<b><i>Total one way should take a person with normal knees 25 mins each way. Last 30% uphill but no killer slopes.</i></b><br />
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<b>VIEW EAST</b><br />
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<b><i>The LOMBOK mainland and a few degrees south of east....</i></b></div>
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<b>....THE WEST COAST OF NORTHERN GEDE...</b>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVyngTK129BPJRn0Zpucs6EJzfodqnuyd8fnpiUlTkrfqxMDpZs576ZBs1-j8ewzq1tGpwZv-s3aKV1F2_Vfn1x59uiUho8CNyxkMiGJZ6hGyO61V7JOwMX-B_C9GM_B22TKPPkDKGWbE/s1600/P6150368_LI.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVyngTK129BPJRn0Zpucs6EJzfodqnuyd8fnpiUlTkrfqxMDpZs576ZBs1-j8ewzq1tGpwZv-s3aKV1F2_Vfn1x59uiUho8CNyxkMiGJZ6hGyO61V7JOwMX-B_C9GM_B22TKPPkDKGWbE/s400/P6150368_LI.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<i><b>....with of course the mainland in background. This shot gives a good idea of the vegetation covering that former LAYAR swamp (foreground).</b></i><br />
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<b>VIEW NORTH</b><br />
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<b><i>Composite shot may be clearer if you can click-expand image. GILI RENGIT is offshore and the north coast's low tide reef lagoon can be seen closer left. Image too small to spot TRAWANGAN's hill but it could just be seen way north.</i></b><br />
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<b>VIEW WEST</b><br />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl2g7MTuLIAFK6VNVdQf_Cyz56zCKVzRPjYCLABv_F8gnXUdD_EB1cRgUmoVC6URTb5jkegn6QRdMGtbVuSgv9dIi903jQcPjxyNs08yhb7HgUhoUS7iFW3xS8xgd3Fi0MUmWlRhexDQk/s400/P6150365.JPG" style="color: #0000ee; text-align: center;" width="400" /><br />
<b>GILI ASSAHAN offshore with BALI's AGUNG volcano right background.</b><br />
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<b>LATER VIEW WEST</b><br />
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<i><b>The usual cloud interfering with a perfect sunset - I could see that without cloud it would be setting over BALI, but SOUTH of UBUD (in late JUNE - would be even further south [left] between then and late DECEMBER)</b></i><br />
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<b>TRANSFERS</b><br />
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<b><i>A demerit for the place is EXPENSIVE TRANSFERS. This is the resort boat bringing me from GEDE's pier: 3.6km at IDR150K each way! Seems the local boaties have a cartel operating -no matter who I asked it was still 150k.</i></b><br />
<b><i>Problem is as a single traveler I had no one to split the fare with - and I'm a single BUDGET traveler AKA "CHEAPSKATE".</i></b><br />
<b><i>Not sure how much for for the greater distance from the mainland to LAYAR - forgot to ask at the resort. So shoot me.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>TIP - if you have non-waterproof luggage pack your stuff inside in a big plastic bin liner or similar: the trip can get wet and rough. Coming back was a bit bumpy/sprayey in sections.</i></b>
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<b>GETTING TO GEDE </b><br />
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<b>FROM BALI - in the past this has been a protracted project: least expensive was and still is a PERAMA shuttle to PADANGBAI on BALI's mid east coast, then the slow vehicle ferry to LEMBAR in south-west mainland LOMBOK, from where you can get a series of local bemos to one of the mainland fishing towns adjacent GEDE for a local boat across to the island. I reckon I could do this for about ID100K one way but it would take all day - with an early start.</b><br />
<b>Slightly easier/quicker - TAMARIND resort has a pick-up service in LEMBAR for 250k. I'm sure other resorts have similar.<br />I guess you could also catch one of the fast boats to mainland north-west LOMBOK via GILI TRAWANGAN - but getting from there to the fishing boat to GEDE would be a real hassle. Trust me - I've traveled many times in LOMBOK on local transport.</b><br />
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<b>THE GOOD NEWS is that <a href="https://giligetaway.com/">GILI GETAWAY FAST BOAT</a> have recently started to run one of their craft from SERANGAN harbour near KUTA BALI to their pier on GEDE's mid east coast, via NUSAS LEMBONGAN and PENIDA. This includes pick up/drop off from/to properties in the near KUTA area (more distant places are surprisingly low in price). </b><br />
<b>THE BAD NEWS is that this is fairly expensive - IDR1.3 million: $aud130!! I have done many fast boat trips in THAILAND and MALAYSIA at much more reasonable rates - most also had pick up/drop off: sometimes both ends.</b><br />
<b>Check with your GEDE accommodation - they may be able to get you a discount. </b><br />
<b>In all fairness GGFB's rates to LEMBONGAN and PENIDA are much more reasonable.</b><br />
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<b><i>Pick up for the second 11am boat gave me plenty of time for breakfast at my KUTA digs.</i></b><br />
<b><i>SERANGAN is way closer than SANUR from where most of the fast boats leave (to LEMBONGAN and PENIDA - none go to GEDE yet).</i></b><br />
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<b><i>The SERANGAN terminal is much closer to KUTA than SANUR. Some even start in PADANGBAI (which is not bad if you are staying in east/north BALI and the UBUD region - not recommended from the KUTA area)</i></b><br />
<b><i>Above is the SARANGAN reception area - shared by a number of companies. Has refreshments, bathrooms etc. There is a busy market area outside.</i></b><br />
<b><i>This is much better than at SANUR where you have to walk much further from your vehicle and can be jammed into 20 odd cramped waiting areas.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>SERANGAN boats leave from the adjacent pier which is way better than off the beach at SANUR</i>.</b><br />
<b><i>Note that unlike a lot of fast boats this has an undercover compartment for luggage so you don't have to waterproof your main bags.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>First call in is at LEMBONGAN (30 min) - here is one of the day-tip platforms for bigger fast boats from BALI. I'm always fascinated with new LEMBONGAN development - I visit most years and there is always a bunch of new places on the hills and in the bays.</i></b></div>
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<b><i>I sat up top on the outward trip - got pretty wind and sun-blasted. Was a little rough some sections but I have seen much worse in areas of the trip I've done before.</i></b><br />
<b><i>Here we are nosing into NUSA PENIDA's north coast fast boat pier at BUYUK (60 min). This is more east than central on this unexpectedly attractive tropical coast - nevertheless maybe 70% of PENIDA's abundant tourist accommodation is within 5km.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>Arrival at GEDE's east coast ORONG BUKAI pier about 1.75 hrs after leaving SERANGAN. Lotsa small boats from various resorts waiting to take passengers further, but I was staying 100m walk from the pier.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>On the return trip I got out of the wind and sun down in the main cabin. Noisy but reasonably comfy.</i></b><br />
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<b>SUM UP - a time-saving and interesting trip which conflicted with my cheapskate nature. Maybe next time I'll catch the slow boat. Or simply hop off in LEMBONGAN and/or PENIDA. Great places.</b><br />
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<b>I have a TRIPADVISOR review of GGFB to GEDE <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/ShowUserReviews-g3137978-d7161292-r686795942-Gili_Getaway-Serangan_Denpasar_Bali.html">HERE</a>.</b>
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<b>FROM THE NORTH WEST GILIS - TRAWANGAN-AIR-MENO</b><br />
<b>GILI GETAWAY's runs from the NORH WEST GILIS to GEDE in LOW SEASON ONLY. I think it goes via some MAINLAND LOMBOK locations.</b><br />
<b>Otherwise you will have to get yourself across to that hell-hole BANGSAL (scam capital of LOMBOK) on the mainland from where a series of bemos will eventually get you opposite GEDE for a fishing boat ride. I would not like to do this trip.</b><br />
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<b>FROM KUTA LOMBOK and elsewhere - local transport can get you to opposite GEDE: note THAMARIND resort quotes some attractive fares from a number of locations including KUTA and the AIRPORT - I'm sure some of the other resorts can do similar.</b> <b><br /></b><br />
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<span style="color: yellow; font-size: large;"><b><i>ATTENTION -IF YOU HAVE ADDITIONAL INFO OR SEE MISTAKES PLEASE MENTION IN THE AREA BELOW. BUT IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS PLEASE ASK IN THE <a href="http://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com/2007/07/index.html">FORUM</a> WHICH I CHECK FAIRLY FREQUENTLY WHEREAS I REVISIT THESE INDIVIDUAL DESTINATION PAGES ONLY RARELY.</i></b></span><br />
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tezzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06099777760234890854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-235257059160442691.post-45977538804191877462019-01-31T11:43:00.003+11:002020-08-09T17:20:22.486+10:00CHAMPAGNE BEACH VANUATU<b>VISITED JAN 2019</b><br />
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<b><i>Most people's idea of a tropical beach - sweet</i></b><br />
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<b>LOCATION</b><br />
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<b><i>CHAMPAGNE BEACH is located in northern VANUATU. At 15 degrees south it is well within the tropics - actually closer to the Equator than CAIRNS on the Australian mainland. So unlike NEW CALEDONIA this place would be a good mid-winter beach visit. NC tends to be a bit cool, unless you find a sheltered location. </i></b><br />
<b><i>You will find details clearer if you can click-expand image.</i></b><br />
<b><i>(all satellite images modified from GOOGLE EARTH)</i></b><br />
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<b><i>CHAMPAGNE BEACH is about 2/3 up the east coast of ESPIRITU SANTO, which is the northern-most big island of VANUATU.</i></b><br />
<b><i>The beach is 54 km north by road (46 km in a direct line) from the island's biggest town LUGANVILLE, another popular call-in for cruise boats. That town is located in the narrow channel between the south-eastern island and the mainland above-left of the "100M" place marker. </i></b><br />
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<b><i>This is a great location for cruise liners because the bay off the beach gives good shelter from the south east trades which blow in this area more often than not.</i></b><br />
<b><i>Note nearby LANNOC BCH - only 0.7m away by foot. I didn't visit because "NOORDAM's" tourist map had a dodgy scale and was unclear in areas. Maybe next visit.</i></b><br />
<b><i>I haven't indicated the village of HOG HARBOUR which is just above the "L" of LANNOC - very low profile: I did't notice it from the ship moored mid-bay as shown.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>The beach itself is compact - abt 350m long. The cleared area in back has sheltered market stalls, food outlets and a toilet block. Note the pier close to the beach left side - access to the beach very easy: I even saw from a distance my friend Barbara bring her wheelchair-bound mum Gertie ashore - now I don't say all wheelchair people could do this but Barbara is an old hand at accessing unlikely places with mum and wheelchair.</i></b><br />
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<i><b>South part of beach from the ship - north part hidden by small headland. Note smooth ocean. Those protective headlands do a great job.</b></i><br />
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<b>THE BEACH</b><br />
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<b>OL' JIMMY WOULD LOVE THIS PLACE</b><br />
<b>JAMES A MICHENER wrote his "TAILS OF THE SOUTH PACIFIC" when stationed at nearby LUGANVILLE. He maybe had this place in mind when writing his beach descriptions because for sure it is a model for the perfect tropical beach. About 350m long with blinding white sand, plenty wide enough even at full tide, crystal clear water which doesn't shelve too quickly (and LADY TEZZA who likes such things reported plenty of fish - I swam around with no goggles or face mask so things were kinda blurred), no lack of tree canopy shade in back of beach.</b><br />
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<i><b>Arrivals pier. Plenty of non-pushy locals standing around offering tours so you don't have to take the ships' more expensive excursions. However to me a few hours on this gorgeous beach is a fine way to spend the time.</b></i><br />
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<b><i>From the north end. Beach is surrounded by forested headlands and hills on 3 sides which adds to the tropical paradise thing.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>From the south end. Note lack of waves - the orientation of the bay combined with typical local winds means this place would rarely get onshore winds and swell from the north and north-east. This is in the latitudes when the SE TRADES blow more often than not.</i></b><br />
<b><i>South end attracted more people as the day went on - has more shade and some coral rocks near the southern headland keeping snorkelers busy.</i></b><br />
<b><i>Outrigger rides were available for a reasonable sum.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>No shortage of shade.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>South-end fin-flappers. I also noticed a brace of snorkels near a buoy about 80m off mid beach - check underwater rocks on 5th GOOGLE EARTH image from top of this page.</i></b><br />
<b>Okay, some of you dudes are wondering why I don't give a SNORKELLING REPORT. Here's the thing - I've seen the best coral in the world before global warming and over-tourism kicked in, so everything I check these days is pretty ordinary (to me). And it might sound conceited but from experience I just KNOW the above locations would not be world class. But for people who have not snorkelled coral and associated fish etc the above would probably be pretty good. Me? At 73 years old I just can't be bothered.</b><br />
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<b>IN BACK OF THE BEACH</b><br />
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<b><i>Behind the beach is a cleared area with maybe 30 roofed market stalls offering the usual touristy clothing, trinkets, tours, food and drink, massages and hair braiding. There is also a toilet block 2nd row north end.</i></b><br />
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<b>PROBLEMS</b><br />
<b>I heard a few people back on the ship complaining of SAND FLIES. Now those little devils love me but I had no bites (it's rare to actuallly NOTICE sand flies). But I did see a few of what we Aussies call BUSH FLIES - these are big bitey flies, the good news being they are a bit slow to avoid the slapping hand. I wouldn't be a bit surprised if some visitors equated bush flies on the beach as sand flies.</b><br />
<b>BLUEBOTTLES (the Pacific's smaller Portuguese Man of Wars)? Um, I think this beach's orientation and usual winds is all wrong for frequent visits.</b><br />
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<b><i><span style="color: yellow; font-size: large;">ATTENTION - IF YOU HAVE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR SEE MISTAKES, PLEASE POST BELOW. BUT IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS PLEASE POST THEM IN THE FORUM ACCESSED VIA THE INDEX WHICH I CHECK FAR MORE FREQUENTLY THAN INDIVIDUAL DESTINATION PAGES LIKE THIS.</span></i></b><br />
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<b><i><br /></i></b>tezzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06099777760234890854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-235257059160442691.post-61333200891049111402019-01-09T16:53:00.217+11:002023-01-06T17:05:36.281+11:00THE RANT<br />
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<b>THE RANT (or is it THE GIGGLE??)</b><br />
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<b><div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><br /></b></div>LAST INPUT (not immediately below, but way down at bottom of page) - NOV 18 2022</b></div><div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><br /></b>
<b> As I’ve got older I look at
world/local issues and trends and form an opinion more often. Now I”m
the last to believe others may be interested in what I think – but this
is my blog, others don’t have to read it (few will)…..SO
WHAT THE HELL.</b><br />
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<br /></div>
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<b>Perhaps right now
it’s time to present my credentials so you know where I'm coming from. I’m a retired economics
teacher. Well that was my main job, but in my time I’ve been paid
to do all sorts of other stuff – steel worker, rock band roadie,
calm consultant, travel writer, swim coach, yard man. And the economics
teacher thing? Well in that career the shortage of teachers in the NSW system
meant I’ve taught virtually everything else – Geography,
Accounting, Business Studies, History, Social Science. PE, Maths, English, Slow Learners, Science, Health, Personal Development, Night School: I’ve even
been a SEWING TEACHER and I don’t know much about sewing. Plus a
COOKING TEACHER. In the NSW system, as long as they could put a teacher in front of a class, they didn't care too much about qualifications. Led to some great improvisation.</b></div>
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<b>To some of you, educational
training is important. Okay, I’m an economics graduate of SYDNEY
UNIVERSITY, back in the day when only 0.5% of all school starters
graduated with a degree. University was hard to get into in those
days, even harder to graduate from. So I think my degree has a bit
more value than these days of universal “college” education and
DUMBED DOWN courses (more later).
</b></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b>My post-degree
education is not particularly flash – a DIPLOMA OF EDUCATION which
all we indentured teachers had to get back in the day.</b><br />
<b>So that’s my training and work experience. </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>But here's the thing - no amount of education beats LIFE TIME EXPERIENCE. And at 74 I reckon I've had plenty of that.</b></div>
<br />
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<b>My political leaning is to the liberal left - I guess you could say I'm center-left. I believe in private enterprise and the market economy - trouble is that system FAILS in certain areas and so the government needs to step in. But I'm not a rusted on left winger. If the central-left government is a bad one, I vote for the conservative opposition. I also reckon HARD left ideas are for ratbags - communism and hard core socialism are dumb and proven failures.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>My overall philosophy - I believe in the good nature of society. True, there's a whole lot of crap and badness out there, but the fact that in most places we have a system of rules and laws to counteract the badness proves my point. I don't know what you call people like me who believe good will win in the end - but whatever that is, I'm in.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Thing is I reckon I am broad-minded enough and have enough
theoretical background and practical life-time experience to have an
opinion on what is happening. Or at least to have INFORMED RANT. And
there are lots of international and local issues I wouldn’t mind
ranting about.</b><br />
<b>.....like....</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
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<b><br />
</b></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b> -JAN 9 2019 </b><b>GOOD OL’ TRUMP (speaking about ranters.....)</b></div>
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<b>IMAGE - <a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2016/09/donald-trumps-cruel-streak/501554/">THE ATLANTIC</a></b></div>
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<b>Everyone including the pet shop parrot is squawking about OL’ ORANGE right
now. Plenty of the squawkers are supporters – but currently, seemingly more are opponents
(yeah I know – forget the "currently" stuff - even when elected THE TRUMPSTER lost the popular
vote; he didn’t have the majority of supporters even then).</b></div>
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<b><br />
</b></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b>ME? Well I think the
man is a fool and a fraudster (albeit: with no shortage of street smarts) – but I can see why so many people
back him.</b></div>
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<b><br />
</b></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b>Let’s face it –
the current system is BROKEN for many: GLOBALISATION and its
handmaidens FREE TRADE, INTERNATIONAL DEREGULATION yada, while
working to lift nearly all income groups in the DEVELOPING world plus making high/very high income earners even richer in DEVELOPED countries, has been a bummer for the working class/middle classes in
the USA (and in quite a few other "advanced" economies). Many have seen jobs disappear overseas to less expensive
workers in Asia, Latin America etc – others fortunate enough to
stay employed have noticed wages have stagnated or not kept up with
prices: their first real income decline in the post war era.</b></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><br />
</b></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b>The
above is NOT a new phenomena in economic history – as a matter of
fact it is chickenshit compared to the massive displacement of the
working class caused by the AGRARIAN/INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTIONS. But the
big difference back then was those affected didn’t have the vote or much of a say - any type of protest was swiftly squashed. Today’s losers have the vote and
know exactly how to protest within the law. So along comes some faker
says he can fix everything (HE CAN’T) – and naturally the
desperates jump on board.</b></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><br />
</b></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b>So far OL’ ORANGE
has had a good run economics-wise. His TAX CUTS/INCREASED MILITARY/INFRASTRUCTURE SPENDING - it’s a no-brainer
that the economy and stock market will respond positively IN THE
SHORT RUN to these (just the same as a former high roller
responds to a big injection of dope)– the problem is THE LONG
RUN; how do you pay for the trillions of dollars of debt being racked
up with lower taxes/higher spending?
</b></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b>Hang on tight trendsetters
– the cut in tax shit is about to hit the fan; the withdrawal is
gonna be painful (UPDATE - DEC 19, 2019 - I can't believe how long it is taking for the shit to hit the fan: how long the sugar hit from lower taxes/increased govt spending has lasted for the US economy)</b></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><br />
</b></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b>Have I a solution to
the overall problem of a BROKE SYSTEM for many? Afraid not – while acknowledging the PRE TRUMP
system was broken, I can’t think of better. Perhaps Bernie Sander"s DEMOCRATIC SOCIALISM could do the job, although Americans will never support this. Hell, the furore over the US UNIVERSAL HEALTH SYSTEM shows they wouldn't even support DEMOCRATIC SOCIALISM-LIGHT as practiced by places like Australia, Canada and New Zealand.</b><br />
<b>Maybe the best idea is
to accept reality - big changes in the fortunes of nations occur
every now and then – perhaps the best message to the losers is SUCK
IT UP.
</b></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b>But they ain’t
gonna suck it up without protest – they are going to turn to far right populist fraudsters like OL ORANGE who are expert at identifying false scapegoats and insist they
have all the answers. Stand by for an interesting next few years.</b></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><br />
</b></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b>Did HILLARY have the
answer? Sadly NO - despite claims of a new way, if she had been
elected it would have been more of the same.</b><br />
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b>But here’s the
thing – more of the same would have been way better than the crap
being dished up right now.</b><br />
<br />
---------------------------------------------------------<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b>JAN 10 2019 BREXIT.</b><br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b>Ah yes, those BRITS
aren’t gonna let the Continentals push them around any more.
They’ve told the latter to stick the EEC up their arses – the
Brits are gonna go it alone.</b></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b>Well maybe until
reality kicks in. Lotsa stuff SEEMS LIKE A GOOD IDEA AT THE TIME. But
in the cool aftermath of evaluation………</b></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b>So the rest of the
world looks on with glee at the approaching train wreck…..the
Germans have the prefect word to cover the situation –
SCHADENFREUDE.</b></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b>My prediction –
another BRIT vote and no withdrawal. We wait with bated breath (not really)</b><b>.</b></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><br /></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgComaMM-SVhb7rrzLB1-t9f6kLzLVxXX-93zDgQWKbSFAgh2Lx8IyBbbYrRgM8OO3QLzkdUuVTEEZhyphenhyphenhfzmpy2XkvRdGmaEeS9wFy75ew2PrYkeE3MYP6KqiVsy9NCTiMnHdLiepHqTUc/s1600/aa0.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="735" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgComaMM-SVhb7rrzLB1-t9f6kLzLVxXX-93zDgQWKbSFAgh2Lx8IyBbbYrRgM8OO3QLzkdUuVTEEZhyphenhyphenhfzmpy2XkvRdGmaEeS9wFy75ew2PrYkeE3MYP6KqiVsy9NCTiMnHdLiepHqTUc/s400/aa0.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b>image - https://www.pinterest.com.au/pin/462744930445610257/</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Here's the thing - economic unions like the EEC are a good idea (at least for participants) but require members to conform to rules and guidelines - but the Brits want their cake and eat it too: they want the economic gains from union but don't want to conform.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>---------------------------------------------------</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b><b>JAN 25 THE EURO</b><br />
<b>A common market may be a good idea (at least for most participants - but the BREXITERS don't seem to think so) but a common currency is completely dumb, because in the long run currency union without political union just doesn't work. Sure the advantages are fine as long as members conform to rules including budgetary constraint - but when does a desperate politician seeking re-election stick to budgetary constraint?</b><br />
<b>And it seems some member countries are prepared to give themselves northern-European levels of wealth, social services etc without the hard work/high taxation needed. This can be done short term by BORROWING - but eventually national debt blows out to unsustainable levels the lenders say no more. Should that Greek guy in the above cartoon look so smug?.... Maybe yes because his country has been rescued from its folly.</b><br />
<b>So far the richer member countries and the IMF have stepped in and bailed the defaulter out. I predict we will in the future have more periodic crises, particularly when you look at the economic basket cases seeking entry or recently entering the EUROPEAN UNION.</b><br />
<b>The long run? Will Germany and other wealthy member countries' taxpayers get sick of bailing out the freeloaders? Will the EURO eventually come crashing down with members reverting to their home currencies? Don't hold your breath - I think this whole currency crisis is a long term train crash.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>What riles me is that in each crisis we have concerned finance ministers,bank officials and entourages of hangers-on rushing to some big time crisis management meeting - they arrive in top end Mercs and Maybachs, stay in $1000 a night hotel suites and are being paid hundreds of thousands of Euros per year. They take themselves completely seriously and are shown great deference, yet the currency system they are shoring up is a FRAUD as any first year economics student will attest. At least these guys are consistent - they set themselves an amazingly low hurdle which they constantly fail to reach.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>FROM THIS BLOG'S <a href="http://tezzasthaiinfo.blogspot.com/2006/12/worry-collective.html">"THE WORRY COLLECTIVE"</a></b><br />
<br style="background-color: black; color: #cccccc; font-family: "trebuchet ms", trebuchet, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj3Ex9sYgUOd9-x7PKOwTbypEiasrla_dze-b53VmN7QtcrioVWLwVKsxxtJA9CHgveY5FZ8Shd4KGEdJfExBie9n-cAxUSEISW0H1VOyqGpeekusuGjTk5DC6YJzAoWxrBuBrPHNWAD4/s1600/tam2.JPG" style="background-color: black; color: #99aadd; font-family: "trebuchet ms", trebuchet, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-decoration-line: none;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681459678555203010" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj3Ex9sYgUOd9-x7PKOwTbypEiasrla_dze-b53VmN7QtcrioVWLwVKsxxtJA9CHgveY5FZ8Shd4KGEdJfExBie9n-cAxUSEISW0H1VOyqGpeekusuGjTk5DC6YJzAoWxrBuBrPHNWAD4/s400/tam2.JPG" style="border: 1px solid rgb(51, 51, 51); cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 170px; margin: 0px auto 10px; padding: 4px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
(cropped image from WILCOX - SYDNEY MORNING HERALD)<br />
<br />
<br />
<b style="background-color: black; color: #cccccc; font-family: "trebuchet ms", trebuchet, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>The Worry Collective #23</i></span></b><br />
<b style="background-color: black; color: #cccccc; font-family: "trebuchet ms", trebuchet, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">BUDDY CAN YOU SPARE A YACHT?</b><br />
<i style="background-color: black; color: #cccccc; font-family: "trebuchet ms", trebuchet, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Q</i><span face=""trebuchet ms", trebuchet, verdana, sans-serif" style="background-color: black; color: #cccccc; font-size: 13px;"> - Any chance we can use your finance guru </span><i style="background-color: black; color: #cccccc; font-family: "trebuchet ms", trebuchet, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">FastCash Keyne's </i><span face=""trebuchet ms", trebuchet, verdana, sans-serif" style="background-color: black; color: #cccccc; font-size: 13px;">super-yacht for a meeting of European Financial Stability Fund members in Monaco next week?</span><br />
<b style="background-color: black; color: #cccccc; font-family: "trebuchet ms", trebuchet, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><i>Merko and Holla - Brussels.</i></b><br />
<br style="background-color: black; color: #cccccc; font-family: "trebuchet ms", trebuchet, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<i style="background-color: black; color: #cccccc; font-family: "trebuchet ms", trebuchet, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">TWC - FastCash</i><span face=""trebuchet ms", trebuchet, verdana, sans-serif" style="background-color: black; color: #cccccc; font-size: 13px;"> says this is not the time for expensive super yacht junkets. He suggests you restrict your attendance to people who know what they are talking about - that way Princess Caroline's single-kayak should suffice. With room to spare.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: black; color: #cccccc; font-family: "trebuchet ms", trebuchet, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
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<span face=""trebuchet ms", trebuchet, verdana, sans-serif" style="background-color: black; color: #cccccc; font-size: 16.9px;"><i>European Stability Fund commissioner throws the switch to ACTION (image Colquhoun - Sydney Morning Herald)</i></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><br /></b>
<b>---------------------------------------------</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>These dudes and their hangers-on along with other government apparatchiks plus executives and their toadies from the world's top companies are presently junketing at the 2019 DAVOS WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM. I read that they flew in on 1500 fuel-gulping/emissions spewing private jets to hear DAVID ATTENBOROUGH speak about how we are wrecking the environment. What can I say? All the gear (private jets/laptop-wielding flunkies/luxury hotel rooms/chauffeur-driven limos yada) and no idea.</b><br />
<b>And to what end? Well. at the end of the conference they will all agree to return in a year's time for another talkfest and junket.</b></div>
<b><br /></b>
<b>----------------------------------------------</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b><br />
<b>FEB 07 2019 </b><b>TRUMPSTER AND BREXXIT UPDATE.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>TRUMP WATCH.</b><br />
<b>Well DONALDO ain't traveling too well right now. He has recently CAVED on the WALL/GOVT SHUTDOWN (although he seems keen of a face-saving round 2) and is up to his neck in investigations re RUSSIAN MEDDLING IN THE ELECTION, his BUSINESS DEALINGS, TAX, FINANCIAL SCANDALS etc. Gotta say if I had voted for him, I'd be feeling a tad let down right now.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhABvfFfAGw5KSkIZo_Q3hjBJQfFqmweRhiqxYRNcz_OmMX03pYapy4oXamZ_vbVc4PrWk1n_W1-0DRjQOIJA90b4EeFF6ilxnmJftHbhTOjP5i3VFD5C9gUgdIrOK5AW054IuPEyxXcnQ/s1600/ta14.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="562" data-original-width="1000" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhABvfFfAGw5KSkIZo_Q3hjBJQfFqmweRhiqxYRNcz_OmMX03pYapy4oXamZ_vbVc4PrWk1n_W1-0DRjQOIJA90b4EeFF6ilxnmJftHbhTOjP5i3VFD5C9gUgdIrOK5AW054IuPEyxXcnQ/s320/ta14.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b><i>NOT ANYTIME SOON (Image - <a href="https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/donald-trumps-wall">Know Your Meme</a>)</i></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>BREXIT - I feel a bit sorry for poor Theresa: she was anti-Brexit personally but has been given the task of negotiating the exit following the referendum - yet can't get support for the scheme she has negotiated. </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYeY1X0O5xtFoHKgK7QCcjwQylLTbBeANmW41pT4OZ31UaQm4N6dakJMYmt5JxkUcg-Pi8pVzR93MzGtNIV6zPzb1R-P6GNdBH05KcIcmhn6aImc3Xr6UBkZfrbJAOeWGTJF5YBVo12Wc/s1600/ta14.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="547" data-original-width="1094" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYeY1X0O5xtFoHKgK7QCcjwQylLTbBeANmW41pT4OZ31UaQm4N6dakJMYmt5JxkUcg-Pi8pVzR93MzGtNIV6zPzb1R-P6GNdBH05KcIcmhn6aImc3Xr6UBkZfrbJAOeWGTJF5YBVo12Wc/s400/ta14.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><i>"BLIMEY!! WHY ME??" (image </i></b><b><i><a href="https://www.express.co.uk/news/politics/1053070/Brexit-latest-news-eu-customs-union-theresa-may-deal-parliament-eu-uk">THE</a></i></b><b><i><a href="https://www.express.co.uk/news/politics/1053070/Brexit-latest-news-eu-customs-union-theresa-may-deal-parliament-eu-uk"> EXPRESS</a>)</i></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Meanwhile exit day gets closer - will my prediction up page eventuate? This is getting very interesting. And entertaining.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b>TRUMP AND TRADE</b><br />
<b>Any economist will tell you free trade is a winner OVERALL (but yep, there are losers) and how protection is a dumb idea. Yet OL' ORANGE tells us : "TRADE WARS ARE EASY TO WIN AND PROTECTION IS GREAT!" </b><br />
<b>That sounds crazy but I think there is method in his madness - "crazy' is what TRUMP wants the world to think. His opponents are dealing with a crazy man who could start a damaging trade war, so they will be more in the mood for CONCESSIONS when trade negotiations start. The Chinese and Europeans who are worse than most when it comes to unfair trade rules (and dodgy stuff like the Chinese stealing of US IT) etc will have to give. Not that the US has no unfair trade rules - it does, but fewer than many countries or trading groups of countries.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>TRUMP AND FOREIGN RELATIONS</b><br />
<b>That "crazy man" thing also applies here. Foreign bullies like those Russian and Nth Korean dudes maybe think this ratbag is just nuts enough to bow to his military advisers who would love to nuke the bad guys - so they will give a bit or maybe a lot in negotiations.</b><br />
<b>In other foreign policy areas? - well many in the know are dismayed at his MIDDLE EAST POLICY, perhaps for good reason. But I have given up on that area - I think things are too far gone for any policy to resolve regional problems - the place was doomed by the way the great powers drew the borders after WWs1/2: and modern Israel has inflamed the situation (although I think the Israelis deserve their homeland). S</b><b>o I don't have an opinion on the Middle East situation.</b><br />
<b>ELSEWHERE? - well his immigration policy re THE WALL is not going too well. My opinion - THE WALL is a joke: AS IF it would work. Not sure what will finally eventuate. No doubt some compromise.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>--------------------------------------------------------</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b><br />
<b>FEB-08 2019 THE AUSSIE SITUATION - FINE FOR NOW BUT STORM CLOUDS AHEAD </b><br />
<b>Readers (if I have any) are probably wondering why this Aussie is so fixated on the scene in the US and EUROPE. Well for a page which has so far been concentrating on current affairs from an economic viewpoint, the US and Europe are the main games right now.</b><br />
<b>But for me and Aussie readers (if I have few international readers there would be fewer Aussies) the home situation is just as important, As stated above the current situation is</b><br />
<b>"FINE FOR NOW BUT STORM CLOUDS AHEAD". This is a matter of head-scratching for me: at both national and state levels we have bumbling centre-right governments who don't have a clue .... so maybe I should enlarge on my heading -" FINE FOR NOW (BUT COULD BE WAY BETTER).........."</b><br />
<b>Thing is Australia hasn't had a recession for 23 years, economic growth is fair and unemployment the lowest for a long time (but not as low as the land of the sugar hit, and Oz's figure hides a lot of hidden unemployment - people working who would like more hours). But in the future maybe things will not be so rosy - house prices are falling after a crazy period of increases, and things in China (our biggest export customer by far and the main reason Australia has been so prosperous for so long) don't look too good - their economy appears overcooked and this trade war thing could exacerbate the situation. Hell, if my prediction that TRUMP will end up with a lot more pro-US agreements in trade negotiations comes to fruition, that could still hurt Australia's exports because many things we supply China the US also can ALSO supply. OK, the cost will be higher (particularly freight) but this is a cost China may be prepared to bear for trade peace.</b><br />
<b>So the all important ANIMAL SPIRITS are down a bit in Oz right now - consumer sentiment is falling as are business expectations. Consumer spending and business investment are already beginning to falter. Not enough to signal negative economic growth, but sufficient to see a slowing in the rate of growth. Trouble with those animal spirits is that a slight decline can quickly turn into a stampede for the basement.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>-------------------------------------------------------</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b>FEB 09 2019 "THE POLITICS OF MUTUALLY ASSURED DESTRUCTION"</b><br />
<b>I just came across the above reference to the populism policies of the PRO- TRUMPSTERS and BREXITERS. Good one. Wish I had coined that.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b><b>SMARTARSE 101 </b><br />
<b>It's fun sitting back and poking fun at the US and BRIT situation, but maybe hypercritical if I don't have a better idea.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>THE US - as I've said up-page I don't have an answer for all the losers from the previous period of free-trade/ deregulation/ trickle down theory era over the past 15-20 years - the people who decided to throw the switch to POPULISM and support some blowhard reckoned he could fix things. And as I said, Hillary would have been more of the past - things may have improved slightly but the structural problem would still be there. All those people who have gained nothing or gone backwards would still be AS MAD AS HELL And as the Democrats learned - the MAD AS HELL have the vote.</b><br />
<b>Thinking more. perhaps I should't dismiss something like DEMOCTRATIC SOCIALISM. It may be the way to go long term after the experiment with populism ends. Unthinkable at present as the relatively recent BERNIE SANDERS experiment showed, but in the future maybe our loser group will realize POPULISM isn't the answer and will be more prepared to give it or something like it a go.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1jv42oESbDBQgS8UdasF6CsOa2yogoTV8tsFtM6-aDD38lyoa1xzLAg5kZ92QoyeSN7CAf823G8p1BSrU_PGdEdaUgNwQ-Aqi0De6R7FrkdJhmtjw7RGb42gNFCqurzZCuepe0BV5emE/s1600/ta14.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="629" data-original-width="885" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1jv42oESbDBQgS8UdasF6CsOa2yogoTV8tsFtM6-aDD38lyoa1xzLAg5kZ92QoyeSN7CAf823G8p1BSrU_PGdEdaUgNwQ-Aqi0De6R7FrkdJhmtjw7RGb42gNFCqurzZCuepe0BV5emE/s400/ta14.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b>Captions may be clearer if you CLICK-EXPAND (image <a href="https://www.politico.com/magazine/gallery/2016/03/cartoonists-take-on-bernie-sanders-000620?slide=5">POLITICO MAGAZINE)</a></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>BREXIT - I believe most of the world thinks this is a case of SUCK IT UP. If the majority of Brit voters want the wide-spread advantages of the common market but are not prepared to accept the rules - then tough.</b><br />
<b>Wait. Just an idea - maybe Theresa and her negotiators could try on Donaldo's "CRAZY MAN" tactic. Threaten withdrawal UNLESS the EEC authorities agree to fewer of those nit-picking, bureaucratic regulations that so get up the noses of Mr and Mrs typical Brit - the emphasis must be on "nit-picking"; stronger rules and regulations re fiscal and governance issues must remain. </b><br />
<b>Problem is I don't think the Brits are negotiating from a strong position - the EEC needs BRITAIN less than BRITAIN needs to EEC (the opposite of the US/CHINA situation) and so the Europeans are pretty hard-nosed in negotiations. They probably think if they give concessions to Britain, they will have to give even more to the basket case Eastern European nations recently joining or to join. And let's not forget some older members, particularly in Southern Europe, are not exactly healthy. </b><br />
<b><br /></b><b>---------------------------------------------------------</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b>16th Feb 2019.</b><br />
<b>STATE OF EMERGENCY??? </b><br />
<b>This is getting good.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>---------------------------------------------------------</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b><br />
<b>TRENDING - </b><b>17th Feb 2019</b><br />
<b><br /></b><b>- (Aust and internationally) - FASHION .... EXPOSED UNDERWEAR.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Women's fashion is in a good place - all those lovely sexy tops with scooped/exposed back, spaghetti straps/halters, big armpits yada. But here in Oz the local sheilas blow the whole deal by wearing extremely daggy industrial grade bras beneath - the sort of stuff should never see the light of day. So what we see is industrial beige/white/black back and shoulder straps broad enough to hawser QE2 + super-size-me cups in the arm-cut outs. Surely if they are gonna spend $90 on a lovely top, they should be prepared to spend a bit extra on a matching support garment, not fall back on good ol' faithful in the wardrobe.</b><br />
<b>And on a personal note - any frilly black bras don't cut it with me. But then again, I've never been a fan of frilly black underwear. What I want to see modern women wearing is COLOUR-CO-ORDINATED underwear with only thin straps exposed - and not too fancy if the arm holes are way big. </b><br />
<b>OK - I realise BIG LADIES need more support than thin straps will give: in such cases they are gonna have to suck it up and wear less revealing tops. </b><br />
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<b>I think women had it covered back in the 70s and 80s - this was the NO BRA era. But things change. For a start tops were not as revealing. And further, the average lady was maybe 10kg/22lbs lighter back then (females today are in the grip of those serial seducers KRISPY KREME and RONALDO MACCA) and didn't need the support today's beefier babes require.</b><br />
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<i><b>Elegance lost</b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>DUDES ARE NO EXCEPTION</b></i></div>
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<b><i>OK - guys are just as bad. I'm kinda over EXPOSED BOXERS/BRIEFS. How many dudes are walking around right now with low ride baggy shorts/jeans down around their freckle, showing a set of CALVIN's or similar underneath? </i></b></div>
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<b><i>This began many years back in the good ol' US when LA youth began to imitate ex-jailbirds. In the joint young small dudes were issued with a ONE SIZE FITS ALL wardrobe - hence the craze for baggy shorts/jeans which won't stay up. So it gets adopted by the general male young population - LOOK AT ME, I'M A BAD BOY!!</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Dunno abt BAD BOY - more FUNNY BOY. </i></b><br />
<b><i>At least the oversize T is covering the CALVINS.</i></b><b><i><br /></i></b>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjMVeml6u16hVnM4erIac3hba7oJjk1w4e6yCD1ULUAEp32IRNHyjCL9elsIRBd0f_DHG3BX8e-WHuUE3sfVoxRH-98XkCBeYMYHCz5CnVXD0KUjzdWFiPr6FXOlN5_w3VpYzfo-3kSbc/s1600/20190114_13948.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="336" data-original-width="672" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjMVeml6u16hVnM4erIac3hba7oJjk1w4e6yCD1ULUAEp32IRNHyjCL9elsIRBd0f_DHG3BX8e-WHuUE3sfVoxRH-98XkCBeYMYHCz5CnVXD0KUjzdWFiPr6FXOlN5_w3VpYzfo-3kSbc/s400/20190114_13948.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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<b><i>And it's not just the guys in this exposed briefs thing....</i></b><br />
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<b><i>MORE FUNNY STUFF - why would anyone pay EXTRA for a pair of jeans look like they've survived a washing-machine explosion? Hey I notice this one's got the DOUBLE WHAMMY - bonus exposed MOSCHINO boxers!!. Is that cool or what? </i></b>
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<b>The big question - are all those trendsetter wearing the above trying to identify with our drop-crotch buddies? I mean, ripped jeans were originally worn by urban losers.</b><br />
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<b>SMARTARSE 101 PART 2 </b><br />
<b>It's fun to highlight absurdities in popular fashion, but maybe not if yer humble correspondent is not exactly a sartorial trendsetter. GUILTY YER HONOR! - my garb 90% of the time is board shorts with a T, purchased for $3 each at the BALI ART MARKET (not too much art sold there but heaps of clothing). Not exactly what you would expect a 74 yo to be wearing (and yes, I have been paid out on this twice recently - to no avail: I grin and larf). </b><br />
<b>Thing is, I wear this stuff because I am a TIGHTWAD - can't get much less expensive than $3 -and for COMFORT**. Not trying to make a statement, not trying to regain my lost youth, not trying to identify with some tribe - not trying nothing except save a few bucks in a comfortable way.</b><br />
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<b>** in winter our part of Australia gets a tad cool for boardies and a T. So I substitute a pair of tracky-dacks with a flannelette shirt over the T. Both available in KMART for sub $10 on special - which is the only time I buy. Okay, when I want to look flash, I replace the trackies with a pair of Asian-made jeans - approx the same price/same source/same time.</b><br />
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<b>ALSO TRENDING</b><br />
<b>BIG BOOTIES</b><br />
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<b><i>Modern ladies must think they've died and gone to heaven - all of a sudden thanks to the combination of people like the KARDASHIANS and the above-mentioned serial seducers KRISPY KREME and MACCAS, <span style="font-size: large;">big bums are in</span>. No more dieting or work-outs for the young and not so young misses and ms.s!</i></b><br />
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<b>MY TAKE - UGLY!! (yeah, I know I'm behind the times and we are moving to a new era of RUBINESQUE female bodies - but I'll stay a fan of fit and sleek).</b><br />
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<b><i>.....and it don't get much more ugly than when combined with the modern trend to g-string bottoms.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>Which brings us to another current craze which can be real nice on the right chassis - G-STRING BEACH BIKINIS.....</i></b><br />
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<b><i>.....but which don't combine all that well with the current big booty craze.</i></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeusBTZpPl_bVmUQa1JU0VwHVe6npKK7L9hiBDjNl5OKeRF21tYPQrWETK8vvjh2H6Rl3QkeLYks418dT8GGklRFjku1DXzQFFrUaYt4qOpVgEmnNk2GLG91xnndkIBqORpdv7VBECjqM/s1600/20190114_145818.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="631" data-original-width="800" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeusBTZpPl_bVmUQa1JU0VwHVe6npKK7L9hiBDjNl5OKeRF21tYPQrWETK8vvjh2H6Rl3QkeLYks418dT8GGklRFjku1DXzQFFrUaYt4qOpVgEmnNk2GLG91xnndkIBqORpdv7VBECjqM/s400/20190114_145818.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><i>Maybe it's not just older babes should be thinking of food intake.</i></b><br />
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<b>TAN LINE HILARITY - when I see young ladies such as 2 and 3 images above, I can't help thinking of the hilarious tan marks on their upper derriere/lower back. Who sees that? Um, well their boyfriends/husbands/fenale lovers maybe - now they are supposed to be appreciative, not rolling on the floor with laughter.</b><br />
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<b>So how to avoid? Doesn't look much nicer if its a full string rear....</b></div>
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<b><i>Forget those dopey bits of wide fabric in back - can't beat a string back on a svelte babe..</i></b><br />
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<b><i>Ok - gotta admit I wouldn't dare be laughing at the weird tan marks if this were my girl. Still, she'd look way better if she had minimal lines from the suit one pic up. And far worse from 3 and 4 up. The streamlined booty helps too.</i></b></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b><br />
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<b><i>Um - I don't think so.</i></b></div>
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<b>TRENDING - MINI BIKINIS</b></div>
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<b><i>These seem to becoming increasingly popular. At least this one isn't very see-thru as many are (at least I don't think so).. </i></b></div>
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<b><i>Not sure what sort of lady wears these - maybe nudists wanting maximum tan area when visiting a textile beach. </i></b><br />
<b><i>And maybe exhibitionists. </i></b><br />
<b><i>Anyway from this male's point of view, they are NOT ATTRACTIVE. </i></b><br />
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<b>The most attractive suites right now are the string-back bikini pictured 2 up plus ladies in those spray-on SPEEDO type one piece racers<i>.</i></b></div>
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<b><i>How nice is that??</i></b><br />
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<b><i>Another - maybe not so famous. But again - how nice is that??</i></b></div>
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<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
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<b>DISCLOSURE - I'm a lap swimmer, do a km every second day. So I'm no stranger to sights like above. But I never tire of it - even on muscled-up sweeties (I think 2 shots up is one of the world class CAMPBELL SISTERS swimmers) - this lady has the shoulders and hips/thighs of a champ but is maybe not tucked in enough at the waist to make the SPORTS ILLUSTRATED CALENDAR - but okay, she is good enough to make this promotional shot for <a href="https://www.a3performance.com/products/a3-performance-female-xback-swimsuit?variant=6074316423207">A3 PERFORMANCE,</a></b><br />
<b>And good for her - people like these are much more talented and work way harder than those supermodel types - usually for little reward.</b><br />
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<b>What do I wear at the pool? Well I think 75yo geezers, even super-fit ones, should not be parading in SPEEDOS or those tight lycra SKINS shorts - so I wear my ol' faithful BOARD SHORTS.</b></div>
<div>
<b>At the beach? - I've been a naturist since my teens so I wear NACING (and no, you aint gonna see any gratuitous nudey beach shots - but for true naturists seeking information, see the associated blog <a href="https://nudebeachescatalonis.blogspot.com/">NUDE BEACHES CATELONIA</a> plus my page on <a href="http://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com/2009/06/byron-bay.html">BYRON BAY</a> which has details of several clothing-optional beaches in the area) - but if visiting a textile beach I fall back on the BOARDIES.</b></div>
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<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
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<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<b>MORE ON CURRENT FADS - it is real easy to turn into an old curmudgeon and hate a whole bunch of things - FUCKWIT HAIRDOS, HIPSTERS, CHAVS, BODY ART, BODY SCULPTING MEDICAL PROCEDURES, YADA. But I hope I've avoided the CURMUDGEON STAGE - I'd say my current approach is the typical Liberal Left - which to these things is....".WHATEVER!!". </b><br />
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<b><br /></b>
<b>See, even though a lot of popular culture makes me smile, I think WHATEVER FLOATS YER BOAT is in general the way to go. If some dude wants to align himself/herself with HIPSTERS/INKERS/ COFFEE AFICIAONADOS/BAD BOYS/A FOOTBALL CLUB TRIBE and SUNDRY OTHER HARD CASES.....WTF? Who am I to judge? So I sit back, giggle at what I personally think is a bit crazy, frown at what I think stupid and unattractive, but don't condemn anything.</b><br />
<b>This is the advantage of BEING A GEEZER - no one cares what you think, and you think from the benefit of many years of observation. </b><br />
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<b><i>Sundry hard cases</i></b><br />
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<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b>TRENDING NOW 19th FEB 1019</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>BACKPACKER DROWNINGS IN AUSTRALIA</b><br />
<b>Saw a tragic item on the TV news tonight how 2 Brit/French backpackers went for a midnight swim at PORT MACQUARIE on the mid north coast of NSW and <a href="https://myaccount.news.com.au/sites/dailytelegraph/subscribe.html?sourceCode=DTWEB_WRE170_a_GGL&mode=premium&dest=https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/two-backpackers-missing-after-swimming-at-shelley-beach/news-story/ee87406698d59dd18f672b621ef4e7f7?nk=964d482f5eee9101e82bdce7bc08bb85-1550568153&memtype=anonymous">got into trouble in the surf,</a> subsequently disappearing. </b><br />
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<b>This happens time and again despite special vids on airline screens just before landing in OZ warning of SURF DANGER. The surf is not like swimming in your local pool, lake or river. Maybe it is worth-while to read my WHAT TO DO on this page <a href="http://tezzasthaiinfo.blogspot.com/2007/04/some-tips-on-not-drowning.html">"SOME TIPS ON NOT DROWNING"</a></b><br />
<b>Don't think it can't happen to you. Hell, it has happened to me many times (you can get into trouble so quickly even in what seems tame conditions: plus board riders and body surfers use rips as express routes to the "take-off zone "out the back) - but I know what to do.</b><br />
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<b>FEB 20 2019</b><br />
<b>ECONOMICS 101</b><br />
<b>WHAT MAKES NATIONS RICH.</b><br />
<br />
<b>I grew up in a poor family at PORT KEMBLA, a steelworks town south of SYDNEY. My reading was out of the public library and my favourite tome (we are talking late 50's here) was the good ol' SATURDAY EVENING POST from the USA. I used to check out those great car ads plus all the stuff available for households. Which generated the thought: HOW DO THESE PEOPLE AFFORD THIS STUFF - HOW COME AMERICA IS SO WEALTHY?</b><br />
<b>So when I later got the chance to study ECONOMICS I grabbed the chance - specifically for the answer to this issue.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>This is what I came up with -</b><br />
<b>NATIONS CAN BE WEALTHY IF THEY HAVE:</b><br />
<b>- an abundance of natural resources</b><br />
<b>- an educated, skilled workforce (including management) <i>with a thriving work ethic.</i></b><br />
<b>- a stable framework of governance and law</b><br />
<b>- no shortage of investment funds and incentive.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Can nations do the job without one of these? Well Singapore has done alright without lotsa natural resources, simply because of its freakish positioning ideal for entrepot trade. And certain fairly ordinary European countries managed to steal their colonies' resources when lacking their own - we could argue some are still fighting a rearguard having lost their colonies. Some people will mention Switzerland which managed to convince the world they were somehow better at minding people's/corporations' money than most (although I think the place has a lot more going for it - plus they were smart enough to stay out of last century's 2 major wars).</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>BACK TO THE USA </b><br />
<b>This staying out of both world wars thing was PART instrumental - they came in relatively late being owed heaps by early participants - and their GEOGRAPHICAL ISOLATION meant they did not suffer the catastrophic infrastructure damage of Europe.</b><br />
<b><br /></b><b>A FURTHER USA ADVANTAGE</b><br />
<b>One thing missing from all the above points I've come to realize fairly recently - THE USA HAS ALWAYS HAD A BIG GROUP OF <i>WORKING POOR</i> WHO MADE THE COST OF PRODUCTION IN LABOUR-INTENSIVE AREAS VERY COMPETITIVE. </b><br />
<b>Probably started with slavery. Then the influx of Europe's working poor. More recently largely Asian and Latino. Plus we must mention the help of INTERNAL MIGRATION - the movement of millions of low cost mainly black workers out of the south to jobs in the north-east industrial zones post civil war and the 1930's wave of desperate "OKIES" from the drought-ravaged mid-west to the fields of California's Central Valley.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>ELSEWHERE - this is an advantage other advanced economies lack: Europe, Australia, Canada etc have STRONG MINIMUM WAGE laws which make a mockery of the USA's farcically minimalist, piecemeal regulations and enforcement.</b><br />
<b>But in somewhat of an irony, today;s developing Asian and Latin American competitors have EVEN LOWER WAGES than USA's working poor - and with modern technology transfer/piracy and the international flow of investment being what they are, these are the places killing American competitiveness.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>REPUBLICAN TURMOIL</b><br />
<b>The scene must be annoying an important section of Republican Supporters - the BUSINESS LOBBY. This sector depends on a big supply of low cost labour - but here is leader TRUMP trying to lower immigration both legal and illegal which is the major current source of working poor.</b><br />
<b>As Jack Reacher would say: "BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR".</b><br />
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<b><i>BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR</i></b><br />
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<b><i>----------------------------------------------------</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b>FEB 21 2019</b><br />
<b>UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Yesterday's Jack Reacher "BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR" quote reminded me of many current demands which tend to have unintended consequences that will worsen other areas of concern. Often the public's wants are MUTUALLY EXCLUSIVE.</b><br />
<b>The classic is the never ending demand for more government spending on transport, hospitals, schools, social services vs. the constant call for lower taxes and reduced government borrowing. Recently we had in Australia the rising angst of increasing house prices pushing them out of the reach of younger Australians to be replaced by fears of falling wealth as soon as the prices turned south. Those new freeways are terrible, but we want a lower road toll and ever decreasing transport costs of goods and services. The cities are too big spatially, we have the blight of urban sprawl - but the same people seem to be constantly bellyaching about the increase of high rise residential in existing areas. And yes, here in Australia migration is out of control, adding to the problems in housing, hospital, schools and a bunch of other things - but we welcome the boost to economic growth migration brings. Not to mention the fuzzy warm feeling of supporting all those refugees escaping draconian regimes. Another is the creeping nanny state ("THERE OUGHT TO BE A LAW AGAINST THAT!"/"THE GOVT HAS TO STEP IN AND TAKE ACTION!!") vs the erosion of personal freedom and the abrogation of common sense. </b><br />
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<b><i>BLISS IS ONE MORE REGULATION AWAY</i></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>The latest thing is a worry about excessively small growth in average wages creating economic stagnation yet a short time ago Australia's rapid average wage growth was making us un-competitive.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>MY TAKE - some of the above worries are warranted but proponents must be aware there is a cost involved and not bellyache when the negatives kick-in. And if a whinger is moaning about 2 issues that are mutually exclusive, they should grow a brain and shut the fuck up.</b><br />
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<b><br /></b>
<br />
<b><br /></b><b>INTERNET SOFT PORN</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>YOUNG LADIES - DON'T DO IT!!</b><br />
<b>Been doing some research (hur hur hur) on internet share-foto girlie sites. Not a bad area for the desperates and dateless of this world. </b><br />
<b>I have come to the conclusion that much of the stuff shown is REVENGE PORN - some poor sweetie is so in lurv that she gets talked into posing for, or emailing to him, some hot shots. There is a delay until the relationship ends, often with acrimony, and then the pix get sent to friends and internet sites. </b><b>In other cases the misogynistic boyfriend sends them to his mates immediately, where they get shared around and quickly make it to the girlie sites. </b><br />
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<i><b>Pic altered to suite Google Ads' (and some readers') sensitivities</b></i><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>What can I say about the above shot? Young ladies, do you want 74yo sleazes like me (or worse) checking yer bits out? Do you want family, friends, workmates, prospective partners/employers finding this? No matter how much you lurv him, DON'T DO THIS!! </b><br />
<b>Of course there are many other scenarios whereby these shots get taken and sent - but no matter how much alky, how daring and bad girl you are feeling, D0 NOT DO THIS!!</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>And I won't even start on INTERNET SEX TAPES.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
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<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>BULLSHIT IO1 </b><br />
<b>ALL GOVERNMENT DEBT IS BAD</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Seems the flavour of the new millennium - any government debt is bad!! "I mean you wouldn't run yer household like that - racking up debt". EXCEPT - this is exactly what households do. Show me the young household hasn't got a MORTGAGE - owes the bank a motza.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Here's the thing - UNSUSTAINABLE GOVT DEBT is definitely bad. What is unsustainable govt, debt? - a level of debt which is gonna be difficult to pay off in the future. The sort of debt that 2nd/3rd rate Euro economies plus many 3rd world countries have racked up. In the past this was considered a certain % of debt to GDP (the nation's output of good and services) but these days that has been relaxed: as long as a nation can meet interest payments on debt - NO WORRIES. Trouble is there's a bunch of nations currently finding this difficult.</b><br />
<b>Fortunately Australia's debt to GDP ratio is one of the lowest of advanced economies. The USA is not looking too hot however.</b><br />
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<b><br /></b><b>DON'T CONFUSE GOVT DEBT WITH EXTERNAL DEBT OR FOREIGN DEBT.</b><br />
<b>For a start, govt debt is owed both within the country and to external lenders. </b><br />
<b>External debt or foreign debt is ALL DEBT, owed by both government and private entities (mainly corporations) to <i>overseas</i> lenders. A further distinction is NET FOREIGN DEBT which subtracts what is owed to the home country.</b>
<b><br /></b><br />
