Scenic Outlook

Early morning Sunday run today. Normal jog to my halfway (3k) point. Didn't stop today to check out the view of the valley below. But here's what i typically see.

Decided to add a challenge today and started down Witches Falls trail. Picked up speed as a descended down into the rainforest on the west side of the mountain. Pretty amazing, i think. To be able to go out for a jog sunday morning and find yourself running through the rainforest, Larakeets in the branches above you, making sure to watch for deadly spiders and snakes, and just enjoying the smells and sounds of the forest. How does it get any better? Almost as good as running along the beach. lol

The starting point of the run into the rainforest is a Scenic Outlook. Have you ever thought about that nomenclature? Generally, it depicts a pretty place to go look at a valley or a gorge or a stream; some marvel of nature. But there is an outlook for stocks, for the real estate market, and for the weather forecast too. And life. What's your outlook on life? And that's what i think about each time i see one of those 'Scenic Outlook' signs. Exactly, i think. The outlook for my life seems pretty scenic. Come share the view!

Avocodos and Water Pumps

Walking down Main Street today – the Central Business District, which is about ¼ km long, has no stop lights/stop signs/major intersections – I noted some of the unusual ways things are done in Australia (at least up here on Tamborine Mountain). Did you know that you could get your dry cleaning done at the post office? They sell kids’ arts and crafts there too.

My office is in a building that is occupied by an acupuncturist, myself the chiropractor, a natural remedies health center, and an MD general practitioner (whom I’m told will you give you the medical option, the alternative option, and the ‘crazy out there’ option to address your health). But here’s the kicker, right next door to our offices is a dog-washing hut. You can get Fido bathed for only $15 with a hose on the side of the building. Rhoda, a lively 94-year-old, who will talk your ear off if you sit down with her for a cup of tea, owns the building next door; and later you can buy a few bars of homemade soap from her.

On my way to The Spice of Life, my regular coffee joint I passed the mechanic - 30th anniversary last week as I celebrated my 1-month anniversary in town. Parked in front of his garage today was an immaculate, white, classic Porsche 911, mid-1990s. Parked across the street, a vintage VW bus, white and purple, and all shiny with a fresh coat of wax.

Heading back from grabbing my ‘flat white’ (what they call an espresso with steamed-milk here – which is strange because they also have a café late. What’s the difference?) I walked past the pump company. They sell Grundfros pumps, which I used to use in my earlier days as an environmental scientist and they use here to pump fresh water wells. If you stop in for a chat you can also buy a bag of avocadoes: 3 for $2.

Stopped at the bank on the way home today. Had to deposit money – first time I’ve had to do so (sadly). Spent about 5 minutes perusing the ATM machine and finally ventured inside to the teller to inquire as how to make a deposit. Where are the envelopes? Is it like B of A where you just insert the cash? Nope. Evidently, you press the button for deposit, enter your amount you plan to deposit, and the machine actually spits out a deposit slip and an envelope for you. Who would have thought? And then, you just have to put your money in the envelope, seal it, and insert it right back from whence it came. Ingenious.

Each day I’m reminded how this isn’t really that different from home but at the same time, it’s nothing like it.

Check for Ticks

Finally got out for a run today. Wow. It was nothing like flat urban kendall-miami with it's traffic lights, loud cars, and flat flat flat concrete sidewalks. I'm pretty sure there wasn't one flat stretch of road on my short 20 minute run today. Uphill or downhill only. Of course, having not been running for quiet some time, it wasn't long before I felt burning in my lungs, as if running on a cold winter day. The roads are pretty much single lane roads, not built for 2 cars, so most of my running was well onto the grassy shoulder and the frequent scurrying of scared roadside animals moving off into the bushes kept my mind on other things than my burning lungs. Down Long Road, left onto West Road for only 1 km until the road actually just stopped and became a grassy field. About 1/2 km away I could see the other end of West Road so I bounded across the field, keeping my eye out for snakes and whatever else may be lurking. A beautiful clear morning as I made it up to the end of the road, arriving at a scenic outlook over the dry river valley 500 meters below. A short breather and then I turned for home, winded, inspired, and smiling. A great start to the day.

Gallery Walk

Today we finally had a day with no obligations and it gave us a chance to just sleep in and do whatever the day brought with it. For me, this meant starting with yardwork. Our water tank is getting dangerously low (echos when you hit it with a broom handle) and as we still haven't grown accustomed to short showers, it could be a problem. So, climbed up on the aluminum (or as the say here, aluminium) roof of the garage and cleaned the gutters. Thankfully, no divebombing birds, snakes, or spiders.

Headed over to 'Gallery Walk' for a touristy stroll down the sidewalk, stopping in a coffee shops, crystal shops, ceramics shops, and some pretty darn freaky fairy shops (think wicken stores in Salem). And at the end of the pleasant walk we were treated to the wonderful surprise of the Eagle Heights Brewery and Beer Garden. Ed the bartender and Fiona the waitress welcomed us to this quiet place. Tasted a few great beers (fond of the IPA) and had burgers and a very economical price.

With a bit more of a sway in our step we ventured back down the other side of the street, stopping for lollies and ice cream and more sightseeing. Meeting shop owners and being welcomed to the community.

Later in the day we rented Run Fat Boy Run (Heather fell asleep but I got to enjoy the humor) and Kenny (an Australian mockumentary about a portapotty plumber). The second should be a must see for everyone! I swear, if you can get past the main character's lisp and heavy Aussie accent, you'll be pleasantly surprised with some good Australian humor.

A much needed day of fun for the three of us.

Just another day in Oz

Sobriety checkpoint on the way up the mountain – one of only 5 cars during a 1/2 hour drive; if i’d been drinking i never would have made it up the mountain; 0.05 percent alcohol level here in australia.

Rush to IGA grocery store to make it there before closing on a wednesday night – at 7pm!

“That was awesome” – one of Erin’s friends looks and sounds just like Sid the Science Kid.

Python in the driveway; magpie attacking Heather; bee chasing Heather into Landon’s room; possums mating or killing each other (might sound the same) on our rooftop; Huntsman spider in the bathroom.

Outback Jacks Restaurant is not Outback Steakhouse. Both steakhouses but the one here has a $25 hamburger and the food’s crap.

Mexican food in Australia? Had a $24 chicken burrito a few nights ago. It was baked, filled with chicken and mashed potatoes, covered in tomato sauce, with a garnish of almonds. WTF?

Mouse climbed out of the vacuum when Heather turned it on. What a shock I suppose. Made it home in time for a comforting hug and later with a mousetrap. Us: 1. Mouse: 0.

Magpie dive bombed Heather's head the other day while she was walking in the park. Turns out it's a notorious bird that has done this in the past. Makes us feel a little better I suppose.