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"In some ways, I think travel is about learning how to see, learning how to pay attention. It's an alarm clock in some ways, and it's a jumpstart to putting our senses on the setting where they're universally receptive. I think theoretically we could do that at our homes, and yet somehow, surrounded by familiarity and the routine we know too well, our eyes tend to close and we don't notice the things that are so wondrous for a visitor. But as soon as we physically start moving we awaken to the beauties around us." --Pico Iyer

The end of the day

December 11th 2006 08:16
I saw a boat today, it bobbed with the never-ending tide,
Each time a wave rolled up, on the other side it would hide,
The sails were down, the bare masts stood high,
The sun was sinking, the Master painting His Masterpiece on the sky.



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Best pub on the coast!

November 26th 2006 10:21
The Sunshine Coast hides many a secret and today we have found one of the best pubs I have ever been to. Montville is a little gem hidden up in the mountains which is a haven for artists, authors and anyone looking for the quieter life. Their wares can be seen in the various galleries and shops that line the road through the town.
As you head out toward Mapleton there is an English pub on the left called "The Pennyfarthing". A signpost outside points in various directions to different cities around the world, London being nearly 20 000km away. On a Sunday afternoon you can sit at one of the many outdoor tables and take in the spectacular scenery around or sit inside and listen to the live band. And if you feel a little peckish make sure that head up to the food counter and have of their delicious freshly made meals.

If the pub is not your thing, fear not! Within walking distance you can take a lazy stroll through Montville itself. Take time to browse the art galleries and sip a coffee as you look out across the treetops to the sea in the distance.
A perfect day out for the whole family is to spend an afternoon escaping the heat of the coast and heading into the mountains to Montville.
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So you want to go shark diving?

November 22nd 2006 10:36
The shark has always had a bad rap after the Jaws movies became hits the world over. They have been labelled man-eaters and painted as sinister, evil creatures. So why do some people have such great fascination with these creatures? I know I certainly do, which led me to donning a wetsuit and tanks and heading below the surface to meet these highly intelligent fish. There is something about seeing the tips of those fins darting just above the water, lowering yourself in and feeling your heart beat steadily in your chest as you wonder" WHAT THE HELL AM I DOING HERE?". However, it doesn`t take long for your eyes to adjust and become mesmerised by the underwater world. Everywhere you look a new and even better surprise is waiting. And then it happens. Through the blue water a grey shadown begins to appear and make lazy swaying movements towards you, slowly coming into view. You wonder if your heart will beat straight out of your chest, but you try to carry on the steady stream of bubbles coming out your breather. An encounter like this is one of a kind and if you are an adrenalin junkie it is highly recommended.
Sounds a little too daunting for you? Well how about trying a little shark diving in a reef just off Western Australia called Ningaloo Reef.

Whale Shark (picture from Wikipedia.com)


The Whale Shark is the largest (measuring around 12 m long) but is also the most harmless. A plankton eater, they can be found just below the surface so you do not even have to be a hardened Scuba Diver to enjoy them. Plus the reef is literally within walking distance from the beach. Take a walk in the shallow water off the beach out to the reef and literally step into the underwater wonderland.
The reef is located about 1200km from Perth and well worth the trip as there are many other marvels to take in on your way there.

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Brisbane

November 10th 2006 05:40


Brisbane in line with Queensland, is a very laid back city. Although everyone is in full city mode it is a lot slower than other major cities


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Happy Valley, Caloundra

October 27th 2006 06:23
Today the wind is whipping wildly at the sea, creating white caps on all the waves as they thunder on to the beach. It`s definately not one of the days that give the Sunshine Coast it`s name. However, its the perfect day to be down at Happy Valley (or Bulcock Beach) and watch the windsurfers and kiteboarders. These two sports have become more and more popluar over the past couple of years. The Pumistone Passage, which feeds from the sea into a channel along which is Bulcock Beach, is the perfect place to strut your stuff. If you fancy yourself as a pro you can tackle the open water that lies along the channel mouth or if you prefer to make a fool of yourself out of the prying eyes of every passer-by you can travel a little further along the Passage to the back channel of water.
This spot along the Promenade of Caloundra is perfect for people watching in one of the many water front cafe`s and restaurants or perhaps you would like to lick your cares away with one of the mouth watering ice creams on offer and watch the fishermen try their luck from the broadwalk.
If you are more adventurous why not don your goggles and flippers and take a jump into the clear channel waters and be carried along by the swift current and chance your luck at spotting some of the local underwater wildlife. Start at the top of the beach, nearest the lifeguard house, step into the water and the current carries you all the way down to the channel mouth - it`s great!
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Glass House Mountains

October 25th 2006 23:16


The Glass House Mountains on Queensland's Sunshine Coast are an amazing sight. All completely different shapes and sizes they stand tall and proud and create a spectacular line on the horizon. When Captain Cook first saw them he said they reminded him of the shapes that he saw in the glass blowing factories in his homeland of England and hence named them so


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More BIG things

October 23rd 2006 05:45
So more research has yielded even more BIG things around Australia

The Big Milkshake Container - Tongala, VIC
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So I`m always up for a challenge and see this as the perfect place to set one. Australia is known for many things - its diverse culture, its white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters, but what about all the "Big"s that lie around the country? The BIG Pineapple, The BIG Banana etc? According to my research there are over 52 of these babies around the country and the challenge that I prospose is a collection of photos of people with ones of these in the background.
So if you have been to any or you know anyone who has been to any and you or they are in a photo of them please email them through so I can get the collection going. In case you can`t find my email address on here it: mindlessorbler@yahoo.com.au
Here is a list of the ones that I can find - do you know any more? Drop me a line


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