Tazzy via Tent

For those of you longing for a blog update - here you go. (To be honest, this post was in response only to my sister's request for a new update.)

--------------------------------------

Since moving to Eildon I have had very few adventures to report. I have loved every minute of my time here - working at OEG, living and hanging out with my flatmates and friends, and enjoying the relaxed nature of Australian country life.

Along with my flatmate I have visited local neighboring towns, and explored more of the surroundings of Eildon.

And for a while I was working heaps! It was usual for me to work 6 days on, 1 off, with one of the days being a long shift (Fridays, usually are 8-10hr days). I finally had a routine and was loving it. I had never been happier here in Oz. I was finally "living" here and becoming less of a tourist, or so I like to think.

However, with my time in Oz becoming shorter with each new day, I decided that one last major "tourist trip" was in order. - So I requested a week off, bought a ticket to Tasmania (or Tazzy as the Aussies and I say) and packed my bags.

Tazzy, a part of Oz, is the little island located off the southern tip of the mainland and is known for its fresh fish, fruit orchards, cold climate wines, and scenic beauty. After visiting and traveling up the east coast and across to the wild west, I can see why.

Upon arriving in Tazzy, we (I was happy to have two girls accompany me on my trip: one I met in Airlie Beach on my Whitsundays Sailing Trip, Manuela from Germany, the other whom I met in a hostel in Melbourne, Gwenne, from the Netherlands) were greeted with rain. We didn't let this damper our spirits however. After renting a car - we loaded our gear into it and zoomed off for the city...

I took this for my flatmate, before moving to Oz, she was a firefighter for 16 years!

Welcome to Hobart!
We went to the Information Center and asked about things to do with the poor weather. One suggestion, to visit the Cadbury Chocolate Factory sparked my interest...

At Cadbury, immediately upon walking through the doors, we were given chocolate! It was fantastic. We paid a small amount to partake in a tour of the factory where we tasted raw chocolate and learned about the history of the company, and of course were given FREE samples again. My strong will power kept me from eating any...I'm not sure how I did this.

Cadbury Factory. (Cow reminds me of the one at the Tillamook Cheese Factory)

After Cadbury we visited the MONA, the Museum of Old & New Art. Basically put - it was a museum that showcased modern art alongside with classical art. Interesting to say the least. I think the best part of it - was the view of the city, from the museum...what can I say - at least it was free admission.

View of mist covered Hobart

After our adventures we went into the city for a nice meal out in North Hobart and then headed to Sorell to camp for the night - or so we thought. The campsite was non-existant. We eventually found a site to park the car overnight - but it was for Self-Contained vehicles only - NO TENTS. So - it was a night in the car...I slept in the driver's seat. It wasn't ideal, but, then again, unexpected things usually are what adventures are made from...right???

Morning couldn't come sooner than it did...unfortunately with morning, the sun did not come. So we ventured north, up the east coast, to Port Arthur, viewing some great sites along the way.

Our first real camp spot was just outside Freycinet National Park. While it didn't offer a toilet, it did offer fantastic views.

I borrowed a tent from work. Throughout the rain, it held up great.

View from the campsite of  the Hazards, Freycinet National Park

After a quick brekki we rushed off to the visitor's center at Freycinet National Park to get our Parks Pass and to do some hiking. We ended up doing the Circuit, which took us to Wineglass Bay Lookout, to the beach at Wineglass Bay, to Hazards Beach, and back. In total it was quite a few more kms than I anticipated in hiking - but was worth the magnificent views and peace that the wilderness brought. 

Wineglass Bay, Freycinet National Park, Tasmania

That night we decided to have a picnic dinner at Honeymoon Bay. I can imagine with warmer weather and a richer sunset that the place could be quite romantic. In our case it was cold, and so bundled up, we quickly ate and headed back to our campsite.

Honeymoon Bay, Tasmania

My friends were tempted to climb Mt. Amos, in Freycinet National Park, but I read the warnings and heeded the advice of the rangers and kept us from attempting the hazardous climb. (The mountain is usually very slippery and dangerous to climb, with the terrain having no traction, which was described as "glass-like".  After the recent rain, the rangers told me that the rock was extra wet, and that then with the sun, the rock slowly would release absorbed water to the surface, making it yet again, challenging to tread upon.) I was happy to skip it. 

