The jet-setters, Janet and TomO arrived back home from London this morning and for sure it is about time we got something to smile about into our lives once again.
And you’ll be pleased to know that Janet stood at the top of the podium…
You remember – the big event. The dash to spend cash down The Stand, suitcases under one arm, credit card in the other, you know, shop till you drop.
Okay for sure, I did say give it your best shot Janet, you deserve a great win.
But let me tell you – she’s won the gold, hell, a world record…
And I know the little rooster, TomO, would have been cheering her on, but just how did she manage so much, in such a fast time?
Strewth, I’ve had to take a Bex and I’m now heading to the couch for a lie down after lugging all those suitcases from the baggage carousel to the car.
Um, welcome home, darling…and TomO,
And by the way, where’s my present, I did get one didn’t I?
Baz climbing Sweet Dreams, Blue Mountains, Australia
Last night I dreamt I was back in the Blue Mountains climbing “Sweet Dreams” in the spectacular Blue Mountains, Australia…
And if you are going to dream, it might as well be a sweet dream!
I’m taking it as a good sign!
The foot is recovering extremely well from the surgery and clearly the desire to return is prodding my subconscious!
Perhaps, Brian, my father, is providing some divine intervention already, after all he spent a life time helping others and I can’t imagine he is going to stop just because he’s now pushing up daisies!
And Janet’s father, Archie, well he always thought I was a bit of “a dope” for wanting to climb amongst the world’s highest mountains, and for running around the outback and crossing deserts in a four-wheel drive, Janet and TomO in tow…
So a return to climbing and mountaineering is long overdue and will be a welcome change to the events of the past three months.
And I know many of you are great supporters in my quest to summit an 8,000-metre peak, heaven forbid, Mt Everest, and are cheering me back into the mountains…
And why Dope on a Rope I hear you ask?
Strewth, I must tell you that is how it feels sometimes!
Sunflowers are a favourite of mine, they are so big, bright, colourful and vibrant.
They have always been favoured by my father, Brian, and as a kid growing up I can always remember them growing at his parents home, in Pop and Nana’s backyard.
This morning Dad slipped away peacefully as I watched over him, just as the first rays of light were piercing the eastern skyline over Moreton Bay…
The rising sun is a beautiful thing, taking darkness to light, signalling the dawning of a new day, lighting the pathway to a new life…
And what makes this sunflower so special is it has been growing outside the house where Dad asked my mother to marry him more than fifty years ago…a peaceful spot on the cliffs, overlooking the ocean, Moreton Bay, at Scarborough on the Redcliffe Peninsula.
We’ve shed some tears, and had a bit of a laugh, but above all else, today, we’ve felt so much joy that we have had him with us for so long, always looking out for us all, and never far from Fay, the love of his life.
Sweethearts Forever
Yes, Fay, the love of his life…
He was loved by many and will be missed by all.
Yes, a sunflower, so big, bright, colourful and vibrant…
If you have ever been to one of those end of year sales at a large department store, that seemingly happen almost every other month, you will appreciate they are not for the faint-hearted.
Success depends on just how quickly you can get out of the “blocks” when the whistle blows.
The front doors opened by men of steely nerve, and where a slow start could well see you being trampled as the stampede gets into full swing.
You need to be a seasoned shopper to even contemplate attending…
And speaking of seasoned shoppers, many of you will know that Janet and TomO are currently visiting England, sunning themselves in the spectacularly beautiful Devon countryside.
The weather has been perfect for them, so I’m told!
Devon Countryside
But this is rest ahead of the main event when Janet lines up at the top of The Strand in the heart of London, empty suitcases in one hand, credit card in the other, and at least a hundred boutiques to work her way through…
A daunting prospect for any seasoned shopper, a grueling event by any standard and it all comes down to preparation and a great coach.
The lead-in time to this event was quick and afforded very little time to prepare so she engaged the best shopping coach in the world.
In Janet’s own words…
“I put the call into the Queen of Shop-till-you-drop, a pocket-rocket who wields a Black Amex Card with all the precision of a Jedi Master, and who lives to the motto if you can’t decide on which one to buy than simply buy the lot”.
“The Coach” and Janet – Discussing event day tactics
Of course, Kimbalee“The Coach” has always shied from the limelight so I won’t mention her name, but in the lead-up to the departure of Qantas Flight QF1 to London, “The Coach” ran Janet through her paces.
There were the early morning starts, 11.45am down in Double Pay Bay, an exclusive harbour-side suburb over-flowing with pretty boutiques in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, followed up with lunch down by the Opera House on the world’s greatest harbour, Sydney Harbour.
Shopping is an endurance event and fuelling up is a key ingredient to a successful campaign and there are some divine restaurants dotting the harbour where one can sit back and relax the muscles, aching from the weight of all those boutique bags…
Sydney Harbour – The best place in the world for a lazy lunch
There was speed work to be done…
Standing atop the winners podium, which incidentally simply comes down to being “loaded to the brim” with dozens of shopping bags when the “closed for the day” sign is hung out, will all come down to just how fast Janet can get out the credit card, pay, and sprint move on to the next boutique.
If you think the start of a triathlon is chaotic as entrants jostle for position than you will marvel at the performance of a seasoned shopper. High on adrenalin and with at least a couple of expresso’s under the belt it is best to stand well clear as the “open” for business sign is illuminated on the front door of the first boutique…
Of course, “The Coach” put Janet through her paces with a few sessions of “wait training” after all there are times that you’ll need to stand in line at a cash register.
The bane of all shoppers on a mission…training is key here!
For sure, Janet has had the best of the best work her through the rigors of training for the event.
And as she heads back to London from the English Countryside this week I wish her well as she faces the starters gun in the shadow of Big Ben, ticking away, a reminder that time, or lack of it, is the seasoned shopper’s worst enemy…
TomO – London Town
No doubting TomO will be jumping for joy and yelling words of encouragement for his mum from the side-walk as the hours pass by and the fatigue sets in…
And don’t worry, I have been doing some “weight training” of my own this past month. I’m sure all my strength will be called upon to lug those suitcases from the baggage carousel to the car when the jet setters arrive home…
Janet, sweetie, good luck with the event, I know you’ll do us proud, enjoy it and I’ll be cheering you on, you deserve a great win!
