Hello from the world of slack bloggers.. we've been busy catching up on rest time!
Thursday saw us say another sad farewell to our first female driver (GO KIM!!) and Wickenburg Peter.
We arrived back in Phoenix to meet up with Craig Wilson for a tour of the State Capitol, led of course, by a Rotarian named Larry. The Capitol is at the centre of some controversial new legislation but it was all quiet when we had our visit. Not only did we get a chance to see some historical law making rooms, we learnt a lot about the history of the state, and saw some fantastic art work and museum displays.
Craig then donned his docent cap and took us around the memorial park opposite the Capitol that paid tribute to the men and women who represented their country in various wars, which included police officers and their dogs and 9/11 to name a few.
From there we again helped the local economy by visiting the HUGE Scottsdale Fashion Square. Enough said.
Sarah, Peter and myself went to Greek Patio for dinner with our hosts.
Friday we attended the Phoenix 100 Rotary Club Meeting. This was our last presentation to a club until District Conference. We were very happy to see our first host families again, but it was a great experience to visit such a large club - membership sits at around 275, with approx 150 at the meeting. It was great to hear from 3 international youth exchange students about their year in Arizona.
We all have agreed that our final presentation was a good one, although we did cut it short due to the full program on the day. A little bit bittersweet!
The Heard Museum of Native Cultures & Art was next for us that afternoon. The Heard is an amazing, interesting collection of Native Cultures & Heritage. All up there are 12 galleries and 3 gardens. We had the "blink of an eye" tour by Shalliyah, who gave us a great amount of information in a very short time.
The Heard has both national and international acclaim for their exhibits. While we enjoyed the tour, there were some very sombre exhibits that gave us all some food for thought about what different cultures face in Arizona and around the world.
After a quick costume change, we headed to the Desert Botanical Gardens for some blues. Dave Riley (who has performed at the Byron Bay blues and roots festival!) kept us entertained with a mountain of Saguaro Cactus watching from behind. We were fortunate enough to also see some Chihuly glass pieces bought by the gardens after his exhibit a few years previously.
It was a very nice way to pass our Friday evening - Blues, red wine and good company!
Monday, May 10, 2010
Friday, May 7, 2010
Back in the saddle again...come on you know the chorus
Wednesday dawned a beautiful clear morning and we spent some special time at the Hassyumpa Nature Preserve with John, a gentle cowboy who showed us the joys of this special river that flows mostly underground. The shade of the cotton wood trees and the hope of seeing javalina made this morning lovely and we all enjoyed just sitting, listening to the birds and enjoying the breeze. It was hot in the sun and we were once again reminded we had picked the best time of year to get up close and personal with Arizona.
Wickenburg Peter filled a begging half hour or so at an Antique store with metal animals of every shape and size in the car park. Inside we all found interesting things to look at. I am amazed that once an antique store gets to a certain size it is in my opinion- organised chaos. I loved it!
The highlight of the day was to come. A sumptuous buffet lunch with pie to die for (I did have some salad first girls) at the Rancho de los Caballeros. An historic guest ranch (Dude ranch they used to be called). Charming Rui showed us their fantastic accommodation while I grilled him on statistics and staffing. We then proceeded to meet our horses and ride through the desert with Ian our sequential cowboy (married to his horse and loving Arizona). The walk was very special we saw a jack rabbit and big sky I will remember always. My horse was Trinidad who knew where half way was as if by magic. Ian guided us expertly home with a story or two on the way. We alighted...gently and eased back into walking by strolling to a vantage point to watch the horses run to their evening pastures. Where was Tom Burlinson and our Man from Snowy river?. I didn't much care as Ian looked pretty good in the dust as the horses cantered by. It was the perfect scene to end our Caballerios experience.
After a shower to wash away the eau de horse, we ventured into the countryside to David and Kim's home and enjoyed great hospitality and some time with our hosts before packing up and saying goodbye to our Wickenburg friends.
