Trailblazer (18 October 2008)

As a way of training for Patagonia and also to help the Flinders Operation we decided to walk 18k in the Trailblazer (from Pinky Flat to Athelstone). Here we are - including Cobber as team 012 before the departure.

At the end... all team members in one piece after walking in 33 degrees heat!

Blue Mountains (10-12 October 2008)

We decided to have a little getaway in the romantic, beautiful and spectacular Blue Mountains. Here the classic pic with the 3 sisters in the background.

Follow this link if you want to see more photos from our trip to Blue Mountains.

Quiz Night (12 September 2008)

As part of Lorena's work social club activities we attended to the "80' Quiz Night". It was a lot of fun but we were not very successful. Check the photo.

Barossa Gourmet Weekend (23 August 2008)

This one of the most South Australian events and it was a good opportunity to share some time with Lorena's colleges.

Here all the gang.
Girls from L to R: Trisha, Simone, Rhiannon, Julia, Tabitha and Lorena.
Guys from L to R: Ryan, Rob, Darren and John.

Visiting one of Lorena's favorities: Melbourne(26 and 27 July 2008)

July is a very bad month for Lorena because her work gets crazy and long hours are the normal status. This year she had to go to Melbourne for work and we took the opportunity and stayed for the weekend.

Here is John enjoying an absolutely delicious breakfast in Carlton.


Lorena was amazed when we saw a very old train in Melbourne main railway station.

... and of course the highlight of the weekend "WICKED" the Hollywood success!

Another Gamining Night (5 July 2008)

We always try to keep playing our favorites. Here with Powergrid.
Thanks Johnnie for the photo!

From L to R: Nathan, Bridie, Susan, Grace and myself.

Crows vs Carlton (02 August 2008)

We went to the football to see if the Crows could beat Carlton - which they did - excellent. Here we are in the crowd.

A good view of the game in progress.

Home (July 2008)

We have had some cold weather and plenty of rain. Very winter like, so what better to warm one up than a traditional south australian dish - the pie floater. Hmmm.


Still trying to keep up with the cycling, Lorena in our street in the rain.


The largest bone the dog has ever seen! Kept her going for days.

EY end of FY dinner (28 June 2008)

Every year Ernst & Young organizes the end of financial year dinner in a very luxurious and elegant place. This was the 1st year we were able to attend. We had a great time with my friends from work.

Here we are enjoying the night.

Adelaide @ status quo (June 2008)

Here in Adelaide life is in routine mode. We are trying to ride our bikes every weekend in order to do some exercise. Here Lorena and Cobber at the central square in Glenelg.


Our favorite view of Adelaide CBD is from Colonel Light Square in North Adelaide.

Crows vs Hawthorn (14 June 2008)

We went to an Aussie rules football match, along with Ian and Verity, at the AAMI stadium between the Crows (Adelaide) and Hawthorn (from Melbourne). Here we are, Lorena with her Crows scarf and John.



It was a good game and the Crows were in the lead until about the last 10 minutes - which I guess it what counts! The score at the end 75 to 72. Damn and bother!

Norwood Bowl (09 June 2008)

We decided to go 10 pin bowling although we had not played for years. It was a trip down memory lane to go back to the alley and put on those special shoes.
Here we are checking in, John, Jim and Elena.

Lorena getting psyched up for the big match.

Hmmm, 8 down, two to go!

Jim won the first game 138 points and John the second 168 points! Combined victory went to TEAM GORDON! Yayaya!

Then time for a few games of shuffle hockey.

Afterwards at the nearby Finn MacCool's Irish Pub (Jim, Lorena, John, Elena). All in all a jolly way to celebrate the Queens Birthday holiday.

Great Ocean Road marathon (18 May 2008)

I don't know exactly why, but I entered myself into the "Great Ocean Road Marathon" which involved us flying to Melbourne and then driving south through Geelong to Apollo Bay on the south coast. The weather was a bit wintery although it was a pleasant drive. We stopped at the famous "Bells Beach" for a look.


The race was 45km along the Great Ocean Road from Lorne to Apollo Bay. Here at the finish line a little later. (I looked a bit worse for wear half an hour earlier).


At least the weekend was an opportunity for Lorena and I to see this part of the country. Really beautiful.

Adelaide and around (April 2008)

On the 06th of April 2008 we went along to a family BBQ at the Belair National Park. A combination birthday for Dylan, Dad and Mary.

On the ANZAC day weekend we drove to Walker Flat on the river murray to spend some time with Barbara and David at their shack. Lorena had lots of study to do, so here she is.


Lorena with all the dogies - Tyler, Cobber and Jemma.


This is a beautiful spot.


It seems that Cobber is going to stay with us for some time now. Back home here is Lorena giving her a good bath although she doesn't seem too happy about it!

Adelaide Festival of Arts (16 March 2008)

Every 2 years we have the Adelaide Festival of Arts. This year special lights were set all over North Terrace. A quite stroll was a must!

Here the best photos we were able to get because of the light.

Rod Steward's Concert (2 March 2008)

On a very hot Sunday we made our way to McLaren Vale to see Rod Steward's Concert. It was just amazing, we love it from the beginning to the end. Despite the heat, we sang, enjoyed and had fun. Here to photos from that day.

Can you spot Rod Steward on these photos?

Adelaide (January 2008)

Back home after our holiday and back to reality! We are both determined to be fit this year, here is Lorena after our cycle to Glenelg to look at the "Tour Down Under".


Lorena by the track in Glenelg with the passing parade.


We have a study plan for 2008 (and beyond) to commence. Lorena at the University of SA bookstore buying books on Australian Commercial Corporation Law.


Lorena at the University entrance with books and ready to go!


Now at home the study commences. Lots to do.........

Hamilton Gardens (07 January 2008)

We had time to visit the beautiful Hamilton Gardens. We enjoyed the Paradise garden collection which had garden themes from different places and times. Lorena in the Chinese Scholars garden.

John in the English flower garden.

John, and through to the Japanese garden of contemplation.

Together in the Italian Renaissance Garden.

Lorena in the Indian Char Bagh garden.

Well, unfortunately the trip is practically over. On the 8th we drove to Auckland, returned the campervan and flew home. There is still plenty to see if we can manage to return one day. For the moment though - back to work!

Waitomo caves (06 - 07 January 2008)

We visited the Waitomo caves and saw the amazing glowworms. Floating on a boat in the darkness of the cave, it was like looking up at a starry sky - incredible.


No photos allowed inside so we snapped these at the exit.


The next morning we took a look at the Aranui cave, a more traditional experience of stalagtites and mites. Large and impressive.


Our time is running short now. A visit to the Otorohanga Kiwi house & Native bird park was worthwhile. Then we trundled northwards to Hamilton.

Tongariro Crossing (05 January 2008)

The Tongariro Crossing is perhaps the best one day walk in New Zealand. I wanted to give it a go although at 18.5 km including 800m+ of climbing - it sounds like a challenge. The forecast was good, the daypack well stocked, we caught the bus to the start point and off we went. An hour later and we are about to start the climbing (up the saddle behind us).

The volcanic landscape was really impressive. Crossing the "South Crater". We kept our eyes open for Orcs - this is the land of Mordor!


Almost the highest point and a good view of Mt Ngauruhoe, or if you prefer - Mt Doom!

A steep descent which Lorena was not too happy with and then we arrived at the Emerald lakes.


The walk took us 7 and a quarter hours although we had to run at the end to catch the bus. Just made it! A good day.

Note for non-film buffs: Some of the Lord of the Rings movies was filmed not far from here.