Light Traveler

Angels Flight - Downtown LA

2011-08-09T12:47:00.000-07:00

A quaint pair of rail-cars provide transport up the steep incline from the Grand Central Markets on Hill Street to California Plaza on Bunker Hill.

If you have already read the novel "Angels Flight" by Michael Connelly you'll enjoy the ride a whole lot more. Quoting from the backcover of the book: "An activist attorney is killed in a cute little L.A. trolley called Angels Flight, far from Harry Bosch's Hollywood turf. But the case is so explosive - and the dead man's enemies inside the L.A.P.D. are so numerous - that it falls to Harry to solve it. Now the streets are superheating......"

Michael Connelly provides an excellent description through the eyes of Harry Bosch:
"Bosch had ridden the inclined railroad as a kid and had studied how it worked. He still remembered. The two matching cars were counterbalanced. When one went up the side-by-side tracks the other went down, and vice versa. They passed each other at the mid-point. He remembered riding on Angels Flight long before Bunker Hill had been reborn as a slick business center of glass and marble towers, classy condominiums and apartments, museums, and fountains referred to as water gardens. Back then the hill had been a place of once-grand Victorian homes turned into tired-looking rooming houses. Harry and his mother had taken Angels Flight up the hill to look for a place to live." page 11.

Smurf Watch - Los Angeles

2011-08-07T23:23:00.001-07:00

In late July, warning signs on the front of the LA Times newspaper and on the sides of the Big Blue Buses of Santa Monica advertised the arrival of mischievous smurfs to LA cinemas.

Santa Monica Place took the hype further by being home to this monstrously large smurf.

I haven't seen the 3-D movie yet, but I did fall victim to the advertising efforts and bought some really cute figurines and soft-toy smurfs from a toy shop in downtown LA - in the Macy's building - to take home as gifts.

Catalina Island - Casino Building

2011-08-07T22:41:00.000-07:00

The Catalina Casino building is not a casino, it is an entertainment center that dates back to 1929. Through the 1930s and 1940s the Casino Ballroom was a favorite venue for many of the Big Bands.

The Casino Art Gallery, Avalon Theatre, and Catalina Island Museum are also located in the Casino Building.

This glorious Catalina icon is as tall as a 12-story building.

Catalina Island Day Trip - California

2011-08-07T21:55:00.000-07:00

The boat ride from Marina Del Rey to Saint Catalina Island takes about 2 hours. Depending on the weather, it can be a rough voyage. But the beauty and majesty of the sea-life you may encounter on the journey is worth taking the chance of motion sickness. On a clear day in early August we saw scores of dolphins and a couple of enormous blue whales.

Once you arrive on the island, you can kick back and relax on the beach, snorkel, scuba dive, rent a boat, rent a golf cart, or take a tour.

When you get hungry there are lots of cafes, pubs and restaurants to choose from.

Catalina day-trippers from Marina Del Rey have to be ready to leave the island by 5 pm

Venice, Italy - views from the Grand Canal

2011-06-30T12:10:00.000-07:00

Take in the sights on your way to your hotel along the Grand Canal. These are some of the buildings we saw from the vaperatto.

Venice, Italy - San Marco in summertime

2011-06-30T11:47:00.000-07:00

Take a vaperatto to San Marco from the Santa Lucia railway station. There are two San Marco stops: Vallaresso and San Zaccaria. Either one will do. Enjoy the wonderful aquatic, urban and cultural scenes as you motor down the Grand Canal.

Venice, Italy - a city of boats

2011-06-30T11:24:00.000-07:00

Venice is a city of waterways. The best way to get around is on foot or by boat.

Urban Flood, Brisbane 2011

2011-01-15T16:57:00.000-08:00

These photos were taken in New Farm, Brisbane, soon after the river peaked this week. New Farm Park, New Farm floating walkway, the City Cat Terminal, Welsby Street, parts of Sydney Street and Brunswick Street and the Merthyr Shopping Village are all damaged by flood waters and/or storm water flows. Merthyr Bowls Club, despite its river frontage, was untouched.

City Cat Terminal, New Farm. Tops of the City Bike hitching posts in the foreground.

Lots of debris, hurtled downstream. A yacht smashed into the City Cat Terminal

New Farm Park, looking toward the Powerhouse

The Bowls Club. Water fully covered the walkway from here to Sydney Street City Cat Terminal

Floating Walkway. Two large sections broke away and floated downstream. Tugs rounded them up to avoid massive damage to bridges and other property.

Floating Walkway near the New Farm cliffs

Howard's Wharves, the site of proposed new development

Looking across to a submerged Holman Street Ferry Stop.

Many people were shocked by the storm water back flows (from river to shop or backyard or road). The car park in the basement of Merthyr Village is at sea level so the storm water pipes filled it quickly. As a result, most of the shops are still without power.

Looking toward the Fish and Chip Shop on the corner of Sydney Street and Brunswick Street. The road entrance (underwater) to New Farm Park is on the right. From here down, Sydney Street was awash.

New Farm Park entrance

Welsby Street, New Farm

Barcelona, a tourist mecca

2011-01-15T16:04:00.000-08:00

Barcelona has it all for the walking tourist. Buildings, barrios and beaches are within easy walking distance from the famous Rambla. Tapas bars are everywhere to offer light refreshments day and night. Rest awhile to the rhythm and rhymes of the local musicians.

Barcelona Beach

Alicante, Spain - Beachside

2010-10-23T17:43:00.000-07:00

A Mediterranean sunrise.

Alicante at dawn is sleepy and quiet in contrast to the night scenes in the streets and squares.

A few dedicated souls workout on the beach exercise park in the early morning.

The crowds congregate as the temperature rises and

soon a spare patch of sand is hard to find.

But as the day cools down, the crowds leave and the beach becomes the ideal place to play.

Alicante, Spain - Portside

2010-10-23T17:16:00.000-07:00

The beautiful port of Alicante makes the ideal backdrop for that special occasion photo.

The marina rivals the best in the world.

So get on the water for a different view of the city

or sail to Tabarca Island with your friends and family

and jump overboard with a snorkle and mask.

A Sangria is never far away.

A crochet bucket-style hat protects you from the bright glare of sun, sand and sea. I wish my baby grand daughter would wear her hats...she hates the glare but rips off her hat in an instant.

Alicante, Spain - Streets and Squares

2010-10-23T16:23:00.000-07:00

Narrow streets with rugged vistas are fun to explore.

Mild, balmy evenings find many people outdoors. The streets at night are alive with the young and old and every age in between. Some are taking a stroll before going home to dine, others are comparing menus from the myriad restaurants along the promenade and in the squares.

The street scene is a treat. As we passed the big old church on our way to dine, we cheered the happy couple as they huddled together for a photo shoot.

