May

2011

05.02.11: The Koala Hunt

Koala, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Travels Down Under:
The Great Koala Hunt …

Monday, May 2, 2011
* Manly Beach to Brisbane, Queensland, Australia *

After lack of sleep, tossing and turning in the hammocks aboard the HMB Endeavour as Security Night Watch last evening, the morning was welcomed with dawn and getting out up to mop the deck, have some tea n’ cookies, and a run-through as exchanged watch with the incoming volunteers to do Tour Guiding of the onboard museum. Sir Thomas took Monday off as he knew he would not be good to do tours after a restless night watch of the ship evening before. He headed back to his Couchsurfing host’s home in Manly Beach to gather his gear and do some exploring with Lady Barbara. He hopped aboard the Riverside Ferry to the Apollo Ferry leaving Brisbane for Manley West. Lunch together with Lady Barbara and Sir Wayne, the trio headed out in the car to take Sir Wayne to work after whcih Sir Thomas Leaf and Lady Barbara took on a quest to find koalas. Wandering in the Park they spied lots of wild birds and unique Eucalypts, but no wild koala. The only koala in the park are in captivity. On the way back to gather Sir Thomas’ baggage, they hit a pothole and gained the curse of a flat tire. Sir Thomas and Lady Barbara changed the tire and headed back to the house. That afternoon, Lady Barbara was kind enough to drive Sir Thomas Leaf back to the West End to be dropped off at his new Couchsurfing host’s home at Lady Carol’s … connected through being fellow Burner’s and residents of Black Rock city. Farewells and thanks were had as Sir Thomas wished Lady Barbara goodbye. Meeting Lady Carol and her family, socializing, and dinner together. Then Lady Carol and Sir Thomas hopped onto bicycles for a riverwalk ride down to the Docks where a local firespinner and juggling troupe practiced monthly. Not too many showed up, but they got in some socializing and fun conversations. As work awaited the duet tomorrow, they headed back just after 10 pm for sleep.

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Fire Performance Practice, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

[ Chronicles: Brisbane Lights ]

(note: this is an actively written blog. If links are broken or come to blank pages,
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posted in The Great Walkabout | tagged with adventures, Australian birds, Chronicles of Sir Thomas Leaf, Couchsurfing, eucalyptus, HMB Endeavour, Juggling, Koalas, Manly, Night Watch, quests, Redlands, Redlands Indigiscapes, Southbanks Parklands | No Comments

May

2011

05.01.11: Manly Beach and Night Watch

by The Oracle

Manly Beach, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Travels Down Under:
Manly Beach and Night Patrol …

Sunday, May 1, 2011
* Manly Beach, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia *

After a very relaxing stay at his Couchsurfing host’s home in Manly Beach, Sir Thomas Leaf was very refreshed as it had been one of the most comfortable beds he’s had in his travels for a long time. At Barbara and Wayne’s lovely place, Sir Thomas Leaf had his own room and in ecstasy as Barbara was a gourmet cook making the most wonderous meals. That morning his hospitable hosts took him down to Manly Beach to view the seaside and have a walk down the beach walk to the Manly Beach Market. That afternoon, Lady Barbara made delicious sandwiches and prepared Sir Thomas a sack lunch before heading out for his first night as “Night Guard” on the HMB Endeavour. Lady Barbara dropped Sir Thomas Leaf off at the Apollo Ferry as he would be taking the ferry to work that evening. Sir Thomas found the Ferry ride to work a very panoramic and exhilirating experience as he got to see the back channels of Brisbane. Dropped off at the Riverside Ferry next to where the Endeavour was docked. After checking in, with a team of 3 others, they took on rounds checking the runnings of the ship, making sure no trouble-makers were trying to climb aboard, and monitoring the gear. Each guard would have a 2 hour shift, rotating with others, but on call in case something goes wrong all could be woken up. Often through the night, the ship would separate from the docks and the stairs/gangway would need to be re-set. Getting to see the 20th century deck, where the kitchen and engine room was located was nothing more than an educational experience for Sir Thomas Leaf. Sir Thomas Leaf did stop some drunks from trying to climb over the gate and on board. His first night sleeping in the tight quarters on a hammock gave him an idea of the restless sleep that soon awaited him when he would be headed off as working crew. Once he fell asleep, he had a good night’s rest.

