Belair to Brownhill

The hiking boots were dragged on yesterday for yet another walk along the Yurrebilla trail, this time to find the connecting path between Belair and Brownhill Creek.

Got up to Belair train station at about 7:45am and entered Belair National Park through a gateway that looked like a relic from the past. Some creatures (human variety) had pulled off all the Yurrebilla arrows off the posts so every time I came to a post (every 500m) I had to guess (from memory, as I'd forgotten a map) which way to head next. It was like an easter egg hunt, or orienteering for the terminal weekender. A few wrong turns, including walking all the way to the end of the National Park and then heading back, I found the trail again and make the connection.

Some highlights were:

Echo Tunnel - pitch black in the middle, was like something from a novel

Lower Waterfall - would have been awesome if there was some water in it, good view

Winding path into Brownhill - it was like walking down those platforms from Donkey Kong

All up I walked (inc. wrong direction) about 24kms, on par for what I'll need to do for the Camino de Santiago in Spain. Ate 2 metwurst/tomato sandwiches, 4 apples, 2 muesli bars and 2.2lt of water. It started to rain too so I was able to sample a bit of the spirit soaring nature connection there.

Will look at other bits of the Yurrebilla Trail bit by bit before planning to do it all in 2 days. Go those sore legs and butt cheeks!

Oh, and my car got broken into while it was sitting there at the Belair Railway Station. The Red Slut violated again! Little thieving bastards. I had to laugh though... only got my street directoy, a little torch and heaps of coins covered in sticky Coke. Haha. Suffer you little street urchins!

Australia Day

Happy Australia Day.

I'm breaking out the chops and sausages today for a nice traditional feast. It's tempting to be a cynic on a day like this, make jokes of stereotypes and make fun of how fundamentally Australian it is to cling to the bygone eras of yesteryear. To poke a stick at the Great Australian Sport Machine, or petrol head f-wits. But it's really not all like that when you get past what the media are drumming into us what we should be. In the age of dying nation states, it's kinda nice to still have something in common with people.

Although not to this degree: race riots. Damn idiots, on both sides. New immigrants or first generation Australians going nuts and burning flags, proclaiming national pride from somewhere else yet reaping the benefits of being an (passport) Aussie. Then the equally as dim-witted white Australians (including those who are only 3rd gen) who are forcing people to have the same views as them. And this is why we've had our flag banned at some events, including the Big Day Out in Sydney.

Must say though, great day to see us whoop some arse in sport, eat meat and have a bit of pride.

Adelaide hiking begins

Well I've been on 2 successful trips up to the hills now, both shared with Kath as we explore the tracks trying to work out what's what. Last weekend was threatening rain so that was an experience. Any second we were expecting (and hoping - as practice!) to be totally rained down on. The week before that was above 30deg so we were glad we had an early start.

We've been going from Brownhill Caravan Park up Brown Hill, across to the direction of Waite Campus and then along NE following the Yurrebilla Trail. The first bit is a killer, as only 2 mins from the car we're instantly on the steepest gradient of the whole trail. Last week was a bit slippery as you may be able to see from this photo of Kath. There was a lot of stop-start uphill work but you're rewarded instantly with an early morning view of Adelaide city and surrounds. Makes it worthwhile getting started at 7am. I would suggest getting up early anyway. It's cooler, you're body isn't awake enough to resist and once you're done by about lunch you have the whole day ahead of you.

Brown Hill is old grazing land, as you can tell by the sparse hill top. It is an area of quarries too, and some land is now fenced off as private land "no trespassers" etc. Trails lead through to Mt Lofty, Waite Conservation Park and the Yurrebilla Trail. Other than the steep incline near the caravan park the rest is quite mild. We made good time cruising along the trail, especially the second time around when we knew where we were going.

Even in the short amount of time we were gone (4hrs) we managed to down almost 2 litres of water each plus sandwiches and apples. We covered about 14km of up and down terrain with some breaks for the view. One morning there were even some fitness psychos in lycra running up to the top - incredible.

Hopefully each trip will get longer and it's a great way to build up endurance. It's a far cry from my panting up Mount Parker. Hehe.

Women wee standing up

Is there nothing the modern woman cannot do?

Cool. Can have a 'sword fight' with your girlfriend... haha. Check out this from Whizbiz.

'March of the Penguins'

Review

March of the Penguins
DVD (2005)

This documentary was so well done. I couldn't believe it wasn't CGI is so many bits, and the patience and endurance of even the cameramen should be applauded!