We always opted for eating under the stars. My favorite Spanish dishes are paella, white tuna, grilled sepia, baked bacalao and the simple ensalada mixta. White Tuna is a local Alicante fish that is not on the menu but may be available as the catch of the day. It is the best fish I have ever tasted.

Alicante, Spain - Mercado Central

2010-10-23T15:57:00.000-07:00

Mercado Central, now on Alicante's heritage list, has been the centerpiece of commercial activities since the very early days of the city. Fresh produce from the land and sea is available daily (except Sunday, when this picture was taken).

Alicante, Spain

2010-10-23T15:39:00.000-07:00

Alicante is a Mediterranean port city with a beautiful climate and a magnificent beach. It took 24 hours to get to Spain from Brisbane, Australia; we flew Singapore Airlines to Barcelona, stopping in Singapore (3 hours) and Milan (1 hour). After two days in Barcelona we took a 5.5 hour train ride to Alicante. Many sections of the railroad follow the sparkling Mediterranean Sea very closely.

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Cactus flower, Brisbane, Australia

2010-03-14T14:48:00.001-07:00

Our tall, lanky cactus produced this magnificent apricot colored flower in February. It only lasted a day or so and then it was gone.

This week a baby cactus (arm) was born at the base, close to the soil. Perhaps it sprouted out to support the main stem and prevent it from toppling over.

For the past few years this hardy cactus has been growing taller and taller.

Salonika Beach, Mackay, Queensland

2010-02-28T20:22:00.000-08:00

Salonika Beach is about half an hour's drive south of Mackay.

Reddish sands and swaying casuarina trees give this remote beach an eerie beauty.

When wild weather strikes, king tides gouge the sand dunes and topple the trees

To the north, Salonika Beach overlooks the Hay Point Coal Terminal.

Empty coal ships queue on the horizon awaiting their turn to be loaded before returning to the other side of the world.

Tawny Frogmouth, Salonika Beach , Mackay

2010-02-28T20:18:00.000-08:00

Is this a Tawny Frogmouth? This owl-like bird was perched on the edge of our balcony to welcome us when we arrived. With marbled grey feathers and a big hooked beak I suspect it is a Tawny Frogmouth.

A hyperbolic coral reef in crochet

2009-08-29T16:47:00.000-07:00

The Hyperbolic Crochet Coral Reef is a worldwide project created by Margaret and Christine Wertheim of the Institute for Figuring in Los Angeles.

The Sydney Hyperbolic Crochet Coral Reef was on display during 21-30 August in the Powerhouse Museum, 500 Harris Street, Ultimo. Fortunately I was in Sydney last week and saw it first hand. Here's some of my photos of the exhibition.

The Reef begins with the technique of hyperbolic crochet discovered by Dr. Daina Taimina. In 1997, Daina Taimina, a mathematician at Cornell University, crocheted a physical model of hyperbolic space. Visit http://theiff.org/oexhibits/oe1e.html to read more about Daina's crochet models.

You can crochet your own hyperbolic plane by increasing incrementally. All you have to remember is to increase every nth stitch each row. For example, if n=4 you increase every 4th stitch, every row. As you increase, the surface begins to ruffle naturally. An article in Interweave Crochet magazine gives you the complete instructions at http://theiff.org/press/interweave.html.

Beaufort, North Carolina

2009-06-17T17:52:00.000-07:00

Beaufort, North Carolina, is a mecca for boating enthusiasts. In early June the dock is crowded with large fishing boats being prepped for the Big Rock Blue Marlin Fishing Tournament.

The marshes of the waterways around Beaufort NC provide a very scenic backdrop to the historic downtown area.

The surrounding area of historic Beaufort is an aquatic playground. We especially like to take the boat trip off-shore from Harkers Island to the islands of Cape Lookout National Seashore.

We spend a few hours wandering around the remote, pristine beaches, looking for wild horses, wild flowers, seabirds and other wildlife.

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Atlantic Beach is a short drive from Beaufort. To avoid the intense summer sun we joined the early risers for a long walk on the beach. The fishing pier was already jumping.

I like to have an early morning coffee when I'm out walking so I was delighted to see the welcoming "OPEN" flag flapping in the sea breeze.

As we slurped our delicious hot coffees we looked out to sea, hoping to see dolphins or whales at play. On past trips we have spotted these beautiful sea creatures as they swim their east coast odyssey.

Marina Del Rey, California, USA

2009-06-17T17:13:00.000-07:00

The trip from east coast Australia to east coast USA is much more enjoyable if you take a short break in LA. One of our favorite stopovers is the Marina Del Rey Hotel. We like to get out for long walks to Santa Monica via Venice Beach. We browse the bookstores, eat bagels and biscuits and Mexican fare, and take in the general scene along the way. If you were hoping to catch a wave you probably will be disappointed. Try "people watching" instead...it doesn't get any better than what you'll find on the Venice Beach walkway.

Hand-powered rakes
Santa Monica appears to have outlawed those wretched leaf blowing machines. We saw lots of people cleaning up with rakes and brooms. Let's hope more cities will follow this admirable example. The noisy, dust-making leaf blower is one of the most environmentally unfriendly machines on the planet today.

Bruny Island Eco-adventure cruise, seal habitats

2009-03-01T18:46:00.000-08:00

Sentry duty

Living on the edge

Relaxing

Swimming and fishing

Playing

Welcoming committee

Bruny Island Eco-adventure cruise, bird habitats

2009-03-01T18:33:00.000-08:00

Gannets

White eagle with young

Bruny Island Eco-adventure cruise, island landforms

2009-03-01T18:23:00.000-08:00

Bruny Island Eco-adventure cruise, landforms on the edge

2009-03-01T18:12:00.001-08:00

Bruny Island Eco-adventure cruise to the Southern Ocean

2009-03-01T17:32:00.000-08:00

Explore the edge of the Southern Ocean aboard Bruny Island's eco-adventure boat.

The 3-hour cruise along Bruny Island's rugged coast takes you to the natural habitats of seals, dolphins, whales, eagles, albatross and gannets. The majestic, rugged landforms provide a scenic backdrop that amazes and delights the senses.

Late February is still summer on Bruny but you will need your beanie and a warm jacket. Long, red, waterproof coats are available to keep you dry.

Scores of dolphins graced us with their beauty. At one point, 5 burst through a large wave together to the applause of all who witnessed that special moment.

Though I took plenty of photos on our cruise, I was unable to capture the dolphins at play. They were just too quick, and I decided to give my full attention to their extraordinary performance.

Sunset on Oahu, Waikiki Beach

2009-02-21T16:53:00.000-08:00

Sunset draws a crowd at Waikiki - everyone has their camera ready. Dukes was my preferred viewing spot. I like how the tall, skinny palm trees silhouette the fiery sky.