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HMB Endeavour, Eagle Pier , Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

[ Chronicles: The Great Koala Hunt ]

Remainder of the Story, Photos and videos below the cut:

posted in Sailing the 7 Seas, The Great Walkabout | tagged with 20th century Deck, Apollo Ferry, Australia, Brisbane, Couchsurfing, crew, Engine Room, Galley, guard, HMB Endeavour, Kitchen, Main Deck, Manly Beach, Manly Beach Market, Manly West, night guard, Queensland, quests, Riverside Ferry | No Comments

Apr

2011

04.30.11: Exploring the West End

by The Oracle

Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Travels Down Under:
Exploring the West End …

Saturday, April 30, 2011
* West End, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia *

As Sir Thomas Leaf approached his last day with his Couchsurfing hosts they settled for a fine day exploring Brisbane’s Artsy West End. Kristina and Kristiana were the most excellent hosts. The morning started out with a fine walk down to Brisbane’s West End’s farmer’s market that was refreshed with a rain shower. Some remarkable giant sized lady bugs caught Sir Thomas Leaf’s attention as he stopped to photograph them. Meeting new friends and his host’s family, the market was festive. For lunch, the adventuring four went for a quick bite at King Ahiram’s Lebanese Food Cafe. His hosts introduced him to the shopping district, cafes, and shops. That evening, they had a vegetarian lasagna and pakora. Sir Thomas Leaf was in definite heaven.

Fundraising Information

Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

[ Chronicles: Manly Beach, Koala Hunts, and Night Watch ]

Remainder of the Story, Photos and videos below the cut:

posted in The Great Walkabout | tagged with Australia, Brisbane, Couchsurfing, friends, giant trees, Indian, ladybugs, Lebanese, pakora, the West End, Vegetarian lasagna | No Comments

Apr

2011

04.29.11: History of Captain Cook, Govinda, and Floods

by Leaf

HMB Endeavour, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Travels Down Under:
Learning about the History of Captain Cook …

Friday, April 29, 2011
* Brisbane, Queensland, Australia *

A restful evening at his Couchsurfing host’s home in Brisbane’s Artsy West End, the adventuring sailor apprentice was soon off back to work as tour guide for the HMB Endeavour. An evening of reviewing notes about the history of Captain Cook was his assignment so that he could present more well established knowledge about the adventures he took to find the mysterious land of Australia. He centered much of his research on this day over the cooking habits and history of the ship’s kitchen. A brilliant and bright day, his walk through Brisbane Square to the Eagle Pier was very pleasant. After work he explored a bit of the city to get a more proper grasp of his surrounding as well as different routes to work. That evening, he joined with his couchsurfing hosts for a very delicious vegetarian meal at Govinda’s at the downtown location to meet up with one of Lady Kristina and Kristiana’s friends. Exploring the downtown area, the adventuring crew then went to their friend’s house for a get together with drinks and conversation that was originally meant as a game night but was short-lived as they returned home to the flat for the rest of the evening. While at the friend’s home, some damages of the recent Brisbane flooding was shown as mushrooms were growing out of their living room floor from the saturation of the floors and walls still from the recent disaster.

Fundraising Information

Brisbane flood damages, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

[ Chronicles: Exploring the West End ]

Remainder of the Story, Photos and videos below the cut:

posted in Sailing the 7 Seas, The Great Walkabout | tagged with Australia, Australian National Maritime Museum, Brisbane, Brisbane Floods, Downtown Brisbane, Govindas, HMB Endeavour, Indian, Living Myth, Mooney Fountain, Mushrooms, Queensland, Sushi, Tour Guide, Vegetarian | Comments (1)

Apr

2011

04.28.11: Tracing Captain Cook’s Footsteps

by Leaf

HMB Endeavour, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Travels Down Under:
Following Captain Cook’s Footsteps …

