Day 10 Photos

If this is the page you see first, please move to the right of the screen and press home, to refresh and see our most recent adventures.    Lon and Megs

Lovely pink in the sky this morning

Double thermals but without the pants - this was just for a quick trip to the laundry

The Alaska Zoo

Just Gorgeous

They have lights on a night apparently it's stunning

Megs

Me next to moose - still no live ones seen at this point

Looks like someone got carried away with the icing doesn't it?

The picture above is what's on my head

Still has red berries

Just arty

Anyone want to sit down?

Hedwig

My hat on all fours

Us

This is what our snowmobile track sometimes looked like

Preeety

Beautiful wolves - there were 6 

The sun lamp is just behind the one on the right - see we didn't lie!

Two beautiful tigers napping

Again - gorgeous

Arty

A little brook

Trumpeter Swans 

Trumpeter Swans and ducks

The reeeealy ugly Bactrian camel

Face not much better

Alpaca!!!! Elona's favourite - moose comes a close second!

View from cafe - food not the best - soup looked more like rissotto

A lovely man took this for us

And again - he was very demanding!

Polar bears

So cute

They actually played for quite a bit

Front of the zoo

Again with the antlers ?????

hhhmmmm again

Day 10

Elona Typing

We woke up this morning a little unsure as to what we were going to do ...first things first we booked a car that we would pick up late in the afternoon just the thought of this was dead scary as neither of us had ever driven on the other side of the road - well that's not entirely true but I won't go into it - also neither of us were very confident as to how we would go having the steering wheel on the other side of the car.
We decided to calm our nerves we would go to the zoo!!! Now the cab driver thought this an odd choice as well but still took us there and gave us some wonderful background of Anchorage and surrounding areas being a local.

As we got out of the cab we realised 1: this is the nicer side of town - you should see the size of the houses here - we're thinking way expensive to heat and that makes us feel better! he he he 2. How absolutely gorgeous the zoo looks with what looks like a fresh coating of snow and just picturesque. 3. Holy crap it's cold and the family who braved it on this day with the same thought as us came a little more prepared - the entire family fully kitted out in their snow gear and extra blankets on the double stroller - clever!!

We began by taking photos of just the scenery; we hadn't even looked at the animals and we were impressed. The surroundings were very similar to that of the back country and some of the terrain we had to actually navigate a snowmobile through. Check out the photos and you'll understand; the previous night shots were the same surroundings as at the zoo - better to see it in the daylight :)

Meg's (lazily sitting by me after kindly making me a cuppa - because I forgot to put the jug on - is dictating from the couch with snuggly blanket!!)

To begin:   I'm ready (she's giggling...lots....stilll....waiting?!?! She's lost it - stuff it I'll just continue myself.
Right some of the animals we saw today were things like (she's still laughing!) Sea lions, foxes - including the really cute one that his cousin kindly donated his life for the warmth of my head!!!! he he he So we took some photos and video of him. We saw Harry Potter's Owl - Hedwig aka Snow Owl - just beautiful. We saw bald eagles sunning themselves infront of a sun lamp (serious!!), a weird little ADHD wolverine AKA Hugh Jackman - moved lots more than that one at the cafe! Yaks, goats (check out Nemo) and Oxen and the most bizarre ugly looking camel with two humps and lots of shaggy hair - dredlock camel...Ooooh there were also alpacas - yeah for the alpaca - they believe here that they are very rare. Snow leopard, magpie (different to ours NOT territorial and a little fluffier or that could just be a winter thing) Yes we did see moose - very far away but they were there! The best thing though was a toss between two animals - the lynx who were making some very interesting noises and were quite territorial, spraying etc or the piece de resistance: ze polar bears - just fabulous. Just a point of interest - this is the zoo where the Australian dude got mauled by the grizzly bear...we didn't see him: the dude or the bear.

Meg's Typing

Yes, I have managed to collect myself.  Once we had visited all the animals, I lost Elona to the Zoo gift shop...  Many items purchased later and the kindly shop lady tried to call a taxi for us.  Easy you would think - not so.  Apparently some cab companies don't pick up when they see the zoo's phone number because it is too far to drive.  What we have come to realise is that anything more that the 10mins average commute to work each morning is a long way.  Most appear to spend more time heating up their cars of a morning then the actual journey time to work.  Anyway the taxi came to collect us and the first thing the Mr Taxi driver says to us on entering the cab was "Are you Crazy?"

Our response was "Absolutely", the next question asked was the standard, "Where are you from?".  The rest of the 20min trip went by reasonably smoothly.  We arrived home chilled out for about an hour until it was time to call for the Thrifty courtesy car to come and collect us.  Nerves started, wait I said to Elona - if everything is on the other side compared to what we are used to, does that mean that the accelerator and brake are reversed too??????????

"NOOOOOO, surely not!" says Elona.  She then quickly finds the next car on the street and peers in the window to try and verify that the accelerator and brake were where they should be........tense moment......"Looks right" she states.  In the end all was good.

We picked up the car, "Gav"(see photos) and I drove back to the apartment.  First corner was a little hairy I was sure I was on the right side of the road... oops ... lucky it was not a main road and that the only cars on the street were parked.

My next biggest hurdle was that every time I indicated - I turned the windscreen wipers on.  Elona started saying indicate with your left hand that we are turning......

Needless to say we got home safe and sound - challenge accepted and completed.  Sooo hope it does not snow tomorrow.

Boxing Day photos

These are the birds sitting in the tree outside our window

view up the road from our window

View out the window to the BBQ

YEAH for Junior mints - bought only because of Jimmy Buffett - fantastic!

Birds in tree behind unit

Meg's at movies - nachos in background - how cool is that for the movies!

Walk home

Still gorgeous but very cold

This is for Nicko (Elona's nephew) - yes they get snowed in if left for too long!

Very sad!

Popcorn seasoning ... who knew??

Elaine's Xmas tree shining brightly - yeah for christmas!

Boxing Day

Well I think we actually slept in this morning and woke up to an almost fully risen sun (approx. 11am).  We had planned in Bastion tradition to go to the movies today.  Elona's final choice was "Tourist" - movie with Johnny Depp and Angelia Jolie - must be worth watching.

We decided to catch a taxi (got moving too late to walk it, and we didn't know where the cinema was located exactly). On arriving in the cinema complex Elona observed that we could be in just about any cinema in the world - they all look the same.

We decided to buy popcorn (with extra butter) and found that you can purchase additional popcorn seasoning - why the hell not.  I must add at this point that their small is equivalent to our medium sized popcorn.

