Happy New Year!

G'day everyone!

Hope all is well. Everything in the land of Oz is back into normal swing.

To pick up where I left off, I will indulge you in some fun tidbits of my current position. I'm the National Contingent Leader of Canada for this event. It's quiet awesome on one hand, and quiet the stressful on the other. Yesterday was a prime example of the stressful side.

The high of the day was 41. UV index of 14 (that's super bad, back at home it only gets up to 9, and that's a simply atrocious day). There was rumours of an evacution that started to circuilate. All the contingent leaders were asked to calm the panic. We did. Next thing we know as we start to sign up for our offsite activities, a lovely alarm buzz rips threw the air. I knew then.

We were given all of 10 minutes to get a day bag ready. Not that big a deal. I was pulled into a Contingent Leader meeting, and briefed. Away I went to check on my 7 remaining members. They had to have their passports, any flight details, valuables, and wallets on hand. Aka, if the worst thing happened, they could still go home.

That took a while to get sorted, as I had two staff members in my contingent. Both of whom where busy bees getting everyone their lunches, and shutting down a cafe.

I had to dash to pack myself once I had done 4/7 members. I designated someone else to keep an eye out and to ask them if they had their passport.

As luck would have it, 7/9 of the contingent was on a bus. This bus got diverted to do some service, and unload the bags from the coaches. I can only imagine Tyler and Karen's feelings when we were about an hour late getting to the safe spot.

So, it ended up being an impromptu day at the beach. The contingent went to a watering hole and enjoyed some of the local music. To make it a real beach day, we had to quickly run down to the beach, stand in the water, and then get back on the bus to head to our dinner's location. Around 8 pm, after relocating around 10 am, we made it back to Camp with no harm done.

We started the New years celebrations shortly afterwards, since the first ones to have the New Year would be the Kiwi's (New Zealanders).

In the middle of it all, I asked the Camp chief if the Canadians could enter the bar early at 6:30 our time, to celebrate the last of the New years. Every other Contingent has a plan, and we have about 2. At 3:20 we will meet, have some Crown and Coke (of course), to welcome the New year in Ontario where 3 of the members are from. At 6:20 we shall return to the bar, have some champagne, and celebrate the BC New Year, and the last of the celebrants for the world. HUZZZAH!

In other news, I will be off-line till January 7th. (that's January 6th back home). I depart tomorrow for my Rock Climbing expedition, and then when I get back, I believe there will be a Kimmynapping of epic proportions from what my Contingent has led on.

On January 7th, I will be off-site doing a service (like beach clean up)
January 8th, I hop onto a shuttle and head to the beach to surf it up.
January 9th, I will be heading threw a few sanctuaries, meeting a local painter, and doing a brewery tour. (Pretty fab way to spend a day if you ask me!)
January 10th, I will be in the middle of a field off-site Land Yatching.

Then, Last but not least, is January 11th, with the closing of the Moot.

January 12th we will be shipping off the Adelaide airport to head into Sydney to finish off the last days here in Australia.

Till next time,

Yours In Rovering,

Kimberly McGilvray
xox

Oz Moot!

HUZZAH!

Sorry for the delay, but been a little busy and out of the wifi network.

Since my last blog I've finally made it to Oz Moot. It's about 9pm here, so I'll try to recap the last couple of days.

Boxing day was a day spent exploring the remaining bits of Brisbane (which wasn't much, I have to say) before we got on our bus for the over night ride to Sydney.

It was quiet the boring ride. Palm trees, beaches, random stops. Lots of dark. The normal.

We ended up in Sydney for an eight hour lay over, and ended up running into a contingent member, Mike H. It was quiet the random, especially since there was next to no word about any of the three of us being in Sydney on that day. Once more we get on a bus for an over night to Melbourne.

Repeat the Palm trees, beaches, fields, and dark.

We got into Melbourne around 7 am, I believe.

We signed into our hostel, and went exploring around. Our hostel was based from the CBD (basically the dt), and only a few minutes away from the beach. St. Kilda. That was the district. Or, as they are referred to out here, Precinct.

We moved our bags into our room, grabbed the required items (camera, map, wallet), and headed off on the tram into the CBD.

We got next to nothing accomplished except for the area around the bus depot and realizing it was quiet the happening town. We headed back into the hostel for some good eats, a show of the sun setting and called it an early night.