Thursday, April 28, 2011
* Brisbane, Queensland, Australia *

Early to rise, Sir Thomas Leaf arose after a semi-restful night’s sleep on an air mattress in his Couchsurfing host’s home in Brisbane’s Artsy West End. It was a nice day and a good morning for his walk to work. A brief snack of his host’s gift of Tim Tams and a stuffed pastry from a stand along his journey as he took on a 30 minute commute to volunteer as a tour guide for the HMB Endeavour while in Brisbane. He enjoyed people-watching and the artistic scenery as he made his way across Victoria bridge and through Brisbane Square to the Eagle Pier where the HMB Endeavour was docked. He met with the staff and crew checking in for his schedule for the next 10 days as Tour Guide and Deck Hand. He was given orientation and a crash course on the History of Captain Cook, the Endeavour, while being issued a vest, hat, water bottle, and script. His first duty station was to greet the school kids coming in on the buses at a pre-determined drop off location in the city center. Of course, communication went awry somewhere between the Maritime museum and the schools – leaving a very dazed and confused Sir Thomas wondering where the kids were. As he headed back to the ship, he spied they were dropped off elsewhere and caught up with them at checkin. Each guide was to rotate every 15 minutes to a half hour from each section of the ship where they would guide visitors aboard, teach them the history of a specific section of the ship, answer questions, and move them briskly through both decks. 15-30 minute breaks were scheduled in on occasion, but often missed because someone would miss their station or relief throwing the whole rotation off. By the time his 1/2 hour lunch hour came around, Sir Thomas was completely exhausted. Luckily he found down the street Sushi Kim’s sushi stand where he could grab a couple rolls for lunch to eagerly scarf down before heading back to his duty stations. His favorite station was the captain’s chambers and room where Captain Cook, Joseph Banks, and the scientists did much of their research, navigation, and cartography. He enjoyed the company of his fellow volunteer tour guides and mates, then around 5 pm headed back home to his couchsurfing hosts. A walk through Brisbane Square and Reddacliff Place provided some nice photoshots. Just after dark, he met up with his hosts, exchanged downloaded movies, and watched Dexter with Kristina.

HMB Endeavour, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

[ Chronicles: History of Captain Cook, Govinda, and Floods ]

Remainder of the Story, Photos and videos below the cut:

posted in Sailing the 7 Seas, The Great Walkabout | tagged with 18th Century Ships, adventures, Australia, Australian National Maritime Museum, Brisbane, Captain Cook, Chronicles of Sir Thomas Leaf, Historic Sailing Ships, HMB Endeavour, onboard museum, Queensland, Replicas, Sailing the 7 Seas, travelogues | Comments (1)

Apr

2011

04.27.11: Off to Learn 18th Century Sailing; The HMB Endeavour

by leafworks

Canberra, Australia Capital Territory,
to Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Travels Down Under:
Off to Learn 18th Century Sailing …

Wednesday, April 27, 2011
* Canberra, Australia Capital Territory, to Brisbane, Queensland, Australia *

It was yet a very exciting and sad day for Sir Thomas Leaf. He was very excited to fly off to Brisbane to learn about 18th century sailing aboard the HMB Endeavour. Yet, he was very sad to depart from his new, yet very close friend from Down Under. Sir Bluey Bee had quite an impact on our adventurer. A friendship of explorers forever molded. Sir Bluey brought Sir Leaf to the Canberra Air Dragon Court for him to climb aboard the Virgin Blue Air Dragon. Aboard he went and out into the skies he flew, above Canberra and the rest of the Australia Capital Territory. Beautiful sights down below as he flew overhead of the amazing lands of Down Under. As he touched down into Brisbane, in the Brisbane Air Dragon Court he collected his bags and shuttled via the Airtrain Service to a pickup location where his Couchsurfing hosts picked him up. Lady Kristina and Lady Kristiana were hosting him. An amazing duo … he felt right at home with them with a kindred. They welcomed him with a gift of Tim Tams just as Sir Bluey Bee did when he arrived in Canberra. As they were off to work, Sir Thomas Leaf unpacked him bags and made himself at home, soon off to explore Brisbane and seek out the HMB Endeavour to see if it had arrived in port yet. He was also on a quest for some supplies. He explored and familiarized himself with Brisbane’s Artsy West End Neighborhood. Across the Victoria Bridge he headed downtown. As he was crossing through Brisbane Square there was an amazing farmer’s market going on, where he prized several fresh tomatoes, pineapple, cashews, avacadoes, and tea. Eagle Pier where the Endeavour was to be docked. There she was in her Majestic glory Sir Thomas was impressed and excited as he would be climbing aboard her tommorrow. He sought out if any of the staff was around, found some, and made introductions to get a good set on the time to meet tommorrow. He was extremely excited as since his premonition of Pirate Relief he has been immersing himself in the explorations of the sea and becoming a seaman. Afterwards, he grabbed himself a Chai at the local Starbucks to get in some chai n’ wifi. Once Lady Kristina and Lady Kristiana were off from work, he met back up with them for an evening of introductions. In their tiny studio, they made him comfortable with an air bed in the living room and bid him a good night’s sleep.