Movie was great - comments like "hasn't Johnny Depp's arse got fat" and "Angelia must have to wear a lot of make-up to cover those tattoos", no really it was a good movie a little slow in parts but a worthwhile watch.

Time to head home to a feast of left overs from Christmas - easy day all in all.  Just a few photos to document our first trip to the movies in the States. And a decent walk home - yes we walked it!!! All that butter in the popcorn!

Christmas Day

We wish you a merry christmas, we wish you a merry christmas, we'll drive Meggzee nuu...uts with the station I love!!! Christmas carols full bell after a lovely sleep and of course the traditional Alaskan sleep in!!! We woke to a number of messages and calls from family and friends spreading good cheer and well wishes. We then did what all good children do and opened up our stuffed little stockings - see photos - remembering that these photos are taken at sunrise he he he.

We enjoyed our first real day of relax and didn't really start moving about till sunset and an early dinner of Turkey, veg and the fabulous Pumpkin Pie!! The turkey was great - surprisingly fool proof as promised!! The pumpkin pie was not too bad either - especially with the sssshhhhh cream - you know...the canned variety. More christmas carols - a few chats with Mandel and then off to bed really. Was a lovely Alaskan white christmas that fulfilled all dreams :)

Christmas Eve - Alaska

Meg's Typing

Well another early morning start for us here in Anchorage - oohh early just as the sun was rising around 10.30am.  First thing was to call everyone back in Australia and wish all the family a huge wintery Merry Christmas from both of us here in Alaska.  Then around 2pm we decided that we should start grocery shopping for our Christmas Feast - Roast Turkey with all the trimmings.  After much research on how to cook Turkey Legs (neither of us had any idea - nor did we think we could eat an entire Turkey) we set off for Fred Meyers.  A brisk 2.5 km walk, we arrived only to decide to walk across the six lane highway for the second time to shop at Sears.

Elona Typing

Sears is more a white goods store with clothing stuff as well - ie more a department store. Our first order of business was mitts (that's local he he he) mittens! And I am disappointed to say I couldn't buy black but the difference in warmth compared to gloves was enough to encourage the buying some not so attractive beige mitts : /  Onward and upward - I really need to keep out of stores - seriously!!! We came across a lovely local inuit style stall where I purchased a hair thingy that is a baby inuit on a piece of leather that you run a stick through...ok that doesn't sound good but it's really cute - check out the picture it's hard to describe. I actually realised after purchase that it would need to be packed as the said stick has a quite sharp end and airlines may find it threatening...ooops.

I just seem to have a ball in shops - I love looking at the different types of food - the wacky way they present/display food for eg they had the brussel sprouts attached to their stalks - who knew??- it kind of looked like a banana branch laiden with fruit - just weird!! As I must of looked as well as I took a photo of it!!! Check it out. Due to our lateness we kind of missed out on the fresh turkey leg and had to resort to a choice of frozen breasts...or entire turkeys - hence the breast option which on reading the packaging said guaranteed fool proof - we thought that sounds alot like us and bought the sucker along with many other things including cranberry sauce and a pumpkin pie. The pumpkin pie was a replacement for the xmas pudding as these are hell expensive and custard is really hard to find. ooooh yes we also bought some alcohol - the man at the store thought we were hilarious because we bought miniature bottles of Bailey's and a small bottle of Kahlua. I don't think many people buy small anything in this place!

 It was a quiet night - more phonecalls home and a special message left outside because Meg's told me with all our moves and mail redirections that Santa would NOT be able to find me! Horror!!! Cruel really so I spent a bit of time writing in the snow outside the unit "For Santa Lon here (with an arrow pointing to our door) and the # of the unit. I headed to bed a little disappointed that Meg's wouldn't leave out any Baileys for Santa but confident that Santa would find me.He could also just have followed the carols as I am in love with radio station 98.9 that Patrick told us about that plays Xmas carols 24/7. Just dreamy AND you know what.....I'm sure that I've caught Meg's singing along ...with exuberance as well - Alaska has found her Xmas spirit - it just needed some snow that's all!!

Day 6

Elona Typing

The best thing I found about little daylight is that I've managed to learn how to sleep in - just fabulous. A wonderful sleep had by the both us to energise for our next adventure; setting out to find the 5th ave Mall. The one and only multi storey shopping complex in Anchorage - maybe the whole of Alaska ( I wrote this very tentatively - not wishing to offend - have I mentioned that I think the back country is my new home...you get the picture!) anyway back to the next trip: the shopping trip.

We walked the 9 blocks East and about 7 blocks North. We covered some different ground and some lovely houses (see photos) at this point we should let you know that Anchorage is set out very logically: the streets running north to south follow the alphabet and the streets running east to west are numbered so as long as Meg's is with me I don't get lost! Not only is this woman navigationally savvy but she is a bit of a Dana Barrett (this is a teacher I team teach with who has a very dubious sense of humour) In true Dana style I pass a car with a man and a dog and commented "Wow his wife's a dog!" it got a giggle and we both decided it was Dana quality. We finally found the Anchorage Memorial Park - on all maps it's green - it's just white like everything else now -  but we did find it. Very hard to tell it's a cemetery when there is a good coating of snow in it -  that didn't stop Meg's commenting "I bet it's DEAD cold in there!!!!!" I completely lost it and cried for about 5 minutes in laughter. Way better than a Dana joke!! Sorry Dana.

 Meg's Typing

We passed a number of outside shops but decided to head inside for a hot drink as it was about negative 23 celsius.

On entering the shopping complex we happened upon a the equivalent of Alaska's santa's workshop (where kids line up for christmas photos with santa).

We lined up for photos with Hank - The Moose... (See Photo - see if you can find the flag)

You may recall Elona's meerkat impersonation I mentioned yesterday.  It looks like there is a dangerous side to this impersonation if you are not a meerkat.  Elona is now nursing a neck injury and if she turns her head more that 45 degrees it clicks.  Who would have guessed that we did not have the same range of neck movement as a meerkat?

Elona typing

It did not take us too long to find ourselves a shiatsu, accu-pressure place - you know the ones you see in the middle of the mall aisles. He was absolutely amazing and for $12 for 10 minutes - he fixed my neck - YEAH!! I tipped him $3 - this tipping thing is a little confusing and you really don't know, well we don't know when, who and how much at any given time. The standard is 10% at average service and 15% good service and  20% gratuity or tip is for outstanding. Can we clarify just in case Patrick is reading - you were absolutely outstanding and we gave every dollar we had!!! but we love you and wish we had more to give :))

The rest of the day was in shopping: a few things stand out; the ProActive cosmetic/skin care vending machine (see photo), size of the meal portions are huge as are the tables and chairs - I'm feeling smaller as each day passes. Found some magnificent clothes but alas unable to but. We stopped for a snack and both enjoyed sweet potato and jalapeno soup - this cost us a total of $3.50 and neither of us could work out how much to tip - so we left a $1 - who knows??? By the way there are some services that you don't tip for but we haven't quite worked those either but as soon as they hear our accents I think they believe we will tip them anyway.