Nature is so harsh and the more it is the more strikingly beautiful it becomes also. It reminded me that the planet is still a place where we don't always dictate the terms, and I'm really very thankful that we don't need anything in those remote parts of Antarctica (not yet anyway) so we just let it be. Watching this reminded me that nature has no welfare system, the rules are dealt with uncompromising force, yet the rewards are monumental.

I was yelling at the screen telling the father penguin to keep their egg on his feet and under his belly fur while the mother was off getting fish. I laughed when I saw the new families playing after the ravages of yet another winter storm. I was relieved to see that us human Borgs hadn't yet overtaken the planet.

It reminded me to that we should weather the storm, rejoice in our triumphs and enjoy life while we have it. An excellent watch.

Focus

I don't think I've ever had this much focus. Maybe not since I was a kid. I'm so happy that when I was feeling so depressed and unmotivated at work that mum suggested to me that I go and visit some places in the world. The subconscious thought has always been there, it's just a matter of shaking off fear and comfort.

So these last 2 months I have been planning, reading through guide books, making notes, wishlists and trying to map out my adventure. Planning a trip has helped me in other areas too. I'm doing the dishes every day now (sometimes morning ones too after breakfast) whereas I used to leave them all til I was making coffees with forks and drinking them out of tupperware lids. I'm eating right, chopping out lollies, fizzy drink, juice and biscuits. Most of all McDonalds. Man, that sly company had me in with their new look meals and before I knew it I had justified it as being normal to roll into a drive-thru.

Eating right is almost asking yourself "what can't I do without?" and then getting rid of it. For me it was Coke and chips.

The exercise regime has been fantastic. The regular walks I go on each week with my friend Kath have recommenced and I'm going solo if times aren't suitable. It's a nice 4.8km walk we take an hour to do, through the suburbs and then a small reserve with some nice scrub. Together with the weekend hikes (see reviews when I get the photos!) it keeps me remembering what all of this is for.

The focus goes through other areas of my life, even finances. Major saving mode has kicked in and everything is under the microscope. So no wasted $$ on fast food, more meals at home, making lunch each day. Some of this may sound like commonsense, and it is! I'm still getting over poor man syndrome, having been studying and unemployed for chunks of my life after school so having money is still a buzz.

And it's overcoming fears. I have been facing anxiety problems for a few years now since my body/mind freaked out when I wasn't treating my body/self so well. So to get out there and do all this it's swallowing that massive lump in my throat (and any upchuck), ignoring my swollen hands and sensations, harnessing the hyper-reality of panic and trying to maintain an even focus throughout the day.

I would encourage everyone to get out their and take something up, get rid of a bad habit or give yourself some goals. It's a fantastic experience so far.

Spanish, here we come..

Name that dish

During winter the price of bananas skyrocketed. From about 3.99kg they scaled the sheer cliffs of inflation to an exorbitant 18.99kg. My favourite fruit. I was a sucker for the Chiquita banana ads, and Make Those Bodies Sing. This self-enclosed delight was teasing me til finally I gave in and bought them anyway.

One night I was feeling very sorry for myself. I wanted to have a treat and thought of cooking up a steak. I prepared the grill and was pretty much ready to go and there in the corner of my eye, winking at me, a ripe yellow banana. It seemed extravagant at the time, a stroke of genius somewhat similar to the moment a guy decided to pop a few chunks of pineapple on a pizza and call it Hawaiian.

Grilled banana atop steak - magnifique!

Serve up a steak and grill some sliced banana on it for a few mins before serving. Otherwise, if you have no idea how to cook a steak, this is how I make them:

What you need
Beef steak with fat cut off (or leave it on and live life on the edge!)
Ripe banana
Steak seasoning
Garlic granules/ground
Mixed herbs
Oil
Tobasco sauce

Method

1. Make a little aluminium foil boat for your steak (unless you enjoy cleaning the grill drip)
2. Rub in garlic (or sprinkle if you've gone the slack way)
3. Shake on steak seasoning and mixed herbs
4. A dash of oil and then put under the grill on low
5. Watch some TV or cut up salad or boil vegies
6. Flip the steak when it's nice and brown
7. Shake on some steak seasoning for the underside and put under grill again
8. When that side is ready flip it over one more time and put on slices of banana
9. Banana will be melty like butter in about 2-3 minutes
10. Lashings of tobasco sauce and EAT

And on this one the ol' "only flip a steak once" rule doesn't apply. It's a half-flip, shielded by the narnies, luxuriating in its own juices.

