Holdfast Bay

We’ve had a great first day with the Holdfast Bay club. We spent the morning in Moseley Square in Glenelg touring the museum and walking along the beach. Had lunch at a beautiful spot along the beach and enjoyed another stroll along the waterfront. We then went to Hallett Cove for a hike along a former glacier field with beautiful scenery in extreme heat, followed by another walk along the beach. We are really happy to be around the water.

Tonight we spoke at a group Rotary meeting, but we’re third in splendor to the crazy awesome sunset and Jeff’s legs (he wasn’t able to return home to collect his pants after our day at the beach- we appreciate him rolling with the flow on this one as it provided a lot of entertainment).

(Sunset view from Rotary meeting)

(Jeff with DG Dick)

(Me with my new hat during our beach walk)

Flagstaff Hill

Wow - it's amazing how the time flies! We have just completed a stay with the Flagstaff Hill club, and are just getting settled in with our hosts at Holdfast Bay.

The last few days have included a variety of tours to explore the Fleurieu Penninsula. We began with a scenic drive through the McLaren Vale on our way to Victor Harbor. In true Colorado GSE fashion, we brought the cold weather with us! (ok, it's not as cold as at home, but it was quite chilly and windy).


(view from Granite Island)

We lunched on Granite Island before heading off on the Cockle Train to Goolwa. Once there, we had the opportunity to see the mouth of the River Murray, which is a main water source for much of the country that we have visited during our trip. We have all become more accustomed to the morning and afternoon "teas" and were hosted on Hindmarh Island for afternoon tea, which included a South Autralian specialty...Lamingtons. (lovely fluffy cake, dipped in chocolate and rolled in fine coconut flakes.)


(on Hindmarsh Island)


(where the ocean meets the Onkaparinga)

The next day included a morning walk along the Onkaparinga River (and yes, we can all pronounce Onkaparinga) followed by a fabulous lunch at the Woodstock Winery, and tour of area wineries, which included both wine and olive tastings! (and I got sneezed on by an alpaca, which was also delightful). We finished the day with a fabulous meal at the home of John and Carol Darwin, which was made complete by a series of downhill sledding races on cardboard sleds down a steep grass hill. Grass stains were had by many.



(Candice wrestled a croc at the winery)


(Cristina got to pet Alpacas)





(It was a dirty race...John got a head start against Ashley...but he was pushed)


(in the mixed media division, Christina proved the cardboard was better than the laundry basket)

Day three with the Flagstaff Hill club included a varity of vocational visits, with general feedback from all that they were each relevant and interesting. (I personally met with a marketing team from a health insurance company, which was very intersting and informative.) That evening, our presentation at the Group 5 Rotary meeting was to just over 100 Rotarians and guests, which came from several area clubs. Some team members were even able to hear a koala growling in the car park afterwards. We couldn't find the koala, but he did leave quite a bit of poo on the car to let us know he was close by.

Apologies that some posts aren't a bit more frequent, but as you may guess, we are being kept quite busy. Candice, Cristina and I are basking in the glory of a few hours down time this afternoon, and they have given me the OK to post on their behalf...so consider this a group effort!

Heading to a day off

After a few days in Broken Hill, we headed to Glenelg for a day off. Staying in a hotel overlooking a marina is certainly a distinct difference from the dry outback landscape of Broken Hill. During our drive (which took all day) we were amazed at the difference in landscape... which turned from dry, red dust to lush green hills with trees. Check the first photo...(taken from inside the car) and spot the Emu. Emu, by the way, is pronounced "e-mew" not "e-moo." We stand corrected.

Broken Hill, New South Wales

Photos from top: Fred Peter, live photo and in mural! Fred is a lifetime resident of Broken Hill, and provided insight and commentary through our tours around Broken Hill. Sculptures and sunset at the Living Desert, just outside Broken Hill. A sleepy lizard. Touring the Daydream Mine.

In the Outback

G'Day Mates,

We are now in the Outback in Broken Hill, New South Wales. Broken Hill is a mining community founded when Galena was discovered. For those you that don't know Galena is mineral that contains silver and ore. It is heavy to pick up. Our first visit was to the Daydream Mine, which was aptly named when it was discovered, the person thought they were having a dream when they woke and discovered a viable mine. Daydream is now a mine that offers guided underground tours, but it gives you a glimpse into what mining requires. Top five thoughts on mining:
1. You must wear a hard hat.
2. It would help if you are short in stature.
3. If you are a girl you're called a cookie, don't ask!
4. It is dark down there without lights.
5. Mining has changed a lot from then to now.