Meg's turn

After we had organised some special gifts to be sent home to family, we decided to head outside and investigate the speciality stores that lined the streets around the mall.  We had a few items on the must purchase list, these included moose socks for Elona and a hat that would keep my ears warm.  It was my need for a warmer hat, curiosity and Patrick's comments regarding his fur hat being warmer than his other hats.  Yep we entered the fur store across the street from the mall.  We were greeted with holiday tidings from the owner, a beautiful Inuit man who was about 90 if he was day! We regretfully did not get his name.  We first looked at the fur hats and of course tried them on for size and colour.  A little disappointed that none were quite right, we started exploring the shop.  Elona then spied an amazing Arctic Fox headband/hatband/collar (it fills trip requirements that non-essentials must be useful in more than oneway).

The owner was very taken with Elona's eyes, my smile and Elona's excitement over the Arctic Fox Headband.  See photos of his credentials - a photo of the coat he made for the President Nixon and the then serving Russian President.  He asked us for all the details about Julia Gillard and what happened to the PM before her.  Then asked about Julia's body shape so he could be ready if he got a call commissioning a fur coat for her.  Apparently Sable would be a better fur choice for Julia than a Mink.

We took photos with a full Arctic Fox pelt, all the while receiving immeasurable advise about how to marry a man who is a world leader.

The abridged version:
     1. He must have graduated from Oxford or Harvard Universities .... maybe MIT
     2. You must have happy thoughts in your eyes
     3. Have an open welcoming smile
     4. Make a gently tactile caress on his upper arm (so he remembers you later)
     5. Show concern like a mother - All boys love their mothers
     6. Walk the streets of France and Italy to educate yourself to worldly cultures
     7. Don't worry about Germany - that is men's business
     8. Elona must keep her petite shape so her princely man will have many happy thoughts
     9. When you have babies you must send them to Oxford or Harvard - they have centuries of    
         experience in shaping children to be world leaders.

During this enlightening tuition, he insisted that Elona try on the Mink Coat ($10 000+++) he had in the store - this was mainly so when she finds her princely man he will hand over his credit card and leave the store for her to shop to her hearts delight. (See the photos)

He was an amazing character who has lots of interesting stories to tell.

Elona's turn

And could talk a leg off a chair - we left with my fur and lots of giggles. We then happened on another lovely store with lots of traditional and modern Alaskan gifts. We spent quite a bit of time in here - they had some fabulous jewelery; a ring based on the necklace worn by medicine men - Shaman.; that captures the soul of a person to protect it whilst they undergoing healing - it was called a 'soul catcher' It has two wolves facing away from each other and in the centre or between them is a hole for the soul. The shaman shape was slightly different and worn around the neck and looks a little like a log - where the soul is caught inside and the wolf heads on the outside. Just gorgeous - a little expensive - but we are both still thinking about these rings a few days later so who knows - we'll see: there are some birthdays coming up for the both of us!!! We also met the fluffiest puppy; Abby who was just a delight. (photo) We bought a number of gifts in this store to send off to Mandel for her ongoing gift package :))

From here we actually found another Fur store where Meg's knew by this stage what she was looking for and in no time at all she was purchasing a gorgeous leather hat with a Winter Fox trim. I also found a fabulous beanie that is made from Blue Chinchilla Rabbit (Very very warm!) Ok to all those out there who aren't liking the idea of fur can I just add that in negative 24 you don't give a s*#t as long as your head's warm - trust me on this one guys!!!! We enjoyed a Chinese dinner in the food court - we had to share this because when the lady handed over the enormous portion; my thoughts were something like "How many people is that for????" Still a very enjoyable meal and for once we ALMOST finished - yep still some there - unbelievable portions of food.

We cabbed it home as it was pretty cold and dark by now - hey realistically it had been dark for hours!!! A night of chatting with family on Skype and showers and bed. It was another great day in Anchorage.

Day 5

Elona typing

Not really thinking the night before - I didn't shut my curtain around my bed and though the sun doesn't come up early it does get light ER...though this shouldn't have been a consideration because our trusty guide had set his alarm the night before BUT alas I was awake not realising that it's Patrick's habit to snooze at least three times before he rises!!!! So I headed downstairs to put on the kettle and on waking poor dear Patrick (sorry Patrick!) we shared a cuppa and some more stories. One interesting titbit that Patrick worked out with the help of one of the many useful books in this cabin - no really heaps of books! - the Alaskan Almanac (dubious year) had a nifty chart that when Patrick worked it out - when travelling at 35 miles an hour, in negative 10 degrees Fahrenheit (-23.33 Celsius) this is our average in Alaska - it got colder in the back country but anyway I digress - with these figures our mathematician/ survivalist technician worked out that with the wind from our own velocity we were travelling in negative 48 degrees Fahrenheit (negative 44.4 Celsius!!!!!) He looks at me with an enquiring face and asked - how are you coping with it - seriously with the amount of layers we have on it really doesn't feel too bad as long as your not standing still trying to take a photo with a steel case camera - I will add it is necessary to remove mittens to do this - THANK GOD for heated handle bars - otherwise I am sure I would be missing fingers by now.  We at this stage were making our Alright - on hearing the giggles from downstairs Meg's joined us. Time for another cuppa whilst Patrick checked out our esky supplies. "ohhh!" he exclaims and proudly produced out of said esky a carton of Milk - this may seem normal to you but invoked minor violence from me as I had been drinking a nasty pomegranate herbal infusion crap stuff because Patrick on his first look in esky 2 days ago informed me there was none!! Which also led to the 'creamer' incident of the first night which we mentioned - NASTY STUFF - don't do it! So on my last morning - my last cuppa was actually a very nice tea! Thanks Patrick :)

Meg's typing

I heard the sounds of conversation (Patrick) and tried to work out if he was talking to Elona or talking on the phone. Not knowing the time decided to investigate.  So embarked on the steep descent that was the staircase (nicknamed - Mt Everest by Elona) and ensured that we have not been victims of another bear attack during the night. All were safe, well and rested.  Whilst we scaled Everest again to pack our belongings, Patrick the Chef concocted an amazing breakfast of "Bubble and Squeak". It was fantastic, Elona being the sensitive to the early hour (8:30) was unable to fully appreciate the taste sensation placed before her. Elona apologised profusely scraped her breakfast into the bin,  finished her second cup of tea WITH milk and finished off the last mouthful of her M&Ms.