I will always remember 'The soldiers of the desert' (credit to Cecelia for that lovely turn of phrase) the saguaros and the sunset of pink as we returned home that evening with Pa in the car.
This is the end of week four and as I sit with my new hosts, but old friends Craig (leader of the Arizona team 2009) and his beautiful wife Mary. I amazed at what we have achieved in our time here. Thank you Wickenburg and bring on our next Pheonix adventure!
Wickenburg Peter filled a begging half hour or so at an Antique store with metal animals of every shape and size in the car park. Inside we all found interesting things to look at. I am amazed that once an antique store gets to a certain size it is in my opinion- organised chaos. I loved it!
The highlight of the day was to come. A sumptuous buffet lunch with pie to die for (I did have some salad first girls) at the Rancho de los Caballeros. An historic guest ranch (Dude ranch they used to be called). Charming Rui showed us their fantastic accommodation while I grilled him on statistics and staffing. We then proceeded to meet our horses and ride through the desert with Ian our sequential cowboy (married to his horse and loving Arizona). The walk was very special we saw a jack rabbit and big sky I will remember always. My horse was Trinidad who knew where half way was as if by magic. Ian guided us expertly home with a story or two on the way. We alighted...gently and eased back into walking by strolling to a vantage point to watch the horses run to their evening pastures. Where was Tom Burlinson and our Man from Snowy river?. I didn't much care as Ian looked pretty good in the dust as the horses cantered by. It was the perfect scene to end our Caballerios experience.
After a shower to wash away the eau de horse, we ventured into the countryside to David and Kim's home and enjoyed great hospitality and some time with our hosts before packing up and saying goodbye to our Wickenburg friends.
I will always remember 'The soldiers of the desert' (credit to Cecelia for that lovely turn of phrase) the saguaros and the sunset of pink as we returned home that evening with Pa in the car.
This is the end of week four and as I sit with my new hosts, but old friends Craig (leader of the Arizona team 2009) and his beautiful wife Mary. I amazed at what we have achieved in our time here. Thank you Wickenburg and bring on our next Pheonix adventure!
"Back, back to schoo-oo-ool" (as per lyrics from song in the movie 'Grease')
On Tuesday we travelled to Peoria (which happens to be where Sarah and Sally each spent their first few days here) and while the Indian team spent the day in Wickenburg we spent the day around Anthem and Surprise.
Kind Tom (aka Doc) accompanied us for the day, taking us to the Arizona Challenger Space Center where we joined a Grade School class excursion, then to Lake Pleasant Park for great views and a close encounter with a desert tortoise (behind a wall) and a rattlesnake named Freddie (behind glass).
Then we were joined by Barry and Al and joined in an Interact meeting at Sandra Day O'Connor High School. The students there are raising funds to help provide better access to fresh water in Africa. This week the school carnival will include 'sports' whereby students must carry large quantities of water - and pay for the privilege to do so - in order to get some idea of what people must do in some places of the world, just to drink. (They will not have to carry it on their heads, though.)
Interesting to me - in order to gain access to college, high students are required to put in Community Service project time.
Kind Al welcomed us at his house for a relaxing afternoon, joined by Barry, Tom and Ray (who promised to feed carrots to the horses at the horse rescue centre on our behalf... have you done that, Ray?).
Then the evening ended very happily with a dinner together with the Indian team at the home of Rotarian Paul Pulicken, whose wonderful wife cooked us a spectacular South Indian meal. We are very grateful to our Anthem hosts, Paul and his family, the Indian team who are such good fun (even though Umesh DOES think too much...) and "Surprise Peter", Cindy and Randy who came to dinner too. (If I have forgotten anybody, I am very sorry!) Special thanks of course to Surprise Peter who not only drove us from Anthem back to our homes in Wickenburg but then drove all the way home again to Surprise BUT ALSO said "Kirsty" with a perfect Australian accent!!!
Still no live Javalina in sight. For heaven's sake.