And remember those parting words thatKimbalee “The Coach” gave you as the final boarding call was made…
“Shop till you drop and the credit card is exhausted… you can rest on the long flight home!”
By the Billabong – Trilby Station (Outback Australia)
It has been quite an intense period in our “down-under” household over these past couple of months.
Surgery on my leg, the passing of Janet’s father, Archie, after a long innings stretching almost to his 100th year, and presently the terminal illness my father, Brian, is suffering and that will take him from us in the not too distant future.
Archie and a favourite motor-cycle
Mind you, Brian is comfortable and at peace, and even quipped to me the other day that we’re all dying from the day we’re born, it isn’t how long you live, but how you live it that counts. Of course, his only real concern has been for the love of his life, his partner for over 50 years, Fay.
Courageous words indeed I thought and his faith has kept him, both of them strong…
Brian and Fay – 50th Wedding Anniversary
But I wanted to drop a note to thank you for your kind words of support over these past couple of months, and to be honest, I haven’t caught up on all the news and stories that many of you write on a daily basis, but rest assured, I’m looking forward to getting back into the routine soon.
The Shed – Font of all knowledge (and my daily training ground)
And speaking of routine, I have stepped back from my usual training regime to avoid “running myself down” during this difficult time, but I’m looking forward to a return shortly, and of course, back into the mountains, back on the journey to the summit of some of the world’s highest mountains.
Baz – Climbing in New Zealand
Oh, sorry, what of the jet-setters. I hear you ask?
TomO swanning around in the south of England
Strewth, TomO and Janet are having a “whale of a time” over in the south of England, but I must confess, I’m missing them and look forward to their return in about a week’s time.
By crikey, I’m sure they’ll have some news and tales of adventure that will be sure to cheer us all up!
Good luck out there, and remember, those that don’t think it can be done shouldn’t bother the person doing it!
Today marks the first day of TomO’s mid year break from school, and let me say it seems like only yesterday the school term had begun.
Crikey, why wasn’t school like that when I was a young whipper snipper?
Hell, hang-on I’m still a young whipper snipper, at heart…
Janet and TomO aren’t ones to waste a moment of living, so today they will jet-set out of Sydney, accompanying Janet’s mother, Clare, on a visit to her sister who lives in the wonderful Devon area in the south of England.
For those who visit regularly you may recall that Janet’s father, Archie, passed away about a month ago after a long and wonderful life and not too far short of his 100th year.
Archie – Have Pith Helmet, will travel
Archie always had a passion for travel and seemingly with all the travel TomO has done over the past twelve months it is becoming quite obvious there is only a “sheet of tissue paper” between Poppa Archie and grandson TomO!
It’ll only be a matter of time before TomO will turn up in a Pith Helmet, for sure!
Of course, as many will recall we had all planned to be in Nepal later this year for my climbing expedition, but as I am still recovering from my recent Achilles tendon operation we’ve put those plans aside for the moment.
After all the mountains aren’t going anywhere!
Usually, we travel as a family to experience this wonderful world together…
Always together – Always smiling (Well mostly!)
But now is the time for both of us to spend time with our families. Janet in support of her mother Clare, and me with my family.
It would almost seem a cruel twist of fate, but having just lost a great mate in Janet’s father, Archie, my father, Brian, has been admitted to palliative care in his hometown on the Redcliffe Peninsular, suffering from an illness that will take him from us shortly.
Brian and Fay – 50th Wedding Anniversary
Mind you, he is a man of great faith and he is showing tremendous courage at this time. I said at the time of Archie’s passing that it was hard to be sad when we have so much to be happy about, to have shared our lives with them.
Life, you never know what it is going to dish out to you, but one thing for sure is all you can ever do is live the best way you can…and only one moment at a time.
The other day TomO and I got into a discussion that loosely revolved around what it was like being a parent.
It was an interesting choice of topic given he is most unlikely to become one anytime soon.
So I took the opportunity to tell him like it was; one of the most rewarding things you can ever hope to do. But added it was a bit like herding sheep sometime…
How do you mean, he asked, with a sly grin on the corner of his mouth.
He knew all too well what I meant.
Yes, sudden deafness when asked to switch off the iPod, or getting ready for bed at a reasonable time, and did I hear you say homework.
Yeah, herding sheep, I mused…
And too highlight just how hard herding sheep is I pulled out this great photograph of him doing just that a few years back!
It is a picture of Janet’s father, Archie, on one of the many motorcycles he owned and was taken in Calcutta, India, where he lived during his youthful years.
No leathers, goggles, or helmets as we know them today.
Back then it was your suit and tie and a pith helmet.
And crikey, what a dashing figure he cut on that fantastic motorcycle.
With a long weekend in the offering and great weather, Janet, TomO, and I jumped into “The Landy” and headed into country New South Wales, the Riverina Area…
And we came across a quaint little town called Ariah Park, with a motto of Wowser, Bowsers, and Peppercorn Trees.
The main street is lined with old petrol bowsers and peppercorn trees, but we can’t vouch for wowsers as we didn’t see another soul!
And strewth, what a great old pub!
Out and About in “The Landy” hey – crikey you wouldn’t be dead for quids…
Life is too short for bad ice-cream and bad hair-cuts
A few days back TomO came home sporting a new haircut even though it was only a couple of weeks ago that he had his last one…
Seemingly, becoming a teenager has heralded in a new found attention in his appearance, let’s call it grooming…
Mind you this new found focus on grooming, the one that takes at least fifteen minutes in front of the bathroom mirror each day, seems to be encouraged by the fact that he now catches a train full of girls from Cheltenham Girls High. But hey, we were all a teenager once…
Yes, okay, that was sometime ago for me, and nice of you to bring that up!