In place of hiking Mt. Amos we decided to do a short hike to Friendly Beaches and then make our way across Tasmania to the wild west and to Craddle Mt. National Park. 

Friendly Beaches & blue skies!

The Happy Trekker

Finally - Jumper-Free! The sun felt SO GOOD!

Along our way - we occasionally pulled over to soak up the great views and scenery that Tazzy offers. With vineyards, orchards, and kms of open country, it was hard not to smile as we drove west.

Breathtaking!!! view across the valley

Random stop at Leake Lake for a stretch and snack break.

Liffey Falls: L-R Maunela, Gwenne, & Mesha

Liffey Falls

Took a while to get here, but was worth it for sure!

Just outside Moina, we caught this stunning view of Mt. Roland. 

That night we camped at a great spot by the river. I was SO happy to crawl into my tent - despite being wrapped up in multiple warm layers of clothing.

With the idea of summiting Craddle Mt. in the morning, a 6-8hr hike, we decided to get up early enough to be leaving the campsite by 7am...

I knew morning would come quickly - so I did my best to get a good night's sleep. Little did I realize, just how cold it would get that night.

Community

“No worries.” That’s what you will hear any Aussie utter, more often than not. And they not only say it – but mean it too. The laidback mentality and easy-going nature most Australians exhibit, seems to help them truly enjoy life.  EVEN when life isn’t so easy…I believe this is because of the strength of the communities here.

As floods, cyclones, and bushfires have ripped across this massive land, one after another – you’d think Aussies would be ready to throw in the towel. But instead of giving up, they have come together, each lending a hand – to step forward as one.

Throughout the last 6 months I have spent here, I have experienced astounding hospitality amongst the many Aussies that have befriended me. Many have taken me in, offering not only a place to rest my head, but laundry, internet, home-cooked meals, and the best of all – good company. The overwhelming generosity and kindness these people have showed me, has reminded me – just how lucky Iam.  At times I have felt very much a part of the communities I have landed myself in…which in turn has made me reflect on the other communities I am a part of.

Back home, my community is made up of many groups of people that I love and truly miss -  here in Australia. I miss hanging out with my dad & gathering with my family for the holidays and many birthdays that come throughout the year. I miss “soup night”, BBQ’s , backyard badminton, and meeting up with friends for a night out. I miss my weekly Monday dates that I watch House/Blazer’s games and play tennis with. I miss going to work at Hillsboro Parks & Recreation, catching up & laughing with co-workers, and being supported by them – and being there to support them.

With that being said – I still am not ready to come home, just not quite yet.

I recently began a job here (in Eildon, Victoria, Australia) with OEG, The Outdoor Education Group at their National Base, as a casual hand in the Operations Gear Shed. What that means is that I help pick, pack, and service gear, so that it is ready to go back out into the field on the many trips OEG runs. My day might consist of hanging wet life jackets up to dry, washing and folding over gear, packing tents, or searching through backpacks for both trash and forgotten treasures. It might not be the most glorious of jobs – but nevertheless is one, where I am learning a lot about outdoor education & recreational programming and where I am surrounded by great people. I have no doubt that my experience here will benefit me, as I continue to pursue a career in the outdoor education field.

Welcome to Eildon (population: 1,100)

The Outdoor Education Group, National Base is in Eildon, where I work

Top 5 things I love about Eildon/OEG:

1. Kangaroos often greet me upon my arrival at work.

2. Brilliantly colored birds (King Parrots & Cockatoos) roam my backyard

3. The diversity: I have friends here from the US, UK, Kenya, Brazil, and many other countries

4. To buy food, I must visit the Bakery, Veggie Stand, Butcher, and Market - to get all the essentials, as Eildon doesn't have a Supermarket

5. I have yet to meet an unfriendly person. Everyone introduces themselves, says hi, and are genuinely nice.

With my visa allowing me to work for OEG for up to 6 months, I could thus stay on thru July with them (I started in February). However with a PDX summer to look forward to and a job back with Parks for the summer, I plan to return home when the busy season is over here, and warm weather approaches in Portland.