Kind Tom (aka Doc) accompanied us for the day, taking us to the Arizona Challenger Space Center where we joined a Grade School class excursion, then to Lake Pleasant Park for great views and a close encounter with a desert tortoise (behind a wall) and a rattlesnake named Freddie (behind glass).
Then we were joined by Barry and Al and joined in an Interact meeting at Sandra Day O'Connor High School. The students there are raising funds to help provide better access to fresh water in Africa. This week the school carnival will include 'sports' whereby students must carry large quantities of water - and pay for the privilege to do so - in order to get some idea of what people must do in some places of the world, just to drink. (They will not have to carry it on their heads, though.)
Interesting to me - in order to gain access to college, high students are required to put in Community Service project time.
Kind Al welcomed us at his house for a relaxing afternoon, joined by Barry, Tom and Ray (who promised to feed carrots to the horses at the horse rescue centre on our behalf... have you done that, Ray?).
Then the evening ended very happily with a dinner together with the Indian team at the home of Rotarian Paul Pulicken, whose wonderful wife cooked us a spectacular South Indian meal. We are very grateful to our Anthem hosts, Paul and his family, the Indian team who are such good fun (even though Umesh DOES think too much...) and "Surprise Peter", Cindy and Randy who came to dinner too. (If I have forgotten anybody, I am very sorry!) Special thanks of course to Surprise Peter who not only drove us from Anthem back to our homes in Wickenburg but then drove all the way home again to Surprise BUT ALSO said "Kirsty" with a perfect Australian accent!!!
Still no live Javalina in sight. For heaven's sake.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
You asked...we deliver - photo time!
The Australian Olympic Kayaking team. We really aren't sure what the Indian Team meant, it wasn't that strenuous at all :p Thanks Steve for the heads up. Our shoulders are forever indebted to you.
Our very entertaining Teppanyaki chef. The man was hilarious and a GREAT CHEF to boot!
And he provided candlelight (or flame in this instance). All eyebrows were saved in the making of our meals...phew!
Some of the fabulous Rotarian's from the Lake Havasu City Rotary Club, and in particular our host for the evening Jerry (& my host 'dad' Ben) for their wonderful impromptu song they wrote and performed for us on the night. No persons were injured in the performing of the song.
Kirsty and her host 'dad' Tom arriving in style for our departure from Lake Havasu City. I hope someone got Caroline in the fire truck, because I was too caught up in the moment to get my camera out...sorry!
Sal at Hoover Dam. Yep, Pejar has nothing on Hoover...in case you weren't sure.
The highest bridge I have ever laid eyes on. It makes my stomach churn just thinking about it. So glad it wasn't finished when we were there, because I really don't think I would cope well with driving over it.
Charlie's Angels...ensuring the protection of all visitors to Hoover Dam that day. Be careful or they will kill you with their charm and good looks!
My arty (or alcohol induced?) shot of the lights of Laughlin from Nate's yacht. I'll let you decide.
The Colorado Belle at night - our hotel and also a casino. It's not an actual river boat, but it's cool regardless.
Peter solving the problems of the world with some guy he met downtown this afternoon.
Actually this is one of a number of very cool sculptures in downtown Wickenburg that tells the story of the history of Wickenburg and its people. An $800,000 project. Wowee!
We promise to upload more photos in the next couple of days...stay tuned!
I Am Woman; I Am Invincible; I Am Tired
The title of today's blog comes from a sticker we saw today and I think it sums up our situation (except for Peter to whom at least two of the statements apply...).
We each enjoyed a fairly relaxing weekend with our host families, occasionally touring the Wickenburg district, writing postcards, doing laundry, eating (am yet to experience bread-in-a-can but am very eager!).
