Thursday, April 16, 2009

Coastal Waters

It has been a long time coming but we are finally on the eastern coast! The outback was an interesting experience,  might I add not one that most traditional backpackers experience. No BBQ shrimp nor Fosters Lager to speak of, not to say that we have not quenched our thirst with some other varieties.

To this point the destinations have been relatively small towns and sparsely populated rural areas, much like the prairies or norther BC/AB/SASK. The trip has focussed mainly on the rural areas and their industry and natural beauty. We have seen Kangaroos and in fact have eaten them. We have been deep underground in mines,   toured cattle stations and each have enjoyed some great vocational visits.   

 Australia is a very diverse and interesting place, it is also a very warm and often humid climate. Much has been learned about the people and the cities that we have visited in this relatively young nation. Overall our systems are very similar in many respects; However, they do drive on the opposite side of the road which makes crossing the street a most interesting experience! 

 Having finished 5 presentations in 36 hours we have reached the half way point and are now heading to Magnetic Island for some well deserved R&R. Soon enough we will be going north towards Cairns for District conference.

Until next time...

Chad Eliason


Kicking back in the Outback....

Red Dirt road while 4x4ing for Kangaroos

Outback Farm yard

Chad mustering the cattle
"jazz hands, jazz hands, jazz hands..."


Brahma Cattle



Kathy cooling off the boys after a hike at the Katherine Gorge



Old Uranium Mine site at the ghost town of Mary Kathleen
  The water looked like a can of blue paint



Group shot at at Termite Mound



Thanks for tuning in everyone! More updates to come, hope you enjoy the photos!

Erika

Sunday, April 12, 2009

Two weeks in!

Hi Everyone. Andrew here. We are having a fantastic time so far in Australia! It has been busy day after busy day! We've been meeting new people, experiencing the Aussie culture (who knew beets on a hamburger could taste so good?), seeing some fantastic sights and been doing a lot of learning.

G'day mate!