You have to arrive to your beach bar early if you want a good viewing spot for sunset hour. Bright Hawaiian shirts are essential....they let you blend in with the crowd. Hibiscus flower prints, palm tree prints and beach theme prints camouflage you in this tropical paradise.

Oahu road trip

2009-02-20T14:44:00.000-08:00

We hired a car for a couple of days to explore the island of Oahu. We wanted to see Oahu's legendary North Shore via the picturesque coastline of Southeast and Windward Oahu. When we reached the North Shore, the waves were disappointing but the wind was impressive - instead of surfboard riders we found windsurfers and scores of kitesurfers at Mokuleia Beach Park.

Mokuleia Beach, North Shore, Oahu - kitesurfing.

Mokuleia Beach, North Shore, Oahu - windsurfing.

Mokuleia Beach, North Shore, Oahu - spectating.

Casual accommodation was scarce in the north. Unless you could afford a 5-star golfing resort or were happy to settle for backpacker's lodgings, you had to keep moving. We continued our journey via the inland highway and very quickly found ourselves near Pearl City.

Once we were on Farrington Highway we decided to check out Paradise Cove. We knew it had a popular Lu'au - an Hawaiian-style beach party with traditional singing and dancing. There were hotels and resorts aplenty so we thought we had a chance of staying for the Lu'au, having a couple of cocktails and sleeping nearby.

Alas, it was Presidents' Day weekend so the more affordable rooms were already taken.

We found the beach walkway and snapped a photo of Paradise Cove before heading back to the Circle Hotel at Waikiki.

Early next morning we went back to the west or leeward coast of Oahu to continue our journey. Not far down the track, there were lots of ragged tarps and tents obscuring our view of the coastline. The makeshift shelter of the homeless stood in stark contrast to the beautiful accommodation of golf resorts a few miles away.

There was a surf carnival in progress at Makaha Beach so we kept going - almost to the end of the road. There was no one in sight,
we had the beach all to ourselves

until a local family arrived for a beach picnic.

Having reached the end of the Leeward trail, we returned to Southeast Oahu via the Pali Highway.

We stopped at the "look-out" along the way. The beauty of Oahu stretched out before us.

Oahu Locals, Honolulu

2009-02-19T22:08:00.000-08:00

King Kamehameha was the first warrior to unite all the Hawaiian Islands. There is a state holiday in June for King Kamehameha Day...when dozens of 30-foot leis are draped from this statue.

Curyn and Joseph create delicious meals at Ruffage, a natural foods store specialising in healthy sandwiches, smoothies, soups and salads. They have daily Vegetarian and Vegan specials. We couldn't get enough of their yummy food. Ruffage is located on 2443 Kuhio Avenue Honolulu. We discovered them in the Rough Guide Directions, Honolulu & Oahu.

Sue has a yarn store, Isle Knit, in the heart of Honolulu. She has a wide variety of wonderful crochet and knitting yarns. I couldn't resist the 100% sugar cane yarn hand dyed in soft variegated blues, greens and neutrals. I was pleased to find my favourite brand and style of crochet hook....Clover soft touch.

I discovered an excellent pattern book called Mondo Valeria. With a 5.5 mm crochet hook and my Araucania sugar cane yarn I embarked on no. 32, a lacy summer shawl. I finished it when I returned to Australia.

It's always a delight to find exquisite yarns and patterns when I travel. Isle Knit is located at 1188 Bishop St, Suite 1403 Honolulu.

Barack Obama, 44th President of the USA, was born in Honolulu on August 4, 1961. Obamaland by Ron Jacobs lets you follow in "Barry's" footsteps. The O-Zones of Oahu are Makiki, Manoa, Waikiki, Downtown, Windward and Northshore/Leeward.

I bought my collector's edition of Obamaland from Butigroove. The store is on Pi'ikoi Street, not far from the Ala Moana shopping center. Butigroove is a musically driven Hawaiian clothing label - representing positive movement influenced by all things musical.

For convenience you can buy your copy of Obamaland online from Butigroove.

A four-legged local. This loyal, local hound is waiting for his master at Dukes, a very popular watering hole right on the beach at Waikiki.

Iolani Palace, Honolulu

2009-02-19T21:42:00.000-08:00

Iolani Palace was built for King David Kalakaua in 1882. It was last occupied by Hawaiian royalty in 1893 by deposed Queen Liliuokalani.

The palace became the Hawaiian state capitol building, before the new capitol building was completed in 1969. It is now a museum.

The bright yellow ochre window shutters matched my travel hat...the hat I designed and made especially for our Hawaiian holiday.

Diamond Head, Waikiki

2009-02-19T21:29:00.000-08:00

The extinct crater, Diamond Head, is a distinctive landmark of Honolulu located on the edge of Waikiki Beach.

Looking back across the beach to Diamond Head at sunset.

Waikiki Beach, Oahu

2009-02-19T21:24:00.000-08:00

This is the 5-star view from our 3-star hotel on Waikiki. The Waikiki Circle Hotel is located in the middle of all that is wonderful on Waikiki Beach....food, shopping, sunshine, sand and surf.

February is a winter month in Hawaii so there was rain and cloud from time to time but the temperature stayed steady. Highs at 28 degrees (C) and lows at 18-19 degrees (C).

Swimming, sailing and surfing are the key beach activities. Many people take their first surfboard ride on gentle waves at Waikiki.

Winter is almost over in Vermont

2009-01-31T11:41:00.000-08:00

Winter is almost over and we can see the deer wandering around now.

This morning I received this image, complete with caption, from my brother-in-law. Kennedy lives in Charlotte, Vermont, USA.

Bronte Beach Australia - birthplace of surf lifesaving

2009-01-03T16:36:00.000-08:00

It's summertime in Australia and people are flocking to beautiful beaches for inexpensive fun and relaxation. Bronte Beach is a short bus ride on the 378 from Sydney's Central Railway Station. The Bronte Beach Surf Club boasts being the first since 1903.

Bronte has an ocean pool on the south side of the beach. There are around 100 ocean pools or baths along the open coast of New South Wales. Waves often break over the side of these tidal swimming pools.

Bronte is a popular surfing beach; keen surfers are on their boards at daybreak.

If getting more exercise is one of your new year's resolutions, join the walkers and joggers on the coastal path. Head north to Bondi Beach or south to Coogee Beach. The coastal views will reset your minds and motivate you to take on the challenges of the new year.

Sedona, Arizona - Jeep Tours

2008-10-01T22:10:00.001-07:00

Take a jeep tour for a closer look at the amazing rock formations of Sedona. We took an early morning tour when the high desert country is fresh and cool.

I couldn't resist this photo opportunity.