Elona still packing or repacking not sure really. I did the dishes and Patrick readied the machines... Elona then joined us and the two of us decided to take last minute photos around the cabin to document the adventure. The wind was blowing quite a bit and of course this made it colder and at times it looked like it was snowing as the wind blew the snow from the trees...this is an important fact...you'll see. Read on

Elona Typing
Once Patrick had securely attached all our gear and the leftover perishable groceries (these to be dropped off at Yentna station) to the machine - we were off. Feeling much more confident and taking the opportunity to glance around at the trees that lined our narrow track without feeling we were going to kill ourselves. I was actually travelling behind Megs who was having a turn at second position. I'm looking about and then exclaimed something I can't right down and hit the break that is NOT often used because as Patrick said you slide - which I did using that same exclamation I can't share. Megs apparently had been noticing the beauty of falling snow from a tree when a corner approached a little too quick and she tried to climb a tree whilst ON the machine. Are you picturing this yet - because we didn't take a picture as we spent the next 10 minutes before Patrick could rescue us because there is no way to really turn around and he would have had to exit the forest and renter. Now I haven't sweated at all up to this point of the trip but these bloody machines are heavy and maneuvering them whilst still is not fun.

Megs Typing

Well the first half of the story is correct - I was admiring large chuck of snow falling from the surrounding trees due to the high winds, when I realised oh corner - damn almost made it. To clarify - I did not climb, hit, and bounce off of the tree.  I drove gently over an extended tree root - unfortunately I did not clear the entirety of the machine.  OOPPPS.

I initially tried reverse and revved the throttle and was not too successful and again being cautious not to bog the machine.  Elona then tried an Indiana Jones move.

Elona Typing ) for all those fans of Indiana Jones.... DA DA DA DAAAA DA DA DAAAA DA DA DA DAAAA DA DA DA DA DAAAAA.

Megs Typing

ElonaDA DA DA DAAAA DA DA DAAAA DA DA DA DAAAA DA DA DA DA DAAAAA.

May the real Indiana Jones please step forward.  PATRICK!!  We were so pleased to see our knight in shining armour arrive to our rescue.  It was comforting to see that is was not such an easy fix, and required some major hefting on Patrick's part to clear the machine ready to continue on the journey homeward bound.

Elona Typing

On we went and today we hit some major speed - there's a nice long stretch just before Yentna station that you can really push the throttle and we hit 60miles and hour (100 km/hr) During this spurt I thought I glimpsed something not white but coloured and assumed it was a dead something - you know - being Alaska and all and we soon arrived at Yentna where we were greeted by the lovely young Eric who is about 4 playing in the snow with his toy car. At this time Patrick is looking for the perishables pack and Meg's pipes up and comments that she did think saw something back there hit the snow and on enquiring how far he got back on his machine in search of said groceries whilst we enjoyed a fabulous tour from the resident 4 year old. He was just gorgeous!! Patrick did return with a broken bag and a sheepish grin - please see photos on pages to the right.

It wasn't a long stay - just really to drop off the food and on we went - with a quick Merry Christmas to Jean :) Again speed was the theme of today and yes there were many squeals. Megs had decided to go third and I'm not sure whether I'm the best person to follow. There were a few corners that I didn't quite make and with the high level of wind it was difficult to follow too closely to anyone. There was a hairy moment where I say Patrick hit something and lurch to the right but of course he managed to right himself - me not being as confident gritted my teeth and created my own track a little further to the right hoping in hell I didn't kill myself and have Meg's follow in my machine tracks. Obviously I made it but it is very different to ride on unused snow especially having passed certain points of open water shelves when you really can't see snow from ice and ice from water due to the wind kicking up a cloud of loose snow just above the surface.

Now this next bit is not for the feint hearted - Patrick slowed down considerably and once again I got to use my break I hadn't realised just how close he was!!! But he stopped due to 3 snowmachine all towing sleds. We followed for a time but when safe Patrick took us around them - now the first man waved and that's always exciting when you put your hand back on the handle bars as your snowmachine lurches to one side because due to being polite I waved back!!!! Alright ....the next lovely machine we were passing had a lovely Moose head dragging just over the end of the sled - and I'm thinking Ohhhhhhh it's dead!!! And then in the next split second I was really glad I hadn't had breakfast because this enormous thing was skinned and was out for all to see - NOT pleasant - though a moose popsicle is amusing in thought it's a little gross in reality. Now I've been with Megs when she is a little sensitive to things and you can almost see the green rise and taste that little bit just at the back of your throat in empathy and I'm 'mantra' ing at this moment -don't look Megs -don't look meg's and then thinking how gross it would be to throw up with a helmet on and kept a check that she continued behind. Now I'm sure there is a different version of events to come so I'll hand you over.

Megs typing:

I am very sensitive to many gross things and can go green with amazing ease depending on the situation.  Elona did not need to worry in this case.  I noticed the Moose's head and actually had the thought that he had a friendly face.  I then realised that he was travelling without his hide, and remembered what Patrick had told us previously that moose have an extremely thick hide (approx. 10cm be tolerant Patrick) that when skinned there is not a lot flesh to be seen and their bulk is reduce considerably.  Interesting all in all.  Patrick later explained that they had probably (this is one of the two words Patrick uses; the other word is .....  possibly - nothing like being definite hehehe) killed he moose in the fall.  Moose being large animals, they let the carcass freeze and waited to transport via snow machine instead of either boat or sea plane.

We continued on our way - sorry no photos out of respect of the dead and Mandel's sensitivities.  Speed, Speed and more Speed.  The necessity to travel at a distance due to worsening visibility the closer you travelled to the kick-up from the machine in front, may have prompted Elona's meerkat impersonation.  I gained ground quickly due to Elona suddenly stopping (she was getting good at using that brake) and viewed her in the closing distance suddenly stand up on her machine.  Her head turns quickly to the right, then the left, then the right, then the left........ You get the idea.  Just as suddenly she sat down again and continued on her way - luckily - any longer or I would have had to use my brake to avoid collision.