On the following morning, twas a quick check out and dash to Southern Cross to grab a locker to drop off our packs (they aren't pleasant to carry around beyond an hour). Away we went onto the free city tram, realised it was too packed and couldn't hear a thing, and switched over the the tour bus. Around we went threw all the different precincts. There was on, Queen Elizabeth Market that we wanted to go to, but it didn't open till 5:30. Our bus out was at 8, it takes about and hour to get to the station, we had a dinner meeting with other members, and so fourth, made it a hard place to go to.

We explored threw the Docklands (and yes, it's a dock), but with factory outlets left right and centre in one walk threw mall. Definitely not what I was expecting in the precinct.

I was only expecting to meet with Kit (a member of the contingent) and Gonzo (an Australian friend), but there was also a Matt (Kit's boyfriend), and a Nick (another Contingent Member).

Around 6 am Adelaide time (they are 30 minutes behind the Victoria time zone), we got off of our coach.

The fun part of arriving in a new city, is always trying to figure out how to get to our destination. We have no idea where we start, where our finish point is, or the methods of transpiration available to us. Today, we were needing to get from one end of town, to the complete opposite.

It was by sheer luck that there was a man from Oz Moot checking to see if any Rovers had shown up. His next stop, the airport, exactly where we were heading.

I meet with my various members (the 6 that pass threw the airport at least), and send them on their way to the Moot. Neckers, tees, badges, and letters all finally out of my bag (it was itself about 5 kg of weight!).

Finally, I get in, and find the last two members. I check myself in, deal with some Contingent Leader details, and start to socialise.

At this point, we have completed our Opening ceremonies, gone threw the precautions of the state (the snakes and spiders and fire and sun and... and... and....), the on-site bar has been open for about two hours, enjoyed a gourmet dinner with dessert, and made a few friendly faces.

I am personally beat. The bus into Adelaide, wasn't the best.

So, with that, I will end with a happy note.

Today's high was about 35, tomorrow it's expected to get to about 43. It's not as bad as you would think. It's extremely dry.

I'll do a blog up on my new years. For the day after I will be heading out for my expedition for 5 days in the middle of nowhere (back in Victoria).

Phew. That was long.

Till next time,

Yours In Rovering,

Kimberly McGilvray
xox

Expect the Unexpected

So, we arrived in Brisbane on Christmas Eve at 6:30 am. This was after we had spent an unexpected evening in Airlie Beach. Due to a misinformed Greyhound representative, the bus we were hoping to get on for the overnight service into Brisbane direct from Townsville, didn’t work out. So, we quickly changed our plans to include a 20 hour layover in the beauty of Airlie beach (our other option was going to MacKay Airport).

I will admit, I wish we had a few more hours at Airlie beach. It was basically a sailing mega site, acting as a gateway to the Whitsunday Islands. We spent the night at Magnums, and enjoyed a really nice set up. The beach was something else too.

Back again on the bus for the overnight haul into Brisbane. It was brutal. The roads were super narrow, I couldn’t believe that the bus was able to fit with other vehicles on the road!

Over all, Christmas eve was a chill day. Wandered through the city, explored into the South banks a bit, and also caught a nap before the Christmas Eve Snow Party. There was a dinner special of a 400 mg steak, salad, and potatoes with a Schroon (size of beer, smaller than a pint) for about $10 each. For the snow party, they had used Peanut packing foam. It was rather, interesting? Kind of pulled off the look, I think at least.

It was an early night due to the rough night on the bus. Today, we waited around for the Orphans Lunch at the hostel. Basically, it was $5 for a roast beef dinner, with potatoes, yams, and veggies on the side. Oh, and an open bar. It’s actually illegal to sell liquor on Christmas in the State we are in (or it could be a federal thing, I’m not exactly sure).

After a lovely lunch, we went through to the Botanical gardens around the old government house. It was interesting to see a few of the native flowers and the bamboo growing. There was also an abundance of Lizards and what I have come to call the “creepy birds”. They are white, have a arched black beak, and are noisy.

On we went over the Pedestrian only bridge towards the South Banks. We walked by pool with sand. It was not what we expected, but then again, nothing really is here. Back we went through the city core and into our hostel to make our dinner, chicken stir fry.