Anyway, I asked him “what do you talk about when you get a haircut?”
“What do you mean, Dad?” he asked…
I said, “you know, what do you talk about as the scissors are snipping away”
“Oh – Just Barber Talk”…he quipped!
“Crikey, yeah I get that” I thought.
As a kid I always looked forward to a haircut, still do mind you and to ensure I avoid that aging rock star look, you know, the long hair, bordering on a mullet, slightly greying, I go regularly…
I like my hair short and must say I’ve never really had long hair, despite being blessed with a full head of hair that costs me twenty bucks every month to trim and keep enhancing my already good looks.
Well, Janet often gets that cheeky little grin when she is checking me out, so I’m assuming it must be my good looks…
Okay, yes she’s biased I know, but don’t just take her word for it…
Someone commented on one of my posts just the other day that I looked quite handsome even with my legs bandaged up. And don’t go asking me who it was, that wouldn’t be fair, so mum’s the word on that score…
But fair dinkum, who said anything about being fair and especially when it comes to vanity, so if you would like to read Sherry’s blog, Fabulous 50’s you can find it here.
I might just put that photo in this blog as well, worked a treat for me last time!
Baz – looking handsome recuperating
Anyway, I’m starting to rabbit on a bit here, so let me get to the point of all this.
When it really boils down to it I think it is the “Barber Talk” that I enjoy the most about a visit to the snip shop. You know, usually you can’t remember what it was that you were talking about five minutes later, but you just know it was good, even if the barber was just nodding most of the time.
So tell me, is this just a blokey thing, or do women get the same experience?
I’m just curious…
And honestly it has nothing to do with the fact that Janet’s hairdo costs ten times as much as mine every month (um, yeah, that would be a couple of hundred). Hell no, don’t you go thinking anything of the sort, besides, I love that little cut she gets…even if it does cost a couple of hundred…
Janet – Cheeky as ever – Um, and nice hairdo!
I talk the leg off the barber’s chair for my fifteen minutes and twenty bucks…So crikey, I’m wondering what you get for a couple of hundred in the parlour, they must talk themselves hoarse…in between all those lattes!
Yep, barber talk, where would we be without it, hey?
After seven weeks of rest, recuperation, rehabilitation, and a bit of hibernation I found it very liberating to be back up in the shed this week doing what I love, something that is part of my everyday existence, my every day ritual – exercise.
A little over a week ago I gave the rehabilitation boot, the boot, literally, after getting the all okay from the doctor, and strewth, how good was that!
Geez, you never want to take mobility for granted, it’s a bugger when you lose it!
For those that are new, having a seniors moment, or maybe just missed it, I had an Achilles operation on my left foot, and a spur clearance on my right ankle about seven weeks ago…
Yes, to legs out of action at the same time, lucky for me though I had Janet and TomO taking good care of me!
After climbing in New Zealand during January it became very obvious to me that if I am to continue pursuing my dream of scaling some of the world’s highest mountains, heaven forbid, maybe even Mount Everest, than something had to be done to fix these problems that had been progressively getting worse.
Baz – Climbing in New Zealand
The rehabilitation phase is well under way I am being extremely well cared for by my wonderful physiotherapist, Paula, from the Joint Health Clinic in downtown Sydney.
And can I just say this, crikey, how good is it to be back up in the shed.
The Shed
A bit of The Angels, one of my favourite Aussie rock bands, belting out of those little Bose speakers to get me motivated, the sound of free weights moving and some time on my new spin bike.
Even the neighbours are happy to hear that music signifying that I am slowly, but surely, returning to normal. Yeah, okay, maybe they could do with a little less of The Angels.
And on climbing?
Well it is far too early to return to the mountains, in fact I wouldn’t be able to squeeze on my rock climbing shoes, that is a hard task even under normal circumstances, but the swelling would make it an impossible task presently.
Baz – just stretch yourself
And what about those big mountains?
Well, if I were to be brutally honest with myself, I would most likely come to the conclusion that my trip to Nepal this year is slowly slipping away from me. Whilst the recovery is right on track, it was always going to be a very marginal thing as to whether I recover in time or not.
But in the true style of an eternal and ever optimistic Sagittarian I’m not discounting it yet.
But here is the deal, climbing mountains isn’t a bucket list thing for me that I can just tick off, but something I want to live, enjoy, relish in, and return from. So being in peak condition is key to my safety and that of those around me.
The mountains will always be there.
But there is plenty of adventure in my sights regardless, including this year’s Hawkesbury Classic Kayak Race, 111-gruelling kilometres down the Hawkesbury River, and if I don’t get to Nepal, I’m confident of lining up in next year’s Coast-to-Coast Race, a cycle, run, and kayak race that takes you 243-kilometresacross New Zealand’s South Island…
Baz – Terrigal Beach, Australia
Strewth, far too much fun ahead, you just wouldn’t want to be dead for quid’s…
During these past few days following the passing of Janet’s father, I have been pondering on the cycle of life, death, and grief…
Surrounded by his loving family, Archie peacefully slipped away from us last week, while Clare, his partner of almost 60 years, held his hand, tenderly…
There was a feeling of deep sorrow and sadness as Arch let go of his final breath, tears were quietly shed as we sat silently in the dimmed light.
But there was also much to be thankful for.
Archie was in his 99th year and he never experienced any major health problems during his lifetime. His love of life alone would have been enough to see him through many more years, but his aging body had simply become too frail to stave off what would normally be a minor illness for most…
We were lucky to have been able share his charm, wit, wisdom…his warmth, for so long.
In the predawn darkness following his passing my thoughts drifted to memories of times I had shared with Arch.
The early childhood stories that Janet and her brothers and sisters have shared many times. Of the travel to wonderfully exotic places that Clare has spoke excitedly of at every opportunity, and with whom she had shared with the love of her life, Archie, Archie Fawthrop…
A smile eased the tension in my face.
