Here we are, nearing the end of our second 1 year stint here in Australia. Though it is safe to say we will not be retiring to Australia, it would be very safe to say we will be back. We were able to see most of the places and things on our “to do” list, however we did miss a couple which hopefully we can explore in the future. The interactive map below gives you some idea of the areas of the country we were able to house sit in, as well as the areas we managed to do some diving.
Without a doubt the lifestyle of full time house sitting is a phenomenal opportunity for us. We get to explore corners of places that normal tourists never get to see, and as a bonus we make dozens of wonderful connections and friendships with people and pets alike. A huge thank you to our furry and feathered friends, and their owners.
Either in-between or during our house sits we had ample opportunity to explore parts of Australia we were curious about.
We had the chance to scuba dive in Melbourne, Adelaide, Mt. Gambier, and of course the Great Barrier Reef.Between sits in Albury we managed an epic road trip along the Great Ocean Road. The Twelve Apostles were just a fraction of the amazing journey.One of the beauties of Australia is that if you are near the coast, you are near a great view.But even inland, the views don’t stop. This one is of the Glasshouse Mountains of Queensland.Or the setting sun near Ballarat in Victoria.We were also incredibly fortunate to be able to explore some sights with family and friends. Thank you to Garry and Paula for introducing us to the Blue Mountains of New South Wales.Also thank you to Peter and Leanne for luring us back for a second year and allowing us to explore Albury/Wodonga and the joys of the Barossa Valley. Memories for a lifetime.I would be remiss if I didn’t give a shout out to our good friend Bryce. Kept in touch constantly and helped whenever we needed it. We ran some great races and tipped a few glasses together. Thank you Bryce.
It was truly inspiring to realize that even when you are more than 12,000km from home there are still family and friends who appear to visit or help out. Many thanks to Brian and Lorraine, our base in year one. As well to everyone else who took the time to stop by and say hi. It was much appreciated.
A hello from the roof of the Parliament building with the War Memorial in the distance. We enjoyed a couple of visits to Canberra, ACT.We certainly got our fix of kangaroos and wallabies no matter where we were in the country.As well, we met some of the lesser known inhabitants. Like this quokka on Rottnest Island near Perth.And the beaches. Whether in Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria, Queensland, or here at Bondi Beach in New South Wales. The beaches were spectacular. Not hard to understand why Aussies are so proud of them.
We truly are so very appreciative of everyone that has helped make our time here in Australia so enjoyable. To friends new and old, thank you.
And now it is time for the adventure to continue, and perhaps for us to get out of that comfort zone a little bit. Off to Singapore for a short refresher on that beautiful country and then to China. Very much looking forward to exploring that country and its ancient culture.
We have throughly enjoyed reading about your Australian adventures and wish you both all the best for your venture into China.
Thank you so much for taking care of Sophie for us while we were away.
I do hope we meet up again one day.
Rosey
Always a pleasure Karen and Peter. You will be missed very much. Its been epic having you both in the same “time zone”. Wishing you both safe travels. Exciting times await.
Very touching. Thank you. Id be lying if I didnt tell you that I’ll miss you both as you have been a post of strength “in my time zone” I could always count on to listen when I needed to speak or vent my thoughts.
Ill always be in your lives no matter what 🙂 Bryce
On Sat, Mar 16, 2019 at 11:04 AM Peter & Karen Pecksen wrote:
> peterpecksen posted: “Here we are, nearing the end of our second 1 year > stint here in Australia. Though it is safe to say we will not be retiring > to Australia, it would be very safe to say we will be back. We were able to > see most of the places and things on our “to do” list, ” >
It is truly so amazing for you to be able to spend all that time living locally in Australia. You two are an inspiration. Enjoy Singapore and China. Looking forward to reading about your next adventures.
Hi Guys, Great blogging yet again. So nice of you to include a pic of dear Clyde in the most recent years activities. It is a year today since he passed:( Stay cool in Singapore & all the best for the China trip. We’ll be looking forward to your photos as always. Leanne & Peter
There was never any question Clyde would be included in our gallery of dear Australian friends. Staying cool in Singapore is a challenge, but we are doing our best.
We have throughly enjoyed reading about your Australian adventures and wish you both all the best for your venture into China.
Thank you so much for taking care of Sophie for us while we were away.
I do hope we meet up again one day.
Rosey
It was our absolute pleasure. Thank you for sharing your corner of Australia with us.
Always a pleasure Karen and Peter. You will be missed very much. Its been epic having you both in the same “time zone”. Wishing you both safe travels. Exciting times await.
Very touching. Thank you. Id be lying if I didnt tell you that I’ll miss you both as you have been a post of strength “in my time zone” I could always count on to listen when I needed to speak or vent my thoughts.
Ill always be in your lives no matter what 🙂 Bryce
On Sat, Mar 16, 2019 at 11:04 AM Peter & Karen Pecksen wrote:
> peterpecksen posted: “Here we are, nearing the end of our second 1 year > stint here in Australia. Though it is safe to say we will not be retiring > to Australia, it would be very safe to say we will be back. We were able to > see most of the places and things on our “to do” list, ” >
It is truly so amazing for you to be able to spend all that time living locally in Australia. You two are an inspiration. Enjoy Singapore and China. Looking forward to reading about your next adventures.
Thank you for your comments. We appreciate it.
Hi Guys, Great blogging yet again. So nice of you to include a pic of dear Clyde in the most recent years activities. It is a year today since he passed:( Stay cool in Singapore & all the best for the China trip. We’ll be looking forward to your photos as always. Leanne & Peter
>
There was never any question Clyde would be included in our gallery of dear Australian friends. Staying cool in Singapore is a challenge, but we are doing our best.