Sedona, Arizona - Bell Rock

2008-10-01T21:57:00.000-07:00

The clear blue desert sky contrasts beautifully with this pretty bell-shaped red rock.

Sedona, Arizona - Snoopy

2008-10-01T21:46:00.001-07:00

To the right of the large rock you can make out the shape of Snoopy as he lies on his back in the sun with his little bird friend, Woodstock, resting on his nose. Sunset brings out the vibrant red of the Sedona rockscape.

Sedona, Arizona - September get-away

2008-10-01T21:32:00.001-07:00

Sedona at daybreak

Life-like rocks

Homesteads blend in with the high desert environment
We planned our stay around the Sedona Jazz Festival, 2008

Bobby Hutcherson entertained us with the Vibes.

Schmap Photo Inclusion - Bazar de l'Hôtel de Ville

2008-08-15T10:32:00.000-07:00

When we visited Paris last year we set out on a long urban trek in search of yarn and fiber stores. I found a small Phildar shop in the Latin Quarter and a large department store called the Bazar de l'Hôtel de Ville (BHV). BHV is on the other side of the river along Rue de Rivoli. I shopped there several times and brought back luscious yarns to crochet and knit gifts for my family and friends back in Australia and USA.

Schmap found my photo of Bazar de l'Hôtel de Ville on Flickr and included it in their latest Paris tourist guide. Thanks Schmap!

Here's a sample of some of the other sites we enjoyed in Paris.

Main Street Yarns and Fibers, Watkinsville, GA, USA

2008-07-20T12:45:00.000-07:00

If you like visitiing the best yarn stores when you travel, head to Watkinsville, Georgia USA and meet the friendly southern locals. Main Street Yarns and Fibers is one of the liveliest, helpful and inspirational yarn stores on the planet. If you knit, crochet or felt, be prepared to stay for at least an hour browsing. You may even start your project there because you won't want to leave this fiber-lovers' haven. You'll meet Ruth, Darilee, James and Tina. Ruth will tempt you with the latest, luscious yarns from around the world. Darilee, a talented young fiber artist, will inspire you to create beautiful wearables. James will fire your passion for crochet. Tina will infect you with a compulsion to knit 365 days a year. I love Main Street Yarns and Fibers.

Aran-style beanies for the Alice Springs Beanie Festival

2008-06-14T17:31:00.001-07:00

Aran-style knitted garments are in vogue again. Diamond and double cable textured knit stitches look good on all sorts of beanies - from close fitting surf beanies to elegant berets.

Aran-style beanies for travelers - designed and knitted by me for Beanie Central, Alice Springs Beanie Festival, 2008. Pattern for the surf-style Aran beanie is available at Bandana Heads.

Crocheted beanies for Alice Springs Beanie Festival

2008-06-14T17:12:00.000-07:00

Every traveler needs a unique beanie that suits their personality. "Johnny Reb" is a grey cap-style hat with bill. Johnny Reb is the name they gave to the Confederate soldier who fought in the American civil war.
"Sedona" is an oversized beanie in turquoise and dusty tans of the Arizona desert region.

Crocheted beanies for travelers - designed and crocheted by me for Beanie Central, Alice Springs Beanie Festival, 2008.

Ear-flap hats for Alice Springs Beanie Festival

2008-06-14T16:48:00.001-07:00

Ear-flap Beanies for travelers - designed and knitted by me for Beanie Central, Alice Springs Beanie Festival, 2008. Patterns available at Bandana Heads.

Peruvian inspired travel hats - Men and boys in the Andes Mountains knit and wear the traditional chullo with ear flaps. They embellish their hats with colorful customized motifs.

Wool beanies for Alice Springs Beanie Festival

2008-06-14T16:37:00.000-07:00

Beanies for travelers - designed and knitted by me for Beanie Central, Alice Springs Beanie Festival, 2008

Hemp beanies for Alice Springs Beanie Festival

2008-06-14T16:25:00.000-07:00

Beanies designed for travelers - created by me for Beanie Central, Alice Springs Beanie Festival, 2008

Bondi Beach to Coogee coastal walkway, sandstone

2008-05-14T23:24:00.000-07:00

Beautiful sandstone outcrops along the scenic coastal walkway from Bondi back to Coogee Beach.

Bondi Beach Surf Life Savers' Club

2008-05-14T23:14:00.000-07:00

All trails lead to a cappucino. It took just under one hour of steady walking and occasional photo stops to get to Bondi from Coogee. Before heading back to Coogee we made a brief stop at the Bondi Beach Surf Life Savers Club.

Poverty in Paradise - just as Bondi Beach came into view we noticed a shabby makeshift home clinging to a rocky ledge. These guys could evidently feed themselves...a couple of nasty looking fishing rods stood sentinel as the occupants slept.

Tamarama Beach, Coogee to Bondi coastal walkway

2008-05-14T23:11:00.000-07:00

Tamarama Beach is on the way to Bondi Beach.

On the way back to Coogee, you can see the sandstone headland of Tamarama Beach.

Bronte Beach, Coogee to Bondi coastal walkway

2008-05-14T23:06:00.000-07:00

Bronte Beach nestles between Tamarama and Clovelly on the Coogee to Bondi coastal walkway.

Clovelly Beach, Coogee to Bondi coastal walkway

2008-05-14T23:02:00.000-07:00

Gordon's Bay, between Coogee Beach and Clovelly

2008-05-14T22:49:00.000-07:00

At 7.00 am we set out for Bondi Beach....10 minutes after sunrise. Gordon's Bay is the first little gem along the Coogee to Bondi coastal walkway. In the dim early morning light you can see the Clovelly headland in the distance.

On the way back to Coogee you can see tiny Wedding Cake Island in the distance from Gordon's Bay.

Coogee Beach, Sydney, Australia

2008-05-14T22:28:00.000-07:00

If you get the chance to visit Sydney consider staying at Coogee Beach. It's a $30 taxi ride from Sydney Airport. The beautiful crescent-shaped beach is patrolled by the Surf Life Savers 365 days a year. A typical May day has a high of 20-22 degrees celcius...the temperature of the water around 19 degrees celcius. May is a good time to do the 12 kilometre roundtrip from Coogee to Bondi Beach along the coastal walkway.

East Coast Odyssey, The urban canyons of New York City

2008-04-16T00:08:00.001-07:00

New York City was our final destination on our east coast odyssey from Savannah, GA, to the Carolinas and Vermont.

Yellow taxis, red tourist buses, police cars and private cars were all hurtling towards 59th street on the edge of Central Park.

In years long gone the twin towers would have been visible in the distance at the other end of this avenue.

Central Park, New York City, Carousel

2008-04-16T00:02:00.000-07:00

Our young friend, Ally, treated us to the fun spots of Central Park.

