Off the highway from Ken Roberts on Vimeo.
Ken diverts off the Princes Highway, south of Sydney. Following the Tourist Drive closer to Australia’s southern east coast. Peaceful. Briefly.
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Off the highway
August 10th, 2011In the hostel kitchen
August 9th, 2011In the kitchen from Ken Roberts on Vimeo.
Marvel at Ken’s creative culinary delights. Made with free food. Maybe not…
Lull in the storm
August 9th, 2011Lull in the storm from Ken Roberts on Vimeo.
Brief respite before the next storm front comes through. Bringing gale force winds.
South Coast laments
August 8th, 2011Suppose the South Coast of New South Wales wasn’t exactly unpleasant. It just seemed a bit dull. Recollections of the various small towns quickly blurring. Few resilient memories. The hostel at Batemans Bay, the only resident, a few early nineties videos for company. It, like most in Australia, lacked the finesse of those in New Zealand, but it was functional. And warmer than the tent. In part inspired by the hostel, I decided to push hard for another further south at Merimbula. Quiet time of year, curious to see if I’d get the place to myself once more.
Around Narooma
August 8th, 2011Around Narooma from Ken Roberts on Vimeo.
Scenes around Narooma. On New South Wales’ South Coast. On Australia’s southern eastern seaboard.
Friends back home
August 8th, 2011I was intrigued to see what photos Anton had chosen for his presentation to Taunton’s Rotary Club. Curious as to what insight they might yield into someone else’s perceptions of what I was doing. Besides, I couldn’t recall ever being the subject of an entire talk. Torn between feeling honoured and just plain humbled. And I’d an idea he’d be delivering it a few more times before I returned home.
For all the countless examples of generosity and hospitality on the road, I find myself reflecting almost as much on those much closer to home. Quite apart from moral support from fellow village residents, and a fine send-off, there’s been a good deal of practical stuff.
Some generous donations to The Outward Bound Trust. Regular interviews with neighbour Jon on 10Radio, with a bit of technical help from Anton. Sue, helping with my English, and Tony, busy lobbying on my behalf. Eliciting an interview with a journalist just the last week.
For a good cause
August 7th, 2011Don’t think I’m giving too much away if I say my Dad really likes visiting the US. Might sometimes have teased him that other countries are available. But I’m beginning to get it, to see the attraction. At least in Alaska, for, as ever a bit ahead of my blog, that’s where I now am. Remarkably friendly people. And very generous, in so many ways. The full story will start to unfold in a little while, once tales from Australia are complete.
Been in Alaska for a little over a week, and already received a substantial donation, entirely unsolicited, for The Outward Bound Trust. A gift from friends – and I do mean that rather than simply acquaintances – at the Bent Prop Inn Hostel in Anchorage. Had me speechless, albeit briefly.
Avid followers of the blog may remember I’ve been carrying two mascots along the entire east coast of Australia. Wallace the Wallaby and Skippy the Kangaroo. They’re now on their way back to Blighty, destined for good homes. Skippy off to live with Mandy Bool, as she kindly made the largest donation during my travels in Australia. And that wasn’t her first.
Wallace, however, may be obliged to sell The Big Issue for a while, until such time as someone makes a donation – no matter how big or small – with a suitably witty comment. For full details click here. So, please dig deep and help The Outward Bound Trust continue it’s great work with young people. In the meantime, I’m off to sketch out some Sarah Palin jokes…
Depths of winter
August 7th, 2011Depths of winter from Ken Roberts on Vimeo.
Ken makes a brief stop for lunch. In the depths of winter….
The Good Guys
August 7th, 2011There’d been a potentially fatal incident with a truck back in northern New South Wales. The offender dealt with appropriately. But this was the exception. Vanishingly rare. Nevertheless, I’d not so much as blinked in my resolve to bring such a grave matter to a satisfactory conclusion. Not a jot of hesitation.
But, by the same token, I do believe in applauding those who do well. Steve, the jovial InterCity bus driver, back in New Zealand. And on the roads in Australia? Been doing a bit of a survey on the highway south. Keeping myself occupied in the saddle. Most considerate haulage company. Not exactly intellectually rigorous I’d admit. But good enough.
And there was a clear winner. Lindsay Transport. Their truckies consistently giving me lots of road room. A wide berth. So I’d dropped them a line. Asking their Transport Manager to pass on my gratitude to their drivers.
Batemans Bay
August 6th, 2011Batemans Bay from Ken Roberts on Vimeo.
Batemans Bay. South of Sydney. And about five hundred miles short of Melbourne. Pretty nondescript place. The Bay that is. The best bits caught on camera. Short clip.
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