Canberra, Australia

September 2011

So this was a work trip, somewhere different for a change! I haven't been to Canberra since late 2008, but it's a town that has plenty going for it. The only part of the "do" I did on this trip was a cold run around Lake Burley Griffin!

Stay
Rydges Lakeside - they're doing it up, but the rooms are old and haven't aged well
Eat
Seoul Palace Restaurant Northborune Ave
Sammy's Kitchen, North Quarter - extremely popular Malaysian Cuisine
Tasuke - Cute Japanese place near the Civic bus exchange
XChange on London - good breakfast, nice mix of rolls for lunch
Group Seven - great coffee and quick sandwiches
UrbanFood - gets busy even early in the morning so make sure you leave plenty of time to order, eat and get out. Organic based foods

Do
Walk/run around Lake Burley Griffin
Attend question time at Parliament House
Do a  tour of the National Gallery of Australia
Go shopping in the North Quarter Civic
Do an interactive tour at the National Zoo
Visit the Australian War Memorial

USA National Parks Top 5: Been and to go

The USA has a significant number of spectacular national parks, and surprisingly it's not well known. The National Parks were my selling point when I was talking DH into going to the US for the first time. Below in my top 5 list of the national parks I've been to and the top 5 of where we want to visit next.

Been

Kings Canyon and Sequoia, CA

One of the first National Parks I ever visited, I have such found memories of this area as a kid. The most spectacular part is the largest living thing in the world. General Sherman.

Yosemite, CA

Probably one of the more well know parks in California, the scenery is stunning.

  

Grand Canyon, AZ

It can't be said enough the pictures of the Grand Canyon you see do not prepare you for what you will see when you actually get there. It's spectacular and I would suggest spending more time than a day trip from Vegas.

Blue Ridge Parkway, NC

The only one I don't have my own pictures for (it was prior to the digital age!). It's also the only entry on the east coast. This is probably due to the fact that most of our most recent travel has been to the west coast and I grew up on the west coast. I'm sure there's plenty more on the other side of the country!

Valley of Fire, NV

Probably one of the more unknown National Parks, but located within an hours drive from the Strip in Las Vegas. We even saw people getting their wedding photos taken under the arch!

To Go

Yellowstone

America's first National Park, spanning three states (Wyoming, Montana and Idaho). Old Faithful is probably it's most well know site, but there's plenty of other activities and sights to see.

Monument Valley

Part of the Navajo Nation, it sits in both Arizona and Utah and is one of the most photographed locations in the USA.

Mount Rushmore, SD

Where the presidents are carved in stone. Construction began in 1927 and completed in 1941.

Painted Dessert, AZ

The colours in the rocks are stunning. I wonder if the sun rising/setting changes what the colour are or what shades they become.

Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii

The park highlights two of the world's most active volcanoes, and offers insights on the birth of the Hawaiian Islands and views of dramatic volcanic landscapes.

Wish List: Alaska

I don't know many people that don't have Alaska on their wish list or their bucket list. I mean what's not to love, you've got the great outdoors, you can see it all from your room and the list of activities are endless.

Most people when they think of Alaska think cruising. It's not the only way to see/do Alaska but it's definitely the most common. The question then becomes, what type of cruise, what type of room, how long, what time of year, which land activities.

Then there's the wildlife side. Whether it's hiking, caravaning or driving through the state the Internet is full of pictures of animals, scenery and flowers.

Finally there's the adventure side. Want to take a dog sled ride? Want to go cross country skiing? How about some fly fishing if your so inclined?

If you caught my Bucket List post, you might have seen Alaska on it. It's definitely one of my top to go to locations, did I make it one of yours?

Brisbane, Queensland Australia

August 2011

I haven't been to Brisbane for pleasure since I was a kid and DH hasn't been for a number of years either, but it wasn't really a welcoming sunny Brisbane, when we arrived to rain and dark skies. After literally running into Conrad Smith (No for the All Blacks) on our way to the hotel, we checked into the Park on Royal we headed out in the rain to find some lunch at Southbank.

That evening we once again donned out wet weather gear for the walk to the stadium. That's the advantage of Suncorp is that it's easy walking distance from the CBD to the Stadium, and even in the rain all you had to do was follow the black and gold jerseys. It was a great game, a great crowd and it was great running into the Kiwi Wallabies coach Robbie Deans.

The next day we caught the City Cat ferry from North Quay up the river. It was a beautiful day to spend on the water and a great way to see the city. Best thing was the ticket for 1.5 hours was under $5

Stay

I wouldn't stay here again but it was a convenient location, Royal on the Park

Eat

We didn't really have any fantastic food this trip

Do

See something at Suncorp Stadium, depending on the time of year you can choose Rugby Union, Rugby League or Soccer

Catch the CityCat up and down the river

Check out South Bank

Do some shopping on Queen Street Mall