Another highlight of this stop was our visit to the Royal Flying Doctor Service. This service was established to provide medical emergency service to people living in the vast outback, as well as clinics for primary care. The planes, equipment and people have changed, however some of the original touches remain. They still have a box of medical supplies at outposts throughout the outback. They still use a body chart to determine the level of care needed when it's called in for help. The most amazing part is that this service is free to anyone in Australia. We all felt the awe at these heroes and what they offer to the country. Support The Royal Flying Doctor Service.

Tonight we give our 5th presentation at the Broken Hill South Rotary Club. (The photo above is from our District Conference presentation). I'm sure it will go well, now we're truly hitting our stride with our presentation. All of us are learning a lot about who we are, and we are looking forward to a couple days of rest and relaxation at the beach in Gleneng. We will arrive tomorrow afternoon.

Cheers for now!

Loxton's viewpoint

This photo is from a few days ago, but just typical of our stay. We are trying not to give Jeff too much greif!

After an absolutely wonderful stay in Loxton, tomorrow will be our last day here. Today was a vocational day for all team members. The day before, Tuesday, we toured the Historical Village of Loxton and then spent the afternoon at Banrock Station. Not only is Banrock a fabulous winery, but they also have some really interesting wetland conservation measures. I'll keep it short for now and let you enjoy some photos. Koala, mom and baby kangaroo, and the girls in our pink sweaters at the Loxton Club Rotary meeting.

Loxton

After a trip into Adeliade for an interview with the Voice of Rotary radio program (to be aired in November) our team headed to Loxton, a small country town located on the River Murray. Loxton is surrounded by agriculture including acres of vines (wine grapes), citrus (mostly oranges) and almonds (the newest craze). The original crops of the area included mostly stone fruits (apricots, peaches), and there are still some of those around. In summer months hundreds of trays are laid with fruit and set int the sun to sun-dry.

Today started with a tour through Loxton's Historic Village, which includes many early settlement structures that have been brought to Loxton from the surrounding area to form a replica town. We then headed out for morning tea at The Pines, an historic home in Loxton.

Our mid-day was spent touring Banrock Station, a combination wetland conservation part and winery. May seem like an odd combination, but it was a remarkable place. (www.banrockstation.com.au). Just yesterday they were granted water rights to flood the wetland area, which has been dry for almost 18 months, so the water was just beginning to creep in from the river. We took an eco walk into the wetland area (which was dry at this point) and as we crossed the boardwalk one of our hosts mentined something about trolls. The Aussies have a pretty dry sense of humor. A few minutes later, I pointed out a brown snake just off the boardwalk, about 2 feet below us, and the same host casually says "oh, yeah, that one'd kill you." Considering the joke about the trolls, I asked if he was serious, and as it turns out, it really was a deadly snake. Gotta love Australia.

9520 District Confereance

G-Day to everyone,

Last week end the Adelaide hills were alive with District Conference programs hosted by the Stirling club.

DG Dick Cuttle had the main meeting events held in the Lobethal Centennial Hall with many keynote speakers and community leaders. Our GSE team presented 40 minutes on the main stage at 9:30 AM on Saturday to approximately 300. Thanks to Brian Heaton the RI president, John Kenny, rep who trade spots with us at the last minute. Many of the 57 clubs in this district were represented.

The theme for the conference dinner was vintage and was held at the Wick's Estate Winery, Woodside. It was a sit down dinner for 350 with live music in a functional winery barn. A great time was had by all, and too much fun was had by some.

We have met many GSE people from here who have traveled all over the world thanks to the Rotary Foundation. We also have met many RLA and exchange students.

Photos are to follow as time and internet access allows.

Cheers, Jeff

District Conference Weekend

This past weekend was the 9520 District Conference. We arrived Thursday evening for registration and to hear a presentation before heading off to their cocktail reception. Our GSE presentation on Saturday morning was expanded a bit since we had almost double the time we normally do, but it seems it was very well received. Despite the fact that this was only the second time we've presented, we had a good flow and even got a few laughs from the audience.