<b>BEWARE - people with an agenda like to scare the hell out of unwitting punters by quoting the trillions of dollars of GROSS Foreign Debt whereas NET Foreign Debt is the significant statistic and for many countries is much lower.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Here's the gospel:</b><br />
<b>1- AS LONG AS GOVT AND PRIVATELY RAISED FOREIGN DEBT IS USED TO BUILD PRODUCTIVE CAPACITY ALL IS GOOD. Trouble is too many indebted countries are using borrowed money to build " TROPHY STUFF" like sports stadiums, presidential palaces yada or on UNPRODUCTIVE THINGS like financing pensions, govt-workers' wage increases and similar.</b><br />
<b>2 If the borrowed money is used to finance thing that can be used by future generations it is only fair that future generations also help pay for them. The emotive nonsense you hear: "THEY ARE RACKING UP DEBT OUR CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN WILL HAVE TO PAY" is complete rubbish. Those children/grandchildren will get the benefit of the spending (as long as it is for productive stuff as above) so why shouldn't they pay some? For most of my life I was helping to repay the loan on the Sydney Harbour Bridge - built long before I was born. But I used the bridge every now and then, so why not?</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>---------------------------------------------------</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b><b>MARCH 01/2019 - </b><b>TRUMP AND BREXIT UPDATE - KICKING THE CAN DOWN THE ROAD.</b><br />
<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Seems both the Great Negotiator and poor ol' Theresa have been doing the typical politician's thing - not making a decision right now but kicking it down the road to some time in the future.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>MASTER NEGOTIATOR....NOT!!! - the TANTRUM IN CHIEF promised us a new paradigm as far as international negotiations were concerned, But concerning his dealings with KOREAN PEACE TALKS + CHINESE TRADE NEGOTIATION it has been the same old stuff - can't come to an agreement right now so what we are gonna do is talk about it in the future.</b><br />
<b>Now this is the guy who promised to CLEAR THE SWAMP - but the favoured negotiating tactic of swamp denizens pre-Trump was to kick negotiations down the road....Nothing's changed.</b><br />
<b>OK - I know NEGOTIATIONS 101 has "STEP A - walk out the door." Even unsophisticated dudes like me has always walked in auto and other big purchases the last 30 years. But we are expecting more from a MASTER NEGOTIATOR.</b><br />
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<b><br /></b>
<b>BREXIT - it seems at this time Ms. T is hoping if she kicks the can further down the road as far as exit is concerned, something's going to give - maybe those European dicks will cave (unlikely), maybe someone in her own party or the opposition (nearly as unlikely).</b><br />
<b>The world waits with a sense of SCHADENFREUDE. This is getting good.</b><br />
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<b>--------------------------------------------------</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b>THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A FREE LUNCH - March 03 2010</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Even the proverbial pet shop parrot is raving about the need for better health facilities/schools/public transport/social sevices yada. </b><br />
<b>BIG PROBLEM - the parrot and the general public thinks all these things should be FREE!!!</b><br />
<b>They don't wanna pay for them.</b><br />
<b>HERE'S MY TAKE - if I was a politician I could point out that I could provide ALL these things BUT will need an increase in taxation** to pay for them.</b><br />
<b>(** um, definitely lots could be paid for by GOVT BORROWING - but I have already mentioned how this is considered in the current politico/economic era as NOT ON.</b><br />
<b>And as I said, this is STUPID reasoning.)</b><br />
<b>If I was a politician making that sort of promise, I wouldn't be a politician for long. Everyone wants this stuff for free - OR, they want someone else to pay for it....</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
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<b>MIDDLE INCOME WELFARE</b><br />
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<b><br /></b>
<br />
<b>So who are these SOMEONE ELSES mentioned above?</b><br />
<b>- THE GOVT: everyone know that the govt wastes money. So all we have to do is cut this waste and it will pay for EVERYTHING. </b><br />
<b>SORRY - despite being my late mum's answer to all the wrongs in the world. this will not go near financing the needed expenditure. See my bit down page on cutting govt waste.</b><br />
<b>- THE (AUSTRALIAN) MIDDLE CLASSES - in the past, AUST governments, in order to get re-elected, have wasted billions of dollars on MIDDLE CLASS WELFARE. The current LABOR OPPOSITION PARTY is proposing to reverse some of this in order to finance the things we need - you should see/hear the opposition to these moves. NEVER GET BETWEEN A MIDDLE CLASS RETIREE AND HIS/HER ENTITLEMENTS. </b><br />
<b>Indeed.</b><br />
<b>CUTTING RETIREES' unworthy ENTITLEMENTS is part of TEZZA'S ANSWER!!</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>- the other part of my answer is PAY MORE TAXES. </b><br />
<b>Now as a small income earner I think I don't pay enough taxes, so I reckon all those higher than me can afford to pay a bit more - particularly top income earners with their tax minimising TRUST FUNDS and their HIGH PAID TAX LAWYERS. Maybe they should pay a LOT more considering some pay zero tax or near.....Um, make that zero or near INCOME TAX on account these dudes are big spenders and play plenty in SALES/GST/VALUE ADDED - or whatever their nation's version is. </b><br />
<b>BUT HERE'S THE THING - I pay plenty of GST - and a lot higher proportion of my income than rich guys. And as said above, even though a small income earner, I reckon I should pay some income tax too. So those high income earners should definitely by paying more.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Of course personal taxes are just part of tax revenue - and there is plenty of evasion and cheating going on in the area of BUSINESS TAX. Businesses must pay more tax too.</b><br />
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<b><i>It's a world-wide problem</i><br /></b><b>-------------------------------------------</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b>MARCH 13 2019 - THE DUMBING DOWN OF EDUCATION</b><br />
<b>I've mentioned up page that when I got my degree I was one of the so-called "top**" 0.5% of school beginners to eventually graduate university - how university was hard to get into and even harder to graduate from. </b><br />
<b>How things change - today, EVERYONE can do university++, and in reality anyone in the top 60% can graduate. Which must mean things have been dumbed down (as a school and TAFE teacher for 35 years I can tell you that the top 60% of school beginners includes a lot of very ordinary intellects. Hell this is a RANT, so I can say that 60% includes quite a lot of DUMB-ARSES).</b><br />
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<b><br /></b>
<b> HOW FAR DUMBED-DOWN? Well I think in Australia it depends on the course - medical and legal areas are still very rigorous but human arts courses way easier - ditto unfortunately teaching, and all those applied sciences like engineering, architecture yada. Some would say the high proportion of foreign students (some of whom have hopeless English language and writing skills) signing up for the latter help dumb-down the scene.</b> <b>But on their own, the lower cohort of Australian born students are doing pretty it pretty easy when it comes to enrolling/graduating the university course of their choice..</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>**"top half-percent sounds pretty elitist but let me assure you I am no great intellect. From an illegal look at my school record when the careers adviser left the room, I know my IQ is no great shakes at 15 points above average, far below my class-mates who also had a look. But I had the ability to be cram great amounts of info just before an exam, remember it for just long enough and to reproduce it in very good essays - multiple-choice exams were not a big deal back in the day.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>++the problem with today is that tutoring fees tend to be fairly high and must be repaid over time - a HECS debt. (Higher Education Contribution Scheme) and there are way fewer alternatives like SCHOLARSHIPS. The short period of FREE UNIVERSITY EDUCATION under the WHITLAM GOVERNMENT is long gone - in fact it was a bit late for me, but I was lucky getting a high enough Higher School Certificate result to be awarded a COMMONWEALTH SCHOLARSHIP and a TEACHERS' SCHOLARSHIP, both to university. </b><br />
<b>The former was insufficient for students from poor families so I took the TEACHERS'. Only problem - I had to sign on to be a teacher for a minimum of 5 years (and take subjects making me less suitable for private enterprise after those 5 years). </b><br />
<b>Because of these scholarships, high school teachers came largely from the smart kids of poor families in that era. Today the scholarships are pretty scarce and teacher training is mainly HECS financed - the smart kids from poor families see a much better future in becoming doctors, lawyers, engineers etc leaving teaching to the also-rans, and so teaching has also been dumbed down.</b><br />
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<b>ALL IS NOT LOST</b><br />
<b>This knocking of the younger generation and decrying falling educational standards is hardly new. Greek and Roman philosophers were doing it. Shakespeare has several references. Yet the world has survived - in fact plenty would say it's heaps better these days. When asked when was the best time to be alive in my 74 years, my answer is "NOW".</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>I don't think the present older generations should feel at all smug. A dispassionate look at the past few hundred years suggests my generation and the ones before have largely stuffed up big time. To mention a few cluster-fucks:</b><br />
<b>- The partition of the MIDDLE EAST which has led to the current snafu.</b><br />
<b>- The partition of EUROPE which led to WW1 and WW2 and COLD WAR tensions.</b><br />
<b>- The ENVIRONMENT including GLOBAL WARMING</b><br />
<b>- The MISMANAGEMENT OF GAINS FROM ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT which has seen the rise of far-right wing demagogues who claim to have the answer to all losers' problems.</b><br />
<b>I could go on - you can probably think of a few of your own.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Thing is, I believe the current younger generation is aware of these stuff ups and is better armed to do something about them. I'm optimistic of the future.</b><br />
<br />
<br />
------------------------------------<br />
<b><br /></b><b><br /></b><br />
<b>QUOTE OF THE DAY - MARCH 13 2019</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><i>"The (NSW) Premier's office is overpopulated with Young Turks who have no understanding of what real people are thinking because they lack life experience."</i></b><br />
<b>Take that youngsters! </b><br />
<b>Take that Premier!</b><br />
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<b><i>Not quite what the quote had in mind</i></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>BULLSHIT WAS ALL THE BAND COULD PLAY (to the tune of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QuVYS4uw0as">COLONEL BOGEY</a>)</b><br />
<b>The above quote was in the Sydney Morning Herald's CBD column, attributed to "....one Liberal MP". Yep, he's bagging his own leader - nothing new in Australian politics of late. </b><br />
<b>But even though we center-left readers love seeing disharmony in the center-right ranks, I wonder just how <i>authentic</i> the quote is. I mean </b><b>"<i>....one Liberal MP</i>" is real vague. </b><br />
<b>As someone once said: "Never let the truth get in the way of a good story".</b><br />
<b>Maybe THE TRUMPSTER sums it up better. FAKE NEWS!</b><br />
<br />
<b>MY TAKE - irrespective of the accuracy of the so called quoter, I think there's a certain amount of truth in the danger of surrounding yourself with <i>all </i>young advisers. Any politician worth his/her salt should be taking advice from both old-experienced people who have been there, done that AND younger hot shots with all the confidence and new skills of youth.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>---------------------------------------------------------</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b>FROM WANKER!! .... TO WHATEVER - MARCH 14 2019</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Reading over this blog, I have come to the conclusion that it is a bit short on RANTING. My general approach is more middle of the road ----the WHATEVER of above. This is no doubt the result of the common mellowing of age, how the passing years develop perspective, how former hard lines on issues tend to get softened over time. But I confess that a certain forgiveness has to be worked on - I do look at some fuckwit fashions, fads and happenings and the first reaction is ....WANKERS! Then the training to accept differences cuts in and I change it to ....WHATEVER.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>I mean, there is a sizable demographic gets its kick from FINE DINING or THE COFFEE CULTURE. I look at these people spending a small fortune on stuff doesn't look any better than LADY TEZZA can do at 10% the cost, and my first reaction is ....WANKERS!! But hell, if someone gets a kick out of fine food or coffee why shouldn't they be devotees (and face it - getting extra pleasure from such a basic thing as sustenance is not wasted time) any less than people who spend lots of their income on cars, sports, art or clothes? No doubt a lot of them would look at my passions for BUDGET TRAVEL and being a general CHEAPSKATE, and think....FUCKWIT!!</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcJm-8NELWWfZ4H5QevfPebMxw2eQfqn92SsECi2C5ZYI37CbmghCpJ9n1Xm-VPAPLzQiU7VN5kLDjBqMTTfvEy-RstRFqD0rANbVG_hkv563fjrbbDUJKEEGEO1sLgq__PbNlZkkYtcc/s1600/20190114_13944.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="900" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcJm-8NELWWfZ4H5QevfPebMxw2eQfqn92SsECi2C5ZYI37CbmghCpJ9n1Xm-VPAPLzQiU7VN5kLDjBqMTTfvEy-RstRFqD0rANbVG_hkv563fjrbbDUJKEEGEO1sLgq__PbNlZkkYtcc/s400/20190114_13944.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><i>FINE DINING - $44 for THAT? - WANKERS!!</i></b><br />
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<b><i>CHEAPSKATE TEZZA buses into MATARANKA HOT SPRINGS on a GREYHOUND out of DARWIN, stays in his (leaky**) $15 dollar K Mart tent, when there are quite good associated motel rooms - FUCKWIT!!</i></b></div>
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<b><i>** </i></b><b><i>hence under cover of the group lecture shelter: sunny in shot but each night had epic T -STORMS</i></b></div>
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<b>MARCH 19 2019 - THE PROSTITUTION OF NEWSPAPER TRAVEL SUPPLEMENTS</b></div>
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<b>I have used and written for several newspaper travel sites in the past. No more - they will not accept my contributions. say they don't accept unsolicited stuff any more and publish shit like: "THE WRITER STAYED AT HOTEL X AS THE GUEST OF Y TRAVEL BOARD AND Z AIRWAYS". And we expect IMPARTIAL reviews from these dudes?</b></div>
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<b>They might as well rewrite PRESS RELEASES. Which sadly they already do.</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB8-R1MN-7okwMixc0VVQbazAtf-_ADPMvR4rhki1EXULnSCZxoEnVUjH67UMu5ddzP5_K1OJ9LRpX7AwEpMvte7jIN4KP0GTvA0NBLzR2VPWSDJKiNxxgCV6QwEMKgBj3oDolcMm-gE8/s1600/20190114_13944+%25283%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="544" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB8-R1MN-7okwMixc0VVQbazAtf-_ADPMvR4rhki1EXULnSCZxoEnVUjH67UMu5ddzP5_K1OJ9LRpX7AwEpMvte7jIN4KP0GTvA0NBLzR2VPWSDJKiNxxgCV6QwEMKgBj3oDolcMm-gE8/s400/20190114_13944+%25283%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>MARCH 21 2019 - THE YUPPIFYING OF TRAVEL</b></div>
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<b>The above bit on the prostitution of travel supplements leads on to how travel these days is dominated by information and venues likely to appeal mostly to upmarket YUPPIES. Travel articles are full of trips to exotic places, staying in top grade accommodation and naturally eating up a storm - all to appeal to cashed-up middle classes and affluent retirees. These dudes fly BUSINESS CLASS ONLY (while ol' TEZZA is hunched up in cattle class at a third of the price), stay in some $500 a night SAFARI TENT at <i>BURKINA FASO</i>. Where to get a grossly-overpriced meal in </b><b><i>OUAGADOUOGOUE </i></b><b>?? - these dudes will know.</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq5RUhjZUepM7mL84b1bki_n7t45A9hI-pbLK6gumchkEMBXLhek6VEycFtgOEKvRjiX8mNLtL7DnSGflOA0kOCHzSPiOCj8I2qTn0Eq5ABas-5Tl4KB1johPFXqoUZjVzMB87PYREa2g/s1600/20190114_13947.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="296" data-original-width="768" height="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq5RUhjZUepM7mL84b1bki_n7t45A9hI-pbLK6gumchkEMBXLhek6VEycFtgOEKvRjiX8mNLtL7DnSGflOA0kOCHzSPiOCj8I2qTn0Eq5ABas-5Tl4KB1johPFXqoUZjVzMB87PYREa2g/s400/20190114_13947.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><i>Ben has just got the travel company invoice and realized the SAFARI TENT at DUEX BALES NATIONAL PARK was maybe not such a good deal after all.</i></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKffZ3k340fLQN-kzjqQY8tbaNN_abDDhc5rY66Ly0fg8vFxtn9t0pSImUxKmCI0WZ4idnDn3sD3FLYuQRI3t_0__WtkkV1Kde9Ax3bUpzSw_RZ8OyVe964a4NG0I4-eg8lnnoaGD_O5c/s1600/20190114_13948.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="195" data-original-width="258" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKffZ3k340fLQN-kzjqQY8tbaNN_abDDhc5rY66Ly0fg8vFxtn9t0pSImUxKmCI0WZ4idnDn3sD3FLYuQRI3t_0__WtkkV1Kde9Ax3bUpzSw_RZ8OyVe964a4NG0I4-eg8lnnoaGD_O5c/s400/20190114_13948.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><i>.... and CAMERON is considering that drunken meal in OUAGADOUOGOUE was perhaps a bit over the top. </i></b></div>
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<b>I'm not sure how I feel about this - maybe EXCLUDED sums it up best. A long time traveller like me rubs shoulders with all these neophytes been to exotic, out of the way places at no expense - makes me feel a tad inferior.<i> </i></b></div>
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<b>THE YUPPIFYING OF EVERYTHING</b></div>
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<b>Here's the thing. Seems EVERYTHING these days is on what I would classify as a HIGH END <i>YUPPY </i>type standard. The streets are full of upmarket cars - MERCS, BEEMERS, AUDIES, LEXI (LEXUSES sounds wrong). Seems even tradies (the Yanks call them "CONTRACTORS") are being yuppified - the best sellers right now are dual cab utes ("PICK-UPS") - things like the TOYOTA HILUX - doesn't sound too flash but a dual cab with a bit of bling is gonna set you back mid $50k minimum. Not hard to spend $70k or more on things (currently farmers are moaning about a federal govt plan to limit tax deductions for smaller road vehicles to $100k, Say what? What kinda smaller road vehicles are they buying?? - small and mid-sized Mercs and Bemmers sit comfortably below s100k - yuppy farmers?</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b> Tezza blanches at spending $20k new on his Korean mid size fuel sipping sedan.</b></div>
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<b>Doesn't stop there - EVERYONE under 60 has to have the 4 bedroom show home with ducted aircon, marble benches, Norwegian appliances and other mod-cons.</b></div>
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<b>And all that other PRODUCT - can't get by without the top end phone/tablet/laptop/game machines yada</b></div>
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<b>And as I say up page, the ol' holiday in the family tent down the coast at ULLADULLA doesn't cut it anymore - let's try the upmarket SAFARI TENT in BURKINA FARSO's <i>DEUX BALES NATIONAL PARK..</i></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1V5GaH9omH3puEqh4Meajn7Ojw1geRcxf1C3gI5N8UBp9rxQT82CWEXjWmlYv7JmTouzuOYcMiJ5Pl4kb2elM6seOtv3FVd4wucILUR5houKjTgEs-kUFenIUeeQ_QNv3gpDWJrJ6SB4/s1600/20190114_13944+%25283%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="318" data-original-width="272" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1V5GaH9omH3puEqh4Meajn7Ojw1geRcxf1C3gI5N8UBp9rxQT82CWEXjWmlYv7JmTouzuOYcMiJ5Pl4kb2elM6seOtv3FVd4wucILUR5houKjTgEs-kUFenIUeeQ_QNv3gpDWJrJ6SB4/s400/20190114_13944+%25283%2529.jpg" width="342" /></a></div>
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<b><i>Yuppies are into dogs big time - naturally their pooches are way yuppy.</i></b></div>
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<b>WHAT I FORGET - Yuppies were an 80s thing - stood fer YOUNG URBAN PROFESSIONALS. </b></div>
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<b>So naturally things these trend-setters were adopting back then have become MAINSTREAM 25+years later. Only trouble is the current users decry the expense - say they can't keep up with THE COST OF LIVING. </b></div>
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<b>Now OL' TEZZA can remember the post WW2 years of shortages of everything and so can easily survive without all this PRODUCT on a lower than Australian-average income - it's easy to decry the present complaints - but people of my generation are basing our judgments on A DIFFERENT TIME. As EMILIO ESTEVEZ would say: THAT WAS THEN AND THIS IS NOW.</b></div>
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<b><i>Yeah, but that was then. This is now.</i></b></div>
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<b>WHICH MAYBE EXPLAINS WHY NEARLY EVERYONE IS CRYING POOR....</b></div>
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<b>.... more on this later under the heading: YOU AIN'T REALLY DOING IT TOUGH.</b></div>
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<b>MARCH 23 2019 - THE STATE ELECTIONS</b></div>
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<b>The NSW state elections are today. It's a contest between the sitting government, the center-right coalition the LIBERAL/NATIONALS** and the major opposition, the center-left LABOR.</b></div>
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<b>It's 1701 - just less than an hour before voting closes so no-one knows the result. Made harder by pre-polling which presented a 50:50 situation.</b></div>
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<b>MY TAKE - I'm an ideological LABOR voter given my working class/poor background, but I have to admit I helped vote the COALITION into government back in 2011 - LABOR was completely on the nose with mega-corruption scandals.</b></div>
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<b>Today I don't care too much. The COALITION hasn't been a bad government with a very strong record of INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT in terms of roads and railways. Naturally there have been protests from the usual suspects - show me any big project where there are not losers who these days know how to scream blue murder (BLUE? - what's that mean? What's the difference between ordinary murder and BLUE MURDER??) There have been a few miss-steps: the idea of tearing down 2 OK sporting stadiums for new was pretty stupid in a state crying for new schools and hospitals. And there were the usual SNOUTS IN THE TROUGH and APPEALING TO THE BIG END OF TOWN scandals. </b></div>
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<b>Their leader, NSW Premier GLADYS BEREJIKLIAN is pretty good - not pretentious, not a "babe", and low on bullshit. Has looked most uncomfortable when advisers (no doubt male) have urged her to go the mongrel. Gladys does not do the mongrel well.</b></div>
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<b><i>Glady's is no babe - the daughter of Armenian immigrants she is pretty genuine and hard working.</i></b></div>
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<b>My major problem with the COALITION is how they've financed all this infrastructure - a combination of SELLING OFF STATE ASSETS and (proven as a failure) STATE-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS. As an economist I'm a fan of neither. </b></div>
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<b>Oh yeah, they also got a bucket-load of cash from the end of the real-estate boom, which has finished for the time being. Dumb luck - but any party in power could have had it.</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-zUHg7XfJKR6dE7H1j9Jk4za3qiiUnlkiriI8CHM7-p6GfMmNXJDhIyBvZmEmlxFsEGpMc793937CGNOVVqwRRKLcJvrsmlggpmizQCJqg545TOjhS6fbkejZRmdVqc9TUNoxeKZ8g6Y/s1600/xxx.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="385" data-original-width="552" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-zUHg7XfJKR6dE7H1j9Jk4za3qiiUnlkiriI8CHM7-p6GfMmNXJDhIyBvZmEmlxFsEGpMc793937CGNOVVqwRRKLcJvrsmlggpmizQCJqg545TOjhS6fbkejZRmdVqc9TUNoxeKZ8g6Y/s400/xxx.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><i>Psst! Wanna buy a power station - one government owner since new. No encumbrances - join the OLIGOPOLY of other formerly govt owned power suppliers in bamboozling the public with bullshit power plans.</i></b></div>
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<b>The LABOR LEADER, MICHAEL DALEY is pretty good too. But he has some baggage as a former union leader and local politician, and tripped up a few times in the last week of electioneering.</b></div>
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<b>Get back to you in a few hours with the result. Hopefully. Experts are picking a TIED election which will take several days of negotiation with minor parties to determine who governs.</b></div>
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<b>**How can a center-RIGHT party call itself LIBERAL? Well this goes back to the days of formation where they were presenting themselves as alternative to HARD RIGHT parties - some of their ideas were indeed liberal - trouble is these days their policies have drifted to the right to the point where the party is more CONSERVATIVE than LIBERAL.</b></div>
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<b>2330 - not gonna stay out of the sack any longer. With less than half the vote counted it looks like the COALITION will hang on - maybe just enough to form a minority government - but certainly experts agree LABOR'S result has been disappointing.</b></div>
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<b>UPDATE </b></div>
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<b>- maybe I should have stayed tuned in a little longer - apparently LABOUR leader DALEY conceded defeat at 2330. Results at close of counting a few hours later had THE COALITION losing only one seat to LABOUR, another few in doubt and losing a few in the country to minority party SHOOTERS AND FISHERS. Not enough losses to force a minority government.</b></div>
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<b>I'm not too upset despite my ideological leanings - I'm not too sure LABOR could do a better job. Maybe they deserve another term in opposition given their hopelessness last time in state government.</b></div>
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<b>APRIL 3 2019 - THE AUSTRALIAN FEDERAL GOVT BUDGET</b></div>
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<b>IT'S DEJA VU ALL OVER AGAIN</b></div>
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<b>It doesn't seem all that long ago when JOHN HOWARD'S Liberal/National Party govt (center-right), desperate for a lift in the polls for an imminent election, offered in the national budget bribes of big tax cuts, cash-handouts and a whole raft of MIDDLE CLASS and RETIREES' WELFARE </b><b>measures. I thought it the biggest economic cop-out of recent times - here was a govt flush with tax funds from the MINING BOOM pissing a large amount of it up against the wall in order to BRIBE voters to re-elect it. And it worked. </b></div>
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<b>Fast forward nearly 20 years and the coalition is trying it on again. Last night's federal budget contained similar tax cuts and cash handouts in an effort to bribe voters to re-elect SCOTT MORRISON'S Liberal/National Party coalition (which is frankly on the nose) </b><b>despite earlier promises to "bank any upturn in tax receipts to reduce government debt"</b></div>
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<b>Experts say they can afford to do this because of an unexpected upturn in tax receipts from mineral exports, although Scottie claims it is all down to money saved due to their "better economic management". Few mention that this minerals upturn is expected to be short lived.. </b></div>
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<b>At least the paying down government debt is something Howard did - but there was so much more he could have been done with the tax bribe money - health, transport, education, defence, social services and many other things at the time were screaming for more government money.</b></div>
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<b>WHAT I DON'T GET .... is how punters think this is a winner. Surely they must realize all the opposition has to do is offer the same tax cuts from the same revenue source. As a matter of fact the LABOR opposition is expected to offer MORE - because they will have a bigger source of funds after they abolish/reduce some controversial coalition vote-buyers introduced in the HOWARD era, including NEGATIVE GEARING deductions, CAPITAL GAINS TAX deductions and DIVIDEND IMPUTATION refunds. If they sound a bit complicated you are right - the AUSTRALIAN TAX SYSTEM is a complex mess.</b></div>
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<b>BULLSHIT WAS ALL THE BAND COULD PLAY - PART 2. </b></div>
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<b>The Coalition has always claimed THEY ARE THE BETTER ECONOMIC MANAGERS.</b></div>
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<b>Say What???? Their record over the past 30 years is abysmal. We have HOWARD pissing the gains from the 90's MINING BOOM up against the wall, and recent Coalition governments failing to reduce the FEDERAL GOVT DEFICIT, despite claims they could do it in the first year of being re-elected. Now Scottie is going to piss gains from this 2018/19 mini-mining boom up against the wall in order to get re-elected. </b></div>
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<b>Contrast that with LABOR'S RECORD. The best budget manager in the post-war period was LABOR Treasurer PAUL KEATING (ably supported by his Prime Minister BOB HAWKE) who waltzed so many top reforms thru parliament: THE FLOATING OF THE AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR, DECOUPLING of the choking WAGE INDEXATION program, an emphasis on PRODUCTIVITY GAINS, the ELIMINATION OF TARIFFS, DEREGULATING THE FINANCIAL SECTOR, REFORMATION OF TAXATION (including the introduction of CAPITAL GAINS TAX) and perhaps the jewel in the crown - the start of Australia's compulsory NATIONAL SUPERANNUATION (retirement incomes) SCHEME.</b></div>
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<b>(OK, Keating was not perfect - on his watch we saw the start of PRIVATISATION OF GOVERNMENT BUSINESSES and a period of 17% INTEREST RATES [I had a house mortgage at the time - with a few useful strategies in both paying this and placement of savings I survived quite well], As FERRIS BUELLER never said: "EVERY CLOUD HAS A SILVER LINING"]).</b></div>
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<b>Also a class act was a subsequent LABOR treasurer, WAYNE SWAN, who was way better than many judge++. When the GLOBAL FINANCIAL CRISIS hit, he rushed thru reduced taxation, a cash splash and some stimulatory govt infrastructure spending. Good ol' Keynsian stimulatory measures. "Rushed" is the key - if these things are to work they have to be done immediately and with emphasis. "GO EARLY AND GO HARD" was the advice. Worked a charm - AUSTRALIA WAS THE ONLY OECD COUNTRY TO AVOID RECESSION AFTER THE FINANCIAL CRASH.</b></div>
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<b>++many but not all. Leading European finance/banking magazine EUROMONEY declared SWAN the WORLD'S BEST FINANCE MINISTER FOR 2011 for his handling of the Australian economy. On reflection, maybe the competition was not all that hot - we had that over-rated dimbulb ALAN GREENSPAN in charge of the FED at the time and Europe's financial ministers were those idiots got tied in a knot over the GREEK FINANCIAL CRISIS soon after.</b></div>
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<b>THE COALITION BETTER ECONOMIC MANAGERS??</b></div>
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<b>Consider the following: </b></div>
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<b>- Howard and his treasurer Peter Costello were in power in Australia's golden mining boom years - even the pet shop parrot could successfully run a surplus budget in those conditions and have money left over.</b></div>
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<b>- a lot of Australia's economic strength in those years was built on the back of the economic reforms of predecessors KEATING and HAWKE. </b></div>
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<b>- as said, a lot of the government's booty from the mining boom was pissed up against the wall by the Coalition's great economic managers in order to get re-elected.</b></div>
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<b>- after a period in opposition, a new Coalition government came into power in 2014, but they too were economic midgets, promising to remove the budget deficit in the very first year, but failing to do this every year since. The latest budget is the first one that actually promises a surplus, but that could prove very rubbery. </b></div>
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<b>- since in power, government debt has grown every year to the present $34B, but as said, instead of banking any current increases in tax receipts to reduce this debt as promised, they too are pissing it up against the wall in electoral bribing tax cuts.</b></div>
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<b>- despite the claim to superior economic management, the present state of the economy is not good. Wage growth is tiny, GDP growth almost stagnant, investment in the doldrums, consumer expectations poor, house prices (and thus animal spirits) falling.</b></div>
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<b>You must also remember that because of Wayne Swan's swift action in the GFC, Australia's economy started this period off a higher base than those overseas. And yet "the great economic managers" haven't managed to keep this advantage.</b></div>
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<b>JOHN HOWARD - BEST PRIME MINISTER EVER??</b></div>
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<b>Nah, far from best PM - but yeah, have to admit BEST PM FOR GETTING RE-ELECTED.</b></div>
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<b>Howard was a hell of a politician - knew how to ring the bells of the ordinary voter. My problem is SO MUCH WAS DISHONEST. Like all these TAX CUTS/MIDDLE INCOME+ RETIREE HAND OUTS to win votes. Not to mention his NATIONAL SECURITY SCARES - he joined in with the WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION scare, not to mention the THROW THEIR CHILDREN INTO THE SEA bullshit which turned so many Aussie voters against BOAT ARRIVING REFUGEES.</b></div>
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<b>But as he clung to power with these dishonest schemes his government didn't do much in the areas of HEALTH, EDUCATION, SOCIAL SERVICES, INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT. His govt was pissing too much money with tax bribes and middle class welfare etc.</b></div>
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<b>THE BIG KAHUNA - but history will judge HOWARD kindly. On account of his GUN BUYBACK/BAN after the PORT ARTHUR MASSACRE in '96. And yep, I admire him for this in the face of his Coalition allies, the NATIONAL PARTY - made up of farmers and rural town voters who are naturally pro-guns. Brave move - and it worked.</b></div>
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<b>Fair enough.</b></div>
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<b>PETER COSTELLO - BEST TREASURER EVER??? (trust me some idiots are saying this).</b></div>
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<b>Costello was (and is) a WIMP. He never had the courage to stand up to Howard's more outrageous fiscal schemes (Keating was never slow in telling his sometimes over-enthusiastic PM Hawke to shove it up his jumper). Many praise Costello in being able to balance the budget, reduce govt debt and start the FUTURE FUND. Trust the experts - even the pet shop parrot could have done that in an economy bursting at the seems with tax receipts from the MINING BOOM.</b></div>
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<b>Costello continued to wimp it out - in the dying days of Howard, he never had the ticker to challenge for the leadership. Even today, as CHAIRMAN OF THE FUTURE FUND (no this is not one of those sensible NATIONAL WEALTH FUNDS a la NORWAY aimed at preserving some of the nation's present bonus earnings from resources for future use, but a fund to finance FUTURE PUBLIC SERVICE RETIREMENTS) he refuses to allocate some of the funds into INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT LOANS, instead relying almost solely on SHARE MARKET INVESTMENTS (so far the best returning area, but in the future??) </b></div>
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<b>mmm - dude looks like Costello, his head-sitting mate like Howard</b></div>
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<b>APRIL 05/2019 - LABOR'S ALTERNATIVE BUDGET.</b></div>
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<b>Last night BILL SHORTEN, Labor leader, gave his budget reply. As expected, he matched the Coalition's immediate** tax cuts and went better - extending cuts to LOW INCOME EARNERS who the Coalition ignored (after all - poor people don't vote Coalition, so why try to bribe them with a tax cut?)</b></div>
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<b>WAIT - THERE'S MORE! In having such a bounty of cash from the mini minerals boom and cuts to Coalition middle income and retirees tax bribes, LABOR will have money left over for a raft of other areas. Emphasized was the LABOR stronghold of HEALTH, with huge amounts being available to fight cancer and other stuff.</b></div>
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<b>RESPONSE - in general, LABOR'S alternative went down well with the financial and economic pundits. Maybe not so well with Coalition spokesmen - Finance minister MATHIUS CORMANN talks about LABOR'S "high taxing high spending record". He would say that, wouldn't he?</b></div>
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<b>Sure - rich dudes plus some middle income earners (and retirees++) who should never have got HOWARD'S election bribe sweeteners will be worse off. The rest - way better.</b></div>
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<b>**some Coalition proposed tax cuts don't cut in until 5 or even 10 years' time - which all experts say is PIE IN THE SKY. Sensibly, Shorten won't go there.</b></div>
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<b>++you gotta remember I'm a retiree. I figure I have done well out of HOWARD/COSTELLO largess (make hay while the sun shines) - but I will survive ok without (bonus times don't last forever but anyone with half a brain can adapt back to NORMAL TIMES).</b></div>
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<b>SO FROM WHERE COMES THIS BULLSHIT ABOUT LABOR BEING POOR MONEY MANAGERS/HANDLERS OF THE ECONOMY??</b></div>
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<b>From the WHITLAM LABOR GOVT OF THE 70S! Thing was, these dudes after 23 years in opposition went about govt like bulls in a china shop. Spent like crazy - tried to buy back the farm (govt debt and assets) with borrowings from some dodgy middle eastern petro-financed loan shark.</b></div>
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<b>Now I have quite a lot of admiration for GOFF WHITLAM - but yeah, his govt wasn't exactly the model for fiscal rectitude.</b></div>
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<b>THING IS THAT WAS 45 YEARS AGO!! - the COALITION is still clinging to this??</b></div>
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<b>STATE OF THE ECONOMY - APRIL 11 2019</b></div>
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<b>The Global Economy - headwinds everywhere. Seems like this China/US trade thing is gonna affect future growth. </b></div>
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<b>Now the Trumpster is threatening to expand protection to Euro auto exports.</b></div>
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<b>And the US scene alone is unsustainable even if the external sector somehow works out ok - soon the domestic sugar hit from the tax cuts/infrastructure-defence spending is gonna end, replaced by doom and gloom as econocrats contemplate how to finance all the extra spending when taxes have been reduced. Is Trump planning to send the US into Chapter 9?</b></div>
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<b>The Aussie Economy - headwinds too. We have falling property prices causing a doom and gloom mentality, very low wage increases doing the same, all resulting in spending being lower then it should. Factor in the external thing with China - if China had a recession, Australia is in deep trouble (it's our major export market). Similarly if the US succeeds in forcing China to agree to more imports of US mining and farm products, Australia loses because that is what it supplies to China in large quantities.</b></div>
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<b>APRIL 13 2019 </b></div>
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<b>LOW WAGE INCREASES AS A DRAG ON THE ECONOMY - I GET IT' BUT I DON'T GET IT.</b></div>
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<b>OK - I understand how punters spoiled by the relentless big increases in wages for much of this century are less than whelmed by the present era of very small increases. So they are freaked out - and decide to buy less right now - and in the near future.</b></div>
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<b>SAY WHAT??? Face the facts trendsetters, the national statistician tells us wages, although increasing slowly, have increased more than average prices, which have been increasing even slower. Which means the average punter can today buy a bit MORE than he/she could a short time back. And a short time back they were buying up a storm. </b></div>
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<b>WHERE'S THE PROBLEM???</b></div>
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<b>APRIL 15 2019</b></div>
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<b>DECREASING HOUSE PRICES - I GET IT BUT I DON'T GET IT.</b></div>
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<b>For maybe a year, most Australian property prices have been declining - I GET how this makes people feel less rich, downs those all important "animal spirits" which makes them spend less because they think they are less wealthy (google the WEALTH EFFECT).</b></div>
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<b>Thing is, I DON'T GET THIS - IT IS COMPLETELY IRRATIONAL. </b></div>
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<b>WHO is less wealthy? </b></div>
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<b>- Certainly not the majority of property owners who plan to hang on to their joints past this short term downturn (ALL such downturns are short term in the general phrase of time, Google post war Aussie property prices). So in the long run they are not worse off - if they decrease their general spending now they are ferkwits. </b></div>
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<b>WHERE'S THE PROBLEM??</b></div>
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<b>- People selling one property to buy another. Okay, they sell for less, but they re-buy for less. WHERE'S THE PROBLEM?? Maybe people who sell AFTER buying their new joint. FERKWITS - who does that in a falling market? And there will be just as many selling BEFORE they buy the new joint.</b></div>
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<b>- a very small proportion of sellers will be property investors. FERKWITS - if they can't organize their investment plans to avoid selling into a falling market they deserve to lose out. Not that they will lose out all that much. Unless they bought only a few months back (and only idiots buy property for a short term gain) their investment will still be showing a handsome gain in price, way more than could have been gained from alternative investments.</b></div>
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<b>- and as far as those investors who are so leveraged they are gonna get caught short in a CALL - FERKWITS. One of the downsides of leveraged investment - they should know this going in.</b></div>
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<b>- People who have recently bought property off the plan - ditto: one of the downsides of buying off the plan which even the pet shop parrot should know. And seeing property prices have been falling for over a year, they must have bought off the plan way back because only idiots and gamblers buy off the plan in a falling market.</b></div>
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<b>-People selling property to give their kids a nest egg. Okay, the nest egg is a bit smaller, but still way way bigger than if the parents had opened a bank account/bought shares/etc for the kids.</b></div>
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</div>
<b> - Builders</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgshY5IiQeEJx5lemDYykt_TjtuPdehyyhyphenhyphenW8Y5CwayfkQzmgMK6D_kK0dp0YI2T5WhLSCiwXWI28-APf_874wAIpq9GWLrUbJ9Se2nS7yMk5hD2AN1bFLxH3geJBle4-5RtYo3OZeuRIw/s1600/20190114_13948.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="400" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgshY5IiQeEJx5lemDYykt_TjtuPdehyyhyphenhyphenW8Y5CwayfkQzmgMK6D_kK0dp0YI2T5WhLSCiwXWI28-APf_874wAIpq9GWLrUbJ9Se2nS7yMk5hD2AN1bFLxH3geJBle4-5RtYo3OZeuRIw/s400/20190114_13948.jpg" width="332" /></a></div>
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<b>Certainly builders will find things slower in the downturn. But having done so well in the long period of price growth, only the idiots would not have put something away for the inevitable reversal.</b></div>
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<b>WINNERS - so as far as I can see only a few ferkwits are real losers here. But there are winners too. For years the press has been carrying on about how Australia's insane property boom has priced the average house out of reach of FIRST HOME BUYERS. Now our kids are finding their property more affordable.</b></div>
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<b>Also winners are the millions of other property owners with mortgages, because in no way will lenders increase interest rates while the market is down. And interest rates are pretty low right now. Hell, we can probably extend the list of winners to ALL people who have a loan, irrespective of whether it is for property or other purposes, because the CENTRAL BANK is not gonna push general rates up in a property downturn.</b></div>
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<b>GETS BETTER - I just read the Aussie Reserve Bank is considering reducing interest rates because of the softness of the economy - particularly the housing market.</b></div>
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<b>YOU AIN'T REALLY DOING IT TOUGH - APRIL 20 '19</b></div>
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<b>First an apology to low income earners - Australia's income distribution is less unequal than some advanced countries, but at the same time people in Australia on lower incomes are indeed doing it tough. The minimum wage is a joke and there is a growing number of employers taking on the law by paying below the minimum. The unemployment benefit is a farce -way below what the average person needs to exist.</b></div>
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<b>So the "YOU" in the heading refers to people on AVERAGE INCOMES in OZ, not to mention THOSE ABOVE AVERAGE who are also moaning about how tough things are.</b></div>
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<b>SAY WHAT??? Some people have no idea. </b></div>
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<b>The social and popular media are full of the well-off whiners. </b></div>
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<b>A few thoughts:</b></div>
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<b>- ELECTRICITY: not cheap in Oz - apparently only GERMANY has higher prices in the OCED. But this kills me when I look out the window and see all my neighbours with EVERY room in the house lit up. I walk the streets at night and hear the aircons whirring - this in a maritime climate that needs aircon maybe 10 days/nights per year - these people run it 24/7/365.</b></div>
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<b>GAS - petrol is less expensive than in most advanced countries bar the US. Diesel is also cheaper including the US. But this does not stop the whiners from carrying on about how tough things are. Yet they still buy heavy SUVS etc which use at least 50% more gas than conventional family sedans. They sit them in parking lots IDLING while the aircon runs - surely this is the most expensive aircon in the world. </b></div>
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<b>On the subject of SUVS etc - EVERYTHING costs at least 50% more - registration (road tax), tyres, service, insurance. Yet the average person still buys them. FERKWITS.</b></div>
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<b>- HOUSING: was a time when first home buyers went for the minimal 2/3 bedroom/single bathroom joint with the carport or (best) a single garage, the whole joint with the economy fit out. - do your own landscaping and fences. Now the minimum is 4 bedrooms/2 bathrooms, twin garages, aircon, Norwegian benches and appliances, full landscaping and fences.</b></div>
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<b>- AND THE REST: as said up page, average people don't holiday in a tent down the coast these days, they go to some flash resort overseas. Back home they have to have all the latest STUFF - upmarket household appliances and personal communications gadgets.</b></div>
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<b>I personally think expectations have got out of hand - people under 40 in OZ have NEVER experienced a recession in their adult working lives (even if they started it at 15) and thus don't know about tough times. Their expectations have got all out of whack, not helped by the MINING WAGES BOOM where average wages all over Oz (not just the mining areas) reached ridiculous levels for so long (2003-2013) that workers thought this was normal. T</b><b>he sense of entitlement of the average income earner became equal to previous generations' high income earners.</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAOOXF-_hQArRUS30v7s6i0C0VDMJDXmptI9TEFZaNNIn-901Jtd0LM8e_19Qy7tAjT8uW-0i468NaDDFkvleMXK0P0Gkm-kMT_2q2bDNVJjZBYAVgLrB4NBBOzCyyzNTqTB7lWBzpYSA/s1600/20190114_135945.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="469" data-original-width="400" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAOOXF-_hQArRUS30v7s6i0C0VDMJDXmptI9TEFZaNNIn-901Jtd0LM8e_19Qy7tAjT8uW-0i468NaDDFkvleMXK0P0Gkm-kMT_2q2bDNVJjZBYAVgLrB4NBBOzCyyzNTqTB7lWBzpYSA/s400/20190114_135945.jpg" width="340" /></a></div>
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<b>UPDATE APRIL 24. I mentioned above the SENSE OF ENTITLEMENT of workers today. Last night on the TV news I saw some workers hassling a political candidate for more tax cuts - these dudes looked like (their uniforms) power station workers or supervisors and mentioned they were on $aud250000 a year ("many of us work overtime"). A QUARTER MILLION A YEAR!!! .... No worker or supervisor is worth this, overtime or not (the average FULL TIME INCLUDING BONUSES AND OVERTIME INCOME IN OZ
was $aud85982 late 18 - maybe 2% more now ($87700) - and the experts tell us AVERAGE INCOME is misleading because it is inflated by high income earners and way higher than the one we want - the MEDIAN INCOME (where half the income earners are higher/half lower) which unfortunately GOOGLE cannot come up with.Anyway a quarter million PA is obscene..... and STILL these dudes want a tax handout! To paraphrase a comment up page "NEVER GET BETWEEN AN OVERPAID JERK AND A TAX HANDOUT".
</b></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3bjQaWNycQZqtWZtFGpm14y4rTyOvDGizeCcBAxzLfeiJGRHY5J1S7wTIukvtALJBmwpKwV-1lxOlQ4UvLKBN10sz8bFZepXeAiKT2263y-U1NEEWDztzqg2lsQTpKZCQyitTlMZacNE/s1600/20190114_135945.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="162" data-original-width="311" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3bjQaWNycQZqtWZtFGpm14y4rTyOvDGizeCcBAxzLfeiJGRHY5J1S7wTIukvtALJBmwpKwV-1lxOlQ4UvLKBN10sz8bFZepXeAiKT2263y-U1NEEWDztzqg2lsQTpKZCQyitTlMZacNE/s400/20190114_135945.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<b>Jeez - to our list of overpaid fat cats (CEOs, SPORTS STARS, ENTERTAINERS IN GENERAL TRUST FUND BABIES yada, we gotta add WORKERS/SUPERVISORS IN ESSENTIAL INDUSTRIES)
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<b>UPDATE MAY 9 2019</b><br />
<b>I just read some late figures saying that over the past 10 years AVERAGE (use-weighted) PRICES have increased 23.4% while average ordinary time earnings are up by much more - 38%. So ordinary punters can buy many more goods and services now than 10 years back. The stats showed similar results for non-ordinary punters: the young, retired etc who have different consumption and income patterns. So once again - WE AIN'T REALLY DOING IT TOUGH.</b><br />
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<b>MAY
18 - 2019 FEDERAL ELECTIONS</b><br />
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<b>Today
Australian voters decide who is going to govern the nation for the
next 3 odd years (yes – we don’t have fixed length terms of
government).
</b></div>
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<b>The
choice is between the incumbent LIBERAL/NATIONAL COALITION
conservatives and the main opposition, LABOR. There is also a big
rag-tag of independent parties, the main one of which is THE GREENS
but which also includes rat-bag conservative reactionary outfits like
ONE NATION and AUSTRALIA FIRST.</b></div>
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<b>The
LIBERAL/NATIONALS seem mainly to be offering more of the same: “TRUST
US, ONLY WE KNOW HOW TO RUN THE ECONOMY”. This might be impressive
if it were true – but as I mention up page, all the big time
economic advances of the past century have come from LABOR. And the
present state of the economy after two terms of LIBERALS/NATIONALS is
pretty weak which again doesn’t say much for their claim to
economic mastery.</b></div>
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<b>Apart
from this dubious claim of economic know-how- the COALITION is running a
confected scare campaign of higher taxes under LABOR and offering a
bunch of bribes like TAX CUTS for middle and high income earners (not
much on offer to low income earners not to mention the fact that the lucky
prospective recipients have to wait several years to [perhaps] get most cuts) and the usual PORK-BARRELING that somehow seems to favour N/LP
and marginal electorates. Many people are upset about how the FAR
RIGHT, SUPER CONSERVATIVE wing of the COALITION will ensure no change
in the CLIMATE-CHANGE denial that has featured the past 20 years.</b></div>
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<b>LABOR
is offering more substance. They seem to have no trouble matching the
COALITION’S tax cuts and then extending them to lower income
earners on account they are going to wind back the shameless
HOWARD/COSTELLO (COALITION) middle class welfare measures that have
so disadvantaged ordinary wage earners. These wind-backs will produce
a load of revenue which will not only finance LABOR’S wider tax
cuts but also improve spending on health, climate change and a bunch
of other areas, plus provide similar pork-barreling to that of the
COALITION and reduce government debt more quickly.</b><br />
<b>Labor also promises to do something about the POOR WAGES GROWTH everyone is moaning about.</b></div>
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<b>The
pre-election consensus is that LABOR should just make it. Time will
tell.
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<b>SUNDAY
MAY 19 – THE LIGHTWEIGHT BLUES</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b> LIGHTWEIGHTS TO THE LEFT OF ME</b><br />
<b> FERKWITS TO THE RIGHT</b><br />
<b> HERE I AM</b><br />
<b> STUCK IN THE MIDDLE FEELING BLUE</b><br />
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<b><br /></b>
<b>BIG SURPRISE!</b></div>
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<b>Something
few experts predicted – THE COALITION GOT BACK IN!</b></div>
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<b>Actually
surprisingly easily – with 75% of the vote counted it had 74 seats
(76 needed to govern), LABOR only 66 and OTHERS 6.
</b></div>
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<b>LABOR
leader BILL SHORTEN has conceded defeat and resigned from the
leadership. COALITION leader SCOTT MORRISON is a party hero – I
personally regarded him as a lightweight clown, but I must admit he
campaigned well, way better than expected, and at most stages looked
more impressive than SHORTEN. He certainly proved no lightweight
clown.</b><br />
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<b>Even
though the result goes against my working class roots’ ideology, I
firmly believe that WE GET THE GOVERNMENT WE DESERVE** – and if
regular voters are lightweight (that word again) enough to swallow
the lies and scare mongering of the COALITION, they deserve a
lightweight government.
</b></div>
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<b>On a
personal level, I’m better off – as a self funded
retiree I have benefited from the COALITION’S shameless middle
class+retirees’ handouts – my income would actually go down a bit under
LABOR. But I was prepared to wear this for the greater fairness to
people who had missed out on the wins from
GLOBALISATION/DEREGULATION/PRIVATISATION yada. Up page I mention that
one way the losers of the last 30 years of economic change can catch
up a little is to embrace DEMOCRATIC SOCIALISM a bit more. LABOR's program was much
more democratically socialistic than the COALITION's. However the regular
punters have rejected this – looks like they are much more
contented with the status quo than their moaning about low wage
growth, weak leadership, poor government services, global warming
yada would suggest.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>**as the circus in the UK and tragedy in the US readily prove.</b><br />
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<b>MAY 21
2019 – FORENSICS 101 – NEVER GET BETWEEN A RETIREE AND A
GOVERNMENT HANDOUT – (P Keating).</b></div>
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<b><br />
</b></div>
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<b>The
post-election analysis of why LABOR lost is pouring in. Seems the
biggest single issue was the alienation of self-retired pensioners
who felt threatened by LABOR’S plan to modify the unjust DIVIDENDS
IMPUTATION REFUND. This proposal would only affect 5% of taxpayers,
mostly self funded retirees, but if they tell their kids not to vote
LABOR too, it adds up to a hell of a lot of votes. As FERRIS BUELLER
never said: “ALWAYS BACK THE HORSE CALLED SELF INTEREST”.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ0hOqfO5pO6BwMsGSH4I0hqjOAvtiZ8QZEVhOfAcnux8bDO7TPxjj57JqFzhyphenhyphenktm1qZ4dC9nOuRsxKdKx_F_2pQOQydGsk89m-jT-O5LTLqXT9JI7rRdiVp2kaNN5C9g3lPMypAjQKiU/s1600/aa.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ0hOqfO5pO6BwMsGSH4I0hqjOAvtiZ8QZEVhOfAcnux8bDO7TPxjj57JqFzhyphenhyphenktm1qZ4dC9nOuRsxKdKx_F_2pQOQydGsk89m-jT-O5LTLqXT9JI7rRdiVp2kaNN5C9g3lPMypAjQKiU/s400/aa.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Of
course there were plenty of other issues. One of the biggest was
SCOTT MORRISON’S personal popularity. He certainly outshone the
rather dour BILL SHORTEN. As I overheard a neighbour say: “I voted
for SCOTT MORRISON – HE SEEMS LIKE SUCH A NICE MAN”. Hasus wept.</b></div>
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<b>As
one wag wrote: “VOTERS DIDN’T SHOOT THE MESSAGE – THEY SHOT THE
MESSENGER” Wish I’d said that.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>UPDATE - on reflection, when you think about it they shot BOTH the message (ending the dividend imputations refund lurk) AND the messenger.</b><br />
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<b>JULY 21 2019</b><br />
<b>Been awhile since my last post, but here's the thing: NOT TOO MUCH WORTH RANTING ABT THESE DAYS.</b><br />
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<b>I put it down to getting old - as I suggest up page, AGE MELLOWS. Sure, I see stuff makes me giggle, not RANT...like the BULLY IN CHIEF....and the ongoing BREXIT train-crash. I mean there has been a lot of action in BOTH areas the past few months, but not too much progress. Like THE TRUMPSTER does not seem to be making too much progress with his WALL thing; the TRADE WAR with China could end up "some things gained, some lost' .</b><br />
<b>And the BREXIT saga continues - at this date THERESA is finished, BORIS looks likely (did I mention ENTERTAINMENT - that guy should almost be as good as the PROTECTIONIST IN CHIEF). </b><br />
<b>And right now there's still NO PLAN fer the actual exit.</b><br />
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<b><i>The above shares my conviction that the EEC is a fundamentally floored concept - well the currency union bit is. But what do I know? - I'm just a trained economist.</i></b><br />
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<b>UM - just remembered this is a TRAVEL BLOG. </b><br />
<b>OK - just returned from the annual trip to BALI and nearby. This time LADY TEZZA and I did our usual couple of days in KUTA on arrival, but at a new location even closer to the airport, and <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/ShowUserReviews-g562690-d588404-r685101496-Bakung_Beach_Resort-Tuban_Kuta_Kuta_District_Bali.html">a sister property to our usual off the plane, spot </a>- then went across to SANUR for a relax in 2 locations <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/ShowUserReviews-g297700-d308411-r607504291-Inna_Sindhu_Beach-Sanur_Denpasar_Bali.html">(VALUE ON THE SANUR BEACHFRONT</a> and <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/ShowUserReviews-g297700-d450859-r685326341-Sativa_Sanur_Cottages-Sanur_Denpasar_Bali.html">THE GOOD, THE BAD and the UGLY)</a>. After that we normally head up-island for some destination in the mountains or north coast we haven't seen before - but this year we figured we'd seen all the places worth seeing ++ the hassle of moving up country is big time on the horrific roads with typical BALI traffic - so we gave that a miss and headed back to KUTA. Stayed for the first time in POPPIES 2 (detaills <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/ShowUserReviews-g297697-d1647873-r685484392-Bali_Sandy_Cottages-Kuta_Kuta_District_Bali.html">HERE</a>), then went across to POPPIES 1 <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/ShowUserReviews-g297697-d309154-r606201081-La_Walon_Hotel-Kuta_Kuta_District_Bali.html">for a few nights</a>, then to our KUTA favourite, <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/ShowUserReviews-g297697-d1153745-r605560784-Bakung_Sari_Resort_and_Spa-Kuta_Kuta_District_Bali.html">BAKUNG SARI RESORT AND SPA</a> - which is close enough to the airport to ease LADY T's exit. </b><br />
<b>LADY T went home next day (she missed her grand-kids) and I headed for the SW GILIS (GILE GEDE and nearby) for 10 nights. You can read about them elsewher on this blog page <a href="https://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com/2019/07/the-south-west-gili-islands-gede-and.html">HERE</a> .</b>
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<b><i>Rinjani from south GEDE</i></b>
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<b>JULY 24 2019</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>IT'S OFFICIAL - BORIS IS PM!</b><br />
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<b><i>The pantamine has turned into a circus.</i></b><br />
<b><i>And here is the head clown.</i></b><br />
<b><i>Get prepared for some heavy duty entertainment.</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b>HANG ON TIGHT - THIS IS GOING TO GET INTERESTING!</b><br />
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<b>SEPT 29 2019</b><br />
<b>It's been a while since my last entry - been a bit busy with a mega trip to NE US and other things.</b><br />
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<b><but about="" been="" i="" name="" of="" section="" the="" thinking="" this="" ve="">THE RANT</but> is a kind of misnomer for me - see at my age (I'm 74) I've seen most things more than once before - but the world survived then, and so getting upset now is largely a waste of time. My personal approach is to have a bit of a larf at the current crises getting so many people upset - and to poke a bit of fun at it - maybe I should rename this section <i>THE GIGGLE.</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i>
Now I can picture some earnest types saying the current crises are way beyond a giggle - for instance the state of the environment (wasn't that 16yo a blast??) threatens to end the world as we know it. OK as I said, seen that before - the CUBAN MISSILE CRISIS threatened the end of the world as we know it back in the 60s. But we survived that. Common sense prevailed. As we will survive this present environmental crisis. This is not to denigrate the contributions of <i>GRETA</i> et al- .... people like that are WHY we will survive the crisis.</b><br />
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<b>In the meantime I will giggle away at THE DENIAL OF WARMING, the OBFUSCATION OF VESTED INTERESTS, the OTHER EXCUSES FOR INACTION. The same as I will at the other things get people so upset - brain dead politicians/governments, lack of housing/population/transport policies....yada. Not to mention economic mismanagement and the rest. We have seen this before and yet the world muddled thru. No-ones such as me, jumping up and down achieve nothing. So why not sit back and have a larf?