I thought about Archie’s life that began with his birth in Burma, of growing up in India, and boarding school in England, of his time as a Captain in the British Army during the war years. Of a sea voyage he took with his young daughter, Mary, to the country that claimed him as one of its own, Australia, and of the family that Clare and Archie so beautifully raised at Garden Grove…
Archie welcomed me into his family with open arms and over the years I have valued his advice, his friendship, the stories he has told me…the laughs we have shared together.
The mere mention of his name will surely bring a grin to your face, and we’ve all got an Archie story, for there are many. And as the years pass they will be recounted like it was only yesterday that we were all together sharing the moment.
But on life, death, and grief…
Yes, we will all pass one day, but for me grief suggests I have lost something; that something has been taken away from me.
But quite to the contrary.
Archie has given me much to be thankful for, beautiful memories, his wonderful daughter, Janet, with whom I am lucky enough to share my life, and our son TomO, who has more than just a shade of Archie in him, an overabundance of that wonderful “boyish-Archie-cheekiness”.
And as first light was beginning to pierce the eastern horizon and the warmth from those first rays of light filled my body, I swear I heard him whisper his most famous line, the one that always brings an infectious smile to your face, the line that sums him up perfectly.
Ever had a next door neighbour that you wish would just go away? You’ll know the ones I’m talking about, loud, unruly, parties until all hours, beer bottles chiming to the sounds of cheers!
Mind you, it almost sounds fun when it put is that way, but it does wear thin after a while.
And then there are the silent ones, no noise, no parties, pretty much keep to themselves, but shikes, they sure can give you the creeps.
Strewth, we’ve had our fair share of them over the years, but we are lucky to have great neighbours all around us these days!
But I’ll share a yarn about one neighbour that we had a while back, in the outback.
We were out touring in Far North-Queensland, FNQ (pronounced ef-fen-Q), up in the Gulf Savannah Country where Janet has her roots. Mott’s are still grazing sheep and cattle in that region to this day, and for me this region was my backyard as I grew up in Townsville…
Over the past few years we have made the 7,000 kilometre round-trip to one of our most favourite spots in the Australian bush, Lawn Hill Gorge.
Now let me tell you, this is one heck of a beautiful spot that we first visited back in the 1990s. It was literally a flying visit in an aircraft we owned, a Piper Arrow, call sign Foxtrot-Tango-Hotel.
This was before the little tacka, TomO, came along, and we flew it extensively over the Australian outback before selling it some years back.
These days we enjoy the drive north through the outback in The Landyjust as much as we did flying over it.
The Aussie Outback, it’s a great place to just stand still and take it all in, a place where the barren land and ochre red soil meets the deep blue of the never-ending sky…
Anyway…
When we were last up there we had no problem securing a great spot beside the creek, which surprised us as there were a few others around at Adel’s Grove, a small tourist resort that caters for travellers just nearby to the main gorge.
It turns out our neighbour was a magnificent Olive Python measuring about 5 metres in length.
A beautiful specimen and apparently they are only known to eat small children…
Just kiddin’…
It had taken up residence just on the bank where we had set up camp. Despite their size they are not an aggressive snake and they are not venomous. And we have our fair share of those venomous ones.
Crikey, we’ve got a bagful of the world’s most deadly snakes, and none of those “rattling” things that they have elsewhere, just hard-core mean and downright dangerous ones!
Okay, fair’s fair, the North American rattle snake does make it into the top ten…
Most passing by our camp were totally oblivious to it being there, many who saw it thought they were about to be eaten alive, others were curious at a seemingly chance encounter with something so wonderful.
Late in the day, as the sun drifted low into the western horizon and shadows started to cast long, it would move on, returning first thing the next morning to take up its position once again.
Yep, neighbours, they come in all shapes and sizes, some you love to bits, others you’d be happy to see the back of, but for sure, we’d be happy to have this bloke as our neighbour anytime – best “guard dog” we’ve ever had…
Ps. For those who might be wondering, Janet was the photographer and loved it. Um, I must’ve been busy with something… 😉
Can you believe this our little fella, TomO, joins the ranks of the teenage brigade today. A very special baby so bursting with life that he couldn’t wait the usual 39-weeks and arrived on the scene almost 6-weeks prematurely…
TomO
We nicknamed him Smiley before he was born and he’s never stopped smiling…
Visit the Australian Outback in the warmer months, especially after rain and most likely a billion flies will join you.
And yes, I meant a couple of billion.
It is a funny occurrence, they turn up at the crack of dawn, literally, and as the sun shimmies below the western horizon in the late afternoon they disappear, seemingly from the face of the earth.
Mates hanging out in the outback – with fly nets (only girls wear veils!)
I’ve often pondered where do they go…
Personally, I try to ignore them, which is hard when they crawl all over your face, up your nostrils, and heaven forbid, don’t breathe through your mouth, lest you want some additional protein for breakfast.
TomO – Outback Australia
Strewth, I hope I haven’t painted a picture that turns you away from visiting, after all we do like to share the experience of the never ending outback!
A never ending sky kissing the parched red earth in the far off distance…
But don’t worry, we have a solution, a veil, a fly veil that you can put over your head, and bingo, they’re out of your face!
Crikey, speaking of veils and kissing, 29 years ago today Janet was wearing a beautiful veil and lovely dress as we walked down the aisle together. Talk about a radiant bride who has blossomed into the kindest and most beautiful person you could ever be lucky enough to meet… 😉
She was literally the girl next door, how’s that hey!
With my recovery coming along and after a fortnight off work I decided to return to the cut and thrust of foreign exchange dealing this week.
And don’t let on to my colleagues, but I’ve been missing them and the fun times we have, after all we’ve been doing it together for a long time!
I had a practice driving Janet’s car on the weekend, in preparation for the week ahead, as it is an automatic, enabling me to drive myself to work, and yes, I know, it isn’t quite Red Rover…
But it was Monday morning and I was pleased to be heading across the Harbour Bridgeand looking forward to the day ahead; after all doing nothing is hard work!
Crossing Sydney Harbour Bridge in Red Rover
Well, it was short-lived!
