Five dollars for a joy ride but better to bring local currency if you can. A nice visit to Kiriwana Island. So many artefacts for sale and so much wonderful handicrafts. And so many merchants lined up, seated and so respectful. How to choose. We also had a guided tour…

We made it to the island of Kitava, PNG but due to rough weather, we could not tender ashore as planned. Safety first the captain advised. So sad to miss the visit to Kitava after being advised of the conservative and longstanding culture there on that island. And the locals…

Leaving our snorkeling spot, across Milne Bay from Alotau village. Typical weather, 100% humidity and intermittent showers but water warm. Bumpy ride in the speed boat both ways but fun. Thanks Skip! Our little lagoon for the morning. Helpful, kind and some curious (young children) locals. The snorkelling today was…

The glorious setting sun over the Coral Sea approaching PNG. Quite a privilege and so unique for us land-living creatures to see this magnificent perspective of this life giving star sinking into the ocean. With due reference to one of the iconic songs of my generation and in consideration of…

Ship passing on the Coral Sea. A long way from home. So here we are cruising the Coral Sea and as I look from the balcony of our state room into the dark ocean at night, there is a small murmur of discomfort that reverberates through my body as I…

With a little help from our friends … on the Brisbane River About to spin around and cruise the hour down the Brisbane River. Under the Gateway Bridge and into Moreton Bay. Past our home on the Sunshine Coast and into the mighty Pacific Ocean after dark. An incident free…

I seek an image in coming days for this. For now, this must suffice. As I am about to embark on another adventure in nature (while shielded by the considerable engineering feats of contemporary humanity), I choose to contemplate. Earth, wind, fire and rain. The key factors affording us life…

Soon to leave safe harbour and venture onto the high seas. We are safe though in a ship somewhat larger than these sea-craft. Much to report in coming days. Up the Australian east coast from Brisbane, into the Coral Sea, and to explore several easterly islands of PNG. Sounds so…

The sheep dog, so compliant, so loyal, so committed to the requests of its master, so dedicated to the wellbeing of its pack. Yet this same animal, like its master, can be so aggressive, so discriminatory, so excluding, of those who are not ‘us’. Them. So much us and them…

Today I had the joy of attending the Caloundra Quiltters exhibition on the Sunshine Coast Queensland. So much hard work, skill, creativity and joy on show. A reminder that people create and indulge their passions not purely for material gain, but often for love, of the activity, or the joy…