Ally and her parents met us at the Columbus Circle entry to the park, right near the golden statue. Before entering the park we bought wonderful gourmet takeaways from the wholefoods store nearby.

After our picnic lunch on the benches surrounding the playground, we rode a horse on the Carousel. Round and round, up and down; it brought back fond memories of my own childhood in the land downunder. We exited the park by way of the Zoo. No need to pay; from outside the fence we could easily see the seals performing.

New York City, Times Square

2008-04-15T23:46:00.000-07:00

After three days visiting family in Vermont we took the ten-hour train trip to Penn Station, New York City. It was a scenic trip for the first few hours. Lots of home sites in the remote parts of the country were still surrounded by snow.

We hit the shops the following day. The Virgin music store in Time's Square was the first stop.

We spent three nights at the Gershwin Hotel....a very funky establishment on east 27th street near 5th Avenue. The decor was exceptional. Each floor featured a modern artist. On the 10th floor we were treated to the photography of Billy Name, the familiar shots he did for Andy Warhol.

The only negative comment I would make about the Gershwin is the poor drainage in the shower. By the time I had finished my fairly quick shower I was wading in 3 inches of water.

Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina

2008-04-15T23:42:00.000-07:00

Luckily for us our adorable grand daughter lives close to Wrightsville Beach on the coast at Wilmington, North Carolina. The beach is the best place for family reunions.
Wrightsville Beach is my favourite beach on the east coast of USA. The coastal sunrises are always worth waking for.

Beaufort, South Carolina

2008-04-15T23:22:00.000-07:00

We keep going back to the lowcountry destination of Beaufort, South Carolina. Marshlands, sea islands, intracoastal waterway, historic homes, Gullah culture, southern hospitality and bountiful seafood are just a few reasons why. This photo was taken while we sat on the verandah at Plum's. The waterfront in historic downtown Beaufort is a popular meeting place. It's the place where the Gullah festival is held every year.

Sunsets over Lake Champlain, Burlington, VT

2008-04-15T23:17:00.000-07:00

Sunsets over Lake Champlain were stunning. Locals and tourists congregated each evening along the foreshores to watch nature's fantastic light show. No two evenings are ever the same.

East coast odyssey - Savannah to Burlington

2008-04-15T22:46:00.000-07:00

Through mid-March to mid-April we wandered through Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, New York and Vermont.

The early spring colors of Burlington, Vermont, were starkly beautiful. Snow was still falling in Stowe and the bright red ski lifts were still operating. We were in the land of Ben and Jerry's ice cream and Vermont's sugar maple trees.

A day trip around the Burlington district is not complete without a stop at the Ben and Jerry's ice cream factory.

Goannas under the Story Bridge

2008-01-25T12:41:00.000-08:00

At the northern end of the Story Bridge, beneath the New Farm cliffs, is what's left of the derelect Howard Smith Wharves. The monitor lizards have claimed the fenced off area as home. In Australia, monitor lizards are known as goannas. Look very closely and you will see the large lizard surveying his kingdom.

The Wharves are an historical landmark with both Indigenous and heritage value. Brisbane City Council is developing a master plan to revitalise the 3.56-hectare area.

The site has stunning views of the Brisbane cityscape.

Exercise after a long flight

2008-01-24T18:32:00.001-08:00

International flights to Brisbane get in early in the morning and you cannot check into your city hotel until after lunchtime. Leave your luggage at the hotel and go for a walk or a jog along the Brisbane River walkways. This photo was taken around 6.30am this morning on the floating walkway - the Story Bridge is in the backgound. It's summer time in Brisbane December through to February and the UV rays are extreme from about 7.30am onwards so remember to wear a hat and slap on the sunscreen.

Use your bandana as gift wrapping, Furoshiki style

2007-12-18T21:52:00.000-08:00

A lovely Japanese custom is to present a gift in a wrapping cloth or Furoshiki. Traditionally the Furoshiki is a piece of cloth with interesting designs and fabric texture. The Furoshiki can be recycled as a lunch bag, hair scarf, sun shade, or as wrapping for other gifts.

Consider wrapping your travel gifts in a multi-purpose bandana square. There's lots of ways to wrap a bandana around a gift, but the basic way includes a simple knot with a loose corner draped over the edge. This style can be used for oval and rectangular shapes.

Furoshiki-style wrapping instructions:
Spread the bandana fabric as a diamond (see image below) and place the contents to be wrapped in the center

Take the corner closest to you (1. tuck) over the object and tuck it underneath
Pull the opposite corner (2. top) over the top and leave it draped over the edge
Hold left corner (3.tie) in your left hand and gather the surplus fabric neatly with your right hand as you bring the corner over the object
Hold right corner (4. tie) in your right hand and gather the surplus fabric neatly with your left hand as you bring the corner over the object
Tie the two fabric ties firmly with a square knot - ease in excess fabric for a neat finish. The ties form a practical handle to carry your gift.

For creative ideas on Furoshiki gift wrapping read Chizuko Morita's book "Gift Wrapping with Textiles: Stylish Ideas from Japan", ISBN 4-7700-2736-2.

More information on furoshiki multi-use wrapping

How to wear a bandana.

How to wear a bandana

2007-11-28T11:02:00.000-08:00

Pack a couple of bandanas for the journey. The bandana square folds into attractive unisex hair accessories - headbands, triangle hair scarves and skull caps. People with little or no hair can enjoy complete headcover and sun protection by wearing their bandana as a skull cap.

Fold your bandana into a headband: The first step is to fold your bandana into a triangle. This diagonal fold will give a maximum length of around 31.5 inches. Fold toward the first fold 2 to 3 more times until the fabric is about 2.75 inches wide. Wrap it around your forehead and tie a square knot to secure it. Photo: John, Athens, Georgia, USA.

Bandana headband to accent your hair-do: Fold your bandana into a headband and tie it around your pony-tail or bunny-tail 'do'. Photo: Gemma, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.

Bandana headband tied at the top: Fold your bandana into a headband then tie it at the top of your head so the wider part is lifting your hair off your neck and keeping you cool. Photo: Stephanie, Athens, Georgia, USA.

Accessorize your travel wardrobe with solid color bandanas: The bandana square folds into an inexpensive headband that tames your hair and provides custom fit. Fold the bandana on the diagonal for maximum length. Fold two corners several times into the center of the bandana until the fabric is about 2 to 2.5 inches wide. Use a square knot to secure it. Photo: Julie, Edinburgh, Scotland.

Bandana triangle scarf: Wear a bandana as a unisex hair scarf to protect your hair when traveling. Fold your bandana square into a triangle and tie the long ends at the back of your neck. Christian ties back his long beautiful black Creole hair with a comfortable soft cotton bandana folded into a triangle scarf. Photo: Christian, Austin, Texas, USA.