On Saturday evening we all went along to Cinco de Mayo (held here on 1 May just to be different), a community festival held in the middle of town. Good food, great music, really good crowd despite the winds, and jolly good company! To our great joy it was also Prom Night, the venue being the community centre (owned and operated by Town Council) opposite the festival site. Sally's "host brother" was one of a posse who Made An Entrance to Prom in matching suits and matching scooters. Awesome! Sarah and I were fascinated to find out how the Prom Queen / Prom King thing works, too - ah, High School Politics, what joy.
Sunday, a lovely barbecue was hosted at the Snedecor residence (home of makes-a-mean-Margarita Bill and Roberta, Coco the poodle and Abigail the 4-month-old Labra-doodle; hosts to Sarah and me). It was windy but we were sheltered on the patio, and not only were we joined by some really terrific people BUT also two snakes, a couple of Cardinals among many other birds, some ground squirrels and the wood-pile bunny! Best of all, though, was when Sarah discovered the JUST-hatched Quails from the patio nest and we spent quite some time chasing down eleven teeny, tiny, gorgeous fat little birds to attempt to return them to their mummy (mommy?) outside the garden wall. So cute and so much fun!
... Bill and Roberta assure us the five-foot Bull Snake that gatecrashed the party would have been a vegetarian snake who would not have been interested in the least in Mr Ploppy and the other baby Quails.
Afterwards Chuck invited us back to his place for pizza and Moose Tracks (don't worry, it's ice cream and it's GOOD) and we were treated to spectacular views, a blissful oasis featuring a running stream, and unbelievable houseplans for Chuck's under-construction home. Also we were sent around the bend by Sally's host David and his wicked magic trick. He eventually succumbed to our whining and threatening to burn him for witchery and he taught Kirsty/Kristy/Kirsten/Krista - Favouritism based on the fact yesterday was Kirsty's and Jamie's 18th Wedding Anniversary (congratulations, both of you!!).
How rude to have to return to work, today! But first stop was the Chamber of Commerce where we were all blown away by Exec Director Julie and all the amazing things she does along with her staff and 600+ (yes, really) volunteers. Inspirational and interesting - we all made lots of notes. By the way, it was Julie's desk that sported the sign in today's title and no wonder.
Following lunch and retail therapy we then met Town Council manager Gary Edwards at Town Hall for a tour and talk. Council meetings here are filmed and streamed live on the 'net and shown on cable TV.
Bill's Margarita is hitting the spot - more later.
We each enjoyed a fairly relaxing weekend with our host families, occasionally touring the Wickenburg district, writing postcards, doing laundry, eating (am yet to experience bread-in-a-can but am very eager!).
On Saturday evening we all went along to Cinco de Mayo (held here on 1 May just to be different), a community festival held in the middle of town. Good food, great music, really good crowd despite the winds, and jolly good company! To our great joy it was also Prom Night, the venue being the community centre (owned and operated by Town Council) opposite the festival site. Sally's "host brother" was one of a posse who Made An Entrance to Prom in matching suits and matching scooters. Awesome! Sarah and I were fascinated to find out how the Prom Queen / Prom King thing works, too - ah, High School Politics, what joy.
Sunday, a lovely barbecue was hosted at the Snedecor residence (home of makes-a-mean-Margarita Bill and Roberta, Coco the poodle and Abigail the 4-month-old Labra-doodle; hosts to Sarah and me). It was windy but we were sheltered on the patio, and not only were we joined by some really terrific people BUT also two snakes, a couple of Cardinals among many other birds, some ground squirrels and the wood-pile bunny! Best of all, though, was when Sarah discovered the JUST-hatched Quails from the patio nest and we spent quite some time chasing down eleven teeny, tiny, gorgeous fat little birds to attempt to return them to their mummy (mommy?) outside the garden wall. So cute and so much fun!
... Bill and Roberta assure us the five-foot Bull Snake that gatecrashed the party would have been a vegetarian snake who would not have been interested in the least in Mr Ploppy and the other baby Quails.
