a blog about the journey

Pietra Di Luna Hotel Maiori

2011-06-11T00:36:00.001-07:00

Pietra Di Luna Hotel Maiori
Originally uploaded by Graham 1947

Pietra Di Luna Hotel Maiori

We stayed here on a Coach tour of Italy. The Hotel had just opened for the spring and the locals were out on a great sunny spring afternoon. The Hotel rooms had magnificent ocean views and all or fellow travellers rushed on to balcony like excited teenagers.

This photo was taken from the beach promenade as another wonderful day in Italy drew to a close.

211/365 iPhone charger @ Coles

2011-03-19T19:55:00.001-07:00

211/365 iPhone charger @ Coles
Originally uploaded by Graham 1947

211/365 iPhone charger @ Coles

a Friday lunch discussion led to this photo. A dear friend had lost her iPhone charger and didn't know where to find it. A major tragedy for an iPhone user!

Saturday morning in Coles Kalamunda I saw this product, took the photo and emailed it to my friend from the aisle in Coles. In the afternoon I received this reply by email ... "Brilliant... better rush in an buy as the other is not turning up! "

How times have changed from when we were young ......

Dreams Open

2010-11-23T14:25:00.001-08:00

Dreams Open
Originally uploaded by Graham 1947

t is Kalamunda Karnivale day. Outside the Dreams, an aptly named shop, a group of young people play. Dressed in green they entertain a small crowd of people. Their Dreams are open .... 'and the dreams you dare really do come true ..."

Lunchtime

2010-10-25T02:24:00.001-07:00

Lunchtime
Originally uploaded by Graham 1947

photo taken at Hainault Winery Bickley Valley
www.hainault.com.au/
Introducing you to Hainault Vineyard ……..

Michael and Lyn Sykes purchased the vineyard in March 2002. Both continue to work in their usual employment while working on the vineyard every spare moment they have. They rely heavily on voluntary labour - family members and friends frequently come to the vineyard to work for lunch or a cuppa.

The objective of Lyn and Michael is to continue to produce premium quality varietal wines while further developing a style synonymous with Perth Hills wines. A major goal is to reduce their reliance on chemicals and increase the use of organic solutions for the management of pests, weeds and diseases.

A café offering light lunches is open on Friday to Sunday and Public Holidays. Bookings highly recommended.

48/365 Grandfather Clock

2010-10-06T20:09:00.001-07:00

48/365 Grandfather Clock
Originally uploaded by Graham 1947

This is my proudest possession. It belonged to my maternal grandparents Percival James William & Ida Frances Dinwoodie (nee Sharp) and stood proudly in their Hampton Victoria home for many years. I inherited and intend to pass it on when I am gone. When my daughter was growing up we called it 'Percy' after my Grandfather. The clock is somewhere between 80 & 90 years old. It chimes on the quarter hours and then proclaims the hour with a loud and glorious sound that echos around the house.

39/365 Morning Meditation

2010-09-27T17:51:00.001-07:00

39/365 Morning Meditation
Originally uploaded by Graham 1947

The teacher pondered for a moment and then said: "My teaching is this: cease to be a problem to yourself!"

18/365 Brand new in Lesmurdie

2010-09-06T23:25:00.001-07:00

18/365 Brand new in Lesmurdie
Originally uploaded by GJC47

At the Lesmurdie Village Shopping Centre, a book cafe gas emerged. Today I had my first visit. The book cafe is a welcome addition to our local community.

12/365 Springtime!

2010-09-01T00:48:00.001-07:00

12/365 Springtime!
Originally uploaded by GJC47

Today is spring's first day.

This is a small example of the blossoms alive in the hills around Kalamunda. I was on the way from lunch at the Rose Heritage Cafe. http://www.melvillenurseries.com.au/

As I came round the bend the sun shone on these trees, and the blossoms demanded my attention. So obediently, I stopped the car, crossed the road and took their photo.

They will say capturing their beauty and essence is not possible, and they will be correct. The photo captures something but you need to be there to capture the full experience, especially the chooks running around the trees!

5/365 Opportunity

2010-08-25T18:15:00.001-07:00

5/365 Opportunity
Originally uploaded by GJC47

Opportunity knocks for photographers inn the Hills.

So for those with a sping in the step, a glint in their eye and a desire to exhibit their work, the Gem Photo Club of Kalamunda has provided the opportunity.

4/365 Bus Stop

2010-08-24T05:38:00.001-07:00

4/365 Bus Stop
Originally uploaded by GJC47

Perth is waking up and getting ready to work. The buses roll down Barrack Street and don't stop at this Stand. A patron looks to find out when her bus is coming.

3/365 Day's end

2010-08-23T06:35:00.001-07:00

3/365 Day's end
Originally uploaded by GJC47

The air is crisp. Birds twitter. The cattle feed. The trees stand tall and proud.

The daylight is slowly departing another day of opportunity.

2/365 time to wash

2010-08-22T02:24:00.001-07:00

2/365 time to wash
Originally uploaded by GJC47

The basics of life require attention daily or weekly.