Elona typing

Now for me this last bit was really exciting and then absolutely terrifying. I'm looking down at the speedo and we are clocking 65 miles and I'm squealing with delight. I didn't think my eyes were down that long but when I looked up there is a fork in the road/river: could go straight or verge to the right. There were tracks on both - s#*t, s*#t, s*#t! I slow and stand - still moving then throw my visor back to see if I can see Patrick's cloud - s*#t!!!!!!!!!!!! I stop and stand up and look really hard - it's bloody cold - like more so than before my face is freezing off I'm swearing at the top of my voice using poor Patrick's name in amongst many not so lady like terms when I think....think....not sure mind you but think I see a snow cloud and then I sit and gun it as if I'm wrong I will need to turn and retrace and he headed off in some major speed!! But luckily there he was and then there was the steep entry to the launch point - we slow right down and head into where the trailer was. Even Patrick commented on how cold it had got and that he had taken his mitts off as he was warmer back there somewhere. After packing up the machines, using the facilities - yeah back to heated facilities: there is nothing quite like pulling your dacks down when you know your ass is not going to freeze off!! After a group hug and exclamations of how much we love Patrick especially because we came back alive and not like that moose and were giggling with absolute excitement of the most wondrous journey we had just taken in the glorious back country of Alaska. We have to give a huge thanks to Patrick one for driving us home the hour and a half and giving us all sorts of other things that should go on our list of things to do and see. I have to add here that he cheekily suggested that we HAD to do a specific dog sled ride out of Girdwood because of the very handsome and flirtatious owner Dario - he said we would just have a ball - what do you think he meant by that do you think????? But also Patrick THANK YOU for putting up with an enormous amount of jests from our behalf usually at your expense. He took us with such grace and patience and just a touch of amusement. I have to add here that we took a fabulous photo well a few actually of our Patrick with his belt on and his really cool grey wool pants (that's for you Rob - we knew you would like them!) he even vogued it up for us - please see photos but pay special attention to that belt buckle - he is such a hunter!!!! We will NEVER forget our Keiffer Sutherland lookalike hunter!!! Merry Xmas Patrick to you and your wife Jenny and your gorgeous boys; Wesley and Wyatt.

Megs Typing

On leaving the launch area - Patrick offered us the option of the cafe just outside the gates or a sandwich place somewhere on the road home for lunch.  After his recommendation we elected to stop at the cafe just outside the launch site.  On entering the cafe, we were welcomed into the warmth, shown a table and menus by the owners.  After ordering, a burger for Patrick, Chicken Soup for Elona, and Roast Beef sandwich with mashed potatoes and gravy for me. The most interesting thing was this came out with the gravy on the outside of the sandwich. We had a chance to look around all the hunting memorabilia that decorated the room and the decorations that decorated them :))  Elona regretted sitting in the position she chose almost immediately when she realised that a mounted mountain goat had been positioned to watch her eat.  We also had the rare experience of seeing a wolverine up close - surprisingly it did not look anything like Hugh Jackman quipped Elona (Patrick laughed out loud in genuine amusement that this was our first reaction).  Wolverines are nocturnal and is the only animal that will stand their ground against a bear.  The one we met was stuffed and enclosed in a class display cabinet - interesting though... check out the photo.

The day ended with HOT showers and a dinner of savoury rice and sleep.  It was the most amazing way to start our trip. UNBELIEVABLE!!!!!

Day 4

Elona typing:

Patrick's last words to us before turning in for the night were "We'll just get up when we get up." and as Patrick stated - he rarely sleeps more than 6 hours a night - we expected to be up and around about 6.30 - 7ish. Well I opened my eyes as the sun cracked the horizon at a whopping quarter to ten and raced downstairs (NOT EASY!!! - the gradient on these is phenomenal!) and saw to my great relief Patrick fast asleep on the lounge - Bless. I go upstairs and inform Megs "It's all good he's still downstairs asleep - it was a concern - we did kinda pick on him! So...I headed down more slowly ie safely to put on water for cuppas and there on the bench was the first aid kit all open - I looked over to Patrick who was just surfacing and asked if he had hurt himself. His classic little mischievous smile looked in my direction as he explained that that the door had bit him - as him being a manly man uses the out house as opposed to the IN house. I ventured over for a wee look and yes there is this gaping oozing wound above his eye - I declared his story was no where good enough and he needed to say he was protecting us from a cranky woken winter grizzly bear - much better!!! Now get up and make breakfast!! NO I didn't say that but that's what he did because he is just such a legend!

Megs turn

I arrived downstairs to be informed by Elona that Patrick had saved our lives during the evening from a ferocious bear attack.  Patrick just giggle and then proceeded to reenact the events of the previous evening and demonstrated just how the door had bit him in an effort to use the outside facilities.  Elona and I didn't recover from the fits of giggles that ensued from his dramatisation for at least 10 mins.  Hilarious!!!!

As we readied ourselves for the day ahead, Patrick prepared an amazing breakfast of bacon, eggs and pancakes.  Have we mentioned how much we love this man??  After breakfast we ventured outside to take a few (100) photos of the breathtaking views.  Elona wanting to capture every detail including photos of the Out House - Opened the door for a shot of the inside view, proceeded to shut the latch (piece of wood that swivels to lock door) and it just fell off.  On Elona's exclamation of "OH S&*T, I broke it!!!".  Patrick again dissolves into a fit of giggles.....on prompting he admitted to us that during the bear attack on the previous night, he got locked in the Out House (did we tell you it was very cold) and forcibly had to break down the door, hence the weak lock.

Elona Typing:

He then proceeded to enlighten us of a story of a previous trip in the first week in December with the Pauls - apparently one of the guys; the younger of the two who described by Patrick was highly intelligent and a bit of a geek who had just celebrated his 30th birthday had gone to the outhouse and spent what Patrick thought as a little too long and too loud in the said outhouse. He now understands the poor bugger was locked in the bloody thing just like he had been last night. Now that just goes to show how testosterone can stop a really good story from surfacing - boys!! Hence with us now with this knowledge of Patrick and his door problem was now the butt of every joke or possible quip we could make for the rest of the journey.

Ok believe it or not we actually did set off on the machines once again - amazingly a little scarier in the daytime as those trees are AWFULLY close to you as you zig zag through them. We headed out to Alexander Lake which took us through some wide open spaces that allowed us to feel speed greater than yesterday and some really cool airtime (jumps) Nothing quite like it - for me obviously it's a way I can jump without hurting my pelvis - absolutely thrilling and of course accompanied by many girly squeals.

Once again being the observant person I am (of views - not mirrors) I kinda lost Megs again!!! Yeah I know.... this involved a rough - "stay here - don't move" from Patrick and off he went in the direction we came. It was a good 10 minutes so I guess taking into consideration the speeds we were doing - I lost track of her awhile back....hhhhmmm.