HMB Endeavour, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

[ Chronicles: Tracing Captain Cook's Footsteps ]

Remainder of the Story, Photos and videos below the cut:

posted in Sailing the 7 Seas, The Great Walkabout | tagged with 18th Century Ships, ACT, Australia, Australian Capital Territory, Brisbane, Brisbane International Airport, Brisbane Square, Canberra, Canberra International Airport, Captain Cook, Couchsurfing, Eagle Pier, HMB Endeavour, Queensland, Starbucks, Tim Tams, Victoria Bridge, Virgin Blue, West End | Comments (1)

Apr

2011

04.26.11: The Vegemite Experience

by The Oracle

Canberra,
Australia Capital Territory, Australia

Travels Down Under:
The Vegemite Experience

Tuesday, April 26, 2011
* Hanging in Canberra, Australia Capital Territory, Australia *

A later start to the day, Sir Bluey brought out the vegemite for Sir Leaf to try for his very first time. Spread on with butter, it was not agreeable to his stomach. “Actually quite horrible” he thought. “Funny how the Brits and the Australians like these yeast extracts … and they make fun of us and our peanut butter ….” he pondered. As it was still Easter break, not much going on … the adventuring duo decided to take it easy today. Resting up and organizing was on Sir Leaf’s mind as he would soon be embarking on his adventure to Brisbane to learn 18th century sailing. They did decide however to attempt to walk down to the Tuggeranong Homestead. It was a nice peaceful walk down the street with some views of fall foliage, exotic birds in Australia, and atypical neighborhood in Canberra. The Homestead unfortunately was closed. That evening, quiet relaxation and winding down from a fabulous adventure was had.

Canberra, Australia Capital Territory, Australia

[ Chronicles: The Endeavour ]

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Remainder of the Story, Photos and videos below the cut:

posted in The Great Walkabout | tagged with Australia, Australian Capital Territory, birds, Canberra, oak trees, Sir Bluey Bee, tropical birds, Tuggeranong Homestead, vegemite, yeast | No Comments

Apr

2011

04.25.11: Koalas and Cybergoths

by The Oracle

Gibraltar Falls, Canberra,
Australia Capital Territory, Australia

Travels Down Under:
Koalas and Cyber-goths

Monday, April 25, 2011
* Area around Canberra, Australia Capital Territory, Australia *

A later start to the day, Sir Bluey heated up the last of the kangaroo meat for lunch. This time the adventuring duo spiced it up with a peanut satay sauce which Sir Thomas Leaf thought tasted amazing. Sir Thomas Leaf also gifted Sir Bluey with some Pirate Relief stickers for his car after finding them while organizing his gear as he would soon be heading off for the high seas. Sir Bluey Bee proudly displayed them on his car as they were soon off to Gibraltar Falls. As the delvers headed down the path towards the cliffs leading to the waterfall, Sir Bluey expressed strongly to Sir Leaf not to wander off the trail out of fear he might slip and fall on the rocks. For once (perhaps in his lifetime) Sir Leaf listened. But Sir Bluey Bee did not to his own advice and a slip, slide, tumble, roll, and splash … Sir Bluey was on his ass. Luckily he was fine. But they both laughed. Quickly distracted from the humor as they were in awe of Gibraltar Falls. Scenic panoramas and beautiful tumbling waters falling down the rocks. After wandering around the falls, the explorers headed off to the Tidbinbilla Nature reserve in search of kangaroos, eucalyptus trees, wallabees, quolls, and koalas. Wandering through the park provided much viewing of kangaroos and wallabies, and even a koala. Admiring the flora and fauna, Sir Thomas Leaf photographed and notated all the different species he spied. He even actually saw a Platypus, but unfortunately it went underwater before he could take a photograph. That evening, Sir Bluey Bee and Sir Thomas Leaf donned their darkest dress and headed downtown Canberra for the Chrome Goth Night at the Underground Bar underneath the Canberra YHA. Cyber-goth pleased, the two comrades had a blast at the night as they shared ciders and flirts with the fair maidens … a late night and a good sleep welcomed them in the wee hours of the morn.

[ Chronicles: The Vegemite Down Under ]

(note: this is an actively written blog. If links are broken or come to blank pages, it means the page hasn’t been written yet.
Check back soon. Meanwhile entertain yourself by going backwards into the blog below)

Remainder of the Story, Photos and videos below the cut:

posted in The Great Walkabout | tagged with ACT, Australia, Australian Capital Territory, Canberra, eucalyptus, Gibraltar Falls, kangaroo, kangaroo meat, Koalas, Pirate Relief, platypus, Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, wallaby, waterfalls | No Comments