Washing the clothes and hanging them in the winter sun is a task of timing and need.

There is my big red towel basking in the sunshine preparing itself for its important task with Jennifer's pink resting alongside.

Note the clarity of the blue winter sky.

1/365 Kalamunda votes

2010-08-22T02:21:00.001-07:00

1/365 Kalamunda votes
Originally uploaded by GJC47

Today Australia voted and voted for an indecisive parliament with no clear winners.

The challenge to our elected representatives is to work hard to serve the voting public. We have created a parliament of difference. Now is the time for our politicians to be leaders of difference and vision.

the tickle of distraction

2010-06-04T07:12:00.001-07:00

the tickle of distraction
Originally uploaded by GJC47

he STOP warns of heavy vehicles. Drivers not paying attention will get more than a 'tickle' if they venture out carelessly. However, while the STOP works hard warning motorists, the Grass Trees nudges up to the STOP tickling it and distracting it from its important task.

Reviewing the game

2010-04-13T06:56:00.001-07:00

Reviewing the game
Originally uploaded by DinLin47

The footy game is all over. It is late afternoon at Bassendean Oval and time to go home. The crowd disperses and lots of them are wandering the gates.

Two men amble together going over what happened, the joy and triumphs, heartaches and pain of a great game of footy.

Young fan

2010-04-13T06:53:00.001-07:00

Young fan
Originally uploaded by DinLin47

a young red headed hangs in the fence watching his heroes prepare for the game. young, enthusiastic and taking it all in. reminds me of a young red head i once knew who still finds the vitality of the young provides reasons to believe.......

meanwhile our TV man struggles to stay awake?

Drive on the left

2010-04-11T03:13:00.001-07:00

Drive on the left
Originally uploaded by DinLin47

This sign was seen on the Great Ocean Road near the 12 Apostle at Port Campbell, Victoria.

It is the only place in Australia I have seen such a sign. I guess it is a reminder to oversea tourists.

Has any seen a sign like anywhere else in Australia?

First game 2010

2010-03-31T21:32:00.001-07:00

First game 2010
Originally uploaded by DinLin47

A rare chance to visit the home of Australian football is a time of excitement and expectation. We walked from our city hotel to the 'G'. A place that was a short train ride away in my youth is now a four hour plane ride away. For the only the second time in 30 years I am the 'G'.

The ground brings back great memories of watching and enjoying cricket and football. My first test match in 1958/59, the St Kilda premiership in 1966 and the delight of running a couple of laps all flood back.

And so Carlton and Richmond emerge from their rooms to confront each other in round 1 of 2010.

Upside down cow

2010-03-05T22:24:00.001-08:00

Upside down cow
Originally uploaded by DinLin47

As we did the Trek the Track in August 07 (from Chidlow to Sawyer's Valley) we came upon this work of art. there are works of art all along the track each year. This is possibly the most unique.

www.trekthetrail.com.au/history/history.htm

Ship & shore

2010-02-28T16:50:00.001-08:00

Ship & shore
Originally uploaded by DinLin47

t was an absolute thrill cruising Glacier Bay in Alaska. Being driven up to imposing mountains, amazing valleys and stupendous glaciers was an experience of a lifetime.

And then there was the contrast of people sitting in jacuzzi's enjoy the warmth of the bath and the glory of the scenery around them.

This photo aimed to capture an awesome mountain with all its grandeur and 4 people in a hot tub and other passengers watching and strolling.

Dance language

2010-02-26T23:44:00.001-08:00

Dance language
Originally uploaded by DinLin47

at the studio where we have been taking lesson, this small plaque speaks to those who pay attention. Dancing is true soul food.

Gardot @ Kings Park WA

2010-02-24T19:50:00.001-08:00

Gardot @ Kings Park WA
Originally uploaded by DinLin47

King's Park concert

2010-02-24T19:49:00.001-08:00

King's Park concert
Originally uploaded by DinLin47

Kings Park is a gem that sits above the City of Perth. www.bgpa.wa.gov.au/

Last night it was at its brilliant best as we gathered to enjoy the talents of 3 wonderul singers, one Canadian and 2 Americans.

This photo gives a glimpse of the majestic setting.

However, it doesn't capture the magic of the night as the darkness came, the lights went on and the music and the singing filled the air.

Lake Jualbup, Shenton Park

2010-02-23T22:43:00.001-08:00

Lake Jualbup, Shenton Park
Originally uploaded by DinLin47

Lake Jualbup, Shenton Park
Cricket grounds. I have seen and been to quite a few of them around the suburbs of Perth and Melbourne. Matting, turf, synthetic and malthoid. All sorts of settings from windy City Beach in Perth to good old Fewster Road in Hampton Victoria. I have been able to see games at the Melbourne Cricket Ground and the WACA in Perth plus a one dayer between the English and the West Indies in Sydney. I even got to tour Lords in London and have a look at the Oval.