Name this dish! (winner is: The Blonde Cow)

You know, like Havana Banana, Carnie Bananie, Blonde Cow...

Earth TV

This is a great website. I first saw this in Hong Kong as a segment they show with each news broadcast just before the weather. Nice little snapshot of each city. Gives you the feeling of being all part of the same planet.

Earth TV is a must for international enthusiasts.

'Napoleon'

Review

Napoleon
DVD TV mini-series (2002)

"Charles Talleyrand, you're shit. You're shit in a silk stocking."

Napoleon is an epic tragedy, like Macbeth or The Untouchables. It's the downfall of a lovable tyrant, the little general who wanted to spread freedom and liberty to Europe.

The dramatic moments in the film are as deliberate and passionate as the orchestral score, swelling at precisely the right time, lending a humanity to the self-crowned emperor.

Christian Clavier plays a fantastic Napoleon, a surprise for me as I'd only even seen him in comic roles (Les Visiteurs and Asterix and Obelix). He captured the eccentricity and uncompromising attitude that comes with being a world leader, and his slightly crazed crooked smile gives him an endearing quality, in that Clavier way.

It doesn't dwell on the battle scenes yet isn't all court room/banquet scenes either. Portrayed in a favoured light, Napoleon is a great watch. I would highly recommend it. I just love some of the quotes and things he tells people. Nice to watch Malkovich as yet another conniving bastard too. Hehe.

L & P

If I had to drink just one soft drink it would be L & P. On my travels to New Zealand last year I fell in love with this soft drink, for me, a rival to Coke and ginger beer. I also had a bit of a chuckle with their advertising campaign, and I'm sure the ads will bring back a few childhood memories.

Check them out here.

World famous in New Zealand since ages ago.

Off milk doesn't stink?

What is with off milk? "Full cream" I'm talking about, or whatever concoction it is. I'd accidentally leave them in the fridge for a few days longer and then opening up the lid.. "phoar!" But nothing now. No offensive smell. The 2lt plastic containers are still expanding when they're overdue/off, like when they expand so much there's no space in the handle bit, it just sort of melds together. Yet still, no smell.

And even scarier.. no chunks. I'd pour out half a litre of rotten milk now and it'd be like regular milk. Used to be that only a few days off and there'd be yogurt chunks.

What the hell is in, or out, of milk these days? If anyone has any ideas, please comment so I can put my mind to rest. I will continue to look at milk suspiciously til then. :)

WalkSA

Went in to the Map Shop today and bought myself a copy of WalkSA, a booklet produced by the Advertiser/Sunday Mail which has walks/hikes all around South Australia.

I'll try and work my way through them and post reviews on each one. Looks like fantastic little resource guide. Includes time estimates, what to take, history of area and any other useful facts like where to park, what time of the year to go, Conservation Park entry fees etc. Nice work Kym Tilbrook.

Back to work

Really must keep an optimistic attitude and an open mind. Work is ultimately time away from my life and plans but doesn't mean to say I can't enjoy myself.

Used to have fun at work. I will work hard on getting that back.

A guide to better bushwalking

Don't worry. I haven't become an expert overnight. Just found a great PDF brochure which outlines some basics for bushwalking/hiking in Australia. It'd be useful anywhere I'm sure, just lose the contact info and details about 50 kinds of deadly snakes.

2lts of water per day sounded like a good rule of thumb.

Check out this bushwalking page and click on the 'A Guide to Better Bushwalking' link down the bottom.

'Hood'

Review

Hood
by Stephen R. Lawhead

2006

Robin Hood is no longer wearing tights. Set in Wales as opposed to the familiar Sherwood and Nottingham, Lawhead's approach to this re-working is as much a challenge to folklore tradition as it is a fresh, new take on this classic.

If you've never read any of Lawhead's work, think of Tolkien for this generation. As Tolkien did, so too does Lawhead base his works on pieces of oral tradition and early Western culture. In Lawhead's case this happens to Celtic history/myth. So here we see Robin Hood, known as Bran ap Brychan, a Welsh prince who finds himself in a position to lead the remains of his tattered kingdom from the oppression of the new Ffreinc (Norman) conquerors.