I began to notice some pain in my calf muscle around mid-morning and was thinking it was maybe just my sitting position. I was almost inclined to the old adage “suck it up princess” but after becoming more uncomfortable I thought it best to speak with my surgeon.
It had been impressed on me that after any surgery blood clotting in your veins is possible. Deep Vein Thrombosis or DVT is the technical term they use, and it presents just like an aching muscle in the initial stages.
Naturally, he sent me for an immediate ultra-sound test, and yes, there is clotting; DVT evident…
So I’m now on a heavy dose of blood thinner, something I’m not too enthusiastic about, and back on the couch for another day or two to give it a chance to settle down and the medication to do its work!
Oddly enough, I suspect that if everyone who had surgery was scanned for DVT there would be a far greater number of people detected, so clearly many instances perhaps just resolve themselves or go unchecked.
However, once identified and with the risk of it becoming a more serious condition like Pulmonary embolism, it needs to be treated appropriately!
My journey to the mountains is taking a path I didn’t foresee, but I guess it is all part of the journey!
When traversing the harsh and barren landscape of the Australian Outback, Australia’s indigenous aboriginals used mound springs for their water supply.
Sunrise – Ourimperee Water Hole – Outback Australia
Recently I had an exchange of thoughts around the notion that “we all die but how many of us truly live”.
But what does “truly live” really mean?
Does it mean we need to push beyond what others are doing, or scale the tallest mountain, travel the world endlessly, perhaps run the fastest marathon or lift the heaviest weight?
Maybe it could just mean sitting with a loved one and watching the sun pierce the eastern horizon as another day dawns…
And with plenty of time on my hands as I recover from recent surgery I pondered this question, in between snoozing on the day-bed, of course!
Baz and MilO
I am strongly of the view there are no ordinary moments; no ordinary people; no ordinary lives.
Crikey, therein lies the key, I thought!
There are no ordinary moments…
Whether you are travelling the world, caring for a loved one, climbing the tallest mountain, putting out the garbage, or even eating brussel sprouts.
Treat all the moments of your life, whatever you are doing, as something special and then you are truly living.
Baz – traversing Mt Aurora, New Zealand
Being a climber and mountaineer, of sorts, I am inspired by Sir Edmund Hillary, not just because he was the first person, along with Tenzing Norgay, to summit and descend Mt Everest, but because he was a very humble man, a man that always had his hand out to help others, a man who truly lived his life.
And Sir Edmund had this to say…
“I have had the world lie beneath my clumsy boots and saw the red sun slip over the horizon after the dark Antarctic winter. I have been given more than my share of excitement, beauty, laughter and friendship.
Each of us has to discover his own path – of that I am sure.
Some paths will be spectacular and others peaceful and quiet – who is to say which is the most important? For me, the most rewarding moments have not always been the great moments, for what can surpass a tear on your departure, joy on your return, and a trusting hand in yours?”– Sir Edmund Hilary…
The “Old Bus” was driven from the city into the Outback by two fencing contractors who used it for their accommodation on Trilby Station, an outback property in Western New South Wales, Australia.
And it came well ventilated; the roof was demolished when they misjudged the height of an overhead bridge on the trip to the Outback!
Baz and a Fuzzy Wuzzy Angel, Menari Village, Papua New Guinea
The 25th of April is a day that Australian’s reflect on the military service Australian men and women have given to our country.
To remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice; to remember the Australian men and women who are currently serving in theatres of war, and in peace keeping roles around the world.
To all I say, thank you.
Something close to me is the time I spent living in Papua New Guinea and the times that I have visited since leaving, more recently in 2006 when I walked the Kokoda Track with a good mate, Bob Todd.
The Kokoda Track saw some of most fierce fighting that Australian troops have ever faced.
Courage, Endurance, Mateship, Sacrifice – Kokoda Track, Papua New Guinea
And we should never forget the sacrifices that were made by our good friends, legends of the Kokoda Track, the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels; the Papuan New Guineans who carried supplies and our wounded, often making the ultimate sacrifice at the hands of an unyielding foe.
Standing at the top of the final hill after six days along The Track, Bob and I looked back over the ranges and I swear we could hear that distinctive Aussie drawl…
The sounds of mates helping their mates.
An enduring Australian quality – Mateship
And I’m sure that on this day if you were to stand on the battlefields of the Sommeor the beaches of Gallipoli, if you listen carefully, you too will hear our boys and girls; the men and women who never returned home to loved ones!
Our memory of them will live on forever…
Lest We Forget…
Our memory of them will live on forever – Lest We Forget (photo credit: Australian War Museum)
Almost two weeks have passed since I had surgery on both ankles and recovery seems to be going well. I’ve been getting plenty of rest on the couch, a few books, some movies, and lots of sleep.
I’ll be seeing the Doctor tomorrow and will have the stitches out and my first physiotherapy session.
But I can’t wait to get back into training for the climb in Nepal this coming November, but slowly does it…
Janet and TomO
And Janet & TomO have been fantastic, as usual, although Janet was heard to quip to a friend the other day, that keeping me resting is like telling our beautiful Border Collie, MilO, to sit still.
A bit like herding cats, she laughed…
MilO – The Wonder Dog
Thanks to all for your wonderful messages of support, the best way I can repay your kind thoughts is to stand tall on those big mountains I want to climb, and give you a window into the beautiful Australian Outback at other times…
I have always had a view that age is merely a statistic that, seemingly, we all need to have, but only really need if we intend to collect social security.
The question I like to ask is “How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you were?”
I posed this question recently to, Tony, who has a blog titled “10,000 Miles of Experiences, Adventures and Thoughts” and he wrote the following on the topic.
My view is live life how you see fit at any time, pursue your dreams without the fear of age or what someone else thinks, holding you back.
We’ll all die one day, but how many of us will truly live?
In my post about crevasses (I Have to Cross What?) I mentioned that I am pushing 50 and getting too old for mountaineering stuff anymore.