However, the heart and soul of cricket is found at venues likes Lake Jualbup in Shenton park WA. When people gather to play on grassed venues for a game we can be assured the game is in good hands. There were at least 3 games going on last Sunday while the Jazz Band played in the background. This photo captures all ages and genders playing a game under the giant trees. A couple of bikes are nearby while others just stand around and chat.

Howzat!

Perth lass in Jasper snow

2010-02-22T18:21:00.001-08:00

Perth lass in Jasper snow
Originally uploaded by DinLin47

the morning we left Jasper Park Lodge in Alberta Canada it snowed. A blow to the golf course people who wanted to play in the Canadian spring. For 2 Aussies from Hot Perth it was just a marvellous experience walking to breakfast in the snow.

Notice me!

2010-02-22T04:21:00.001-08:00

Notice me!
Originally uploaded by DinLin47

As I sipped my coffee the flowers called out..... over here, over here.! This was meant to be a quiet reflective time at the Rose Heritage Cafe. A magic venue as you will see from other photos.
www.flickr.com/photos/dinlin47/2855241643/in/set-72157605...

... but this day the gorgeous flowers called me over, seduced me and I fell in love with the wonder of their extraverted colour and flair.

these two please!

2010-02-21T00:07:00.001-08:00

these two please!
Originally uploaded by DinLin47

The peaches presented beautifully at Kalamunda Grower's Market on Sunday morning. as i lined up the photo a hand appeared to take two for a hungry consumer looking to experience the juicy joy of these peaches.

Hotel Beverley

2010-02-20T06:22:00.001-08:00

Hotel Beverley
Originally uploaded by DinLin47

Reflection @ Beverley

the walker stops and reflects. Before her stands the Hotel Beverley.
What secrets lie hidden within its walls?
What stories has it to tell?
Is it a place for a traveller to pause or is it a local meeting place that excludes strangers?

The walker pauses and thinks. Do I go and find out what its like? or do U get inmy car and go home?

Quietly she reflects on her options ..................

Footy Passions - a reflection

2010-02-15T04:51:00.001-08:00

Footy Passions
Originally uploaded by DinLin47

Footy Passions
John Cash & Joy Damousi
UNSW Press 2009
http://www.unswpress.com.au/isbn/086840957X.htm
--------------------------------------------------------------------

It is Grand Final day 2005 and I am in Perth WA.

South Melbourne, I actually mean Sydney, have just defeated West Coast Eagles in a fantastic game of football.

My team the Eagles have lost! Somewhere in that magnificent stadium affectionately known as the ‘G’ is my almost 22 yo daughter and her friend Melissa. I should feeling for them and our loss.

Instead I am thinking about my deceased maternal grandparents Perc & Ida Dinwoodie and my Great Aunt Flo, Ida’s sister. I am imagining their pleasure and delight that South have finally won a flag. I imagine how proud they are and them thinking that Bobby Skilton would be pleased. As I write Skilton’s name I am transported to 9 Charles St Hampton and I am a teenager. My grandmother talks to Aunty Dulce, who lives at no. 9 just up from no. 3 where I live with my parents. Grandma in her wise way tells me what a good man Bobby Skilton is.

Football is more than a game and John and Joy (I must call them by their first names after reading such a personal and passionate book) have captured that magnificently in 204 pages.

As I read Footy Passions I thought about my football journey. At 6 years old Dad took me to see Melbourne where his brother Matt Chapman was boot studder. I was hooked on Melbourne against the flow of Chapman’s support Fitzroy and Dinwoodie’s South Melbourne. I stayed Melbourne until I played at St Kilda in their premiership year of ’66. Well actually it was about 9 games in the Under 19s but that sentence sounds good.

Playing for the Saints and then watching them win with my sister Ronis from the Southern stand moved me to St Kilda but not completely. This loosened the Melbourne bonds and set up the possibility of becoming a West Coast man in 1987.

Perhaps ‘the loosening’ was due to a transfer wrangle in my move to Sandringham in 1967. There was a threat of delaying the transfer due to a VFL/VFA dispute. Perhaps this delay threat fed a loosening of ties so that when I saw the exploitative attitude of the VFL to the WAFL in the 70s & 80s I lost my connection to the Demons.

Throughout the transformation from Demon to Saint to Eagle there was one footy constant. The mighty Zebras. Sandringham was in my father’s blood. He told me proudly about how the colours represented Black Rock, Sandringham and Hampton. He told me of watching them in the 20s & 30s and about how we won in 1946 with a come from behind victory. And of course Uncle Matt lived one street from the beach Oval and we lived 20 minutes away. At the end of our street lived the Blackman’s and Mr Blackman took me and his son Bobbie to the footy to watch Sandringham. Later we were scoreboard assistants in 1961 and later I played in the yellow, black & blue. I even captained the seconds one day at Yarraville in 1968.

My Dad took me to see Melbourne play the year I turned seven. Little did I know that in 1990 I would take my daughter Amy, 2 months away from turning 7, to Subiaco Oval to watch Melbourne take apart West Coast Eagles. It was some years before I became aware of this coincidence.

