The Art of Surfing

Since the purchase of RAW, it has been our hobby to go out and surf as much as possible as we have the perfect environment to do it in. After progressing to a point where I feel my skill is competent, I thought I would take this opportunity to explain this sport called surfing...


It begins on shore. You check out where the best waves are to catch and you make a b-line into the ocean and attempt to pass the break. This is no easy feet, as there are some days where the waves will push you back to shore along with the current. On other days its so bad that you will see a line of people similar to soldiers on a battle field that are about to engage in combat before being pelted back as the enemy does not welcome you.

If you do manage to paddle out to sea, your next challenge is to find the perfect wave amongst hundreds of other surfers who are all waiting for the same thing. Some may yell and some may just run you over if you are in their way but its survival of the fittest and only the strong will survive.
When that wave does come, it is then your job to paddle as hard as you can towards where you JUST came from (I know, why bother). The wave will eventually pick you up from underneath and you have less than a second to place both feet on top of the motioned board, stand up and turn the board towards where the wave has yet to break.

The effort is then rewarded with as little as 2 second to as long as 10 second adreline rush before having to go through it all again!

Is it all worth it?

You better believe it!

- the lone asian

Australia Day

Let me first start off with “someone out there is really looking after us, and we want to take this opportunity to thank that person/person’s for the amount of luck you have provided to us!”

What do I mean? You’ll see in a sec...

Australia Day starts off as any other day except we didn’t have to work. We decide to head into the harbor as we were told there would be several events happening throughout the day. As we arrive, we end up missing the first event which was a surf board race across the harbor waters.

Not a big deal, so we then decide to take a walk around to see what else was going on. We end up stumbling onto a set of three tall ships docked in the harbor and rumor had it that these were the ones that were going to be racing in the afternoon. As we board the vessel to take a closer look, we were told that the boat was departing for the rest of the day and we were welcome to join them for a fee. At the time it seemed a bit much for our budget but after a bit of wheeling and dealing on Island Rice’s part, we were ready to set sail.

Yes folks, your two Canadian Ambassadors spent the entire day sailing on a tall ship on the Sydney Harbor! It was the most amazing way to experience Australia Day as we started by participating in a boat parade that saw hundreds upon hundreds of boats dressed in their finest outfits form a line behind us and partake in this annual tradition. Not only that, in order to insure no other boats came near us, we were given a police escort the whole time we were on the water.

Once the parade was over, we had a couple of hours to relax on the water where we went back and forth under the harbor bridge watching the thousands of people on the mainland passing us by. To keep us entertained until then, other events on the water included an aerial display of 7 jets flying above us, trained skydivers doing above ground acrobatics and a search and rescue display.

As 3pm struck, we were put to work. Being the younger, lighter ship, we were definitely the favorites going into the race. All who were able gathered to the front and joined in to raise all the sails. Once they were all up, we could feel the surge of the wind pick us up and send us flying! Though the race was a short sprint from start to finish, it was a great feeling crossing the line first amongst all other tall ships.

After the race, we were treated to yet another fine display of fireworks launched from Darling Harbor. As the sun set and the Commonwealth torch (as it made its way around Australia) sailed past us, the sky became lit up with a fantastic show to the awe of thousands of people who came to celebrate the country’s national holiday.

What started out as another average day turned out to be a moment we will remember always...

- the lone asian

Australian Open

The next 2 days were going to be dedicated to tennis as it was the purpose of our trip to Melbourne. We begin early in the morning as we wanted to get to the stadium before everyone else did in order to get the best seats possible. What we didn’t take into consideration was the extreme temperatures that were being predicted for the next 2 days. By 9:30am, we had hit 37 degrees and it was only going to get worse!

By the time we were in the stadium, you could feel the heat intensify as more people started showing up. It was 10:45am when the tournament organizers decided it was time to close the roof. Forget rain delays folks, ONLY in Australia, do you also have to deal with EXTREME HEAT CONDITIONS. Play outside was suspended the entire day as temperatures soared to the mid 40’s. We on the other hand, had the best seat in the house as the roof closed on top of us and the air conditioner turned on. The next 8 hours would be spent watching some of the worlds finest battling it out for the top reigns in Australia. It was the fourth round of play and several top seeded players had already made an early exit. Highlights in the next 2 days included the following:

- watching Justine Henin Harden easily destroy her opponent in straight sets (she eventually reached the women’s final)
- sitting in the stands front row with Chela’s family cheering him on (he was the player that knocked out Australian’s Leyton Hewitt.)
- watching journeyman Febrice Santorro make it for the first time in 17 years to a men’s quarterfinal grand slam after he defeated the seated Ferrer. (see photo on right)
- battle of Russia (Petrova vs Vesnina)

- the lone asian

Volvo Stop Over Race

This weekend was meant to be dedicated to the Australian Open in Melbourne to watch some of the worlds finest duke in out in the first grandslam of 2006.