Bandana skull cap. Fold one corner of the bandana under until its tip is about 5 inches away from the opposite corner. Place this 5-sided shape on your head with the folded edge just above your brow. Tie the horizontal ends around your head making sure the tip of the triangle and any extra fabric is tucked in so the bandana hugs your head like a skull cap. For smaller heads fold the front corner under further until the bandana is folded in half and shaped like a triangle. Photo: Charlie, Auckland, New Zealand.

When tying your bandana the best knot is a square knot... a square knot is secure but is easy to undo. Put left end over right end then right end over left, or you can start with right over left then left over right. It's just like tying your shoe laces only you have to remember to do each tie in reverse.

Furoshiki-style gift wrapping with bandanas.

Alice Springs Beanie Festival

2007-08-31T20:18:00.000-07:00

Alice Springs hosts an Annual Beanie Festival where people from all over the world can come together and celebrate the creative form of the beanie hat. The festival supports workshops and programs in remote Aboriginal communities. Alice Springs now has its very own Beanie Industry where Indigenous women design and make wearable works of art.

This year the Beanie Festival was held from June 29th to July 2nd. Creative workshops included Scrumbling or free-form crochet, felting techniques, Japanese braiding, Pandanus twining, free-form knitting, bush lanterns and dilly bag construction using netting techniques. I particularly enjoyed making a dilly bag using the same techniques that indigenous people use all over the world. I added a few bird feathers for embellishment.

We did a few short road trips to take in the stark, red beauty of Alice Springs. Standley Chasm is very accessible. The walking track lets you take in the red rocks, white ghost gums and brilliant blue skies.

Australia Day, 26th January

2007-01-25T14:10:00.000-08:00

The 26th January is the day we celebrate the birth of our nation. We call it Australia Day. It's a day filled with all kinds of celebrations and special sporting events across Australia. It's the day we honour all that is good in Australia and recommit to making it a better country in the future. This afternoon I will be joining the crowds celebrating in Queensland.

On January 26th 1788 the First Fleet arrived at Port Jackson (Sydney Harbour). Captain Arthur Phillip unfurled the British flag and claimed New South Wales to be a colony of England. Eleven ships brought a total of 756 convicts (564 male, 192 female), 550 officers/marines/ship crew and their families. Australia's First Fleet - 1788 provides an interesting account.

Sydney Harbour is indeed a magnificent harbour. Captain Arthur Phillip got it right when he chose to move on from Botany Bay and anchor in Sydney Cove. Today, when I fly back to Sydney and sight that iconic duo of Harbour Bridge and Opera House from the air, a wave of excitement and nostalgia washes over me. Sydney is the city of my birth. I love my country Australia. The words of Dorothea Mackellar's My Country resonates with me

"I love a sunburnt country,
A land of sweeping plains,
Of ragged mountain ranges,
Of droughts and flooding rains,
I love her far horizons,
I love her jewel sea,
Her beauty and her terror -
The wide brown land for me."

But what do the Indigenous people think of Australia Day? Britain established a colony at Sydney Cove without consent and without negotiating with the original inhabitants. Colonisation, dispossession from their lands and forced marginalisation has deprived Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of opportunities taken for granted by other citizens. They are among the most disadvantaged people in Australian society today.

Australia Day is a day to reflect on the Indigenous people of Australia and consider how we can best bring the country closer to reconciliation.

Reconciliation Australia recognises the special place and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Australians, values their participation and provides equal life chances for all. National Reconciliation Week provides a special focus for nationwide reconciliation activities.

It is heartening to note that Indigenous Youth Advocate, Tania Major, was awarded Young Australian of the Year, 2007.

Turtle watching, Queensland

2007-01-13T18:31:00.000-08:00

Watching a giant, ancient sea turtle emerge from the ocean and slowly make its way up the beach to nest is an amazing experience. November through to January is nesting time for the endangered loggerhead turtle. Turtle hatchlings appear from January through March. I have seen turtles nest on Heron Island, Curtis Island and Mon Repos Beach, Bundaberg. I have watched the hatchlings scurry down to the waters edge. Some of them make it across the sand, through the surf and out to sea to return years later. Others don't survive the first half hour. Disorientation, birds, sharks and all kinds of fish are waiting to claim them.

Mon Repos Beach is the most accessible location for turtle watching. Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service provide ticketed beach access to allow turtle watchers to view nesting and hatching under the guidance of trained wildlife staff. For more information visit Queensland Environmental Protection Agency.

Frangipani flower with six petals

2007-01-07T22:36:00.000-08:00

My frangipani flower has six petals, not five like all the other frangipanis in southeast Queensland. This has to be as lucky as finding a four-leaf clover in Ireland.

The frangipani remains my favourite flower. It doesn't stay on the tree for very long before it floats to the ground where it becomes accessible to the passerby. It's not unusual to see a frangipani adorning the hair of officer workers in the city of Brisbane....it's the perfect natural hair accessory.

Jacaranda tree, Brisbane River

2007-01-06T20:44:00.000-08:00

Jacarandas were in full bloom when we returned to Brisbane in late September, 2006. New Farm was awash in the purple-blue flowers of these pretty Brasilian rosewoods. The Jacaranda tree must be hardy because Australia has been gripped by drought for several years now. Water restrictions are in force to help conserve the dwindling water reserves.

Australia is an arid country. Water is a scarce resource. Water trading at market price is in our future. As the drought conditions continue, the limited supply will have to be rationed between urban and agricultural areas.

What will become of the beautiful Jacaranda trees in years to come?

Copacabana Beach, Brasil

2006-06-24T10:01:00.000-07:00

Life is a beach in Copacabana. Football means soccer in Brasil but that doesn't stop them from playing American football on their beautiful Copacabana Beach. Most sports are played on the sand in Rio. Volley ball and soccer "fields" are marked out in the sand. Copacabana has something for everyone. A beautiful cobblestone walk way extends the length of the beach. On Sundays when foot traffic is heavy, the road along the beach is closed off to cars to allow people to walk, jog or skate. Copacabana is located on the Tropic of Capricorn so it's winter there now. Days are still sunny and warm so all you need are your sandals and shorts.

The vast southwest of USA

2006-06-24T08:54:00.000-07:00

Southwest splendour

Carlsbad, California, USA

Grand Canyon, Arizona, USA

Southwest sampler

2006-04-25T13:26:00.000-07:00

I've finally hugged a Joshua tree - Ever since I saw the tree on the U2 Album I've been fascinated with these desert trees. On our way back from Australia to Georgia USA this March we did a ten day road trip to sample the south west of USA. We headed out on Highway 10 from LA to Palm Springs and spent the first night at Indio. The following morning we drove through Joshua Tree National Park then onto Arizona. We got our first glimpse of the Colorado River at Parker. We stayed a night at Lake Havasu City before moving on to Las Vegas, Nevada. From there we went to Zion National Park in Utah then back down to Arizona for the south rim of the Grand Canyon. We traveled through dusty desert Navajo country. After one night in the Grand Canyon we went down to the beautiful red rock city of Sedona. From there we went to Gila Bend before heading to San Diego, California on Highway 8. Scenic highway 101 took us to coastal Carlsbad where spent 2 nights to recover before flying back home to Georgia.