Meg's turn

All was good to start, speed, jumps and sooo much white powder.  The problem with white powder is that 1/2 cm (approximation Patrick and sorry I really only understand metric) off the track and the machine can lurch suddenly and steeply to one side and sink....  Not having experienced this before and remembering the indemnity from the previous day not quite sure how to get out of snow sink holes.. Patrick had also mentioned in his safety induction that if you rev in any direction too hard you can dig yourself in.  So I sat there on my skewed machine and waved both arms in the air to signal Elona that I was stuck. Then watch patiently has both Elona and Patrick rode off in the distance and round the corner and out of site.  HMMMM.



Elona's Turn

Thought 1: S#*t she is going to kill me. Thought 2: It gets cold when you have to turn your machine off and you can't keep your hands warm on the heated handlebar thingies. Thought 3: Nice view though: so I took some really nice shots...I couldn't move too far as the powder was pretty deep. Thought 4: How far back is she?? Oh S*#t I'm soooo in trouble - she will never forgive me!! What felt quite some time I see the cloud approaching and then the two machines. Patrick goes around me and on without stopping - thank god because somehow I don't think that conversation would have been pleasant for me!!

THEN Patrick did that meerkat thing again - I tell you it just fills you with confidence I'm telling you! He  told both of us to stay and scouted ahead...hhhmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm. So what happened back there Megs I ask. Actually she was really cool about it as she knows just how hard it is to follow and keep an eye behind - bless her!! Well hhhhmmmmmmmmmm oh there are people behind us we try and move out of their way and then our knight in shining armour (kinda) comes back and stops to not ask for directions - because that's not the hunting, guiding, male kind of thing you do but what was reassuring is the other guy got out a map - well there's two sides to that - we're really lost or just a little lost. But we were on our way following the others till we stopped at a kinda sign in the middle of the river - a kind of cross way - they went one way and we went another - to Alexander Lake. We should take a moment to explain that Patrick reassured us that he wasn't lost, that due to our beginning status and the wind blowing away his previous tracks he didn't want to take us into deep deep snow because Meg's can't drive on it - obviously!! he he he he

We arrived after some great speed - we're up to 50 miles an hour now - YEAH (I'm thinking this is fast!) and arrived at some beautiful scenery. Please see pictures. From here we headed to Yentna Station Roadhouse. This is a part of the Iditarod Trail - the dog sledding race from Anchorage to Nome. Just the most welcoming lovely people - Jean is a women close to my heart in Christmas decorations - just beautiful Jean. We were welcomed in by Jean, her husband Dan and sons. The roadhouse was heated by a roaring fire with dogs asleep in front of it - I'm in heaven I'm telling you. We were asked to take a seat whilst hot chocolates were being made and this is when we say the Bear - Bruno I think his name was (sorry if I got it wrong Dan) and this was given to Jean and brought back from a recent trip. The fur on this thing was amazing - I understand how the term cuddly bear came about. We took some photos and of course included a flag shot - see pictures. Jean and Dan told us of their family and life in the Back country - this is their 30th winter this year!! We then shared our stories of course including our recent stories such as the bear attack and Patrick's chivalry... oh and of course his aversion to doors. From then on it was just giggles all the way. These people just made our trip - we have never felt so at home - thank you sooo much guys we will always recommend you to others. And Dan you just wait and see - we will be back for the Iditarod not next year but the year after and yes we will work!!!! Promise! Just an aside here - our illustrious guide - you know the one with door issues - apparently doesn't take a good photo so our apologies to Jean and Dan for not including what would have been a lovely or two of the four of us together. If anyone is interested their address is: www.yentnastation.com

After packing/strapping the water supply to the machine, saying our farewells and xmas wishes we head off in the dark towards home - well cabin. Got to 55 miles an hour on this stretch but had to endure this with visor up for a had lost total vision through the bastard! I asked Patrick earlier to stop in amongst the trees so that I could get a photo - these photos really don't do it justice - it's an amazing site at night. Back to the cabin and the day must have been a trial for Patrick as he his first action was to stick his head in the oven after turning the gas on. The REAL story though has to be about doors - oven doors included - "the oven's NOT working" he announced. I having no problem with doors did fix said problem. For dinner - chicken is on the menu tonight with mushrooms, salad and a side of seasoned rice. He is such a sweetheart I'm telling you!!! Many laughs and some fantastic and shocking hunting stories later (Who knew bears woke up in winter - they get pissed apparently and will eat you!!! or the next person that walks passed) We then snuggled on the lounge to watch a movie - Space Cowboys - a definite giggle and then off to bed with the promise that an alarm would be set for 7am and the facilities used inside by ALL.

Day 3 Part 2

Ok...well we didn't quite make it into town because at 9.30am we had a knock at the door - and it was the gorgeous Patrick - our guide for the next 3 days (poor bugger didn't know what he was getting into!) We drove for about an hour and half North through some beautiful countryside to Holly and Craig's Snowmobile Adventures in Palmer where we were to be outfitted for our pending adventure. Holly was very welcoming and gave us a double page indemnity form which would scare the pants off any lawyer - so basically I just signed the thing and hoped Megan read it well - she's good like that!! Patrick took us into the very aromatic shed to clothe us in appropriate - hilarious - equipment. "No Patrick I WILL NOT wear 80's parachute purple jumpsuit!!" He just giggled mischievously as I brought out my own ski pants and laughed hilariously as Megs put on her jumpsuit (not purple - photos to prove this - I think he liked her more!!). All this gear is over the top of our own clothing and quite bulky - not fabulously attractive. Next was Bunny Boots - not cute or furry but army and ugly BUT VERY warm! Next mittens were not so much a problem - pretty straight forward - but then we have the helmets...hhhmmmm yellow. "Patrick???" Yes we got yellow helmets with face masks fitted to not keep out the nasty smell of diesel as we had hoped but to stop condensation forming from our breath on the visor. This just seemed like a little interesting aside - little did we know just how important those damn things are in NOT killing oneself!!

Indemnity signed, kitted out, quick photos with moose and we were on our way. We stopped for lunch near Willow - lovely town and I experienced my first Dill pickle and Megs explained to Patrick that he had to be careful that Elona didn't spend the entire time in just the store checking out all the food - which does amuse me - you should see the variety!!! And the size of their normal Powerade!! Alright sorry off track - that's what food does!! So we arrive at launch site where Patrick directs us to the Restrooms (that's the toilets) now putting on the gear is alot quicker and easier than taking it off to wee!! Fun fun fun...at least they were heated restrooms.