What we didn't realize until we arrived, however, was the Volvo Around the World race stopover was also being held during the same time! What a bonus that was. For those who are unfamiliar with the race, its a sailboating race that begins in Spain and travels around the world. The first stops are in South Africa and the second one is in Melbourne before heading off to Brazil, US, UK and finishing off in Sweden. Each stopover will consist of a 3 week stay as the boats are repaired and supplies replenished.

For those who have ever been out in sea can truly understand the dangers that lay in this race and the mental and physical challenges these competitors must endure to compete. This weekend marked the arrival of the several boats and as we all anxiously waited, the first one finally arrived at 8:45pm in the evening!

It was amazing seeing the size of this maxi sail boat gently ride itself into the harbor to the applause of thousands of bystanders waiting to get a glimpse. This was then followed up with a spectacular fireworks display to end the night off...

- the lone asian

The Best Things in Life are Free

As we now approach the heart of the summer, we begin to find out that Sydney was definately the best place to be as there are heaps of festivals everywhere you turn. We have spent the past week visiting some of these and thought we'd share our favorites thus far

1. Concert of Fire: Unbelievable can only begin to describe what we saw. Think of it as Stomp meets the Symphony of Fire (ie: fireworks display). For 50 minutes in the middle of darling harbor, we were treated to a group of drummers lit up by only a headlamp while the rest of their body was in total darkness. Suddenly, as the sound got louder, the progressive beating of the drum led to fireworks being shot up right above us. Just when you thought the finale was there, they kept on coming! Definately #1 on the festivals list

2. New Orleans Jazz Festival: Why go to New Orleans when you can bring New Orleans to Sydney? That's just what happened as a stage was set up in the middle of the field (The Domain). Tens of thousands of people started showing up and waited all day to listen to some of the worlds greatest jazz players play and they were definately not left disappointed when it was all said and done

The Story of RAW

This is a story about RAW. We found him purely by COINCIDENCE as we were heading to the beach bar to listen to another live band in Sydney. Passed on by one person to another, this orphan was offered to us by a nice english guy as he was no longer able to look after him.

Our goal in the next few months is to train RAW to obey us in the sea and carry us on top of the waves... We are extremely excited about our new purchase and be sure to follow his adventures throughout Australia.

We do ask you to help us out as we would like your opinions on the following acronyms:

R.A.W.
- real adventure in water
- riding adventure waves
- real adrenaline wave
- real adrenaline wrush


Tell us which one is your favorite!

- lone asian

To Adelaide - land of the churches

The last leg of our trip would take us up one more mountain (just because climbing 3 wasn't enough). This one was called Mount Zero. We were told that the formation was different from the rest and as it was a bit off the beaten track, why the heck not eh?

Well, halfway through the hike it became apparent we were all questioning that decision. The mountain was only rock, with no trees to provide us shelter from the sun. As noon hit, the heat did little to subside and had it not been for the 4 litres of water we brought with us, we would have turned back.
When we did reach the top, it was definately a great site to see. Being the only ones there added to the experience compared to the several dozen of people we usually fight with to get a glimpse of the scenery.

It was then off to Adelaide. Not much to add here, though we were introduced to local authorities upon our entry into South Australia and it wasn't meant to be a warm welcome. The city of Adelaide is one of the smaller ones we have visited thus far. They are reknowned for being a city of churches and that became apparent when we did in fact see "several churches". As we arrived later in the evening, it was our task to check into a hostel and find a local church that served local beverages.

In all honesty though, there was no church but several fine establishments that served South Australia's finest brew that came with "NO PRESERVATIVES". She was called Coopers Beer.

- the lone asian

The Grampians

Day 5-6

The next leg of the trip brought us to North Victoria to the Grampian's National Park. It was goodbye to the coastal line and up to the mountains. This range definately had a certain uniqueness to it.