It was a fabulous trip. Majestic landforms, powerful rivers, beautiful native American arts and crafts, scrumptious food, diversity of landscapes and a host of recreational activities. But there are two important sad points to note: the poverty of life on Indian reservations and the plight of illegal immigrants as they attempt to cross the border through the harsh unrelenting desert.

Furoshiki gift wrapping

2005-10-31T13:43:00.000-08:00

Eriko, my Japanese friend, thought bandanas would make bright Furoshiki wrapping cloths. Traditionally, when the wrapped gift is opened the giver keeps the wrapping cloth for its next use. This special square cloth has multiple uses. It may be used as a bag, scarf, sunshade or lampshade. When Eriko lived in Japan she wrapped her lunch box in a small Furoshiki style cloth. Her boss used one to carry his documents and other personal belongings. Today, living in Australia, Eriko uses a Furoshiki cloth to adorn her pot plants and to drape over a reading lamp, as well as wrapping her gifts. Inspired by Eriko's photos I used one of my psychedelic tie dye bandanas to wrap my own lunch box. Consider wrapping your gifts in bandanas this coming holiday season. If you want further inspiration Eriko gave me a couple of good links:ideas around the home and gift wrapping

Pink Ribbon Breakfast for Breast Cancer Research

2005-10-06T03:46:00.000-07:00

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month world wide. The pink ribbon symbolises hope and awareness for those affected by breast cancer. The Australian National Breast Cancer Foundation is having another Pink Ribbon Breakfast campaign this year. Friends, family and workmates will gather together in homes, offices, pubs and parks, to celebrate the achievements of breast cancer research and raise funds for further research. The pink theme gives a sense of festival. Pink eggs, pink clothes, pink hair and pink decorations.

My friend Leigh is hosting one of these brekkies on Sunday October 23 at the Breakfast Creek Hotel in Brisbane Queensland. Her all-female jazz band BZAZZ is set to entertain from 8.00 am. Some of the band members have had breast cancer and their music is an inspiring celebration of survival.

Leigh thought that one of my pink crochet bucket hats designed especially for chemo patients would make a good raffle prize. I finished it yesterday and entrusted it to USPS and Australia Post to get it there safely and on time. The hat features a white frangipani.....it's my flower of choice. I still call Australia home and beautiful frangipanis abound in sunny Queensland.

Stop Violence Against Women

2005-09-25T08:21:00.000-07:00

Amnesty International Australia, Freedom Festival 05 - If you are visiting Brisbane this coming week get along to the Globe in Fortitude Valley (The Valley) on Friday, September 3oth for the Freedom Festival. Enjoy international artists Ursula Rucker (USA), Ben Mono (Germany), Jah'licious (NZ) and local Australian artists and support the campaign to "Stop Violence Against Women". Amnesty International Australia is bringing attention to women's human rights abuses at home and during war. The Freedom 05 campaign defends women's rights for freedom from violence, freedom from fear, freedom from discrimination and freedom from torture. For more information go to http://www.amnesty.org.au/freedom/brisbane

Edinburgh Military Tattoo

2005-09-21T06:22:00.000-07:00

Fellow travelers, Margaret and John, are visiting from Edinburgh, Scotland so I took the opportunity to grill them on the "Tattoo". It's an amazing army celebration full of pipes, drums and kilts. Regimental bands from Scotland and all over the world stun the crowd with their music and precise formations. One year they had a regiment of camels. This military musical spectacle takes place on the Esplanade at Edinburgh castle - every night for three weeks in August. It's all out in the open. Spectators sit on scaffolding seats flanking the entrance to the castle. Though it is late summer in Scotland you may need to take a rug. John says you can get four seasons in one day in Edinburgh. So if you are wondering what to pack - Margaret says to pack very warm clothes. Every night the show ends with the Lone Piper playing a haunting lament. People hush to hear the "skirl o' the pipes". This moving performance is followed by spectacular fireworks that light up the Edinburgh sky.

Neither John nor Margaret knew where the word "Tattoo" orginated. The only "tattoo" I know refers to the artwork I have on my body. With a little investigation I found out that it dates back to the 17th and 18th century.....when it was closing time in the inns in the low countries you would hear the cry "Doe den tap toe" or TURN OFF THE TAPS.

I've missed the Tattoo this year but another is coming. It's time to plan to visit Edinburgh during 4-26 August, 2006. For more info and great photos you can check out the site http://www.edinburgh-tattoo.co.uk/

Winter in Brisbane

2005-08-19T13:07:00.000-07:00

Story Bridge on the Brisbane River - I have just spent three months in Brisbane....the winter months, though you would never guess it by the flora and the daily temperatures. Some days were 25 degrees celsius or 77 degrees farenheit. I liked to watch the sunset from the front deck of the City Cat. I took this picture of the Story Bridge on one of my return journey's. You can see the Holman Street ferry stop...the stop you need for the Brisbane Jazz Club.

People like to climb the Story Bridge these days...it's become a tourist activity just like climbing Sydney Harbour bridge. I'm happy to admire it from the river or the floating riverwalk that takes you into the CBD.

There's great pubs and cafes to be enjoyed along the City Cat route. There's the Story Bridge Hotel nestled under the bridge not far from the Holman Street stop, the Watt Bar adjacent to the Powerhouse Performing Arts Complex and the Merthyr Street bowls club near the New Farm stop. The Merthyr Street bowls club offers combined barefoot bowling and barbecue specials. The Mowbray Park stop offers the Shafston Hotel and Spoon Cafe. Riverside (the stop I was at when I took this photo) has a multitude of wonderful places to eat and to socialise....it's right on the edge of the CBD.

Looking forward to returning to Brisbane.

Spanish moss

2005-05-15T13:34:00.000-07:00

Savannah Spanish Moss, Georgia USA - May 2005

Savannah, GA - east coast getaway

2005-05-15T13:05:00.000-07:00

Savannah, Georgia USA - is one of my favourite coastal getaways. Only about 430 miles return trip from Athens Georgia, Savannah offers a landscape of islands, rivers, lowcountry marshlands and spanish moss. Lots of excellent seafood restaurants are situated along Riverwalk. It's a happening waterfront street with tourists strolling along cobblestone pathways and large ships being escorted by tugs to the port upstream. The Savannah river looks pretty at dusk.