Saturday evening the dinner was held at Wicks Vineyard in a large barn with giant steel wine drums(?) on one side, and barrels on the other, with several long, elegant tables in the middle. The minute the band started there was a virtual stampede to the dance floor...these Aussies are serious about getting in a bit of fun. Awards were presented, food was great, and the wine was plentiful.

Today was a relaxing day for most of us, and the temperatures warmed up more than they have up until now (somewhere in the low to mid-20's C). The morning was free time with our host families. I got to go on a picnic brunch complete with eggs & sausage on the grill, champagne, juice, muffins, coffee and tea all cooked expertly at the park. I've never had a picnic breakfast before, but I think it's a tradition we should start in Colorado. Others went on winery tours, did laundry (yep, a necessary evil), and general relaxation before heading to the former studio and home Hans Heisen, and famous artist from the Adeliade Hills. We were able to see a variety of his famous landscapes of the area, including rural farming scenes and gum trees in charcoal, watercolor, oils, and etchings. The evening was spent at a BBQ with our host families, which was thoroughly enjoyable despite just a touch of rain.

Tomorrow we're off to tour a juice factory, go to the Celand Wildlife Park, and present to the Rotary Club of Stirling. If we can figure out how to get photos up on the blog...we'll do our best to show you kangaroos and koalas.

Kangaroo & Stirling

Well, we've had vocational days, a visit to the Adeliade Museum, seen our fist kangaroos, visited the Small Business development center, a horse racing equipment manufacturer, furniture manufacturer, cheese producer, and been to the opening ceremonies of the district conference. All of those within the last 36 hours. No wonder the blog hasn't been updated. I can not get pictures to post right now, so I'll leave that up to someone else on the team. Just wanted to let you know we are living. I'm off to a barbie to celebrate my host's 52nd birthday!

Four days in Oz...

The past four days have been a bit of a blur. We arrived late, and then hit the ground running with vocational visits on Wednesday. I met with the Southern Australia Office of Youth, The Burnside City Council Youth Department, and the Adelaide City Council Youth Department. What struck me the most was the opportunity to share and create learning on both sides, and the fact that kids are kids whether they are growing up in Southern Australia or the Vail Valley.

Today, we are in a lovely part of the world inthe village of Stirling (and other nearby towns) in the Adelaide Hills. I have fallen a bit in love with this area. It might be the fact that I got to take more than a hour walk yesterday and during that walk I saw a koala cross the street, and then make it's way up the the bark of a tree, inch-by-inch. It was a moment to remember.

Its only been 3 days!

We are currently in the Adelaide Hills area and have had a fun-filled last 3 days. The team arrived in Adelaide on Tuesday night and had our first vocational day on Wednesday in central Adelaide. Wednesday afternoon we had a brief visit to the museum, where the team learned about Aboriginal art and culture. Thanks for the tour Anah and Tim! On Thursday the team traveled to the Adelaide hills and met with our new host families. The hills are a bit colder than expected, but even more beautiful than imaginable! The team attended the opening night of the District Conference and will be presenting at the conference on Saturday morning. Today (Friday) was filled with visits to local businesses, including Steriline Racing, Pftizner Furniture, and Udder Delights cheese factory. It was really great to learn about the Adelaide Hills Regional Development Board from David Harvey. Tonight we will be heading to the Adeliade central market for dinner. We are all having a great time, learning a ton, and taking lots of pictures (we will post them all soon).

We have arrived!

We made it! After a delay in departure from Los Angeles, we arrived in Sydney the morning of Oct 6. The delay caused us to miss our connection in SYD, so we were re-routed to Melbourne and then Adelaide. For those of you keeping track, it was a 33-hour trip from when we met in Denver to our arrival in Adelaide!

We were greeted at the airport by several of our hosts and members of the Kent Town Club. After a quick trip "home" to drop off our luggage and take a shower, we headed to the home of Greg Love and Kaylene Kranz for a wonderful meal with our host families.

Today (Wednesday, Oct 7) is our first full day here, and we're off to vocational visits until mid-afternoon, then a tour at a museum, a meeting with the GSE committee, and our first presentation at the Kent Town club meeting this evening. We're off and running!

GSE Slide Show

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Thank Susan

A huge Thank You to our friend, Susan. Susan has been a huge help in our preperations for the GSE and we are going to miss her along the way. If there was only some way to get her in our suitcases..........