We start to get a little nervous now as Patrick runs through standard operating procedure followed closely by what should happen if he dies!!! We are serious - he has GPS, matches, first aid and knife and has told us which of the two GPS sites to locate and follow in case of emergency - also a satelite phone. With this we headed off on our snowMACHINES (not mobiles here) with all the confidence in the world after our little Patrick induction - Bless Him.

Right - very exciting - very fast. Hard to see the absolute brilliance at speed but the lovely Patrick would stop at times to check we were alive and still behind him and time for to take photos. This is the most magnificent expanse with contrasting horizons of frozen rivers which were our Hwys and snow covered forest with silhouetted mountains. Breathtaking - speaking of which the whole mask thing being important. Megs fell back and eventually I noticed (my mirrors weren't in a good spot - I did fix this) anyway due to poor visibility (inside her helmet) ie can't see a god damn thing other than condensation turned to ice at close range!!!! She stopped for safety reasons - must have been something she read in that indemnity!?!? Our snowmachine technician Patrick jumped into action lifting the bonnet of the machine placing the helmet over the engine vent to warm and dry inside of helmet visor. Very nifty!!

On we go!! A few jumps - some air and clocking 30 miles an hour (that's about 50k) We thought we were going REALLY SUPER fast and if there were mikes in the helmets you would have heard many squeals of delight. Sun is setting as we pull into Scary Tree sign - I ask Patrick "Why is it called that?" And the all knowing guide with complete honesty tells us he has no idea and laughs but then kindly helps us climb up the bank to the sign to place our flag which is the reason he stopped - which is very kind really! It was at this point that Patrick chose to be a meerkat - you know stand on your toes, look one way then the other then back again and again. When asked if he should consult the GPS he just laughed. Hhhhmmmm - on we go after he informs us we are about a third of the way...did we mention the sun was setting??? really did we?? Crap! Okay with building confidence we set off - we stopped after about another 15 miles (if your reading this Patrick - I don't know - I'm guessing!!! it was about that - we are approximating here - pay attention it gets better!! :) we stop at the base of Luce's which is a cafe type, riverside roadhouse place. How's that for description??? We can't give anymore of a description as we decided to keep going as to us it was getting bloody dark and our hero then informs us that we still had another 6 or so miles through forest where the machine JUST fits on the path and that alot of first timers often hit trees! Now I'm sure that was in the indemnity!!!!

Off we go full speed ahead... straight into what looked like a line of trees. My visor was at this stage fully up - just as well I was wearing my lenses or my eyeballs would have frozen solid - good little blankets they are! We zig zagged our way through a forest area and I'm thinking we must be there....we come out on the other side - cross the very wide river and head back up into the forest on the other side. More zigzagging then a stop as some what looked like experienced machine riders had got stuck - this is where I turned to Megs and said "I can't see s*#t!" We being experienced now popped the bonnet and fixed my helmet visor. We felt he was impressed with this - he being our technician Patrick who looked our way, seemed to nod, hard to tell, and proceeded to help the other people. This gave us an opportunity to look around at the glorious scenery of snow covered trees in a densely forested area lit up like a xmas tree from the headlights - absolutely beautiful. Ooooooh off we go again - helmet back on and we continue.

Now my turn (Megs)

We approached a picturesque log cabin set amongst the forest and we both looked longingly as we continue past said cabin and continue to navigate the dense forest of snow covered trees in the pitch black with only our 3 sets of headlights to show the way.  Eventually we happened upon another cabin at the very end of the pathway and we were relieved when our illustrious leader pulls to the side just meters away from a 150m (its approximate Patrick) shear drop to the river below.  After parking our machines most expertly in formation (approximately Patrick approximately!!!!).  We entered into the cabin and were greeted by warmth accompanied by a billow of our closest approximation: steam, the scientific phenomenon (not our forte).

On entering the cabin and delayering, Patrick's first instruction was in relation to the facilities.  Apparently the compost toilet is prone to freezing and sequently breaking if not first defrosted with boiling water.  He did point out the "Out House" any urge to wee was immediately reversed (no friggin way we were partially derobing outside in a not heated Out House!!!  The other thing we notice was the shower - or lack of.. well in truth there is showering facilities next to the front ON THE OUTSIDE of the cabin.  NOT GOING THERE and Elona having second thoughts about not washing her hair that morning and both us agree we were lucky we didn't book a 5 day safari.  We would also like to dedicate our thanks to the inventors of multi-purpose facial wipes.

Next once toilet water was boiled it was time for a cuppa and a quick look around the cabin.  Elona's fascination for the wide variety of foods and there package went into high gear (see Photos).  Water for the cuppa (not a word Patrick was familiar with but agreed to have one when offered) was boiled, decided to experiment after Patrick advised there was no milk, with "Creamer".  Apparently a non-dairy substitute that according to media is very popular and 5 creamer containers in the cabin stores supported this theory.

OMG disgusting  - Elona typing now - in fact I have never seen Megan spit anything out as quickly as she did this horrific concoction - hysterical for all involved... Megs again

The first hint that Creamer was not a viable option was Patrick's decline to have any in his mocha creation.  We then proceeded the get to know session.  Elona being her delicate self, posed many personal and probing questions of our multi-talented cruise director.  We now know, that Patrick is not only a snow machine guide extraordinaire, Hunting Specialist, Bird Culler in Hawaii, but also a proud parent of 2 gorgeous boys that he showed photos of along with the photo of his wife's (Jenny) arse, because all good husbands should have these essential photos on their phones.  Elona reciprocated by showing photos of Mandel and a arse of a very attractive black man.  

Next item on the To Do List, dinner.  Our multi-talented technician also cooks....bless him. Steak, baked potatoes.. no change of plan ... could not get the oven to work ... thank god he is not perfect. So potatoes cooked on a skillet, and salad was placed in front of us and was devoured appreciatively.  Patrick received a call from Jenny informing us of a lunar eclipse (if you ask Elona, she will tell you it was a solar eclipse - english teacher not science) it also coincided with winter solstice (the shortest day of the year - surprisingly Elona knew that). After freezing our arses off with binoculars outside staring at the moon being eclipsed into darkness, we headed inside and attempted to watch a movie, but as it was around 11.30pm jet lag hit and off to bed we were.