Afterwards Chuck invited us back to his place for pizza and Moose Tracks (don't worry, it's ice cream and it's GOOD) and we were treated to spectacular views, a blissful oasis featuring a running stream, and unbelievable houseplans for Chuck's under-construction home. Also we were sent around the bend by Sally's host David and his wicked magic trick. He eventually succumbed to our whining and threatening to burn him for witchery and he taught Kirsty/Kristy/Kirsten/Krista - Favouritism based on the fact yesterday was Kirsty's and Jamie's 18th Wedding Anniversary (congratulations, both of you!!).
How rude to have to return to work, today! But first stop was the Chamber of Commerce where we were all blown away by Exec Director Julie and all the amazing things she does along with her staff and 600+ (yes, really) volunteers. Inspirational and interesting - we all made lots of notes. By the way, it was Julie's desk that sported the sign in today's title and no wonder.
Following lunch and retail therapy we then met Town Council manager Gary Edwards at Town Hall for a tour and talk. Council meetings here are filmed and streamed live on the 'net and shown on cable TV.
Bill's Margarita is hitting the spot - more later.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Oh to have a break!!
Last Wednesday saw us take our leave of Havasu City and head off for our 'break' in Laughlin. Neil (or 'intrepid' driver) took us via Oatman (an old mining town in the foothills but still on Route 66) to experience a little of the wild west. He promised us burros (donkeys, asses) in the main street and he was true to his word. These animals are the descendants of the working burros that were left here when the mines closed in the early part of the last century and are now (probably) the main tourist attraction of Oatman - don't know if they would work in the Highlands or Cooma. The girls managed to feed them some carrots (the thing to do) and Sally managed to buy herself a 'coke' after some difficulty! We could understand what she wanted but the woman serving her seemed to have extreme difficulty in understanding the accent even tho 'coke' sounds like 'coke' in any language and she only had about 4 items on her inventory!
We headed off to Laughlin to drop our luggage at the Colorado Belle - a Casino/Hotel on the river - and then headed off for the Hoover Dam with two members of the Indian Team - Sushma and Umesh. We arrived at the Dam after an hour and half drive and, whilst the dam is extremely impressive, we were blown away by the "OMG Bridge' that is being built just below the dam. Due to open in December it is an amazing structure and needs to be seen - put it on the 'bucket list'.
We all did a tour of the tourist part of the dam (unfortunately the full tours were booked out) and headed back to arrive at Laughlin around 7.30pm. We headed for the bar for a 'light' dinner (there really is no such thing in the US) and tried some of the local beers just to say that we had.
Thursday was a very lazy day with each of doing our own thing during the day (mainly resting, movies, resting, walking, resting, shopping, resting) until 5.30pm when we caught one of Nate's (Nathan Michaels - GSE Team member to Australia last September/October) water taxis down to his yacht for an evening out on the river. The yacht was beautiful and Nate and Charlotte were great hosts. It was lovely to meet Charlotte and also to share with them the joy of the upcoming birth (mid October) of their first child. Nate's business is very much a family affair with uncles and aunts everywhere and it was a great night out on the water with lots of food and the occasional drink to pass the time.
I know that Caroline has some pictures of all of this so we will endeavour to put some up for you to see us enjoying ourselves!
Friday was a travelling day from Laughlin down to Wickenburg (via Parker where we farewelled Steve and Neil and picked up our new driver Peter Giroux). On arrival we were met by Cindy Logan, President of the Club, at her Art Gallery business (some great art on display) and met with our hosts for the next 6 days.
Stay posted - there will be more to come!
We headed off to Laughlin to drop our luggage at the Colorado Belle - a Casino/Hotel on the river - and then headed off for the Hoover Dam with two members of the Indian Team - Sushma and Umesh. We arrived at the Dam after an hour and half drive and, whilst the dam is extremely impressive, we were blown away by the "OMG Bridge' that is being built just below the dam. Due to open in December it is an amazing structure and needs to be seen - put it on the 'bucket list'.