This part I find really exciting, the transition of conquest as the new rulers try to establish their authority and the locals try to work out how best to survive in their new circumstances. We see the language barriers, strange customs and ways of thinking, and the eternal spiritual question of each side thinking God is on their side during a struggle.

I thought it was like the historical rise of a superhero, and in this Bran ap Brychan rises from the ashes of his former life, complete with costume, darkness and an old world teacher who directs him to his path of destiny. I can't describe how excited I was to read him first rejecting the bow and then being forced to use it seeing as it was the last weapon remaining. And then finding the wood for each arrow, collecting feathers for the flights...

Check out the prologue and part of chapter 1 on Stephen R. Lawhead's official website.

If this is your first Lawhead experience, don't start with Hood. I only say this because it's the first in a series and the others haven't been published yet! Have a look at the Pendragon Cycle (Arthurian legend) and the Song of Albion trilogy.

The call of Warcraft

I had to laugh when I got an email from Blizzard to let me know about the Burning Crusade expansion, and that it would be advantageous for Azeroth if I renewed my membership. Nice. Just when I'd kicked the habit the dealer has rocked up on my doorstep. hehe

What a whirlwind experience though. World of Warcraft. Hours upon hours exploring an online world, combining all the addictive elements of a computer game: connectivity, marked progression and an online community. And as I do with some (others would argue most) things, I went in boots and all.

What I loved about it was the fact you could basically do whatever you wanted. I could quest on, take down NPC enemies, earn gold, upgrade my character and the level he was at. I could play alone, I could join up with friends (online or irl) or I could immerse myself in the guild a few of us set up. It was the perfect game, nothing short of brilliance, and for that I hate it. I wanted nothing else but to be in the game, living out the life of my character, taking on the challenges and playing my best. I enjoyed its maps and explorable world, the tradeable items and the fact that travel took time.

I didn't enjoy the long-term effects: loneliness, getting overweight from scoffing too much Maccas, squashing my dreams, dictating my free-time. The game definitely requires a lukewarm touch and that was something I couldn't muster.

However, the game did remind me of how big a world there is to explore, and that I can't do everything alone. Plans for a world trip have been taking shape and it is through some real exploration that I wish to open up flight nodes, go on personal quests and gain experience, the kind that I keep after I've turned off my PC. A big thankyou to WoW for that.

Otherwise, if you're someone of a temperate nature, someone who can get into something without getting addicted and then have to stop completely (my biggest failing, I'm sure) then World of Warcraft might be your thing. It's going to be a mind-blowing expansion pack and I'm sure I'll be living vicariously through the online lives of those who I know who still play.

Linguist

From the April dictionary:

ter v to pour

munkle adj 1. any protrusion from the top of an item or object, esp. that which bobbles with movement. 2. a splayed part of hair

scooms v a request for another to make way, esp. in a confined place

Thanks to my sister April for being so creative and adding such versatile words to the English language.

New Year 07

What a way to start a new year. Hiking.

It's a far cry from the old days when I would have woken up on someone's porch, or risen to see the aftermath of a backyard in the daylight. Ushering in a new year with a physical challenge is what this year will be all about for me. I'm setting a personal training regime for myself (as so many other NYE pledges are made!) and hopefully it will be what helps me power through.

My sister, April, and I went up Mount Parker on Hong Kong Island, approx. 500m above sea level. It was a great day, a winters' 23deg C, and there were plenty of people out on the public holiday. After only 10 mins of the initial climb (a country park track with reinforced earth stairs) I was completely out of breath and the coffee I'd sculled for breakfast earlier on was requesting an immediate evac. Felt much better in the shade and with a few buttons undone on my shirt it was easier to push on, now concreting in my mind that I am not Superman.

It was cool to see what they've done to dismantle the old HK airport at Chep Lap Kok (seen behind in photo of me about to die). Man, it brought back some memories seeing that ol beauty, the way the planes used to come in between the buildings and the one time a China airlines plane didn't make it... It sat in the harbour for ages and they were thinking of making a kitsch restaurant out of it; the semi-submerged fear factor dining area.

The view over the other side gave some sort of scope as to the more natural surrounds. Imagine this area untouched by mass civilisation. Weather worn junks sweeping into the deep harbour. Would have been an amazing sight.

Another point of interest re: the old airport. During the Japanese occupation during World War 2, stones were removed from the old wall surround the Walled City to extend the runway.

A solid start to the year I must say. My legs are completely pummeled though. I was willing each knee to work just to get up some steps in a shopping centre. Watch this Norm Be In It.