And so Amy and I started our football journey until in 2010 we celebrate 20 years ob being West Coast Eagles members. Since 1993 we have had the same seats on the boundary line on the north or railway side of the ground on the wing. During that time we have seen people come and go around us. Some have sadly passed away while others can’t get to the game anymore. A hard core of loyal Eagles have stayed with us for more years than I can remember. To meet them in the street is often a shock. One summer in a Duncraig fish and chip I warmly greeted a familiar face. Days later I worked out it was the guy who sits 2 seats away from me. He was part of our footy family but out context in a shopping centre we struggled to recognise each other. The next season we laughed about the incident.

I recommend Footy Passions. It show footy is more than a game. It is a fascinating sociological and psychological experience to read the book. It is a book that goes deep. While it focuses on people and their connections to family and football, it also illustrates the change from a parochial system to a more global one. It encouraged me to focus on my own development and growth and to explore how football is more than a game more than fortune or fame ….

FOOTY PASSIONS - TABLE OF CONTENTS
Acknowledgments
Preface

1. A Passionate Attachment
2. Loss and Redemption
3. In the Name of the Father
4. Fathers and Daughters at Play
5. Reality Bites
6. Australian Rules
7. Living through Loss
8. Football and Place: Home and Away

Final Siren
Appendix

Mundaring Weir

2009-11-10T20:21:00.001-08:00

Mundaring Weir
Originally uploaded by DinLin47

Kalamunda to Mundaring Weir Walk March 22 2007

This walk was on the Bibbulmun Track. The idea for the walk was started in the Kalamunda Physiotherapy pool by Alden. At that time, I walked with crutches, and I did that very slowly. Gradually over a period of 9 months i rehabilitated my right knee and began to dance again and then walk the bush tracks around Kalamunda.

So March 22 2007 will always be a special day. As I walked across the Mundaring Weir walkway, my 'iriver' (an Amy gift) played through my earphones (a Miss jennifer gift) "You'll never walk alone" and the "Walk of Life". They were such a wonderful and emotional summary of the past 9 months. I might have had to do the hard rehab work myself. However, I had family, friends, colleagues and an array of Health care professionals helping me recover and walk again.

At the end of the walk I had a cold beer, and then another with my Miss Jennifer who came to pick me up and take me home.

Persistence and the capacity to Press On is so important.

Graham

http://www.flickr.com/photos/dinlin47/sets/72157600023265104/

tropical view

2009-11-05T02:23:00.001-08:00

tropical view
Originally uploaded by DinLin47

this view is from the top of the Cairns casino. I found Cairns a stunning place with images demanding to be taken. I loved the waterway with hills behind with their different shades of green.

Gwenap Pit 2

2009-10-25T06:56:00.001-07:00

Gwenap Pit 2
Originally uploaded by DinLin47

Gwenap Pit - some information.

A depression caused by mining subsidence was subsequently used as an open air preaching pit. It dates from the mid-eighteenth century. It is located in what was the greatest copper mining district of the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, and one of the most densely populated areas at the time.

Located just to the south of Redruth on the eastern slopes of Carn Marth, its fame is due largely to the preachings of John Wesley, who used the pit on 18 occasions from 1776-89. He greatly exaggerated its size (he put it at 200x300ft and 50ft deep) and it is possible that the same applies to his estimate that his largest audience was 32,000. In his memory the local people excavated the pit in 1806 into a regular oval 37m across and 8m deep. They added 13 rows of turf seats. A Whit-Monday service has been held there since 1807, and it has been used for other purposes, eg. Chartists met in 1839, and there was a theatre performance in 1951.

Other web pages with information
http://ramblingsfromredrose.wordpress.com/2009/02/23/monday-methodism-gwennap-pit/
http://www.methodistrecorder.co.uk/cornwall.htm

Lake Louise - a coffee break

2009-01-03T19:12:00.001-08:00

Lake Louise - a coffee break
Originally uploaded by DinLin47

Inside it is warm.

A man and a woman share coffee and a glass of wine.

Outside is a magical ice lake.

A path invites them out of the warmth and away from their wine and coffee.

Will they take up the option? Will they just walk the short path to the Lake's edge or will they venture all the way around the lake of ice?

This photos invites your speculation, reflection and imagination.

Subi farewell

2008-12-31T21:43:00.001-08:00

Subi farewell
Originally uploaded by DinLin47

This is Australian rules at its best. Last round of 2007 West Coast play Essendon. Two legends of AFL, Kevin Sheedy and James Hird, coach and play their last game with Essendon at Subiaco Oval. Before the game West Coast people were clapping Sheedy. We got super wooried in the last quarter as a James Hird and Scott Lucas led revival almost stole the game from us. we survived!

This photo of the supporters at the East end of the ground show the the black & red of the Bombers and the blue and gold of the Eagles standing as one to acknowledge two great football men.

We shall not be moved

2008-11-08T04:50:00.001-08:00

In Kalamunda on Friday November 6th, a different protest took place on Orange Valley Road. A group of ducks quietly took control of the left hand lane heading towards Kalamunda. Drivers going to Lesmurdie had right of way, while the ducks steadfastly blocked the way of the Kalamunda bound drivers.