Well I have a new follower, Baz the Landy, who asked me “How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you were???”
That stopped me dead in my tracks. I’ve heard “You are only as old as you feel.” “Act your age!” “I’m a kid at heart” etc, but this question got me to do some serious thinking.
What if I woke up without a memory of my date of birth AND no access to mirrors (cuz I look older than dirt in my opinion (sorry babe, my wife HATES when I say that, but I digress…)) How old would I think I am??
On any given day, I still feel like a college kid. Somewhere in my early 20s. I…
The Waddi Tree (Acacia Peuce) is a rare and ancient species and is only found in small pockets in Australia near Alice Springs, Central Australia, and in far Western Queensland on the fringes of the Simpson Desert.
It can also be found in limited numbers in South Africa…
The tree is very slow growing, is extremely hard timber and will live to an age in excess of 1,000 years.
One can only imagine how old this one is…
The Australian Outback, full of interesting surprises, hey!
I’m sure we’ve all had one of those nights where you toss and turn, unable to sleep, your mind solving the problems of the world.
And with plenty of time to spare reviewing that bucket list that has been gathering dust…
I had one last night…
I tossed and turned in the early hours this morning, hindered by a plaster cast on my left leg, some minor discomfort in my right foot, and an aching neck, possibly brought about by not sleeping in the usual position I might normally.
I’m not one to create bucket lists to be honest, but my mind’s eye did turn to the climbing I have planned over the next few years, I could see those tall peaks in Nepal and Tibet with me making my way to the summits.
A boy who dreamed of big mountains
I think it even brought a smile to my face…
And of course my attention focused back to the here and now, the recovery I need to make from the recent surgery, the exercise program I need to undertake, which will include trail running and hill running; high intensity training on the rowing machine and out on the water on one of my racing kayaks, and I’m even contemplating Muay Thai boxing for specific conditioning.
Baz – Terrigal Beach, Australia
Not to forget the technical mountaineering skills, getting back out into the Blue Mountains to hone those skills with the team from the Australian School of Mountaineering, especially self-rescue skills.
Baz – Climbing “Sweet Dream” Blue Mountains, Australia
After all it is great until it goes all wrong, so best I have the skills to deal with that!
Even practicing something seemingly easy, but in reality is quite difficult, handling ropes and tying knots with large snow gloves on.
And for someone with a handful of thumbs, and even has trouble tying shoe-laces this is something I need to work on…
Baz – Boar’s Head, Blue Mountains, Australia (Um,not the time for too many thumbs?)
I’m sure I must have breezed in and of sleep, but as the first rays of light were piercing the eastern skyline that “crink” in my neck ruled out any more sleep for me. Mind you, normally I would be heading for The Shed at this time of the day to exercise…
The Shed (The Font of all knowledge)
I lay there, this time no thought of a bucket list, or climbing, or exercising, just my mind’s eye counting down the minutes to my chiropractic appointment with Greg, the owner of Sydney Spine and Sports Clinic in downtown Sydney.
I have had my body adjusted by the team at the clinic at least once every fortnight for years, and needless to say I am a great fan of this centuries old treatment…
And we usually get a couple of laughs in between the contorted positions I’m placed in.
The miracle of modern medicine and surgery has me at home already, recovering from the surgery I had on both of my ankles late last week…
My doctor is very happy with the procedures and results.
I had an endoscopy on my right ankle to clear some bone debris from a skydiving accident in 2008, and a couple of spurs that had formed.
The left heel was opened completely and the Achilles tendon detached to repair a split which apparently was mostly due to degeneration and to clean the heel of a couple of spurs and a boney protrusion, commonly known as a Haglund’s Bump. Because it was detached I have had to have two anchor screws placed to enable the Achilles to be sewn back on.
My sport’s doctor had tried some conventional and non-conventional non-surgical therapy on my left foot, including Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injections that provided only moderate results.
I’m now recuperating at home and the doctor has suggested two to three weeks of complete rest to hopefully assist in a quicker recovery. Mobility is a problem as my left foot cannot take any weight at all, although my right foot can take weight, which is useful for getting around.
The plan is to progressively introduce some weight and physiotherapy to both feet over the coming month and we are hoping for a full recovery within three months.
Of course, that is the plan, and whilst it is unlikely to be earlier, it may take longer.
Baz – New Zealand
I have until mid-August to confirm my place on the expedition to Nepal in November, so plenty of time to recover and train, hopefully.
And to all, thanks very much for your kind words of support and I’m confident I’ll be back to doing what I love very soon…just being Out and About having fun!
Now I know some of you might just be wondering when is Baz going to get Out and About in those mountains again and take us on that journey to the really big mountains.
Don’t worry, I’m with you on this one, I’ve been wondering the same thing!
I am missing the mountains.
Anyway, as I was telling you recently, I have had an Achilles Tendon problem that has not responded to conventional treatment, so tomorrow, Thursday, I will be going “under the knife” so to speak to have the problem surgically corrected!
Baz – Southern Alps, New Zealand
I’m quite positive about the outcome and can’t wait, in fact, I’m quite looking forward to it as it signals the road to recovery, another step forward on the journey to the top of the world’s highest mountains, heaven forbid, the aspiration I have to climb Mt Everest…
There is so much to learn, to absorb, and I guess I’ll have plenty of “free reading time” over the next couple of weeks while I rehabilitate from the initial surgery, which by the way is on both ankles!
Two for the price of one (Yeah, okay Doc, I know you never said that).
Baz – Climbing in the Blue Mountains
But crikey, bring it on I say
My lovely sister-in-law, that would be Janet’s sister, Leah, has suggested it is best I take a rest from my blog, Baz – The Landy (Out and About having fun) for a day or two. She reckons all you’ll be getting is a morphine induced rambling of strewth’s and crikey’s from the hospital bed. 😉
Good advice, perhaps!
Double Trouble – The Fawthrop Girls…Janet and Leah
Fair dinkum, she can read me like a book…
So see you mob in a few days, hey!