Now, we are going to have a quiet evening and get ready for another couple hours on a bus as we head back into Sydney for 8 hours, and on again towards Melbourne. Once we depart Sydney, we would have completed our tour of the East Coast of Australia.

Pretty cool, and amazing if you ask me.

It’s only 5 days till the moot! We are almost half way done our time here in Australia. On one hand it feels like it’s been a long time, on the other, it feels like we just got in.

Till next time,

Yours In Rovering,

Kimberly McGilvray
xox

PS, MERRY CHRISTMAS to everyone who reads.

From One End To The Other

Today, was an early morning. First thing we are off to Horseshoe bay on the northern-eastern part of the island. Exploring the local town, walking the beach, sampling the fish and chips, and even a quick dip into the ocean was upon our agenda.

We attempt to find the lagoon, but due to the brush, decide against it. There was a sense of flip flops, over grown bushes, unmaintained trail, and snakes known to be in the area that didn’t quiet mix to well in our minds.

Away we went upon the bus to “The Forts”. This was a moderate/easy 4 km hike through the national forest to a site used in WW2 high in the mountains. We saw a gunnery, the lookout point, the range plateau, where the old workshop once stood, and a few other historical landmarks. We also happened to see rare things. TWO, yes my friends, TWO wild Koalas perched in the trees. Sleeping. One of them happened to wake up in the middle of our watching them/photographing.

When we finally got down from “The Forts”, we cruise threw Acadia Bay and back to our hostel for a quick dip in the pool. We have our lunch, and head off to Picnic bay. Unfortunately, it leaves much to be desired. Just a lot of empty buildings, and a pier. There was a giant boat though. And I do mean giant. It had three sets of “oars” that when moved back and forth like and elliptical machine, the prop on the back would move. Not overly fast, but still was moving.

Currently, we are packing and preparing to be on a bus for about, oh, 36 hours? Luckily/ironically we get to have a layover that’s about a day long in Mackay Airport. Next stop, Brisbane!

Till next time,

Yours In Rovering,

Kimberly McGilvray
xox

Various Palm Trees

Today was a five hour bus ride down from Cairns into Townsville. Townsville is a larger town then Cairns, slightly cooler (temp wise), and with a giant pile of dirt called Castle Hill. A gentle man was trying to give Townsville a mountain via carting up dirt. He never succeeded; instead there is one of the oddest hills ever.

A twenty minute ferry ride later and we are on Magnetic Island. I’m personally in love with the island. It’s small, takes 30 minutes to drive from one end to the other, and has beaches galore. Well, bays technically. It is also 80% national rainforest.

Our hostel is quiet the unique. It’s actually on the beach. The in house bar, dance floor/patio, pool, and even our room is all ocean front. There is also Scotty’s rentals if we want to rent a moped.

When I actually wrote this blog it was just after we had finished our dinner. What happens when you cross DeadMau5, a warm day, clouds, and a covered patio? One interesting Tropical Thunderstorm show. It was a lovely show. I actually prefer this thunder over the thunder at home. What’s the difference? I have no idea.

Tomorrow there is talk of walking to picnic beach (1km away), and then hopping on the local bus for the day and heading around to the other end of the island at Horseshoe Bay. We would then enjoy that bay and hope our way back to our hostel for some dinner.

Till next time,

Yours In Rovering,

Kimberly McGilvray
xox

I Found Nemo!

Yesterday was so amazing. Despite the early morning, it turned out to be one of the best experience of my life. We got onto the catamaran around 8 am, and were off soon afterwards. With morning tea, yummy muffins, and the great blue a head, nothing seemed wrong. For about an hour we cruised out to our first destination, Paradise reef. There was a quick breifing about the snorkles and the perimeters of the ocean we could explore.

The water was refreshing and clear as day. It was quiet the breath taking to see a few of the fishies swimming around, close enough to touch. (And because I'm a smart lady I brought my waterproof camera and have some pretty wicked shots!)

Most of the coral was bleached (this is from the wearther and the coral trying to live when it's living conditions have turned). But still very lively.

After an hour or so of trolling around, we head aboard the Catamaran and enjoy lunch. Fresh fruits, salads, cold cuts, and rolls. We are then back on our way to our second dive location (I can't remember the name of it :-( fooey.) And back into the water we go! It's a little chillier, but still refreshing. It's quiet a change at this location though. First thing I see is a bit of a swim, but soo much colour.