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<i><b>Aint she great? But I giggled - not at GRETA but at the discomfit she was dishing out to the DENIAL MERCHANTS, the VESTED INTERESTS and the rest.</b> </i><br />
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<b>MY REFLECTIONS ON THE GOOD OL' USA (Just got back from my second mainland visit)</b><br />
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<b>BEACHES - Mainland-wise I'm restricted to CALIFORNIA and the NORTH EAST (ie north of CAPE MAY - south of CAPE COD). But what I've seen so far is a bunch of big long featureless beaches (apart from the piers) - BORING (LA area), short shitty rocky types with heaps of KEEP OUT signs (would you believe one said "NO WALKING ON THE BEACH") in the BIG SUR region, weed-packed ones at CARMEL, and generally dirty long unappealing types lining the SAN FRANCISCO coast. Oh yeah, the north-east - no shortage of barrier beaches stretching off towards the horizon with no discerning start of finish, backed by low grassed dunes - BORING from my point of view although people who see beaches once a year on holidays think they are the best on earth, PLUS some much more experienced beach-goers prefer the wide open spaces of this type of beach and so rate them much higher than me. Who is to say my preference is tops?</b><br />
<b>I say.</b><br />
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<b><i>No headlands, backed by low dunes, high tide narrow, rocky - BORING!</i></b><br />
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<b>THE PEOPLE - US citizens are the most affable agreeable people in the world - EXCEPT: put them in uniform, give them a bit of power - and the become NAZIS, just looking for an excuse to boss and rule the masses.</b><br />
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<b>DEC 16 2019</b><br />
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<b>Been a time gap since my last entry - it's not that interesting things and rantible stuff has not happened - more a case of been real busy with other things. So maybe some updates....</b><br />
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<b>TRUMPSTER UPDATE - can't keep up with this dude. Right now he's in the early stages of IMPEACHMENT which he and his supporters are either ignoring or denying big time - likewise all the other scandals and inquiries re his administration. </b><br />
<b>As far as THE WALL is concerned, he had a kind of win when he managed to convince judges that he could use DEFENSE FUNDS for its construction (dunno how this put him with defense personnel - maybe any bad feeling has been cancelled following recently announced armed forces wage increases).</b><br />
<b>The TRADE WAR is a confusing on-again, off-again thingo - he and his supporters seem to think ANY "progress" on the CHINA thing is a win - they are calling the part repeal of PHASE ONE tariffs a win, even though the impartial experts are undecided.</b><br />
<b> Things don't seem so hot on other trade fronts - he has recently threatened to spread tariffs to EUROPEAN imports after targeting some LATIN AMERICAN economies.</b><br />
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<b><i>On the personal relations front the TWEETER IN CHIEF is sure to win support from his followers in ridiculing a 16 yo Asperger sufferer. What a winner! What a man!</i></b><br />
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<b>THE US ECONOMY UPDATE - seems that sugar hit from the tax cuts/infrastructure spending is STILL going, but sooner or later the cost is going to hit. And the impact of the TRADE WAR is going to make itself felt in employment, taxation and inflation areas. </b><br />
<b>:"<i>Sooner or later</i>"....maybe MUCH later - tax cuts etc can be financed by another round of QUANTITATIVE EASING (in effect the US TREASURY printing more money). Already TRUMP is trying to bully the FEDERAL RESERVE into this, along with lower interest rates and a lower US dollar.</b><br />
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<b>BREXIT UPDATE - well BORIS has just won the election. All those "WE AINT GONNA LET THOSE CONTINENTALS PUSH US AROUND" losers have given him a mandate for BREXIT. So the train crash rolls on - as I said this is becoming interesting - and real entertaining. Although many Brits stand to lose jobs, businesses and income if it happens - that won't be so entertaining.</b><br />
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<i><b>I wonder if some of those flames include the possible loss of SCOTLAND? Not so fine if BRITAIN loses all that NORTH SEA oil revenue. And Northern Ireland is looking shaky. Did someone mention (a future) LITTLE BRITAIN?</b></i><br />
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<b>AUSTRALIAN ECONOMY UPDATE - things are still in the doldrums with low wage growth/ spending/ investment/ employment growth and GDP expansion. The "great economic managers" who thought their tax decreases would stimulate the above have been proved wrong. But they refuse to give any FISCAL STIMULUS because they still think limiting government spending to BALANCE THE BUDGE has priority right now. Not sure what all those dopes who voted for them think right now - but knowing the average Aussie, it won't be until unemployment starts to blow out, inflation spikes high, wages decrease in real terms, housing mortgage interest rates bite hard yada that they will be nudged out of their stupor. Any time soon.</b><br />
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<b>ECONOMICS 101 - QUANTITATIVE EASING</b><br />
<b>The theory is neat if a bit pie in the sky - how printing money in exchange for govt bonds will increase liquidity, make borrowing money even easier and get all those dudes out there to buy a shitload more stuff. Only trouble is the the RICH have used all this cheap money to buy shares and property. So the US and other places who have tried QE have had an ASSETS BUBBLE mostly in non-productive areas, but not in places which promote real growth. Not helping TRUMPSTER'S losers but making him real popular in upper income circles. Which is maybe what counts - those dudes contribute to campaign funds, and ALWAYS VOTE.</b><br />
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<b>CAR NUT </b><br />
<b>Here's a confession - been a car nut all my life - which at 74 years ain't short.</b><br />
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<b><i>Car nut.....ho, ho, ho</i></b><br />
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<b>But that CAR NUT thing conflicts with being a TIGHT ARSE. And I must admit the TIGHT ARSE thingo has won in recent years. </b><br />
<b>Time was when certain basic rules that I though set in stone applied: "ANYONE WITH A BRAIN BUYS USED, WHEN A CAR IS ONE OR TWO YEARS OLD..... LET THE ORIGINAL OWNER WEAR THE DEPRECIATION". So I was a great fan of showing up at GOVERNMENT AUCTIONS and buying a one or two years old police pursuit car - a V8 or turbo Commodore with all the special stuff - heavy duty suspension, big wheels, big brakes...yada.</b><br />
<b>And my plan was when I got old to TRADE DOWN - start with something of reasonable value and every year or so replace it with a slightly older goodie - do you have any idea how all those cars used to light fires back in the day have depreciated? I could see myself in BEEMERS, MERCS, RX8s and a whole bunch of other good stuff** every year or so.</b><br />
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<b><i>2003 RX8 - $AUD8900 - and I could get it for way less.</i></b><br />
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<b>DON'T WORK LIKE THAT ANYMORE - here's the thing: back in the day most new models might show new sheet-metal and interiors but not much else. But NOW seems every update has things worth having - new safety measures, new performance measures (was a time not long ago we had to go to the aftermarket for big wheels, big power yada - now they come standard or as an option), new economy measures and often improved driving pleasure (better steering, more road isolation, better roadholding....yada).</b><br />
<b>It's NEW ECONOMY MEASURES which have caught my notice. I reckon the days of PERFORMANCE MOTORING have gone - unless you can afford TRACK DAYS (how much will that cost you - not only the ROLL CAGE, HELMET, TRACK FEES, but TIRES, BRAKES etc?). So for this enthusiast the only way to get added pleasure from motoring is to become a HYPERMILER - yeah that's right, a fuel-sipping nerd. </b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCPsZ46FWB5eBu6c8uaA2NzMQXsHlIw5Gh0gveUPZyLWcBlSUIiLObI8L7P3-BTeh5qBMv7RssEGqAHyLGP-k0EVqUvNTNErS1MrEqq41S0xM3zVUvAofirVnf1o98gaiPRF6vcHPT2Qg/s1600/ee.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCPsZ46FWB5eBu6c8uaA2NzMQXsHlIw5Gh0gveUPZyLWcBlSUIiLObI8L7P3-BTeh5qBMv7RssEGqAHyLGP-k0EVqUvNTNErS1MrEqq41S0xM3zVUvAofirVnf1o98gaiPRF6vcHPT2Qg/s400/ee.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>This started with the purchase of my current car back in 2011 - a HYUNDAI ELANTRA. I read an article about cars beating US40mpg (a US gallon is smaller than an imperial gallon) and the ELANTRA was one - and it was drop dead gorgeous and had all the latest safety meaures current at the time. So I changed my plan about buying secondhand/few year's old, and bought one new.</b></div><div><b>Listen up - the ELANTRA is nothing exciting - steering braking? It does them.....neither offends nor arouses. But it does get brilliant fuel economy - way over that 40USmpg.</b></div><div>
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<b>Time passes - now with my interest in HYPERMILING, I kinda fancy the latest TOYOTA COROLLA HYBRID which is not only super efficient but is a definite step up in features, safety and driving pleasure from the previous model and my Elantra. Big problem - my ELANTRA is almost new! It has only done 65k km over the years and looks/drives like a new car (car styling has caught up - latest generation new cars look similar but not better than mine). But if I traded the ELANTRA, I'd get next to nothing. Which does not sit well with this long time tight arse.</b><br />
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<b><i>2011 Elantra</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b><b>**My biggest dream unfortunately is out the window - I have been a US STREET MACHINE enthusiast all my life - but unfortunately all those great old Yankee cars from the 50s, 60s and 70s have APPRECIATED in OZ, not depreciated. So much so they are way out of this guy's reach: must remember as a general car nut I compare relative values over a <i>whole range of stuff</i>: an iffy un-modified '72 CHEVVY 2 for the same price as a NEW COROLLA HYBRID?.....NUH!!</b><br />
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<b><i>CHEVVY 2 street machine - modified. To bring one up to this standard would cost 3 times the price of a COROLLA HYBRID.</i></b><br />
<b><i>BTW - a CHEVVY 2 is not my ideal basis for a street machine. My dream is a '57 CADDY ELDORADO, but one of those is near unobtainable in Australia and near priceless in the US.</i></b><br />
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<b>'57 ELDO</b></div>
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<b>MARCH 19 2020</b></div>
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<b>Whoa, huge gap since my last input! Big apologies, but there have been a whole load of personal health issues plus the normal travel activity.</b></div>
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<b>So all the above stuff on THE TRUMPSTER, BREXIT and whatever has moved on big time.</b></div>
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<b>THE TRUMPSTER - has weathered THE WALL, IMPEACHMENT and a whole load of other stuff - at present he is mired in this CORINVIRUS thing - the general consensus is he hasn't handled it too well (what's new?) but that depends on where you are coming from - Republicans think the whole virus thing is a Demorcrat invention, The circus continues....</b></div>
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<b>BREXIT remains the same old CLUSTERFERK. Boris has managed to withdraw the UK from the EEC, but considering the economic consequences won't kick in for a full year on account the trading rules etc last 12 months after withdrawal, we (smart-arses like me) have to keep our SCHADENFREUDE dry for some time. But maybe some consequences will be felt before then - IRELAND is not happy. Ditto SCOTLAND.</b></div>
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<b><i>Fixing the Irish border problem</i></b></div>
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<b>THE CORINVIRUS - so much has been written, so much done. It is dead easy to be drowned under all the information coming from so called "experts". My personal thought is we are being victimised by the FEAR INDUSTRY who make big bucks or at least keep their jobs by scaring the crap out of the public - that the health crisis may not be as bad as the media and social media would like us to believe.</b></div>
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<b>But here's the thing - tell enough people bad times are coming and those bad times certainly will - scare the shit out of the public and they will go panic buying (like toilet paper her in OZ - what a giggle)....</b></div>
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<b>... but at the same time withdraw demand for much stuff, which is sure to tank the economy. So to sum up my thoughts: hopefully not a killer health crisis, but certainly an economic crisis ahead.</b></div>
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<b>APRIL 08 - MORE CORONAVIRUS</b></div>
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<b>Seems I was wrong above in my claim that the health crisis is not as bad as made out (yet I won't withdraw my remarks on the FEAR INDUSTRY). Things seem to have developed into twin killer crises - healthwise and economic. Here in Oz the infection and death rates are relatively low thanks to fairly concrete and early steps in the form of personal isolation and shutdowns of non-essential activity. Sure snafus have occurred and some messages have been contradictory and ambiguous, but thankfully nothing major (people whose loved ones have died from the "RUBY PRINCESSS' debacle no doubt judge that incident a <i>major</i> snafu).</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div>
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<b><i>Ship had sick passengers on arrival, 4 unloaded into ambulances, yet AUSTRALIAN BORDER FARCE and the NSW DEPT OF HEALTH allowed the 2700 remaining passengers off the ship and to go home, many using public transport, without even a temperature check! Since then many have died, more admitted to hospital. And non-cruisers involved in the shore transfrers have been infected. Right now these august govt departments are trying to shift the blame onto the cruise line itself. This is typical of Australia - govt officials on mega salaries will not take responsibility for their stuff ups - and the politicians support them.</i></b></div>
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<b>The impact of the isolation and close down on the economy is major but again sensible steps have been taken by the government in the form of major fiscal boosts to industry and individuals and sensible regulation; also by the Reserve Bank in easing the official interest rate and freeing up credit; and by commercial banks in easing hard-line approaches to debt etc.** Credit must be given to PM MORRISON and his government in abandoning their previous <i>neo-conservative small government-nil interference - anti science </i>approach to become raving spend-big KEYNESIANS*** (It'a ironic that the disciples of neo-classical economics become rabid Keynesians when the chips are down). All plans for a surplus budget, their major claim to re-election, have been thrown out the window - the 2019/2020 budged deficit will be huge.</b></div>
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<b>But I give more credit to an even bigger right-winger, BORIS JOHNSTON for announcing similar fiscal action earlier (although hindsite indicates he was way slow in instituting health measures - typical conservative govt: strong on business, weak on people). Poor ol' Boris is right now in ICU with the virus - hope he does well. Although I reckon BREXIT and his normal politics are nuts, I do like the larrikin as a person.</b></div>
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<b>Of course the true credit must go to KEN HENRY, Secretary Of The Oz Treasury back in the GFC days who advised the government to "GO EARLY AND GO HARD" with a fiscal response to that crisis. The fact that Australia was the only advanced nation to avoid a recession at the time has not been lost on subsequent politicians and finance ministers elsewhere.</b></div>
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<b>Maybe not even on OL' ORANGE. Dude seems to have done a huge U-TURN from denial (..<i>..."something dreamed up by the Democrats" - ("it's nothing, just the flu and will over by Easter"..."we have plenty of ventilators" - </i>to concern<i> (...."it's going to be ugly - many people will die....").</i> Maybe that concern is half-hearted - I notice face-mask use is "voluntary" and he personally ain't gonna wear one. Plus he still shows open disdain to medical experts and others who oppose the populist line.</b></div>
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<b>Meanwhile his popularity is at an all time high. I don't get it.</b><b> </b></div>
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<b>**this is so difficult to do on an economy-wide basis and naturally some businesses and individuals miss out. But credit must be given to this elitist govt in extending aid to the lowly paid and unemployed.</b></div>
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<b>***of course all these hundreds of billions of stimulus must be eventually paid for. I'm not worried - Oz manged it after each world war as did other countries with much higher debts. But for the dreamers who think this will all be free, please understand that taxes and charges in future will be higher than they otherwise would have. I'm kidding if I think the dreamers will accept this - such malcontents will be moaning their heads off. They have had it so good for so long in this country (a mixture of good economic policy, badly irresponsible government handouts and luck), they have no idea of normal times, let alone tough times.</b></div>
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<b>ANOTHER EUROPEAN UNION CRISIS</b></div>
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<b>I notice the Europeans have also announced a big stimulus package. But countries like ITALY and SPAIN are crying out for more - specifically the issue of CORONABONDS (in effect, loans to the governments of these countries) backed by <i>all</i> member countries. The richer northern countries have resisted this - being tired of rescuing the profligate, careless southerners.</b></div>
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<b>That may be fair enough - but it once again highlights the weakness of this economic union. The rich EEC countries are prepared to accept the benefits of union (bigger market = cheaper products, ease of movement etc) without the cost of supporting the weaker parts of it - unlike political unions like the USA or federations like AUSTRALIA - who come to the rescue of poorer states and territories frequently.</b></div>
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<b>Time will tell how this EEC crisis pans out. My prediction - just another periodic crisis which will be papered over by overpaid wishful-thinking bureaucrats, allowing the show to lurch on to another crisis sometime down the road.</b></div>
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<b>April 18 2020 THE WHO - IN BED WITH THE REDS?</b></div>
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<b>At present THE TRUMPSTER is trying to distract from his own COVID 19 early inaction by accusing the WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION of the same. </b></div>
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<b>Even though I agree they are cosied up too close to CHINA and failed to pass on early warnings I disagree that withdrawing funds is the way to go. The WHO aint perfect and hopefully will learn a bit from this snafu. But the world still needs a central body co-ordinating measures against international health problems . </b></div>
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<b>05 APRIL 2020</b></div>
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<b>CRISIS PASSED?</b></div>
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<b>Yeah well that's the big question right now. Some countries have reached the point where NEW INFECTIONS are in the minority, and DEATHS rare. So they are trying to work out whether it is too soon to relax somewhat draconian health measures like social distancing and isolation.</b></div>
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<b>The HEALTH EXPERTS say give it more time - the BUSINESS and ECONOMIC experts are saying this more time will really kill us. </b></div>
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<b>So yeah, some jurisdictions are beginning to relax health rules, with maybe fingers crossed. What gets confusing is that in a FEDERAL SYSTEM like Australia, the PRIME MINISTER is announcing relaxations due to kick in at x time - but some STATE PREMIERS who have the last say, are contradicting by announcing their own timetables.</b></div>
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<b>Must be even more confusing in the good ol' US, with 52 states and a bombastic federal leader who seems more anxious in keeping unemployment down (and thus getting re-elected) than in saving lives. Dude is bullying the states to relax restrictions and open things up - not that all states need bullying - with republican governors they are heeding ol' Orange's and the business lobby's calls. Hey, and the USA has not even reached the point of PEAK INFECTIONS/DEATHS. Some times it's good to not live in THE LAND OF THE FREE. </b></div>
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<b>JUNE 23 2020</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div>
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<b>CAR STYLING</b></div>
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<b>BUTT UGLY - SNOUTS.</b></div>
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<b>Seems most new cars are trying to outdo each other in terms of which has the ugliest front facia - HUGE grills are de rigour. What we have is angry faces and gaping mouths in bulk.</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG4D-Ic6Q0awt4KMeDKvuiW__Ed6TaqEbyvWiVJh9IV1TAOdOpuLhkWpHPK6w8Hqe-NtBnO3zH2G7P6NpF2BIMsmYZGYALf9Rce0agChGO7ZHojUJzbVcqmDkPH-xjcvDaXt2H3GhwRbM/s1600/a54.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="400" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG4D-Ic6Q0awt4KMeDKvuiW__Ed6TaqEbyvWiVJh9IV1TAOdOpuLhkWpHPK6w8Hqe-NtBnO3zH2G7P6NpF2BIMsmYZGYALf9Rce0agChGO7ZHojUJzbVcqmDkPH-xjcvDaXt2H3GhwRbM/s320/a54.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i><b>2020 MAZDA 2 - nice body with JIMMY DURANTE SNOZ - picture this with a grille-opening half that size</b></i></div>
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<i><b>If This were mine, I'd paint that cross-piece behind the tag-plate body colour.</b></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioNOkHMN7Emstbp_QSSA-GdDsmTVD-7yolqhzikDE1RAUeSYhLDcYPkGIjuK4yBifcE03uAhKmgebfGc3eYwpoWhtvREIaFmhLmYCgJG7-wO3cO-PiK2BkxkPy44fdN8Az5edG6TQigvs/s1600/a55.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="165" data-original-width="305" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioNOkHMN7Emstbp_QSSA-GdDsmTVD-7yolqhzikDE1RAUeSYhLDcYPkGIjuK4yBifcE03uAhKmgebfGc3eYwpoWhtvREIaFmhLmYCgJG7-wO3cO-PiK2BkxkPy44fdN8Az5edG6TQigvs/s400/a55.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i><b>New BMW 4 - GOOD GRIEF!</b></i></div>
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<b><i>That's a bit like a supermodel with buck teeth.</i></b><br />
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<b>This started with some 80s or 90s RAM pickup which introduced a big new grill to make it look tough for all the weekend warriors who buy these things to cruise the local shopping center parking lot at grossly over the top prices.</b></div>
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<b>First all the other PICKUPS, SUVs etc followed - then the car stylists joined in. Before we know it just about all modern cars, despite having outstanding sleek bodies, have a HUGE BUTT UGLY SNOUT.</b></div>
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<b>But there are exceptions - TESLAS have sleek snouts (refuting the claim that big noses are needed for the crush space to meet modern frontal impact/pedestrian impact regulations).</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAPtEjXCeHtkjbyv1qPDUQcBdVbxzbodf8SzVdbwigfIxkcLRq1KG8KXeuc56LHo1W7YlhNIrIrYu6kevVSgdZ4wfb3pap4sP1uk7w3adxjjuxCrO35P9A2q4pzupmSjbiY80eMHqgCjM/s1600/a56.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAPtEjXCeHtkjbyv1qPDUQcBdVbxzbodf8SzVdbwigfIxkcLRq1KG8KXeuc56LHo1W7YlhNIrIrYu6kevVSgdZ4wfb3pap4sP1uk7w3adxjjuxCrO35P9A2q4pzupmSjbiY80eMHqgCjM/s400/a56.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Okay, I can see all you car nerds saying TESLA 3 DON'T NEED A HIGH FRONT ON ACCOUNT THE ENGINE IS ABOVE THE REAR AXLE - so all that space up front is crushable luggage space. </b></div>
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<b>So first of all, an all-electric vehicle with a BUTT UGLY FRONT</b></div>
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<b>- THE 2021 BMW iNEXT</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt3fPiSV285YPQta1M4YQlbKWYYEt3CZGiwks45u5_srO349oEp-rbmzl4PG25RMjUuXZDZ3lj2p8IfZ20eAe-PAiQGrr3wte2Htv2Q30RvFfoqeoKJi8JVqxQk_83l1UAnK5V1p46qcM/s1600/a59.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt3fPiSV285YPQta1M4YQlbKWYYEt3CZGiwks45u5_srO349oEp-rbmzl4PG25RMjUuXZDZ3lj2p8IfZ20eAe-PAiQGrr3wte2Htv2Q30RvFfoqeoKJi8JVqxQk_83l1UAnK5V1p46qcM/s320/a59.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><i>Crikey - I mean BMW SUV coupes are ugly enough without sticking a JIMMY DURANTE SNOZ on one. Takes weird to a whole new level.</i></b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Charter, Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 11pt; text-align: left;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Next let's find a current auto with a conventional engine, placed up front, which hasn't a DURANTE.</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbTMfq-NawaKL0ns1mJq4fN9xVTHk-KCtdwrupkOs7v0fjEpdXZpEOYcMc2eklE5OSakeRQ7sKD-ZqViT7ZBj9tBLOdZHzw9DnJQmDY1m_Lql9NQ7v-KzegU7hoQauwldCgr5OkMAwydc/s1600/a58.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbTMfq-NawaKL0ns1mJq4fN9xVTHk-KCtdwrupkOs7v0fjEpdXZpEOYcMc2eklE5OSakeRQ7sKD-ZqViT7ZBj9tBLOdZHzw9DnJQmDY1m_Lql9NQ7v-KzegU7hoQauwldCgr5OkMAwydc/s400/a58.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><i>2020 TOYOTA COROLLA is the best selling auto in the world - has a pretty sleek upper front despite most or that space behind containing a bulky combustion engine.</i></b></div>
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<b><i>But notice how TOYOTA is bowing to current styling trends - that lower section below the TOYOTA BADGE ain't exactly subtle. In fact it's UGLY.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEivG77oe5Zqh2Gz9ci-HNiGa6RfWq6bVvQGtTNP2v-cPNjH4kJ2jQFpsJmV8t8KaoCbp_fjiGklarD0vhDMfONJ6PRwoBFBIZaymjYv5lSbVs5iV25YoAIk_4HGy43F6ABD2Te2rCPsIXuuZE57lxLEW92Jw7_iN-ER-fMjLRDod3j7aInabQJRTc_Z=s371" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="228" data-original-width="371" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEivG77oe5Zqh2Gz9ci-HNiGa6RfWq6bVvQGtTNP2v-cPNjH4kJ2jQFpsJmV8t8KaoCbp_fjiGklarD0vhDMfONJ6PRwoBFBIZaymjYv5lSbVs5iV25YoAIk_4HGy43F6ABD2Te2rCPsIXuuZE57lxLEW92Jw7_iN-ER-fMjLRDod3j7aInabQJRTc_Z=w400-h246" width="400" /></a></div><i>More ugly from a production model.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Looks like a deranged beaver.<br /><br /></i></b></div>
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<b>JULY 16 - WOMEN'S FASHION</b></div>
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<b>GYM TIGHTS FER EVERYDAY WEAR</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxk_FJPNKIxRQX8HozbJA_RZA3zXregjmpz3VTbngDH76Or6_qjdV1B6Ub2fWq_-JdSd05j0mYx9T5Zoo5D90YZ_FZxjtu1RlohgPOvRxNO0tgb15oI1TWaLKlSWY7rv4RHKYX-BxTZ-0/s1600/a61.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxk_FJPNKIxRQX8HozbJA_RZA3zXregjmpz3VTbngDH76Or6_qjdV1B6Ub2fWq_-JdSd05j0mYx9T5Zoo5D90YZ_FZxjtu1RlohgPOvRxNO0tgb15oI1TWaLKlSWY7rv4RHKYX-BxTZ-0/s400/a61.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Once again fashion follows function. Got to admit GYM TIGHTS are okay in the right environment - THE GYM. And it doesn't matter if the wearer is svelte or oversize - they are wearing the right thing for the environment.</b></div>
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<b>It's where many outsiders who wanna be associated with the fitness thing, start wearing these as everyday fashion. SORRY - gym tights on fat babes in the high street look ridiculous. Active wear looks okay on slvelte babes as everyday clobber - but the party stops there. (I know I'll have all the PLUS SIZE FASHIONISTAS fat-shaming me for my non-PC comments, but who cares?)</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1GbqolxpiZL4NOqSQ3_JNPnJYjS6nJsrHv76HwEVHLhqAm4MnWRjzieg-59m4RHVOn6HuaZXQ9Vvmi_xrQ0OK0vJcno4Feb9jtAvYFjkmOqhKhngnPULpJcWhZQXf9iYVCP8q7feiuBk/s1600/a62.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="415" data-original-width="625" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1GbqolxpiZL4NOqSQ3_JNPnJYjS6nJsrHv76HwEVHLhqAm4MnWRjzieg-59m4RHVOn6HuaZXQ9Vvmi_xrQ0OK0vJcno4Feb9jtAvYFjkmOqhKhngnPULpJcWhZQXf9iYVCP8q7feiuBk/s320/a62.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><i>Yes, your bum DOES look BIG in this,</i></b></div>
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<b><i>I just realised in this day of big booty KARDASHIAN worship that line is no longer an insult. So - yes, your bum does look UGLY in this.</i></b></div>
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<b>OK we have seen similar everyday fashion mimicking tough sports in the past. Back in the early 60's the only dudes wore BOARD SHORTS were surfers. These days 90+% of beach going males (and too many babes - thankfully fewer in 2020) are wearing them. Maybe they think it gives them KELLY SLATER top tubeshooter vibe.</b></div>
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<b>But the difference is quite a few surfers were overweight back in the days on account they drank too much beer (they certainly got plenty of exercise surfing, so the weight had to come from somewhere. WAIT - I don't think we surfers were particularly smart eaters back in the day. A pint of chocolate milk and a big bag of fries was my and my mates' favourite post-surfing snack in the 60s and 70s - so some of that extra weight came from not smart food). All the same, surfers drank a hell of a lot of beer too. </b></div>
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<b>So an overweight dude in BOARD SHORTS doesn't look as ridiculously out of place.</b></div>
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<b>I'm thinking some babes who shouldn't wear gym tights do so because they want the fitness association. </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Others hope the compression thing make them appear slimmer in these outfits.......NADA.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b> Still more are just slaves of fashion - if the influencers are wearing them, we all will - despite the fact they look ridiculous on many.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div>
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<b>So what are my golden rules for everyday outside wear - </b></div>
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<b>um:</b></div>
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<b>- gotta be comfortable (which precludes a whole lot of tight stuff)</b></div>
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<b>- gotta be affordable. OK the in-stuff tends to be more expensive. But the bottom line has to be what is affordable for the individual's level of income and spending strain (spending STRAIN? - some people don't earn much, but their thing is CLOTHES against food, electronics, cars, sport etc for others - so fair enough they blow what others think is too much on their passion. Maybe they blow too much for their own level of comfort - this is where the STRAIN comes in)</b></div>
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<b>- gotta look okay. Which precludes a lot of this tight stuff on overweight babes. </b></div>
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<b>DISCLOSURF - I'm not going to tell you what my everyday wear is. Except the summer stuff is totally inappropriate for a 70s+ old dude. Which brings up the old hypocrites' standard: DO AS I SAY, NOT AS I DO.</b></div>
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<b>JULY 16</b></div>
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<b>MIDDLE CLASS WELFARE AND THE CORONA VIRUS</b></div>
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<b>Just received the PRIME MINISTER'S latest boost to Australian FISCAL STIMULUS: $AUD750 (abt $US520).</b></div>
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<b>As a holder of a COMMONWEALTH HEALTH CARD, I qualify. </b></div>
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<b>But I don't deserve it. See, these cards are given to retirees who's assets and/or income are just a bit too high to qualify for the OLD AGE PENSION - but too low to qualify as comfortably off. That's me. </b></div>
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<b>But no way am I doing it tough.</b></div>
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<b> I get this payment because past PM JOHNY HOWARD decided to buy geezer votes abt 15 years ago - he pissed a whole lot of money (which would have been better used on nation building/fighting global warming and a whole lot of other worthy things) against the wall to ensure he got enough votes for re-election. So he gave geezers not doing it all that tough tax breaks, health cards and sundry other things we didn't really deserve. He didn't get my vote, but enough to get re-elected. My thoughts of JOHNY HOWARD - a bad PM but a very clever politician.</b></div>
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<b>And so we come to this CV19 health/economic crisis - to the present government's credit it decided on cash splashes to increase spending and save jobs. And one group it decided to splash it to are we retired folks who are not quite doing it tough enough to qualify for a government pension.</b></div>
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<b>Now it doesn't matter WHO gets it as long as they are likely to spend it. But my demographic is less likely to spend ALL of it than government pensioners and the unemployed. Thankfully both those groups also got the cash splash, so maybe I shouldn't be too negative.</b></div>
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<b>But me personally? Well I would have made a point of going out and spending it on something guaranteed to boost employment to the max (ie something where ALL the money would stay in Australia, with no leakage overseas), but I had no extra personal needs at the time, so maybe me spending would not be the best overall use of the money.</b></div>
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<b>I had a better idea - split it in two parts and send it to my son and daughter. My son has 5 kids and there is always something needing to be purchased - my daughter has been living on the government's 3 days a week wage subsidy, so definitely had a shortage of things required.</b></div>
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<b>A bit on the various used of the money:</b></div>
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<b>- lotsa people have bought plasma screens and other electrical components. This helps because around half the money stays in Australia and becomes income for sales staff, warehouse people, transport guys, shop owners etc, who then go on to spend it on more stuff - but half leaks off overseas to where all this electrical equipment is made. Great for China etc.</b></div>
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<b>- there has been a lot of criticism of people who have used the money to gamble, buy booze and drugs etc. Drop the righteousness folks - we are talking economics not morals - we after bang for buck here. And if the staff and individuals in the casinos, clubs/pubs etc have extra work and thus income - all's good. Even better if the drugs and booze is made in Australia which a lot is. And remember that MULTIPLIER EFFECT - the suppliers/pub workers/bookies etc go out and spend this money and it helps prop up even more jobs.</b></div>
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<b>I don't care if the neighbourhood drug lord is doing well - that type of person is a flashy spender, and is more likely to extend his house than those rich-dude company directors a few suburbs away. And the building industry tends to have a huge multiplier effect.</b></div>
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<b>- some people have used the money to pay down their house mortgage. At first this seems money lost. </b></div>
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<b>The banks are flush with cheap cash and don't really need more. So we aren't gonna see a boost on loan spending out of this. But we must remember the WEALTH EFFECT - when people have less debt they are more likely to spend more in the near future. </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>The experts tell us the spending had to be NOW - but I'm not convinced. This crisis is gonna go on well past the end of government stimulus - I don't mind measures which will increase spending then rather than right now.</b></div>
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<b>This WEALTH EFFECT can even be argued for better off recipients who simply banked all the stimulus money - trouble is many of these folks have no intention of spending any extra anytime soon or in the future - and so the stimulus money is largely wasted on them. I was a bit afraid this might be me - hence my decision to send it on to the kids.</b></div>
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<b>CANCEL CULTURE - ZZZZ</b></div>
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<b>I'm appalled at the treatment of GEORGE FLOYD, not to mention all those other black US citizens....ditto EEC, Australian, Asian and African minorities. So I'm a great supporter of BLACK LIVES MATTER and similar movements.</b></div>
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<b>At the same time, I can't abide all those opportunists who have seen their big chance of hitching a ride to further their agenda. So they are pulling down statues of historical figures who have been connected to the "racist" past. Not to mention banning books and movies and flaming anyone who questions these actions.</b></div>
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<b>My take - I don't give a stuff re their agenda. A lot seems a repeat of the old PC WARS which were fought some time back. .... ZZZZZZ.</b></div>
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<b>Of course many of these losers will accuse me of being a RACIST which is their usual fallback. Once again ..... ZZZZZ</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYcv-3jszWMgcYaRE8vbQ68hU0d97lPWL0pbKv5UhiAdg3ZDlhucI9_geXSaIAyTlzM3kfmmXTSJazBjYU1a_1F6mjYdVZW9HKm2YfYK5u1s6A8tQGOokfy-wF4fGlJ-PLABwtmTwChzU/s1600/a65canceelculture.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="343" data-original-width="525" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYcv-3jszWMgcYaRE8vbQ68hU0d97lPWL0pbKv5UhiAdg3ZDlhucI9_geXSaIAyTlzM3kfmmXTSJazBjYU1a_1F6mjYdVZW9HKm2YfYK5u1s6A8tQGOokfy-wF4fGlJ-PLABwtmTwChzU/s400/a65canceelculture.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>OCT 09 2020 SO FAR SO GOOD - WHAT NOW?</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>At this point of the Corona-crisis Australia is in a pretty good place. By world standards we have had few infections and deaths because of early action and a dose of good luck. Right now each state except Victoria is still imposing personal space restrictions, venue attendance limits, closed borders except for Aussie returnees from overseas (who must hotel-quarantine for 14 days - apart from that no other people can enter the country), but such restrictions are small time compared to a full lockdown which unfortunately Victoria's MELBOURNE area has been subject to following a secondary outbreak there.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>But okay, what now? Do we remove all limits and just let it rip? Or do we play it safe and keep some basic restrictions in place? The latter seems the sensible option but there is a cost - to LIBERTY (a great many peoples' goodwill is near breaking point) and to the ECONOMY (restrictions cost jobs and hit some businesses more than others - government stimulus methods miss some folk and ALL of us will have to pay for the increased spending some time in the future).</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>I have no idea what will happen. </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Our government's 2020 BUDGET was brought down earlier this week - it contains a lot of stimulus but maybe not what was best in the circumstances: stimuli like PERSONAL TAX CUTS bought forward (spending trackers have proved tax cuts lead to less spending than say increasing the dole which was not done) and BUSINESS TAX RELIEF (will businesses spend more when many outfits are broke? And wasn't TRICKLE DOWN ECONOMICS the discredited idea of late last century? Cynics would say wealth didn't tickle down but stayed with rich companies which simply bought back their shares or paid higher dividends. Wealth went to high earners who could afford to speculate - the lack of trickle down to lower-middle incomes and the poor leading to the present era of POPULIST POLITICS which has so many countries tied up right now.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Our 2020 government budget also relied on some HEROIC ASSUMPTIONS like the rate of economic growth of our major trading partners and the 2021 appearance of a VACCINE.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>As usual some people missed out on any goodies. The most glaring seems to be FEMALES OVER 35 who are disproportionately a feature of long term unemployment.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Any VACCINE is probably the big thing - if one appears soon </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Australia and all those foreign places way behind us in the fight might come out of this in relatively good shape - if not this crisis could continue for years.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>One thing's for sure - if we get back to normal it's gonna be a NEW NORMAL </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>And I can't help shuddering about a near future WORLD DEBT CRISIS - that's gonna delay a NEW NORMAL even with a VACCINE.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Oct 09 - THE SUPER SPREADER IN CHIEF </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Right now the positive-reading TRUMPSTER has been out of hospital for a few days. This follows the circus-like and irresponsible limo-ride outside hospital plus a return to his normal denialist behavior back in the White House. Can't beat his statement that CV19 is nothing, can easily be beat. Yeah he beat it (so far) with cutting edge 24/7 medical care and drugs, beyond the reach of the normal person.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>And his staff and supporters are dropping like flies - keep this up and there will be no one left to run his campaign or vote for him.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5FOoQnJ9vC8S4p3qGfV6w0hqAjfph9jHapqYYVeQT99kn4cosKdOmlx-APh4ZWNUIQw0OR-R7A6WAt5InAYIaZqR4Zmp23Xh-gQbWd3OG-uBfTz_-NrvI8AB1u-PQNQQmnPddATaBDzQ/s945/1e.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="468" data-original-width="945" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5FOoQnJ9vC8S4p3qGfV6w0hqAjfph9jHapqYYVeQT99kn4cosKdOmlx-APh4ZWNUIQw0OR-R7A6WAt5InAYIaZqR4Zmp23Xh-gQbWd3OG-uBfTz_-NrvI8AB1u-PQNQQmnPddATaBDzQ/w400-h198/1e.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: small;">Make America Great Again!</span></b></i></div><h1><i><b><span style="font-size: small;">Under the TRUMPSTER'S watch, many ordinary citizens will get to ride in a Cadillac.</span></b></i></h1><div><i><b><span style="font-size: small;">---------------------------------</span></b></i></div><div><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>YOU’RE FIRED!!</b></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>8<sup>th</sup>
November 2020 - At this time counting in the long run train crash
which is the US PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION has progressed to the point
where BIDEN has been declared the winner. Not-withstanding the moves
by THE LITIGANT IN CHIEF.</b></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>Thing which
surprised most was THE CLOSENESS OF THE CONTEST. But some people are
asking: what is so surprising about a xenophobic ignorant buffoon
attracting votes in a country of xenophobic ignorant buffoons? BUT
the thing is TANTRUM TOSSER IN CHIEF managed to attract around 70
million votes and their ain’t that many xenophobic ignorant
buffoons in the US.</b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQGgm0D4RvIQk61EWEKapsY7ZczfLZb9iN_dTUaUdRSlXYpeYccQw5TtPWQSwAh3P5QkB0e3gSdQvTOv00iTyBGI2nJYiUn3wGKgkORb2RU4HPGJ72xaTUs3wa8i7r56-lB28_gid-uWE/s828/1aaa+%25282%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="535" data-original-width="828" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQGgm0D4RvIQk61EWEKapsY7ZczfLZb9iN_dTUaUdRSlXYpeYccQw5TtPWQSwAh3P5QkB0e3gSdQvTOv00iTyBGI2nJYiUn3wGKgkORb2RU4HPGJ72xaTUs3wa8i7r56-lB28_gid-uWE/w400-h259/1aaa+%25282%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><b><i>THE TANTRUM TOSSER IN CHIEF</i></b><p></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><i>(Cartoon from MOIR, SMH)</i></b><br /><b><br /></b></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>TRUTH IS a lot of
these non-ignorant TRUMP supporters are hurting – they are losers from GLOBALISM, FREE
TRADE etc and see no way to get their share such is the strangle-hold
the upper class on the system- so they ignore all the bad
behavior etc from the incumbent and vote for someone who promises
(falsely) that he can fix the system. I think more than a few are reasonably intelligent people who realisize he can't really fix the problem but their ballot is a PROTEST VOTE (sure, some of Joe's promises could help them but they know the control of the legislature/courts by the winners from the present system is such those promises never will be instituted). </b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>Certainly if I was lower or middle class (except for the top end) in the USA, I would be very frustrated around now.</b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><br />
</b></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>LESSONS FROM THE
TRUMPSTER ERA</b></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>1 – LOOK AFTER
YOUR LOSERS</b></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>This is not possible
in the US because the upper class controls the legislature, courts
and other ways to redistribute the gains from GLOBALISM, FREE TRADE
etc downstream. But OTHER COUNTRIES must resist the lure of
right-wing populism and maintain their social-democratic distribution
of pf the gains to the working class and lower/middle middle class.</b></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>2 – A LIE IS THE
GOSPEL TRUTH TO YOUR FOLLOWERS.
</b></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>And repeat it often
enough it becomes gospel truth to you.</b></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>3 – THE SUGAR HIT
FROM LOWER TAXES, HUGE GOVERNMENT DEFICITS SURE LASTS A LONG TIME.
Nearly 4 years and we still haven’t seen the downside of TRUMP’S
reckless boosting of the economy.</b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>4 - A XEONOPHOBIC, IGNORANT BUFFOON MAY NOT HAVE BEEN THE BEST PRESIDENTIAL MATERIAL BU HE SURE WAS ENTERTAINING.</b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>What are all the satirists, cartoonists and moderate-liberal editorial writers gonna do now?</b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJmkwFnY4esrna5JkCw2WlK-pj1HkOokwYVjX8tto6ARbwWelVr-ZG7AfTxNA2U-q4G2RBwp22v4dXRPWHIp9uk4_hA0eIE0ocMjrxOcngnVIf4wvXFI4HRb91DIgsGyJz-CBW2d3ILNE/s828/1aaaa+%25282%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="828" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJmkwFnY4esrna5JkCw2WlK-pj1HkOokwYVjX8tto6ARbwWelVr-ZG7AfTxNA2U-q4G2RBwp22v4dXRPWHIp9uk4_hA0eIE0ocMjrxOcngnVIf4wvXFI4HRb91DIgsGyJz-CBW2d3ILNE/w400-h243/1aaaa+%25282%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><i><b>cartoon MOIR/SMH</b></i></div><div><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div><i><b>-----------------------------------------</b></i></div><div><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>NOVEMBER 29 2020</b></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>THE BIG RESET</b></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>Everyone, including
the pet shop parrot, is squawking about how we are gonna see a RESET
in just about everything because of the pandemic – employment will
never be the same (half the workforce will be working from home etc),
we are gonna see a whole new world of travel, personal relationships,
self-sufficiency ………………...and so on. I know a lot of
this has come from the dearth of relevant media infill in this time
when lots of readers/viewers have plenty of spare time to peruse –
meaning every futurologist, expert and ratbag with a cause has jumped at the chance to give their ideas a public outing.</b></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>I have a different
theory on how things will be post pandemic – the reset in most things will be SMALL rather then BIG.
Some so small that it will almost be back to normal. For instance
early on the experts were telling us about the HUGE CHANGES we will
see in RETIREMENT LIVING post-pandemic. Makes sense on account that
retirement homes etc were baring the brunt of deaths when the
pandemic was at its peak. But now in post peak Australia all interest
seems to have been lost in this issue – I predict the future will
see a few more of the usual ENQUIRIES into this industry, making a
bunch of recommendations. Most of which will be swept under the
carpet (too hard, too expensive) with only a few improvements being
made at the margins.</b></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>Changes in other
areas will be bigger but not earth-shaking – in effect post
pandemic it will be much a case of back to business as normal.</b></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>But I admit there
will be a FEW BIGGIES – a new post-Trump political era in USA
(sanity replaces bullshit) But not really the big reset towards the democratic socialism America needs for a fairer distribution of
the gains from neo-economics.</b></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>- anther biggie is
the new wider recognition that GOVT BORROWING/NATIONAL DEBT ISN’T BAD in
times of crisis. (I rabbit on about that way up-page) But I have an idea
that conservative governments will only stick with this until
interest rates start to inch up.</b></p></div><div><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxhnnbJDDatDhT084fQjZCxVRYXQ51K0vjKrC31_h8vMkISg4b7_jRevb1Os4yOg0HLoGgw60UrInkCVfEaNqcukk4jQhDqrd5oQzsauBjZ5olzRaz0Kpq-vNHQKrN-weLPBJmdsTKDIg/s1200/reset.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="1200" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxhnnbJDDatDhT084fQjZCxVRYXQ51K0vjKrC31_h8vMkISg4b7_jRevb1Os4yOg0HLoGgw60UrInkCVfEaNqcukk4jQhDqrd5oQzsauBjZ5olzRaz0Kpq-vNHQKrN-weLPBJmdsTKDIg/w400-h210/reset.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><b>Ain't gonna happen</b></i></div><div><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div><b>INSULAR VIEW - Dec 17 2020</b></div><div><b>Of course down here in Orstrala we are fortunate** to be seeing the back++ of the pandemic - we haven't had a positive test outside of hotel quarantined return travelers for weeks. Wheres the USA and Europe are still raging pandemic-wise with often record positives and deaths. USA figures for this month (DEC 2020) show over 3000 deaths some days, In total some 311000 poor folk have died in the US (Australia's total is 908 deaths - admittedly Oz has a smaller population but on a per person basis that still is way disproportionate).</b></div><div><b>At the same time I bet the media in areas where covid is still raging is full of RESET predictions.</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>**maybe fortunate only applies in that Oz had the good luck to have a whole lot of things going for it - including quick acting governments who were brave enough to drop their ideology and listen to the scientists and other experts and a population that was prepared to accept short term hardship for the common good^^.</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>^^Maybe we will have to chuck our embedded notion that Aussies are a bunch of authority-defying free spirits. This probably came from our convict past and looks like it is out of date. Certainly from what we have seen on TV, Americans seem to be more anti-authority. </b></div><div><b>WHY ARE THEY SO ANTI-AUTHORITY? Maybe this can partly be explained by the unsmiling unfriendly nature of US cops -<i> "don't do what I say or what the regulations state and I'll bust you big-time!"</i> After seeing minor offenders busted sometimes quite brutally the US public knows not to fuck with their cops and to obey all those stupid "DO NOT ...." signs. And the plethora of of all those "DO NOT...." signs is down to the litigious culture (local authorities are terrified of being sued for even letting people walk on some beaches - a big wave may come and wash them in!! - <i>"Why wasn't I WARNED that could happen - who can I sue?"</i> I put down the litigious nature of the US down to too many lawyers).</b></div><div><b>The upshot is US citizens are overburdened with petty rules and regulations and very unfriendly cops to enforce same (why the cops are unfriendly I put down to the gun culture - but that's a topic for another day), No wonder so many citizens are anti-authority.</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>+++ I think Oz will see more of the virus - despite the vaccines I reckon Covid will be impossible to eradicate totally </b><b>(what with anti-vaxxers, covid-denialists, freedom of action freaks and other idiots)</b></div><div><b>and that in future we will see repetitive outbreaks which will need to be controlled - a bit like the common flu each year.</b></div><div><b>Then again I read about a mystery pandemic called THE SWEAT which appeared in the 16th century, killed a whole lot of people - and then disappeared. Experts today have no idea what it was - it has no similarities to recent pandemics. Here's hoping COVID will just disappear too.</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>ME AND MY BIG MOUTH - DEC 18 2020</b></div><div><b>A day after I smugly mentioned Oz had been free of community positives for some time, a covid hot spot developed on Sydney's northern beaches with 17 positives . While this may be small time compared to cities of comparable size in the US and Europe, it has caused an uproar here. Fortunately NSW HEALTH's contact tracing and treatment protocols are world class so this outbreak should soon be nipped in the bud.</b></div><div><b>But here's the thing. If a place like NSW with all the advantages in governance and population compliance can have these covid spot-fires, how many similar events will we see elsewhere in the future?</b></div><div><b> (UPDATE Dec20 - now up to 48 positives (no deaths) and the northern beaches area has been put into lockdown, other states are banning travelers from the northern beaches or in some cases all of Sydney or even all of NSW, and the NSW premier has announced tighter social mixing controls state-wide). Contact tracing still hasn't found PATIENT ZERO, but it looks like he/she may have been a flight-crew member who didn't obey HOTEL QUARANTINE rules (these are much looser for flight crews. Time we toughened up on them. </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>...................................</b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>CARS</b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>LOOKS VERY FLASH,
TRENDSETTER, BUT SOUNDS CHEAP </b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>DEC 25 2020.</b></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>Seems the
middle-class and higher these days is way into up-market foreign
vehicles. And it being 2020, particularly into foreign SUVs, So we
have all these MERC. AUDI, BEEMER, RANGE-ROVER, JAG and other
expensive imported jacked-up, over-styled, overweight station wagons cruising
around, not to mention a plethora of more sensible upmarket Japanese
and Korean stuff like ACURAs, LEXI, INFINITIs and KIAs (more sensible
because they have a less insane price, better reliability and lower
servicing costs, with equal build quality).</b></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>Now the thing is at
least half these vehicles are running the DIESEL engine option,
notwithstanding diesels cost more to purchase, service and fuel (in Oz diesel costs more than petrol - no govt subsidy) . And
sale of diesel vehicles will be illegal in 10 years time on account they
spew out pollution like crazy. Sure they get better fuel economy, but
how is this an issue to people who can afford to stupidly overpay on the
initial purchase and can easily afford to run the top petrol option
which is usually some killer turbocharged V6/8/12.
</b></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>The thing gets me is
their NOISE – truly the typical diesel sounds like a bag of bolts
rattling around inside a wooden box at idle, and not much better on
the move. UPDATE DEC '21 - my neighbourhood is turning into yuppie central with all sorts of upmarket stuff like Beeners, Mercs, Audies yada - lady up the road has a new big BMW SUV with some sort of diesel - sounds like a bucket of bolts in an OIL-fillled box. Upmarket class.</b></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>So here we have all
these movers and shakers driving around in vehicles look a million
bucks and sound like they are worth five cents. Cheap, baby, cheap.</b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl0eSyag0-nvLyokGZA-t3BkPVa4Cms_LG_1pmHxd_UYP1wZeC_w5M_xkMchDRu7tgDC0Pn9xffILDZdZsgf5nHbYhQGPjlKprjTqgGgRRDYimNEThyKWJp0a-ieWQbPRuYgaIu9eVe_w/s671/Mercedes-AMG-GLE-Class.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="411" data-original-width="671" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl0eSyag0-nvLyokGZA-t3BkPVa4Cms_LG_1pmHxd_UYP1wZeC_w5M_xkMchDRu7tgDC0Pn9xffILDZdZsgf5nHbYhQGPjlKprjTqgGgRRDYimNEThyKWJp0a-ieWQbPRuYgaIu9eVe_w/w400-h245/Mercedes-AMG-GLE-Class.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><i><b>All that bling, but the diesel sure can't sing. </b></i><p></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>All this opens up a
wider discussion on exhaust notes. Back in the day, the typical 4
cylinder motor sounded low rent. There were exceptions like the
glorious metallic brmm of the MGB – some ALFAS were pretty neat
too. Of course 4 cylinder racing engines like the COVENTRY CLIMAX in
COOPERS/LOTI and the typical supercharged 4s in INDIANAPOLIS RACERS
sounded great. But the average 4? Low rent.</b></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>Now some time in the
recent past the exhaust-research guys did some good work because
these days the average 4 sounds pretty good – a quiet hum at the
most. Takes the upmarket performance versions to spoil it – today
if your sporty exhaust sounds like a typical $100 beater back in the day
with all the exhaust baffles rusted out, it’s cool. I recently
heard an upmarket MERCEDES with one of those turboed-out-of-its-brain
AMG 4s – sounded just like my old VAUXHALL with a shot exhaust –
except a touch more frantic. So here we have this high income mover
and shaker cruising around in his cool $100k+ MERC A CLASS COUPE
sounding decidedly uncool.</b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF6-YzqwvgNDPglKBoZAr210A4UiztEUyFnYw3XH4qo3m0u6FiAoSYJxCifJGOnqIhl2HzfRR78wkvt0MKo16dL6_ojkY_Xg_MUPSqipWvE31iYcifqKKJ3O3CslNEKj1OhaQ1iY5FnJo/s300/AAA.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF6-YzqwvgNDPglKBoZAr210A4UiztEUyFnYw3XH4qo3m0u6FiAoSYJxCifJGOnqIhl2HzfRR78wkvt0MKo16dL6_ojkY_Xg_MUPSqipWvE31iYcifqKKJ3O3CslNEKj1OhaQ1iY5FnJo/w400-h224/AAA.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><i><b>Looks like a million bucks; top-end 4s sound like 5 cents</b></i><p></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b> Oh yeah, this new Merc would pop and crackle
on the over-run too. See back in the day carburetors and early fuel
injection were not accurate enough to lean the mixture out on
over-run, so all that unburnt fuel would explode in the hot tailpipe
– today’s super-accurate injection avoids this EXCEPT when you
press the bang-pop button and then it injects a surplus of fuel into
the system. Makes a mileage-miser like me shudder.</b></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>And all that WHOOSH
as the turbo waste-gate dumped surplus boost between shifts does not
impress me – hell the tradie next door has that on his old 80s
TOYOTA UTE. (actually I think modern non-sporty cars may avoid this
with the computers dialing down boost between shifts or something –
certainly I tend to hear way fewer WHOOSHES these days despite the
fact that more and more vehicles have turbos).
</b></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>This <i>“rusted out
exhaust noise is cool”</i> isn’t restricted to 4s either – <i>Car
and Driver </i>reckons today’s<i>
</i>best
exhaust
noise comes from JAGUAR’s V8s in their more sporty cars – I heard
one recently and it sounded like some-one had forgot to tighten the
exhaust manifold to tailpipe junction – cheap
baby, cheap.</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhseoG6rdWC6PSE14H5RLuCbbZ0hH22NA4o8k7aBh8w6qLzMz4PFdUGQcXQjktjOR3R6ljAysfW6eeXs3YJpGyhJg4wGROUYVIW4ANyi882TdtStu4xWTjug9b0mVO7zikDInXJluCB1WU/s960/AAAA.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhseoG6rdWC6PSE14H5RLuCbbZ0hH22NA4o8k7aBh8w6qLzMz4PFdUGQcXQjktjOR3R6ljAysfW6eeXs3YJpGyhJg4wGROUYVIW4ANyi882TdtStu4xWTjug9b0mVO7zikDInXJluCB1WU/w400-h300/AAAA.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>Best tailpipe noise? Yer kidding.</b></i></div><br /><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>Many
of these cars have 2 way exhaust systems – on “normal” they
sound okay because the gases are going thru a decent muffler:
on “noise” the muffler system is by-passed and we have a
straight-thru tailpipe. Straight thru sounds okay on track cars –
on street cars it sound crap. And in many jurisdictions straight thru is illegal. Cheap baby, cheap</b></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>Back
to 4s – what’s with this modern trend of 4s to
have
TWIN TAILPIPES? By 1950 it was well known that the most efficient
setup on a 4 was via a SINGLE TAILPIPE (check out those COOPER
CLIMAXES and INDY 4s for proof). Sure twin exits
were more efficient on 6s, 8s and 12s, but not on a 4. But they look
cool and sporty hence a whole bunch of modern 4s have twin tailpipes.
Hell a lot of VWs
don’t even have their tailpipes connected to the twin openings in
the rear facia. Have
a look someday. All
this has the pacemaker on my bullshit meter maxing-out.</b></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>Okay,
I’ve dumped on some crap sounding exhaust noises. What do I like?
Well don’t get much better than those V8s/10s/12s in Euro
supercars. Some yank and Aussie V8s are pretty good – nice when a
late model CAMARO, CHYSLERv8, MUSTANG or COMMODORE with the LS2
option burbles past. And
AUDI, BEEMER and MERC top-option V8s of a few series ago sounded gorgeous.</b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaEKD5RphBJbScHo3C1TPAxycoimOvjGYQub8j3DKgKUz4I0la_G3SxPZEzABer6QfRPUopJzkISw8UspR77YLfNNN-Z7UwySL0Oo7i6-sByBtKkvevLuq1KrBY-2XnXbXKDWAX1GEdVY/s1280/AAAAA.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaEKD5RphBJbScHo3C1TPAxycoimOvjGYQub8j3DKgKUz4I0la_G3SxPZEzABer6QfRPUopJzkISw8UspR77YLfNNN-Z7UwySL0Oo7i6-sByBtKkvevLuq1KrBY-2XnXbXKDWAX1GEdVY/w400-h225/AAAAA.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><b><i>Mercedes C63 V8 coupe. - sounds like a lightly-muffled NASCAR racer.</i><br /><br /></b><p></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>In
4s, I reckon you still can’t get much better than the MGB – I
can’t think of any modern 4 lights my aural fire. Except everyday modern 4s have a quiet hum; the don't sound cheap any more.</b></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>6s?
Well a lot of late model euro cars are ditching the
top V8
options for turbo 6s. These are said to sound pretty cool but I
really haven’t heard too many. Mind you the people saying this are
the same who rate the JAG V8 top of the pile.</b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b> SCREEMIN JIMMIES</b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>
Here’s one out of left field – one of the best exhaust notes I
ever heard was out of a 2 STROKE DETROIT (GM) DIESEL. Bloke up the
road has one in a restored 50s-something PIONEER BUS. When he backs
out onto the street and takes off up a quite steep hill, going thru
gears like Lewis Hamilton at Monaco, it sounds just like a 50s/60s era V12
FERRARI. Not for nothing this engine was known as the SCREEMIN JIMMY
(JIMMY FOR GMC). And GMC built a hell of a lot of them – many
fire-trucks, road trucks, boats from fishing thru cruising to patrol, farm
machines, military tanks and other off road vehicles used them.</b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWDOxDYhUK21kdu6bPNAhyphenhyphenxS7Tu2TFt5-1cTYLDFG5esrNMeRBM0__-_Isr-hD1J5lcQw2-THrc7cfaDLbnovCD5gfW666DQVLAJrZd33MjuSKErfETtVm5x6bdzho_OA3tfNdKJz0XEU/s993/aaaaaaa.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="378" data-original-width="993" height="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWDOxDYhUK21kdu6bPNAhyphenhyphenxS7Tu2TFt5-1cTYLDFG5esrNMeRBM0__-_Isr-hD1J5lcQw2-THrc7cfaDLbnovCD5gfW666DQVLAJrZd33MjuSKErfETtVm5x6bdzho_OA3tfNdKJz0XEU/w400-h153/aaaaaaa.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><i><b>Don't look like any Ferrari<br /></b></i><b><br /></b><p></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>THE
HARLEY JOKE.</b></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>Talking
crap exhaust noise, doesn’t get much crappier than the typical
HARLEY DAVIDSON. I once read HARLEY was going to take out a patent on
its exhaust noise. Say what? Only idiots would patent
a racket sounds like a bunch of cheap fireworks in a steel drum. But
wait. Consider
at least 80% of HARLEYs have aftermarket exhausts. So what do we get for our extra $500 minimum? The
noise is much
the same - but LOUDER. Cheap
baby, cheap.</b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDBIUkHJl8LA3rdxPpyroJ2mrxn2bdGApNfxFe5FyZNdOZi5jxOfqdQCbP2uLAtFUMF9BLT98RtU9Lkb28XxTcQlBwztgJ3wuyWH5EuumJOg-lUewYKk-MeIw5lzDVTUwmP35AR2aURbA/s300/AAAAAA.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDBIUkHJl8LA3rdxPpyroJ2mrxn2bdGApNfxFe5FyZNdOZi5jxOfqdQCbP2uLAtFUMF9BLT98RtU9Lkb28XxTcQlBwztgJ3wuyWH5EuumJOg-lUewYKk-MeIw5lzDVTUwmP35AR2aURbA/w400-h224/AAAAAA.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><b><i>Harleys: typically bought by 'look at me" merchants. Well the racket is certainly compatible.</i></b><br /><b><br /></b><p></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>So
what sounds good in bikes? – well those multi-cylinder Jap sports
bikes of a few series ago sounded pretty cool. Some exist today –
but the typical sports bike is into European-like big twins – some
say they sound great. Not me.</b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"> <b>TRUMP UPDATE - DECEMBER 28</b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>
Right now our favourite buffoon has thrown the switch to become THE PARDONER
IN CHIEF as he scrambles to ensure the future will be less toxic to
him and his friends. Talking of toxic – he seems to becoming more
and more toxic as the end approaches, doing his best to frustrate the
will of congress and the majority of Americans. Will be interesting
to see if he really boycotts JOE’s inauguration.</b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCtmf2Ay0z_Y8wqZoweYHM6OAHYcSt6PlyvMOS2JqC_IHLobCpb_FT8rRPQKXva5ZWw4QHJRYL41arwWnzwK-plOMtyDA3irhjN7fQdv_ZzE8xXIWZxpNcg6nHDxNwi2XaH-9E-4bmz74/s800/a2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="632" data-original-width="800" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCtmf2Ay0z_Y8wqZoweYHM6OAHYcSt6PlyvMOS2JqC_IHLobCpb_FT8rRPQKXva5ZWw4QHJRYL41arwWnzwK-plOMtyDA3irhjN7fQdv_ZzE8xXIWZxpNcg6nHDxNwi2XaH-9E-4bmz74/w400-h316/a2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"> <b>BREXIT UPDATE – DECEMBER 28 2020</b></p><p></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>
Okay, my prediction up page that the final decision to exit the EEC
will be kicked down the road WAS WRONG – Boris and his government
have stuck to BREXIT.
</b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm3-AhInIFspI6AYb_mXzbEaDlIH6AqnPdisCPgxsU4MVYfOUBXX8j3pNpyoOsFPe1ja7ewAm0BG8qAZhhMxsm7WZrdCWxXzksJCzBzCHEaSvV8FFgT-aSVkS6JFs3vsOYB9xtrfCUwtU/s700/aaaaaaaaaaa.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="394" data-original-width="700" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm3-AhInIFspI6AYb_mXzbEaDlIH6AqnPdisCPgxsU4MVYfOUBXX8j3pNpyoOsFPe1ja7ewAm0BG8qAZhhMxsm7WZrdCWxXzksJCzBzCHEaSvV8FFgT-aSVkS6JFs3vsOYB9xtrfCUwtU/w400-h225/aaaaaaaaaaa.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><i><b>BUMBLING BORIS leads the way on both the CORONAVIRUS and BREXIT</b></i><br /><b><br /></b><p></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>
But what was continually kicked down the road was the final deal on
TRADE between Britain and the EEC – we were continually told that
the deadline was imminent, only to be informed or a new deadline in
the near-future.</b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>Finally at the 11<sup>th</sup> hour the negotiators announced A NEW
TRADE AGREEMENT. Not sure how this will work – it’s a bit early
for details (at least here in Australia (where few really give a
stuff). Both sides are claiming happiness with the contents, which
usually means one or both sides were royally screwed on some of the
details. And each side’s government have not yet ratified the deal.</b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>
One thing I do know is that the new agreement is vague on much of the
TRADE IN SERVICES. Seeing how TRADE IN SERVICES covers 80% of all
trade, it seems this new agreement is maybe lacking just a little.
BREXIT TRADE AGREEMENT LITE?</b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>
One thing I’m confident in predicting – in the future certain
products and services in Britain will be either unobtainable or of
poorer quality, in short supply at grossly inflated prices. And the
paperwork will be stupendous. But at least the Brits won’t have
those pesky Europeans pushing them around with those stupid rules and
regulations. Will they?</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVJw6N9Z8fJme1hPqaLp3QNo0pcjtWqSA62Oek5exf_85Y8QkblUBKca60rt4f_AizvIvH6zMcxj69omIatsHdA4ZpWSfrvhBN26FAtjpU3qXyUcUqCOTZI4IK7RaNGqVZ9u83qQbuor4/s1129/a1+%25282%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1129" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVJw6N9Z8fJme1hPqaLp3QNo0pcjtWqSA62Oek5exf_85Y8QkblUBKca60rt4f_AizvIvH6zMcxj69omIatsHdA4ZpWSfrvhBN26FAtjpU3qXyUcUqCOTZI4IK7RaNGqVZ9u83qQbuor4/w284-h400/a1+%25282%2529.jpg" width="284" /></a></div><br /><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"> <b>2020 IN RETROSPECT</b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>
If I had to sum up this year in one word, I would use ‘INTERESTING’
whereas a lot of people are claiming it worst in their lifetime.
True, I was only affected by Australia’s devastating bush fires
peripherally, was lucky enough to avoid covid contagion and rode out
NSW’s pretty tame lock-down relatively easy (it helped that I had 5
separate bouts of surgery this year – the time spent in hospital
and recovery + all the pre and post hospital medical appointments
would in a normal year have me chafing about being locked out of my
normal travel routine. But that travel was not available even for the
fittest and healthiest of us. Not that I’d wish these medical
procedures on anyone else – two involved long painful and
uncomfortable recovery periods and two have led to long term
life-changing after effects).</b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><br />
</b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>
THE COMING YEAR</b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>
I’d use the same word “INTERESTING” for what I expect in 2021.
