Located between 75 and 90 minutes by train from downtown Melbourne, Ballarat is the state of Victoria's largest inland community (visiting during December, check out the u-pick cherry orchards in Bacchus Marsh - a rail stop on the way to Ballarat). Known for its gold mines, Ballarat has a very 'western' feel. Gold was first discovered in the area in 1851 and like other gold strikes around the planet, this region was soon flooded with miners - … [Read more...]
Ballarat, California – May 2020
Not to be mistaken for the original Ballarat in Australia (which is still a thriving city and a popular tourist destination), this Ballarat was named after the Australian town by an Australian miner. Originally founded in 1897, it provided services and accommodation for miners working several mines in the nearby vicinity. Its peak population was around 500 - like other remote gold mining towns, once the gold began to play out, the population … [Read more...]
9 Best Things to Do in Queenstown, New Zealand
Queenstown should be at the top of your bucket list on your trip to New Zealand. Located in the South Island of the country, you’ll find yourself surrounded by remarkable mountain peaks (coincidentally one of the ranges is called The Remarkables), turquoise lakes and native greenery. Five days in Queenstown is the perfect amount of time to stay. We’ve chosen our nine best things to do in Queenstown, from walks to wineries and adventure … [Read more...]
Celebrating The Broadmoor’s 100th Anniversary
How exactly do you celebrate the centennial of an iconic hotel built back in 1918 by real estate and gold mining baron Spencer Penrose who in his free time sped up hairpin turns in his “Yellow Devil” Pierce Arrow race car on a dirt road all the way to the summit of Pike's Peak's? You start with fireworks, champagne, special packages, and themed events scheduled throughout the year but fully immersing yourself in all The Broadmoor has to offer is … [Read more...]
Dreaming of Montana
It has been far to long since I have been to Montana. My father and I visited some 20 years ago - a road trip in the spirit of gold mining but in reality became a father-son bonding trip and a chance to explore the great outdoors of the Western USA. Most of our time in Montana was spent in the north and western part of the state with a mix of time spent both in small cities and the outdoors. We also visited Helena and Billings but those were … [Read more...]
Maintaining a List of 5,000+ In English Domain Name Travel Blog Directory
When travel blogging started to slowly take off in 2005/2006 I created a separate category for it in my already existing links directory - I added a links directory to my site in the late 1990's although it was much smaller and all html coded by hand back then. It gives me a way to keep track and reference when I need to - on a large scale - the many different facets of the travel industry. It is impressive how many travel blogs there are and … [Read more...]
Gold Mining and a Visit to Minelab’s Headquarters, Adelaide South Australia
One of my passions is gold prospecting, or as it is referred to in Australia, Fossicking. It is a healthy hobby as long as you don't get to obsessed with making money from it! I can remember going out with my father from a young age to explore some of his favorite mining terrain in the foothills of California's Sierra Nevada Mountains. With all the trips we have made I am fairly certain we have spent more time and money on logistics and equipment … [Read more...]
Visa run to Cambodia
My visa within Thailand was expiring in 2 days. Time to make another run for the border. Usually we are off in another country at some point during our time in Thailand so this is not an issue. But this year we just stayed domestic. Poipet on the Cambodia border is the closest border crossing to our village so we headed out that way. We reached this dusty chaotic border town in 2 hours. As is always the case we were met with enterprising men … [Read more...]
Trekking in Remote Papua New Guinea: Kokoda Homestay
Kokoda Homestay was set up by several villages around Kokoda with the help of Bruce, his wife Rosemary and her son Mark (who lives in Australia) as a way for travelers to experience the authentic lifestyle in the area and as a way for travelers to immerse themselves within the local culture. Rosemary taught school in the 1960's here and much later reconnected with some of her students. Bruce will help arrange your homestay and answer any … [Read more...]
Exploring Misima Village Papua New Guinea
We spent most of today exploring the hilly jungle covered countryside around Misima Village with Seli. Seli is about 60 years of age (when we ask people's ages here we get approximate answers) and has the stamina of someone half his age. Like most people living in the mountains in this area he walks everywhere barefoot - even on the rocky, steepest of trails. And he will climb much faster than most people in shape who are wearing shoes! Walking … [Read more...]
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