Lake Eildon, at 80% full (highest it's been in 10 plus years)

Mesha walking around the Pondage home from work

The Goulburn River

The Eildon Pondage (great for fishing)

Mesha walking around the Pondage to work

I am still happy to be here and enjoying my adventure… I mean, its hard not to when I am surrounded by the beauty of Eildon in the great outdoors of Australia…

The Pondage as the sun sets

One thing that has made the difference over the past few weeks has been the community that I have now become a part of by working at OEG. I have made friends with my co-workers in the Shed and now love working. I have also moved in to one of the nicest houses in Eildon, which has offered me not only beautiful views of the pondage but roommates! Life is good. I especially like being able to cook again and look forward to getting back into baking as well. 

I will have to take some pictures of the house and post them soon...We have internet at the house now too, which makes it much easier to post, and keep in contact with all you. Yeah for being able to Skype again. 

I am blessed. 

 Much love to you all! - Cheers, Mesha

Buskwalking with Roo's

I have failed to mention until now, that I have once again been humbled by the kindness of friends and Aussie's alike, and have been fortunate enough to stay the last two weeks at a friend's house in Macleod, Victoria (just outside Melbourne).

Andy, who is Australian, worked with me years back when Hillsboro Parks & Recreation and Campfire USA where in partnership. I remembered him as being a great guy who enjoyed tennis. So, when I looked to attend the Australian Open, I wrote him heading some advice about days to go, places to stay while in town, etc. He was gracious enough to allow me to stay with him and his adorable wife, Carrie (who is an American) and thus, here I am. Andy and Carrie moved to Australia about a year ago from Portland.

After a long week of tennis, the second Sunday I was here, they treated me to an Australian delight - Kangaroos. And when I mean treated, I mean, we didn't eat them, but got to SEE them in the wild! I was so excited to hear that a local Wildlife Reserve offered the chance to see them, up close and in their natural habitat. I had seen a couple in Eildon, but was eager to seem more. Little did I know we would see heaps of them that night...

We went for a short walk to the Gresswell Wildlife Reserve just as dusk was upon us, which is when the Roo's like to come out. We were talking along the way, and then all of a sudden there were two Roo's lining the pathway. (Andy had the best eyes for spotting them!).

Kangaroo's!

Mesha pointing at a kangaroo that lingered behind her

As we walked around the far side of the reserve it seemed as if they were EVERYWHERE! A few times they were right on the path and more often than not, I'd pass one without realizing it until Andy or Carrie pointed it out. It was liked they were lining the pathway, as if we were a parade passing by.

I managed to only get a couple photos as the daylight was fading so I vowed to go back earlier and get some more photos...so I did.

I wen to find the reserve on my own...and crazy enough went all over the neighborhood looking for it. Tired from the blazing sun, I sat down to rest on a park bench before drinking the last of my water and venturing home.

The next day I thought for sure I'd find the reserve with Carrie's directions to it...and I did! What was even more funny was that when I reached the entrance to the reserve I looked over my should and about 100 ft away was the bench I rested upon the day before...

Referencing this Map helped me not to get lost in the reserve

I walked around the reserve, but no Roo's were to be found. I was impatient. I paced around. I knew they were here - but where was the question? I was distracted on my hunt momentarily with the sighting of another small animal. At the time I had no idea what it was, but stood on the path studying it for clues... (later than night, Carrie helped me identify it as an Echidna).

I didn't get a good pic myself, so borrowed this, nor was I able to see it's face

Then just as I was about to give up and head home for the night, I looked over and along the path stood two Roo's staring at me. While these Roo's are pretty use to people, I kept my distance and tried to not scare them - or myself...

Perhaps an Aussie-version of a "Deer in the Headlights'?

I think they were talking about me...