Here in Australia, depending on whether we avoid a second wave of
infection, the recovery period will be interesting as the economy rebuilds. Overseas where
places are yet to reach peak-covid, the fight against the virus and
the impact of the vaccines will be interesting. Let’s hope for a
positive outcome both home and away, so we don’t have to predict
interesting times for 2022.</b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>---------------------------------</b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>2021 ALMANAC</b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>This being a pretty lightweight page, here are my lightweight predictions for the upcoming year.</b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span>JAN
– </span><span>TV-only</span><span>
spectators </span><span>for</span><span>
midnight SYDNEY HARBOUR FIREWORKS show declare display “SO LAST
YEAR”.</span></b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span>FEB</span><span>
– ex-president TRUMP confounds observers by claiming the 2020
Presidential Election was rigged.</span></b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span>MARCH</span><span>
– </span><span>a</span><span>
huge leap </span><span>in </span><span>employment
ads for Britain is recorded for </span><span>SHIPPING
CLERKS </span><span>to handle the
mountain of paperwork generated by the POST-BREXIT regulations on
overseas trade of goods and services. BUMBLING BORIS declares this a
“</span><span>WIN-WIN</span><span>!!!!”</span></b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span>APRIL</span><span>
– most of Europe is in hard lockdown following the appearance of yet a</span><span>nother </span><span>new
virulent strain of COVID. The exception is SWEDEN which declares that
HERD IMMUNITY is the way to go.</span></b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span>MAY
– KO LANTA </span><span>THAILAND</span><span>:
Manchester City fans burn down grandstand when their side is beaten
in a friendly with a Ban Saladan </span><span>village
</span><span>scratch team. A later
appeal (the Thai ball boy came from </span><span>neighbouring
village </span><span>Ban Kantiang:
CHEATS!) reverses the result. </span>
</b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span><b>City
fans burn down Saladan waterside fish restaurants in celebration.</b></span></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span>JUNE
– SWEDEN declares an emergency as hospitals run out of respirators
and emergency response beds. Politicians still convinced of the
efficacy of HERD IMMUNITY. Some </span><span> </span><span>SOCIAL MEDIA
contributors not so sure.</span></b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span>JULY
– an INSTAGRAM INFLUENCER </span><span>is
accused of ‘shameless promotion’ when she enters her factory provided AUDI in </span><span>NASCAR’s
</span><span>QUAKER STATE 400</span><span>
at ATLANTA </span><span>MOTOR
SPEEDWAY. NASCAR officials disqualify her when she qualifies mid pack for "non-compliance".</span></b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span>AUGUST
– Britain and France reactivate 1518 TREATY OF LONDON after
fighting breaks out between English and French fishing trawlers in
the GRAND BANK’s shared zone. BUMBLING BORIS declares th</span><span>e
Treaty signing </span><span> a “WIN
WIN!!!”</span></b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span>SEPTEMBER
- </span><span>SOCIAL MEDIA
contributors self destruct in a 40000 post </span><span>online
</span><span>brawl </span><span>about
how 5G is slowing daffodil growth. Some conspiracy theorist contend that covid vaccines are to blame. All further</span><span> </span><span>predict 5G and the vaccine will end the
world as we know it. </span></b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>And I thought it was the fluoride in drinking water. </b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span>O</span><span>CT
– ex-president TRUMP still insisting last year’s election was
stolen. Forwards ‘proof’ in an affidavit sworn by Aadit Rolle, a Blossom Village titty-bar owner, that the local LITTLE CAYMAN drug cartel
interfered with voting pencils in Wisconsin.</span></b></p><p class="western" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.35cm;"><span><b>NOV
– doctors prescribe BAKE BEAN TREATMENT for HARD CORE REPUBLICANS
to remove anal fixation that last year’s presidential election was
rigged.</b></span></p><p class="western" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.35cm;"><span><b>DEC
– the INSTITUTE FOR CURRENT AFFAIRS announced a special end of year
award to BUMBLING BORIS for his great contribution to eye-darting and
emphatic emphasis when speaking. The UK BARBERS’ ASSOCIATION
declares him “head of the year (NOT!!)</b></span></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</p><p class="western" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.35cm;"><b><span>T</span><span>he
WHO gives a special award to SWEDISH UNDERTAKERS for ‘bravery in
the face of overwhelming odds”. </span>
</b></p><p class="western" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.35cm;"><b><span>---------------------------------------</span></b></p><p class="western" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.35cm;"><b><span>-----------------------------------</span></b></p><p class="western" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.35cm;"><b><span><br /></span></b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>OUT WITH A BANG AND
A WHIMPER - JAN 23 2021</b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>At last, with
BIDEN’S inauguration a few days ago, the slow motion train wreck of
the TRUMP ADMINISTRATION and the US ELECTION has finished.</b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>Not without the
usual drama.</b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>The DRAMA (the BANG) occurred a fortnight back with the INVASION OF CONGRESS. Egged on by
THE PETULANT IN CHIEF, the mob tried to take over the scene. When
they failed the old TRUMPSTER tried to save his ass by ignoring his
earlier “WITH YOU ALL THE WAY”, calling their actions “heinous”
etc. What a circus – unfortunately less entertaining than the usual
TRUMP SHOW because 5 poor souls lost their lives.</b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>But yeah, the
outcomes reinforces that old saw of BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WITH FOR:
things backfired badly for our man in that:</b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>-TRUMP lost a lot of
credibility with supporters</b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>- some GEORGIA
voters were so turned off that the REPUBLICANS lost at least one sure
fire senator (and perhaps two) – thereby losing control of the
SENATE.</b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>- some republican
congressmen were so incensed that they helped IMPEACH Trump. This impeachment was the
SECOND TIME for OL' ORANGE (the only president that this has happened to).</b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><br />
</b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>So then we come to
the WHIMPER bit – seemingly chastened by all this, our great leader
then spent most of the time sulking in the White House and against
all precedent sneaked away to this Florida digs on the morning of the
inauguration.</b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9XyKtDG-SZF-PHemqklx0lQ6N79u14LZ8skQPreCgS6TTb5iNmWL1ONbMFwL10EkqzkQdr6iJzUBcFE31-UzroPie1FSbegj6eh0k_7YDEeZmHrZ96t_7Hjq4mTjJe7fs9O85s02KpVw/s780/A1B.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="520" data-original-width="780" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9XyKtDG-SZF-PHemqklx0lQ6N79u14LZ8skQPreCgS6TTb5iNmWL1ONbMFwL10EkqzkQdr6iJzUBcFE31-UzroPie1FSbegj6eh0k_7YDEeZmHrZ96t_7Hjq4mTjJe7fs9O85s02KpVw/w400-h266/A1B.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b><p></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><br />
</b></p><p class="western" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.35cm;">
</p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>All of this begs the
question: WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED IF LAST FORTNIGHT’S INVASION OF
CONGRESS WAS SUCCESSFUL?</b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>But have we seen the last of the TURMPSTER? Hell no! - coming months promise a hell of a lot of legal stuff, exposes,let alone all the self-promotional bullshit he can't stay away from.</b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>-----------------------------------</b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>---------------------------------</b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><br /></b></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>JAN 26 - SAME OLD SAME OLD</b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>Today is AUSTRALIA DAY which commemorates the day the FIRST FLEET stepped ashore on Australia in 1788. So of course we have to do a re-run of all the tired old arguments which appear around this time every year:</b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>- should the date be given some minor flexibility so that it always occurs on a Monday. This would give a 3 day weekend every year which be a lot more workable for employers and employees?</b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>- should we celebrate this day at all, seeing it is a day of mourning for all native Australians? They refer to it as INVASION DAY.</b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>- should the date be moved to a completely different time of year so that AUSTRALIA DAY becomes a proper national day, not commemorating something which was a bad deal for a significant group of us.</b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>- should the Australia Day HONOURS LIST be scrapped, revamped?</b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>- isn't it about time Australia became a REPUBLIC instead of having the QUEEN OF ENGLAND as our constitutional head?</b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>All the proponents of these ideas appearing on TV, in SOCIAL MEDIA and writing letters to or articles for the newspapers are so keen and idealistic, as though this is the first time anyone has thought of this stuff - but trust me having seen it over more than 30 previous years, it is all pretty boring. My reaction - ZZZZZZZZ.</b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>---------------------------------</b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>THE STATE OF PLAY COVID WISE IN OZ.</b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>When I last wrote of this there was a minor outbreak on Sydney's northern beaches. This was bought under control reasonably quickly, but maybe not as easily as a lot of people thought. Since then there have been minor outbreaks elsewhere in NSW and in other states, with similar end-results. So overall we have nothing to whinge about - no deaths, no spiraling amounts of infection etc as seen so widely overseas.</b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>Of course when there is no major crisis to moan about, people are complaining of many MINOR CRISES such as:</b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>- FREQUENT STATE BORDER CLOSURES. These have been imposed by State Premiers under advice of their Chief Health Officers. What whingers forget is that the ability to close state borders is a major reason why the virus has not spread out of control in Australia. At the same time is has played havoc with key sections of state economies and people moving interstate for personal, leisure and business reasons. And some xenophobic state premiers (w</b><b>e're looking at you Anna),have used the closures to curry favour with their even more xeanophobic voters. What we need is some sort of national mechanism to regulate state border closures - PRIME MINISTER, where are you? (hiding from the tougher decisions as usual).</b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>- NATIONAL BORDER CLOSURES. The only way to get into Australia these days is</b><b> - if you are one of the many Australians stuck overseas wanting to return (and this movement is limited to a trickle of its potential, mainly because of a shortage of hotel quarantine) - a very few foreign workers desperately needed (right now we are taking a limited amount of fruit pickers), - and some foreign VIPs such as tennis stars, movie stars, the filthy rich etc, who for some reason don't have to stick to the same rules as everyone else.</b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>Naturally all this has created a storm of protest in the media and a plethora of hard luck/unfair treatment (or favoured treatment) stories for TV and the press. My take? Entertaining - and thank God these are the worst things happening to us compared to elsewhere.</b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">VACCINE STUFF-UP May 4</span></b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>Long time between updates on account that in my old-age induced mellowness, I cant be bothered getting upset about all the minor SNAFUs occurring and have little to rant about.</b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>About the biggest SNAFU right now is the mess the national govt. has made of the covid vaccine roll-out. In a country of only 25M people it's not expected to be finished by the end of the year. (I just read one expert claiming lucky to finish by end of 2022). Contrast the UK and the US which both have over 100M vaccinated at this stage**. IT'S Kinda ironic that the federal govt having done such a good job in STAGE ONE - REPRESSING THE VIRUS OUTBREAK (okay - the states did a lot of the heavy lifting here with lockdowns, state border closures, mass-testing, contact tracing, hotel-quarantining, hospitalization etc but Scottie's federal mob did brilliantly with fast national border closures and quick and adequate fiscal measures to cope with the economic and personal impact of the virus). But the Feds seem to have dropped the ball in STAGE TWO - NATIONAL INOCULATION </b></p></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Sure a main problem is UNDER-SUPPLY largely because the EU has grabbed a lot of our vaccines for its own use (which is fair enough seeing heaps of people there are still dying from the virus whereas Australia hasn't had a death for a long time - even vaccine-short Aust is diverting some of our jabs to Papua New Guinea which is in virus crisis - this diversion is also fair enough). But Scottie's federal mob have stuffed up their part of the local vaccine-distribution process:</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>- first by UNDER-ORDERING (experts say that supply problems of this type should have been anticipated. One reason the feds may have under-ordered the PFIZER jab is that it costs way more than the main alternative at the time; ASTRAZENECA)</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>- followed by distribution stuff-ups: pharmacists didn't get promised supplies, vaccines were delivered un-refrigerated and thus unusable - etc. </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>- then by reverting to typical LP GOVT. behavior like obfuscation, denial of any problems, grand announcements impossible to achieve, secrecy (apparently federal poo-bahs are inherently distrustful of their state counterparts and won't share important information), shifting the blame, particularly onto the states - etc.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRL9hJYe3attL0bNnnlCdy8P89FaGkQE0fM0iIE7cCZ3DSHPdWM3TtAS_5NGeHmAL_cV3rexoucvvw6no5YQFGovafz4DlgCnVo_2TMMiMDUWbMI4v-am0huNE1m4DozvJNBZOsyuKopc/s1200/A1C.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRL9hJYe3attL0bNnnlCdy8P89FaGkQE0fM0iIE7cCZ3DSHPdWM3TtAS_5NGeHmAL_cV3rexoucvvw6no5YQFGovafz4DlgCnVo_2TMMiMDUWbMI4v-am0huNE1m4DozvJNBZOsyuKopc/w400-h400/A1C.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><i><b>Scottie in denial - everything is going to plan.<br /></b></i><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>All this is such a pity following the brilliant stage one - but for sure it is better to have a good stage one and a botched stage two than the reverse as occurred in the UK, US and EU.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>**no surprise that the Brits are so efficient in their vaccine roll-out - they have always been brilliant at emergency response. And the US is a can-do country. The problem in both these places was that the response in stage one was in the hands of populists, science denying idiots. Which makes me wonder about the EU where both stages seem to be largely fragmented and in the hand of light-weights.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>MY RESPONSE - personally I would not give a ferk. I don't care when I get my jabs (despite being in a priority group I've heard NADA to date). I don't care what vaccine I get - one in a million chance of getting a blood clot from ASTRAZENICA seem pretty good odds to me).</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>EXCEPT: - this stuff-up means the Australian economy will take longer to fully open up. There are too many businesses with bulk employees and hard working owners which are relying on a fully open economy (it's kinda ironic that the political party which represents business is responsible for its long term suffering)</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>- Lady Tezza has booked some cruises for late this year and into next year. If the stuff-up lasts long enough they could be affected too.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>The other big furore right now is Scottie's inappropriate response to women 's issues and treatment of women. This follows several sexual assaults and other sleazy behavior by members of his government. So he's copping a broadside of criticism from feminists, other females (unfortunately mainly the well educated and articulate types - we have heard little from Ms Ordinary from the suburbs) and pro-women males.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO6Rp69ErFNUEveOScHKQs7Xvsubam64l1KmHttOgIWI8nkp93PNehZt7qhk4gdGizZFj1Qplbctu4eRXLDeyZmAb4dfh2Nv_b_3-roLGTgtdQdFOxHk1_d07hoEu80nt-gCarioa02Zw/s275/A1E.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO6Rp69ErFNUEveOScHKQs7Xvsubam64l1KmHttOgIWI8nkp93PNehZt7qhk4gdGizZFj1Qplbctu4eRXLDeyZmAb4dfh2Nv_b_3-roLGTgtdQdFOxHk1_d07hoEu80nt-gCarioa02Zw/w400-h266/A1E.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><i><b>Quite a few of Scottie's responses attempt to avoid the issue on claims of no personal connection. He likes to throw the switch to DOWN HOME FAMILY MAN and relate issues to members of his household which is not always appropriate.</b></i><br /><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>I must confess I find the whole thing a bit of a yawn. Politicians being sleazy, hypocritical, not responding in an honest manner - what's new? The larger issue seems a continuation of the recent "ME TOO" movement. The present critics claim this time it's too big to have little lasting impact. </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>- We'll see. Thing is these claims have been made many times since the 70's to little permanent impact - unfortunately, I think today's proponents are being a bit optimistic.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">BIG MYSTERY - THE ECONOMY IS EXPANDING!!</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Despite the doomsayers predicting COVID would plunge the economy into many years of recession, latest GDP figures show the Australian economy is already slightly bigger than before the virus. Unemployment figures likewise have improved for the better. Figures out of the US show a similar rebound. Many experts seem mystified. Doesn't throw this non-expert - what can you expect when the respective govts throw huge amounts of stimulus money in the form of handouts, tax relief, wage-subsidies, infrastructure grants etc?</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>There is so much money sloshing around that recipients have gone on a spending jag - and of course GDP has leaped - ditto employment. Inflation is static however - but not in real estate, stocks and bonds and other financial assets where we are seeing a real IRRATIONAL ASSETS BOOM.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Pretty soon the sugar hit of govt assistance will finish. Just this week big job retention payments and income assistance cease in Australia - let's see what that does to spending and employment. And stand by for some tears in financial markets.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">I WAS WRONG ABOUT JOE</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Up page I make a claim about both Democrat candidates in the two last elections that they really didn't have the answers and even though they'd be an improvement on THE NARCISSIST IN CHIEF, their administration would be much of the same as was seen in previous Democrat governments. Ho boy, was I ever wrong about Sleepy Joe! Guy campaigns like ....um.....actually Sleepy Joe, once elected comes out swinging like BERNIE SANDERS LITE. </span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">The AIMS were crystal clear and anything but lite: </span></b><span style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Fix the COVID
snafu – fix the economy, - rebuild infrastructure - tackle social
problems (guns, healthcare, racism, immigtration,/the border, education)
– fix climate. </span></b></span><span style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Be decisive, bold,
move early and fast.</span></b>.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><b>To These ends the following action was introduced:</b></span></div>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>$1.9Tr FOR INITIAL
RESCUE PLAN – PASSED, This was mainly to tackle COVID and the recession. Went thru Congress with 100% Democratic approval.</b></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>$2Tr FOR
INFRASTRUCTURE – PROPOSED. Not sure how this will go. Surely some Democratic fiscal doves will be unsure enough to oppose - maybe cross the floor.</b></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>$2Tr FOR
HEATH/EDUCATION AND FAMILY SUPPORT – PROPOSED. Ditto Congress response.</b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>HOW WILL THIS STUPENDOUS SPENDING BE PAID FOR? </b><b>Biden believes in a
paradigm shift – rich have benefited disproportionately at the
expense of middle America which urgently needs help – only can be
done by swift sizeable govt action as above. To this end he proposes significant hikes in corporate and high income earners' taxes.</b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>MY TAKE? I dunno if the above two measures are sufficient. Just as well interest rates are low and the world is so awash with hot money desperate for somewhere to invest that US govt bonds seem like a good deal.</b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">CHANGE IN TONE</span></b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>Irrespective of action, most folk are pretty relaxed about the change in tone. No dramas, no major
officials fired or interviewed by the FBI. Daily press briefings with the
truth, Short president’s speeches. Limited press releases/ twits etc. No surprises, no weirdness.</b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>DRAINING THE SWAMP? Despite the heroic moves above I don't think Joe has the answer to the fundamental problem facing America - that the system of has been taken over by vested interests who are intent on enriching themselves and making the most of the big economic changes with GLOBALISATION, FREE TRADE AND DEREGULATION while resisting its spread to the regular mob.</b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>As far as the bigger problem of inevitable economic progress leaving the US behind so that places like China become the new world economic leaders - well there's nothing can be done to stop this inevitable change. World leaders like BRITAIN, ROME, GREECE etc have suffered it in the past - it's just the nature of the beast. However in this POST INDUSTRIAL AGE I don't think the US will suffer the type of fall the Roman Empire did - the very nature of globalisation means a whole bunch of countries will benefit from future progress. Let's face it, over the past 100 years when the US has led, so called "second tier" countries like Germany, France, Britain, Australia, Canada yada have also progressed. And in more recent years we have seen this progress being picked up by places like Japan and India. Face it, there are enough smart people in these "second tier" countries to pick up, even improve on developments coming from whoever leads the pack - and to develop new processes themselves which can spread to the others, Only thing is most of these developments will mainly be in the non-industrial sector of the economy - specifically the services sector - and so all those unemployed factory workers in the US Rust Belt who THE FRAUDSTER IN CHIEF was gonna rescue will have to suck it up. Hopefully there will be enough new jobs in the services area to employ them - maybe not for the same hours per week - maybe we will see a change in the fundamentals of work. One thing's for sure - a lot of these new jobs will be in new geographic areas.So the future will see big social changes - let's hope without the recent social unrest.</b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">THE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT BUDGET</span> - once again we have seen the Federal Government bring down its plans for spending and revenue for the upcoming year. Last year this conservatie mob threw the budget leavers far left to KEYNESIAN measures to counteract the CORONACESSION. The big worry this year was that despite having more to do on the economic front they would revert to their usual conservative measures - cut spending like crazy which is just what is NOT needed right now. Fortunately sanity prevailed and the latest budget continued the stimulative trend of high government spending - particularly in areas where this government has been copping some stick lately - AGED CARE, WOMEN'S ISSUES, NATIONAL DISABILITY MEASURES, INFRASTRUCTURE yada. The usual critics have moaned about how it could have been better - well of course it could have been better - but kudos should go to the government for not reverting to their usual small spending style. Sure some important parts of the economy missed out and there was no timetable for the opening of the economy to the world or for the effective finishing of the vaccination phase, both of which are need to knows for any effective impact of the budget. But once again, the broad thrust of stimulation was there which many critics doubted would happen.</b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">COVID UPDATE - JUNE 19 2021</span></b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">SCOTTIE AND HIS GOVT HAVE REALLY STUFFED UP STAGE 2</span></b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>Having done such a brilliant job in STAGE ONE (controlling the outbreak so it never gets out of control) the LIBERAL/NATIONAL federal govt has completely screwed up STAGE 2 - inoculation) :</b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>-they didn't order enough vaccine</b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>- they screwed up distribution of the vaccine (many places didn't get any despite promises and even more didn't get enough). The feds failed in many other areas which are federal responsibility like old folks homes (despite the feds promising priority, less than 20% of residents had been inoculated up til a week ago - hell, the minister in charge did not know how many residents were sick or had died. But he didn't get the sack because the LIB/NATs parliamentary majority could disappear</b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>- they continually deny any problem exists. eg despite the progress of inoculation being hopelessly behind, they deny this and keep claiming there is no race or rush to get the majority of people jabbed. There is of course - until say 70+% of the population is fully inoculated the national border remains closed. So too will many state borders whenever a minor crisis occurs. And of course the slower the jabs roll-out, the more COVID sickness and deaths in Oz.</b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzJpL2I8riWDr2sXMsP6JLfKHHU8WimVlT6rIndYMIVWtrNEvUfl8Bqpv3Bcn6Q6W8A0BQJ1WLAJgPcfnPxh8ltsmxvyFojQiZG8A5EiZH4Ka5w28lCBUseAWgRGSUceYo1uCzF2wdbno/s940/P5300181.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="589" data-original-width="940" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzJpL2I8riWDr2sXMsP6JLfKHHU8WimVlT6rIndYMIVWtrNEvUfl8Bqpv3Bcn6Q6W8A0BQJ1WLAJgPcfnPxh8ltsmxvyFojQiZG8A5EiZH4Ka5w28lCBUseAWgRGSUceYo1uCzF2wdbno/w400-h251/P5300181.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><b><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><br /></b></p>- they shift the blame for any failings onto the states (most voters don't understand the split up of powers between the feds and the states).</b><p></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>- they GRANDSTAND shamelessly - take public credit for any successes (many of which are down to the states) and sweep failures under the carpet or blame the states (despite it being a fed govt responsibility).</b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>All this is down to the LIB/NAT's obsession with SMALL GOVT. Hollow out your public service so there is a shortage of skills and expertise in govt advice and action. If you have an important job to do, cut spending and allocate task to private enterprise but of course don't give them enough funding (unless the owners are govt mates) which makes them shortcut - eg don't plan or supervise properly, hire amateurs from the local unemployment exchange.</b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>Note not all this short-cutting is a fed or Lib/Nat thing. Some LABOR states are also guilty - eg Vic allocated quarantine supervision to private security firms who got the extra workers from unskilled areas whereas NSW gave the job to the police. No prizes for working out which state has had no outbreaks from quarantine. And the NSW state govt is Lib/Nat</b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>.</b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">AUGUST 20 2021....COVID UPDATE</span> </b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>It’s been some time since my last COVID report, but things have
progressed a long way. In the wrong way. Right now we are in a state-wide LOCKDOWN on
account BETA covid is out of control.</b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>Ii’s kinda
interesting watching the battle between the OPEN IT UP fans and the
LOCK DOWN OR PERISH wonks. At present the NSW govt (actually ALL the state governments)- who is/are calling the
shots - is/are in the latter category (although NSW premier Glads^^ who is a true
blue Liberal is busting to get business going again).</b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b> I personally
fit the LOCK DOWN** category too…..my reasoning is you can’t OPEN IT
UP until all people who want inoculation can get it, which will be a
problem for some time thanks to P.M. SCOTTIE’S ORDERING AND DISTRIBUTION BUNGLING. Until then we
will have to persevere with lockdown – what is worse: businesses
going broke or a significant number of people dying? </b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>But once we reach the stage of full vax for all who want it, OPEN IT UP ....<span>and if the anti-vaxxers (we can accommodate those who have legitimate reasons for rejection) still have their heads in the sand.....tough.</span></b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span>**I can see both sides of the argument - the OPEN IT UP merchants say increasing suicides due to business failings, unemployment and isolation must also be taken into account. Even if not suicidal, plenty more lives have been ruined. Thus my support for OPEN IT UP once everyone who wants a shot has got it.</span></b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span>^^Poor old Glads has been copping a lot of stick here for being slow in instituting a FULL lockdown and for initially being too lenient on rule-breakers. But she has been trying to walk the fine line between harsh restricitions and keeping folk happy++. Unfortunately BETA has been too strong.</span></b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span>++It's not only business people who are unhappy with LOCK DOWN. Measures have been particularly harsh on the poor - the have-nots who mainly live in western and south-west Sydney. They are disproportionately impacted by stay at home orders, unemployment, failure to understand the myriad and ever-changing rules and regulations and increasingly strict enforcement of same. The people least affected either live in the rich suburbs and/or are retired dudes like me - no job to lose, income gone up instead of down (due to some govt payments we don't deserve but are automatic, due to Johny Howard's vote buying spree in the past), only affected slightly by lockdown (so I can't go on a cruise and right now even to the nearest big hardware store for a project I have in mind - BOO HOO, life is tough).</span></b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span><br /></span></b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">JOE AND THE AFGHAN WITHDRAWAL - AUGUST 20</span></b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>Seems Biden's honeymoon is over. Right now he's copping heaps about the mismanagement and chaos of the US withdrawal from Afghanistan. Predictably the DENIALIST IN CHEIF has taken advantage and jumped in with all sorts of condemnation - but the thing is, if we judge it by TRUMP'S handling of recent emergencies like COVID; fact is he could not have done better.</b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>Biden says in his defence that nobody could predict the speed of the collapse of Afghan govt and armed forces - and why should the US continue to waste lives when the locals are not prepared to put in an effort?</b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>At the same time the criticism that the US </b><b>administration and military have not exactly handled this emergency with any sort of aplomb is very valid. And both have form in the past. After all SNAFU is a govt/military term which appeared way back in WW2.</b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>JOE can't afford too much of this sort of shit - gotta lift his game.</b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs4uhPyl0ttyTpwRcuxQD-2S1pkEgyKU7ZIlvrFiKAgQEFnC-30puvCcTF8SncdQbqS4tSVSFo1SG0OkBCNEVUsAXPEj5N-1KkNAZmJ5h7g5xXD_Hcl9-x_KoNoksxpoLdattiZWXVvr8/s1628/A.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1140" data-original-width="1628" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs4uhPyl0ttyTpwRcuxQD-2S1pkEgyKU7ZIlvrFiKAgQEFnC-30puvCcTF8SncdQbqS4tSVSFo1SG0OkBCNEVUsAXPEj5N-1KkNAZmJ5h7g5xXD_Hcl9-x_KoNoksxpoLdattiZWXVvr8/w400-h280/A.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><b>NOVEMBER 25 2021</b></div><div><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>WORTH RANTING ABOUT
IN THE PAST – BUT RIGHT NOW I WOULDN’T GIVE A STUFF.</b></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b> As I get older things which would have upset me big time back then no
longer impact. I’ve lived long enough to realise that no matter the
dumb/stupid public decisions made, life goes on/the sun still rises
next morning. Things are still pretty good fer us in Oz even though
they could be better. Maybe not so good fer other folks (I’m
thinking of many – eg of all those near sea level people who are
losers from the “kick the can down the road” result of the
GLASGOW CLIMATE SUMMIT - many people can’t afford the time it takes fer the
can to come down the road. They need action NOW). Plus my heart goes
out fer all those refugees trying to get out of
AFGHANISTAN/IRAN/IRAQ/SYRIA and so many other places, including those stuck on the border of POLAND/BELARUS.</b></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>But the thing is,
there are always losers, and if we worried about all then life would
be indeed be depressing. And at 76 I ain’t gonna be depressed. Well
not too much.</b></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>A list of RantIble
Subjects:</b></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>- COP 26 – there
are plenty calling this a success, but from what I can see the can
has been kicked on. 30% by 2030 – 50% by 2050? There are countries
can’t even bind themselves to this and/or insisting on special
clauses protecting their key industries which will make these targets
problematic. As 18yo GRETA THUNBERG (with whom most red blooded males
have improper thoughs– but I’m too old fer that /wouldn’t
[literally] give a stuff) – says: “BLAH, BLAH, BLAH.”</b></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>My take – climate
change is real. But it will take time for some big players to realise
this. If big players can do nothing right now, what can I? </b></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>Thankfully eventual
action will be forced on the recalcitrants and won’t be too late.
Except sadly for some very close to sea-level folk. It’s gonna work
out eventually for most. Right now there’s nothing I can do so
what; the use of worrying?</b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKWsZ9Iaz5xM66ru8gEX-eSoXeaqDDUVBVsGZOCTY3MIz7qcCyUqRImlcGmVvanjKC-LGN8-ecfclZ3jVcOcl9Z6Y7g2wr_YyJR53gffhTzdPaVJLd2bW19V0RUpasg51rnoOnHRmmhj4/s800/takata3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="566" data-original-width="800" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKWsZ9Iaz5xM66ru8gEX-eSoXeaqDDUVBVsGZOCTY3MIz7qcCyUqRImlcGmVvanjKC-LGN8-ecfclZ3jVcOcl9Z6Y7g2wr_YyJR53gffhTzdPaVJLd2bW19V0RUpasg51rnoOnHRmmhj4/w400-h283/takata3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b><p></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>COVID – right now
things are kinda quiet in Oz. The Omicron variant is starting to make
its presence felt, but my belief from reading is that it won’t he a
big deal.
</b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>Locally most states
have reduced need for masks and de-tightened rules on social
distancing etc. But some are still hesitant to open borders to other
states and to embrace an open national border to overseas. In this
respect we are way behind the northern hemisphere. This Omicron thing
has not helped.</b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>Overseas things seem
not so good with infections spreading in the northern hemisphere –
no surprise given the proximity of winter. Seems this bug loves
winter. I just wonder what sort of an uptick we will have in Oz next
winter - our sense of achievement might not be warranted.</b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>My personal feeling
on covid? Um, I think the world has faced similar crises in the past
and survived despite much lower levels of medical knowledge. I got
little time for the anti-vaxxers, but I reckon natural selection will
sort out that problem. So I’m personally not worried (but once
again I’m empathetic to those people in areas haven’t got access
to sufficient vaccines.)</b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><br />
</b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>AUSTRALIAN POLITICS
– right now Prime Minister Morrison seems to be scrambling for his
political life. His inaction in the bushfires, floods and covid
crisis has caught up to him – he has become known as a DO-NOTHING
leader of a DO-NOTHING government. Actions (or maybe inactions) have
proved him a liar, a hypocrite, a bully -particularly in relation to
women, and a seeker of credit for the hard work done by others
(notably the state premiers). Unfortunately the opposition lacks
lustre – the leader Anthony Albanese is apparently a good guy with
a lot of political nouse, but lacks charisma and doesn’t cut
through to voters. His government, scarred by the scare campaigns of
Morrison’s lot last election (those dudes do nothing, but led by an
ad. Industry veteran, they sure know how to run a good scare
campaign) has ditched their more radical proposals and refuses to
release others until the last moment. There are a couple of
capable/popular people in the party (both women, which would be great
if one could become PM) but they are either in the wrong house (the
Senate, which can’t supply a PM) or have no wish to become PM.</b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>So we bumble on. The
next election is sometime in the first half of next year – my
prediction is tha </b><b>Morrison will
release some vote-winning tax cuts/cash handouts + come up with a top
scare campaign and will scrape back in.</b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>Personally I
wouldn’t give a stuff. If people are silly enough to forget the
past and react to stupid come–ons and propaganda bullshit, they
deserve the government they get. I have seen many anti TEZZA govts
elected in the past – life still goes on, the sun still comes up
next morning, Oz still stays a great place to be.</b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxGd78VBQEDmjGLqIGLft3bvkd7k6DRxkgQ_2oDUMTqM8rIsjH3uL2aggSzwW3VdNf6ERal3VASg_ydywDqITazuzz4hHt2OtB1V-C1naBeaBE1zyHcohq3PPIsufeAZ241ytLYW0CHpg/s1280/takata2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxGd78VBQEDmjGLqIGLft3bvkd7k6DRxkgQ_2oDUMTqM8rIsjH3uL2aggSzwW3VdNf6ERal3VASg_ydywDqITazuzz4hHt2OtB1V-C1naBeaBE1zyHcohq3PPIsufeAZ241ytLYW0CHpg/w400-h225/takata2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><i><b>Despite screwing up vaccine orders, SCOMO the advertising veteran can't resist good publicity. This cartoon is drawn from a publicity photoshoot he did with one of the first people to get a COVID shot. He didn't order enough vaccine, but he made sure he was one of the first to get the shot. (and with the preferred Pfitzer variant too - no AZ fer him) <br /></b></i><b><br /></b><p></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>DIGITAL MONEY</b></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>Answer to the
question no one’s asking?</b></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>To paraphrase my
hero PAUL KEATING, everyone including the pet shop parrot is talking
about digital money. The crazy roller-coaster in the value of BITCOIN
and similar plus the huge speculative profits being made by those
lucky enough to…...um….. be lucky, have seen CRYPTOCURRENCIES
achieve cult status of late.</b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>PS – I have a good
tulip farm for sale if anyone is interested.</b></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>But DIGITAL MONEY is
about much more than CRYPTOCURRENCIES (which will never become a
mainstream form of money because they lack stability and are not easy
to exchange).</b></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>We also have:</b></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>*STABLE COINS –
before long the online behemoths will have issued their own versions
of digital money linked to sovereign currencies and therefore way
more stable and less speculative than CRYPTOCURRENCIES. Eg Facebook
will have DIEM. And pretty soon the scene is going to be awash with
competing versions, most offering payment discounts if you use them.
At present APPLE PAY and GOOGLE PAY are linked to credit cards and
doing huge business but it won’t be long before they have their own
versions of DIEM.
</b></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>*CENTRAL BANK
DIGITAL CURRENCIES (CBDCs) – this is the official monetary system’s
version of STABLE COINS. It’s their attempt to keep some regulation
in this new system of payments (and I guess an example of “if you
can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em). I dunno if any central bank has
issued any CBDCs yet, but several are under development and close to
release.</b></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>What are the
benefits?</b></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>Well as far as
CRYPTOCURRENCIES are concerned, if you are not a speculator or use it
as a hedge agin inflation, there are few. Boosters point out that
several traders are now accepting BITCOIN as a means of payment.
Seems to me just another way these traders can partake in a bit of
speculation without having to physically buy BITCOIN.</b></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>With STABLE COINS
there will be payment discounts for users but this will be paid for
by the rest of us as higher prices. Net gain zero. The main winners
will be FACEBOOK, APPLE, GOOGLE and other issuers of STABLE COINS who
will gleefully clip the ticket on each purchase as usual.</b></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>With CBDCs the main
gain will be that central banks will be able to have some control
which I guess is good for all of us – certainly it will be easier
to keep tabs on MONEY LAUNDERING which will be horrifically easy with
some of the other types.</b></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>Other benefits?</b></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>Certainly the
BLOCKCHAIN techonology which was developed along with
CRYPTOCURRENCIES has applications elsewhere – perhaps this will be
the biggest legacy.</b></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>The experts tell us
that digital payments will be more efficient for some WHOLESALE transactions, particularly international in character. Whether this
is passed on to consumers depends on competition in that market –
well, we know how that works in the real world. Consumers will gain
far less in RETAIL transactions.
</b></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>Nevertheless the new
system will go ahead because the issuers will make a motza from it
and consumers, even though there is not much in it for them on the
retail side, will enthusiastically adopt it because there is a huge
cohort of technological early adopters who grab anything the online
behemoths offer.</b></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>Seems to me the
existing payments system does a pretty good job for consumers. Maybe
it should be a case of: “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”</b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>Me personally? Well as I've said earlier: I don't give a damn - hell, I don't even own a</b><b> smartphone! </b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhHjfBLACm2lifwOChAYu068KCKsAw53M6VeZIMrFwwmoQZd45aBz-4i9777JoNH7qgWSxYeTwSF40V37_U57hOdwkKi5ul-APH1WZn0BXrt3JMz00a3DLdisY4WXbhKpCtSgtbP5g201WT2IkH9O4Hg3tpfu7SKIZapogJbAK1Y6y-99V9e4jWKezt=s800" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="666" data-original-width="800" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhHjfBLACm2lifwOChAYu068KCKsAw53M6VeZIMrFwwmoQZd45aBz-4i9777JoNH7qgWSxYeTwSF40V37_U57hOdwkKi5ul-APH1WZn0BXrt3JMz00a3DLdisY4WXbhKpCtSgtbP5g201WT2IkH9O4Hg3tpfu7SKIZapogJbAK1Y6y-99V9e4jWKezt=w400-h333" width="400" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b><p></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><br /></b></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p><p></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span><br /></span></b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>......................................................................................</b></span></span></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></span></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>FEB 29 2022 </b></span></span></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span>P</span><span>RICE CREEP</span></b></span></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>There’s
a whole lot of causes, but what we have experienced late 2021-early
2022 is a whole bunch of price increases way ahead of rises in the average wage or the general inflation rate:</b></span></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>CARS
(or should I say vehicles on account so many sales these days are
utes and SUVs.)</b></span></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>I
put this down to the ridiculous price people are paying for the
latter these days largely because they are getting more metal, they
feel safer (debatable) and it’s trendy (these things are the
latest in cool). </b></span></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Check Fred out in the latest ISUZU truck with the offroad
package (bigger, bead-lock wheels, 35”off-road tyres with RAISED WHITE LETTERS (white letters have been scientifically proved to improve all-terrain performance), skid-plates
and the must-have snorkel). Fred will be able to negotiate the K-MART
parking lot no troubles.</b></span></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Other causes are the impact of recent events like the pandemic cutting spending elsewhere, low interest rates and the INCOME EFFECT of rising house prices.</b></span></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Thing
is, if people are conditioned into overpaying for these bigger vehicles then sellers try it on for normal cars. And so the latter are
creeping up in price too.</b></span></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>WATCHES.</b></span></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>High
end watches are suddenly cool again. I reckon it's because of the surplus
cash people have which has boosted demand for
luxury symbols in general. Plus retailers know people are flush and
are determined to get their share (and more). </b></span></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>For a long time you
could get a good basic battery powered ticker-tocker for a song –
now be prepared to pay over the top for brands in vogue 25 years ao.</b></span></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>JOGGERS
– 5 years ago a decent set of joggers cost minimum $200. then
things got sensible and you could get a good pair for $100 or less,
2022 sees them up at $200 again – often more. I think this is due to the same factors which have caused watch prices to head north.</b></span></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>SPEAKERS
speaker design has come a long way since the bad old days of my
youth. Then, to get a decent sound you needed giant speakers and a
variety which included a woofer. Recently I have been astounded by
the sound coming from small speakers – the elcheapo tinies came
with my computer sound as good as my giant 70s-era boxes, and
phone-speakers are even smaller but most sound okay. But I’ve
noticed recently a flood of sound bars onto the market around the
$300+ mark. No doubt they produce excellent sound, but at a price
multiple of x3+ on recent years?</b></span></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>INSERT
YER OWN INFLATION VICTIM. Above I’ve simply listed a few things
which have hit me in the eye price increase wise, But fact is, a
whole bunch of things have been increasing in price in recent times,
out of all proportion to the average inflation rate and increases in
average wages.</b></span></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>HOUSING
– ANOTHER DISPROPORTIONATE PRICE INCREASE CATEGORY AND A CAUSE OF PROBLEMS
ELSEWHERE.</b></span></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Australian
real estate is out of control, having trebled in price over the past
few years. Some realty dude recently rang me and said he could get
minimum $aud3 million fer my joint (that’s around $us 2.2m and we
aint talking a big city location – I live in a coastal town 120km
from the big smoke). THE LADY and I paid $13.3K for our land and $35K to have the house built in the mid-late 70s.</b></span></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Yesterday’s
paper had the Sydney median house price at $aud1.6m end of 2021
– that’s about $us1.2m . Thing is $aud1m is needed to buy a
pretty ordinary house in a very ordinary suburb. A desirable suburb
like Bondi? More than double and yer still looking at a pretty ordinary
house. Unit (apartment) prices have also soared – at present the
median is almost $900k which means a good newish one in a desirable
suburb is way over the million mark.</b></span></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>At
the same time even country town prices have been rising – due to
tree-changers/sea changers and the factors mentioned below.</b></span></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Lots
of causes but the overall long term problem is EXCESSIVE DEMAND (there’s not much can be done about INSUFFICIENT SUPPLY – the
bottlenecks in the system are just insurmountable – anything done
to cut red tape/release new land/build affordable housing is just tinkering at the edges
so huge is the problem).</b></span></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>This excessive LONG TERM demand is down to 2 vote buying government
initiatives maintained by the present conservative govt which is
world-class at vote buying.</b></span></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>1
– NEGATIVE GEARING – this allows property investors to deduct
interest and other rental costs above the rate of income return of the property from
their taxable income. As a result half the tax paying public has a
negatively geared house (or three). Which kinda boosted the demand
for same.</b></span></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>2
– DISCOUNTED CAPITAL GAINS TAX. In most countries if you sell an
asset for a profit, the capital gain is taxed at your full marginal
tax rate. Happens in Oz too, except the CAPITAL GAIN is HALVED. This
doesn’t hurt the demand for housing assets either.</b></span></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>SHORT
TERM CAUSES OF PRICE INCREASES.</b></span></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Right
now we are in a perfect storm of price-increasing factors both long
term (as above) and short term. THE PANDEMIC has left many with
RECORD SAVINGS because they had fewer opportunitiesto spendon expensive things like
holidays, flash clothing, dining out, top-end household goods yada. RECORD LOW INTEREST
RATES and SUPPLY CHAIN PROBLEMS have contributed.</b></span></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>GOVT
RESPONSE – there is much cynical wringing of political hands about how
housing is now too expensive for our kids (true – unless they can
borrow from their oldies (the Bank of Mum and Dad), which many do –
including my son. Plus the govt has introduced some dumb-arsed vote
buying measures like a FIRST HOME BUYERS GRANT and a LOW DEPOSIT INSURANCE GRANT which look attractive but have actually boosted
demand further and made the problem worse.</b></span></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>THE
PUBLIC RESPONSE</b></span></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Of
course the general public loves this – anything that boosts real
estate prices makes them feel much richer and they go buy a whole
bunch of stuff which has increased the rate of inflation for all the
above and more.</b></span></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><span>It’s
kinda funny – the newspapers rabbit on about house unaffordability
and letters to the editor shed crocodile tears about how our kids
have been driven out of the market, yet in the same issue are almost
joyous articles about the latest increase in house value. </span>
</span></b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>THE
GOVT AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC DOESN’T WANT CHANGE.</b></span></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>For
every prospective home buyer there are 3 or 4 home owners feeling a
whole lot richer. These owners will enthusiastically support dumb
ideas like the first home buyers subsidy and ruthlessly veto any
proposals to end or modify negative gearing and half price capital
gains tax, as the LABOR OPPOSITION found out in the last election.
The COALITION GOVT knows this and has no real incentive to curb
housing price increases.</b></span></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>WHEN
WILL CRAZY PRICE INCREASES END?</b></span></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Experts
have been falsely picking the top of the realty market for several years. I
predict prices will slow or even decrease somewhat when the present
LOW INTEREST RATES start to increase, probably sometime in the next
year or so. However maybe it won’t be the bloodbath many are
predicting, because WAGES must begin to rise at a decent rate
sometime soon. </b></span>
</p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhlsOWa9NgGKlocf90wZzubZvcKrGwihMb66XfF2yacyEgtG8FkaMgRnSdcNapBoyFknXXEdi8x1xq86SiubUXyupnTvXryzoVO-M3NXOnHhzGnZPRT1A9sQy7BQ6bmFGOxmjt3-eF8FriVk1MCtOqUZTjR-0MplGS5qjSwuYeYHAZR4-XDLM5uOn13=s600" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="421" data-original-width="600" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhlsOWa9NgGKlocf90wZzubZvcKrGwihMb66XfF2yacyEgtG8FkaMgRnSdcNapBoyFknXXEdi8x1xq86SiubUXyupnTvXryzoVO-M3NXOnHhzGnZPRT1A9sQy7BQ6bmFGOxmjt3-eF8FriVk1MCtOqUZTjR-0MplGS5qjSwuYeYHAZR4-XDLM5uOn13=w400-h281" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>.............................................................................................................</b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: #343434;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span><span style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-size: large;"><b>THE
BIG PIVOT IN SE ASIAN TOURISM – NOT!</b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>15 March '22</b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: #343434;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span><span style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">All
the travel journal1sts, bloggers, newsletters yada are carrying on
about how different travel in SE Asia will be post pandemic. The main
change they keep banging on about is how things will move upmarket –
the cheap-charlies will be cleared out, dodgy practices will
disappear</span><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: medium;">and all will adapt environmentally pristine practices.</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: #343434;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span><span style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-size: medium;"><b>Got
one word for this – BULLDUST!</b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b style="background-color: white; color: #343434; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Got
two words as proof – PHI PHI:</span></b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b style="color: #343434;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: medium;">-
after the tsunami the experts were saying how things would be different
and way better. But in half a dozen subsequent visits I saw little
change – people just seemed to rebuild the place much as it was.
Cheap accommodation predominated.</span></b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #343434;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span><span style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><b>OK,
there were more upmarket places, but this is the inevitable result of
the growth of Thai tourism and has happened in all SE Asian areas.
The dodgy practices continued – particularly building in national
parks and similar areas.</b></span></span></span></span><b style="color: #343434; font-family: Georgia, serif;">As
they say; money rules – forget your fine ideals and wishes.</b></span></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="color: #343434;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-size: medium;">Environment-wise there WILL be improvements but I’d say this will be more of a
CONTINUANCE than a PIVOT – something which started before the
pandemic and will continue into the future. Maybe the pandemic has
given this issue time to gather strength, but certainly we are not
talking a PIVOT.</span></span></span></b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="color: #343434;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-size: medium;">............................................. </span></span></span></b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: #343434;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span><span style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-size: medium;"><b>THE
STATE OF THE PANDEMIC IN OZ.</b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #343434;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span><span style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255);">15
March ‘22 </span></span></span></span>
</span></b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b style="color: #343434; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white;">What
we have is a hilarious situation where the hopeless Federal
(national) Govt has stuffed up big time and is trying to shift the
blame onto the states. State wise, NSW new premier PERROTTET,
although not of my political leaning (I tend to lean left/liberal
with a small l - PERROTTET is right/Liberal with a big L which in Australia means conservative;go figure) is doing a pretty good job – he’s opened the
state up by relaxing pandemic restrictions – but this is an area
where he is copping lotsa flak: he's damned if he does (should see the letters in my
newspaper, the SYDNEY MORNING HERALD-it’s a left leaning rag with a
predominantly older readership: most letters harangue PERROTTET for
not being cautious) , damned if he doesn’t (if he didn’t ease the
lock-down there would be as many letters in opposition moaning about loss of freedom yada.. Certainly
before he relaxed restrictions there were plenty of people complaining about lock-down fatigue). I also like the way he is always upbeat and
straight in his public appearsnces - unlike Federal Prime Minister
Morrison who is smarmy and insincere – full of PR but not policy. And PEROTTET doesn't take any rubbish from the Feds despite them being the same political part</span>y.</span></b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: #343434;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span><span style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-size: medium;"><b>Overall
things are pretty good in Oz, with 90%+ having 2 injections. Things
have been a bit slow with boosters (50..something..%) and kids’
injections. All states have relaxed lock-downs: seems we are treating
COVID as endemic and trying to live with it.</b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="color: #343434;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span><span style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-size: medium;">On
the horizon are warnings of a new COVID variety with a
scary boost in infections. Naturally the health officials are calling
for a new lock-down and the conservative oldies who write into my rag
are all for it and against the government’s open policy.</span></span></span></span></b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="color: #343434;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></span></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #343434;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjDKTt8ZPKgEbGtMXhiEdcQkYy0Joe7jx-aeKPiciJXWf2vl9k35jw2VhQ6BwZ-nic8M3tT2Q0JLWseukTgwfUrR8uyMOQczq7mZDGdBWxXjOuARAjuSA697p51S6mxFYdOdM5m73RIlnpL9HAN9NrH7XjZBsdrvIQf4kUcvtIejBnwdvI44k3vZUci=s750" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="422" data-original-width="750" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjDKTt8ZPKgEbGtMXhiEdcQkYy0Joe7jx-aeKPiciJXWf2vl9k35jw2VhQ6BwZ-nic8M3tT2Q0JLWseukTgwfUrR8uyMOQczq7mZDGdBWxXjOuARAjuSA697p51S6mxFYdOdM5m73RIlnpL9HAN9NrH7XjZBsdrvIQf4kUcvtIejBnwdvI44k3vZUci=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></span></span></span></b></div><b><span style="color: #343434;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i style="background-color: white;">Looks like the cartoonist has gone with the "DAMNED IF HE DOES" brigade opposing any relaxing of the health restrictions. </i></span></span></span></b><p></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="color: #343434;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><i>Yeah well - should we be still masked up and working from home 20 years into the future?</i><br /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><br /></span></span></span></span></b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b style="background-color: white; color: #343434; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I
wrote a letter to the HERALD about this. Naturally it won’t be
printed (I”ve had 2 out of 15 letters published these past 20
years) but what the heck, you (if I have any readers) don’t have a
choice* - here it is:</span></b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b style="background-color: white; color: #343434; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">............................................</span></b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b style="color: #343434; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><i style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: medium;">If
Power Trippers Ran the World.</span></i></b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b style="color: #343434; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><i style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: medium;">If
the police ran the government we would be snowed under with
regulations and enforcement. We’d have a permanent police state.</span></i></b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: #343434;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span><span style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-size: medium;"><b><i>If
the military ran government we’d have permanent martial law.</i></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #343434;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span><span style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255);">If
health officials ran government we would be in permanent lock-down. </span></span></span></span>
</span></i></b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: #343434;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span><span style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-size: medium;"><b><i>Isn’t
it great these hard heads only advise our elected representatives whom we can
vote out if we think chose wrong'</i></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: #343434;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span><span style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: #343434; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b>*of course you have a choice; you don't have to read any of this</b></span></span></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: #343434;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span><span style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-size: medium;"><b>................................................................</b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">REFLECTIONS ON THE PIVOT - APRIL 1 2022.</span></b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">I've been thinking about what I wrote a little up page - thinking in relation to Thailand.....and how people who revisit after last coming say 10 years back will notice some definite changes - like how beach-fronts have been cleared of cheap bars, restaurants yada, how several marine national parks like the SIMILANS etc are closed or have just been re-opened, how THE BEACH/MAYA BAY is way better these days with fewer people, all boat landings the other side of the island yada ----- I put this down to THE MILITARY GOVERNMENT cracking the whip, not to any post-pandemic RESET/PIVOT. Cynics might say I'm wrong - and point out the military government is pro-business and loath to do anything which will offend their buddies - but the reality is the government is pro BIG business and all those beachfront joints and many of the tour providers were SMALL time </span></b><b><span style="font-size: medium;">operators. </span></b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">------------------------------------------</p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>COVID
UPDATE – APRIL 22</b></span></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>NSW
and AUSTRALIA seem to have reached the stage of COEXISTING WITH
COVID. Authorities have accepted that the human and economic costs of
ruthlessly suppressing the bug are too high (something CHINA has yet
to accept) and have relaxed or will soon relax most rules regarding
secondary isolation, crowd size limitations and separation, masks
etc. Seems like we will treat COVID just like the ‘flu’ bug –
can’t wipe it out but can take sensible measures like inoculation
yada, It is accepted that the relaxing of COVID rules will see an
uptick in cases, but not to unmanageable levels</b></span></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>POLITICAL
UPDATE – APRIL 24</b></span></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><span>NATIONAL
– we are into the second week of the Federal election campaign. PM
Morrison is campaigning hard but his performance over the past 2
years has been so wanting that it will be a fantastic feat if his
conservative LNP coalition can win. The coalition is campaigning hard
on its “perceived” strengths of economics and national security,
whereas the Labor opposition has adopted a small target policy of “me
too”, agreeing with many of the coalition’s populist-vote winning
policies, not proposing any of the necessary but vote-losing policies
like tax reform and abolition of negative gearing. They have also
promised to reform aged care and review the national disability
scheme and health staffing in general, but seeing welfare is a
perceived strength of Labor, they are on relatively safe ground
there. What they have NOT done is highlight the shortcoming of the
coaltion in recent years in relation to THE FLOODS, FIRES, VACCINE
PROCUREMENT/DISTRIBUTION etc. This must come closer to election day
because Scotty and his gang have been abysmal in these areas. </span>
</span></b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b></b></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAyptZl2dwTfAUbm448M2nQAg410YKTPMBp6A3xp8151GY1OICWXMo5PLtC2ybhXDAzr7esMGyWSX-ypFmz1HIyDbnOShQSMjXfSrS2wd-TSHNDh0mAaUE07eorpLI1e61JEKe1ueMzbJcA0znouFyD2fjYXgaH_KHFMPE75lcgOEhqulQe9CdW7Se/s1010/AA.webp" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="744" data-original-width="1010" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAyptZl2dwTfAUbm448M2nQAg410YKTPMBp6A3xp8151GY1OICWXMo5PLtC2ybhXDAzr7esMGyWSX-ypFmz1HIyDbnOShQSMjXfSrS2wd-TSHNDh0mAaUE07eorpLI1e61JEKe1ueMzbJcA0znouFyD2fjYXgaH_KHFMPE75lcgOEhqulQe9CdW7Se/w400-h295/AA.webp" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Did I mention PM Scotty often goes missing in times of crisis?</span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></b><p></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">STATE - The state election is not imminent, being March 2023. At present the
coalition state government is not travelling too well, being guilty
of much the same stuff as their federal counterparts – governing
for the top end of town, pork-barrelling, jobs for the boys, fiscal
profligacy and more. COVID performance is mixed – they handled the
first stage of combating the virus pretty well but maybe opened up
the economy a little early and by too much. But the leader, Dominic
Perrottet, is the opposite of Scotty – looks young and dapper at 39 (Scotty in contrast looks a daggy middle-aged wannabe), he is upfront, doesn’t
obfuscate or try to shift the blame or go missing in a crisis. He
also has a good image – young, gorgeous wife, 7 gorgeous kids. But
I reckon he will have trouble winning. Time will tell.</span></b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJj9hEe2bLKLURRRZ9YcdeB7I6wtFwe6iJrs_qSNrjAP29fIG_lc7cO-csgqEV1GMFO4CezDJgZa79feUDkPAms2rAK9AqWa8lQ2dtPJSn4unWAFqVcm6tw07pee7c1lcLDfKbheieyH-8Pnlu21wu8kWwZmlBdb6SwQWvQeqq1jBwD8VqQ2o3dY1Z/s300/AAA.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJj9hEe2bLKLURRRZ9YcdeB7I6wtFwe6iJrs_qSNrjAP29fIG_lc7cO-csgqEV1GMFO4CezDJgZa79feUDkPAms2rAK9AqWa8lQ2dtPJSn4unWAFqVcm6tw07pee7c1lcLDfKbheieyH-8Pnlu21wu8kWwZmlBdb6SwQWvQeqq1jBwD8VqQ2o3dY1Z/w400-h224/AAA.jpg" width="400" /></a></b></div><b><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Attractive family. Latest baby and one daughter missing.</span></i><br /><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></b><p></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">OVERSEAS.
Ukraine is a mess. At present the Russians seem to be gaining the
upper hand in southern and eastern Ukraine but the cost has been
horrific and the loss of face of both the Russian military and Putin
must be huge.</span></b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>All
power to the Ukraine president, people and military, but one thing I
don’t get – the US was prepared to start WW3 back in the 60’s
over the Cuban missile crisis, but wasn’t prepared to negotiate
with Russia over the looming eastward extension of NATO to Russia’s
borders, something they promised not to do back when the Soviet Union
imploded. This war could have been short-circuited a month ago when
loss of life and property was much much lower.</b></span></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvUQn6bCp4vITQ6k4n7HY-yYd0MiESHz9B1YT9aw4aYxdNME6cxprGtDDctaVlcGhjHfMDfVnu3svRgxy0ehwXCxKdYl3Muqi3dpiEyuMY7OVMP16Bq486ghr4CrTl1zQz7x56F32uelnB0OLIejL5whM40lB1BVhT45-dOh9_-HYJAFOb_cyImKSH/s1280/AAAA.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="920" data-original-width="1280" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvUQn6bCp4vITQ6k4n7HY-yYd0MiESHz9B1YT9aw4aYxdNME6cxprGtDDctaVlcGhjHfMDfVnu3svRgxy0ehwXCxKdYl3Muqi3dpiEyuMY7OVMP16Bq486ghr4CrTl1zQz7x56F32uelnB0OLIejL5whM40lB1BVhT45-dOh9_-HYJAFOb_cyImKSH/w400-h288/AAAA.webp" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><i><b>Not looking too great right now.</b></i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><i><b>..............................................................</b></i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div><span><b style="font-size: 16pt;"><p align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">MAY
31</span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Well
the federal election was a little over a week ago and still we are
not sure whether the winner has enough seats to form a majority which
can govern in its own right. One thing we are sure of is that the
public repudiated the Morrison conservative government of the past 4
years (the LIBERALNATIONAL COALITION) and that LABOR won enough
seats to form some sort of government, either in its own right or in
coalition with others. </span>
</p>
<ol>
<li>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">Those others will come from
the new </span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">group</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">
of independent TEALS (a</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">n
outfit</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> protesting the
former conservative government’s record on the environment,
</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">corruption, aborigines</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">
and women) and who managed to win half a dozen seats mainly at the
expense of Morrison’s outfit although Labor also </span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">lost
</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">so</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">m</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">e
support </span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">to them.</span></p></li><li><p align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; text-align: left;">T</span><span style="font-size: 16pt; text-align: left;">he
Greens also may feature if Labor needs a coalition. They did well in
the election picking up protest votes from both major parties.</span></p></li></ol>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Besides
tho old government (the LIBERAL PARTY/NATIONAL PARTY COALITION), d</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">oing poorly also were arch
right wing minor parties like Pauline Hanson’s O</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">NE
NATION</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> and billionair</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">e</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">
Clive Palmer’s </span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">UNITED
AUSTRALIA</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">. </span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Seems
Australia has had enough of the hard right.</span></p><p align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ2NDnvRlj26FdCdY45Z479oCQDXKHB4UBzNTJ6OYHieNbaA2M7VwcofGEEf5KL6tQgMrhHghyPzFlKzogAnaRh7JnwdnrEclNlLsMVZ3zsAm6fFvdHbiQ4SrRx2SSgKvcB50MgzBbHvmyCOe59jrUoj0rsmanE23pqq3siudDSfUgxPLP1mYaRUao/s840/cartoon.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="421" data-original-width="840" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ2NDnvRlj26FdCdY45Z479oCQDXKHB4UBzNTJ6OYHieNbaA2M7VwcofGEEf5KL6tQgMrhHghyPzFlKzogAnaRh7JnwdnrEclNlLsMVZ3zsAm6fFvdHbiQ4SrRx2SSgKvcB50MgzBbHvmyCOe59jrUoj0rsmanE23pqq3siudDSfUgxPLP1mYaRUao/w400-h200/cartoon.webp" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: 16pt; text-align: left;"><p align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; text-align: left;"><br /></span></p>C</span><span style="font-size: 16pt; text-align: left;">onservative
apologists point out Morrison faced a perfect storm in the past </span><span style="font-size: 16pt; text-align: left;">few</span><span style="font-size: 16pt; text-align: left;">
years with COVID, the floods, the fires, the recent inflationary
spike etc, but the fact is other government leaders also had to deal
with crises, sometimes worse, and most came out in an enhanced
position. Morrison and his pals were just not up to it.</span><p></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; text-align: left;">I
read an interesting article about his demise meaning the end of </span><span style="font-size: 16pt; text-align: left;">the
</span><span style="font-size: 16pt; text-align: left;">tricky LIBERAL/NATIONAL
approach </span><span style="font-size: 16pt; text-align: left;">to governing
</span><span style="font-size: 16pt; text-align: left;">which started with John
Howard’</span><span style="font-size: 16pt; text-align: left;">s</span><span style="font-size: 16pt; text-align: left;">
lies, dog whistling, pork-barreling for votes etc. I mention up
page my disdain for the Howard years, so totally agree.</span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; text-align: left;">Anyway,
we have a new government. All the dreamers are talking about a RESET.
I don’t think so, on account LABOR’s "me too"-small target
approach in the election means they have agreed to implement many of
Morrison’s promises – it’s gonna be a long time before they can
throw off the shackles of the huge govt.deficit/borrowing, promised
future tax cuts (!!) and other expensive promises the electorate
expects to be honoured.</span></p><p align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; text-align: left;">UPDATE SEP 22 2022</span></p><p align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; text-align: left;">Labour has enough to govern in its own right at present. The current debate is whether to implement the LIBERAL'S promised tax cuts to the wealthy (a "me too" pledge). MY TAKE IS WE CAN'T AFFORD IT IN THIS NEW ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT . As Keynes said "when the facts change, I cha<span>nge my mind".</span></span></p><p align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; text-align: left;"><br /></span></p><p align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; text-align: left;">..........</span></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">After
a 2 year COVID hiatus I at last got the chance of travelling again.