As the photos showed the ducks were determined and united and organised. A group sat on the right not being moved. Others stood on the footpath, looking to respond to any organisational problems that may arise. The pictures illustrate this well.

However, what is unclear what led the ducks to block the road. Do they want a reinstatement of an ancient duck pond? Do they seek voting rights in council elections? Or were they larking around, sorry ducking around, for the day and causing delays for innocent drivers.

More pictures can be found at
http://www.flickr.com/photos/dinlin47/sets/72157608761366183/

Rocky Pool Kalamunda

2008-06-01T00:59:00.000-07:00

After a 10 days in the Rocky Mountains in Canada, walking the hills of Kalamunda is a bit different. No ice, no snow, no frozen waterfalls. Just a quiet green beautiful bush on a sunny day, the last of Autumn 2008. The hills may not be as grand and tall, however, the pathways on the Rocky Pool walk are steep and demanding. They require perserverance going up and caution going down. The reward is to come to Piesse Brook and hear it flowing and then to sit and watch the gentle waterfalls of the Rocky Pool.

Home again - we really did it, again!

2008-06-01T00:00:00.000-07:00

It is Sunday and we are at home on the first day of winter. This morning Jenny and I took a stroll in the sunshine from Kalamunda to Gooseberry Hill along the old railway track. The tress looked refreshed after yesterday's battering storms and green and yellow were dominant colours. The wattle was glorious and perhaps a little early. The coffee at Gooseberry Hill was good. I think Western Australian coffee is streets ahead of Canadian and Alaskan coffee.

We have been home 8 days after a month away. During the month we flew on 6 planes – the flights varied from 25 minutes (Vancouver to Victoria) to 15 hours on the way home to Sydney. In addition to the 6 planes, we caught 4 trains, 4 trams (all going up mountains – a bit different from good old Melbourne’s trams), 13 buses or coaches, 6 taxis (including one to the wrong station), 3 ferries – 2 of the ferries would have fitted into the last one we caught from Vancouver Island and we slept in 8 different beds and tried to sleep in 2 planes and 1 train. Fairmont beds are the best in the world and coupled with majestic views, gob smacking settings and friendly and prompt service makes the Fairmont stay an opportunity to turn a moment into a magic memory.

We have looked through our photos and remembered parts of our trip we have put to the back of our minds. When so much is happening in from of your eyes on a daily basis it taxes the old brain cells. A number of times I have thought: “gosh, did I actually see that, visit here and go there?”

One thing photos don’t capture is the conversations that occur along the journey. Sometimes short ones, some longer.

On the ship we met lots people we chatted with at mealtime, saw in the bar as we listened to music or just bumped into around ship.

There was the young guy from Houston. Our relationship started in queue at Vancouver Port and continued a couple of times as we met moving around the ship. Then in Anchorage, as we sipped coffee in the park we had one more chance encounter where we compared notes on our journey.

Jenny discovered a relative on the ship (there are Cochranes everywhere) while ashore at Ketchikan but we didn’t quite get to Cochrane Canada to see if there were relatives there! However, we did celebrate the end of our ship voyage with Jenny’s new rellies. We discovered how French speaking families were sent to southern USA, how the Scots & Irish influenced blues music (that bit in the steam bath!), heard about grits, discussed international skiing, were told how fascinating our accents were and had discussion with our English and Kiwi cousins. The English were all bemused by the fact that USA people thought Aussie and English accents were similar.

On the Rocky Mountaineer the Canberra guy was ecstatic about seeing a bear while the Queenslanders at Jasper Park Lodge could all talk about Aussie Rules. At dinner in jasper we chatted with a retired Perth magistrate in between Stuart’s gold plate dinner service in the Moose’s Nook. Later we danced to the 3-piece band in Jasper and I got to dance with my daughter Amy for the first time in a decade or so.

Dancing we did a lot on the ship. Some nights going from one place to the other as we improvised on small dance floors. The bands appreciated having dancers and chatted to us asking about our steps. We did lots of Rock n Roll, Cha Cha, some waltzing, some nifty Balmoral Blues and the odd Rumba. Dancing on a ship was fun and sometimes challenging as the boat swayed and I was suddenly leading Jenny uphill and down dale.

Well, I could rave on forever. Whiteouts on the mountain train out of Scagway, the Sunday markets in Anchorage, Sears – a great place for shopping, and then glorious Victoria, described by Amy as Perth in Melbourne. Buildings that were like the good ones in Melbourne with an ocean breeze like we get in Perth, and the most magnificent parliament House just across the road from the grand old Fairmont Empress.

And then we had our personal travel guide, my delightful and devoted daughter Amy who patiently educated her father about life in Canada, explained tipping brilliantly, drover us around in her car Betsy, introduced us to her wonderful friends and colleagues and generally looked after her old man well.