And hey, I’ll accept all “likes” as a hang in there and get better quickly, Baz!
Knife or Scalpel, the choice is yours, but the mere utterance of the word scalpel has me reaching for my head, the thought of being scalped sends a shiver up my spine!
A little while back I wrote about an Achilles tendon issue I was having in my left foot.
This has been a longer term problem, my Achilles Heel literally, that has plagued my training, at times, and climbing on other occasions. It has certainly become worse recently.
A course of treatment using PRP injections has been moderately successful, but not fixed the problem.
As it stands presently it needs to be resolved ahead of my climbing expedition to Nepal in November for two reasons, firstly I cannot achieve the level of training I need to undertake, and secondly, and most importantly, it will compromise my climbing ability, with a potential flow on effect to others.
Climb on
So the surgeon has booked me in for next Thursday to treat the affected area, by scrapping the bone, and “cleaning up” the tendon area. This involves a partial detachment of the Achilles tendon. The procedure on the right ankle is very straight forward; they simply chisel off the spurs which may have been caused by a sky diving mishap from a few years back!
And you can see from my clinical description of the problem that I’m no medico, but I’m working on the principle that the bigger the medical words, the bigger the doctor’s bill.
In all fairness though, he could have at least waited until I had left the clinic before upgrading his vacation flight to the South of France from cattle class to first class…
But I’m digressing!
Having two legs out of action at the same time will literally see me flat out on my back for at least for a couple of weeks, before I become more mobile once again.
Whilst not ideal to have both done at the same time from a recovery perspective, it will at least give me the best chance of making the expedition to Nepal in November.
At this time I have put the expedition to the back of my mind as I need to have this resolved before giving it any more thought. Although my surgeon is confident I can recover quickly and get back to training. We are hoping for a full 4 months of intense training.
Baz – heading up “The Hill” on a training run
Now I know that sounds disappointing and it may not come to pass, but if it does I am simply viewing it as another step in the climb towards the world’s highest peaks. So rest assured I won’t be beating myself up about it…that would just be a waste of time and energy!
There is only one way – forward; and only one speed setting – go!
Baz – Climbing Sweet Dreams
I told TomO I am buying one of those little bells you see in the Manor Houses, so I can give it a ring when I need something!
Like on Downton Abbey.
Crikey, not that I watch Downton Abbey (fair dinkum, I’ve opened a can of worms for myself, haven’t I)
I think I read about it on the back of a cereal box…(you do believe me, don’t you – no?)
Okay I watch Downton Abbey, but only every episode!
But back to TomO, his eyes rolled, and Janet chirped in with “in your dreams Baz, in your dreams”…
Janet and TomO on Fox Glacier, New Zealand
I’m sure they’ll take good care of me though and I’ll keep you all posted!
In the meantime, if all else fails, just remain out of control and see what develops!
This approach seems to work well for us, well mostly, broken butt’s aside!
It is always with great anticipation heading down the driveway, waving good-bye to the urban surrounds we are so familiar with, but long to escape, steering “The Landy” towards the bush, the outback and today was no exception.
Janet had finished packing the food into “The Landy” the previous night and now there was nothing left to do but jump in and head-off.
Taking advantage of some additional time off over the easter break we decided to make a quick dash to the outback and a cattle station in western New South Wales, Trilby Station.
Joining us are our good friends Bob and Annette and “the boys”, David and Stephen.
We travel together often and as it would be a long drive ahead, 860 kilometres to be precise, we headed off in the pre-dawn hours, 2:30am on the dot, which is early even by my standards.
The drudgery of the freeway to the north-west, the escape route from suburbia, soon gave way to the foothills of the Blue Mountains and as we settled into the dawning moments of our sojourn we began to reflect on what it must have been like for the early explorers as they made their way westward, journeying on foot, horseback, and bullock dray.
These days the trek over the mountains is done mostly in the relative comfort of a modern vehicle, although Janet was heard to whisper, under hushed breathe, something about there being little difference between a bullock dray, and “The Landy”.
“The Landy” crossing the Darling River into the Australian Outback
They say the journey is just as important as the destination, and we enjoyed the drive, passing many small communities we hadn’t seen for some time, arriving at Trilby Station, which is situated on one of Australia’s important river systems, the Darling River, in the early afternoon.
It didn’t take long to set up camp and the boys had the boat into the billabong and were off to explore.
The Boys out on the Billabong
Explore, isn’t that what life is all about, and fair dinkum, how good is the Australian Outback.
Touring the harsh environment of the Australian Outback is best done in a robust vehicle designed for the job.
Mind you, in days long gone people travelled the Australian Outback in old Model T Fords…
The Landy – Straight from the farmThe Landy – Straight out of the workshop
Our vehicle is a LandroverDefender 130 Twin Cab manufactured in 1995, and completely rebuilt from scratch in 2006. Up until the time we purchased the vehicle it had been used as a farm vehicle in the wine growing region of the Hunter Valley just to the north of Sydney. We reconfigured it for long-range travel and it can cover a distance of around 1,800 kilometres without the need to refuel.
Strewth, that would be 1,100 miles…
We intentionally chose an older vehicle so we didn’t have to deal with a “computer failure” disabling the vehicle in the middle of no-where. A rare occurrence mind you, but it is a long walk from the middle of no-where in the Australian Outback!
The Landy + T-Van
It uses solar panels for power management and has a High-Frequency Radio for long-range communication that enables us to stay in contact even in the most remote parts of Australia.
And it can carry 100 litres of water in a specially designed stainless steel water tank.
Inside the canopy we carry an inflatable boat and outboard motor for touring the creeks and billabongs we come across in our travels, has a 60 litre fridge, and we carry a comprehensive range of spare parts, tools and tyre repair equipment.
The Landy – packed ready for adventureThe Landy – packed ready for adventure
After all, in the event of a break-down help can be hundred’s of kilometres away. We also carry a substantial medical kit.
And to enable it to cope with the harsh environment we travel in, it has specialist suspension.
The Landy and T-Van, no show ponies here!