The big difference is that it has all been domestic – overseas can
wait until <i>they </i>and <i>we </i>think they are safe bets.</span></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">JUNE
– CRUISE:”PACIFIC EXPLORER” 4 night to <i>Tangalooma</i> on Moreton
Island off Brisbane.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Had the usual benefits of ship
life. Got off at the island – the resort </span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">is</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">
nice and abt 10-12mins north (the walk up the beach was ok but on
reflection this </span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">walk
</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">would be difficult at
high tid</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">e </span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span>because
high water mark touched the base of the very steep dunes in places</span></span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span>)
</span><span style="font-weight: normal;">a</span></span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">re some
small-ship wrecks which are close to shore (100-150m), not deep and
easily snorkeled. I had my mask (no snorkel or fins) and went out
for a look. Disappointing – the water was </span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">very
</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">cold, not very clear
and after snooping around for 10mins </span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">or
so</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> I turned back to
shore. </span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">But I have lost
a lot of condition since I had both knees replaced and hit the sand
exhausted. At least I had no problem with currents which apparently
can get tricky at certain tide levels.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTIQtxjFkAm2_cQQfzz-mR0Ts88dMMwF_6s_gZfSkXkv_5PNws7B9vxGflpI9yGIxjXzeKQiVf-ND6qYXW8T0SF3Bxb0OWUdyB14CYxgbdKXowMK5AsZcKNf46UpB7IBVd6oGpk4p_zjoYYLRdjoov6ZXtWDVOyadz9LAlp4R5k45DYLk3eSuT5Gx4/s1999/TTTTT.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1332" data-original-width="1999" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTIQtxjFkAm2_cQQfzz-mR0Ts88dMMwF_6s_gZfSkXkv_5PNws7B9vxGflpI9yGIxjXzeKQiVf-ND6qYXW8T0SF3Bxb0OWUdyB14CYxgbdKXowMK5AsZcKNf46UpB7IBVd6oGpk4p_zjoYYLRdjoov6ZXtWDVOyadz9LAlp4R5k45DYLk3eSuT5Gx4/w400-h266/TTTTT.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><i> water a bit clearer here</i></b></span></div><div><span><b style="font-size: 16pt;"><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div><span><b style="font-size: 16pt;"><p align="left"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><b>We
have traveled the PACIFIC EXPLORER before – details up page. Nice
small/midsize ship and <a href="mailto:P@O">P&O</a> do a good
job. Small number of nights ideal for getting back into the routine.</b></span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><b>....................................</b></span></p><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 16pt;">J</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">ULY
– CRUISE: “CORAL PRINCESS” 7 nights to <i>Eden, Newcastle</i> and
<i>Tangalooma.</i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><i>So soon? Thing is we have been so starved of cruising that we jumped on any genuine bargain, and it seemed a few were around post COVID to revive interest in the genre.</i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Lady Tezza is world class
at finding bargain-basement cruise</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">s</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">
</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">plus</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">
I’m a sucker for a<i> guided</i> cruise. And Lady Tezza is world class in
<i>guiding</i> the way from cabin to buffet and bar.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Had the usual idyllic
ship-bo</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">a</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">rd
life plus <i>Eden</i> is a sweet little town, a beaut place to get off the
ship and walk up-town. Ditto <i>Newcastle</i> – the shuttle bus into town terminated at the ex</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">t</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">ensive
riverside redevelopment </span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">around
the <i>Stockton ferry terminal </i>from where it is a pleasant 15 min stroll
across to <i>Nobby’s Beach.</i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Didn’t get off at
<i>Tangalooma</i> – been there, done that.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU3b5NJp09OKu-CQBBi7IOOI-hZI-JSQ_21WuYDHoMOhL4wYAu85tf1EfAxMy16wkZYqvOZnZd3ZR-KT1sCEWupOKfmyQkwSvMhDHGlKvcZzl0mUtPf6uMGUuHlF-mZ6HYXRuM8VEBN28Kzil0jN2xZR1v-J3SD_M7ES-1y1ypiaG2MdJW0DpybtlE/s1200/TTTTTTTT.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU3b5NJp09OKu-CQBBi7IOOI-hZI-JSQ_21WuYDHoMOhL4wYAu85tf1EfAxMy16wkZYqvOZnZd3ZR-KT1sCEWupOKfmyQkwSvMhDHGlKvcZzl0mUtPf6uMGUuHlF-mZ6HYXRuM8VEBN28Kzil0jN2xZR1v-J3SD_M7ES-1y1ypiaG2MdJW0DpybtlE/s320/TTTTTTTT.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><i>Eden KILLER WHALE MUSEUM - up the hill from the ship</i><br /><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; text-align: left;">EARLY SEPTEMBER – CAIRNS.. a
$99 Jetstar special fare came up and I grabbed it.<i> Cairns</i> is the
perfect base to stock up for a camping trip to <i>Fitzroy Isl</i>. Which I
found little changed since my ‘16 trip. Lovely camping area but
overpriced with terrible facilities and maintenance. Rest of island
idyllic with great walking tracks, nice beaches, a good </span><span style="font-size: 16pt; text-align: left;">bar/cafe
area etc. Details elsewhere on this blog. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; text-align: left;">Back
on mainland I went up to <i>Ellis Beach</i>, which is the second of that
series of wonderful tropical beaches highway-side north of the Cairns built-up
area. Unlike most, it has cabins and a camping area plus a rather
food/cafe bar a bit further north. I found the camping area great,
with a whole bunch of friendly and helpful regulars and the
surrounding beaches nice.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7HCOvJJdM8qkko2CpzRnZpG3deNfNCT7FXVzDNmz9EVU6YEduyi0xGqcHuZwALt25so5us7otyC86VjsI5TY0F5h-BOh2fZRYiTcygg7BIbPuGAqWiaHpsZcv_KoYNUTtP1BOrZe2qbfYPAqsm_lIb71XUe2NLgtekJPgs1PtyF0scQYdRneqJKxE/s3968/P7270084.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2976" data-original-width="3968" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7HCOvJJdM8qkko2CpzRnZpG3deNfNCT7FXVzDNmz9EVU6YEduyi0xGqcHuZwALt25so5us7otyC86VjsI5TY0F5h-BOh2fZRYiTcygg7BIbPuGAqWiaHpsZcv_KoYNUTtP1BOrZe2qbfYPAqsm_lIb71XUe2NLgtekJPgs1PtyF0scQYdRneqJKxE/w400-h300/P7270084.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><i>Chez Tezza at Ellis Beach</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; text-align: left;">Lastly I went out for a day
to Green Island, a vegetated coral cay off Cairns. Without spending big money there is only enough there to last say half a day – so I
found the place a bit boring. Not a touch on Fitzroy.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; text-align: left;">..........................</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; text-align: left;">MID SEPTEMBER - ULURU, KATA TJUTA (THE OLGAS) AND KING'S CANYON</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgswivIuC8dPLIj7aUIsHMzvHpUq0ah8GkYGQV6YyUOO_7a_Zs0iMCr07bj6ZOu0JvFCbjtep5SQhphxVB7JBfilfJqW9YqazHUVycu3KgVWj7fgAq6qIL1OHc6pn82zr-cJalRZ6SvsM2aN0bUSbfUg2DCZKZQQH8GopuVn7HRjYpyhFYfqRB5rUIQ/s3968/P9110069.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2976" data-original-width="3968" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgswivIuC8dPLIj7aUIsHMzvHpUq0ah8GkYGQV6YyUOO_7a_Zs0iMCr07bj6ZOu0JvFCbjtep5SQhphxVB7JBfilfJqW9YqazHUVycu3KgVWj7fgAq6qIL1OHc6pn82zr-cJalRZ6SvsM2aN0bUSbfUg2DCZKZQQH8GopuVn7HRjYpyhFYfqRB5rUIQ/w400-h300/P9110069.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: 16pt; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I originally planned this trip for 2020, but COVID canned it. When JETSTAR offered the same $99 fare this year, I cashed in my flight-credit and went for it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thing is ULURU IS <i>EXPENSIVE</i>. This is partly due to isolation, partly to the monopoly Ayers Rock Resort has. Accommodation at YULARA (the town there which was largely built by Ayers Rock Resort) is mainly in 4 or 5 flash hotels, 3 and 4 star which cost 2 or 3 times their equivalents in Sydney. $600 a night is not uncommon. Good grief!! The only inexpensive sleep is at the spacious and pretty good campground (also run by ARR)- if you don't like tents there are abt a dozen overpriced cabins - book early, they're popular. <span style="font-size: 21.3333px;">(as a matter of fact, except for high summer when it gets VERY hot and visitation is lower, book early for all accommodation). </span></div></b><div style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-weight: bold;">Or bring yer own RV and rig - </span><b style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large;">of course, all you drive-in dudes in your vans and rigs will find lotsa ok spots and facilities in the campground. There were hundreds of rigs there with plenty of space for more. In comparison the tent areas were running less than 10%.</span></b></div><b style="font-size: 16pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The layout of the resort is pretty good - accommodation, the Town Square, and the Shell station are spaced around a ring road - a free RESORT SHUTTLE BUS circles this every 20-30mins. You can also walk across the duned center on dedicated paths in about 15min. The highest dune has a pretty good viewpoint and attracts a crowd for Ulura/the Olgas sun-ups/downs. Many accommodation options have viewpoints too. None are as good/close as the dedicated viewing spots within the park, of course.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUZ5Fa2JtiFZLbchyZqxGVqq4erpxwazyrtvQ8VpjEnm-XsnKNbFnC0B374nAl05mOKxLVaWJgPPDafEAq8CnYwz1ygQ0fdymGnsxzREOK5a8T-wUX4N6IWQCAtZyGFs_gUmnhuq3Hy7YtS1A-v7b64hCLCoRjpIZasB7R9mniorjjDtH1Jnou-LDZ/s3968/P9120082.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2976" data-original-width="3968" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUZ5Fa2JtiFZLbchyZqxGVqq4erpxwazyrtvQ8VpjEnm-XsnKNbFnC0B374nAl05mOKxLVaWJgPPDafEAq8CnYwz1ygQ0fdymGnsxzREOK5a8T-wUX4N6IWQCAtZyGFs_gUmnhuq3Hy7YtS1A-v7b64hCLCoRjpIZasB7R9mniorjjDtH1Jnou-LDZ/w400-h300/P9120082.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><i>Uluru from mid-circle Yulara dune - Kata Tjuta behind right shoulder</i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Transport is a joke with rental cars post COVID at $300+ a day minimum. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Most tours are run by AAP-KINGS or affiliates and are overpriced, so too is the JUMP ON JUMP OFF BUS which at least works out cheaper than the others for much the same thing (I didn't think I'd get any commentary but my driver gave good information - "</span><i style="font-size: 16pt;">SNAKEBITE"</i><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> (Mick) who was super-informative and a riot to boot). Mick did all my JO/JO trips - I assume other drivers also give info. Their girl at the desk in the tour office, Town Square, was very efficient too and could organise stuff the website suggested not possible. But the JO/JO bus does not have guides who accompany treks as the more exxy options do.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Apart from the free RESORT SHUTTLE the only other bargain transport option is the free coach to/from airport and accommodation.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Food costs likewise are a joke. How about $30 for a burger or $14 for a beer in the hotels? Cafes etc in the Town Square were only a bit cheaper. The camp ground had a food truck with lower but still outrageous prices. The only places with reasonable prices (given transport costs) were the IGA supermarket and the Shell station. In fact the Shell was a gem - need some item of hardware? The Shell probably has it. And a lot of other stuff.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So Uluru is expensive. Here's what I'd do to see the joint at minimal cost:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; text-align: left;">1 - get on Jetstar's "Specials" email list. This is where I found the $99 return fare (Sydney), These fares don't always come up on Jetstar's "Friday Frenzies".</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; text-align: left;">2 - spend the minimum time at Uluru - I planned 7 nights but experience shows 4 would suffice (if you want to include a daytrip to KINGS CANYON - 3 otherwise) when flying in after mid-day as most do.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Stay in the campground to avoid horrendous hotel costs. If you must have a roof, stay in one of its cabins. Which must be booked early.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; text-align: left;">3 - buy a "Hop On/Off" 2 day ticket for days 2 and 3. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; text-align: left;">On day 2 get up early for its ULURU SUNRISEtrip. After sunrise stay on board for the Uluru circuit where the driver explains a lot of stuff. Stay on until the last near-rock stop (MALA WATERHOLE) from where you do a walking circuit of the rock. This takes 3-5 hours, so arrange to be picked up by the bus after your circuit (the last stop, the Cultural Center is a pretty boring 20mins walk each way from the rock. I was underwhelmed by the stuff at the center) </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; text-align: left;">You will get back to camp pre-lunchtime-early pm if you don't include the Cultural Center.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRaGp7BJN9gv-9GrfnlDq6CehwSy3R2qnxCsm1OilDJKimDkO7OSZmZgg3P5MWcQ2gCq0LmPbpbj9uWq6xTHs1tozXSCGITzzq3P369Dkzf9VbwI2DOQj8iju3cGshez1MJppmPKWYQNm55nWXfR8Rn05g4W5AO9xS4GpXwvx-pM8E9VNWzH5XluOL/s3968/P9120070.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3968" data-original-width="2976" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRaGp7BJN9gv-9GrfnlDq6CehwSy3R2qnxCsm1OilDJKimDkO7OSZmZgg3P5MWcQ2gCq0LmPbpbj9uWq6xTHs1tozXSCGITzzq3P369Dkzf9VbwI2DOQj8iju3cGshez1MJppmPKWYQNm55nWXfR8Rn05g4W5AO9xS4GpXwvx-pM8E9VNWzH5XluOL/w300-h400/P9120070.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><i>Part of the Uluru base walk - Segways and bicycles also popular.</i><br /><span style="font-size: 16pt; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">4 - Arrange for the bus to pick you up for the ULURU SUNSET trip. <span style="font-size: 21.3333px;">(this is where the website said "overbooked" - girl in office said "no problem"). </span><span style="font-size: 21.3333px;">The dedicated bus viewing area is much closer than Yulara viewpoints and well worthwhile. After the viewing the bus goes directly back to Yulara.</span></div></b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 16pt; font-weight: bold; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 16pt; font-weight: bold; text-align: left;">5 - on day 3 get up early for HO/HO bus's OLGA SUNRISE run. The bus then goes to the head of either THE VALLEY OF THE WINDS trek (8km/3-4 hours circuit (but you can shorten this by returning from some viewpoints), tough gradient+surface even for fit/experienced dudes) or the WALPA GORGE trek (shorter almost 3km/1 hour return - gradient milder:should be ok for people of average fitness - surface quite tricky underfoot in parts and as warned by driver some sections surprisingly cold on a mild Spring morning). Note A - the driver does not accompany the trekkers either walk as on some of the more expensive outfits. B - the shorter trek gets walkers back earlier, in time to be driven back to Yulara before the driver returns to pick up trekkers from the longer option - this longer option still gets back to Yulara in time for lunch.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 16pt; font-weight: bold; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 16pt; font-weight: bold; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 16pt; font-weight: bold; text-align: left;">6 - on day 4 get up extra early for AAT KING'S one day trip to KINGS CANYON. I found this the most enjoyable day, the guide ANNA and driver JASON were excellent, allowed plenty of sleep time both ways, and accompanied trekkers with good commentary and plenty of rest stops. There was a choice of trek (A - the Rim walk is the tougher starting with 500 very steep/rough steps after which the going is way easier except for dudes like me with 2 new knees where stiffness and lousy sense of balance made some of the rougher sections a bit of a challenge:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 16pt; font-weight: bold; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 16pt; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNEDRauEErL3IKbd7_VoLSZ_2SzNpnkCU3AN-ImrfI29n8Q-Vrsgcox0iFh55t0BpVLcHKMrYHqCBzZQc4Onc4sfRDeEsXwZRuR99_oVf9AT_BFJeqpGKe8O0UZ3ti7eHO0_drktDNI9ktzym2KnXl1fpb4FVbUIsYzELcSYKwL_ZXeCr5XM8p_N3S/s3968/P9140105.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3968" data-original-width="2976" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNEDRauEErL3IKbd7_VoLSZ_2SzNpnkCU3AN-ImrfI29n8Q-Vrsgcox0iFh55t0BpVLcHKMrYHqCBzZQc4Onc4sfRDeEsXwZRuR99_oVf9AT_BFJeqpGKe8O0UZ3ti7eHO0_drktDNI9ktzym2KnXl1fpb4FVbUIsYzELcSYKwL_ZXeCr5XM8p_N3S/w300-h400/P9140105.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div style="font-size: 16pt; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><b><br /></b></span></div><i style="font-size: 16pt; font-weight: bold;">Start of 500 steps up to the KINGS CANYON rim. Anna stopped after 200 to allow the unsure to change minds.</i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 16pt; font-weight: bold; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 16pt; font-weight: bold; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">and B -an easier/shorter garden walk in the canyon itself which finished early enough to allow Jason to take some participants to the helicopter area for an extra-cost flight.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 16pt; font-weight: bold; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 16pt; font-weight: bold; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: 21.3333px;">This KINGS CANYON 1 day visit returns to Yulara late afternoon.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 21.3333px;"><br style="font-size: 21.3333px;" /></div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 16pt; font-weight: bold; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 16pt; font-weight: bold; text-align: left;">- next morning, get up at a normal time (at last!), pack and wait for the free airport shuttle, hoping your flight hasn't been cancelled (mine was, the first in years they told me - duh! - the incoming flight a week before had been postponed 3 hours. Not looking real good, Jetstar).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 16pt; font-weight: bold; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 16pt; font-weight: bold; text-align: left;">........................................................................... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 16pt; font-weight: bold; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 16pt; font-weight: bold; text-align: left;">Note the above's what I'd do as a cash-down single aged male wanting to visit the area. Of course it's horses for courses - sooner or later rental car prices are going to return to more reasonable levels which may make my bus transport suggestions not the best option. Also people doing the big trip via their own van or rig will organise differently. But no way would I drive all the way from the capital cities (except maybe Adelaide) to visit the area.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 16pt; font-weight: bold; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Not sure about travelers out of Alice Springs - I know there are 1/2/3 day guided tours out of the Alice into the area but it's a hell of a distance (468km each way Uluru, over 300 to King's Canyon) - you do the figuring as to if it's worth it.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 16pt; font-weight: bold; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 16pt; font-weight: bold; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">The final big question. IS IT WORTH IT?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 16pt; font-weight: bold; text-align: left;">Look, there are equal gorges, valleys, mountains, sights and treks much closer to home eg Sydney has them all nearby in the Blue Mountains. Compared to overseas, nothing in the red center blew me away like the Grand Canyon or the Yosemite landscapes or even Spain's higher areas. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 16pt; font-weight: bold; text-align: left;">But face it, Uluru, Kata Tjuta and King's Canyon are ICONIC and should be seen by all Australians and as many visitors as possible - so if you can afford it, do it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 16pt; font-weight: bold; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 16pt; font-weight: bold; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 16pt; font-weight: bold; text-align: left;">------------------------------------</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 16pt; font-weight: bold; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 16pt; font-weight: bold; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 21.3333px;">JUNE 2022</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 16pt; font-weight: bold; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 21.3333px;">After a 2 year COVID hiatus I at last got the chance of travelling again. The big difference is that early offerings were all domestic – overseas could wait until </span><i style="font-size: 21.3333px;">they </i><span style="font-size: 21.3333px;">and </span><i style="font-size: 21.3333px;">we </i><span style="font-size: 21.3333px;">think they are safe bets.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 16pt; font-weight: bold; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 21.3333px;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><p style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 20pt;">EARLY
NOVEMBER 2022 – <i>Majestic Princess</i> to NZ (Fjordland – Dunedin –
Christchurch – Wellington -Auckland – Bay of Islands)</span></p><p style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p><p style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 20pt;"><i>"BULLSHIT
WAS ALL THE BAND COULD PLAY"</i> (to the tune of "<i>Colonel Fogey"</i>)</span></p><p style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 20pt;">This
trip was notable because we caught <i>Covid</i>. Well perhaps more notable
because <i>Princess's </i>performance in relation to its <i>Covid</i> response was abysmal and couldn’t match its PR.</span></p><p style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 20pt;">For
a start the line’s efforts in promoting hygiene, mask-wearing,
social distancing etc on board and on official excursions before the
situation got out of hand was pretty ordinary, But this was far
overshadowed by its pathetic response once <i>Covid</i> hit. True, <i>Princess</i> had cabins set up on deck 9 to isolate the infected. This plan worked a
charm as their PR bumff claimed and for which they claimed multi brownies in the media.</span></p><p style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 20pt;">Trouble
was these measures only took care of the first 10% affected, maybe
100 out of 800 - <i>Princess severely underestimated the extent of infection and was caught pathetically short.</i></span></p><p style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 20pt;">The
rest of us were banished to our cabins and told to isolate there. No meds given apart from a bag of RAT tests. I think the line realises that Australians will not pay ridiculous American pices for meds and realising my infection was not serious and did not require anti-viral meds, didn't waste time offering them. Luckily <i>Lady T</i> tested
positive a day later than me which allowed her to shop a packet of
cold and flu tabs in Auckland.</span></p><p style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">‘<span style="font-size: 20pt;">Isolate’
is the key word, because after that no-one seemed interested in us –
we saw about 1 crew member each day (I suspect there was a similar outbreak among the crew at the same time, and<i> Princess</i> decided to limit crew exposure to us in order to leave enough crew for the following trip) no-one would answer 'phone calls to
room service or guest services and no-one gave updates over the p.a. -
I thought the latter was broken until on the last day it gave a burst
of disembarkation info – wrong in its timing of course – we
actually left the ship 4 hours later than the info suggested.</span></p><p style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 20pt;">The main reason we were fed was because Lady T had pre-cruise uploaded
the cruise ap which allowed us to order from room service – but
every meal was delivered at least 2 hours after ordering (our record
was 5 hours late), This ap was a blessing because it allowed <i>LADY T</i>
to communicate and swap war stories with other isolationers who were
having a similar or worse time than us. It also allowed the lucky few
who had got the special deck 9 cabins and treatment to lord it over
us and the usual <i>Princess</i> apologists free reign (<i>“Exaggeration - you got the 'flu….”
- “Dunno whats wrong with you …</i>.”)</span></p><p style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 20pt;">Finally
we left the ship at abt. 1430, walked 500m to Circular Quay station,
caught a train to Sutherland where <i>Ladette Tezza</i> was waiting to drive
us the final hour to our south coast home.</span></p><p style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 20pt;">.............................................................</span></p><p style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 20pt;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 20pt;">BLOG DRIFT.</span></p><p style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 20pt;">Seems this blog has turned into a TRIP REPORT rather than a RANT at current happenings. No more - back to ranting.</span></p><p style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>.........................................................................................................</b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">THE ENERGY CRISIS. 17 Dec2022</span></b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">The big energy suppliers' response to the govt's planned scheme to ease gas and electricity prices to households and industry is worth a rant. The situation is pretty complicated - but basically Australian energy prices are set by international prices which are eye-wateringly high right now because of the Ukraine war**. Add this to current high food and other prices caused by the floods, fires, supply chain problems and The War (again!! - that Putin is a trouble maker) and the govt realised <i>something had to be done.</i></span></b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">**note not everyone is paying top prices right now, but as customer contracts are renewed, Australians will be faced with progressively more exxy energy over the next year. Seeing bucks-down consumers are already having problems paying their energy bills and big gas-using industries are facing labour-shedding or even closure, things looked dire.</span></b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">So the federal govt. has proposed a cap on gas prices and promised price subsidies to low income earners + some senior consumers + small</span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;"> industry firms.</span></b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Coal has not been ignored - states are negotiating with coal and electricity producers to limit price rises. There is talk of subsidies to producers to make up for lower prices.</span></b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">The big international gas producers predictably are catatonic, rattling on abt soviet style price control and threatening to produce for export only. The govt. counters with a threat of withdrawing export licences. The greater public points out that the gas is ours anyway - the producers simply extract it and make a decent profit selling it even when prices are below the proposed cap. Sure, setting up mines, treatment plants and export terminals yada costs billions but the profit is still there and there are plenty of other resource firms willing to step into say <i>Santos</i>' shoes if the latter abandons the industry.</span></b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"> My take is supportive of the govt BUT......someone has to pay the proposed price subsidies to customers and the setup right now is that the <i>taxpayer</i> will. The taxpayer pays a subsidy on gas they actually own?</span></b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">A fairer system would be <i>a super profits tax</i> on the energy industry in times of high international prices - with the price subsidy being paid out of this tax. But the govt. is gun-shy abt anything looks like a super profits tax having lost an election on it back in Kevin Rudd's time. So no super profits tax even though the public and much of industry is onside this time.</span></b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b></p><p align="left" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 16pt; font-weight: bold; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 16pt; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 16pt; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><p style="font-size: 16pt; font-weight: bold;"></p><br /></span><p></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
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tezzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06099777760234890854noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-235257059160442691.post-7534490677279711462019-01-07T17:54:00.000+11:002020-03-05T20:24:41.619+11:00HALEIWA<b style="color: #4a4a4a; font-family: arial, tahoma, "bitstream vera sans", sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">HALEIWA</b><br />
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<b style="color: #4a4a4a; font-family: arial, tahoma, "bitstream vera sans", sans-serif;">visited April 2016</b><br />
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PIX http://www.hawaii-vacation-fun.com/haleiwa-hawaii.html<br />
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OHPIC https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/58-002-Makanale-St_Haleiwa_HI_96712_M88483-76046<br />
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MAIN BCH OH - https://www.movoto.com/haleiwa-hi/<br />
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SURF CONTEST https://www.hawaii.com/event/annual-haleiwa-international-open/<br />
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CONTEST PIC = SURFLINE http://www.surfline.com/templates/article.cfm?id=87615&sef=true<br />
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<a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/ShowUserReviews-g60647-d7755745-r372778532-Teddy_s_Bigger_Burgers-Haleiwa_Oahu_Hawaii.html" id="rn372778532" style="color: #000a12; font-family: Arial; font-size: 20px; font-style: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none;"><span class="noQuotes">POSITING THE PADDLE BURGER TO BRING BACK THE PROS</span></a></div>
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I’d been trekking along the WAIANEA RIDGE down the coast from HALEIWA on the MOKULE’LA-KUAOKALA- KEAILA loop, which took over 6 hours, followed by a 50 minute trudge along the beach to the nearest bus stop – bus 76 into town only runs every 45/50minutes which meant a bit of a wait, but I like how it has a stop near the northern end of HALEIWA main street a very short stroll to TEDDY’S. And boy, did I feel like a Happy Hour beer or 3 and one of the excellent burgers.<br />
Thing is,TEDDY’S was a regular afternoon stop in the 3 days I stayed in town and I made a point of calling in on the two other days I visited from elsewhere.<br />
It’s that sort of place – homely atmosphere, usually busy but with folk always moving over to give you room at the bar and greet you in conversation (is this a Hawaiian/US thing? In Australia the average pub is much more impersonal but I found TEDDY’S type of atmosphere at all the other small bars and bar restaurants I visited in Hawaii and earlier in California/Arizona/Nevada). The $2 HAPPY HOUR beers are a steal and the food not bad at all – about a dozen choices of burger (my basic burger did not lack size or taste), a good variety of other meals and snacks.<br />
The bar tends to get crowded during Happy Hour (can’t think why) but I noticed there seemed to be plenty of tables left in the interior dining area – and more outside on the front veranda where patrons could watch the passing parade.<br />
And parade it is – HALEIWA tends to get real busy most afternoons, particularly on weekends. It’s is an old surfer town which has been prettied up in recent years. However it is not like similar places back on the mainland and in my own country, in which renovations have been overdone and businesses are orientated towards RICH POSEURS who want to pay outrageous prices in too many coffee shops, art galleries, clothing boutiques and trinket joints seeling overpriced junk made in Taiwan. HALEIWA is still orientated towards the surfer crowd and to offering eats and snacks to visitors and locals alike. 50% of the businesses seem to be bikini boutiques, surf-wear and board shops, 30% more food outlets covering all budgets.<br />
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BACK TO TEDDY’S – Service, both at the bar and for eats is fast and efficient. Seems TEDDY is not shy in employing sufficient staff to adequately cover the busy late afternoon/early dinner period. And as usual the bar-keeps did not lack verbal skills – I got into a conversation with an lady of a certain age had that look suggesting she had been one of those drop dead gorgeous beach babes back in the day, about visiting SURF PROS (one of the half dozen flat screens in the joint was showing live a round of the WORLD PROFESSIONAL TOUR at Snapper Rocks in my own country, Oz) – she told me that back in the 80s Rabbit Bartholomew and his fellow surfers were crazed party animals and HALEIWA was a VERY lively place when the TOUR visited the NORTH SHORE. Alas, she lamented, pros these days are real health/fitness freaks – stay up at TURTLE BAY RESORT at the north point of the island – in bed by 2100. And have dietitians and fitness coaches** in their entourages.<br />
Maybe so, but like Olympic athletes post medal, I bet the pros party hard last night after the tournament. I don’t think I’d like to be a light sleeping Bubba from Biloxi on and expensive golfing holiday (TURTLE BAY RESORT has 2 golf courses, one designed by ARNOLD PALMER whoever that is) when that bunch unwinds.<br />
**pro surfers need to be super fit for the paddle race to get priority in the take off zone and just to survive for up to 2 minutes getting Maytagged underwater after a giant wavel has murdered them.<br />
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All this got me thinking. Maybe TEDDY should get a dietitian to design a PADDLE BURGER – something high in protein and energy but low in nasties like fat. Seems to me kangaroo meat does the high protein/low fat thing and for the rest of the health/energy kick, chuck in a few of those ingredients all the rage right now with the diet Nazis – I’m thinking chick peas, slivered almonds, macrobiotic spinach and baby kale.<br />
A sign outside: SUPER SPECIAL SURFER PADDLE BURGER!! or similar. This will probablyl have minimal impact on bringing back the pros, but it sure might drag in some of the many recreational surfer dudes who do a cruise of HALEIWA after a day at WAIMEA/PIPELINE/SUNSET BAY. And those $2 HAPPY HOUR beers won’t hurt.<br />
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HALEIWA BEACH PARK</div>
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<a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/ShowUserReviews-g60647-d1847079-r370327518-Haleiwa_Beach_Park-Haleiwa_Oahu_Hawaii.html" id="rn370327518" style="color: #000a12; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none;"><span class="noQuotes" style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 20px; font-style: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;">A nice location, but maybe not the best beach park in Haleiwa for the average visitor</span></a></div>
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This is the smallest and most northern of HALEIWA’S 3 beach parks. And because it is the first people come to as they head into HALEIWA from the NORTH SHORE or WAIKIKI, it tends to be the most popular. The presence a VETERAN’S WAR MEMORIAL probably helps too. Not to mention it is probably the best launching spot for water enthusiasts.<br />
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DESCRIPTION "Smallest" but It is not exactly small – the level triangular grassed area is 250m at its widest from east to west and 200m from north to south. An extended pergola area associated with the memorial runs along most of the area behind the beach. Palms also back the beach and there are some clumps of trees and shrubs throughout the grassed area. There is off-road parking at the north and south ends, outdoor showers and an amenities block. The area is popular with local families, particularly for weekend picnics and with surfers, paddle-boarders, kayakers etc.<br />
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PLUSES – the offshore reef seems to shelter this end of the bay most effectively making wave conditions onto the sand very benign. This probably explains its popularity with surfers, paddle-boarders, kayakers. The adjacent still waters in the small boat harbor and ANAHULU RIVER would be great for the paddlers too.<br />
- the offshore reef and PUAENA POINT break a few hundred meters further north looked quite good for surfing. I called by twice and both times there were nice 4 footers being worked over by a bunch of dudes and dudettes. A local told me that in winter when the giant storm waves from the north west Pacific march in, surf can reach 20 foot occasionally. Wow.<br />
- turtle sightings are common. I saw one basking on the sand and the local said it’s common to see quite a few. But they are seasonal – I think she said winter visitors may be disappointed. I also saw a seal.<br />
Some of the beachside rocky areas have tidal pools good for fossicking.<br />
- nice atmosphere – most of the picnickers were native Hawaiian families who had set up big canopies for shade under which were tables loaded with food and other goodies. These people know how to have a good relaxed time. Unlike Australian picnic groups there didn’t seem to be a heap of booze. Surfers and other water sports people tend to take a pretty laid back approach to life (at least back on land).<br />
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MINUSES – this isn’t the nicest beach in HALEIWA. It is more yellow-brown than white, quite coarse underfoot and in front of the grassed area quite narrow and has some rocky sections. Note that it widens in front of the main parking area and goes a good 300m south to the harbor breakwall.<br />
- the water off the beach tends to have a lot of rocks underfoot.<br />
- the water is not as clear as further south – maybe because of the outflowing ANAHULU<br />
- it’s a fair haul into town – the shops start abt 700m south. Driving in may not be all that easy on nice weekend days – traffic tends to bank up because of the one lane bridge over ANAHULU and parking in town may be difficult.<br />
- the park’s parking lot seems fairly big but on a real nice Sunday I noticed vacant spots were at a premium. However lots of people seemed to be parking along the main road. On a weekday visit there were no parking problems.<br />
- the amenities block could have been cleaner. The local suggested this may be because the adjacent forested PUAENA POINT BEACH PARK is a haven for the area’s homeless.<br />
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LOCATION AND GETTING THERE – HALEIWA is on the lower NORTH SHORE about 55km/30mi from HONOLU – add a few for WAIKIKI. The park is on the northern approaches to town some distance before the main street.<br />
Most tourists will come from WAIKIKI - Oahu’s rabid anti-development “KEEP THE COUNTRY COUNTRY” ethos means there are few hotels, resorts or even motels outside the near-WAIKIKI area. Most accommodation in HALEIWA and on the NORTH SHORE is in holiday houses, rooms or apartments. They tend to be towards the expensive side - but near and around HALEIWA will offer the best deal.<br />
BY BUS - Best bet from WAIKIKI is to get to nearby ALA MOANA BUS INTERCHANGE on any number of buses and then jump on BUS 55 which goes the long but scenic way around the top of the island to terminate in HALEIWA, or BUS 52 which comes across the island’s middle. By using one of the two transfer stubs on your ticket you can make the whole journey for $2.50 either route. On its trip down from the north point of the island bus 55 goes past the 3 iconic NORTH SHORE BIG WAVE SPOTS – SUNSET BAY, the BANZAI PIPELINE and WAIMEA BAY. The BIG 3 beaches are close together (3.2miles/5.2km by road). Just north of WAIMEA is top fossicking/snorkelling/diving location SHARK’S BAY and a few kms south is LANEAKEA BEACH, best known for turtle watching – traffic slows here as people try to spot the critters from cars – I saw one from the bus. Sit on the right hand side for best views.<br />
BY CAR - but MUM and queen -bee daughter KAAAY LA (don’t these millennium names kill you?) will want to rent the so cool canary yellow Camaro convertible for the trip from WAIKIKI (how sweet will that look on FACEBOOK?) – okay it will take 35 mins to an just under an hour depending on traffic, but be aware if the day is real nice the run along the NORTH SHORE and around HALEIWA can be real slow. If the surf is HUGE traffic and parking can be HORRENDOUS. Your car’s navigation device will find the best route but the turnoff into the northern car parking area is about 900M before the northern end of town proper and only 200m on from where the KAM HWY turns right rather than going straight on to the JOSEPH LEONG HWY if you are coming from the NORTH. If you come the shortest route across the island you will be heading NORTH on JOSEPH LEONG – turn LEFT onto the KAM.<br />
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OTHER ATTRACTIONS – you will probably want to see some other nearby places of interest after a few hours at the park. Both HALEIWA and areas close-by to the north and south have plenty. To save space, I won’t rewrite what I wrote in my report on nearby HALEIWA ALI’I BEACH PARK – you can find this easily on TRIP ADVISOR.<br />
Look it up for priceless info. I kid you not.<br />
On:<br />
- THE OTHER 2 BEACH PARKS – one is way better from the point of view of strolling to the main street.<br />
- NEAT LOCATIONS IN THE MAIN STREET – want the best shave-ice in HAWAII? Or a $2 HAPPY HOUR beer? No supermarket near your accommodation? KAAAY LA need a new bikini?<br />
- NEAT LOCATIONS TO THE NEAR NORTH – bet you didn’t know one of these is one of the best dive locations in the world according to a popular dive magazine. The WORLD baby! Not just HAWAII or OAHU!! SO WHAT, you sniff, DON'T DIVE. Okay the tidal rock pool there is probably OAHU’S best location for little kids. Not whelmed? OK2 - find out why big wave hell hole WAIMEA is my BEST BEACH FOR FAMILIES WITH (normal) TEENS.<br />
- NEAT LOCATIONS TO THE NEAR SOUTH – keen naturists among you might possibly be interested in NUDIE BEACH. Turned off by naturism? Maybe you need to get out more, kemosabe.<br />
- NEAT LOCATIONS GOING HOME – the kids will love the free samples after the pineapple peeling demo at the DOLE PLANTATION. Hell, I loved that and I’m a geezer.</div>
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KAIAKA BEACH PARK</div>
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<a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/ShowUserReviews-g60647-d7729871-r369770068-Kaiaka_Bay_Beach_Park-Haleiwa_Oahu_Hawaii.html" id="rn369770068" style="color: #000a12; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none;"><span class="noQuotes" style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 20px; font-style: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;">JOIN THE LOCALS IN A NICE LOCATION</span></a></div>
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Whoa!, This, the southern-most and biggest of HALEIWA’S 3 beach parks is one nice location, trendsetters.<br />
We have a big flat rectangular grassed area between road and sea, with scattered palms/conifers/shrubs, a nice section of beachfront, an amenities block and plenty of parking on the serpentine access road in from HALEIWA RD. There is plenty of room – it’s an average of 650m from the public road to the sea (east and west borders respectively)- and around 350m from the housing area which denotes the northern park border to the estuary (known as KAIKA BAY) of the two small streams (names unknown), which is the southern limit. So there is plenty of room for Ber-nard and buddies from Barbaste to have a game of boules (petanque fer all yu pedants out there).<br />
Actually the biggest users of the park seem to be native Hawaiians. They sure are into the picnic routine, setting up big sun shaded canopies under which are tables groaning with food and drink. I was staying on a beachfront lani only 50m north of the park and passed by often – weekdays were pretty quiet but on a real nice Sunday there had to be 30 family groups set up. And native Hawaiian families tend to be BIG families.<br />
A lot of kids were enjoying a dip off the 150m long southern-most section of town beach (after this there is about 300m of rocky ocean frontage – not so great for swimming but I did see a few guys with fishing rods. And rocks usually attract some fringing coral and fishies so it might be okay for snorkeling. I snorkeled off the beach area – coral sand-affected close in, getting better further out. Lots of fish all areas.<br />
The sea is pretty benign where it reaches the beach – there seems to be a series of 3 protective reefs, the furthest over 400m from the sand – which knock down the ocean swell so that only ankle/shin ticklers were making it thru to the silica.<br />
I’m not sure if any of the picnicking kids were surfers, but the outside fringing reef had some nice waves over my stay with quite a few surfer dudes taking the long paddle out there.<br />
Hey, during my 3 days I saw quite a few turtles and seals taking it easy on TOWN BEACH.<br />
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SO WHAT’S THE DOWNSIDE?<br />
- I can’t remember any lifeguards at this far southern end of the curved 1000m TOWN BEACH but as said the sea is pretty benign. Nevertheless, KEEP AN EYE ON YER KIDS folks. Kids get into trouble in swimming pools which are way calmer than KAIKA BAY.<br />
- The interesting main street area of HALEIWA is beyond easy walking distance.<br />
- Although the bus stops on HALEIWA RD outside the park it is a bit of a hassle getting there on public transport – see below.<br />
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GETTING THERE<br />
HALEIWA is on the lower NORTH SHORE of OAHU, 49km/30mi from HONOLULU – add a few for WAIKIKI. Most tourists will come from WAIKIKI. Oahu’s rabid anti-development “KEEP THE COUNTRY COUNTRY” ethos means there are few hotels, resorts or even motels outside the near-WAIKIKI area.<br />
BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT - Best bet from WAIKIKI is to get to nearby ALA MOANA BUS INTERCHANGE on any number of buses and then jump on BUS 55 which goes the long but scenic way around the top of the island to terminate in HALEIWA, or BUS 52 which comes across the island’s middle. By using one of the two transfer stubs on your ticket you can make the whole journey for $2.50 either route..<br />
On its trip down from the north point of the island bus 55 goes past the 3 iconic NORTH SHORE BIG WAVE SPOTS – SUNSET BAY, the BANZAI PIPELINE and WAIMEA BAY. The BIG 3 beaches are close together (3.2miles/5.2km by road).<br />
Just north of WAIMEA it passes top fossicking/snorkelling/diving location SHARK’S BAY and a few kms south is LANIAKEA BEACH, best known for turtle watching – traffic slows here as people try to spot the critters from cars – I saw one from the bus. Sit on the right hand side for best views.<br />
Both buses get to a HALEIWA stop where you can transfer to BUS 76 for the beach park – trouble is this goes on a circuitous route way down to an residential area of WAILUA, a small beachside settlement south of HALEIWA, only passing by KIAKA BEACH PARK ON ITS RETURN JOURNEY. So you have spent 35 minutes to go about 3km from your starting point. Jeez kemosabes, that’s as bad as Sydney.<br />
SO IT’S A BETTER BET TO COME IN BY CAR. MUM and queen bee daughter KAAAY LA (don’t these millennium names kill you?) have already decided that and will want to rent the so cool canary yellow Camaro convertible for the trip from WAIKIKI (how sweet will that look on FACEBOOK?) – okay it will take 40 mins to an hour depending on traffic to get to KIAKA, but be aware if the day is real nice the run along the NORTH SHORE and around HALEIWA can be real slow. If the surf is HUGE traffic and parking can be HORRENDOUS.<br />
Note another advantage of a rental is that you can cruise up and check out the MAIN STREET and get to those neat places down south of HALEIWA with few problems.<br />
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SOME MORE INFO<br />
Listen up., To save TripAdvisor some bandwidth I won’t repeat extra stuff I wrote on my report of nearby HALEIWA ALI’I BEACH PARK which is about 1km north of KIAKA. Look it up for priceless info (I kid yu not) on:<br />
THE OTHER 2 BEACH PARKS – one is way better from the point of view of strolling to the main street.<br />
NEAT LOCATIONS IN THE MAIN STREET – want the best shave-ice in HAWAII? Or a $2 HAPPY HOUR beer? No supermarket near your accommodation? KAAAY LA need a new bikini?<br />
NEAT LOCATIONS TO THE NEAR NORTH – bet you didn’t know a certain location is one of the best dive spots in the world according to a popular dive magazine. The WORLD baby! Not just HAWAII or OAHU!! SO WHAT, you sniff, AINT DIVERS. Okay the tidal rock pool there is probably OAHU’S best location for little kids. Not whelmed? OK2 - find out why big wave hell hole WAIMEA is the BEST BEACH FOR FAMILIES WITH (normal) TEENS.<br />
NEAT LOCATIONS TO THE NEAR SOUTH – keen naturists among you might possibly be interested in NUDIE BEACH. Turned off by naturism? Maybe you need to get out more, kemosabe.<br />
NEAT LOCATIONS GOING HOME – the kids will love the free samples after the pineapple peeling demo at the DOLE PLANTATION. Hell, I loved that and I’m a geezer.</div>
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HALEIWA ALII BEACH PARK</div>
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<a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/ShowUserReviews-g60647-d8430173-r369677746-Haleiwa_Alii_Beach_Park-Haleiwa_Oahu_Hawaii.html" id="rn369677746" style="color: #000a12; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none;"><span class="noQuotes" style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 20px; font-style: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;">NICE PARK WITH 2 GOOD BEACHES AND CLOSE TO TOWN</span></a></div>
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This is confusing – HALEIWA actually has THREE BEACH PARKS – from the north: HALEIWA BEACH PARK about 700m before you cross the ANAHULA BRIDGE coming into town – then HALEIWA ALI’I BEACH PARK on the town side of the bridge just south of the neat small boat harbor and on the north end of town beach – finally KAIAKA BAY BEACH PARK about 1km south at the southern end of the town beach.<br />
Unfortunately this website’s map has labelled the latter as the ALI’I park – hopefully it will be corrected by the time you read this report. No matter really, all are nice locations with good facilities and nice sections of beach. If size is important, they get bigger going south. However I think ALI’I’ has an advantage in being close to main street. The gang might want a diversion after the picnic and beach.<br />
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SIZE AND FACILITIES<br />
The flat grassed area is about 800m north to south, 200m at its widest, 100m at its narrowest.<br />
There is an amenities block at the northern end of the park – close by is a reasonably big PARKING LOT: turn off HALEIWA RD soon after turning right at its intersection with the KAM HWY just south of the bridge. The nearby boat harbor also has plenty of parking, When I strolled by on a real nice weekend a lot of native Hawaiian families had set up big sun shelters for picnic tables etc: quite a few people had actually parked on the adjacent grass, more roadside.<br />
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THERE ARE TWO BEACHES – starting just south of the boat harbor entrance is SPOT X BCH (I don’t know its proper name) which is fairly short at maybe 250m – then after a small low mini-mini headland is the TOWN BEACH proper – longer at a curving 1000m (it continues south of the park behind HALEIWA residential areas). I thought SPOT X the nicer – the sand seemed to be whiter and It was backed by those iconic swaying palms.<br />
Both were protected from big ocean swell by a series of offshore reefs so that waves getting thru to the sand were mainly ankle/shin slappers. However in my 3 days in the area (I stayed in a room at the far end of TOWN BEACH) I saw SURFERS catching quite good waves on the outer reefs. Bit of a paddle for the unfit. Ain’t too many unfit surfers.<br />
I didn’t SNORKEL up near the park, but found central and southern sections of the beach had sand affected coral close to shore, getting better further out. Lotsa fishies in all areas.<br />
For the nervous, there are LIFEGUARD TOWERS on both beaches.<br />
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EXCURSION INTO TOWN.<br />
The main street starts at that junction of the KAM HWY and HALEIWA RD less than 400m north of the park. It runs down the HWY for over a km to the romantically named WEED CIRCLE – a big roundabout junction of incoming roads. Businesses tend to be clumped in several discontinuous sections along here – the northern section closest the park has no shortage of interesting joints.<br />
HALEIWA is an old surfer town which has been prettied up in recent years. However it is not like similar places back on the mainland and in my own country, in which renovations have been overdone and businesses are orientated towards RICH POSEURS who want to pay outrageous prices in too many coffee shops, art galleries, clothing boutiques and trinket joints selling overpriced junk made in Taiwan. HALEIWA is still orientated towards the surfer crowd and to offering eats and snacks to visitors and locals alike.<br />
CAVEAT – this place is so popular that traffic can get pretty bad on nice weekend afternoons.<br />
When you hit the main drag from the park you will run into a section of surf shops, bikini boutiques and food joints. The iconic MATSUMOTO’S SHAVE ICE is on the right abt 150m from the corner. This place is supposed to have the best shaved ice in all HAWAII – let alone OAHU or HALEIWA. I didn’t have the time to do a comparison but it sure was yummy and reasonably priced.<br />
Closer to the corner is TEDDY’S BIGGER BURGERS – yep they were big and real nice, not outrageous in price to this budget traveler. Even better is their HAPPY HOUR BEERS (my kinda hour from 1400 to 1630) at $2 in a sports bar like setting. Seemed popular with locals – can’t think why.<br />
If you accommodation hasn’t got a nearby supermarket (note the WAIKIKI HOTEL AREA doesn’t, although there are seemingly dozens of those smaller ABC variety stores), HALEIWA MAIN ST has the mid sized MALAMA MARKET on the left about 350m on from MATSUMOTO’S.<br />
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GETTING THERE<br />
Most tourists will come from WAIKIKI. Oahu’s rabid anti-development “KEEP THE COUNTRY COUNTRY” ethos means there are few hotels, resorts or even motels outside the near-WAIKIKI area. Best bet from WAIKIKI is to get to nearby ALA MOANA BUS INTERCHANGE** on any number of buses and then jump on BUS 55 which goes the long but scenic way around the top of the island to terminate in HALEIWA, or BUS 52 which comes across the island’s middle. By using one of the two transfer stubs on your ticket you can make the whole journey for $2.50 either route. Both buses stop near the north end of the park.<br />
On its trip down from the north point of the island bus 55 goes past the 3 iconic NORTH SHORE BIG WAVE SPOTS – SUNSET BAY, the BANZAI PIPELINE and WAIMEA BAY. The BIG 3 beaches are close together (3.2miles/5.2km by road).<br />
Just north of WAIMEA is top fossicking/snorkeling/diving location SHARK’S BAY and a few kms south is LANIAKEA BEACH, best known for turtle watching – traffic slows here as people try to spot the critters from cars – I saw one from the bus. Sit on the right hand side for best views here abd around the island.<br />
But MUM and queen bee daughter KAAAY LA (don’t these millennium names kill you?) will want to rent the so cool canary yellow Camaro convertible for the trip from WAIKIKI (how sweet will that look on FACEBOOK?) – okay it will take 35 mins to an just under an hour depending on traffic, but be aware if the day is real nice the run along the NORTH SHORE and around HALEIWA can be real slow. If the surf is HUGE (you are just coming for a look right?) traffic and parking can be HORRENDOUS.<br />
**btw ALA MOANA BUS INTERCHANGE has an associated giant shopping mall including a big supermarket. This may answer your shopping needs on the way home. The complex also has a big parking area for people with cars.<br />
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MAKE A DAY TRIP OF IT.<br />
You could easily spend a day at the park, beach and main street but after 4 hours or so the gang might be raring to see something else in the area. There is no shortage of good options, kemosabes,<br />
HEADING NORTH:<br />
-LANIAKEA BAY (aka TURTLE BEACH) is 4 km north of HALEIWA. The possibility of spotting a turtle is quite good (although I saw them and a seal basking on HALEIWA town beach).<br />
-WAIMEA BAY BEACH is the BEST on OAHU in my opinion FOR FAMILIES WITH TEENAGED KIDS on account of the fabulous JUMP ROCK there, plus the fun shore-break when the swell isn’t too big. But DON’T GO THERE when the surf reports say the swell is 4 ft or more.<br />
- Spend some time at SHARK'S COVE rock pool which is only 2km north of Waimea. As a matter of fact if you have sub-teens in your posse this may be a better overall destination than WAIMEA or HALEIWA – a nice tidal pool to explore and older kids can swim and snorkel in the deeper water towards the cove proper. Coral and fish good.,If any of the family is a qualified diver, the cove is rated one of the top dozen dive sites in the world. Good grief – THE WORLD baby, not just OAHU or HAWAII!! A fairly big FOODLANDS supermarket across the road.<br />
- Also across the road is a very popular FOOD TRUCK PARK.<br />
- If any of the family is a surfer they would enjoy a wave at the other big wave spots, PIPELINE and SUNSET BAY. But unless experience big wave riders, stay away when the swell gets big.<br />
HEADING SOUTH.<br />
The coast south of HALEIWA is more or less one stretch of sand to the end of the FARRINGTON HWY 18km away.<br />
- If you feel like a trek there is a 4km track along the coast south of the hwy’s end to KAENA POINT, the western-most tip of OAHU.<br />
- If you are into ISOLATED, PRISTINE SECTIONS OF SAND with azure water, okay snorkeling and the high possibility of basking turtles and seals, there are many places you can pull over between DILLINGHAM AIRFIELD (14km from HALEIWA) and the end of the hwy.<br />
- If you are a naturist, NTH POLO/MOKULEIA BCH (known by the locals as NUDIE BEACH) is 10km south – looked for the parked cars on the hwy opposite the public access track to the beach.<br />
- I took a closed access road a little north of NUDIE’S access track which goes to the top of the WAIANAE RANGE from where a proper bush track, the KUOAKALA TRAIL took me along the ridge top and doubled back to where I could descend to DILLINGHAM AIRFIELD. Great views of the lower NORTH SHORE and upper LEEWARD (DRY) COAST. But this is a major activity – 5 to 6 hours – you would need to leave ALI’I BEACH PARK REAL EARLY to fit it into the day. Not suited to little kids.<br />
CAVEAT – you really need a car for these destinations. BUS 76 heads south from HALEIWA but terminates about 50 minute’ walk north of NUDIE.<br />
TO THE EAST<br />
-Going back across the island the kids might enjoy touristy DOLE PINEAPPLE PLANTATION store/restaurant/train tour - particularly if they catch the store's pineapple peeling demo after which there are free samples of yummy pineapple.</div>
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MATSUMOTO SHAVE ICE</div>
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<a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/ShowUserReviews-g60647-d545650-r369460724-Matsumoto_Shave_Ice-Haleiwa_Oahu_Hawaii.html" id="rn369460724" style="color: #000a12; font-family: Arial; font-size: 20px; font-style: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none;"><span class="noQuotes">NOT EXACTLY UNCROWDED BEING THE #1 SHAVE ICE ON OAHU</span></a></div>
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Whoa! Hang in there trendsetters.<br />
My first call-by was on a real nice Sunday afternoon - I'm telling you HALEIWA gets real popular at such times - the line coming out of MATSUMOTO's was maybe 30m long. Thing is I'm adverse to lining up and knowing I would be back in town later in the week, I didn't bother. I dragged myself maybe 250m north on the main street to TEDDY'S BIGGER BURGERS which is a real nice bar/restaurant - they had the top value $2 HAPPY HOUR beer deal going - which kinda kept me occupied.<br />
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Later in the week (I think it was Wed 1530) I returned to MATSUMOTO'S. Listen, this place is so popular the line still went out the door. But it was decidedly shorter so I decided to join it - they have a efficient system inside and I moved along real fast - before I knew it I had a SMALL shaved ice in hand at a very reasonable price (listen up - I'm a budget traveler: was staying at HOSTELING INTERNATIONAL WAIKIKI - so when I say REASONABLE I ain't exactly coming from the point of view of a HIGH ROLLER).<br />
BTW I was told by people in the know that the SMALL option was way big enough - I concur. And I went the basic route, ignoring the host of yummy sounding extras you can order on yer ices. Despite this seemingly cut rate approach the resulting shave ice was totally excellent.<br />
I took it outside to the big courtyard - plenty of seating on picnic type tables. Even on the busier weekend I noticed there were vacant pews along here.<br />
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PARKING? Apart from on street parking, there is a sizable lot behind MATSUMOTO'S accessed from abt 70m further north. Even on the busy weekend there were vacant spots in this lot.<br />
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THE REST OF HALEIWA MAIN STREET<br />
You could do worse than take a walk along the main street. This is one of those old towns which have been done up to attract the tourist trade - but not to the extent of many back on the mainland and in my Australia. These overdone places seem to be aimed at pretentious poseurs from the big city. So instead of 50 overpriced coffee shops, art galleries and "gift shops" selling exxy touristy trinkets mainly sourced from Taiwan, Haleiwa's main street is more orientated towards surfers (gotta be a dozen surf shops and bikini outlets) and the average tourist wanting a meal or snack. MATSUMOTO'S is towards the north end of the main street which leaves you another km down to the romantically named WEED CIRCLE to explore.</div>
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tezzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06099777760234890854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-235257059160442691.post-80414545633546050622018-11-24T11:15:00.000+11:002020-05-06T20:12:24.621+10:00NEW JERSEY BEACHES<b>last visited Sept 2019</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7lwjT9zLi1dSm6c0J-ONbQS2zWX7uhgixG0bOlqHyPcWSSXyWiMzh4aI6RoDaK5vwQGjt1nf5Z7iFrhpbaUBTac_jmiKZt2r8rRI6vrDql1T6yQPWaxMBWy5h6R7mFJJ0L4OYF2P0nE0/s1600/P9230761.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7lwjT9zLi1dSm6c0J-ONbQS2zWX7uhgixG0bOlqHyPcWSSXyWiMzh4aI6RoDaK5vwQGjt1nf5Z7iFrhpbaUBTac_jmiKZt2r8rRI6vrDql1T6yQPWaxMBWy5h6R7mFJJ0L4OYF2P0nE0/s640/P9230761.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<b><i>Part of CAPE MAY'S beached coastline</i>.</b><br />
<b><br /></b><b>THE JERSEY SHORE</b><br />
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<b>From what I can see New Jersey's Atlantic Coast is one continuous strip of sand. It stretches </b><b>(abt140m/225km) from SANDY HOOK within sight of NYC to CAPE MAY just north of Delaware , interrupted many times by streams or by tidal exits from lagoons. In places this sand borders the mainland, at others it becomes a barrier beach on a slightly offshore barrier island with lagoons between them and the mainland. In some areas these lagoons seemed to have filled in - in others </b><i><b>partiall</b>y</i> <b>filled to leave coastal marshes and similar. Where near-beach land is solid or reclaimed there is quite a lot of settlement - there has to be several dozen beach towns along this strip, often a continuous conurbation for many miles. Look for LONG BRANCH, ASHBURY PARK. SEASIDE HEIGHTS, SURF CITY and others.</b><br />
<b>It's no mystery why the JERSEY SHORE is known as a bit of a summer playground. To do it justice a beach blogger would need a vehicle and multiple days to tour the shore - but now I'm in my 75th year I'm OVER such detailed inspection and reporting. There were many other places in the north-east I wanted to check in my limited time both trips (2018/19) - so I confined myself to 4 locations only, ATLANTIC CIT, VENTNOR/MARGATE, OCEAN CITY and CAPE MAY.</b><br />
<b>But if you want to read about all 44 beaches ranked</b><b> by attractiveness</b><b> along this strip, visit <a href="https://www.nj.com/entertainment/2018/06/ranking_all_the_beaches_in_new_jersey_because_some.html">this great section of NJ.com</a>.</b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">ATLANTIC CITY</span></b><br />
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<b>ATLANTIC CITY takes up the northern third of a former barrier island which now is semi-landlocked by marshes and swamps. The city is about 2/3rds down the JERSEY COAST from the north.</b><br />
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<b><i>I have no idea what this former barrier island is called (since found out: ABSECON ISLAND) but as you can see ATLANTIC CITY shares it with a few other urban areas. The whole island is urbanised, including some reclaimed swampland/marshes</i>.</b><br />
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<b><i>AC occupies the northern 7x3km section. Interestingly the famous BOARDWALK extends the full coastal range of this image, ending to about 3 miles from the southern tip.....labels may be clearer if you can click-expand.</i></b><br />
<b><i> I have a tongue-in-cheek <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/ShowUserReviews-g29750-d268859-r622758974-Atlantic_City_Boardwalk-Atlantic_City_New_Jersey.html">TRIPADVISOR review of the boardwalk HERE.</a></i></b><br />
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<b><i>....to give some idea, it extends south past that arrow thru VENTNOR to MARGATE. Shot from adjacent BALLY'S CASINO (where I spent a night 2018 thanks to gambler-subsidised rooms - <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/ShowUserReviews-g29750-d269142-r622448277-Bally_s_Atlantic_City_Casino-Atlantic_City_New_Jersey.html">TRIPADVISOR report here</a>) about 2 km from the northern end. Total length of boardwalk - 7miles/11km</i></b><br />
<b><i>Those high buildings far background are residential condos - the casino strip ends around that white building mid distance.</i></b><br />
<b><i>Note several of the coastal towns further south in NJ and to the north have their own boardwalks.</i></b><br />
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<b>UPDATE - in 2019 I rented a bicycle and rode the full length of the boardwalk.</b><br />
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<b><i>This is as far north as you will get (arrow) - the boardwalk follows the beach/Atlantic coast past the last beachside casino (OCEAN CASINO RESORT) and then does a slow 90 degree turn left to follow the ABSECON INLET west. After abt 800M you reach the end - actually the last 150M was being worked on when I called by.</i></b><br />
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<b>THE SOUTH END</b><br />
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<b><i>Abt 7m/11km south the boardwalk ends in what I'd call the southern end of VENTNOR CITY, where MARGATE CITY starts - it's still abt. 5km to the end of ABECON ISLAND ansd 3.5km to the bridge which leads across to PORK ISLAND and then (via another bridge) to OCEAN CITY on the next barrier island south.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>STEEL PIER from my BALLY'S room. In 2018 I found a majority of pier attractions closed down after LABOR DAY.....</i></b><br />
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<b><i>....however in 2019 just before LABOR DAY it was kicking on real well....</i></b><br />
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<b><i>....</i></b><b style="text-align: center;"><i> I just had to have a ride on the giant Ferris wheel....</i></b><br />
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<b><i>....above the view south from the top.</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Like CONEY ISLAND, I found the BOARDWALK at both before and after (above) LABOR DAY more popular than the beach. The usual attractions of food/drink, amusement parks and a whole bunch of merch sellers - the latter had excellent deals on clothing etc (I'm not sure if this was a permanent thing or simply an end of season sell-off). UPDATE - still some pretty good deals going before LD 2019.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>Shuttles (locally called TRAMS) were running 3KM of the BOARDWALK between OCEAN CASINO RESORT (the most northern boardwalk casino) and the most southern; TROPICANA - push cart at right was also a popular mode of transport. This bottom-budget traveller walked. Well that was 2018 - in 2019 the old knee arthritis had got worse and I wanted to get to the northern end for the ABSECON LIGHTHOUSE, so I hailed one down....</i></b><br />
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<b><i>....got a seat up front alongside the driver who kinda adopted me (had never heard of a budget traveller to AC staying in a hostel).</i></b><br />
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<b>ABSECON LIGHTHOUSE</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheAUEzZnw2cgm7fjhgUb0z-dEO1frTfKK_3mdqhBiuvkfLh4kCUa-sSxUxxOIdsQ32_JYA5yCE33HoNVYzhmx9PNicEbkhFzvbK3_QxeRTO8kwPTSEpmu73Djsaesbh4m6d56-c1r2X_c/s1600/P9020704.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheAUEzZnw2cgm7fjhgUb0z-dEO1frTfKK_3mdqhBiuvkfLh4kCUa-sSxUxxOIdsQ32_JYA5yCE33HoNVYzhmx9PNicEbkhFzvbK3_QxeRTO8kwPTSEpmu73Djsaesbh4m6d56-c1r2X_c/s400/P9020704.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><i>This worth-visiting attraction is now a couple of blocks inland - get off the trolley at the northern end (OCEAN CASINO RESORT) and head inland. </i></b><br />
<b><i>The lighthouse is surrounded by housing estates of a similar height, but soon becomes distinctive.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>228 steps to the top - I took it as an exercise option: made it to the top non-stop. Won't comment about coming down - down steps are not real good for arthritic knees.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>Views from the top worth it - this is to the north, shows ABSECON INLET - apparently back in the day many cargo ships moved thru here to the large coastal lagoon behind - in bad weather they would often foul on the rocky inlet, hence the lighthouse which in those years was inlet-side.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>View south - housing condos and casinos. Those vacant blocks must be worth a fortune.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>Downstairs is a museum, gift shop and admission area. This place is free with a modest charge to access the lighthouse tower itself. There are also organised tours with expert commentary available from here - I didn't have the time. Actually I could have spent more time (I did an hour) in the museum section which I found fascinating.</i></b><br />
<b><i>Dude at reception had great interpersonal skills - was a mine of information.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>I checked under the boardwalk - no members of THE DRIFTERS </i></b><b><i>crooning away down there.</i></b><br />
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<b><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU61uwzqu-9-35s1nz3Zu_v0wv35-0KcapJzvrSaHVLDvkRcHuOaxqEB6_Tq4ueM5twL2IVkhK2Hbdepz6I6FqEg9fujwEBr0focRMaNjdLK0QFd6ww8qyUgniSgnvfdtIAbjsuq4xMc8/s1600/P9220737.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU61uwzqu-9-35s1nz3Zu_v0wv35-0KcapJzvrSaHVLDvkRcHuOaxqEB6_Tq4ueM5twL2IVkhK2Hbdepz6I6FqEg9fujwEBr0focRMaNjdLK0QFd6ww8qyUgniSgnvfdtIAbjsuq4xMc8/s400/P9220737.JPG" width="400" /></a></i></b></div>
<b><i>THE BEACH 2018 - nothing to get excited about. Pretty typical of north-east beaches - sand could be more white or yellow, surf pretty rubbishy onshore (wind-wise) slop. Long and pretty featureless but at least here interrupted by the occasional pier of groyne. And also WIDE enough which the beaches of mid and northern LONG ISLAND were not.</i></b><br />
<b><i>Marked lack of beachgoers indicative people come to ATLANTIC CITY to gamble, not swim or sun. Or maybe it was the season - EARLY FALL - although conditions were sunny and not cold.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>At least the gulls were still enjoying the sand. That's the famous STEEL PIER in background.</i></b><br />
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<b>THE BEACH 2019</b><br />
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<b><i>What a difference slightly under one year makes - this 2019 pic just before LABOR DAY saw way more people on the beach on a warm sunny day similar to the pic above this.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>Not all was lost 2018- the LANDSHARK (shot from the STEEL PIER) attracted an okay crowd this fine early Saturday afternoon. </i></b><br />
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<b><i>So did BALLY'S BEACH CLUB a few hundred meters to the left - live music helped.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>Wouldn't be an American Beach without the usual list of DON'TS. </i></b><br />
<b><i>Land of the free?</i></b><br />
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<b><i>I also spent a few nights at CITY HOUSE HOSTEL far end of background street only a few hundred meters from the boardwalk. My <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/ShowUserReviews-g29750-d6632626-r620864793-Atlantic_City_House-Atlantic_City_New_Jersey.html">TRIPADVISOR report is here.</a></i></b><br />
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<b>CHANGE 2019</b><br />
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<b><i>ATLANTIC CITY HOUSE has relocated about 1km south to SOUTH TEXAS AVE - another of the access roads to the boardwalk. Advantage - it's much closer the beach (50m vs 300) Also it's in a less sketchy neighbourhood. Disadvantage - further from the bus station (10+mins vs 3+) although if you stay onboard GREYHOUND it does call in to the TROPICANA CASINO only 3 mins south). Not sure if other bus companies call in there - my price-leading favourite NEW JERSEY TRANSIT certainly doesn't.</i></b><br />
<b><i>There is now a back yard with a nice guest patio.</i></b><br />
<b><i>The place is bigger, but has no bigger kitchen area or more bathrooms. There is still no facility for guests to do their own laundry. It is under new management, but the new guy despite excellent people skills didn't seem on top of things as well as former boss SUSAN.</i></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">VENTNOR CITY AND MARGATE CITY BEACHES</span></b><br />
<b>These beaches are a continuation of ABSECON ISLAND's beach as it sweeps south of ATANTIC CITY (AC).</b><br />
<b>AC becomes VENTNOR CITY around JACKSON AVENUE which is just short of halfway down the island. VC becomes MARGATE CITY around FREDERICKSBURG AVENUE abt 2.5km further south (approx 65% down the island). The BOARDWALK ends at almost this point.</b><br />
