As our monsoon ended here in northern Queensland we were then treated to the very edge of cyclone Oma, off the east coast of Australia. Though some areas were hammered by winds and flooding, we were fortunate to just see a couple of blustery days and some heavy rain.

Enjoying a walk on Trinity Beach
Karen’s mom, Anne, came out to visit with us for a few weeks which was a lovely treat. It was great to see a familiar face, as well as it got us out and about taking her to some of the local attractions. Enjoying a walk along the waters edge here at Trinity Beach.
Danger
Though the weather can be brutally hot here at this time of year, the cruel twist nature throws at you is, you can’t go in the water. There is an honest, legitimate concern of being eaten by a crocodile. However, the guaranteed threat is the millions of little stingers that live in the shallows along the coast at this time of year. You know it is a serious problem when the councils have first aid stations along the beaches with vinegar bottles to help alleviate some of the pain for anyone silly enough to swim in the open water.
Stinger Nets
At the more popular beaches there are nets set up to keep the stingers out so people can still get in if they must. This, for us, is why we view a pool as essential in this area. I know, “First World Problems”.
Feeding Time
Speaking of getting out and about. We did a trip to Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures. Some people don’t approve of keeping these creatures penned up for display. However the realistic truth is the crocs here would have been killed in the wild because they were starting to express an interest in humans. As well, there is simply no better, or safer, way of getting an appreciation for these magnificent beasts.
Koala Love
Of course at the other end of the Australian wildlife spectrum are these adorable creatures. Watching koalas relax and take in the world is as therapeutic as it gets.

If you follow my Instagram page (peterpecksen) you may have picked up that I am quite taken with local birds, wherever we happen to be. Queensland is no exception. We have seen some fabulous birds while we have been out and about, however the greatest variety we get to watch are from the comfort of the backyard at our current house sit.

Glossy Ibis
A Glossy Ibis at Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures.
Cockatoo Clowns
Sulphur Crested Cockatoos performing in the tree by the backyard. Fun birds to watch, however their screeching is enough to put your nerves on edge.
Poolside Kookaburra
Probably my favourite Australian bird, the Kookaburro. This one came to visit while I was floating in the pool.
Olive backed Sunbird
An Olive Backed Sunbird drying itself on the pool awning.
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A Yellow Figbird stopping by. The biggest challenge is making sure I don’t drop my camera in the pool when the birds arrive. Because, honestly, the best way of doing bird photography is floating in a pool waiting for them to come to you. Life is pretty good.

We have been fortunate enough to also see Black Cockatoos, Ibis, Curlews, Magpie Larks, Masked Lapwings (Plovers), and Swallows, among others.

Feeding time for Willie Wagtail
My other favourite bird are these Willie Wagtails. A couple come and join me whenever I cut the grass. They show little fear of the noisy lawnmower and hop along beside me feasting on the apparent buffet I expose on the lawn. It makes for great entertainment.
Pool Cleaning Time
Life is not all just floating in the pool. As well as the occasional day of garden work I also have to keep the pool in top shape. Some days it is just work, work, work.

I do have to admit, this house sitting lifestyle is pretty wonderful, and Australia certainly is a fantastic country to do it in. I hoped you enjoyed some of our local sights.

Welcome to our travel blog. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to say, "I'm out of here?" Well we did, and in 2013 we made it a reality. We sold or gave away all of our possessions other than what fit in our luggage and we set off on an endless adventure. Part of our goal is to share our experiences with others and hopefully provide some information, motivation, or just a moments escape. The general idea was to look for a place that would be ideal to settle down in. However in the meantime it is about experiencing life in different countries amongst different cultures and learning how to understand and appreciate each other. A large part of our time is spent housesitting which provides an excellent opportunity to experience more of the "normal" neighbourhoods as opposed to the tourist locales. Though we make sure to enjoy those as well. So through plenty of photographs and a running commentary come and share with us our life on the road.

3 comments on “Local Sights

  1. We are transfixed by your stories of Australia. I’m quite sure I’d be one who they would have to take out the vinegar bottle for! It has always been a dream to travel down under and so we shall someday. Your photos are excellent! Thank you for sharing them.

  2. Amy Lindsey

    Each of your adventures seems so unique and each one fun. Very happy for you guys. But seriously, America has some nice places too. Really.

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