Apr

2011

04.24.11: Painting at the Phoenix

by The Oracle

Canberra to Australia Capital Territory, Australia

Travels Down Under:
Flea Markets and Botanical Gardens

Sunday, April 24, 2011
* Canberra to Australia Capital Territory, Australia *

Sir Thomas awoke early and headed down for a bite at the Bytes Cafe having a deliciously sweet blackberry and banana pancakes in the Canberra YHA. A brief Skype with his friend Lady Victoria back in the Etats-Unis, shortly thereafter Sir Bluey was waving and honking down below with a chariot awaiting Sir Thomas. Sir Thomas and Sir Bluey then headed over to the Phoenix Flea Market in downtown Canberra. Unfortunately, there were no other vendors for the market and hunches were being thrown around it was because of the bus strike and/or Easter Sunday. Nevertheless, Sir Bluey and Sir Thomas Leaf set up a face-painting table and waited for patrons. The bartender and Sir Bluey got painted up. Lady Mikki joined us soon after, they all grabbed some Indian cuisine to go, and hung out in the Phoenix hoping some others would arrive. Very few. Lady Mikki bestowed the knights with chocolate bunnies that they were very thankful for. After Lady Mikki left, Sir Bluey drove Sir Thomas Leaf to the Australian National Botanical Gardens. Sir Thomas of course was in bliss as he is an avid botanist and photographed every plant he could. Brief encounters with kangaroos and numerous species of various Eucalyptus he made quite a few additions to his compendium he’s creating. That evening, Sir Bluey made the duo some leftover kangaroo as a culinary feast. A good night’s rest was had by all.

Body painting at the Phoenix

[ Chronicles: Koalas and Cyber Goths ]

(note: this is an actively written blog. If links are broken or come to blank pages, it means the page hasn’t been written yet.
Check back soon. Meanwhile entertain yourself by going backwards into the blog below)

Remainder of the Story, Photos and videos below the cut:

posted in The Great Walkabout | tagged with ACT, Australia, Australian Botanical Gardens, Australian Capital Territory, bodypainting, botany, Canberra, crafts, herbs, markets, plants, The Phoenix | No Comments

Apr

2011

04.23.11: Canberra Nightlife

by The Oracle

Canberra to Australia Capital Territory, Australia

Travels Down Under:
Exploring Canberra Downtown

Saturday, April 23, 2011
* Canberra to Australia Capital Territory, Australia *

Sir Bluey blessed Sir Thomas with a jam session with his amazing musical talents. Then the bard took Sir Thomas Leaf on a tour around the governmental district of Canberra, as well as around the heart of the city center. The fall foliage was in abundant colors as the turn of fall into winter came about. They drove by the National Gallery of Art, down the mall, and up to the Red Hill lookout overlooking the city. Afterwards, Sir Bluey dropped Sir Thomas Leaf at the Canberra YHA where he checked in to start out a night of partying. A swim and sauna down below, and unpacking of bags up in the room, Sir Thomas Leaf wandered down the city center to explore the sights. Much was closed for a Saturday. But it was just after Easter weekend. He then went to explore the Canberra Museum and Gallery to view over much modern art. A delicious lunch was had at the Asian Cafe. On to the Nolan Collection at the Canberra Modern Art Gallery to see the latest of his art. Sir Thomas then went on to view the Sculptures of Michael Le Grand. He learned about the Cotter and the watering of the City of Gardens. That evening he partook of a soft shelled crab dinner with sweet potato fries at the Fish Shack. After which he caught up on Hollywood’s most modern version of Ragnarok, by watching “Thor” in 3d. After an amazing movie, he was off to check out the nightlife at Club 32, and was bored. Hopping to the Phoenix for a drink, and then off to see the band the Holidays at the Underground bar underneath the Canberra YHA. Good indie music, but fatigue took him on, and off he went to sleep.

Sculpture by Michael Le Grand

[ Chronicles: Market at the Phoenix ]

(note: this is an actively written blog. If links are broken or come to blank pages, it means the page hasn’t been written yet.
Check back soon. Meanwhile entertain yourself by going backwards into the blog below)

Remainder of the Story, Photos and videos below the cut:

posted in The Great Walkabout | tagged with ACT, Australia, Australian Capital Territory, bars, Canberra, Canberra YHA, clubs, nightlife, The Phoenix, Transit Bar | No Comments

Pages

The Chronicles of Sir Thomas Rhymer Oisin Leaf

A Technogypsie's Quest for the Land of the Young …

05.02.11: The Koala Hunt

05.01.11: Manly Beach and Night Watch

04.30.11: Exploring the West End

04.29.11: History of Captain Cook, Govinda, and Floods

04.28.11: Tracing Captain Cook’s Footsteps

04.27.11: Off to Learn 18th Century Sailing; The HMB Endeavour

04.26.11: The Vegemite Experience

04.25.11: Koalas and Cybergoths

04.24.11: Painting at the Phoenix

04.23.11: Canberra Nightlife

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