<b>These beaches are pretty nice if you are one of those people who like long, wide barrier type beaches. They are a step up from AC beach in that the sand seems whiter (maybe less use), less cluttered (there are way fewer piers and groynes), and the area behind is backed by housing and condos, not high rise casinos/fun fairs/touristy retailing (actually the casinos etc end abrubtly in AC once south of the TROPICANA. The boardwalk casinos stretch only 3km from OCEAN CASINO RESORT to the TROPICANA. This is the route of the boardwalk trams.</b><br />
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<b><i>Typical boardwalk backing in VENTNOR CITY and southern AC</i></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh40C2Rbafhth3rlCFCIwjZ71dWNu6d8SrIbaHvfxYbTcbO5L8XCoE4LWRbM_2f11uFbDZSRuTheFMtbz38MCg4xyRoC1i7986E24qrYjMVRwoAWjAQ7rgVVm-54HjXZaxvOXMfFfpsxE0/s1600/P9040813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh40C2Rbafhth3rlCFCIwjZ71dWNu6d8SrIbaHvfxYbTcbO5L8XCoE4LWRbM_2f11uFbDZSRuTheFMtbz38MCg4xyRoC1i7986E24qrYjMVRwoAWjAQ7rgVVm-54HjXZaxvOXMfFfpsxE0/s400/P9040813.JPG" width="400" /></i></a></div>
<b><i>VENTNOR CITY BEACH looking north towards the AC casinos and higher beach condos from the VENTNOR CITY FISHING PIER. Long, wide, uncluttered with fairly nice sand. Uncrowded in this shot the day after the LABOUR DAY WEEKEND 2019 - sorry I couldn't get you a peak season shot for compaison, but my dance card the previous few days w</i>as full.</b><br />
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<b><i>VC FISHING PIER is about half way down VC's 2.5km long beach. Note the outer half is closed to non-fishing club members. Structure sand end contains rest rooms and lifeguard facilities.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>Blocked access plus signs typical of LAND OF THE FREE.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>Beach south of the pier - the first km or so (say 650 yards) is still VC BEACH, past that it becomes MARGATE CITY BEACH (very similar to VC BEACH except there is no boardwalk backing the sand </i>AND<i> LUCEY THE ELEPHANT is along there - I didn't visit: seems a bit corny to even lowbrow me) which runs another 2km, after which it becomes LONGPORT BEACH for another 1600m. White arrow indicates LONGPORT SEAVIEW CONDOS only a few hundred meters from island end (may be clearer if you can click-expand image).</i></b><br />
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<b>MARGATE CITY BEACH</b><br />
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<b><i>....from adjacent the southern end of the boardwalk</i></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">OCEAN CITY</span></b><br />
<b>This is the next resort south of ATANTIC CITY - it's on the next barrier island which you can access via bridges from </b><b> both the AC area and from the mainland.</b><br />
<b>I visited because I'd read it was voted USA's #1 family beach and the NJ coast's third best beach in absolute terms. The fact it was a pretty short bus ride from AC didn't hurt.</b><br />
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<b>I haven't been able to find the name of the barrrier island OCEAN CITY is on - but it's immediately south of AC's ABSECON ISLAND, and is about the same length (11km), although a bit narrower. Like ABSECON it is fully covered by an urban area (although there is no shortage of parks etc) but the<i> whole</i> area is called OCEAN CITY, unlike ABSECON's AC, then VENTNOR CITY, then MARGATE CITY, then LONGPORT north to south.</b><br />
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<b>OCEAN CITY ALSO HAS A BOARDWALK</b><br />
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<b><i>Very similar to AC with fun fairs and touristy retailing/food. The busy zone is towards the northern end. Differences - no casinos, no places selling alcohol (OC is a dry town), and a marked lack of fortune tellers etc (they seemed over-represented in AC: don't tell me NJ residents go for that type of rubbish or can afford to blow money on a giggle experience). The boardwalk is somewhat shorter at 2.5m/4km.</i></b><br />
<b><i>When I arrived around 10.30 the boardwalk was over-run with bicycles including tandems and those family 6-seater buggies. However towards mid-day PA announcements warned cyclists to clear the boardwalk after 12.00, after which they could be fined. I later heard AC has the same deal, except it isn't enforced very well</i></b><b><i>.</i></b><br />
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<b>OCEAN CITY BEACH</b><br />
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<b><i>More crowded than AC beach the day before - both fairly nice LABOR DAY LONG WEEKEND days - reflects the popularity of OCEAN BEACH as a family resort. The beach itself was similar in colour, was divided by frequent groynes and further south, piers - but not as wide. I read how this beach has been rebuilt at least half a dozen times in the past century following storm wave erosion.</i></b><br />
<b><i>Note high tide mark goes a fair way up the beach - would be fairly packed at full tide with a similar crowd.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>This section is just past the northern end of the boardwalk - about 200m behind the camera in the previous pic.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>No shortage of lifeguard towers along the beach - each section had a surf-rescue boat. </i></b><br />
<b><i>UM....I don't want to appear elitist but this sort of craft is early last century's answer to surf rescue - not very fast or able to handle rough surf. In Australia lifeguards would use RESCUE BOARDS (long fast surfboards with good floatation) in benign to medium conditons, and RUBBER DUCKIES (fast inflatable outboards) for rougher stuff. Sure they still have surf boats (much bigger and faster than above) but only for racing purposes. Similarly there are now RUBBER DUCKY surf races - can be quite entertaining when they hit an incoming wave head on at 60kmh.</i></b><br />
<b><i>BTW there is still room for the swimming lifeguard with patient floatation device in all surf conditions - and I notice both NJ and Australia use them.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>WHOA!!!</i></b><br />
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<b><i>Traditional Aussie surf boat racing can get spectacular too.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>Where the boardwalk wasn't backed by touristy stuff, there were rather nice residential areas - I should imagine they aren't exactly inexpensive.</i></b><br />
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<b><br /></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">CAPE MAY</span></b><br />
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<b>CAPE MAY is the southern most tip of the JERSEY coast. Past here DELAWARE BAY separates NJ from....um, tricky one here....DELAWARE!! Closest points are only 11mi/18km apart.</b><br />
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<b><i>Straight line distance from Atlantic City is 39mi/63km -by road a few more.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>The town and adjacent wetlands take up the bottom of the peninsula - the beaches have a much more southerly orientation than most of the JERSEY SHORE.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>I concentrated on the TOWN BEACH above, which had a reasonable number of people on this nice mid September day. NOTE that my visit after LABOR DAY meant these people didn't have to pay the beach entry "tag" (fee). I have to admit there I have visited several hundred better beaches without entry fees. </i></b><br />
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<b><i>The town beaches were the nicest I visited in the north-east. Nice and wide, sand fairly clean, and enough changes in direction with intervening groynes to give them some character compared to endless straight expanses further north. It helped greatly too that the more southerly orientation saw prevailing winds blow off the shore rather than onshore - resulting in way less choppy slop.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>However there was a bit of swell around and the offshore wind helped smooth the face, resulting in some nice little waves. These dudes had the clues - all the other groynes had a least half a dozen surfers working them over.</i></b><br />
<b><i>BTW it is this section of coast where it is possible to see the sun rise over the sea in the morning and sink into the bay at night - at least in early fall. Not too sure about late June when it reaches its northern-most azimuth.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>CAPE MAY is one of the oldest seaside resorts in the north-east and has many period pieces like those old buildings in background or the shade tents mid-ground left.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>This is the beach immediately west of the TOWN BEACHES - I'll call it WILDERNESS BEACH because it is backed by the CAPE MAY WILDERNESS OR WETLANDS. As you can see it's pretty long - GOOGLE EARTH says 2.6km/1.6mi. Arrow background points to the famous CAPE MAY LIGHTHOUSE,</i></b><br />
<b><i>As you can see, this beach attracted a number of people and surfers close by in the corner because of the proximity of town. I only walked a few hundred meters along the sand and beach users dropped markedly.</i></b><br />
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<b>BEACH SUM UP -even though the best I saw in the north-east I still would not rate CAPE MAY's in my top 1000. They were ABOVE AVERAGE by north-east standards (well at least the ones I saw) but VERY AVERAGE by world standards. Add the fact that in high season they have an ENTRY FEE and I'm beginning to think them very very average.</b><br />
<b>Nevertheless it was the best beach I saw of the few I saw in NJ (and the best of not many more more in the north-east) - I'm a bit chuffed the <a href="https://www.nj.com/entertainment/2018/06/ranking_all_the_beaches_in_new_jersey_because_some.html">writers at NJ.com judged it their #1</a> of all 44 NJ beaches.</b><br />
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<b>But CAPE MAY township is a different proposition - way further up on my list of surf towns. It is similar to my home town which is a fishing, surfing, holiday spot with some pretensions to history - so too is CAPE MAY (although the history stuff is more the real deal) but it would show the civic fathers in my town how things should be done. There seems more emphasis on preserving the fantastic old buildings and town central's WASHINGTON MALL would put my hometown's main drag to shame.</b><br />
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<b><i>Old house buffs will get as much out of CAPE MAY as beach nerds like me.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>3 blocks of WASHINTON ST have been converted into a MALL with lotsa cafes, bars, restaurants, antique shops, art galleries and other trendy touristy offerings. Not a bad crowd for FALL - I reckon it might be pretty congested high season.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>In the interests of research, I had to grab a locally brewed at one of the street-side cafes and watch the passing parade. Research found the beer a step up over brand names and passers-by likewise compared to those on the ATLANTIC CITY BOARDWALK.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>The northern end of the mall had this terrific old church where some local dude was making a big mistake.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>Classy</i></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: yellow;">ATTENTION - IF YOU SEE MISTAKES OR HAVE EXTRA INFORMATION PLEASE POST BELOW.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: yellow;">BUT IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS PLEASE POST THEM IN THE FORUM ACCESSED VIA THE INDEX WHICH I CHECK FAIRLY OFTEN WHEREAS I SELDOM GET BACK TO THESE INDIVIDUAL LOCATION PAGES.</span></b><br />
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<b><i><br /></i></b>tezzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06099777760234890854noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-235257059160442691.post-81984387888195689982018-11-17T10:02:00.002+11:002019-01-30T12:20:52.096+11:00EASO BEACH LIFOU ISLAND<b>last visited Jan 2019</b><br />
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<b><i>"EXPLORER OF THE SEAS" off Easo Beach Nov 2018</i></b><br />
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<b><i>"NOORDAM" Jan 2019</i></b><br />
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<b><i>LIFOU</i></b><br />
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<b><i>LIFOU (please excuse spelling on map - it is too time consuming to correct) is the largest of the LOYALTY ISLANDS of NEW CALEDONIA - it is about 100km north of the main island of GRANDE TERRE and only 60 odd km from MARE.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>EASO VILLAGE and BEACH are on the north coast of SANTAI BAY. This is an excellent cruise ship anchorage with natural protection from the SE TRADE WINDS which blow here more often than not. As a matter of fact it is protected from most winds of the area - you don't get too many westerlies in these latitudes. I can only see problems arising during and after the rare TROPICAL CYCLONES (aka HURRICANES and TYPHOONS in other parts of the world).</i></b><br />
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<b><i>EASO BEACH is a short distance west of the village and has 4 sections - the MAIN SECTION WEST OF THE PIER - a continuation of this strip of sand EAST OF THE PIER (yellow arrow denotes eastern limit) - and 2 other small sections FURTHER EAST (black arrows).. </i></b><br />
<b><i>Note the NATURAL AQUARIUM the other side of the headland - this is the top snorkelling spot of JINEK BAY. Locals charge $15 entrance so I gave it a miss - perhaps next visit.</i></b><br />
<b><i>Note too the cruise-ship sitting off ESO.</i></b><br />
<b><i>Click-expand image to make labels clearer.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>MAIN BEACH WEST OF THE PIER</i></b><br />
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<b><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo2ZWsLuZzCCmNf08Vq4hSO3M64YsvB-WTYdFWyDo9gB5JlmFIGTWLuRpXwqLS2RRWJQNFT_HkWfLjUoaPSz4bPBTQhV0NcUUoz0VEHHEqtHqceQc0ZV3B97xluZkJdBxFjmxX-QOHBAs/s1600/Cruise+Nov+18+%25286%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo2ZWsLuZzCCmNf08Vq4hSO3M64YsvB-WTYdFWyDo9gB5JlmFIGTWLuRpXwqLS2RRWJQNFT_HkWfLjUoaPSz4bPBTQhV0NcUUoz0VEHHEqtHqceQc0ZV3B97xluZkJdBxFjmxX-QOHBAs/s400/Cruise+Nov+18+%25286%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></i></b></div>
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<b><i>This proved the most popular location. About 400m long but quite narrow - in parts the high tide line left only a meter or so of dry sand. Lotsa marine debris both weed-like and eroded coral on the sand. Plenty of shade in back of the beach. Water was of medium clarity close to shore. featured a lot of marine grass and some dead coral. A few fish hanging around but nothing to get excited about. I noticed some good coral patches further out on the tender trip into the beach (the water seemed much clearer out there too) but at 73 I couldn't be bothered swimming out to check it.</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Landing pier from the beach - the outer part is actually a converted WW2 landing barge. </i></b></div>
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<b><i>UPDATE - this had been replaced by a more conventional pier Jan 2019</i></b></div>
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<b><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCA-VIE_kPbiueyD5OUJS4Uzf02-p9dxxTlnPXwrysgSfV6kQm7s6wjYkNFRW7t3rVAe49GxcJkCvX0lJIp_yA16Ggddwtouv8DoX_CfMwrh9UTgCl8DoEva6gyC1nzcIZKkEE-MzKUXQ/s1600/PB040034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCA-VIE_kPbiueyD5OUJS4Uzf02-p9dxxTlnPXwrysgSfV6kQm7s6wjYkNFRW7t3rVAe49GxcJkCvX0lJIp_yA16Ggddwtouv8DoX_CfMwrh9UTgCl8DoEva6gyC1nzcIZKkEE-MzKUXQ/s400/PB040034.JPG" width="400" /></a></i></b></div>
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<b><i>Landing barge from the ship with a little telephoto cranked in.</i></b></div>
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<b><i>EASTERN part of MAIN BEACH from the landing pier. Less than 100m long. The further arrows point to two patches of sand further east -each abt 120m long. Can be reached easily on a track just behind the rocks.</i></b></div>
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<b><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1I3matobv2MDnKQ_uBb_33h6wwdxTcF9dLaT41UoahDtn_OjeBEr4mwn-ImVYMg0vQDnxY1btjZM_NlXu2_YjnVz1flCO3JBJInNxjGQZbLciZkwRWxP0SCDJibaMcq2aeXwvc7LXdbc/s1600/Cruise+Nov+18+%25287%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1I3matobv2MDnKQ_uBb_33h6wwdxTcF9dLaT41UoahDtn_OjeBEr4mwn-ImVYMg0vQDnxY1btjZM_NlXu2_YjnVz1flCO3JBJInNxjGQZbLciZkwRWxP0SCDJibaMcq2aeXwvc7LXdbc/s400/Cruise+Nov+18+%25287%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></i></b></div>
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<b><i>Behind the pier locals had set up a market (the usual touristy clothing and trinkets plus food, drinks, hair braiding etc) and cultural exhibition (singing and dancing).</i></b></div>
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<b><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOr7do5RNLaugekRqSi-2Wr9mgHAr0Z6LF0o-56_wuPpf0xv15wyo19xsR67KGGgrIOcq-mOqA4HzdDFpJ9HUIBbv81WezrRWIOEaT4Xb-RbdkwEQTijq6IXGBUg55FjKpKi1NEwTBffA/s1600/Cruise+Nov+18+%25288%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOr7do5RNLaugekRqSi-2Wr9mgHAr0Z6LF0o-56_wuPpf0xv15wyo19xsR67KGGgrIOcq-mOqA4HzdDFpJ9HUIBbv81WezrRWIOEaT4Xb-RbdkwEQTijq6IXGBUg55FjKpKi1NEwTBffA/s400/Cruise+Nov+18+%25288%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></i></b></div>
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<b><i>To the west most of the area behind the beach was a PARK with lotsa trees, some picnic tables and even a camping area. Very relaxing.</i></b></div>
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<b>FIRST FURTHER EASTERN BEACH </b></div>
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<b><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyKTvBZJBPqlxFF5IHoYTMx50BH-uev81vK6CmKsc_ijwqM-C3ynESOeaBYXSGrzCR_AxYoP1gK8bixNYfU9rljt4qBug57aZRUIrn85OVZ2-84SNIU2cqMzHECGhxcqoyJ81NOgQ6_bI/s1600/PB040029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyKTvBZJBPqlxFF5IHoYTMx50BH-uev81vK6CmKsc_ijwqM-C3ynESOeaBYXSGrzCR_AxYoP1gK8bixNYfU9rljt4qBug57aZRUIrn85OVZ2-84SNIU2cqMzHECGhxcqoyJ81NOgQ6_bI/s400/PB040029.JPG" width="400" /></a></i></b></div>
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<b><i>This is the nearer of the two eastern beaches to the landing pier. It's only 150m from the landing pier on but despite this had way fewer people. Looks to be the place to go if you value seclusion.</i></b></div>
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<b>NEARBY</b></div>
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<b>There are some easy walks from the pier area. The village starts about 350m east of the pier and there is JINEK BAY and a couple of nice churches to check out.</b></div>
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<b><i>EGLISE CAHTHOLIQUE NE DREHU CHURCH abt 900m east of the landing pier on the far edge of the village.</i></b></div>
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<b><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkdpqlu0eHQFIcNvkKWMSTeib83x38G9oL2nz5MQrXZ1hQQl73wb0i774Y7uLDta9MkGC4yxggCW0zVekZrkZtoSf0erWb9pq7BDDV7MhyphenhyphenXxVORieOOFppSxd-rSxejKEA0Eb2cPOt4cA/s1600/PB040024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkdpqlu0eHQFIcNvkKWMSTeib83x38G9oL2nz5MQrXZ1hQQl73wb0i774Y7uLDta9MkGC4yxggCW0zVekZrkZtoSf0erWb9pq7BDDV7MhyphenhyphenXxVORieOOFppSxd-rSxejKEA0Eb2cPOt4cA/s400/PB040024.JPG" width="400" /></a></i></b></div>
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<b><i>NOTRE DAME de LOURDES church on the end of EASO POINT which separates EASO BEACH from the natural aquarium of JINEK BAY. It's an easy 15-20m stroll west along the road and 5-10 mins past the turnoff to JINEK BAY.</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Pretty prominent position south end of peninsula</i></b></div>
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<b><i>I made it up there in Jan 2019 - pretty easy walk along partly shaded road (go uphill for 70m from the arrivals area - turn left) apart from last 5 minutes of stairs which or not killers but will have unfit people pausing for a few rest breaks.</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Apart from its great position, the church is significant in that it is the first in the area, built by Catholic missionaries in 1858. </i></b></div>
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<b><i>The outlook from the church is panoramic only to the south-east (above) and south. Vegetation blocks views of the beach, village and other parts of the northern SANTAI BAY shore, plus to the west, north and north-west</i></b></div>
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<b>JINEK BAY NATURAL AQUARIUM</b></div>
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<b><i>This is from just short of the headland church - I didn't go up here in 2018 so I pinched this one from <a href="https://adventuresallaround.com/a-visit-to-new-caledonias-little-church-notre-dame-de-lourdes/">ADVENTURES ALL AROUND.COM.</a></i></b></div>
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<b><i>The bay apparently has excellent snorkelling and is abt 500m walk SW from the pier - see map up page. Next LIFOU call in (yep, LADY TEZZA has already booked another cruise for Jan '19) I intend to spend the $15 admission and have a look.</i></b></div>
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<b><i>UPDATE JAN 2019 - I wandered down after my visit to the headland church (coming from the pier on the same road, you will find the turn-off to the right after about 10 minutes). The road down to the bay slopes gently for about 5 minutes. Bayside is a nicely shaded area with some places offering food, drink etc. Shortly after I joined the line for water entry the local up front collecting the $15 announced "FINIS" - people close asked was this for the whole day? (it was only 1030) - the answer was "OUI". Now I don't know if this was a communications thing (the local authorities definitely limit # of snorkelers in the water at any one time, so you can expect limited delays) or whether there is also a DAILY LIMIT. Anyhow, my advice is to turn up real early if you want to check the underwater scene which promises to be good with restrictions on numbers, no sunscreen, yada. This is a true marine national park.</i></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: yellow;">ATTENTION.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: yellow;">IF YOU HAVE EXTRA INFO OR SEE MISTAKES PLEASE POST BELOW. BUT IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS PLEASE ASK THEM IN THE FORUM SECTION OF THIS BLOG, ACCESSED FROM THE INDEX. I VISIT THE FORUM FAIRLY FREQUENTLY WHEREAS I SELDOM GET BACK TO INDIVIDUAL PAGES LIKE THIS.</span></b></div>
tezzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06099777760234890854noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-235257059160442691.post-73617304214591854552018-10-21T14:25:00.004+11:002020-08-12T18:00:01.395+10:00<b><span style="font-size: large;">UPPER AND CENTRAL LONG ISLAND BEACHES</span></b><br />
<b>visited September 2018</b><br />
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<b><i>THE HAMPTON BEACHES - UPPER LONG ISLAND</i></b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6mSnwYh3b16jejd_-DLCXuRL7W9LwABYQlNpMBVhlcTFDe96po31UBCwSg-XKWBST3RROA4TSAaBl6C8clIpCn5XmXWT8TUJso8h29dZ14nAVg7o2w9_QULEhRl0lJShpzHxQAh_X7R4/s1600/AA2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="313" data-original-width="554" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6mSnwYh3b16jejd_-DLCXuRL7W9LwABYQlNpMBVhlcTFDe96po31UBCwSg-XKWBST3RROA4TSAaBl6C8clIpCn5XmXWT8TUJso8h29dZ14nAVg7o2w9_QULEhRl0lJShpzHxQAh_X7R4/s640/AA2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>The HAMPTONS region takes up about the eastern-most third of LONG ISLAND. There had been <a href="https://hamptons.curbed.com/2011/9/2/10444208/its-official-the-hamptons-begins-at-the-shinnecock-canal">much debate</a> (rec. read - some amusing comments) about whether a place is in the HAMPTONS or not - but the general consensus is anywhere east of the SHINNECOCK INLET/CANAL is in these days EXCEPT for SHELTER ISLAND (maybe all that hoi poloi partying upsets the sensitivity of the rich dudes). Note WESTHAMPTON west of the line misses out - from what I can gather many of its residents are glad not to be associated with over-rich "citidiots".</b><br />
<b>Originally the HAMPTONS was regarded as that area around the towns of EAST HAMPTON and SOUTH HAMPTON but over the past 50 years more and more rich folk from NYC looking for a not too distant beach/near-beach escape have expanded it to its present size. </b><br />
<b>Note SOUTH ARM and NORTH ARM. The latter is way more rural but because it has WINE GROWING and wide open spaces for the big country retreat, has equal cachet with the snobs.</b><br />
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<b>OVER-HYPED and OVER-PRICED. </b><br />
<b>My take on the HAMPTONS:</b><br />
<b>These past 50 years I've read heaps about New Yorkers escaping to THE HAMPTONS for an upmarket weekend or holiday - how very rich dudes have the BIG ESTATE there. I thought this must be somewhere VERY special - maybe a bit like the COTE D'AZUR.</b><br />
<b> It 's NOT.</b><br />
<b>By world standards this is a very ordinary area with <i>pretty underwhelming countryside</i></b> <b>(most of LONG ISLAND is the result of glacial outwash and sand deposition so you are looking at fairly flat very ordinary countryside - UPPER NY STATE kills it with some genuinely lovely areas) and</b><i style="font-weight: bold;"> </i><i><b>ordinary beaches</b></i><i style="font-weight: bold;"> </i><b>(none I saw would make my top 1000. Hell the best wasn't as good as the worst of the 4 in my home town (pic down page) - and THAT wouldn't make my1000). </b><br />
<b>But the thing is all those rich dudes have bid up the price of real estate and hyperboled the pretense that this is somewhere very special. By world standards it's not. I can think of dozens of places in the GREEK ISLANDS and SPAIN alone would kill it.</b><br />
<b>The giggle is, thanks to Australia's ridiculous real estate boom, I could sell my fairly modest seaside home not far from SYDNEY and buy a pretty good HAMPTONS' joint - not one of those huge trophy spreads but far better than the average. And I'm a retired dude on a very skinny part-pension. Take that NYC rich poseurs.</b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">MONTAUK BEACHES</span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJy7key9LpOY2bzaknvMWtN0jzJ2WXQDPNHAuSIOyf_NeGyRgwaSKgKDUUAQVjHDYqHWjAGHt-girfDmbLR090Q5vpPwEP62gpQ2KHB4CP225oLskxZm_Et1hdmGRR7A5Mc6_VRoceJkE/s1600/P9100210+%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1199" data-original-width="1600" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJy7key9LpOY2bzaknvMWtN0jzJ2WXQDPNHAuSIOyf_NeGyRgwaSKgKDUUAQVjHDYqHWjAGHt-girfDmbLR090Q5vpPwEP62gpQ2KHB4CP225oLskxZm_Et1hdmGRR7A5Mc6_VRoceJkE/s400/P9100210+%25282%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<i><b>The KIRK PARK section of MONTAUK BEACH</b></i><br />
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<b>Montauk is as far east as towns go at LONG ISLAND/THE HAMPTONS. It's a bit over 3 hours by train from MANHATTAN - and abt 120 road miles. 20 years ago it was considered a dormitory area for HAMPTON service workers, but the inevitable expansion caused by trendoids seeking a beach escape place has it now firmly entrenched as part of the real deal.</b><br />
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<b>UNDERWHELMING MONTAUK BEACH</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDetgGG_dQ68-3KMqaJgV_1WAKz-Z-c5xARK4CPx0UH3oF-h91eOebkhNB1IaZJkkLWJafmeEIapIiw_UNzimOAwOVKriwqu1IEnpQ96WgQ4C7sp6bKs9qRZ7H_a_EPYkkMmk1T8qRdHQ/s1600/P9100211.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDetgGG_dQ68-3KMqaJgV_1WAKz-Z-c5xARK4CPx0UH3oF-h91eOebkhNB1IaZJkkLWJafmeEIapIiw_UNzimOAwOVKriwqu1IEnpQ96WgQ4C7sp6bKs9qRZ7H_a_EPYkkMmk1T8qRdHQ/s400/P9100211.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><i>This is SOUTH EDISON BEACH, the closest to town central. As you can see it aint exactly a picture - sand closer yellow-brown than yellow-white, lotsa churned weed defacing the swash zone - not all that wide particularly at high tide as the tide-line shows and one of those looong, featureless, no headlands strips of sand which do nothing for me. It actually extends 2m/3.2km east in the background, becoming at some point DITCH PLAINS BEACH. A few hundred meters behind camera is west-central MONTAUK's KIRK BEACH.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>Note the relative lack of beach goers early afternoon on a nice SEPT Sunday - but we are talking maybe 2 weeks after LABOR DAY, the official end of summer - and several sources said people just STOP going to the beach after Labor Day. This is a bit of a surprise to me - from my travels in OZ, the MEDITERRANEAN and SE ASIA I've found the month or more after HIGH SEASON (what we would call SHOULDER SEASON) is an excellent time for low budget dudes to travel - weather is still excellent and prices/vacancies way lower. Seems NE US has no Shoulder Season.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>What worries me above are those dune-perched motels and units - next super storm they face storm surges with the associated wave attack and undermining. Thing is this FORE-DUNE is pathetic protection-wise by world standards - central MONTAUK is just behind and faces inundation. </i></b><br />
<b><i>There are precedents - EG several communities on a similar stretch of FIRE ISLAND beach (to the south of MONTAUK)_have<a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052970203846804578102971070230636"> lost first row beachfront residences</a> to STORM SURGE/WAVE ATTACK during SUPERSTORM SANDY in 2012. As recent as MARCH 2018 the "new" beachfront properties <a href="http://fireislandandbeyond.com/breaking-first-photos-of-storm-damage-at-davis-park/">suffered bad storm wave cut.</a></i></b><br />
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<b>MONTAUK VIA GOOGLE EARTH</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheWON5H1pxQP7gbr08W3bmm6vK76zswJW-eJTbhZadfkZH_Aoy9garAUflpVzGAsoXJbmU61B_wibfbMHDsQiAEBoo-ISvYWjwe36iwMYMWfSlht75GT3RUBuA_dabjC8fiN1olLNhYfM/s1600/AA3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="662" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheWON5H1pxQP7gbr08W3bmm6vK76zswJW-eJTbhZadfkZH_Aoy9garAUflpVzGAsoXJbmU61B_wibfbMHDsQiAEBoo-ISvYWjwe36iwMYMWfSlht75GT3RUBuA_dabjC8fiN1olLNhYfM/s400/AA3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><i> Not exactly a wide barrier between ocean and town.</i></b><b><br /></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz480nnw1VHCfoGv5iUag6BGHThXbIdh6bNsmCN-zKBZSnooQElZonBpntAT0ZWz1bLDcVoohKZuzQDdHjUje7ZkDv7oQzQHZKRoDGjtArGWHIbmjKmszqJnKvUtkx4Ax6LIa6wRVoMHI/s1600/P9100210_LI.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz480nnw1VHCfoGv5iUag6BGHThXbIdh6bNsmCN-zKBZSnooQElZonBpntAT0ZWz1bLDcVoohKZuzQDdHjUje7ZkDv7oQzQHZKRoDGjtArGWHIbmjKmszqJnKvUtkx4Ax6LIa6wRVoMHI/s400/P9100210_LI.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><i>Turning the camera 180 degrees from the 'UNDERWHELMING" shot a bit up-page finds MORE Underwhelming stuff. Arrow points at the KIRK PARK section of MONTAUK BEACH. At least the beach appears a bit wider from the full tide mark.</i></b><br />
<b><i>From here the beach continues 110mi/180km west - past inlets like SHINNECOCK mentionsed above, along several BARRIER ISLANDS. all the way to CONEY ISLAND/ROCKAWAY BEACH near JFK.</i></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEistJ313y3dK5kBA6_MGDerrLH4aB6gLvJMq8pYI9bbmBCFWFtvXxE6DG8hEylyb6sGLBhDRG1i4dAaJ3LMUvZTutKHTQjJ4k_cvCRl3HTTbZR3En-VIOT09LUOSgTzoB21hldNVHrhQl0/s1600/P9100213.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEistJ313y3dK5kBA6_MGDerrLH4aB6gLvJMq8pYI9bbmBCFWFtvXxE6DG8hEylyb6sGLBhDRG1i4dAaJ3LMUvZTutKHTQjJ4k_cvCRl3HTTbZR3En-VIOT09LUOSgTzoB21hldNVHrhQl0/s400/P9100213.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><i>Mmmmm - WEATHER NERDS like me will probably be wary of booking beachfront joint like this (if we can afford them - MONTAUK accommodation is EYE-BLEEDINGLY EXPENSIVE even after LABOR DAY). Others won't give a damn, and good luck to them. I mean, how often does a SUPERSTORM fire up??</i></b><br />
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<b>IN GOOD TIMES</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHHAYI4uWSpR91YB3X1rWLDycwipaYnnoMk0Tb26BJNMaIQ5l_smFtTHdWIvA5pV9HUWybxXzeHUKXF0lu5zNJTY0wfbj3fF33vjhD_18pruK4YYx7ZDVeO083OI_A10e0FMQ5mGm59Ys/s1600/AA5.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="431" data-original-width="768" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHHAYI4uWSpR91YB3X1rWLDycwipaYnnoMk0Tb26BJNMaIQ5l_smFtTHdWIvA5pV9HUWybxXzeHUKXF0lu5zNJTY0wfbj3fF33vjhD_18pruK4YYx7ZDVeO083OI_A10e0FMQ5mGm59Ys/s640/AA5.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<b><i>Aware that my visit might not have been at the best time to showcase MONTAUK BEACHES, I went looking on GOOGLE IMAGES for a pic showing it at its best - came up with this one from <a href="http://newsday./">NEWSDAY.</a></i></b><br />
<b>OK, so it shows DITCH PLAINS some distance east of my pix - but DP is still a MONTAUK BEACH - I find most interesting the crowd - obviously HIGH SEASON before LABOR DAY.</b><br />
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<b>Now here's the thing - plenty of people may come and have a great day under idyllic conditions - I'm thinking one of those high-summer days with a hot light offshore breeze blowing. And afterwards some dude from the upper west side doesn't get to the beach often fires in a TRIPADVISOR review saying MONTAUK BEACH is the best beach in the world. It's not. By a long shot.</b><br />
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<b>MONTAUK TOWN.</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit6NuiENNJaogDubwxp8EeXLYdU_FEE3BQO0z3jUmf2mfUApIl0EubRxL8kd7FQmaIFOTWsGdhpLXxC2A4dRms-uHugKJlExKMnmgsDjgLjPYVIqJ4y9rSmVlo2ZxVMGyG-x_Ywnsb4fc/s1600/P9100206.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit6NuiENNJaogDubwxp8EeXLYdU_FEE3BQO0z3jUmf2mfUApIl0EubRxL8kd7FQmaIFOTWsGdhpLXxC2A4dRms-uHugKJlExKMnmgsDjgLjPYVIqJ4y9rSmVlo2ZxVMGyG-x_Ywnsb4fc/s400/P9100206.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><i>Thing I got from walking around the town was TRY-HARD. This is an OK coastal town but so many places do it better - in the NE check out CAPE MAY in NEW JERSEY. Internationally there are thousands: hell,<a href="http://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com/2012/10/greek-island-hopping.html?showComment=1350804904366"> SAMOS</a>, not anywhere near the best GREEK ISLAND, has half a dozen coastal towns/villages way better.</i></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5IvBak4AcwdQpqQ2_weESgKoar1KZTs8J7LtSx0QPPWL8DvpFGwVvpvNGhYtIku9q45qYm3d40Tuyc0agCuvMA-KAIY4m9bwXlV5zWCJXBTC_eW3hXCfrfcC8pYB5OsoMjGoSjyAge1U/s1600/P9100218.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5IvBak4AcwdQpqQ2_weESgKoar1KZTs8J7LtSx0QPPWL8DvpFGwVvpvNGhYtIku9q45qYm3d40Tuyc0agCuvMA-KAIY4m9bwXlV5zWCJXBTC_eW3hXCfrfcC8pYB5OsoMjGoSjyAge1U/s400/P9100218.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><i>MONTAUK fancies itself as a bit of a SURFERS' town. Lotsa surf-shops and I have to admit - post LABOR DAY sales offering some pretty good gear at non-rip-off prices. But here's the thing - the prevailing wind around here is the SE onshore SEA-BREEZE which tends to produce pretty sloppy surf conditions. Plus there are no headlands for protection. I didn't see GABRIEL MEDINA and pals waiting around for the good stuff.</i></b><br />
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<b>MY MONTAUK ACCOMMODATION</b><br />
<b>I kinda thought post LABOR DAY and a Sunday night would get me some discounted accommodation. But as mentioned up-page, Montauk places tend to be EYE-BLEEDINGLY EXPENSIVE. Like airbnb places at a thousand a night?? Shoulder season?? </b><br />
<b>The only place I found at a somewhere acceptable price was DAUNT'S ALBATROSS MOTEL Even then, I ended up paying the most of my 4 week NE US trip which included a night at an ANTLANTIC CITY CASINO. A few steps up from DAUNT'S.</b><br />
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<i><b> </b><b>DAUNT'S like the town and beach was a bit ordinary. </b><b>For those interested in Montauk accommodation, I posted my findings on DAUNT'S here under <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/ShowUserReviews-g48194-d575704-r621631542-Daunt_s_Albatross_Motel-Montauk_Long_Island_New_York.html">"A TALE OF TWO RATINGS"</a></b></i><br />
<b><br />CONCLUSION - some of you may be thinking I was less than gruntled about MONTAUK. Not wrong kemodabes. Pretentious poseurs' paradise.</b><br />
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<b>EAST HAMPTON BEACH.</b></span></i><br />
<b>In my pre-trip research I found a <a href="https://nypost.com/2013/05/24/east-hamptons-main-beach-tops-annual-list-of-best-beaches-in-us/">NEW YORK POST article</a> claiming EAST HAMPTON MAIN BEACH was the BEST IN THE USA. Jeez, I thought, have to check THIS out!</b><br />
<b>So I jumped off the bus from MONTAUK at EASTHAMPTON RW STATION and started the 2mi/3.2km trek to the beach (bottom budget travellers don't catch taxis). Trouble is it was raining and 5 minutes into the walk POURING, with gusty winds making the H20 come sideways. I HATE THAT!! - so I gave up, retraced my steps and jumped on a waiting bus to PATCHOGUE abt half way down LONG ISLAND where I had an airbnb room booked prior to going out to adjacent FIRE ISLAND next day.</b><br />
<b>So I can't tell you too much about EAST HAMPTON MAIN - I'll give you some pix I found and my impressions of them.</b><br />
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<b><i>Another long featureless beach - but it does appear WIDER than MONTAUK, somewhat whiter and somewhat cleaner. <a href="https://www.trover.com/d/tgiL-east-hampton-main-beach-east-hampton-new-york">Pic from TROVER</a> has to be taken in low season or very early AM in high. Protective foredune doesn't look impressive in this shot - but see below.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>Don't like this joint's chances too much next SUPERSTORM - seems to be a beach club built at the FRONT of the foredune. However the latter seems higher than at MONTAUK - check arrow. Nevertheless it seems locals have built houses on its top - I can see chimneys behind the edge of the beach club's veranda - coastal erosion wonks will tell you NOTHING should be built on ANY coastal dune, let along the FOREDUNE<a href="https://www.easthamptonvillage.org/181/Beaches"> (image - DPW ALERT)</a></i></b><br />
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<b><i>Obviously high season - once again in the right conditions no doubt you would be able to have an idyllic beach day here. <a href="https://whalebonemag.com/5-best-beaches-west-of-the-stretch/main-beach-east-hampton-2/">Pic WHALEBONE.</a></i></b><br />
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<b><i>GOOGLE EARTH shows a situation not too different from MONTAUK - a loong beach with headlands no-where to be seen (the nearest is past DITCH PLAINS 15mi/25km east - to the west the beach [under many names] extends over 75mi/120km to near JFK only broken by tidal inlets between barrier islands). You can see the high tide mark in this pic - beach does not look all that wide - may have been shot at a time of super high tides (KING/SPRING) or after a period of beach erosion.</i></b><br />
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<b>TO SUM UP - I'm not sure. Seems to me I've seen heaps better beaches in the USA - a couple on the west coast, one (CAPE MAY) on the east coast (but I haven't been to FLORIDA and nearby states yet) and several in HAWAII. The guy doing the rating is STEPHAN P LETTERMAN aka DR BEACH who loses a lot of credibility with me by rating HAMOA BCH on MAUI #2. Second best beach in the US? Hell, I thought at least <a href="http://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com/2017/08/mauis-best-beaches.html">a dozen other MAUI beaches way better.</a> And nearby OAHU has at least another half dozen.</b><br />
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<b>MAYBE YOU CAN HELP - I feel a bit of a phony judging a beach I've not visited. Thing is at 73yo and 10000mi/16000km from EAST HAVEN I can't see me making a return trip to check it out. So if any reader does, feel free to lob in a report, maybe some pix via the prompts on the <a href="http://readerstripretports.blogspot.com/">TRIP REPORTS PAGE.</a> Or to keep it simple, a description via the COMMENTS section at the foot of this page. I'll transfer your input (whether you agree with me or not) up to this section of the page.</b><br />
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<b>STOP PRESS - coincidentally an email about <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/TravelersChoice-Beaches-a_Mode.expanded">TRIPADVISOR'S TOP 25 WORLD BEACHES 2018</a> lobbed into my inbox when writing this page. Some of those places look idyllic. But I'm a bit sceptical about others. LA CONCHA at Spain's San Sebastian #6? Been there, was undewhelmed. I visited a dozen Spanish beaches better. BOURNEMOUTH England #14? MANLY Sydney #16? Sydney alone has a half dozen better, Australia hundreds.</b><br />
<b>TRIPADVISOR doesn't explain its methodology but judging by some of these selections it seems it could be on the number of reviewers' EXCELLENT ratings or maybe something slightly more sophisticated like reviewers' EXCELLENT ratings per 100 reviews. Anyway I've always thought readers' ratings a bit dodgy - too many seem to use the system as an affirmation of their marvelous choice and dish out EXCELLENTS to places which in no way deserve them.</b><br />
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<b>MY TOP BEACH WORLDWIDE</b><br />
<b>I can hear you thinking this TEZZA dude is way critical - so what is his idea of a world class beach? See below:</b><br />
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<b>WHITEHAVEN BEACH - HAMILTON ISLAND - QUEENSLAND</b><br />
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<b><i>This 6km/3.7mi long strip of blindingly white silica has sand so fine it squeaks when walked on. Offshore island location means it is uncrowded - gets a few visiting boats each end. My last visit saw thousands (no hyperbole) of small rays in that inlet at right.</i></b><br />
<b><i>HAMILTON ISLAND looks flat in this shot but is quite mountainous - with many patches of tropical rainforest.</i></b><br />
<b>Pic from <i><a href="https://www.whitsundays-australia.com/">WHITSUNDAYS AUSTRALIA com</a></i></b><br />
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<i><b>This GOOGLE EARTH image gives perspective.</b></i><br />
<i><b>Note I usually prefer compact beaches which 6km IS NOT - but this place is a standout.</b></i><br />
<i><b>Note too I may be a bit presumptuous claiming WORLD'S BEST when I haven't seen all the world's top beach areas - some of those on the TRIPADVISOR list look pretty good to me.</b></i><br />
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<b>MY PERSONAL FAVOURITE BEACH</b><br />
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<b><i>Not the best I've seen but the one I like most. This is WHITE BEACH in BROKEN HEAD NATURE RESERVE near BYRON BAY northern NSW. Suffering badly from storm wave attack not long after a TROPICAL CYCLONE (aka TYPHOON/HURRICANE) swell - the normal beach line is around the arrow. Note too the sand is wet above which darkens the normal white colour.</i></b><br />
<b><i>This beach ticks all the boxes for me: it's compact between 2 protective headlands, backed by rainforested slopes, gets good surf, few people because of difficult access and is clothing optional like most beaches in this area (I've been a naturist since childhood).</i></b><br />
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<b><i>GOOGLE EARTH image shows more normal width and colour.</i></b><br />
<b><i>If you ever visit be aware of rip-currents both ends and usually 2 or 3 along the beach. No worries, relax and go with the flow, stick your arm in the air to attract the few surfer dudes who are usually hanging around here. An ok rock pool in rocks (der) top end.</i></b><br />
<b><i>FUN FACT - there have been several shark attacks this section of coast (not this beach) in recent years. The good news - only one fatality.</i></b><br />
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<b>WORST BEACH IN MY HOME TOWN</b><br />
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<b><i>Not exactly shabby, and a hell of a lot nicer than MONTAUK in my humble opinion</i></b><br />
<b><i>Bottom of my town list because it rarely attracts decent surf....and is not clothing optional (nor are the other 3). Although I once saw 2 young ladies....</i></b><br />
<b><i>Best feature is I live overlooking a nice little bay 300m from the far end.</i></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">CENTRAL LONG ISLAND BEACHES</span></b><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">FIRE ISLAND - DAVIS PARK-WATCH HILL BEACH</span></i></b><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Watch Hill beach looking eat towards Davis Park</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></b><b>The above is part of the beach which starts a few km west of MONTAUK runs more than 100miles/160km down the Atlantic side of LONG ISLAND to near JFK in south QUEENS. In some sections it dives across inlets as BAY-HEAD BARRIERS to create what coastal geomorphologists call COASTAL LAGOONS. We would probably class them as COASTAL LAKES. In other areas the coast kinks a bit inland and the sand continues in a straight line as as the seaward side of an offshore BARRIER ISLAND running parallel to LONG ISLAND (the whole barrier island is actually sand built up from millions of years of deposition) separated from the land by a stretch of sheltered water. Because of tidal and river flows there are gaps in these offshore barriers - SHINNECOCK INLET mentioned up-page is one.</b><br />
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<b>NOTE - you tend to get BARRIER ISLANDS on coasts with relatively shallow water offshore. They are a major feature of the US Atlantic Coast and the Gulf of Mexico.</b><br />
<b>FIRE ISLAND is one of the more eastern of LONG ISLAND's barrier islands.</b><br />
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<b><i>The sheltered stretch of water between FIRE ISLAND and mainland LONG ISLAND varies in name - from the south GREAT SOUTH BAY - NICOLL BAY - PATCHOGUE BAY. </i></b><br />
<b><i>DAVIS PARK is 4.5mi/7.2km from the ferry pier in SOUTH PATCHOGUE.</i></b><br />
<b><i>FIRE ISLAND is over 22mi/38km long but very narrow like most barrier islands - only 350yds/320m at DAVIS PARK. </i></b><br />
<b><i>Bay is a different colour than ocean because it is much more shallow. These bays can fill in over time - this appears to be happening in several spots along the JERSEY SHORE south of NYC</i></b><br />
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<b><i>Not real wide. DAVIS PARK is a small settlement of mainly holiday houses - WATCH HILL a short distance east is primarily a MARINA, no settlement here although the nearest DAVIS PARK places are a half mile/800m from the piers. 2 marinas so close together suggests a bunch of boaties come across here nice days in high season.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>Sea mist still hanging around on arrival at DAVIS PARK MARINA abt 0930 - soon burnt off.</i></b><br />
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<i><b>This great pic from<a href="http://fireislandandbeyond.com/breaking-first-photos-of-storm-damage-at-davis-park/"> FIRE ISLAND AND BEYOND newsletter </a> was shot MARCH 2018 showing a STORM SURGE high tide from much the same position/turn 180degrees from my arrivals pic above this. STORM SURGE looks abt. 2m/6.5ft. At least there are no destructive waves adding to the chaos here - but I wouldn't like to be over on the beach side</b></i>.<br />
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<b>THOUGHT - I wonder how much of the above flooding may be due to FRESH WATER run-off from storm-filled"mainland" (Long Island) rivers and streams, which can't get out to sea thru the narrow gaps between the barrier islands fast enough? </b><br />
<b>Maybe the storm surge on the ocean side wasn't as high (although if you click the above link, the storm wave damage was),</b><br />
<b>Thing is we don't have barrier islands where I live and so I don't know much about this stuff.</b><br />
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<i><b>WATCH HILL BEACH looking west. This is turn 180 degrees and shoot from the opening shot.</b></i><br />
<i><b>The western end of FIRE ISLAND is about 8km/5mi up there in the mist.</b></i><br />
<i><b>As you can see the beach (at least in mid SEPT 2018 is nothing to get excited about. Narrow (check the high tide mark - I'm glad I didn't have to walk the 1300m/1430yds up here from DAVIS PARK at high tide [actually there is a path behind the fore-dune]), plenty of weed debris not all that attractive</b></i>.<br />
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<b><i>This is the staircase up from the beach to the cross dunes track to WATCH HILL MARINA.</i></b><br />
<b><i>As you can see plenty of new timber on the structure suggesting damage in the March storm. </i></b><br />
<b><i>Beach hasn't rebuilt much - check the high tide mark.</i></b><br />
<b><i>At least the fore-dune here is a bit higher than at MONTAUK.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>Back at DAVIS PARK I shot this around 1130 - the locals had decided to do a bit of beach time - 'til then I'd only seen 2 other people on the beach on a reasonably nice day. As I was warned, near NYC beach areas die after Labor Day. But okay, it </i>was<i> a Monday.</i></b><br />
<b><i>Thing that gets me was how the area had not rebuilt much after the March storm 6 months before. Compare the above to the newsletter pic below....</i></b><br />
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<b><i>....given enough fine weather, beaches usually rebuild after a bad storm. Looks like Spring/Summer did not have much fine weather here.</i></b><br />
<b><i>Arrow shows storm wave "cut" on fore-dune - which doesn't appear as high as along the beach at WATCH HILL. But that happens when you build on dunes.</i></b><br />
<b><i>A lady in PATCHOGUE told me she used to holiday in a dune-front place on FIRE ISLAND back in the day but the whole street disappeared with SUPERSTORM SANDY. The above may have been one street inland.</i></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: yellow; font-size: large;">NOTE - THIS IS A WORK IN PROGRESS, SHOULD BE FINISHED IN A FEW WEEKS.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: yellow; font-size: large;">tezza OCT21.</span></b><br />
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<b><a href="http://fireislandandbeyond.com/breaking-first-photos-of-storm-damage-at-davis-park/">DAVIS PARK DAMAGE MARCH 2018</a></b><br />
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<a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052970203846804578102971070230636">SANDY</a>tezzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06099777760234890854noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-235257059160442691.post-14750979892352107422018-10-18T15:49:00.000+11:002019-11-08T12:37:42.754+11:00<b><span style="font-size: large;">NYC BEACHES </span>- visited Sept 2018, 2019</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgynDJNkL6S7EzEa_ibGk4Qyy3c1ZhQSjPpYLQUyfJjfWJ8OwZPLYviGI1nwe6c9rjAXMFgOK2e9_zotiuug4d-XF1xsPM6W6kSHqKe4410lyfYQyRtoz6R1VcQeW61se4IUBarIcSnubs/s1600/P9170464.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgynDJNkL6S7EzEa_ibGk4Qyy3c1ZhQSjPpYLQUyfJjfWJ8OwZPLYviGI1nwe6c9rjAXMFgOK2e9_zotiuug4d-XF1xsPM6W6kSHqKe4410lyfYQyRtoz6R1VcQeW61se4IUBarIcSnubs/s640/P9170464.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<i><b>Iconic CONEY ISLAND</b></i><br />
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<b>New York City is built on 3 islands - MANHATTAN, STATEN and the southern part of LONG ISLAND with only THE BRONX extending north onto the mainland. So it should be no surprise that NYC has beaches. But the STATEN ISLAND beach reviews were not enticing enough to warrant precious time** for a visit. Ditto THE BRONX (<i>update NOV '19 - managed to get to ORCHARD BEACH in the BRONX latest trip - found it unexpectedly good. Will do a report on this page when I find the time).</i> MANHATTAN is river-locked and heavily urbanised so any riverside strips of sand were long ago lost to industry, wharves or residential. That leaves the beaches of south BROOKLYN on the southern tip of LONG ISLAND. </b><br />
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<b>**here's the thing. I'm a seriously old dude in the twilight of my travelling career. I'm no longer prepared to forego good NON-BEACH places I haven't seen to simply check out ALL the beaches in an area. I sincerely regret all those years of re-visiting THAILAND, INDO, MALAYSIA etc simply to keep my beach reports up to date. Could have used that time to see parts of the world I haven't. So cut me some slack when I say I didn't visit ALL the beaches.</b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><i>CONEY ISLAND</i></span></b><br />
<b>Everyone who goes to NYC has to visit CONEY ISLAND if he/she is into the coast or iconic places.</b><br />
<b>I thought it was kinda good, even though the beach itself would not make my top 1000. But then NO north-east USA beach would - as a matter of fact none of the USA beaches I've seen to date would (maybe it's time to visit FLORIDA and its near southern states. Next year?)</b><br />
<b>So to put CONEY ISLAND into the US perspective, it would not make my list of top 10 US beaches seen to date - or top 3 NORTH-EAST beaches.</b><br />
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<b><i>The beach was the </i></b><b><i>typical LONG ISLAND strip of silica - long and wide with rock groynes every few hundred meters to arrest beach drifting sand - the sand itself not too bad in that it was not coarse, not closer to gray than yellow and didn't have much weed. </i></b><br />
<b><i>Relatively uncrowded in this central area on a nice Fall Sunday,</i></b><b><i> but I believe before LABOR DAY you will often have to move up or down the beach further to avoid the crowds. At least on a nice day. The arrow points towards BRIGHTON BEACH (Little Odessa) where the sand had the most people - those Russians sure love the beach.</i></b><br />
<b><i>So I reckon on a crowded day it would be best to head the other way (left to the west) when you hit the beach from the train.</i></b><br />
<b><i>Water was not too bad - not super clean but not excessively dirty, not cold this soon after summer. An onshore sea breeze which wold be the most common wind along here made the small waves a bit messy - this is no surfers' paradise; I didn't spot KELLY SLATER and entourage hanging around.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>OK - the beach, although better than expected, didn't exactly excite me, but I enjoyed THE BOARDWALK. Seemed a heap more people there than on the sand. No shortage of merch vendors. places to get some ink or have your fortune read - I was impressed by merch prices - seems all the competition was keeping the prices way down - well under the tourist-trap level you often find at iconic attractions.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>Naturally I had to grab a beer or two and check the passing parade. People-watching is a major pass-the-time of solo travellers.</i></b><br />
<b><i>The structure in background is a change shed/wc area.</i></b><br />
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<i><b>As iconic as the boardwalk are the famous PIER and FUN FAIR in the background....</b></i><br />
<i><b>and below.</b></i><br />
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<b>After walking along the boardwalk and sand to BRIGHTON BEACH, I pushed a block inland to the main drag to see if it is as DIFFERENT as reports claim - my take yep: all those shops with signs in Cyrillic and selling products if not imported from Russia were at least what you would expect to see in downtown DZERZHINSK. Made all the more exotic to me by the subway line being actually an EL - elevated above the main street (don't have this in Oz). Crazy thing was I didn't take any pix on account of flat battery.</b><b><br /></b>
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<i><b>So I stole this one from GOOGLE IMAGES - thanks to <a href="https://voicesofny.org/2014/04/the-peculiar-lure-of-brighton-beach/">VOICES OF NY. </a></b></i><br />
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<b><i>Wow, this modified GOOGLE EARTH image didn't turn out so well - but correcting is a major event so you should maybe click-expand the image to make labels clearer. </i></b><br />
<b><i>CONEY ISLAND is 15m-24km/60mins by train from central MANHATTAN. 3 lines access - the D,N, F and Q trains arrive at STILLWELL AVE only 2 blocks from the beach in the pier/carnival area. Note the line curves and then runs parallel to the sand with several stops to BRIGHTON BCH where it turns left again for the journey back to NYC - so between the pier/fun fair and BB you are never far from an EL station.</i></b><br />
<b><i>I also read you can catch a ferry from MANHATTAN for little more than the train fare. That would be an interesting trip. </i></b><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">ROCKAWAY BEACH</span></i></b><br />
<b>This is the big long beach you see when landing or leaving JFK. It looked OK to me so I decided to check it out up close.</b><br />
<b>Note it isn't very far straight line from CONEY ISLAND - the centers of each longish beach are only 7mi/11km apart - the closest parts abt 2/3.2. But they're a hell of a lot further by transport - by road you are looking at over 12mi - by train 90mins. And ROCKAWAY is not a BROOKLYN beach - it's in the borough of QUEENS.</b><br />
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<b><i>ROCKAWAY BCH runs over 9mi/15km along the sea-side of ROCKAWAY PENINSULA which is mainly a long sand spit - the continuation of the barrier beach which runs all the way down the eastern side of LONG ISLAND - we are talking around 120mi/195km here - almost continuous save some gaps between barrier islands.</i></b><br />
<b><i>Note CONEY ISLAND bottom left of image - JFK bottom left of center.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>Like CONEY ISLAND t</i></b><b><i>he beach is </i></b><b><i>typical of LONG ISLAND - long and wide with rock groynes every few hundred meters (mainly in central areas) - the sand not too bad: not coarse, closer to yellow than gray and not too much weed. </i></b><br />
<b><i>Relatively uncrowded in this central area on a nice Fall Saturday.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>Surfing seemed a bigger deal here than at CONEY ISLAND - makes sense: this place is more exposed to the ATLANTIC swells. I was a bit surprised though - this was the weekend after HURRICANE FLORENCE hit NORTH CAROLINA - you would think swell would be more impressive than this. Winds along here are largely onshore SE sea breezes - hence sloppy conditions. I wouldn't call this a prime surfing spot.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>Several LEARN TO SURF outfits like this were scattered along the long beach - seemed to be doing good business for such a quiet day.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>The loooong boardwalk (5.5mi/5.9km!) is not all boards - was smashed up pretty badly by SUPERSTORM SANDY in 2012 with substantial parts rebuilt in more durable concrete.</i></b><br />
<b><i>Kinda different from CONEY ISLAND - only scattered food and merch outlets, I didn't see any fun fairs but parks/playgrounds/picnic facilities, community sports area, change-sheds were regularly dispersed.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>Surfer dudes on the train heading out. A local told me the surfing culture is so embedded that many enthusiasts from NYC grab a local apartment for the whole summer holiday season.</i></b><br />
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<b><i><br /></i></b>tezzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06099777760234890854noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-235257059160442691.post-16749570587529067732018-05-15T14:02:00.000+10:002019-03-22T19:50:38.374+11:00THE KAIELIA TRAIL<b><span style="font-size: large;">THE KAIELIA TRAIL (and adjoining trails).</span></b><br />
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<b>done APRIL 2016</b><br />
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<b><span style="color: yellow;">ATTENTION: THIS IS A PRETTY LONG PAGE WITH SEVERAL TRAIL DESCRIPTIONS. IF YOU HAVE BEEN SENT HERE BY A SEARCH ENGINE LOOKING FOR ONE PARTICULAR TRAIL, YOU WILL FIND:</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: yellow;">KAIELIA TRAIL - immediately below</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: yellow;">MOKULE'LA (MOKULEIA) ACCESS ROAD - abt. 40% down page</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: yellow;">KUAOKALA ACCESS ROAD (EAST) - abt 60%</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: yellow;">KUAOKALA ACCESS ROAD (WEST - 75%</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: yellow;">KUAOKAL (RIDGE) TRACK - 65%</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: yellow;">and PEACOCK FLAT CAMPING AREA - abt 55% down page</span></b><br />
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<i><b>The KAIELIA TRAIL is in western OAHU and goes from the coastal west of the NORTH SHORE into the WAI'ANEA RANGE. In this part of the island the WAI'ANEA separates the southern part of the north-west coast (known locally as the NORTH SHORE) from the rain/trade winds sheltered northern part of the south-west coast (known locally as the LEEWARD COAST)
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<b><i>The WAI'ANEA RANGE is the western range of mountains on AOAHU, running almost parallel to the eastern KO'OLAU RANGE. It contains OHAU'S highest peak - KA'ALA (4025FT/1217M) - image <a href="https://www.gohawaii.com/">Go Hawaii</a></i></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">THE KAIELEA TRAIL</span></b><br />
<b>This is the most used trail in the area because:</b><br />
<b>* parking behind DILLINGHAM AIRFIELD is better than at other trailheads</b><br />
<b>* it offers a not too lengthy (2.3mi/3.7km one way) up and back trek which is steep and rough enough to satisfy users they have had a good hike - but not overly so. It won't worry people of average fitness providing they make a few rest stops. The trail is well defined and easy to follow and not technically difficult underfoot.</b><br />
<b>* views back over the western NORTH SHORE are definitely the best of any trail and by pushing on a bit further via connecting trails it is possible to get overviews of the LEEWARD COAST.</b><br />
<b>*people seeking a longer trek can continue via several trails to either eventually loop back to the KAIELEA for a descent back to DILLINGHAM or push on to stay overnight at PEACKOCK FLATS CAMPING AREA.</b><br />
<b>It is also possible to walk all the way to the southern LEEWARD COAST at YOKOHAMA BAY in the far west by descending the access road to the KAENA TRACKING STATION which is in this mountain area further west (see down page), but a permit from the DIVISION OF FORESTRY AND WILDLIFE is needed for this road.</b><br />
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<b><i>KAIELEA TRAIL</i></b><br />
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<b><i>On far western OAHU the WAI'ANEA RANGE separates the western end of the NORTH SHORE from the western end of the LEEWARD COAST. The KAI'ELEA TRAIL traverses all but a small section of the range.</i></b><br />
<b><i>Main road 930 along the NORTH SHORE is the FARRINGTON HWY from HALEIWA abt 8mi/13km to the east of the airfield. It ends abt. 2mi/3.3km further west but it is possible to take a trekking trail another 2.5mi/4km to the far western tip of the island at KAENA POINT.</i></b><br />
<b><i>Main road 93 along the LEEWARD COAST is also the FARRINGTON HWY (I guess the aim is to sometime join north and south sections in the KAENA POINT area) running all the way from the western suburbs of what is considered GREATER HONOLULU abt 21mi/34km east of its western end some 2mi/3.3km from KAENA POINT. Once again a walking trail goes to the point.</i></b><br />
<b><i>Pic details may be clearer if you click-expand image.</i></b><br />
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<b>The trail starts in the south-east corner of the spacious and free parking area on the inland side of the airfield. After a flat few hundred meters it begins to climb WAI'ANEA'S steep northern escarpment.</b><br />
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<b><i>This great shot from <a href="https://www.gohawaii.com/">T0-HAWAII</a> brings out the steepness of the highland escarpment behind DILLINGHAM AIRFIELD.</i></b><br />
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<b>The trail up the escarpment gains 950/1000ft (290/305m) in around 0.8mi/1.2km but because of 19 switchbacks, the slopes from moderate to steep never become ridiculously steep. Fit people will charge right up, normal types may need a stop or two - but this is no problem because there are many excellent photo opportunities over the western NORTH SHORE.</b><br />
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<i><b>I shot this from maybe 3/4 the way up the slope - yellow arrow is of course DILLINGHAM AIRFIELD, white the track. An added bonus at times is glider and parachute activity - the airfield hosts both.</b></i><br />
<i><b>Please excuse the clumsy stitching of images via my elcheapo OLYMPUS's 'panorama' setting. These panorama shots usually click-expand nicely.</b></i><br />
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<i><b>The coast a bit further to the west from roughly the same camera position. Notice shower out to sea - it wasn't a particularly nice day.</b></i><br />
<i><b><br /></b></i><b>The escarpment track is not very wide but never becomes a bush-bashing exercise. Underfoot are plenty of rocks, roots and gravel - I reckon good shoes are a bonus here but was amazed at the number of people passing the other way wearing sandals and flip-flops. It looked like plenty of folk had decided on a quick mid afternoon up-and-back after a morning on the beach. </b><br />
<b>This trail was much busier than others in the area - I passed at least a dozen people on the hour or so I spent DESCENDING the KAIELEA (I did it as a LAST section of a much bigger trek starting further east - see TEZZA'S CIRCUIT down page) whereas in the previous 5 hours I had only seen 3 other trekkers, 2 cyclists and 3 off-road vehicles. I negotiated plenty of single step-downs but my 70 year old shot knees appreciated the lack of flights of stairs.</b><br />
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<b>The upper part of the KAIELEA changes markedly. South of the escarpment edge it becomes much flatter (actually it undulates with the general gradient gradually up-hill) is relatively straight and widens into a gravel-surfaced road, probably part of the upper area's fire trails.</b><br />
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<b>ON TO VIEWS OVER THE LEEWARD COAST.</b><br />
<b>The southern end of the KAIELEA joins the KUAOKALA ACCESS ROAD at a t-juncion. Take a left and continue a few hundred meters to the start of the KUAOKALA RIDGE TRAIL (from memory is is signposted 'KUAOKALA TRAIL' - no 'RIDGE') A short distance along is a gate thru which is the first of several overviews of the LEEWARD COAST.</b><br />
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<b><i>First view of the LEEWARD COAST - the MAKUA VALLEY north-west of MAKAHA which is apparently a military reserve so it may not be a good idea to try over-landing to down there.</i></b><br />
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<i><b>My shot above this is suffering from bad weather setting in. This much clearer pic comes from</b><b> <a href="http://on-walkabout.net/2016/07/14/best-hike-oahu-kealia-trail/">DOBBS: on walkabout</a> - this great site is really worth visiting: has a host of excellent pics of the KAIELIA plus much more detailed route instructions.</b></i><br />
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<b>But I didn't come UP the KAELIA TRACK - I approached the above area as the LAST part of TEZZA'S BIG WAI'ANEA LOOP (for want of a better name).....</b><br />
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<b>(THERE IS ANOTHER KAIELEA MAP AND ONE MORE OF DODDS GREAT PICS TOWARDS THE FOOT OF THE PAGE).</b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">TEZZA'S BIG WAINEA LOOP</span></b><br />
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<b><i>START at "start" (der) top right. Go up TRACK #1 (white) - at the MOKULE'LA ACCESS ROAD. At the top is a road barrier - past here head west on the KUAOKOLA ACCESS ROAD EAST (purple # 2) -until the sign to the left for the KUAKOLA RIDGE TRAI (pale purple #3). At the western end rejoin the KUAOKOLA ACCESS ROAD (in this case the WESTERN SECTION - indigo #4).Walk some 55/65 minutes back east and you will find to the left the junction of the KAIELEA TRAIL (yellow # 5) down to the DILLINGHAM AIRFIELD.</i></b><br />
<b><i>The whole 15+mi/25km trek took me just under 6 hours, and I teamed up with a dude about 20% in who walked much faster then my usual geezer's shuffle.</i></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">MOKULE'LACCESS ROAD - also spelled Mokuleia Access Road</span></b><br />
<b>I took this more eastern (3mi/5km) route into the mountains simply because it was closer to the nearest bus stop (in the coastal village of WAIALUA) by 2mi/3.2km. And I was in luck - I managed to hitch a ride from near the bus stop to the trail head.</b><br />
<b>At the trail head is a locked green gate with enough parking for a half dozen vehicles - plenty more along the adjacent FARRINGTON HWY which is a good 2 lane blacktop here.</b><br />
<b>BEWARE - island websites say theft from cars is high in this area - don't leave valuables in the vehicle: some even urge windows left down and glovebox open (less than half the parked cars I saw in several visits along the FARRINGTON did the latter).</b><br />
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<b><i>The 3.5mi/5.8km MOKULE'LA ACCESS RD goes from the FARRINGTON HWY up to a gate just short of the PEACOCK FLATS CAMPING AREA.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>Highest peak in this modified GOOGLE EARTH image is also OAHU'S highest - MT KA'ALA (40023FT/1217M) - GOOGLE MAPS shows a road/track up there from a bit further east (left - in this image because you are looking DUE SOUTH, not the usual DUE NORTH) on the FARRINGTON, but I don't know how good this is for driving/trekking - perhaps next visit.</i></b><br />
<b><i>WRONG!! Some time after writing the avove I came across a terrific MT KA'ALA trek account from <a href="http://on-walkabout.net/2018/01/01/best-hikes-on-oahu-the-mt-kaala-trail-waianae-kaala/">DODDS on-walkabout </a>- seems the hiking trail leaves from the opposite LEEWARD COAST. </i></b><br />
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<b><i>The short road from the FARRINGTON down to WAIALUA can just be seen at far left.</i></b><br />
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<b>Behind the locked green gate at the FARRINGTON HIGHWAY (from what I can gather only official FORESTRY AND WILDLIFE vehicles have access, but there is plenty of room for trekkers and bicyclists to pass) is a wide sealed road which tends to be flat and fairly straight for a km or so before the escarpment. This is less sheer than further west behind DILLINGHAM AIRFIELD - slopes vary from moderate to fairly steep but never killer. There are a number of bends but no tight switchback-like as further west. The sealed surface continues to the top but there were a few deep potholes higher up, something cyclists descending at warp speed and trekkers coming down in the dark without a torch (in this respect it would be a much better descent for late trekkers than that into DILLINGHAM which is too narrow and rough in the dark) need to watch for.</b></div>
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<b>Two cyclists, one official vehicle and zero trekkers passed me the other way while I was ascending for abt an hour at my geezers' pace.</b></div>
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<b><i>There are several good viewpoints along the MOKULE'LA, but not as many nor as good as from the KAIELEA. This one was from near the top - showing mid and northern NORTH SHORE locations: HALIEWA (yellow arrow), WAIMEA BAY - the southern most of the NORTH SHORE'S more famous big wave locations (white arrow), the northern end of the NORTH SHORE a few km past legendary SUNSET BAY (charcoal arrow) and closest camera; WAIALUA (red arrow).</i></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">PEACOCK FLATS CAMPING AREA</span></b></div>
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<b><i>To the left of the locked gate at top of the MOKUKE'LA is this meadow. Empty here but I think this may be an overflow area - websites talk about each camp-site having a permanent shelter plus picnic tables, an outhouse (but no water) so I think the main camping area is back to the right. A couple walked up while I was studying an info board behind camera - told me they were the only campers. It was mid-week.</i></b></div>
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<b><i>This looks like a nice campsite surrounded by pines and eucalypts and with good views back over the north shore. It is popular with off-roaders (who drive in via the TRACKING STATION), trekkers, cyclists,, hunters (much of the general area is made up of hunting reservations - don't wander too far off the tracks) and other outdoors types. Note you need a camping permit from the DIVISION OF PARKS AND WILDLIFE. Apparently the area can get quite busy on nice weekendss.</i></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">EAST KUAOKALA ACCESS ROAD</span></b></div>
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<b>This begins immediately the other side of the closed gate at the end of MOKULE'LA ACCESS ROAD and runs for 2mi/3,.km (perhaps a bit more) to where the KUAOKOLA (RIDGE) TRAIL is signposted to the left. It is gravel surfaced, twisty and undulatiing - but with no killer slopes Initially the general direction is south-west towards the edge of the ridge and then it runs westward along or close to the edge for over a km. Surface was pretty good, although I have seen pix of off-road vehicles (this is the last stage of the access road from the TRACKING STATION to PEACOCK FLATS for vehicles who have come up from YOKOHAMA BAY on the LEEWARD COAST) having a terrible time in cut up surfaces after heavy rain. </b></div>
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<b>One private off-road vehicle and one trekker passed the other way the 30 minutes spent along here.</b></div>
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<b><i>Stage 1 of my trek on the KUAOKALA ACCESS ROAD EAST (#1) started at the far right pale-purple mark at the junction o the MOKULE'LA TRAIL (notice the camping sign for PEACKOCK FLATS) and ended at the white mark at left, where the KUAOKALA (RIDGE) TRAIL (white arrow) takes off to the West.</i></b></div>
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<b><i>A few hours later I returned on the roughly parallel KUAOKALA ACCESS ROAD WEST (indigo arrow) and turned down the KAIELIA TRAIL (grey/silver #3) towards DILLINGHAM AIRFIELD.</i></b></div>
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<b>The above is modified from an information board map erected near the eastern start of the KUAOKALA ACCESS ROAD. </b></div>
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<b>It was here I met another trekker who had come up from DILLINGHAM AIRFIELD. He planned to return via my proposed route along the RIDGE TRAIL and asked if I wanted to join him. Now I'm a bit of a loner but all the guides say don't hike alone, so I joined in. Turned out real well on account:</b></div>
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<b>*he was a young bloke and walked 50% faster than my geezers' shuffle which allowed me to cover the ground in much less time than originally thought, particularly since like me he didn't believe in rest stops, except to snap pix. I think he was a bit surprised how I kept up on the many steep pinches along the way, but the fact is I'm a very fit old geezer.</b></div>
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<b>*he had real good bush sense and seemed to take the correct track junction every time (he swore he had no prior experience of most of our route) whereas I only manage it one in three (I kid you not).</b></div>
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<b>* he had his car at DILLINGHAM and I hoped to hook a ride with him back to the bus stop. Turned out even better - his home was in HONOLULU and so he could drop me on the outskirts of HALEIWA (I was staying in HALEIWA) along the way.</b></div>
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<b><i>Pretty good information board at PEACOCK FLATS junction.</i></b></div>
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<b><i>There are several good overviews of the lower NORTH SHORE along the EAST KUAOKALA ACCESS ROAD but the weather was setting in and my view was largely obscured by cloud. </i></b></div>
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<b><i>We were lucky,it only rained slightly so the roads and tracks didn't become muddy.</i></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">THE KUAOKALA (RIDGE) TRACK</span></b></div>