Our first day there saw us do several hikes, the highlight being Mackenzie falls which is featured on the picture to the left. Upon our return to our hostel, we were greeted by several Kangaroo's in our backyard lounging around looking for a bite to eat.

Day 2 began bright and early (well 9am is early for me) and up to what was called the Pinacle mountain. Given that several people do this hike a day I was under the impression that it would be a nice brisk hike to the top.

Nice, it was... brisk it was not. Elevating to 250m, this 6 km hike definately was a bit of a challenge but the journey itself was the greatest part. That as well as sitting on top of the highest peak in the area overlooking the rest of the region.

As we are entering the heart of summer season, the heat is definately rising. Tip of the day is to continually keep hydrated and plenty of sunscreen!

Remember that there is a hole in the Ozone layer on top of this country.

- the lone asian

GREAT OCEAN ROAD, it truly is...

DAY 3-4

After a spontaneous decision to go Scuba Diving in the Southern Ocean, our drive then took us on a ferry ride across one of the most dangerous harbor openings in Oz as this was where several ships were laid to rest prematurely.

We then continue our journey onto the Great Ocean Road, where we begin by stopping at the Surf Capital of Victoria (TORQUAY, the home of Billabong, Ripcurl and Quicksilver) which was also the doorstep to Bells Beach Australia. For those who aren't familiar, this was the scene where the thousand year old storm took place in the movie Point Break. Definately a surfers dream with swells reaching well over 6 feet high.

The adventure then moves along to the infamous 12 Appostles. 12 limestone rock formations (actually 11 now), sitting independently along the coast overlooking the Southern Ocean. It was truly a natural wonder and a magnificent site! We decide to go all out when we arrive and take a helicopter ride over the coastal line to get the perfect birds eye view.


Once we were back on terra firma, it was off to visit the other rock formations all along the coast, each spot having a certain uniqueness to it. We definately got our fill of limestone for the day. We decide to end the day off by driving back to the 12 Appostles to watch the sunset. It was even a better view at dusk! When the sun finally set, we waited for a little while as we were told a little surprise might turn up.

As we all sat patiently, we are amazed to see hundreds, possibly thousands of penguins march from the ocean onto the beach in several different groups as if they were all gathering to go to a party. They were actually all heading into the caves where they sleep at night. What a way to finish the night!

- the lone asian

On the Road Again - in Melbourne

The Goal: Travel from Sydney to Adelaide stopping in Melbourne and driving along the Great Ocean Road and the Grampians in 1 week

DAY 1

After 9 hours on the road from Sydney heading south, we enter into the state of Victoria. The drive seemed like a baron wasteland with fields so dry, a simple cigarette bud could light it up. In fact, we were quite fortunate we weren't affected by the several bush fires that sent the state in smoke for 2 days.

It was uncharted territory for the Lone Asian and Island Rice once again, but a refreshing change and the start of the new adventure. Oh, and this time we have another visitor from Canuckland. Let's call him Sailor Pete.

Definately an interesting experience being a backpacker once more. Sharing a hostel room with 3 other strangers, along with one bathroom. Our first night was definately a shocker as 3am rolled around and our gracious roomates decides to introduce themselves. Drunk out of their minds, one guy wasn't even able to get up on top of the bunk bed. Once he finally did, however, was when he decided a prayer to the toilet gods were necessary before heading into bed. I hope he chokes on his vomit (sorry, thinking outloud again)

Obviously not a good first night in Melbourne. What better way to cure a night with no sleep and a 9 hour drive the day before by touring the city on foot?

From what I was able to gather, however, Melbourne did seem like a quaint little city with alot of personality. This will be home to the 2006 Commonwealth Games as well as the Annual Australian Open (which we'll be coming back to see) Take a look at some of the pictures and decide for yourself what you think about this place...

- the lone asian

New Years Day

After an evening of festivities, it was the beginning of a new year. New goals, new resolutions, new adventures. We are looking forward to what the new year will bring.

This year was bit different from most. As temperatures reached a record high of 44 degree's with a scorching sun above, the only logical place to be was the beach. And to avoid the crowds, we decide to spend the day where the first person to surf a wave in Australia was recorded. Though, no one has ever heard of it, for those interested the beach was called Freshwater.

As we arrive, we begin by partaking in the annual tradition of the Jan 1st polar bear swim. Though I'm not sure it counts when the water is 30 degrees, it was a refreshing activity nonetheless. The rest of the afternoon was spent on the surf and lounging on the beach.

Not a bad way to start the year....