We are not sure where we are going for our next trip. So much world, so little time and not enough cash. However, to have done this journey meant seeing places I never imagined seeing.

Travel on people, May the journey be enriching and enlightening.

Scagway Alaska

2008-05-29T02:54:00.000-07:00

This was an email written on May 14th in an internet free zone.
=================

It is 7.15 am on Wednesday and we are in Scagway, way up north in Alaska.

The morning air is crisp and clear with a tinge of diesel. There are 3 liners in port, including ours, and 2 ferries. One is leaving on my left as I write. There is a hum in the air from the ships in an environment that it
is still.

On my left a majestic mountain sits. White capped at the top and down its side about half way where dense bush sits quietly. In front and to the right of me, above the 2 Norwegian cruise ships (Norwegian Star & Pearl) sit 2
more mountains. To the right of the ships is Scagway, a town I have glimpsed for the first time, as I walked the decks in cool morning air.

Both mountains are well clad in snow at the summit. The more distant and central one is grandly covered in snow except for a small section. Its peak reaches upwards, proudly as it watches over Scagway. The sky is white making
for a misty but clear connection between sky and mountain.

In the foreground behind our Norwegian sister ships a scene of bush and trees lies beneath the 3rd mountain and a few houses dot the bush. However, it looks like most housing is down in the valley in the town. The bush is
both a dark green and a lighter green in the trees with some tinges of grey and as my eyes climb up towards foot of the mountain.

This is a town where people came with hopes and dreams in search of gold. First reading suggests a wild town where it was every man for himself. Stories of men pushing their bodies to the limit exist and they sought riches in the mountains.

Today we will go ashore explore the township and then journey up the mountain by train. Our exploration will be a gentle one not like the experience of those who often swam ashore before carrying their gear up and over the mountain.

Margerie glacier in Glacier Bay. The Margerie Glacier is an excellent example of a tide-water glacier: a glacier that extends into a body of water

2008-05-29T02:12:00.000-07:00

Email written onboard the Diamond Princess May 15th

This is a photo of the Margerie glacier in Glacier Bay. We parked outside
this today on the ship. After spending hours on the deck we retired to the warmth of our stateroom at had our own personal view. Pretty good eh!

Here is a web link http://www.lcss.net/glacierbay/Glacier_Bay_glaciers.htm#Margerie%20Glacier

If you want a room like this ring Belinda at Flight centre Kalamunda! Well done Belinda.

The Canadian Rockies was an amazing wilderness experience and today has added again to our marvelous wilderness adventures. The Americans might be a bit tardy with their immigration procedures but they are looking after this place very well.

Around 6 am the local rangers, minus tonto, boarded our ship. They gave us information about the National park, glaciers, wildlife, etc.

I am not sure when I will log on for this but hope you enjoy it. Postcards are somewhere in our luggage!

Love and Joy

Graham & Jennifer

Australian Licorce in Anchorage

2008-05-17T22:06:00.000-07:00

we arrived in Anchorage today after visiting a wildlife sanctuary, another tramway to a huge mountain where international skiing occurs and the local museum with an brilliant and thorough presentation on Alaskan history. along the way we continued to chat with people and hear of lives lived differently. today a guy who has been to China 21 times!

once booked into our sunshine filled room at the Copper Whale Inn, we wandered around Anchorage. It is a city and so different from our other Alaskan visits to towns with an interesting past and a unique quality. This is a city that seems to be growing and developing - oil seems important!

anyhow we wandered into a cute shop and discovered licorice. all sorts of licorice including 2 types of Australian licorice. we haven't seen much Aussie influence around apart from wines on dining room wine lists, which we have avoided. we chatted with the young shop assistant. she claimed the Aussie licorice was her most popular brand.

so we drank out coffee and wandered some more. another chance meeting with a young couple from Houston took place in the park. we had our final chat - the first one started in a queue as we attempted to get on board our ship. I must have chatted 3 or 4 times with him as our path crossed on the ship.

well we are tired tonight. after dining with 2 Australian couples, we danced hard and went to bed late. We had to get up early to leave the ship and catch our tour. We discovered we now have to turn on taps again. for a week on board the Diamond Princess we have not turned on a tap. they just worked!

But fancy, Aussie licorice popular in Anchorage.

Return to Vancouver May 8 & 9

2008-05-09T20:48:00.000-07:00

may 9th 12.30 pm.

Vancouver is an hour away. 5 hours late but we are almost there.

We have descended from Jasper through the mountain ranges and massive canyons along the mighty Fraser River away from the magnificent and awesome Rocky Mountains.

The advantage of being 5 hours late has been travelling in the daylight through the canyons west of Kamloops. Normally we would have missed this. It has meant seeing again what we saw on the way up to the Rockies. This time we were on a different track and could see things from a different perspective.

During our trip back we had dinner with Darlene and David from Saskatoon. A mother and son travelling to Vancouver for family celebrations. As we descended from the Rockies we talked about Canada and Australia, our similarities and differences and for a short time enjoyed our geographic togetherness.