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<b>Let's distinguish this from the similarly named KUAOKALA ACCESS ROAD. The latter which for its western half runs roughly parallel a short distance inland to the north is a gravel road wide enough for two vehicles in most areas whereas the RIDGE TRACK is just that, a trekking track along the edge (or very close) of the ridge, too narrow, twisting, steep in parts, and rough for vehicles. It tended to have lots of rocks, roots and loose stuff underfoot. I reckon the steep pinches and rough surface would be too difficult for most cyclists.</b></div>
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<b>However at no time did I think it too difficult for the average trekker - in fact normally the bonus of several good viewpoints down over the LEEWARD COAST would make this the better option for people heading west towards the TRACKING STATION. However the bad weather made views fleeting.</b></div>
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<b><i>Doesn't look good.</i></b></div>
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<b><i>The best view of the LEEWARD COAST I got thru a break in the clouds.</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Our 2.5mi/4.0km/55-65mins westward trek along the KUAOKALA (RIDGE) TRAIL (white arrow - #2) started at the white junction lower center and ended at the junction with the western start of the KUAOKALA ACCESS ROAD (indigo - #1) near the top left corner.</i></b></div>
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<b><i>The far left road coming up from the south indicated by the red arrow is the permit-only TRACKING STATION access road from YOKOHAMA BAY.</i></b></div>
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<b>We saw no other people along here.</b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"> WEST KUAOKALA ACCESS ROAD</span><i> </i></b></div>
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<b><i>We began our 50/60 minute eastwards trek back along the WEST KUAOKALA ACCESS RD (indigo #1) at its junction with the RIDGE TRAIL at the indigo mark top left. </i></b></div>
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<b>I remember the transition was pretty seem-less - but I don't remember seeing any spaced-out structures (the TRACKING STATION is pretty close) or even the parking area near the junction (this would be ideal for permit holders who have driven up from YOKOHAMA BAY and intend to trek the RIDGE TRAIL-WEST KUAOKALA RD loop.</b></div>
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<b>The latter was very similar to its EASTERN SECTION - winding and undulating but never excessively steep, surface okay gravel and supposedly occasional glimpses of the NORTH SHORE which we didn't see because of the weather.</b></div>
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<b>After about 2mi/3.3km (maybe a little more) we reached the T junction to turn left down the KAIELIA (yellow #3) to DILLINGHAM.</b></div>
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<b>We saw 1 other trekker and one (private) off-road vehicle along WEST KUAOKALA RD.</b></div>
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<b>THE FINAL LEG - DOWN THE KAIEL1A TO DILLINGHAM</b></div>
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<b>I have already given details of this trail up page - suffice to say going DOWN it at the end of a very long day was pretty good. We made great time and I found myself at the DILLINGHAM AIRFIELD PARKING AREA nearly 6 hours after starting further east of my starting point at the MOKULE'LA ACCESS RD trailhead.</b></div>
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<b><i>Unfortunately the rudimentary cropping tool on my computer did't allow me to cut out the trails and roads to the left (west) of the KAIELIA - so concentrate on the yellow #3 trail. The dotted line is the go for trails (solid, winding for roads) - the straight solid lines are mainly borders of hunting zones and similar.</i></b></div>
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<b><i>THOSE VIEWS</i></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcTVjpIDFDLqqB-AIGL1nyvKXGRu4fAVUP_QqCyfpekEcY1ZqSQITWYzxPGH37BCprTMza3_plZyvsuAtRNvy_KTWOMTmr0dIJZJT3VO3BHsSZRq-vmruZa-fsfW57SRAUw4K5m3L4jaI/s1600/1AAA+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="599" data-original-width="799" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcTVjpIDFDLqqB-AIGL1nyvKXGRu4fAVUP_QqCyfpekEcY1ZqSQITWYzxPGH37BCprTMza3_plZyvsuAtRNvy_KTWOMTmr0dIJZJT3VO3BHsSZRq-vmruZa-fsfW57SRAUw4K5m3L4jaI/s640/1AAA+%25282%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><i>In the downhill direction, views face you which makes sightseeing easier than when climbing. My shot up page over the airfield from the trail was suffering a bit from the bad weather - this is another much better one I borrowed from </i></b><i><b> <a href="http://on-walkabout.net/2016/07/14/best-hike-oahu-kealia-trail/">DOBBS: on walkabout</a></b></i></div>
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<i><b>Note the clearer conditions make the north-west tip of the island fairly easy to see.</b></i></div>
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<b>The ride I got to HALEIWA from my new hiking buddy was a God send - I ended up much earlier than I thought sitting on the rear balcony of my digs behind HAWEIWA BEACH sipping a cold beer while watching a fashion shoot my AIRBNB hostess TERRI had arranged for a boutique owning friend.</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAp7fU5jtgdaVlIvEKuOlI-hO97gkWFCtcMeYwCaCNfJS0UUuSwhN2-MirtTXrDmSfdF4evPd-apNfg08ytZsmWpcmdoFEQQc5UbomYtuVzGCnkanLHoTyd6wG4RxSayEuxwhoxHpT1eE/s1600/P3270158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="590" data-original-width="1004" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAp7fU5jtgdaVlIvEKuOlI-hO97gkWFCtcMeYwCaCNfJS0UUuSwhN2-MirtTXrDmSfdF4evPd-apNfg08ytZsmWpcmdoFEQQc5UbomYtuVzGCnkanLHoTyd6wG4RxSayEuxwhoxHpT1eE/s400/P3270158.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><i>Good combination: downing an ice-cold Kona while scoping out a pretty wahini.</i></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: yellow; font-size: large;">ATTENTION: IF YOU HAVE EXTRA INFORMATION OR SEE MISTAKES, PLEASE POST BELOW. BUT IF YOU HAVE A QUESTION, PLEASE ASK IT ON THE FORUM PAGE WHICH I CHECK FAIRLY OFTEN - WHEREAS I REVISIT THESE INDIVIDUAL LOCATION PAGES ONLY OCCASIONALLY.</span></b></div>
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<b><br /></b>tezzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06099777760234890854noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-235257059160442691.post-12573177983812863512018-03-24T21:19:00.001+11:002019-02-04T09:54:18.643+11:00NOUMEA BEACHES<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">NOUMEA BEACHES - NEW CALEDONIA </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: medium;">Last visited JAN 2019</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>This page is becoming a bit lengthy - people seeking stuff on a PARTICULAR BEACH will find:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>ANSE VATA BCH - 5% down page</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>LEMON BAY - 20</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>DUCK ISLAND - 30</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>CHATEAU ROYAL BCH - 65</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>PLAGE DU MERIDIAN - 70</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>KUENDO BCH - 75</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>PLAGE DES NUDISTES - 80</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>CHS BCH - 85</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>AMADEE LIGHTOUSE - 90</b></span><br />
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<b>NOUMEA is the capital of NEW CALEDONIA and paints itself among other things as a beach destination.<i> </i></b><br />
<b><i>But I'm not whelmed. </i>What we have here, at least for the places I've seem, are way ordinary strips of sand. I'm thinking for NOUMEAN good beaches you need to head OFFSHORE.</b><br />
<b>Although no doubt the rest of GRANDE TERRE, the big main island of NOUMEA, has some drop dead gorgeous beaches - but I haven't managed to get to them. The only land trip out of NOUMEA I've done is back in the 70's into the mountains, not the coast.</b><br />
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<b>I know the LOYALTY ISLANDS north of GRANDE TERRE and the ISLE OF PINES to the east-south-east, can do the job. Some of their beaches feature on other pages of this blog - see the <a href="http://tezzasthaiinfo.blogspot.com.au/2007/06/index.html">INDEX.</a></b><br />
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<b>GRANDE TERRE, THE LOYALTIES and ISLE OF PINES</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCyZo_rNabBym8KWym06UVg4Gbp0-iCymNN1fkzc1C_aaxPeWYDLvIZkJJK_DZNPgoDwIppXIAlxHkeYZw1ndFmLA2Kn2d6QLCevSK7Qr0DG0oQjHPZFDHYZri8MDo8gkfpD4f_VCv_f8/s1600/aaaaaaa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="318" data-original-width="400" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCyZo_rNabBym8KWym06UVg4Gbp0-iCymNN1fkzc1C_aaxPeWYDLvIZkJJK_DZNPgoDwIppXIAlxHkeYZw1ndFmLA2Kn2d6QLCevSK7Qr0DG0oQjHPZFDHYZri8MDo8gkfpD4f_VCv_f8/s320/aaaaaaa.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b><i>GRAND TERRE relative to LIFOU and MARE (LOYALTY ISLANDS) and ISLE OF PINES.</i></b><br />
<b><i>Go to the <a href="http://tezzasthaiinfo.blogspot.com.au/2007/06/index.html">INDEX</a> - click on YEJELE BEACH (MARE), ISLE OF PINES and LIFOU.</i></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnccFQGfvzKIYRUAxDR2xh9uDUs10tIzfe-hjUu5Dn-8V1Vl7DM4K3i1O3PSRSEB-4mrn8tfo9np0J4PDFl-scDx1ifAu438UkBFZAHeosEVP7z425bvXb3S3AgHZhyBMrJOe3Lyxtlek/s1600/aaaa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="317" data-original-width="561" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnccFQGfvzKIYRUAxDR2xh9uDUs10tIzfe-hjUu5Dn-8V1Vl7DM4K3i1O3PSRSEB-4mrn8tfo9np0J4PDFl-scDx1ifAu438UkBFZAHeosEVP7z425bvXb3S3AgHZhyBMrJOe3Lyxtlek/s400/aaaa.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><i>This page's beaches relative to CBD and CONTAINER TERMINAL (where big cruise liners dock). The CRUISE TERMINAL where small and intermediate liners tie up is just left of the CBD PLACE MARKER.</i></b><br />
<b><i>For a linear scale it is 5km/3.1mi between top and bottom place markers.</i></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><i>ANSE VATA</i> - </span>last visited JAN 2019</b><br />
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<b>This is probably the city's #1 beach. But I found 2 deficiencies:</b><br />
<b>- EXPOSED TO THE SOUTH EAST TRADE WINDS (particularly the western half) which seem to blow more often than not in these latitudes.</b><br />
<b>These can be welcome in the hottest 3 months of the year but can become quite unpleasant in cooler months despite NOUMEA being within the tropics (just).</b><br />
<b>- TOO THIN: I found in recent years that there is a deficiency of sand from water to back of beach - in Feb 2018/Jan 209 mid and eastern areas areas had only 2m mid-tide and <i>NO BEACH </i>full tide. Bit wider towards the western end - a little over 3m full tide. SANTA MONICA it ain't.</b><br />
<b>Note my first 2 visits in the mid 70s saw plenty of sand - maybe TROPICAL CYCLONES (HURRICANES/TYPHOONS to you northern hemisphere dudes) have cut a lot of sand.</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS0rgay06rjiLuXo_G4wF1wfjicCJEO1dExGJeZxkU9Cx3MbFuzq7tbqScl_FszwNuTjE1mg2YG32gxXwFkwXuRtsyx1w791y2yyoPs5oHVvyJgSVMwuhqt7_fhmuYIrtO4iDtztdtWrs/s1600/PA290181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS0rgay06rjiLuXo_G4wF1wfjicCJEO1dExGJeZxkU9Cx3MbFuzq7tbqScl_FszwNuTjE1mg2YG32gxXwFkwXuRtsyx1w791y2yyoPs5oHVvyJgSVMwuhqt7_fhmuYIrtO4iDtztdtWrs/s400/PA290181.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><i>ANSE VATA mid and western sections look pretty sweet in this 2016 pic from the excellent OUEN TORO HILL viewpoint. Maybe it was low tide on one of those SPRING TIDE (extra low/high tides) days associated with FULL MOON/NO MOON. Didn't get s chance to visit the actual beach that day.</i></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjbIjs8XNLjO9sf8SweM7UNbH221L9IpjqpYMwcf7kYYgVzkiFRV2_rQkq_f49bPNZMXTCxeJQFWhi9wwibRMy_5cLDI7ZjIHIK_9SeYgNhKZ8uh8HOAR82PLfg5ggV-_SiTvvknhEHBs/s1600/P9140035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1600" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjbIjs8XNLjO9sf8SweM7UNbH221L9IpjqpYMwcf7kYYgVzkiFRV2_rQkq_f49bPNZMXTCxeJQFWhi9wwibRMy_5cLDI7ZjIHIK_9SeYgNhKZ8uh8HOAR82PLfg5ggV-_SiTvvknhEHBs/s400/P9140035.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<b><i>Not so impressive this 2015 low tide shot from eastern end (note wet sand to back of beach).</i></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglwJYsPNDvDpagZgtLGeMnPz36a6mFoLYdQuwN_D97ElquaqvoNbtPZB6ZslsAaqWrH_XSU8UTD7RjhmRpslJEhSgOvklEv9b7L9DZd66DqWX9B8VM2RZFztsMnd66V_1X0e9t8WWynC0/s1600/P2220118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglwJYsPNDvDpagZgtLGeMnPz36a6mFoLYdQuwN_D97ElquaqvoNbtPZB6ZslsAaqWrH_XSU8UTD7RjhmRpslJEhSgOvklEv9b7L9DZd66DqWX9B8VM2RZFztsMnd66V_1X0e9t8WWynC0/s400/P2220118.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<b><i>Ditto this high tide mid-beach shot 2018. Note it widens a bit at far western end. Wind was pretty brisk on the day but wavelets small due to the protection of GRANDE TERRE'S formidable barrier reef - making this a relatively safe beach for swimming but not as good as wind-protected LEMON BEACH immediately east (see down page). </i></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2zfBWEYfNaAPx2R4RguobCYBZULYGKIGrDczeMi3RtbQY6vHV86BiofZHgi9L9saAO5i5JfD_71VNPEz8ckzc2VumdqNLHTKj0apkWjKsGJD7QCRuad4LBN47CqHpX62V5dILQZuW31k/s1600/P2220120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2zfBWEYfNaAPx2R4RguobCYBZULYGKIGrDczeMi3RtbQY6vHV86BiofZHgi9L9saAO5i5JfD_71VNPEz8ckzc2VumdqNLHTKj0apkWjKsGJD7QCRuad4LBN47CqHpX62V5dILQZuW31k/s400/P2220120.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><i>A PLUS of exposure to those brisk prevailing TRADE WINDS is that ANSE VATA is the WIND and KITE SURFING capital of the south west Pacific.</i></b><br />
<b><i>Several places along the beach concourse rent equipment and give lessons.</i></b><br />
<i><b>That's the rather good DUCK ISLAND in background (see down page) - 5 minute frequent water taxi from mid ANSE VATA for a better beach and some okay snorkelling. Island entryFREE - water taxi less than $20aud return. </b></i><br />
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<b><i>The other plus of ANSE VATA is the precinct of PAVEMENT CAFES/RESTAURANTS across the beach road, particularly good towards the eastern end end. Cool places to sit and check the passing parade and being NEW CALEDONIA, not inexpensive.</i></b><br />
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<b>SUM UP - compared to the thousand-odd other beaches I've visited I have to rate this one BELOW AVERAGE. Not bad Mind you but nothing to get excited about. Unless you are a WIND SURFER or KITE BOARDER.</b><br />
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<b>ANSE VATA and SURROUNDING AREA</b><br />
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<b><i>ANSE VATA (the central south facing bay with water taxis/pavement cafes) certainly shows lack of sand in this GOOGLE EARTH image. LEMON BAY at top not much better. PLAGE DU CHATEAU ROYAL which is really a southern extension of ANSE VATA actually looks a bit wider. </i></b><br />
<b><i>You can see the relative closeness of DUCK ISLAND and QUEEN TORO VIEWPOINT top of eponymous big hill - the later is well worth the walk from ANSE VATA (note city bus #10 goes up and several tourist buses and the Chou Chou train from the CRUISE TERMINAL or DOCK also visit). </i></b><br />
<b><i>For LINEAR SCALE it's 1200m between place markers of DUCK ISL and WATER TAXIS.</i></b><br />
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<b>COSE-UP OF EASTERN HALF OF ANSE VATA</b><br />
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<b><i>Spot the sand. I figure the GOOGLE EARTH satellite must have snapped this just after a TROPICAL CYCLONE cut all the sand out or at the very top of a fortnight's highest tide around FULL MOON or NO MOON (how come they call the latter NEW MOON? - doesn't make sense, But that's ENGLISH - does SPENDTHRIFT make sense for a big time spender?) </i></b><br />
<b><i>Note this half of the beach is more protected from the SE TRADES - the best windsurfing/kite-sailing is off the western half.</i></b><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /></span></span>
<b>GETTING THERE</b><br />
<b>ANSE VATA coupled with the adjacent BAIE DES CITRONS and CASINO areas comprises NOUMEA'S main tourist hotel zone, so access is a relatively short walk for people staying there.</b><br />
<b>However a majority of visitors these days is made up of CRUISE SHIPS PASSENGERS (over 20 liners visit each month) - access is probably <i>easiest</i> hopping on the ship-booked JUMP ON/JUMP OFF BUS at the CRUISE TERMINAL. But at half the price other JO/JO buses run out of the CRUISE TERMINAL (free frequent 10 minute shuttle from the CONTAINER PORT where most big liners dock) - these are the go. LYVAI TOUR (look for the dudes in the red t-shirts) tends to have more and more frequent buses. I think they are least expensive these days too.</b><br />
<b>TOWN BUS 12 which I think is called <i>the beach bus</i> also runs from the CRUISE TERMINAL ARE , + town buses 10, 11 AND 70 depart from stops a few blocks inland from the TERMINAL near COCONUT SQUARE. However you will need CPF FRANCS for town buses. LYVAI etc take Aussie dollars and credit cards.</b><br />
<b>The popular CHOU CHOU TRAINS run past ANSE VATA and BAIE DE CITRONS but don't stop. Once again LYVAI'S CHOU CHOU is abt half the price of the one starting at the ship.</b><br />
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<b><i>LYVAI JO/JO BUSES outside the CRUISE TERMINAL. </i></b><br />
<b><i>Note VOYAGER OF THE SEAS at the container port in background - a bit further than this shot suggests: I have cranked a bit of telephoto into the ol' elcheapo OLYMPUS.</i></b><br />
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<b><i><br /></i></b><b><span style="font-size: large;"><i>-----------------------------------------</i></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><i>BAIE DES CITRONS (LEMON BAY)</i> </span>- last visited Feb 2018</b><br />
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<b>Okay - technically the beach here is called <i>PLAGE DE LA BAIE DES CITRONS</i>, but I like it simple, say <i>LEMON BEACH.</i></b><br />
<b>I prefer this one to neighbouring to the east ANSE VATA, mainly because it's SHELTERED FROM THE PREVAILING SE TRADES and HAS MORE SAND AT FULL TIDE.</b><br />
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<b><i>The beach is set deep within LEMON BAY, shielded from the south-easterlies by the longish headland on which the camera is situated.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>3/4 tide shot shows more sand than at ANSE VATA (it's wider at this northern end than mid or south but the beach does not disappear in those places unlike at ANSE VATA) although it still is not what you'd call a WIDE beach.</i></b><br />
<b><i>Note lack of chop and the smallest of wavelets - this is a good beach for kids, and adults who are a bit phased by rougher stuff. The fact that the water shelves fairly gently doesn't hurt either.</i></b><br />
<b><i>However WIND SURFERS and KITE BOARDERS will not be impressed by the sheltered conditions.</i></b><br />
<b><i>Note too there is NO SHORTAGE OF SHADE behind the beach. Also some outdoor showers and rest rooms.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>Across the road from the beach are several PAVEMENT CAFES - not as many as at the far end of ANSE VATA but still an attractive feature.</i></b><br />
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<b>SUM UP - you won't be writing home to mum about this one either but to me it is a step up from its neighbour - to SATISFACTORY. </b><br />
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<b>Hmmm - not much sand showing here either. Same super high-tide FULL MOON or NO MOON day as featured on ANSE VATA satellite shot. Just had another thought - maybe this was shot just after a TROPICAL CYCLONE ripped thru and cut a hell of a lot of sand from the bay - TROPICAL CYCLONES have been very frequent in recent years. Thing is beaches wax and wane - seemed to have waxed a bit on my Feb2018 visit.</b><br />
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<b>GETTING THERE - same as up page for ANSE VATA.</b><br />
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<b><br /></b><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>-----------------------------------------</i></b></span><br />
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">DUCK ISLAND (ILE aux CANARDS) - </span>visited Feb 2018</i></b><br />
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<b>MOST CORAL CAYS TAKE SOME REACHING - THIS ONE IS LESS THAN 10 MINS FROM NOUMEA CITY (ACTUALLY CENTRAL ANSE VATA BEACH) VIA FREQUENT WATER TAXI.</b><br />
<b>But I was left a little perplexed - plenty of gulls BUT WHERE'S THE DUCKS?</b><br />
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<b>DUCK ISLAND AND NEARBY NOUMEA LOCATIONS.</b><br />
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<i><b>DUCK ISLAND lower left is only 1200 m from the central ANSE VATA water taxi departure point (arrow). About the same from CHATEAU ROYAL'S BCH - but directly you need to wim or wind-surf from there. The OUEN TORO (QUEEN TORO) hill viewpoint is well worth the walk if you don't spend all day on the </b><b>island.</b></i><br />
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<b>DUCK ISLAND from QUEEN TORO VIEWPOINT.</b><br />
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<b><i>Only 1200m off ANSE VATA BECH and 1950 from the viewpoimt/</i></b><br />
<b><i>Note you can see the outer BARRIER REEF (white streak) from here - some 20lkm from the camera. No surprises - NOUMEA'S big island (GRAND TERRE) has the second biggest barrier reef and enclosed lagoon in the world.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>A coral cay is a former atoll where the lagoon has been filled or partly filled with detritus eroded from the reef. Wind and wave action piles it above sea level - but never to an appreciable height. This island can be walked around in around 15 minutes.</i></b><br />
<b><i>Note the size of the surrounding reef in the above GOOGLE EARTH pic. Somewhat surprisingly I found BEST SNORKELING was in the WHITE ARROW area. Boats arrive in the YELLOW area - and the BEST BRACH is behind both WHITE and YELLOW. For those seeking a more secluded section of beach, CHARCOAL does the trick. I forgot to mark the SEA BIRD HATCHERY AREA - it's just north of the SOUTH EAST CORNER near the 200m place marker.</i></b><br />
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<b>THE BEACH</b><br />
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<b><i>You are not gonna write home to mum about this one. At the same time it's way better than NOUMEA'S mainland </i></b><b style="text-align: center;"><i>ANSE VATA and LEMON BEACH in that there is plenty of width top of the tide. </i></b><br />
<b style="text-align: center;"><i>Another plus is this is on the LEE SIDE of the island and thus protected from the prevailing SE TRADE WINDS which I find a pain. On a moderately blustery day it was pretty benign here.</i></b><br />
<b><i>Above we have lotsa room to lay a towel/sarong on the sand at front - behind is the day-resort SUNLOUNGE area: can be rented at what I thought an excessively high fee (but I'm a cheapskate).</i></b><br />
<b><i>Sand was white/yellow. Lotsa coral debris particularly near the water which made my elcheapo chain store REEF BOOTIES a good investment.</i></b><br />
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<b>SUN LOUNGE AREA</b><br />
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<b><i>Just the spot if you are the type likes to sit back and suck the frequent drink from the day trip resort bar. A bit above my pension grade unfortunately.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>DAY TRIP BAR</i></b><br />
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<b><i>Cool bar in center of island. Can also do meals. Being NEW CALEDONIA, prices are not inexpensive.</i></b><br />
<b><i>There is also a REST ROOM area nearby. No accommodation on DUCK ISLAND.</i></b><br />
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<b>SNORKELING</b><br />
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<b><i>The best snorkeling seemed to be left (looking out to sea) of the water taxi arrival area. Some okay coral and fishies reasonably close to the sand will keep novice snorkelers happy but hard core dudes have seen much better.</i></b><br />
<b><i>Further out the coral lost colour and size. I didn't continue to the REEF DROP-OFF (white buoys) because I was feeling lazy - but cut me a break: at almost 73 I've lost a bit of enthusiasm for long swims to places might be (but very seldom are) a step up. However a DIVE BOAT tied up out there indicated it could be an interesting spot.</i></b><br />
<b><i>Day trip resort can rent snorkel gear but it ain't a bargain - my Brit mate from the water taxi demurred so I lent him my mask. I always carry a face mask - can do without bulky fins and snorkel..</i></b><br />
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<b>ALTERNATIVE SNORKELING</b><br />
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<b><i>These people were about to check out the area off the SECLUDED BEACH area. Seemed fairly popular with snorkellers but I didn't check it. </i></b><br />
<b><i>ALSO - I did check the area to the RIGHT of the boat arrival spot - a lady told me she saw some TURTLES there. Nada for me - the area featured plenty of sea grass, little coral, some fish - turtles had shot thu. </i></b><br />
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<b>STROPPY SEA BIRDS</b><br />
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<b><i>My Brit mate from the water taxi was underhwhelmed by the aggressive sea birds here at the southern end of the east coast - understandable at a hatchery. I found the usual stick held above the head kept them away.</i></b><br />
<b><i>East coast pretty barren - cops the SE TRADES full on. I'm thinking abt that SAND SPIT you can see far background - must have been from times time when the prevailing winds REVERSE for a short time, the resulting currents dragging sand off the BEST BEACH area. Or maybe there is a permanent tidal current on the waxing or waning tide despite the prevailing south-easterlies - I didn't notice any side drag when snorkelling to the left of this area.</i></b><br />
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<b> BACK TO THE MAINLAND</b><br />
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<b><i>Such is the frequency of the water taxis, I only had to wait 5 minutes for this one.</i></b><br />
<b><i>Once back, I headed left to check out WESTERN ANSE VATA and LEMON BEACH, but you can easily head right for EASTERN ANSE VATA and the PAVEMENT CAFES across the road, the CHATEAU ROYAL beach area and the superior QUEEN TORO VIEWPOINT behind. You can save a bit (not much) of walking by crossing the road to the JUMP ON/JUMP off bus stop and going a minute or two to the NORTH ANSE VATA TURN-AROUND which is very near the SIDEWALK CAFE precinct.</i></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">CHATEAU ROYAL BEACH</span> - last visited JAN 2019</b><br />
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<b>This one is really a extension of ANSE VATA but its orientation makes it more sheltered from the south east trades. </b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-nYtL8gcLUL2qT200kSSOwl1NwJ_Y5sg5O_GcJ04XHN0efArSQasgs_KWZOeBwOTgzmOfmFItnrieS6CornMkKPifeEAAPVg5vd8ISDRlPn_r_7WfziZCBIJ43IZsC8-l-vkWJ9sXB2I/s1600/20190114_135945.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="304" data-original-width="539" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-nYtL8gcLUL2qT200kSSOwl1NwJ_Y5sg5O_GcJ04XHN0efArSQasgs_KWZOeBwOTgzmOfmFItnrieS6CornMkKPifeEAAPVg5vd8ISDRlPn_r_7WfziZCBIJ43IZsC8-l-vkWJ9sXB2I/s320/20190114_135945.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<i><b>CHATEAU ROYAL WIDE BCH at top starts less than 400m south of ANSE VATA, followed by CHATEAU ROYAL NARROW BCH middle. </b></i><br />
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<b>CHATEAU ROYAL WIDE BCH</b><br />
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<b><i>The wider part of CHATEAU ROYAL BEACH (that's my name by the way - it probably has a local name but I can't find it) is open to the public. This section seemed to be more organised in 2019 than in 2014 - wind/kite surfers had been banished to PlAGE DU MERIDIAN further south and the area off the above beach given over to swimmers plus boats/water taxis in dedicated areas.(image TRIPADVISOR)</i></b><br />
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<b>CHATEAU ROYAL BCH NARROW</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5RNi5xQ-ERSwfOv105fiA5ibQXwehIsWbVtze4l1RyGs3wxGatinA0mOfPo11WnwDrAInDlAV1ljrl8smkVqGcrp2I8dDU1W5ec_BdNukWq_fTtHyK-6nJTEExArMKxURt3f18HzcvpE/s1600/aaaaaaaaa.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="252" data-original-width="400" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5RNi5xQ-ERSwfOv105fiA5ibQXwehIsWbVtze4l1RyGs3wxGatinA0mOfPo11WnwDrAInDlAV1ljrl8smkVqGcrp2I8dDU1W5ec_BdNukWq_fTtHyK-6nJTEExArMKxURt3f18HzcvpE/s400/aaaaaaaaa.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><i>Just south of the previous image (to its left) the beach narrows markedly for about 80m - pretty skinny from sea to back of beach, unlike the 70s when this was a reasonably wide beach. If you click-wexpand you can see wider section of beach in middle ground and ANSE VATA bay far background.</i></b><br />
<b><i>Interestingly this narrow section is actually in front of the MERIDIEN HOTEL but this is not PLAGE DU MERIDIAN - that beach is immediately south (see down page).</i></b><br />
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<b><i>In 2014 this was a popular WIND SURFING/KITE BOARDING beach.</i></b><br />
<b><i>I grabbed my FACE MASK and checked the scene out there - probably only 2m deep 250m from the sand. A lot of sea grass, a few scattered small coral bommies with fish - novice snorkelers may find it interesting but hard core types will be bored.</i></b><br />
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<b>PLAGE DU MERIDIAN (MERIDIEN BCH)</b><br />
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<b><i>This is immediately south of the narrow part of CHATEAU ROYAL BCH. and is actually a spit beach before the coast turns due east. Note how compact it is - barely over 100m long. However unlike lots of NOUMEA beaches, it is plenty wide at full tide. The south easterly trades tend to blow offshore making water off the sand fairly smooth - but lack of protective buildings or landscape features means it was nicely cool and the warmish day I visited. Note the bay to the right was very chopped up by the wind and unappealing. There's no beach that side.</i></b><br />
<b><i>Not sure about status re public access - offshore is a designated wind/kite surfing area, but there is a wire fence going inland from that breakwater at top which I found easy to walk around. Only half a dozen beach goers on a nice day when CHATEAU ROYAL BEACH had well over a hundred.</i></b><br />
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<b><i><br /></i></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">BEACHES OF THE NOUVILLE PENINSULA</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>last visited Nov 2018</i></span></b><br />
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<b><i>The NOUVILLE PENINSULA is west of the CBD and the CONTAINER TERMINAL where bigger cruise liners tie up (smaller ones berth at the CRUISE TERMINAL which is just to left of the CBD place marker). The peninsula is hilly and semi-urban - contains quite a few public buildings including a couple of hospitals and the university. There are a few beaches towards its far end.</i></b><br />
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<b>KUENDO BEACH</b><br />
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<b><i>KUENDO BEACH is situated where the N place-marker is on the map above this one. It's about 7km from the CBD on bus #10 - go to the final stop which is marked above, walk another 80m and look for the track leading right which goes 150m thru the park to the beach.</i></b><br />
<b><i>The 400m long beach itself is spit into 2 parts - the southern public section and the northern resort section. Labels will be clearer if you click-expand image.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>This is the public beach section of KUENDO. In many respects it's a typical NOUMEA beach - not particularly attractive sand (a fair bit of weed and coral detritus), thin (check the high tide mark in the top photo), water not super clear and fairly shallow for some distance off the sand. However it differs in that its orientation plus the surrounding hills mean the prevailing south easterlies are OFFSHORE, meaning smoother water conditions. And it has a RURAL atmosphere, backed by a pleasant park area (I read some reports which said this was in pretty sad condition not all that long ago - looks like the authorities have spent a bit of money here) instead of the restaurants etc of in-town beaches. I went for a swim - some patches of coral rock offshore with a few fish, but nothing to get excited about.</i></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrxStoXmeWFbc8PuwAn5Wn_ElrZKT-BnhYjoI9fsMUYKVL8bUzi_gMit4xRFyb7Y-GQplsDwgbouySZtBR7EmzgJqfJ-foIwI7lfYgydw8rcIvGBiLLLNIrVML47zj5wjDzT90dLDI-QI/s1600/PA310004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="1600" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrxStoXmeWFbc8PuwAn5Wn_ElrZKT-BnhYjoI9fsMUYKVL8bUzi_gMit4xRFyb7Y-GQplsDwgbouySZtBR7EmzgJqfJ-foIwI7lfYgydw8rcIvGBiLLLNIrVML47zj5wjDzT90dLDI-QI/s400/PA310004.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><i>This shot shows the continuation of KUENDO into the resort area - note the beach is one smooth arc (see GOOGLE EARTH image up page) - my elcheapo OLYMPUS hasn't stitched this panorama shot together all that well.</i></b><br />
<b><i>I'm not real sure how many resorts are on the northern half - the internet talks of KUENDO BEACH RESORT and KUENDO BEACH HOTEL but is never clear on if this is one place with 2 names, or 2 places.</i></b><br />
<b><i>Note how smooth the bay is - I think you may need a TROPICAL CYCLONE SWELL to generate any waves or even wavelets here. This, the shallow water and the park make for an excellent kids' beach.</i></b><br />
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<b>PLAGE DES NUDISTES</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaHnnkiT_hebr_BE1AHm_agEAGgyl5pacJZGZh3WtcnWW3P9S9ySOiU0k7w7nPfd8BR-xtBmDi3RyRKHNlS_ibWJ-c9rXQRbR-eUda57H_Sy6MzfJByH6wqNH6GxMKSkMBpf9Mar4NBtk/s1600/PA310006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaHnnkiT_hebr_BE1AHm_agEAGgyl5pacJZGZh3WtcnWW3P9S9ySOiU0k7w7nPfd8BR-xtBmDi3RyRKHNlS_ibWJ-c9rXQRbR-eUda57H_Sy6MzfJByH6wqNH6GxMKSkMBpf9Mar4NBtk/s400/PA310006.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i><b>This is about 300m south of KUENDO on the east facing coast, across a slightly raised cleared section of land inland of the steep western headland of KUENDO - see image below. Shorter than KUENDO but otherwise much the same EXCEPT it faces east into the south easterlies and is not backed by parkland. Note no nudists the nice weekday of my visit.</b></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8zIUk6B88bwGysx5r06ve9nRlkXA-FLo7uXgeLdZn3ZKXKyEnyTJjve5eqstjUN_ZcXrdMmBYxOKCXYsxHCm1SwuSz-98V5QRIEuU0GMO1iYOdbWtpT5bI2st1Bi7-LYndArEv09VNlw/s1600/AA22+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="454" data-original-width="803" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8zIUk6B88bwGysx5r06ve9nRlkXA-FLo7uXgeLdZn3ZKXKyEnyTJjve5eqstjUN_ZcXrdMmBYxOKCXYsxHCm1SwuSz-98V5QRIEuU0GMO1iYOdbWtpT5bI2st1Bi7-LYndArEv09VNlw/s400/AA22+%25282%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><br /></b><b>NO NAME BEACH</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRLiua3PysQQ6wedWrcrAS41I1rznRz-tLq0ZrydgS9DzVLTQFyuDkDo4kVOAG3kgccgtsQwT2MS0TDKbt7tKBC0v3EqxCG842xTbH_Q57r0JSEAHJnb9l_5SLljZxmxWmdMVXYaoNlYU/s1600/PA310005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1120" data-original-width="841" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRLiua3PysQQ6wedWrcrAS41I1rznRz-tLq0ZrydgS9DzVLTQFyuDkDo4kVOAG3kgccgtsQwT2MS0TDKbt7tKBC0v3EqxCG842xTbH_Q57r0JSEAHJnb9l_5SLljZxmxWmdMVXYaoNlYU/s400/PA310005.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<b><i>This is north of NUDISTS BEACH towards the end of the eastern side of KUENDO HEADLAND (see GOOGLE IMAGE up page under KUENDO BEACH heading). NO NAME is my name - no doubt it has a local name but GOOGLE MAPS doesn't call it. Speaking of which.....I wouldn't be a bit surprised if this was not the real PLAGE DES NUDISTES. Seems like the perfect nudey beach - away from the crowds - a bit hard to reach. Which is exactly why this happy camper didn't go there - my 73yo arthritic knees don't appreciate extended walks to places which may involve some difficult access. </i></b><br />
<b><i>Then again - the GOOGLE nominated PLAGE DES NUDISTES does have decent parking just behind the beach - something NOUMEA's weekend naturists might appreciate.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>CHS BEACH</i></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkRiDzjFWfZFhG4gAH1Y5SjOeUFe_Y7WLRLBUL7qDKOxI3p6FTltgmpzGCVrFweZ_KCJrpZ75RnOw9skQdoHw9w7c_fJhTEj79rTmaHDIGnqiLSnwK8noruSI1VUrUPHHnyvm5wO0yUgE/s1600/PA310011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkRiDzjFWfZFhG4gAH1Y5SjOeUFe_Y7WLRLBUL7qDKOxI3p6FTltgmpzGCVrFweZ_KCJrpZ75RnOw9skQdoHw9w7c_fJhTEj79rTmaHDIGnqiLSnwK8noruSI1VUrUPHHnyvm5wO0yUgE/s400/PA310011.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<b><i>My name, because 2/3 of it it is behind the CHS HOSPITAL (Google Maps gives no name). Note the typical narrowness, particularly above the high tide mark and plenty of marine detritus blown onshore by the prevailing SE Trade winds.</i></b><br />
<b><i>I shot this from a storm-water pipeline showing abt 400m of beach. Behind camera is another 200m odd, backed by housing in the furthest end.</i></b><br />
<b><i>Summing up, I wouldn't write home to mum about this beach.</i></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh72kPvkYQGAK-fw9bSMGUWU1OEmHo377jQYmcdNQIz9ucLWGRbY5tpt_hL4cT9gxS6mm6Rh2Zl6_suqoc4tcEh1_9BFnV7nMGkQbM7xehN4DC3E6bbshhCgN1MImCMF6jhxT-seybF4tY/s1600/16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="409" data-original-width="723" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh72kPvkYQGAK-fw9bSMGUWU1OEmHo377jQYmcdNQIz9ucLWGRbY5tpt_hL4cT9gxS6mm6Rh2Zl6_suqoc4tcEh1_9BFnV7nMGkQbM7xehN4DC3E6bbshhCgN1MImCMF6jhxT-seybF4tY/s400/16.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><i>Location is about 200m south-east of the nudey beach. Note the bus stop on the inland of the hospital - accessed from the beach by a road leaving not far pastthe pipeline</i></b><br />
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<b>COMING UP</b><br />
<b>With more NOUMEA visits in 2019 (<i>Lady Tezza </i>sure is a keen cruiser and I can't say no to 8-11 days of relaxation/eating on a huge liner - and all liners calling in at the smaller NOUMEAN islands must also visit NOUMEA insist local authorities) I am not sure which beach to visit. The only one I haven't checked since the 1970s is that at AMADEE LIGHTHOUSE. The island here is bigger than DUCK ISLAND and the beach goes right around. There is also a surrounding lagoon which offers snorkelling and from my 70s memory, water skiing. My memory is a bit vague after all this time but I seem to remember a nicer beach than at DUCK ISLAND which I regard as NOUMEA MAINLAND'S best.</b><br />
<b>But the question is - is AMADEE LIGHTHOUSE a NOUMEA beach? It's 25km due south from the Marina guarding a pass in the BARRIER REEF. At 25km, I don't think so.</b><br />
<b>The other thing is the trip out there is not too easy much of the time. When the SOUTH EAST TRADES BLOW a lot of the way can be choppy and uncomfortable. And not inexpensive.</b><br />
<b>So don't hold your breath for any upcoming report.</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCPnBHAbBXHxWAMjpTKmGSJLV26dBkbiv7RmPlfvI3JUv7RrYrKYis_MOld5RsWurjEOtcPkwn_5UNJl8xGyx2VJOHDEqfYjRlqfZOPOZGeeqbOXFOx1F57zBF8sfM8QTYGoQbY1P-B8I/s1600/20190114_13944.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="227" data-original-width="340" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCPnBHAbBXHxWAMjpTKmGSJLV26dBkbiv7RmPlfvI3JUv7RrYrKYis_MOld5RsWurjEOtcPkwn_5UNJl8xGyx2VJOHDEqfYjRlqfZOPOZGeeqbOXFOx1F57zBF8sfM8QTYGoQbY1P-B8I/s400/20190114_13944.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><i>Looks nice. But a (possibly bumpy) 25km? (image <a href="https://www.princess.com/excursion/exDetails.page?t=&exType=S&tourCode=NOU-810">PRINCESS CRUISES</a>)</i></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: yellow; font-size: medium;">IF YOU SEE MISTAKES OR HAVE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, PLEASE POST BELOW.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: yellow; font-size: medium;">BUT IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS PLEASE ASK THEM IN <a href="http://tezzasthaiinfo.blogspot.com.au/2007/10/forum.html?commentPage=3" style="color: #aa77aa;">THE FORUM SECTION</a> WHICH I CHECK MOST DAYS WHEN NOT TRAVELLING - WHEREAS I SELDOM REVISIT THESE INDIVIDUAL DESTINATION PAGES.</span></b></div>
tezzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06099777760234890854noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-235257059160442691.post-41927730317349627642018-01-23T20:06:00.001+11:002018-05-16T21:36:55.469+10:00OAHU - OTHER NEAT PLACES:SOUTH-EAST COAST<br />
<b>VISITED APRIL 2016</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><span style="color: yellow;">ATTENTION - THIS IS A LENGTHY PAGE. IF YOU HAVE BEEN DIRECTED HERE by GOOGLE OR SOME OTHER SEARCH ENGINE, YOU MAY SAVE TIME FINDING YOUR PLACE OF INTEREST AS FOLLOWS:</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: yellow;">- DIAMOND HEAD is IMMEDIATELY BELOW</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: yellow;">- KOKO CRATER AND RIDGE CLIMB is 22% down page.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: yellow;">- MAKAPU'U HEAD is 45% down page</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: yellow;">- LANIKAI PILLBOXES 65%</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: yellow;">Not sure how those percentages will work on your device - but the above gives you some idea.</span></b><br />
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<b><br /></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">DIAMOND HEAD CRATER</span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv-cyXQr3H9Ni2ej5OgtYgfp3yaTFsXZSmKdelX5uEFanRaB-HjKi99Odao4pr_oDV8lWQI13BzDJwCK01s-z4Ig2yd9dKhwpBe3jTU3LPFSH5SdeVhRihRwDuJ5WrWaNI8BkM8xB8LHY/s1600/P3190001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="809" data-original-width="1600" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv-cyXQr3H9Ni2ej5OgtYgfp3yaTFsXZSmKdelX5uEFanRaB-HjKi99Odao4pr_oDV8lWQI13BzDJwCK01s-z4Ig2yd9dKhwpBe3jTU3LPFSH5SdeVhRihRwDuJ5WrWaNI8BkM8xB8LHY/s400/P3190001.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><i>DIAMOND HEAD from WAIKIKI BEACH</i></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></b>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigf1hVhoazsX0KkvLmkq9o49jyeWRnnnc5LnYOO560SV2e7DaIrMLImlomyvWAPImngiWWOSB1GakKbGoKsDgAQ1no6OztNX02rdluQ0xJRdO2FlJHO4zXH5C3p57n_OAiBxHu3BPmDRw/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="301" data-original-width="533" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigf1hVhoazsX0KkvLmkq9o49jyeWRnnnc5LnYOO560SV2e7DaIrMLImlomyvWAPImngiWWOSB1GakKbGoKsDgAQ1no6OztNX02rdluQ0xJRdO2FlJHO4zXH5C3p57n_OAiBxHu3BPmDRw/s400/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><i>DIAMOND HEAD is on the south coast of OAHU, HAWAII'S major island, about 2.5mi/4km by road from central WAIKIKI.</i></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><i><br /></i></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: small;">MISTAKE ABOVE - when marking this map I've put the WAIKIKI place marker too far west - that is actually the location of the AIRPORT as can be seen below. WAIKIKI below is in the right place - some 5miles/8km SSE of the airport and much closer to DIAMOND HEAD than shown above.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: small;">The above HONOLULU place marker IS ALSO MISLEADING. Greater Honolulu is a fairly big city and extends across much of the southern coast in this image, with offshoots going up mountain ridges and the gullies between - WAIKIKI and DIAMOND HEAD are actually parts of HONOLULU. The natural place to put a HONOLULU place marker is in the DOWNTOWN/CITY/CBD AREA which is between the first "W" and"a" in "Waikiki" above. I have it way too far west - just east of PEARL HARBOUR entrance.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: small;">My apologies - as a map maker I'm a great retired economist. On account it's too time consuming to change all these maps the errors continue for the next 7 maps - HALEIWA has the first island map with no mistakes.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><i><br /></i></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: small;">CORRECTED WAIKIKI-HONOLULU CBD MAP</span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge44mKquiU6Y4oXNcNI6pACGI3N1SgBrqjfpIZncsfmTTxj8qLZVfNhyphenhypheng2XFh67BLgLh88F9qrc-gJi6IVqvYTd2b47rcRijxW7xqFfWgpDgFzDB7gZUq8UpQODjE9Gymo5zcjsfEPcXI/s1600/17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="269" data-original-width="474" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge44mKquiU6Y4oXNcNI6pACGI3N1SgBrqjfpIZncsfmTTxj8qLZVfNhyphenhypheng2XFh67BLgLh88F9qrc-gJi6IVqvYTd2b47rcRijxW7xqFfWgpDgFzDB7gZUq8UpQODjE9Gymo5zcjsfEPcXI/s400/17.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><i>No linear scale - the straight line distance between the Pearl Harbour and DIAMOND HEAD place markers is 11.5miles/18.4km.</i></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><i><br /></i></span></b>
<b>CLOSE-UP OF DIAMOND HEAD CRATER AND SURROUNDS</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN87PaKPkyjYQYZh-kt6CmF2XUIICPxF0z61Jh3oGbfrU-8MGScN9uJosURtwul8iIBZ1I10QHu99JkiZNeO_BeSz5K1hu5zYbBg3rdmXqcQDb1nqcpT7dtVeOhLszKkGOTczQkt0wmSE/s1600/16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="337" data-original-width="596" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN87PaKPkyjYQYZh-kt6CmF2XUIICPxF0z61Jh3oGbfrU-8MGScN9uJosURtwul8iIBZ1I10QHu99JkiZNeO_BeSz5K1hu5zYbBg3rdmXqcQDb1nqcpT7dtVeOhLszKkGOTczQkt0wmSE/s400/16.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><i>The coastal road to the south of the crater is DIAMOND HEAD ROAD which wraps around the eastern and northern sides and becomes MONSARAT AVE not far from its notation on the image (which may be clearer if you click-expand).</i></b><br />
<b><i>The park area to the left (west) alongside the coast is KAPIOLANI PARK. The WAIKIKI HOTEL ZONE is out of image just past the north end of the park.</i></b><br />
<b><i>Area under "V" of "Viewpoint" contains 2 pedestrian tunnels and several steep sets of stairs.</i></b><br />
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<b>I caught a bus up from WAIKIKI (several routes pass the stop shown - see <a href="http://www.thebus.org/Route/Routes.asp">THE BUS</a> website) and walked the side road to the car park on the crater floor (1100yards/1000m). I then took the path up to the south rim VIEWPOINT (details down page). </b><br />
<b>I found a long wait for a bus on return - a local advised me to walk 200m west to the next stop where bus #2 picks up every 10/15 minutes.</b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b><b>IN THE CRATER</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg1GCpLLLE-X2f5BXb0Q5YQqFa8JAQprnv7uoWzwEn8C8rlQ27pId2IaodjWYEn2wpy9340dFeuN2onOswzhyD3bBgA_Ay7xD1H0plQMymKmG6JPdsyk8NmHTl4ge5vz8Y1z-UMhptbnI/s1600/P3190008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="832" data-original-width="1600" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg1GCpLLLE-X2f5BXb0Q5YQqFa8JAQprnv7uoWzwEn8C8rlQ27pId2IaodjWYEn2wpy9340dFeuN2onOswzhyD3bBgA_Ay7xD1H0plQMymKmG6JPdsyk8NmHTl4ge5vz8Y1z-UMhptbnI/s400/P3190008.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><i>The crater floor a short distance after entering via the tunnel under the northern rim. </i></b><br />
<b><i>Southern rim in background - viewing platform at highest point.</i></b><br />
<b><i>Last entrance 16.30.</i></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_mmcodM37oKq-xnFoQ9UCBqYIxcEyq_QcDkG7Mu-ojt9Q-OwXnH-2VNevUdQx_6NRDxvaqOW_WetPOyLQZVQGODsk24_7EM5D1mhkx-eAZHmBk1IOcrwK3TUsKLIS1PtfdauQfLuYcok/s1600/P3190012_LI.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1038" data-original-width="1557" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_mmcodM37oKq-xnFoQ9UCBqYIxcEyq_QcDkG7Mu-ojt9Q-OwXnH-2VNevUdQx_6NRDxvaqOW_WetPOyLQZVQGODsk24_7EM5D1mhkx-eAZHmBk1IOcrwK3TUsKLIS1PtfdauQfLuYcok/s400/P3190012_LI.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><i>Crater floor from the southern rim observation area. ENTRANCE TUNNEL highlighted by yellow arrow - abt 250m long, not too claustrophobic if you walk thru like me. Side path separates walkers from traffic. As you can see the north rim is considerably lower than the south.</i></b><br />
<b><i>Parking area central, had a lot of daytrip vans and buses, waiting taxis plus many rental cars. $5 per car: S1 for walk-ins like me.</i></b><br />
<b><i>The buildings adjacent the parking area house State Park administrative areas and the gift shop/interpretive kiosk. There are also rest rooms in this area.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>Lower slopes of walking track to the southern rim observation deck (partial arrow top-center). Track starts adjacent carpark and is about 1km/1100yard long. Officially classified as a MODERATE trek, I found it varied. The above early section (30%) was a bit of a doddle - not too steep, paved and no steps. The middle 50% got a bit tougher - steeper (moderate but not killer) and the track surface deteriorated to dirt with a series of switchbacks and few step ups (but I can't remember any stairs). Plenty of stairs last 20% plus 2 tunnels, some sections quite steep - will tax unfit people but a few stops will get them thru. Certainly there was no shortage of people at the top. Or walking the track as you can see.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>The best view from the top is probably to the west - most prominent are the towers of WAIKIKI and HONOLULU CITY (arrow denotes entrance to Kahanamuku Lagoon which is generally thought to be the coastal division between the 2 places).</i></b><br />
<b><i>Open green area left middle is KAPIOLANI PARK which is a real good spot to spend time - has tennis courts, an outdoor fitness area, a cricket oval (!), other sporting arenas, a live music dome and houses the HONOLULU ZOO. The more treed area adjacent the shore is a favoured picnic area and adjacent is unseen is QUEENS BEACH which is an extension of the various WAIKIKI beaches. </i></b><br />
<b><i>Housing area closest camera is part of the DIAMOND HEAD/KAPIOLANI suburban area.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>180 degrees gets this eastern outlook. Peak in background is KOKO CRATER (see down page for my climb). The fact its top is well above the horizon emphasises how much higher than DIAMOND HEAD it is. Headland to its right is the western rim of the HANUAMA BAY CRATER). You can trek this too, but it's not legal. </i></b><br />
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<b><i>Southern view (actually there's a bit of west in this) shows the DIAMOND HEAD holiday resort towers which are about 1400yds/1280m west of the end of the WAIKIKI strip. A popular tourist accommodation alternative. Turning left slightly allows a view of some of the DIAMOND HEAD COAST areas - discontinuous small beach zones along here with an offshore barrier reef which has quite a few passes (openings) offering keen surfers some okay waves (um...awesome waves when the swell is up but not when I visited).</i></b><br />
<b><i>Viewing platform is actually an old WW2 pillbox. There is another viewpoint a bit to the left (north) and not quite as high.</i></b><br />
<b><i>Keen trekkers can climb up from adjacent coast to the rim - I wasn't all that keen.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>Some of the climbing slopes mentioned above from DERUSSY BEACH, part of the WAIKIKI BEACH STRIP. As I said, I wasn't all that keen on scrambling on up.</i></b><br />
<b><i>There is a fair bit of telephoto in this pic - the top of the cone is actually /3.5km in a straight line from here - in reality it appears almost twice as far and a little more than half as high. Still pretty impressive. </i></b><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #4a4a4a; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "bitstream vera sans" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>KOKO CRATER </b></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #4a4a4a; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "bitstream vera sans" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Outlook worth the climb</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #4a4a4a; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "bitstream vera sans" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b><i>LOCATION OF KOKO KRATER</i></b></span></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: small;"><i>We are moving east along the south-east coast of OAHU - another 7.5miles/13km on from DIAMOND HEAD in a straight line.</i></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><i>KOKO CRATER is in south-east OAHAU, 11miles/18km from central WAIKIKI by road: 9miles/15km in a straight line.</i></span></b><br />
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<b>MISTAKE ABOVE - note when marking this map I put the WAIKIKI place marker too far west - that is actually the location of the AIRPORT. WAIKIKI is some 5miles/8km SSE of the airport - i</b><b>t's more or less immediately past the last "i" of "Waikiki" above.</b><br />
<b>The HONOLULU place marker IS ALSO MISLEADING. Greater Honolulu is a fairly big city and extends across much of the southern coast in this image, with offshoots going up mountain ridges and the gullies between - WAIKIKI and KOKO HEAD are actually within GREATER HONOLULU. The natural place to put a HONOLULU place marker is in the DOWNTOWN/CITY/CBD AREA which is just above the last"i" in "Waikiki". I have it way too far west - just east of the PEARL HARBOUR entrance.</b><br />
<b>My apologies - as a map maker I'm a great retired economist.</b><br />
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<b>KOKO CRATER GENERAL AREA</b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: small;"><i>KOKO CRATER (upper right) is NNE of top snorkeling spot HANUAMA BAY. Note too top body surfing spot SANDY BEACH close to the right of the crater.</i></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><i>I caught a bus to the stop shown on the coastal hwy, took the side-road down into the gulley towards the crater, turned off onto a bush tack after a few hundred meters which got progressively harder to climb forcing me to divert across to the old rail track for the second half of the ascent.</i></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><i>The suburban area to the left is part of the HAWAII KAI district of east HONOLULU. The inlet is KUAPA POND.</i></span></b><br />
<b><i>Labels may be clearer if you click-expand image.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>KOKO tuff cone from the bus stop area on the coastal highway. Side access road to the base nearby actually drops into a gully from the hwy.</i></b><br />
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<i><b>KOKO cone from gully. Old rail track goes up side of cone from this angle (PALE YELLOW ARROW). I took a bush track starting at lowest SMALL YELLOW ARROW - crossed to rail track around highest SMALL YELLOW ARROW.</b></i><br />
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<i><b>PALE YELLOW ARROW rail track. My bush-track route (SMALL YELLOW ARROW) started well but got progressively steeper with lotsa gravel promoting "wheelspin" (well foot slip) so I crossed to the rail track at approximately the location of the upper SMALL YELLOW ARROW.</b></i><br />
<b><i>Structure at top is not viewpoint but a slightly higher communications/radar tower closed to the public.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>Closer look at the climb route.</i></b><br />
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<i><b>Although an easier climb, I found the rail line SERIOUSLY STEEP in parts and I'm an extremely fit old geezer. Less toned people will need a couple of rest stops Gaps between sleepers was a bit much for one step which made things more difficult - fortunately there was only one small 15M section where a washaway had removed material under the line resulting in a 2m + drop for people unsure of foot (parents, watch your kids here).</b></i><br />
<i><b>If you take the rail line from the base there are apparently 1048 steps.</b></i><br />
<i><b>Rail line constructed by the military in WW2 for cable-assist trolleys ferrying personnel and supplies to the pillbox/radar tower which is the present viewpoint.</b></i><br />
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<b>OUTLOOK TO THE SOUTH FROM KOKO VIEWPOINT (LANA'I LOOKOUT)</b><br />
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<i><b>HANAUMA BAY is an ocean-breached tuff cone, considerably lower than KOKO. You can climb its rim on the road marked by PALE BLUE ARROW but signs warn you could be prosecuted.</b></i><br />
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<b>OUTLOOK TO THE EAST FROM KOKO VIEWPOINT</b><br />
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<i><b>ARROW points to MAKAPU'U HEAD on the south-east corner of the island (see down page). It is possible to wander around some bush paths near the viewpoint as woman is demonstrating. </b></i><br />
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<i><b>On a clear day it is possible to see the neighbouring island of MOLOKA'I from KOKO. Wasn't real clear but I could just make out its outline beneath distant clouds mainly to right of YELLOW ARROW - I've tried to outline it with interrupted PALE YELLOW LINE (a bit hard to see).</b></i><br />
<i><b>On exceptional visibility days apparently you can see MAUI'S offshore island of LANAI to the right of MOLOAKA'I out of frame in this pic (um....maybe that's whey they call this lookout LANA'I), but no way was this possible the day of my visit.</b></i><br />
<b><i>The eastern extension of gorgeous SANDY BEACH area can be seen lower right margin but the main beach itself is just out of frame-closer.</i></b><br />
<b><i>All may be clearer if you click-expand image.</i></b><br />
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<b>KOKO CRATER FLOOR</b><br />
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<b><i>The YELLOW ARROW points to the BOTANICAL GARDENS. The BLUE ARROW - the EQUESTRIAN CENTER/HORSE RANCH. The WHITE ARROW - mumerous bush riding/trekking trails within the crater proper.</i></b><br />
<b><i>As you can see the south-eastern rim of the KOKO cone is considerably lower than this south-western location.</i></b><br />
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<b>THRILL SEEKER</b><br />
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<b><i>Note dude in pic above this (lower right of BLUE ARROW) - scrambled down for a close-up or an adrenaline rush? Maybe both.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>The crater rim to the north-east of LANA'I LOOKOUT also drops considerably.</i></b><br />
<b><i>Note how suburban areas have extended up some of the easier ridges in the backing mountains and up the gullies between.</i></b><br />
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<b>OUTLOOK TO THE NORTH FROM KOKO VIEWPOINT</b><br />
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<i><b>The rather impressive ridge of mountains is the KO'OLAU RANGE which runs behind GREATER HONOLULU (actually quite a lot of suburbs run up gullies and lower ridges) and separates the HONOLULU COAST from the south-eastern WINDWARD COAST. The experts tell us this is part of the rim of the giant and ancient KO'OLAU VOLCANO which once dominated the eastern half of OAHU. There are some neat trekking trails and wateralls up there - see OAHU - OTHER NEAT PLACES - HONOLULU MOUNTAINS.</b></i><br />
<i><b>Note that the south coast tuff cones like KOKO and DIAMOND HEAD are from much more recent eruptions.</b></i><br />
<i><b>Water in image is UPPER KUAPA POND - residential areas part of the HAWAII KAI district.</b></i><br />
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<b>OUTLOOK TO THE EAST FROM KOKO VIEWPOINT</b><br />
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<i><b>WAIKIKI-HONOLULU CITY skyscrapers under BLUE ARROW (click-expand may show them better). DIAMOND HEAD prominent just to the left. Ocean bight is MAUNALUA BAY with lower KUAPA POND and part of HAWAI KAI residential closer.</b></i><br />
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<b>DESCENDING</b><br />
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<b><i>descending is not fun when you have 70 year old busted knees from too much jogging back in the days of bare feet or poor joggers. Was a case of "OUCH! OUCH! OUCH! OUCH!"</i></b><br />
<b><i>Part way down I was overtaken by 3 maniacs RUNNING flat out. I expected to pass them later all crashed and burned - expectation wrong. I believe there is a DOWNHILL RUNNING sport - maybe these dudes were stars.</i></b><br />
<b><i>Note some people were descending bum and hands on sleepers. Did I say seriously steep?</i></b><br />
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<b>MORE BUS TROUBLE</b><br />
<b>I walked the 1km from the foot of the rail track up to the bus stop on the coastal hwy. Trouble was all passing buses that time of afternoon were jam-packed with people exiting super popular HANAUMA BAY and wouldn't stop. After 2 blew by I decided to walk down the highway to the KOKO MARINA CENTER in part of HAWAI KAI'S residential area where I thought other buses exiting the suburban area were more likely to have a seat. The first along picked me up. </b><br />
<b>Note the old HITCH-HIKING talong the hwy thing didn't work - I figured the high proportion of holidaying couples/families made the odds of being picked up low - but it was more likely my appearance: a cross between mass murderers SADDAM HUSSEIN and CHUCK MANSON. Hell, <i>I</i> wouldn't pick me up, and I know what a prince I am.</b><br />
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<b><i>In conclusion -1: I have to share this great shot of HANUAMA BAY and KOKO tuff cones I found on <a href="https://volcanocafe.wordpress.com/2014/05/26/the-volcanoes-of-oahu-hawaii/">VolcanoCafe</a>.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>In concludion - 2: In preparing pics for the MAKAPU'U HEAD section below, I realised that a bit of cropping would bring out this less seen view of both KOKO CONE and CRATER from the east (actually that's closer to "from the north-east" - hence HANAUMA CRATER is mostly hidden behind KOKO).</i></b><br />
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<b style="color: #4a4a4a; font-family: arial, tahoma, "bitstream vera sans", sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">MAKAPU'U HEAD 5</b><br />
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<span style="color: #4a4a4a; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "bitstream vera sans" , sans-serif;"><b>OUTLOOK FROM MAKAPU'U SUMMIT VIEWPOINT</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #4a4a4a; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "bitstream vera sans" , sans-serif;"><b>OAHU LOCATION - MAKAPU'U HEAD</b></span><br />
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<b><i>MAKAPU'U HEAD is at the very corner of south-east OAHU. We have moved abt miles/5km by road and a little less in a straight line NE of KOKO CONE/CRATER.</i></b><br />
<b><i>The "LH" above stands for "LIGHTHOUSE"</i></b><br />
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<b>MISTAKE ON MAP ABOVE - when making this map I put the WAIKIKI place marker too far west - that is actually the location of the AIRPORT. WAIKIKI is some 5miles/8km SSE of the airport - </b><b>It's more or less immediately past the last "i" of "Waikiki" above.</b><br />
<b>The HONOLULU place marker IS ALSO MISLEADING. Greater Honolulu is a fairly big city and extends across most of the southern coast in this image, with offshoots going up mountain ridges and the gullies between - WAIKIKI is actually parts of HONOLULU. The natural place to put a HONOLULU place marker is in the DOWNTOWN/CITY/CBD AREA which is under the dot of the last"i" in "Waikiki" above. I have it way too far west - just east of the PEARL HARBOUR entrance.</b><br />
<b>My apologies - as a map maker I'm a great retired economist.</b><br />
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<b>MAKAPU'U HEADLAND IN PROFILE</b><br />
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<i><b>This is shot from the northern end of MAKAPU'U BEACH (see modified map and pics below) and comes from <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Makapu">WIKIPEDIA'S great MAKAU'U page.</a> on account I took no profile pics. I tried to mark points of interest but BLOGGER'S browser wouldn't upload the modified image - SO....if you click-expand you may be able to see the LIGHTHOUSE seemingly half-way up the eastern (left) slope. The SUMMIT VIEWING PLATFORM is on the higher flat step to its right and the even higher pillboxes featured down page are at the loftiest point on headland (they are not THAT much higher - look it because they are CLOSER to camera). The MAKAPU'U BEACH VIEWPOINT is on that flat section near the right edge of pic - it's considerably higher than it looks from the pillbox pics down page. I noticed quite a few tracks from that viewpoint up this side of the headland to the pillboxes - apparently keen trekkers prefer this to the easier paved road which is hidden in this shot. Looked very steep and slippery to me.</b></i><br />
<i><b>The 647ft/I97m headland was part of the south-east KO'OLUU RANGE where it drops into the sea and was more resistant to erosion than the section immediately west (right). </b></i><br />
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<b>MAKAPU'U HEADLAND - MAIN FEATURES</b><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><i><b>The coastal hwy comes in at left lower from HONOLULU CENTRAL 16miles/26km to the west, turns left at MAKAPU'U and heads up the lower WINDWARD COAST. You can keep going or turn inland and return to HONOLULU via the PALI HWY (19miles/31km). The short approach road to the HEADLAND parking area is well signposted and has a dedicated turn-right lane (see top left corner of image below).</b></i></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><i><b>The 1.5mile/2.4km walk from the parking area up to the SUMMIT VIEWPOINT (pale blue line) is on a good paved road, only open to service vehicles and will not kill a person of average fitness. Slopes are MODERATE, never approaching my STEEP classification. That and plenty of spots to take a rest, check the increasingly good outook and snap a few pix, allowed people of all shapes and sizes to make the ascent. Typical of peak season were plenty of families with little kids - I saw few moaning about the climb: even fewer being carried. Befitting a 70yo geezer, I strolled up (hurrying is fer younger people) in well under an hour.</b></i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;"><b><i>MAKAPU'U LIGHTHOUSE is located under the first "m" of "summit viewpoint".</i></b></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;"><b><i>Note there is no bus stop anywhere on this image - the nearest is 20 minute's walk (1mile/1.6km from the parking area) north - the interchange at SEA LIFE PARK. Buses 22 and 23 from HONOLULU via the southern coast terminate here - you can swap to bus 57 which goes north along the southern WINDWARD (east) COAST and then dives inland to return to HONOLULU via the PALI HWY tunnels. There are opportunities along the way to swap to other buses including the fabulous #55 which goes right up around the north of the island and terminates half way down the north-west coast at interesting HALEIWA.</i></b></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;"><b><i>I walked to MAKAPU'U from SANDY BEACH a little over 2miles/3.6km west and exited from SEA LIFE PARK after checking the MAKAPU'U BEACH VIEWPOINT along the way.</i></b></span></span><br />
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<b style="color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">MAKAPU'U HEADLAND TREK PARKING AREA</b><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><i><b>The free parking area lower right has a fair few spots (and I'm sure there was parking both sides when I went by) - augmented as seen by curbside parking along the approach road from the coastal hwy. </b></i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><i><b>No parking on hwy - but if the above area is full (it wasn't on my very nice August peak-season day) there is more parking (most of which turns over quickly) at the MAKAPU'U BEACH VIEWPOINT who's short access road is only 200 yards from the the top left of this image.</b></i></span><br />
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<b>THE SUMMIT VIEWPOINT(S) ISN'T(AREN'T) THE HIGHEST POINTS</b>.<br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;"><b><i>On reaching the (only open) SUMMIT VIEWPOINT at the end of the ascent road and taking the pic at top of thIs MAKAPU'U section, I saw to the west quite a few people scrambling about on top of maybe 4 old WW2 pill boxes a fair bit higher than I was.</i></b></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><i><b>Above,I have OBLIQUED and ROTATED this GOOGLE EARTH image - you are looking slightly south of DUE WEST here. I may have cranked too much vertical exaggeration into it - the SUMMIT VIEWPOINT is at about 500ft, the pillboxes abt 650ft - a difference of 150ft. Looks more.</b></i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><i><b>The 5 minute climb up there was not too difficult - moderately steep in parts - on a gravel surfaced bush track (actually several tracks to pick from).</b></i></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><i><b>Note on image the eastern-most location of the LIGHTHOUSE and its considerably lower position (GOOGLE MAPS suggests it's around the 400ft mark). It's accessible by a 400 yard long road/track along the steep eastern escarpment of the headland which leaves the main track to the summit about 200yards from the SUMMIT - apparently popular with trekkers although the lighthouse itself is closed to visitors. I didn't have the time to check the area.</b></i></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><i><b>Higher area across the gap from the pillboxes top of image is part of the KO'OLAU RANGE. This runs away to the west to behind most of GREATER HONOLULU and out of image to the north (right) behind most of the east coast. The mountains are the former rim of the huge ancient KO'OLAU VOLCANO which once dominated the eastern half of OAHU.</b></i></span><br />
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<b>OUTLOOK FROM THE PILL BOXES</b><br />
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<b><i>Yellow line has LIGHTHOUSE under. The highest 2 parallel white lines are 2 new SUMMIT VIEWPOINT areas (still under construction and with path blocked when I called by). ABOVE the lowest white is the SUMMIT VIEWPOINT I took the pic top of this section from.</i></b>
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<b>MAKAPU'U LIGHTHOUSE</b><br />
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<b><i>I couldn't see the lighthouse from the older SUMMIT VIEWPOINT - so I pinched this shot from <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Makapu">WIKEPEDIA</a> too.</i></b><br />
<b><i>I think it must be taken from about where the new highest SUMMIT VIEWPOINT is located.</i></b><br />
<b><i>The remains of the old caretaker's cottage is nearby but has been closed since the LIGHT automated in the 1970s.</i></b>
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<b>NORTH-EAST OUTLOOK FROM MOKAPU'U HEADLAND</b><br />
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<b><i>Furthest island is MANANA ISL aka RABBIT ISL, named after its colonial era wildlife. Nearer is the low KAOHIKAIPU ISL. Both were caused by volcanic activity and are off limits because they are BIRD SANCTUARIES. </i></b><br />
<b><i>Note the two lower pillboxes.</i></b><br />
<b><i>The next main HAWAIIAN island east, MOLOKA'I, was faintly visible thru the haze to the right of this pic (to the EAST-SOUTH-EAST) but I couldn't see any sign of more distant MAUI'S offshore island of LANAI let alone MAUI itself (apparently it is visible on exceptionally cle</i>ar days).</b><br />
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<b>MOKAPU'U PILLBOX OUTLOOK NORTH ALONG THE WINDWARD COAST. </b><br />
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<i><b>This is probably the best aspect from the headland. The higher and more western location of the pillboxes allows a view of 1000ft/300m long MOKAPU'U BEACH which is hidden from the original SUMMIT VIEWPOINT (see opening pic).</b></i><br />
<i><b>The white arrow points at the headland behind northern BELLOWS BEACH. The fabulous LANIKAI PILLBOXES (see down page) are on the eastern side of this headland.</b></i><br />
<b><i>The connected WAIMANIO-BELLOWS BEACH runs between the two YELLOW ARROWS (actually runs further each end). This strip of sand was my personal favourite on OAHU</i>.</b><br />
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<b>MAKAPU'U BEACH - BEACH VIEWPOINT - SEA LIFE PARK CIRCLE</b><br />
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<i><b>MOKAPU'U BEACH is about 1000ft/300m long. Beyond it can be seen the SEA LIFE PARK circle - very popular as is the adjacent CHIEF'S LUAU.</b></i><br />
<i><b>The BUS INTERCHANGE is at about 9 o'clock on the circle.</b></i><br />
<b><i>Note the viewing pad and access path of MOKUA BEACH VIEWPOINT bottom left corner - looks low but check pic under this which was taken from there.</i></b><br />
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<b>LOWER CLOSER SHOT FROM MOKAPU'U BEACH VIEWPOINT.</b><br />
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<i><b>MALAPU'U BEACH is one of the prime body-boarding and body-surfing spots on OAHU. This is one of the few locations on the WINDWARD COAST not protected by an offshore barrier reef - subsequently ocean swell tends to get to the beach with little impediment meaning big surf here when other places further up the coast tend to be fairly benign.</b></i><br />
<i><b>Apparently the beach gets very crowded on good surf days - but only experienced surfers should go out - the beach is known for rip currents besides the big often nasty surf. There are lifeguards but only sporadically. </b></i><br />
<i><b>This pic is taken from MOLAPU'U BEACH VIEWPOINT - still a fairly lofty outlook.</b></i><br />
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<b>SURFERS AT MOKUPU'U BEACH ON A POOR DAY.</b><br />
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<b><i>When taking the pic above this I noticed some surfers in the water on what I thought was a pretty bad surfing day - so I cropped and zoomed the image to get the above. There is a dude on a surfboard under the YELLOW arrow (he/she had just got a free ride out the back on that rip current nearby) as could a body-surfer under CHARCOAL Some body-surfers or boarders are under RED (dunno what they are doing so far over against the point - maybe a good right hander sneaks thru here).</i></b><br />
<b><i>These dudes may be clearer if you click-expand image.</i></b><br />
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<b>MOKAPU'U HEADLAND - OUTLOOK TO THE WEST ALONG OAHU'S SOUTH-EAST COAST</b><br />
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<b><i>Actually we are looking south-west here. KOKO cone and crater are very conspicuous in background - CHARCOAL ARROW points at the seaward edge of DIAMOND HEAD although the late afternoon sun is causing visibility problems in that direction. YELLOW ARROW - SANDY BEACH; BLUE ARROW - HAWAII KAI GOLF COURSE. The higher RED ARROW shows where I left the highway on my trek from SANDY BEACH - the lower RED ARROW where I hit the parking area. There was quite a gully between the two arrows.</i></b><br />
<b><i>The area to the LEFT of the 2 RED ARROWS is the KA IWI WILDERNESS - a fair few people were trekking into this area from the PARKING LOT on account of a nice beach (ALAN DAVIS BCH), an unusual rock formation called PELES CHAIR and the MOKAPU'U TIDAL POOLS all accessible there but out of frame to the left. I didn't have time to check them.</i></b><br />
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<bfont-size: x-large=""><b>LANIKAI PILLBOXES</b></bfont-size:></div>
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<i>I<b> thought this the best of the viewpoints I trekked to on OAHU. Others have more panoramic views, some easier treks - others offer a better workout. But few had that just right combination of a fantastic outlook with the right amount of exercise to assure the average visitor he/she has had a decent workout - with optional extensions for those wanting more.