This one did not move until I was out of sight

As I kept walking they were everywhere! It was glorious! One hopped along the path in front of me - another nudged it's young to hop along as I approached. Others looked at me with the same curiosity as I looked at them, and some didn't even bother to take notice of my arrival.

I love it! A Roo just hanging out...

As I walked around the path, I came to the edge where the fence of the reserve budded right up against a few homes. You could here children talking, cars zooming by and such, yet the Roo's went along as they pleased.

This one stood tall, and waited for me to pass by - near the Western Border

Mamma and her Joey...she kept an eye on me, as she nudged her baby along

And they bounced away...

Late evening snack?

Bounce. Bounce. Bounce.

They hogged the path...I waited for them to let me by.

One just feet from the entrance/exit...

Just as daylight was fading, I made it back to the entrance and headed home, satisfied that my hunt had been a success. I guess now I truly believe that Kangaroos do exist.

That's all folks...and off I go.

Aussie Open: Take 2

Over the next four days I enjoyed my return to the Australian Open. I watched heaps of matches and saw some exceptional players and games, won.

The sun appeared and by day four, it was so hot out, I was constantly leaving matches in search of water (which to my surprise they offered free water bottle refill sites all over the grounds) and shade.

Day 4: It just happened to be ANZ (one of the major banks here) Ladies Day. So while seeking out shade and a break from the scorching sun, I wandered around Grand Slam Oval and pampered myself by going in the Panadol Tent for a free massage, The Leathers Luxury Lounge for a cool cucumber eye treatment and massage, and to take some fun photos at the ANZ and Wilson Tennis booths. (Don't worry, all this took only about an hour - and I did return fully refreshed, back to the courts for plenty of more tennis).

Proof I was there...I blended in with my blue on though

Inside the tournament

Yep, they even put down blue floor mats...the Aussie Open is a very "blue" event

At the Wilson Tennis booth you could sit down and get your picture taken, sitting on a couch that looked like a tennis ball. Most people too their photo with other friends they were attending the Open with. Attending it alone, I found someone even better to pose with me...Roger Federer (SUI) [2].

Mesha & Roger Federer hanging out. He's quite nice. I love the Swiss!

At the ANZ booth you could get your picture taken with a large over-sized tennis racket and ball. They even printed it out for you on the spot, and put it in a plastic sleeve on a lanyard for you - free of charge. The most convenient aspect of having this was that you could put your ticket in it too (which you had to show each and every time you wanted back in the arena or grounds.

I was scared at first the racket may be taller than me....

You also could have your picture taken at the Evian booth. You were given a shirt to put on and then they said they'd email the picture. I haven't received mine yet. However, I did find this one of the tennis superstar, in the same shirt. Perhaps I wore the same one she did for her picture...most likely not. 

Maria Sharapova (RUS) [14]

I looked funny in the shirt anyways, as A. It was too large (I think it was a XL) and B. The shirt graphic was of a lighter skin tone than that of myself.

Oh well - back to the TENNIS...

Margaret Court Arena is the top outside court for players and fans alike. I knew that during my time at the Open that I had to watch a match there. Ground Passes give you access to any outside court, granted there is seat space. When I decided to wander over to Margaret Court, it was packed. Ques formed for people to go in, and people were only being let into the arena when someone else came out, who did not plan to return. It was that packed. Luckily, being a solo person, I did not have to wait long for a single seat to become available. It was great to watch the match surrounded by people cheering and applauding tricky slices, and grand slams. 

Margaret Court Arena

Among other matches I also made sure to watch a few in the Show Courts, which were slightly larger than the ground courts, and thus drew better players. At Show Court 3, I was lucky enough to watch John Isner play. 

John Isner (USA) [20]

I like his 6'9" shadow here...

He shook my hand. (I wasn't prepared for an autograph)

I found the American Flag...

After 8hr days, five days in a row of tennis...you would think I had enough. Yet, I plan to watch the games over the weekend and through the finals if I am able (perhaps at Fed. Square on the big screen). But for now, the sun has got me beat. 

As the sunsets, the courts empty.

Waiting for the tram...leaving Rod Laver and the Open after Day 5....