Savannah River at dusk, May 2005

We had lunch at Tubby's Tankhouse at Thunderbolt. Delicious grilled Mahi Mahi fish served to us on the deck. It was no ordinary deck....it was really a tree house because it was built high above the ground and surrounded a big tree that was covered in spanish moss.

In the evening we had a light supper at Tubby's on Riverwalk. We liked how it was open air and you could see the street scene while sipping yummy cocktails.

We keep returning to Savannah. The beautiful tree-lined squares and the historical homes and gardens make Savannah a unique destination on the east coast of USA.

Crochet bucket hat with Capricorn brim

2005-03-16T08:42:00.000-08:00

Hemisphere Matters - I'm back home in Athens Georgia USA where leafless trees silhouette the winter sky. I'm missing the heat and color of a southern hemisphere summer. Traveling from summer to winter is not easy. Three months of sun, singlets and sandals living close to the Tropic of Capricorn does not prepare you for the numbing winter temperatures of North America.

While I was in Queensland I designed a new hat. It's a lot like my Melbourne bucket-style hat for travelers but it has a wider brim. I have named this brim the Capricorn brim - it offers shade on a sunny day. It's available in neutral colors like khaki and black but I have since created a wild looking one called "A Key West kind of sunset". I have adorned it with a frangipani to overstate the tropical theme.

The e-pattern for the Capricorn brim hat is now available from my travel headwear blogspot.

Frangipanis in bloom, Brisbane

2004-11-28T20:18:00.000-08:00

Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. The sights, sounds and scents of a tropical summer are everywhere. Brisbane is a beautiful river city; the smooth, fast City Cats (Catamarans) can take you from one end of the city to the other....stretching from the University of Queensland in St. Lucia to Brett's Wharf (last stop downstream). Young women adorn their hair with fresh, fragrant frangipanis. Frangipani flowers have five elegant rounded petals with bright yellow centres; they have a soft, pretty scent. Though Frangipanis come in several colours, the creamy white Frangipani (Plumeria obtusa) is my favourite.

Melbourne, an urban getaway

2004-09-11T13:24:00.000-07:00

Melbourne, Australia - is a fabulous city to visit. Food, fashion and fun for all ages. Melbourne and Sydney rival for the international tourist dollar; "We have stopped the Sydney stopover" is in bold print on many of the trams. Melbourne is colder than Sydney and Brisbane in the winter months (June-July-August) and people dress more formally with overcoats, hats and scarves. This year the new fashion colour was pink...all shades and tones of pink. Pink scarves, hats and jumpers (sweaters) brightened the urban landscape. Still the predominant colour was black. Afterall black goes with everything in a winter wardrobe. In order to blend in with the stylish Melbourne winter scene I designed and crocheted a black bucket hat with a small brim in lightweight cotton yarn. It is probably the best crochet hat I have made so far....and I've made a few on my travels around the world. Its shape, weight, solid colour and soft comfortable texture make it a perfect hat for the urban traveler.

Sydney, the beautiful harbour city

2004-06-30T00:08:00.000-07:00

Sydney Harbour: I'm staying at Rushcutters Bay, Sydney for about 10 days...right near the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia. Sydney is my birthplace. Sydney's weather has been unusually warm for winter; I've been enjoying beautiful sunrises over the harbour and clear blue skies throughout the day.

When you visit Sydney be sure to avail yourself of the public transport. No need to hire a car. No need to come to terms with driving on the left side of the road. Bus/ferry/train day passes let you site see the city and harbour for $15 AUD. The inner harbour ferries are the best way to see this beautiful harbour city we call Sydney. Jump off at Darling Harbour, Balmain, Watson's Bay, Rose Bay or Double Bay to shop or dine.

Key West - tropical getaway, USA

2004-05-30T14:18:00.000-07:00

Key West Florida: Had a fabulous three days in the Florida Keys. Located at latitude 25 degrees north, Key West's lush green palm trees, turquoise seas and crimson hibiscus wildflowers made for a visually exciting holiday.

The sunset at Mallory Square draws a crowd. People congregate more for the social fun than the sunset. As far as sunsets go I prefered the one from Zane Greys Lounge Balcony at Islamorada (Mile Marker 81.5). It was Ladies' night on the night we went...free drink and food for the ladies.

The palm fronds continue to inspire fashion and decor in this tropical paradise. Men in palm print shirts blend in with the palm prints on the easy chairs. Palms are indeed the camouflage print for tropical destinations. Luckily I came across a store in Key West that sold fabric with the authentic Key West palm: palms on black, palms on natural, palms on rust. I bought some of each to make lightweight travel totes to sell on my website.

Jekyll Island sunrise

2004-03-22T12:30:00.000-08:00

Latitude Matters: Jekyll Island Georgia USA, latitude 31 degrees north, is a great getaway. Marshlands, spanish moss, beaches and brilliant, earth spinning sunrises soothe and recharge weary souls. Sunrise over the Atlantic is inspirational.

Where artists use paint to tell their story or to capture a mood, I use my crochet hook and yarns to create headbands and hats in textures and hues of the natural world. I crocheted a pretty headband in the peaches, pinks and gold of a Jekyll Island sunrise.

Surviving the long flight

2004-03-09T11:08:00.000-08:00

I still call Australia home - Georgia USA is a long way from home but I get to fly home about 2 to 3 times a year. It takes up to 30 hours each way so I know all about jet lag, exhaustion, dehydration, itchy skin, sore back.....and a myriad of other woes. I've always preferred an aisle seat, long before DVT became a household word. Air travel makes me restless. I like to move around as much as possible. I rarely sleep for very long but I do get some rest. I take my lessons from the turtles that visit Mon Repos, Queensland in nesting season. While the laying process is happening the giant turtle goes into a trance. I cope with a long flight by going into a travel trance; I tune out from the noises and movement around me. It helps to have a cotton bandana to tie around my eyes especially when there are movies back to back. Flickering light from airplane movie screens can be a real annoyance when you are trying to rest. A lightweight bandana is an inexpensive travel accessory with 101 uses.

Minimize the luggage, maximize the travel experience

2004-03-04T13:47:00.000-08:00

The traveler's dilemma: How to look and feel great with minimal luggage. Travel stress is directly related to the size and weight of your baggage. Many times you will be the one that has to physically lift or carry your luggage.

Pack light. Never pack an item of clothing that cannot be worn multiple times. If you don't feel fabulous in it, don't take it. Only quality, comfortable, hardworking items earn the right to space in your bag.

Lots of personal care items can be purchased at your destination. Try some new lotions, potions and hair products...it's fun to shop in a whole new shopping environment. Don't panic if you can't find your favorite products on the other side of the world. Travel is about new experiences, getting out of your comfort zone, opening your mind, broadening your views and horizons, and embracing a new image of yourself as an intrepid light traveler.