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<b style="color: #4a4a4a; font-family: arial, tahoma, "bitstream vera sans", sans-serif;">LANIKAI PILLBOX LOCATION</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNi_RIKLjHXduBnb2U_xPbi1dJWAjaazNYadID6KViJaUoikAddkquu5lyEzgZXaExaJbajW7cRSAgsUlqtcxdbqpt2sswFzN5Fuq4qe3Qtd7ilhIRJOrs0jqwDRSPH-9p7K9YjsuVfYg/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="241" data-original-width="425" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNi_RIKLjHXduBnb2U_xPbi1dJWAjaazNYadID6KViJaUoikAddkquu5lyEzgZXaExaJbajW7cRSAgsUlqtcxdbqpt2sswFzN5Fuq4qe3Qtd7ilhIRJOrs0jqwDRSPH-9p7K9YjsuVfYg/s400/4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><i>We have turned the south-east corner of OAHU and moved up the lower WINDWARD COAST - some 7miles/11km NNW of MOLAPU'U HEADLAND as the crow flies.</i></b><br />
<b><i>You are not a great distance from HONOLULU here - about 16miles/26km by road whether you come around the south-east corner or from the north via the PALI HWY TUNNELS.</i></b><br />
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<b>MISTAKE IN MAP ABOVE - note when modifying this GOOGLE EARTH image I put the WAIKIKI place marker too far west - that is actually the location of the AIRPORT. WAIKIKI is some 5miles/8km SSE of the airport - </b><b>It's more or less immediately past the last "i" of "Waikiki" above.</b><br />
<b>The HONOLULU place marker IS ALSO MISLEADING. Greater Honolulu is a fairly big city and extends across most of the southern coast in this image, with offshoots going up mountain ridges and the gullies between - WAIKIKI is actually part of HONOLULU. The natural place to put a HONOLULU place marker is in the DOWNTOWN/CITY/CBD AREA which is under the dot in the last"i" in "Waikiki" above. I have it way too far west - just east of the PEARL HARBOUR entrance.</b><br />
<b>My apologies - as a map maker I'm a great retired economist.</b><br />
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<b>LANIKAI BEACH - TRAIL - LANIKAI PILLBOXES</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOO0ba9uw0APJMwq_2KVDsYZv0JYmGrKc3bt1ItOqTZGc2RBJ_730XlXMOKXVf-b94eHaeiUAxz2KzvNBUNcBvFXmKDbeIkqIjKZsRxqayE2nbtDE3AC6iJV9QQB3BrZb7qn3eHuEvpJU/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="321" data-original-width="566" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOO0ba9uw0APJMwq_2KVDsYZv0JYmGrKc3bt1ItOqTZGc2RBJ_730XlXMOKXVf-b94eHaeiUAxz2KzvNBUNcBvFXmKDbeIkqIjKZsRxqayE2nbtDE3AC6iJV9QQB3BrZb7qn3eHuEvpJU/s400/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>LANIKAI PILLBOX TREK TRAILHEAD</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqq2pn-bmgGvWFy5JB2rWRM44yyUdVKo-2D9DBjYGaHGxtJxztzOG8yN8nIUrRXDn8dLnAUIwnhTxgJCn6fUgcIbvNZxzYgInYHvAa30oGud9CUYX77FWiUFPo_Yvnwp4zgysMjSMx7V8/s1600/P1010151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1412" data-original-width="1600" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqq2pn-bmgGvWFy5JB2rWRM44yyUdVKo-2D9DBjYGaHGxtJxztzOG8yN8nIUrRXDn8dLnAUIwnhTxgJCn6fUgcIbvNZxzYgInYHvAa30oGud9CUYX77FWiUFPo_Yvnwp4zgysMjSMx7V8/s400/P1010151.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><i>The start of the trail is pretty low key, near the end of an un-named cul-de-sac off KAELEPULU DR, KAILUA. There seemed to be no parking on the above street, curbside parking on KAELEPULU and ditto on the few streets behind nearby LANIKAI BEACH. LANIKAI BEACH'S PARKING AREA is further, at the south end of adjacent KAILUA BCH abt 1km from the trailhead. Closer is the big lot of MID PACIFIC COUNTRY CLUB off KAELEPULU, but I bet it has restrictions.</i></b><br />
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<b>LOCATION LANIKAI PILLBOX TRAILHEAD</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhveGFlgWy5939MEw9oawrCA5fre05IPlhWvikZz_yBkKh7fhx0jpjL4cA4YncnAQXqaymSjqfQBlTyA78_lXcsXbZCmEDSkzdSeWiDlyVVBQyW6sCbAjMF_YJ1mlsSRyl4przcHD1eKpo/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="337" data-original-width="595" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhveGFlgWy5939MEw9oawrCA5fre05IPlhWvikZz_yBkKh7fhx0jpjL4cA4YncnAQXqaymSjqfQBlTyA78_lXcsXbZCmEDSkzdSeWiDlyVVBQyW6sCbAjMF_YJ1mlsSRyl4przcHD1eKpo/s400/4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><i>TRAILHEAD lower left not far from beach or bus-stop. Nearest bus stop has bus 70 from the KAHULUI INTERCHANGE a few km north. Bus stop near beach has 70 on its return trip to KAHULUI (it runs a loop in the streets behind the beach).</i></b><br />
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<b>FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORT TRAGICS (like me). You can come in from HONOLULU via the PALI PASS tunnels to KAHULUI INTERCHANGE on a number of buses - check <a href="http://www.thebus.org/">THE BUS website</a> for #s 85/87 AND THEN #70. You can also get to the interchange from HONOLULU via the scenic south-east coastal route - buses 22,23 to SEA LIFE PARK INTERCHANGE on OAHU'S south-east corner and then 57 to KAHULUI INTERCHANGE. Takes longer.</b><br />
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<b>A SHORT WALK UP TO LANIKAI PILLBOXED BUT A GOOD WORKOUT.</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8w8DZN8mdf7fJZbNqHzKhQRa2ClChpmvhT3SEQl05J_6L2o_K2afd-czUUKTWLnu124DWQI_HVRTKnh6PQUYDolfTruqgCLG6pHLpA0eLkggupQeLbLtddqkpuYQscwHqdg1A2zhW9xw/s1600/P1010153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1180" data-original-width="1600" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8w8DZN8mdf7fJZbNqHzKhQRa2ClChpmvhT3SEQl05J_6L2o_K2afd-czUUKTWLnu124DWQI_HVRTKnh6PQUYDolfTruqgCLG6pHLpA0eLkggupQeLbLtddqkpuYQscwHqdg1A2zhW9xw/s400/P1010153.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #4a4a4a; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "bitstream vera sans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><i><b> It's not much more than 1km/0.6miles to the first pillbox and most will do this in around 20 minutes. But it is not a doddle - officially graded at INTERMEDIATE, the trek has some very steep sections, the longest for 5 minutes at the start - the last part of which you can see above. </b></i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #4a4a4a; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "bitstream vera sans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><i><b>Note the pillbox top left corner of image.</b></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #4a4a4a; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "bitstream vera sans" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;"><i><b>Track surface was a combination of dirt, gravel and rock - tended to be slippery in the steepest sections but a few of these had helper ropes. Walking poles would lessen slipping, particularly on descent. Good footwear with grippy soles are recommended although lotsa people had come from the beach and had flip flops or sandals.</b></i> </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #4a4a4a; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "bitstream vera sans" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwimw2W0_O7qfG-gYm8DYcJyxAcs1B96jCF2Q-LEKIi9V6VWcbRFwNueSej-MhghHrVVwVqxSslsmYyvS-Ch0k0WtgGZ88ad_SKrUvPYXy3b4XzuC0M3fRxzeXhpyssoh_9RmmW5yIO-s/s1600/P1010154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1322" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwimw2W0_O7qfG-gYm8DYcJyxAcs1B96jCF2Q-LEKIi9V6VWcbRFwNueSej-MhghHrVVwVqxSslsmYyvS-Ch0k0WtgGZ88ad_SKrUvPYXy3b4XzuC0M3fRxzeXhpyssoh_9RmmW5yIO-s/s400/P1010154.JPG" width="330" /></a></span></span><br />
<i><b>After the initial very steep section the trail undulated. Above is a moderate area.Surface was often darkish which got kinda hot in windless areas - take some water.</b></i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYUDiSbLm5dvI_u4hw5zgt3iS7MRgGaB36Kd1xDjB0Phh_ctdMoNLJGtPlEAA5qa742RWGgxw7KePCTRS2IYQ8KEy0EzoT0rydHWBCiZmZh_8LFqVEJ93q4xfuWi34SLHbg7MSbzIYe0g/s1600/P1010155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1016" data-original-width="1600" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYUDiSbLm5dvI_u4hw5zgt3iS7MRgGaB36Kd1xDjB0Phh_ctdMoNLJGtPlEAA5qa742RWGgxw7KePCTRS2IYQ8KEy0EzoT0rydHWBCiZmZh_8LFqVEJ93q4xfuWi34SLHbg7MSbzIYe0g/s400/P1010155.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<b>The last pinch to the first pillbox steepened again and was quite rocky although I wouldn't call the surface difficult apart from heel slip on the gravelly steepest parts. The brevity of the trail will see people of average fitness scaling it without difficulty providing they take a few stops. Fit people will go straight up and be raring for more. There is plenty of more.....</b>
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<span style="font-size: 14px;"><b>LANIKAI PILLBOX #1</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAsTxl3uiU9f-nlMTi048jq99r1E8cZ3Hw_cU8PQWsqylE4Ojx_Ah8vOGYcBzpnn8KWtG355XCesUhsvjwR5U1qbXf9j_X69tO0KrJfiWKO3fp24PT3WTCPVE76rla_zdwVN-WZcDhvaE/s1600/P1010157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1124" data-original-width="1600" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAsTxl3uiU9f-nlMTi048jq99r1E8cZ3Hw_cU8PQWsqylE4Ojx_Ah8vOGYcBzpnn8KWtG355XCesUhsvjwR5U1qbXf9j_X69tO0KrJfiWKO3fp24PT3WTCPVE76rla_zdwVN-WZcDhvaE/s400/P1010157.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><i>The favoured viewing spot at the pillboxes is on the roof. That is the excellent LANIKAI BEACH below, which makes my list of OUAHU'S BEST BEACHES - "Oahu's Best Daytrip Beach" abt 85% down <a href="http://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com.au/2016/04/oahu-hawaii.html">this page.</a></i></b><br />
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<b>GORGEOUS LANIKAI BEACH</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzer5rCvxQb77T9wK0z5_lOusbxCkAnBV8Ui-Ix8b0F1cwL9mfcOiFJLeZ5Qnan3K2OIubdPwWqHWiRgscFCIfwEVINGrNO5SJ0FIZ_Qeg8mzdSgRTVznZTFhodHVoGUt2RGIQ1zFU27k/s1600/P1010149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="879" data-original-width="1600" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzer5rCvxQb77T9wK0z5_lOusbxCkAnBV8Ui-Ix8b0F1cwL9mfcOiFJLeZ5Qnan3K2OIubdPwWqHWiRgscFCIfwEVINGrNO5SJ0FIZ_Qeg8mzdSgRTVznZTFhodHVoGUt2RGIQ1zFU27k/s400/P1010149.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>LANIKAI PILLBOXES FROM THE BEACH</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHW7JwgF7igf_bHP3CtINkwFnBbsfw3xtIYzULkXG5a-PU9HgoBo_T3HlNccNnjmMg0HcOySpSZQgq7gdYWoBVP7kfODAfULhqAPLQDLcc43SRXYKLvs45gBu727mawUAPzOsAmzTpmFg/s1600/P1010146_LI+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="990" data-original-width="1600" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHW7JwgF7igf_bHP3CtINkwFnBbsfw3xtIYzULkXG5a-PU9HgoBo_T3HlNccNnjmMg0HcOySpSZQgq7gdYWoBVP7kfODAfULhqAPLQDLcc43SRXYKLvs45gBu727mawUAPzOsAmzTpmFg/s400/P1010146_LI+%25282%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<i><b>....to be accurate, from N, KALAHEO AVE behind the beach. CHARCOAL ARROW - 1ST PILLBOX....YELLOW - 2ND PILLBOX. Might be clearer if you can click-expand imag</b>e.</i><br />
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<b>FROM THE OTHER END....</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFtLZuFaXVeGddmYpLV4EFcVdDh9dJj9YihYNi_DPCLzkRF8sSsW3uqkeuAi97CmPE-A5AHVNohKWID8iekWQo2IdAHO3a3QiEW_BfFFCRLszNXBNKz3DwexZjEXeI7mTfNZxA_7CyJkw/s1600/P1010156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1354" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFtLZuFaXVeGddmYpLV4EFcVdDh9dJj9YihYNi_DPCLzkRF8sSsW3uqkeuAi97CmPE-A5AHVNohKWID8iekWQo2IdAHO3a3QiEW_BfFFCRLszNXBNKz3DwexZjEXeI7mTfNZxA_7CyJkw/s400/P1010156.JPG" width="337" /></a></div>
<b>The houses of the LANIKAE BEACH area of suburban KAILUA are right down there.</b>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK-eiLXFqWZHoLHZfTG6gQZOyaGKxRNIXPpg5298z2Wf2WEEMbEDv-H_yV7KrVNs-qmoKoh8C3ab7TXwSZbbjQ6vuhWoGr_OufPcqrHZPtTElttQXAZUeMaW4GBvxphIJ-w0pEiYPCjLM/s1600/P1010159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1002" data-original-width="1600" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK-eiLXFqWZHoLHZfTG6gQZOyaGKxRNIXPpg5298z2Wf2WEEMbEDv-H_yV7KrVNs-qmoKoh8C3ab7TXwSZbbjQ6vuhWoGr_OufPcqrHZPtTElttQXAZUeMaW4GBvxphIJ-w0pEiYPCjLM/s400/P1010159.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<i><b> A bit further east - the rather excellent beach area. I spent some time there before coming up to the pillboxes. Walking time from the northern (left) exit to trailhead abt 8 mins (600yards/550m)</b></i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8HX1E4skS1gomRYSVOyr1Si1SF_BBOza2l2ZkQvAcsUwrnZud1zEDIbz8VFfW11XKeDm_i9rFYyV9kd6B3PJqnqniCGtvf16GJRWuLicm-QeyqyUi1R8acUCyg1qNJT8MXOR385yI5ao/s1600/P1010160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8HX1E4skS1gomRYSVOyr1Si1SF_BBOza2l2ZkQvAcsUwrnZud1zEDIbz8VFfW11XKeDm_i9rFYyV9kd6B3PJqnqniCGtvf16GJRWuLicm-QeyqyUi1R8acUCyg1qNJT8MXOR385yI5ao/s400/P1010160.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<i><b>Further east again - offshore island is MOKULA - it or its neighbour MOKU IKI (just visible at right) seemed a popular destination for kayakers: plenty of rental kayaks on LANIKAI beach. I've heard coral is okay off the beach some distance - was too lazy to check.</b></i><br />
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<b>KEEP ON WALKING</b><br />
<b>Lotsa people were making the FIRST PILLBOX. But all should continue the relatively short distance (a few hundred meters/10 mins max/not too steep) to the SECOND PILLBOX.</b>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyvBhi9ytT3NkCq_axzjKA2dJ0ZyemVzADYnGQGpzZQlvorVBkudfkp2A1ZtQh1N64HSY7-YYqZaey34AgEgK00iOAv7CVYN6dleB-OrBSJZWUN7_hzXFRxiVweIh_8wFgxDjrkWG0tD4/s1600/P1010158+%25282%2529_LI.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="703" data-original-width="1600" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyvBhi9ytT3NkCq_axzjKA2dJ0ZyemVzADYnGQGpzZQlvorVBkudfkp2A1ZtQh1N64HSY7-YYqZaey34AgEgK00iOAv7CVYN6dleB-OrBSJZWUN7_hzXFRxiVweIh_8wFgxDjrkWG0tD4/s400/P1010158+%25282%2529_LI.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<b><i>This is probably the best panorama in the area. Arrow shows FIRST PILLBOX. Above arrow is MOKAPU HEADLAND with the loooong KAILUA BEACH stretching towards camera - its southern end is below arrow. LANIKAI BEACH is at far right. I noticed maybe 50% of people were making the extra trek to this SECOND PILLBOX. But it is here I reckon the average visitor should tun around and retrace their steps - total time taken TRAILHEAD-RETURN abt. 1 hour.</i>
But keen trekkers can continue on..... </b><br />
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<b>....KEEP ON WALKING.<span style="background-color: white; font-style: normal;">The track (aka the KAIWA RIDGE TRAIL) continues in a south-west direction along the ridge top for more than 2km/1.2mi. It is not flat – in the first half it undulates between 9 knolls, all higher than the second pillbox. The 5th knoll is the highest. There are no steep uphills along this undulating section although a couple of the short downhill sections are steepish and rocky.</span></b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU-XwdpUYtQolpeVlaXIATiWd-DbMn5a_tJe4mQQjaIWVlDLznQojfrDBl_WY6vgad-soacTegX1DEQGbbR7MHD77HtFN5X54wsh-1SWjeV4m4rhW0OxcqaoIu4YnoALueFnZ8yO6V5ug/s1600/P1010164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="888" data-original-width="1600" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU-XwdpUYtQolpeVlaXIATiWd-DbMn5a_tJe4mQQjaIWVlDLznQojfrDBl_WY6vgad-soacTegX1DEQGbbR7MHD77HtFN5X54wsh-1SWjeV4m4rhW0OxcqaoIu4YnoALueFnZ8yO6V5ug/s400/P1010164.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<i style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU-XwdpUYtQolpeVlaXIATiWd-DbMn5a_tJe4mQQjaIWVlDLznQojfrDBl_WY6vgad-soacTegX1DEQGbbR7MHD77HtFN5X54wsh-1SWjeV4m4rhW0OxcqaoIu4YnoALueFnZ8yO6V5ug/s1600/P1010164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Outlook from the 5th knoll - as you can tell from the horizon it is higher than those before it. The 2nd PILLBOX is just out of frame left.This WINDWARD COAST gets more rainfall than a lot of OAHU but the area looked to me to be a bit dry. Mind you it didn't rain in the 3 weeks I was on the island.</a></i><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #4a4a4a; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "bitstream vera sans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #4a4a4a; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "bitstream vera sans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #4a4a4a; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "bitstream vera sans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU-XwdpUYtQolpeVlaXIATiWd-DbMn5a_tJe4mQQjaIWVlDLznQojfrDBl_WY6vgad-soacTegX1DEQGbbR7MHD77HtFN5X54wsh-1SWjeV4m4rhW0OxcqaoIu4YnoALueFnZ8yO6V5ug/s1600/P1010164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">DIVERSIONS</a></b></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU-XwdpUYtQolpeVlaXIATiWd-DbMn5a_tJe4mQQjaIWVlDLznQojfrDBl_WY6vgad-soacTegX1DEQGbbR7MHD77HtFN5X54wsh-1SWjeV4m4rhW0OxcqaoIu4YnoALueFnZ8yO6V5ug/s1600/P1010164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #4a4a4a; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "bitstream vera sans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><b>To both sides of the 9th knoll are two side knolls worth checking out – the one to the right (north) is reached on an easy path in about 5 minutes and has good views over inland suburban KAILUA and the KAELEPULU PONDS lake area (let’s call it THE PONDS' OVERLOOK).</b></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #4a4a4a; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "bitstream vera sans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><b>OUTLOOK FROM THE PONDS' OVERLOOK</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOj2M9VnFu7QvSnbveCepOBYNdOqFmCVFpV63-zw1vCmadsVDRY-yCQHIIFstOU_0qIpa84VWTnj4d9NXF82T0QNUeBbnfVGcqpT14GdXFbKX0KtSW06LcG_C8SqajNYsdEFBvVtPaPMU/s1600/P1010165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="922" data-original-width="1600" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOj2M9VnFu7QvSnbveCepOBYNdOqFmCVFpV63-zw1vCmadsVDRY-yCQHIIFstOU_0qIpa84VWTnj4d9NXF82T0QNUeBbnfVGcqpT14GdXFbKX0KtSW06LcG_C8SqajNYsdEFBvVtPaPMU/s400/P1010165.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #4a4a4a; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "bitstream vera sans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><b> <i>SOUTH-WEST KAILUA goes inland towards the formidable KO'OLAU RANGE which separates this eastern WINDWARD COAST from the southern HONOLULU COAST. </i></b></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #4a4a4a; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "bitstream vera sans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><b>AND THE KAELEPULU PONDS THEMSELVES</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGNJ8Txw6AjIJkwbKwEWiDkivyKYD6ZdpqlMKYYDlOuEenDEDzeEHT5PxTpnAhq69mPGYIWUF_gsUuoycGxU3sWjb2b_4LvvTsrfrneJrlhDOqTd3RaSHc_pDLfIODv8dpYiTMKK2H1ww/s1600/P1010167.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="994" data-original-width="1600" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGNJ8Txw6AjIJkwbKwEWiDkivyKYD6ZdpqlMKYYDlOuEenDEDzeEHT5PxTpnAhq69mPGYIWUF_gsUuoycGxU3sWjb2b_4LvvTsrfrneJrlhDOqTd3RaSHc_pDLfIODv8dpYiTMKK2H1ww/s400/P1010167.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #4a4a4a; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "bitstream vera sans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><b><i>This is the view a little to the right of the previous shot. i noticed it was possible to take a trail from here down into the suburban streets - this is the trail shown on GOOGLE MAPS.</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #4a4a4a; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "bitstream vera sans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><b>BACK AT THE 9TH KNOLL</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #4a4a4a; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "bitstream vera sans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><b>The southern knoll is reached on a longer (10m+) side track that has some pretty steep drops and rises – it overlooks BELLOWS AIRFORCE BASE/BEACH to the south and suburban LANIKAI to the north. I’m calling this BELLOWS' OVERLOOK.</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #4a4a4a; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "bitstream vera sans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b>OUTLOOK SOUTH FROM THE BELLOWS' OVERLOOK</b></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcR1L3v6voEnVVxtsAye9-bgfiWmV1lUk27Bpr5APQrjyD3sNna85gPWmEgQr6miUhep7JxP6GVa71X6PDVHz6bnnkyOJEmHXH3pyHqmk5XeDXLFWEyT-9gKD8lj5Z2ks8Q6NwjNFmoMM/s1600/P1010163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="636" data-original-width="1600" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcR1L3v6voEnVVxtsAye9-bgfiWmV1lUk27Bpr5APQrjyD3sNna85gPWmEgQr6miUhep7JxP6GVa71X6PDVHz6bnnkyOJEmHXH3pyHqmk5XeDXLFWEyT-9gKD8lj5Z2ks8Q6NwjNFmoMM/s400/P1010163.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<i><b>The beach is the excellent BELLOWS-WAIMANALO which is my personal best beach on OAHU - more details about 90% down <a href="http://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com.au/2016/04/oahu-hawaii.html">this page</a>. BELLOWS AIR BASE is behind the beach center image. The far headland is MOKAPU'U at the south-east corner of the island as featured up page. I noticed there seemed to be rudimentary trails down towards BELLOWS but they looked pretty rough and uninviting. There was a better but very steep trail on the other side of the knoll leading down into suburban LANIKAI BEACH. A local guy took it - must have been successful because he didn't reappear on my journey back to KNOLL 9, and I trek pretty slowly.</b><i> </i></i><br />
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<i><i><b>KAIWA TRAIL TO THE 9TH KNOLL and DIVERSIONS<br />
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<i><i><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3SFO5s3dixDPkWrteiuJ6VMPsm8Qx-jIOQwdqZiO9jphzVsw14Kp2lkdrz0H_oLkjI2x6BUU_BAY9nnb5E8L9QHiChgw6YeovNuHIis7Di5K3cp65F0MUm5z-Ce_rjwqse_E_fXRRjhA/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="428" data-original-width="756" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3SFO5s3dixDPkWrteiuJ6VMPsm8Qx-jIOQwdqZiO9jphzVsw14Kp2lkdrz0H_oLkjI2x6BUU_BAY9nnb5E8L9QHiChgw6YeovNuHIis7Di5K3cp65F0MUm5z-Ce_rjwqse_E_fXRRjhA/s400/2.jpg" width="400" /></a></b></i></i></div>
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<i>BELLOWS AIR BASE can be partly seen lower right. The continuation of the KAIWA TRAIL is marked lower center. I forgot to add a linear scale - it is 1200m/1310yards in a direct line between the place-markers for PONDS' OVERLOOK and BELLOWS' OVERLOOK.</i>
<b>LOST!!</b>
Back near KNOLL 9 I could see the main trail going mainly along the top of the ridge for another km or so, so I decided to head on to the south-west.
Now here’s the thing – after knoll 9 the rest of the ridge is considerably lower – the trail actually dives down a slope to the right. So I followed this and SOMEHOW LOST IT. I found myself bush-bashing down thru fairly thick thorny scrub on the AIRFORCE BASE side of the ridge. The track seemed to have vanished. But I figured it must be somewhere up on top of the ridge so I climbed to the right and sure enough, found a pretty clearly defined trail that headed down and then up again along the undulating lower western part of the ridge. After 10 minutes or so it took a major downhill trajectory and landed in a saddle with a choice of about 4 different paths. When in doubt, I always take the most defined which led in a north west direction and then started dropping towards the suburban streets of SOUTH WEST KAILUA. I eventually came out some distance east of the very end of the ridge top trail (see map below).</b></i></i></div>
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<b><b>KAIWA TRAIL CONTINUED</b></b></div>
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<i><i><b> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEIHC24brE3OX3lRPAvb7siq08UOLd2rZA4wzYI9LzYajnEJfqjgenNNgHMEBSqFJhf3YRz1Jm3u8FdsFl6d7Ew0Ke98-RYsj_PltxQnnSaIFpM_mERYk32klqvpsiaRULfdQny1rNRso/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="351" data-original-width="620" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEIHC24brE3OX3lRPAvb7siq08UOLd2rZA4wzYI9LzYajnEJfqjgenNNgHMEBSqFJhf3YRz1Jm3u8FdsFl6d7Ew0Ke98-RYsj_PltxQnnSaIFpM_mERYk32klqvpsiaRULfdQny1rNRso/s400/3.jpg" width="400" /></a></b></i></i></div>
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<i><i><b><i>The LOST and TEZZA EXIT routes in black don't show up very well - maybe you can click expand image. As can be seen, the ridge-top trail continues on some 900m/980yards past the start of my exit track. exiting at KUPAU ST, south-west KAILUA.
Linear scale - 12OOM/1310Y (again) between place markers for 9TH KNOLL and KAIWA CONT.</i> </b></i></i></div>
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<i><i><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj2rJksEohY9fEUf2BgbcyyCKnZ0ceh0yQxfXSOFHPooLXNKQNLVzf51ww5eUa1BSSENHs123ylrN88ZZuhlp6ybjmi2V403AKQt38vNPc6yqPDch77zdp8MIs-2Cb_BtGjgzClvjB_NU/s1600/P1010169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj2rJksEohY9fEUf2BgbcyyCKnZ0ceh0yQxfXSOFHPooLXNKQNLVzf51ww5eUa1BSSENHs123ylrN88ZZuhlp6ybjmi2V403AKQt38vNPc6yqPDch77zdp8MIs-2Cb_BtGjgzClvjB_NU/s400/P1010169.JPG" width="300" /></a></b></i></i> </div>
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<i>T<b>he very end of my trail was problematical. Not so much this section behind the suburban houses of APOKULA PL (not far off main drag KEOULU DRIVE) One of the residents or a keen trekker had decided to make the walk easier by putting in these steps. It was the actual access to the street which proved a bit tricky without moving thru someone’s property. But I minimised this by using a side approach to an end property and only trespassing on the driveway.</b></i><b> </b></div>
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<b>THE SHACK</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdZQIusmmeioBj4jzeDTXX7oxe5Nf7huywjf9V3Vmnc5kfggQOX2ZUMVouBIL92BQzm2IG2-v1DEuoZXdGXcd0mhelWNr0vXM6Ab5iYSt3KBmaRLghwXBn8WXdR1BSBjEjWC6Ny3auOQ8/s1600/P1010171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1050" data-original-width="1600" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdZQIusmmeioBj4jzeDTXX7oxe5Nf7huywjf9V3Vmnc5kfggQOX2ZUMVouBIL92BQzm2IG2-v1DEuoZXdGXcd0mhelWNr0vXM6Ab5iYSt3KBmaRLghwXBn8WXdR1BSBjEjWC6Ny3auOQ8/s400/P1010171.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div>
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<b><i>From my trail's end I headed north down a few side streets and ended up on KEOLU DR which heads down towards KAILUA BEACH and runs past ENCHANTED LAKE SHOPPING CENTER. On the corner opposite the shops was a neat little neighbourhood bar called THE SHACK. It was about 5pm and they had $2 happy hour beers. I’d been trekking for 4 hours or so and a beer or 3 was just the thing I needed.</i> </b></div>
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<b>KAILUA BEACH LOOKING SOUTH</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyGb-SwD_aiSCP_wwY2nTxPlWnJAlrzGPYFvTFQKP7b-mXfuJXed4c6whhoh6SRJAI1fyFCsuIgOuo_iosL6NsJ98EYRKL5QYNslDVMmEINOI0W_Ll5yaUjUf3Ai-CT7QZccyZY4Ny1j4/s1600/P1010172.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="846" data-original-width="1600" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyGb-SwD_aiSCP_wwY2nTxPlWnJAlrzGPYFvTFQKP7b-mXfuJXed4c6whhoh6SRJAI1fyFCsuIgOuo_iosL6NsJ98EYRKL5QYNslDVMmEINOI0W_Ll5yaUjUf3Ai-CT7QZccyZY4Ny1j4/s400/P1010172.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div>
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<b>KAILUA BEACH LOOKING NORTH</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvGxP2xFi3KNfu-l3azEAzH-cztciUNx4ijzawYI4_8S4OPp82X9ThQyD1Dx-nxgk-_Gvq1xDgPX8QKejTQw00YDW9fxRAo2TSNK67eCcIZafxXnpXylmWSfmFisDxzp9IyFykCvHzl8w/s1600/P1010173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="885" data-original-width="1600" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvGxP2xFi3KNfu-l3azEAzH-cztciUNx4ijzawYI4_8S4OPp82X9ThQyD1Dx-nxgk-_Gvq1xDgPX8QKejTQw00YDW9fxRAo2TSNK67eCcIZafxXnpXylmWSfmFisDxzp9IyFykCvHzl8w/s400/P1010173.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i><b>I finally made it down to KAILUA BEACH but it was a bit late in the day to appreciate what a lot of people regard as the equal of my favourite BELLOWS-WAIMANALO a few km further south.</b></i></div>
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<i><b>LANIKAI BEACH is just past the far end of the first image.</b></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: yellow;">IF YOU SEE MISTAKES OR HAVE EXTRA INFO, PLEASE POST BELOW. BUT IF YOU HAVE A QUESTION PLEASE ASK IN <a href="http://tezzasthaiinfo.blogspot.com.au/2007/10/forum.html?commentPage=3">THE FORUM </a>SECTION WHICH I CHECK MOST DAYS WHEN NOT TRAVELLING WHEREAS I RARELY REVISIT DESTINATION PAGES LIKE THIS</span>.</span></b></div>
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tezzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06099777760234890854noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-235257059160442691.post-38850557381807862602018-01-08T20:07:00.003+11:002019-02-02T17:40:38.209+11:00ISLE OF PINES NEW CALEDONIA<br />
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<b>ISLE OF PINES (ILE DES PINS) - NEW CALEDONIA</b><br />
<b>(KUTO REGION)</b><br />
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<b>LAST VISITED JAN 2019</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz_FXdhE_mZLMsZna2c2neDwMRDSNXOjUkJvavMWC8ONkghMNyu4Lauen6fST8NMyTzlKQZ25BQ8ijUgcml81EkNbGda4HMWbChSaYJxYZ6VKPK1LhNgKIHOdDKOYy-B1JbvgRT_jxRFU/s1600/36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="263" data-original-width="464" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz_FXdhE_mZLMsZna2c2neDwMRDSNXOjUkJvavMWC8ONkghMNyu4Lauen6fST8NMyTzlKQZ25BQ8ijUgcml81EkNbGda4HMWbChSaYJxYZ6VKPK1LhNgKIHOdDKOYy-B1JbvgRT_jxRFU/s400/36.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<i><b>The ISLE OF PINES is part of NEW CALEDONIA - abt 50km from the south-east tip of GRAND TERRE (the main island) and 100km in a straight line SE of the capital NOUMEA. Distance/direction from MARE - 110km/SSW</b></i><br />
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<b><i>ISLE OF PINES-NEW CALEDONIA (5) relative to other places in this section - 1 KIBOLA-KIRIWANA-PNG 2 MYSTERY ISLE-VANUATU 3 YEJELE-MARE 4 NOUMEA-NEW CALEDONIA 5 ISL OF PINES-NEW CALEDONIA 6 LIFOU-NEW CALEDONIA.</i></b><br />
<b><i>Numbers may be clearer if you click-expand image.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>The Isle of Pines is abt 2/3 the size of Mare.</i></b><br />
<b><i>LADY T and I first visited in the 70s, flying in from Noumea for a 4 day stay. It is a real nice island, - but unfortunately the cruise ship anchorage is nowhere near as protected as at Mare, Noumea, Port Vila or Mystery island, which lessens the chance of successfully landing - I have managed 4 in 6 on our cruise visits. Better than a lady on the tender our first visit - this was her first success in 4. Maybe I'm exaggerating the problem - LADY T is running 5 in 7 and my son 1 in 1.</i></b><br />
<b><i>Note that cruise line HOLLAND AMERICA calls the visit "KUTO" after the arrivals bay, not "ISLE OF PINES" as do the other cruise lines</i></b><br />
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<b><i>The trouble with this part of the ISLE OF PINES is that the headlands are relatively low/short and offer poor shelter from the prevailing south-east trade winds which blow more often than not. Plus the water close to shore in more sheltered areas is a bit shallow for bigger ships. So on blustery days the liner tends to rock and roll a bit which makes "debarking" (their term not mine) a bit difficult. </i></b><b><i>Not for want of trying - on our November 2015 call-in, the captain of CARNIVAL SPIRIT manoeuvered for at least 40 minutes to different parts of the bay trying to find calm-enough water to make tender loading safe for the old and infirm. November 2014 on CARNIVAL LEGEND was much the same. This must be heartbreaking to the locals who would have already set up their tents and stalls in the landing area - plus of course all passengers who have booked sightseeing, snorkeling and diving trips - there is the usual diverse range of paid SHORE EXCURSIONS offered by the ships/locals - take care in pre-booking those offered by locals: not sure abt refunds if you don't get off the ship.</i></b><br />
<b><i>Gotta say recent visits much more successful - I'm running 3 in 3.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>This is the region where the tenders land - a nice spit area in the island's south-west, coincidentally where our resort back in the 70s was located. The spit has frontages to both bays as did the hotel - a riot by indigenous people during the independence push of the 80s burned it down.</i></b><br />
<b><i>When ships are due, locals set up their tents and stalls along that clearing where the spit is narrowest. Both the beaches and that small island vicinity (right of lower-center) are popular with people off the ship.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>One of the locals' trip stalls. These offer excursions at significant discounts to the ships' stuff, but make sure you will return well before sailing time.</i></b><br />
<b><i>This area offers all the usual stuff - beers (better than ships' prices) and other drinks, food, touristy clothing-trinkets, the ubiquitous hair braiding/massage/yada. There are some toilets in the area.</i></b><br />
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<b>PLAGE DE KUTO</b><br />
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<b><i>KUTO BCH can be seen from the ship - above is the view when you hit it near the landing pier. This is a very sheltered strip of sand from the prevailing south-easterlies - it may be a bit blustery and choppy out in the bay where the ship is but including my fly-in I must have visited the beach on 10 different days: in each the wind was a mere zephyr and the water glassy - no coincidence KUTO BAY is a favoured mooring spot for cruising yachts and the island's small boats.</i></b><br />
<b><i>The beach is about 1 km long but only the first 300m attract people on liner days so if you are seeking seclusion there is plenty of sand for you. </i></b><br />
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<b><i>RESTAURANT KU BUGNEY is about 300m down the beach from the pier end - cool terrace to sit and eat/drink but prices a bit eye-watering for this cheap-skate ($AUD12 for a beer). Associated small boutique hotel is inland behind the trees.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>PLAGE DE KUTO looking back from KU BUGNEY towards the pier - gorgeous white sand, plenty of vegetation in back of beach for shade. High tide mark in OOCT 2017showed plenty of width left at full tide. Water calm and clear, bottom shelves gently, I've never experienced currents. Area not all that great for snorkeling with a sandy bottom and no coral (there probably is some up closer the pier area) but PLAGE DE KUNUMERA'S ROCHER DE KAA NEUMERA (see downpage) is only about 5 minutes' walk directly to the left across the isthmus.</i></b><br />
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<b>PLAGE DE KAA NUE MERA</b><br />
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<b><i>PLAGE DE KAA NUEMERA MAIN (EAST) [KUNUMERA on map) is directly across the spit from PLAGE DE KUTO. The pale blue track between the 2 most popular areas takes a bit over 5minutes. From the tender pier walk thru the locals' stalls area and take the track (white on map) veering to the right. 3 minutes will get you to the popular area around that landlocked island (ROCHER DE KAA NUEMERA - Rock Of Kaa - Nuemera). </i></b><br />
<b><i>Note KAA NUE MERA (KANUMERA) SUD (my name - SUD = south, I think, from my French lessons 59 years ago. I failed French BTW) - bit hard to access from THE ROCK because the first 150m is a hard to walk rocky shoreline: best way is to take the track immediately where the road from the tender pier hits the mid-spit road, not many do. SUD is nice enough, gets few visitors - a good place for people seeking seclusion, but so is central/eastern MAIN.</i></b><br />
<b><i>I didn't put a linear scale on the image - straight line distance between the place markers for TENDER PIER (left) and KAA NEU MERA MAIN (right) is 750M.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>The most popular location along here is not on the beach but in the shade of the woods behind ROCHER DE KAA NUE MERA. Besides the shade, this spot is close to good snorkelling around the rock and good swimming/paddling. Local dudes have a few tables under the trees to rent out snorkelling gear, kayaks and glass bottomed boat rides. </i></b><br />
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<b><i>Entrance to the water here is easy for both snorkellers and splashers.</i></b><b><br /></b><br />
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<b><i>This is a 2014 pic which shows a higher tide at the spit, but access to water still fine.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>The ROCK is a very popular snorkelling area. I took my face mask out and swam around the islet - 350m. There are patches of fringing coral and a fair few fish which will keep novices happy but perhaps advanced fin-flappers will be less than whelmed. I found the best coral approximately where those heads in background are but on the OTHER SIDE (EASTERN) of the islet. Just seaward of this was a big patch of very dead coral. Out in front of THE ROCK(the most seaward part) was not much of interest. There are some okay patches of coral in the bay off KAA NEU MERA MAIN. </i></b><br />
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<b><i>ROCHER DE KAA NUE MERA</i></b><br />
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<b><i>ARROW shows best snorkelling spot. Note coral patches closer camera left.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>600M long PLAGE DE KAA NUE MERA MAIN in OCT 2017 was pretty drop dead gorgeous - here is the classic tropical beach of blinding white sand backed by casuarinas, coconut palms and Cook Island Pines. Moderate profile with lotsa sand mid-tide in this shot: high tide mark showed plenty of room left to lay a towel/saraong. Off the sand the water shelves gently and there are some ok coral patches a bit further out to snorkel.</i></b><br />
<b><i>Despite facing into the prevailing south east trade winds, the above shot shows no problems. For a start any time your tender makes it to shore, those winds are not too strong. Secondly KAA NUE MERA BAY has a pretty narrow entrance thus blocking a lot of swell. Third(ly?) there is a pretty good BARRIER REEF about 7km offshore which blocks a fair bit of the bigger ocean waves. </i></b><br />
<b><i>ARROWS - OFF WHITE points to ROCHER ISLET while YELLOW to the very southern end of KAA NEAU MERA SUD.</i></b><b><br /></b>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjALCGugR2Ioh8w9LEZ1ZxdtPzjrRVRjVAqwoo4gCPLGAuNI2nCk2MWrxxyYc9nm3PdW7p4UJytLQcG4bliePD6C6erNx-L5GjPUi-W_OOZ9WLfpzeCByTFQIA4xB1CkZA9LTr1_PbsEdQ/s1600/P9160059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="429" data-original-width="1600" height="106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjALCGugR2Ioh8w9LEZ1ZxdtPzjrRVRjVAqwoo4gCPLGAuNI2nCk2MWrxxyYc9nm3PdW7p4UJytLQcG4bliePD6C6erNx-L5GjPUi-W_OOZ9WLfpzeCByTFQIA4xB1CkZA9LTr1_PbsEdQ/s400/P9160059.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><i>2014 higher tide saw a much narrower beach in background. This may have been a KING tide (proper name SPRING tide: nothing to do with the season) associated with FULL MOON or NEW MOON (when the moon and sun are aligned and working in tandem to pull the tide up) or maybe the result of prior STORM EROSION of the beach. </i></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipia1Zdn5DEd-XRzAKqcqiy2rx2HUWlGd3C_OY8Lz7HXYqSkETrRLrxhcCabdK7rNlcGPuQD-eUlX6nuSyFG6IliqyawQIU2zHxQVmS_Y3UBlgfeGlZZXln7n9V8duyeKC8nFQd79xNOA/s1600/PA310215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipia1Zdn5DEd-XRzAKqcqiy2rx2HUWlGd3C_OY8Lz7HXYqSkETrRLrxhcCabdK7rNlcGPuQD-eUlX6nuSyFG6IliqyawQIU2zHxQVmS_Y3UBlgfeGlZZXln7n9V8duyeKC8nFQd79xNOA/s400/PA310215.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><i>The far eastern end of KAA NEU MERA MAIN featured the boutique OUE TERRA BEACH RESORT which decided to block off the last 150m of sand. Dunno how legal this is - in AUSTRALIA or HAWAII no way could it happen. No matter - most cruise visitors confine themselves to the first 100m of the beach - central and eastern sections are pretty deserted. I wasn't fussed - I reckon their beers in that rather spiffy peaked-roof beachside bar-restaurant would have been way above my pension grade.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>PLAGE DE KAA NUE MERA 180 degrees from previous shot.</i></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdg6BrI9_mrLtWMhHCMn_ABoCt32Zk0na-2f6wkLfKbSZGGmYEGrcYiw6owCwc2ekNqgwDycmUloI-3he9TuMvuuDr1kFIE89gZ1SwNSf8bUTaf0vI_ZV7yx-Gs4WelZrHM7j-fDkhvSg/s1600/PA310216+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdg6BrI9_mrLtWMhHCMn_ABoCt32Zk0na-2f6wkLfKbSZGGmYEGrcYiw6owCwc2ekNqgwDycmUloI-3he9TuMvuuDr1kFIE89gZ1SwNSf8bUTaf0vI_ZV7yx-Gs4WelZrHM7j-fDkhvSg/s320/PA310216+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<b><i>Gorgeous.</i></b><br />
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<b><br /></b><b>ACCESSING THE ISLE OF PINES - unlike other beaches/islands in this section, the ISLE OF PINES gets many non cruise-liner visitors. There's a bunch of small boutique-like resorts around the island and regular AIR CALEDONIE commercial flights from NOUMEA - plus BETICO run a fast ferry 3 days a week. </b><br />
<b>DAYTRIPS apparently can be arranged by several NOUMEA operators - GOOGLE will find them.</b><br />
<b>The island is also a popular call in for cruising yachts.</b><b><br /></b><b><i><br /></i></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: yellow; font-size: medium;">IF YOU SEE MISTAKES OR HAVE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, PLEASE POST BELOW.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: yellow; font-size: medium;">BUT IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS PLEASE ASK THEM IN <a href="http://tezzasthaiinfo.blogspot.com.au/2007/10/forum.html?commentPage=3" style="color: #aa77aa;">THE FORUM SECTION</a> WHICH I CHECK MOST DAYS WHEN NOT TRAVELLING - WHEREAS I SELDOM REVISIT THESE INDIVIDUAL DESTINATION PAGES.</span></b></div>
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tezzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06099777760234890854noreply@blogger.com1