The camper-trailer, a Track T-Van, is every bit as tough as the vehicle and was designed by a company that makes trailer equipment for the Australian army. It doesn’t come on all our trips, but crikey, we need to find a good reason not to take it, as it makes for a very comfortable night’s sleep.
Our go anywhere T-Van camper trailer
Quite a change to a bivvy bag and sleeping bag on the side of an alpine mountain in the freezing cold!
Anyway, make sure you give us a wave if you see “The Landy” Out and About.
Landrovers, I love ‘em so much that I’ve got two (Janet rolls eyes 😉 )
Recently I was nominated for an Inspiring Blogger Award, for which I am truly humbled.
I understand there is a protocol for responding to these nominations, kindly made by Christina Waschko, author and owner of the “Strawberry Lounge” in the Netherlands, and by Kevan, a Canadian Expat living in the Czech Republic.
First and foremost I would like to say to both Christina and Kevan, thankyou!
I am overwhelmed by the many comments I receive on a daily basis in support of my journey and in response to what I have written, my rantings.
Baz – The Landy
I’m just an ordinary Aussie bloke who tries not to take life too seriously, but to simply enjoy life for what it is, to take it on the chin when I need to, have a good laugh at myself at other times, and to take the mickey out of anyone that is fair game!
Strewth, who would ever have thought you lot would be interested in the ramblings of someone with a few ‘roos loose in the top paddock, and who wants to climb the world’s tallest mountains.
But crikey, I do love talking about the sun-drenched country I live in with my wonderful family…
In fact, given half a chance, I’d talk the leg off a kitchen table telling you about it…
Oh, for crying out loud Baz, just say it, you’re amongst friends here, Australia’s the best flamin’ country in the world, mate…
And I can’t help but write about my very supportive family, the beautiful people in my life, Janet and TomO, and of the love they give me, unconditionally…
Janet and TomO
Writing of lazy afternoons down by the lake with friends, of rock-faces in the Blue Mountains, and of course, my rather audacious plan to climb high mountains, of the dream I have to go to the top of the world, to climb Mt Everest…
Every day on Wordspress, millions of words are written by ordinary people, stories about the challenges life has thrown at them, what they have done, and continue to do to overcome them.
About their dreams and aspirations, their highs and lows…
About their very own Mt Everest…
People who want to improve their fitness, to lose weight, to cycle across a city, or across the world.
Baz – Climb on
Many have their sights set on a fun run, and others having completed one, setting their sights towards running a marathon.
For others, it is their challenge to become stronger, to be able to lift more, or about capturing that once in a life-time photograph, perhaps testing a new recipe to share with friends, or with people they have never met.
The Shed
Others talk about health and lifestyle challenges they struggle with, that they have overcome.
I read as many of them as I can, for they motivate me and provide me with much needed inspiration…
Seemingly, there is always someone in this cyberspace community ready to reach out, to congratulate, to console…
These people aren’t super-elite athletes, or neither five-star chefs, nor are they fitness gurus.
They have a much greater status than that, for they are simply ordinary people – they are you!
Each and every one of you is helping me to find the courage to overcome the challenges and barriers that sometimes stand in the way of my own dreams…
I take great inspiration from you all and I won’t single any one person out, for you are all very special to me – and from the bottom of my heart thank you for enriching my life by rewarding me with a window into yours!
There are no ordinary moments, no ordinary people, no ordinary lives…
And remember, if all else fails, just remain out of control and see what develops!
This week marked the passing of another year in the history of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, it turned 81 years old.
It was officially opened on 19 March, 1932.
Southern Approach – Sydney Harbour Bridge
An icon around the world, in more recent times it has become a focal point for New Year celebrations as Sydney-siders herald in another year with the bridge festooned in colourful fireworks.
Of course it is more than that, it is a life-line to those travelling from the north of Sydney to the south and whilst many years ago the Sydney Harbour tunnel was built, taking vehicular traffic under the harbour, it still doesn’t match a trip over the Coat-Hangar.
Sydney Harbour and the Sydney Opera House
And New Yorkers’ might be just left wondering where you had seen our bridge before. The design of the bridge was heavily influenced by the Hell Gate Bridge in New York.
I drive over the bridge each day on my way to work in Sydney’s central business district and I always take in the view it gives of the harbour and marvel at the engineering feat.
Northern Approach, Sydney Harbour Bridge
Of course, for those who are inclined, make sure you take the bridge climb if you ever visit Sydney – the views of Sydney Harbour are spectacular…
Blue Winged Kookaburra, Bowthorne Station, Gulf Savannah Land
There is a lot to like about our island continent, Australia.
Our unique wildlife, kangaroos bounding across wide open plains, koalas sleeping in a lonely gum tree, and even a crocodile here and there…
Beaches that are counted among the best in the world, the brilliant red colour of the Outback set against a rich blue sky.
Mayne Ranges – North of Diamantina NP
But don’t worry, I’m not writing an advertorial for our local tourism authority, besides, I think Australia does a good job of selling itself…
No, what I am writing about is the world’s best alarm clock.
There is no need to set it, it comes in a range of colours and is mostly uniform in shape and size…
No snooze button on this model though…
It doesn’t make the usual mind-numbing BEEP…BEEP…BEEP, or gently awaken you to the sound of your favourite music.
But it will awaken you to the sounds of jovial laughter, perhaps leaving you to wonder whether you are still in that bar you were going to leave before the stroke of midnight…
The Shed
As the first sign of light began to show in the eastern sky, I wiped the sleep from my eyes and headed for the shed, my predawn exercise workout beckoning.
And that alarm was still laughing, mocking me, seemingly taking pleasure that it had dislodged another from the dreamworld that we all try to hold onto for those extra few minutes.
Yep, natures alarm clock, Australia’s own Kookaburra – you’ve gotta love ‘em…
(The one pictured is a Blue-Winged Kookaburra photographed by Janet, my partner, on Bowthorne Station in the Gulf Savannah of Northern Australia.)
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