Day 3 Snowing Part 1

We woke up this morning to snow - which isn't different except for it is actually snowing and it is just beautiful - it's like glitter falling out of the sky - so very soft and powdery - different to our snow in australia. Our landlord came out and had a giggle at us because we are just standing there all excited in the falling snow - all rugged up and he comes out in a sweater - I'm thinking there some pretty cool thermals under those trackies he is wearing!!

We went for a walk at 8.30am - we haven't heard from the snowmobiling people yet - we're thinking of just heading into town but whilst out on our walk we took some shots - please remember that it is 8.30 in the morning - I had to edit these shots to lighten them as they were too dark - it's weird it just seems like night time!

Day 2

BIG sleep!! Woke up at 11.30am after 9 hours sleep - much needed. Hunger drove us outside once again but this time we ventured to the dubious shop which really didn't seem so dubious in the daylight hours! Breakfasted on ham, cheese and tomato croissants and tea WITH sugar - yes we remembered this time. We are both still having an issue with our phones - no reception here and with our search for a public phone unsuccessful we resorted to ringing our lodging specialist who got us this unit and he conferenced us via skype to the Alaska Snowmobile people and yes it's sunday and they were closed so we are hoping that we are still going on our safari tomorrow - fingers crossed.

We have done a fair bit of walking and were both surprised to see the mountains that were hidden in darkness last night - beautiful. We have attached some photos but the joy of today was finding a window of an apartment block that had a lit up flamingo by the xmas tree (see photo page day 2). Just a relaxing day really with a laundry stop tonight - minimum clothing - lots of washing : / But washing here is a little different because it is next door and requires you to go outside so on goes the jackets, boots, beenies and gloves - all fun!! We just spoke to our landlord and yesterday to raise money for the paralympics he did a polar dive which entailed stripping off and jumping into a hole in the ice and then getting out and jumping into a hot tub and drinking hot chocolate - shame it was yesterday because we would have loved to have seen it.

Alright that's it for today - check out the picks :)

Day 1

Well the adventure today began at the airport - thank you to those who came to see us off :) We probably could have done without the tears but the security check and Meg's security pat down put a stop to those tears pretty damn quickly. Customs was not an issue really - Meg's got another pat down - very funny but anyway the flight was cool - we scored really good seats in Premium Economy. You know those cool lounges with their own tv's and heaps more leg room. Therefore we lounged and watched at least 4 movies and some tv Big Bang Theory - you'd be proud Mandel!! And of course no sleep because we weren't tired!!!! So when we got to the next flight from LA to Seattle when we were exhausted we had the not so seats! Oh and we didn't get to sit next to one another for that one or the next I might add. But I got to sit next to some lovely young ladies who were heading home for Xmas from college and they thought I was a real laugh because I was soooo excited!

We arrive - OH MY GOD IT"S COLD! A balmy -18 degrees Celsius without the windchill factor. First thing we see from the cab is a truck that had slid on the ice and jack knifed itself - guess whose NOT driving in Alaska - that would make two of us - yeah for cabbies! Speaking of which the lovely cab man gave us directions to a dubious grocery store that thankfully our landlord advised us not to go to but to take the very pleasant walk in the balmy weather for 2 and half km up the highway on foot with the wind chill factor. "If the bloody shop is not round the next corner we're taking a taxi back to the unit!" says Megs and then low and behold an all you can eat Chinese restaurant????  Do we or don't we eat? Elona decides that a short cut through icy carparks is the best option at this stage and the giggles that negotiation of environmental hazards lead us to an Italian restaurant!!!  Sorrentos in Anchorage was a bustling hive of activity and at 8pm there was a small wait to see if there was a table available.  Luckily there was and the thaw from the deep freeze outside began with hot soup, followed by Angel hair pasta for Elona and a wonderful veal followed by a hot chocolate each.  After asking the fabulous waitress what the etiquette was for gratuities, we paid the bill.  We still had an hour to find the long sort after grocery store to buy supplies for the next day.  Tea, Coffee, Breakfast stuffs etc, lunch already taken care of with the boxed left overs of dinner - the meal sizes are huge.  Elona lead the way through another dodgy shortcut path way and over another 2 blocks we found the much sought after Fred's.

Immediately on entering the store Elona was distracted by the tinsel and lights of Christmas.  We now have our own Christmas Trees complete with decorations and stockings.  Food you may ask, yes we bought some of that as well, though after boiling the kettle for a cup of tea we have since realised we forgot to buy sugar.  The weather had not really warmed up since our last foray into the wilds of downtown Anchorage, so we walked the two blocks back to Sorrentos and asked the wonderful staff there to call us a taxi, and so it was by taxi we arrived safely home again.

Current Items Missing in Action
  1. My Sunglasses (Megs)
  2. Elona's travel pillow with various paraphernalia in the case.

I am sure this list will grow as the trip progresses. Check out photos on the page titled "Day 1"
Catch ya after some much needed sleep.

Yeah Confirmation

Yes ladies and gentlemen we have confirmed accommodation!!! My toiletries bag is showing just how good the stitching is!! Still organising stuff - the last minute things but we are getting there. Megs is spending quality time with the nephews as much as she can...very cutesy! I won't be putting in a post until we are on our way but I wanted to share this gorgeous poem well Ode to Elona and Megan written by Helene Burrows so you will understand some of the unusual photos that will be posted. It's alright you will understand once you've read it. With the poem came a bag of Toothpick Australia Flags and Australian stickers. Here tis:

ODE TO ELONA AND MEGAN

You’re off on the adventure of a lifetime or so they say

So here is something to help on your way

So forget about kids like Jesse and Martan

Spend your time on cocktails and all night partying

Australia will miss you and we will too

So here is something for you to do.

Shrek and Indiana Jones both had a quest

Now it’s your turn to take a test

Your challenge to take for us Aussies

Is to place each flag in interesting possies

To prove to us that you’ve done your job

You must post its picture on your blog!

If you find some places that you can’t prick

There are some Aussie flags that you can stick

On paper or plastic, or even a snow mitt-

To whatever or whomever you see fit!

If you run out of these supplies and are feeling the pain,

I will organise a fresh supply to be picked up in Spain!

We’ll be thinking of you visiting all those exciting places –

Elona in Africa with all those lovely dark faces,

Wondering how many she can fit in each of her cases!

Megan in Scotland with her head on a tilt,

Wondering what he is wearing under that kilt

Or does he live in a castle that he has built???

And if you find yourselves at a loss –

Retrace your steps to find the Southern Cross

Hansel and Gretel used bread its true,

But we know these Aussie flags will work for you

If you find yourself starting to ponder

Follow the stars to the land down under

Have a great time and plenty of fun

And return home safely when you’re done!