The reef is much more healthier, and full of life. With in moments I swim over a little enenimy with two clown fishes swimming around and brushing them selves. Nemo and Merlin! I was disappointed when I couldn't find Dory though. I continue to investigate. There was a jelly fish, about the size of a mandrin orange floating right by my face. Scary at first, but so cool to watch it swim by. Next, I run into Crush, a sea turtle. There is a picture of me swimming beside it. It was so much better then going to the aquarium and watching them swim over head.

I have to say, if there is one thing you HAVE to do in this country, is go and explore the reef.
We got back around 5 pm, and sat down at the grill in our hostel to a Atlanic Cod and Kangaroo dinner. Believe it or not, so long as you dont think about the super cute Hoppers, you can enjoy the tasty meat.
We made a few friends, like Pekay who are simply hilarious. So many shennanigans. I learned how to do a back flip off of Tyler's shoulders, in the pool of course.

Today we have had a chill day. Went into town and enjoy the city. From the mall, to the casino, to exploring the option of going into the biodome (we found another option instead), we enjoyed all the city had to offer. The prominade along the ocean was nice. The weather is simply great. Nothing but sun all day. Our room is a/c, and every time I go between it and outside, my glasses fog up. I dont thing that's ever happened at home.
This evening we are packing up, and getting ready to say goodbye to Cairns as we head off to Townsville and Magnetic Island for the next couple of days.

Afterwards we are going down to Brisbane for Christmas.

Till next time,
Yours In Rovering,

Kimberly McGilvray
xox

Arrival/ Cairns

On Dec 17, around 8:10 am, I took my first steps into Australia. Aside from some intense Customs, SYN was a lovely airport. With me is my best friend, boyfriend and fellow Rover, Tyler.

Once we figured a way into the actual city and to the hostel we were staying at, we had to store our packs till 2 when we would be able to check into the hostel. Away we went to explore the foriegn city. From the Sydney Aquarium and Zoo, around a scenic harbour wall, under the bridge, and threw the Rocks we ventured.

While we were situated under the bridge around the old fort, we heard clanging. When we looked up, there was a group of people teathered off to the walkways of the bridge. First thought was a service crew. Till they stopped and took pictures. Intergued we were. It was Bridge Climb. An unique experience that people like Jodie Foster, Keith Urban, and Nicole Kidman have all experieneced. When the price tag was revieled, we humbly walked out the door.

After locating the train station and the grey hound station, we explored one of my manditory places, Chinatown. Sydney boasts their Chinatown to be one of the largests, outside of China of course. There was a mall. About 4 stories. The ground floor was an flea/open air market. Go up a floor, and it's a pristine food court. Up another floor was the factory outlets. Up to the last one, and it was actual stores. Never have I scene such a dynamic building.

We wandered back down to the hostel and tasted a Tooney beer. It was super easy to drink. Most likely will be my beer of choice while here. Next on my list will be a wine.

After being awake for about 14 hours, I finally gave up. Given it was about 8 pm here in Australia, and about 1 am at home, I feel I did good.

This morning I woke up, still running on PST. Highly amusing. It didn't take much for me to fall back asleep for a few more hours. I'm quiet happily set to this silly aussie time.

It was a quick pack up and check out of the hostel. Off we went to the train station and off to the airport once more. I can honsetly say, Domestic flights in Australia have the most lax secuirity. So lax that I volunteered for ion testing (bombs). It felt like the right thing to do.

After about a three hour flight, and another time change, we landed in Cairns. It was a giant change. So much heat, so much humidity, so much more of what I expected back in Sydney. It was at least 32 degrees today, with the humidity, felt like it was in the forties.

It was a pretty chill day in Cairns (said like Cannes). Checked into the new hostel, Calypso, and fell in love with it. Can we say Tiki feel? We have a private room with A/C. Feels so nice.

Exploration commenced right away. We had a specific task to look after. Booking ourselves into the Great Barrier Reef. We were lucky and got in for tomorrow morning! It'll be super awesome.

We breifely watched a demonstration of various styles of fire spinning on the beach. Followed by a line dancing tutorial in the center square.

With it being approx 10 pm for me, I'm saving this and posting it later tomorrow after the adventures on the Reef.

Yours In Rovering,

Kimberly McGilvray
xo