The Rocky Mountain experience was an awesome, amazing, jaw dropping experience. Tired old words that struggle to describe the grandeur we have witnessed.

At Jasper Park Lodge we lived in a National Park and walked by the lake daily and gazed up to the mountains. On top of Whistlers Mountain is a little hut to where the Tramcar flies. http://www.jaspertramway.com/ You can a virtual tour at the website! The tramway was always visible sometime during the day, but not all the time as clouds passed by, the weather changed and on the last morning it snowed! The snow was great for two West Australian tourists but not for Lodge management wanting to open the golf course for summer.

The other wonderful experience at the lodge was swimming. A warm pool in front of the lodge provided a poolside seat to the mountains. An almost surreal experience!

We walked to breakfast through the snow on our last morning in Jasper (Thursday 8th). Throughout our stay we had had breakfast in our rooms with provisions purchased in town. On the last morning we celebrated a magnificent week in Jasper by dining in the Meadows room with Amy.

I have thought about my time in the Highlands of Scotland throughout my stay. The Scots we met quite rightly pointed out the Highlands were smaller. However, they both have place in my mind as places of awesome beauty that provide pleasure while intimidating at the same time. The message is something like play with us well and with care and you will be ok. Take risks at your peril.

And so it is farewell to the Rocky Mountains, farewell to my beautiful daughter for a few weeks and forward to Vancouver and Alaska and Victoria on Vancouver Island.

8.30 pm We have been in Vancouver for 7 hours and have 270 degree views from our hotel window of Vancouver. It is absolutely magnificent. We ate well at the Old Spaghetti House after hearing the Gastown clock strike 5 pm. http://www.gastown.org/ However, we are back in the city away from the rural Jasper and it feels so different.

Tomorrow a new adventure. Our cruise north. Tonight we have just witnessed a ship leaving the harbour destined for adventure. Tomorrow it is our turn.

It is snowing in Jasper

2008-05-08T06:35:00.000-07:00

today is May the 8th in Jasper Park Lodge. It is the day the golf course opens for the summer and we leave for Vancouver on the train.

We awoke to snow. Over the past hour it has seemed to get stronger, but I know nothing about snow so who really knows! In a few minutes we will walk through the snow to have breakfast with Amy. She is training today so we meet early so she can be ready to go at 9am.

Goodness knows how this will effect life up here as there are lots of people dying to play the beautiful golf course. I had planned to go and watch a few holes, as it is an intriguing course.

cheers,

Graham

Rocky Mountaineer April 27 & 28th

2008-05-04T16:54:00.000-07:00

Arriving at Rocky Mountaineer station

Rocky Mountaineer April 27 & 28th

2008-05-04T16:09:00.000-07:00

The train was due to leave Sunday (27/04) at 7.30 am. All was going well until the Taxi driver deposited us at the wrong railway station. However, the Rocky Mountaineer people anticipated that possibility and had a guy waiting with a vehicle to transport us to the correct station.

That experience was a window on Rocky M people’s service. We had a wonderful 2 days meandering our way to Banff with an overnight stop at Kamloops.

The train had a mixture of Australians, Scots, English, Canadians, Americans and one Kiwi, and a wonderful woman called Lyn serviced our carriage. The journey was just marvellous. There are so many difference experiences along the way it is hard to describe them all. Massive canyons, waterfalls, rivers, mountains, cute villages and one bear standing beside the train line. The family from Canberra were ecstatic to see the bear. I managed to shoot him – well part of him with my camera. So far it is the only bear we have seen.

Castle Mountain

2008-05-01T21:39:00.000-07:00

This is a most beautiful and stunning part of the world. It is so peaceful, so absolutely amazing.

This photo is of Castle Mountain near Lake Louise and was taken from the train. We passed the mountain again on the next 2 days as we first visited Lake Louise and then drove from Banff to Jasper.

Thjs mountain almost lost its name to a famous USA President. Fortunately it didn't. I have been inn the highlands of Scotland and driven in an out of Glencoe with snow all over the mountains. They were beautifully intimidating. However, the Canadian Rockies are bigger and better and awesome.

Window on Vancouver April 26th

2008-04-28T23:03:00.000-07:00

Photos:
1. Sun Yat Sen Gardens
2. View from our room at Fairmont Waterfront

It is now 2 days since we were introduced to Vancouver.

When we entered our room we encountered a window with a spectacular view. A view of Canada place, the water, Stanley Park, the bridge and the mountains climbing into the distance.

We have watched with fascination as boats go by, seaplanes take off and the light changes from day to night and back again. Oh, we have ventured out into Vancouver and moved around by foot and trolley bus finding our Vancouver.

However, the window seems to define our 3-day stay. An opportunity to glimpse into Vancouver and catch a sight of what is there, and what we have seen is beautiful.

The window was reinforced as we toured the Sun Yat Sen gardens in Chinatown yesterday. The windows gave unique views into the gardens and into deeper things.