We all did a tour of the tourist part of the dam (unfortunately the full tours were booked out) and headed back to arrive at Laughlin around 7.30pm. We headed for the bar for a 'light' dinner (there really is no such thing in the US) and tried some of the local beers just to say that we had.
Thursday was a very lazy day with each of doing our own thing during the day (mainly resting, movies, resting, walking, resting, shopping, resting) until 5.30pm when we caught one of Nate's (Nathan Michaels - GSE Team member to Australia last September/October) water taxis down to his yacht for an evening out on the river. The yacht was beautiful and Nate and Charlotte were great hosts. It was lovely to meet Charlotte and also to share with them the joy of the upcoming birth (mid October) of their first child. Nate's business is very much a family affair with uncles and aunts everywhere and it was a great night out on the water with lots of food and the occasional drink to pass the time.
I know that Caroline has some pictures of all of this so we will endeavour to put some up for you to see us enjoying ourselves!
Friday was a travelling day from Laughlin down to Wickenburg (via Parker where we farewelled Steve and Neil and picked up our new driver Peter Giroux). On arrival we were met by Cindy Logan, President of the Club, at her Art Gallery business (some great art on display) and met with our hosts for the next 6 days.
Stay posted - there will be more to come!
Sunday, May 2, 2010
3 miles is better than 16
Well it was a few days ago now but we had a great morning paddling our kayaks on the Colorado River at Lake Havasu. With much trepidation we prepared for a shortened adventure after the Indian team experienced the Colorado ALL day with evening rescue pick up due to their misadventures....thanks to 'the legend' Steve our driver we were prepared for a shorter version on the water to experience Lake Havasu. The morning was still (with 20 knot winds predicted but now eventuating). Sarah kindly volunteered to paddle with the old girl in a double kayak and we did OK enjoying the water and trying not to swallow the little bugs that wanted to explore facial orifices and stick to our clothes for a ride.
My favourite time on the water was under the London bridge as well as seeing the small scale lighthouses dotted on the shore line. We saw some amazing boats on the water.
So we survived, reasonably dry, changed and experienced Japanese food at 'Sho Gun Tepinyaki (no spell check assistance on that sorry) restaurant'. A special chef does not only prepare your food on a BBQ in front of you he hurls it at your mouth and calls your scallops marsh mellows....This is when I realise I am a country girl. Despite all those who know me and would have anticipated the food throwing very successful with my big mouth. I could not stop laughing and remembering my father telling me not to play with food. Neil our 'handler' and Kayak enthusiast had the only success with the flying prawns hitting the target...
So that was our day. Again with great weather and lots of laughs.
We have taken a couple of days between blogging. And I know the next few days will give us some opportunities to fill you in as we are now in Wickenburg and looking forward tonight to a street party.
Over half way now with many of our wish list items taken care of including a big 500 mile day to see the Hoover Dam as well as move camps to our rest hotel called the Colorado Belle.
I will let the team share a bit more.
My favourite time on the water was under the London bridge as well as seeing the small scale lighthouses dotted on the shore line. We saw some amazing boats on the water.
So we survived, reasonably dry, changed and experienced Japanese food at 'Sho Gun Tepinyaki (no spell check assistance on that sorry) restaurant'. A special chef does not only prepare your food on a BBQ in front of you he hurls it at your mouth and calls your scallops marsh mellows....This is when I realise I am a country girl. Despite all those who know me and would have anticipated the food throwing very successful with my big mouth. I could not stop laughing and remembering my father telling me not to play with food. Neil our 'handler' and Kayak enthusiast had the only success with the flying prawns hitting the target...
So that was our day. Again with great weather and lots of laughs.
We have taken a couple of days between blogging. And I know the next few days will give us some opportunities to fill you in as we are now in Wickenburg and looking forward tonight to a street party.
Over half way now with many of our wish list items taken care of including a big 500 mile day to see the Hoover Dam as well as move camps to our rest hotel called the Colorado Belle.
I will let the team share a bit more.
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