Mind you my business of the past 2.5 decades has been visible. Debates about putting dangerous criminals in minimum security prisons, exporting drug dealers east to their home town to face outstanding charges (and thus curtailing the leadership of a promising drug ring) and the problems encountered by a city church as it sandwich and soup service encounters the modern health bureaucracy.

2008-04-16T05:12:00.000-07:00

Jennifer & Graham's 2008 Canada & Alaska adventure
DATE PLANS

23-Apr Wed Leave Home
24-Apr Thu Fly Perth/Vancouver: Perth/Sydney 0015/00610 - Sydney/Van 1000/0700
24-Apr 26-Apr Thu - Sat Vancouver
27-Apr 28-Apr Sun - Mon Rocky Mountaineer Leave Van 0730 Arr Kamloops 1735
28-Apr Tue Banff - meet up with Amy
29-Apr Wed Lake Lousie
30- April to 7-May Thu - Wed Jasper
8-May to 9-May Thu - Fri Leave Jasper 1530 Arr Vancouver 0750
9-May Fri Vancouver
10-May to 16-May Sat Cruise Embark Van 1230 Sail 1630
17-May to 18-May Sat Alaska Disembark Whittier 0800
19-May Mon Leave Anchorage 1430; Arr Victoria 2124
19-May to 21-May Victoria
22-May Thu To Vancouver
22-May Fri Fly out 22nd depart 2355
24-May Sat Sydney 24th arr 0755
24-May Sydney/Perth 1010/1305 then West Coast Eagles@ Subiaco 1740

2007-10-26T00:11:00.000-07:00

Reflection

In Mensland the young shop assistant talked of the days when petrol stations had people who pumped the petrol for you. I recalled the self serve at the corner of South road and Hampton Street, on the Hampton side and I suppose the west side, anyway the one with all the shops. Back in 1965 when I first drove a car, my old green FJ Holden, the self serve took 2 shilling pieces and a pound went a long way to filling up my car. I suppose after decimal currency it changed to 20 cent pieces.

DC 1966 when the bank shut for 2 days so we could get ready. I worked in the bank. we had ledgers done by hand, 2 big ones for A -L and then M to Z.

2007-10-25T17:40:00.001-07:00

Picnic in the park.

We had talked about how to celebrate Turning 60. However, my ambivalence meant planning was slow, or non-existent. I toyed with the idea of a picnic, and then I found the scenic route to Alan Anderson park. While the park is about 2km from home by road, there is a great walk that is mostly off road. After walking to Canning road, the walk goes into Wallis park, around the lake, up between properties and through the bush to AA's park.It was a delightful find and sparked the possibility of this park being the place for a celebration.

Well, it happened and it was wonderful. There is a photo below and there are photos on flickr that capture some of the moments. http://www.flickr.com/photos/dinlin47/

Picnic Party in the Park

2007-10-24T13:16:00.000-07:00

2007-10-24T13:04:00.000-07:00

Fortunate, flawed and persistent written October 23, 2007

When I reflect on my 6 decades I can see why Albert Facey saw his life as fortunate. Looking down the track I have been fortunate to have a loving father and mother, a family who cared for me, and friends who have constantly touched my life with support, challenge and insight.

I haven’t had to escape a war torn country, and my neighbourhood has never been bombed. Sure, I have had some extremely difficult times. Times when getting through the next 5 minutes was an achievement. Times when confusion, uncertainty and pain seemed to abound. However, it all occurred within a context where it all could pass and the possibility always existed for new opportunities to arise.

I believe the context was based on a foundation that was given to me by Ronis Beatrice Dinwoodie and Lindsay Graham Chapman. However, before them come lots of interesting people, mainly from Scotland and Cornwall but also from England and Ireland. How much of the dogged Scot and persistent Cornish miner is in me I don’t know. However, I do know the persistence has become a theme as I have journeyed these 6 decades. And of cour

In a pool chemical shop in Balcatta I discovered the persistence statement. In finishes with the words ‘Press On’. I imagine my Knuckey ancestors needed lots of persistence when they settled in 19th century Clunes. I imagine my father needed a lot of persistence in coping with my development, but not as much persistence as I have needed with myself. I remember reading a biography on Arthur Calwell. He made a statement along the lines that he was the hardest person he had dealt with. That has always rung true for me.

I guess that is an intro for the flawed bit. I believe I have made a contribution here and there through my work, my community involvement and most importantly family and friends. However, it is certainly a flawed one and could have been improved upon. I trust that I have progressed through the decades the contribution has become more mindful and more skillful. It is often a surprise when people compliment me and I have to work hard to acknowledge that just as I have had to work diligently to accept the criticism. I guess the advantage of criticism is it provides a foundation for improvement and forward motion. Perhaps, praise can also do that as we aim for the old Hampton High School motto of ‘Summa Peta’ – aim for the highest this is Hampton’s message …..’

And so these are my reflections on the day I celebrate 6 decades of living, and finally I launch my blog.

PERSISTENCE

Nothing in the world can take the place of PERSISTENCE.

Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men and women with talent.

Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts.
Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb.

Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.

The Slogan "PRESS ON” has solved and will always solve the problems of human race.