Had a big day today and I have lots to share with you! Today was a public holiday in Australia, Labour day to be exact (please note the "u" in labor, I have to start using Australian English in my classes so my blog will be my practice). What did I do on the holiday? Like any Australian would (and many did today), I went to the beach of course! Introductions come first though. While staying in Perth, I have been fortunate enough to meet and spend time with a family that are originally from central Illinois, but are now living in Perth. They are the Feuchts--Jon and Nancy and their three kids Maddison, Solomon, and Jillian. How I came in contact with the Feuchts is a prime example demonstrating how small our world truly is. Jon Feucht is a first cousin to one of my neighbors back home on Fifth Street, and upon hearing of my trip to Perth my neighbor informed the Feuchts that they were soon to be in the midst of an American from central Illinois. Since my arrival into the city, the Feuchts have been gracious enough to welcome me into their home for dinner, have lent me a bicycle, given me tips on life in Australia, and today they took me surfing and four-wheel dune driving. The day began at 8am, and an hour and a half later we were at our destination, Lancelin, WA. Lancelin is a small fishing town described by Nancy Feucht as "Mayberry". As you'll find with most places outside the major cities in Australia, the town has a laid back feel and offers a getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city scene. On the official Western Australia tourist website Lancelin has been dubbed "an international Mecca for windsurfers due to the ideal wind and water conditions," and I couldn't agree more. The wind was a force to be reckoned with today, not quite ideal for my first day of having a go at sandboarding and surfing. By the way, if you wish to check the wave forecast, here is a site that was recommended to me, check it out just for fun: http://www.seabreeze.com.au. Anyways, back to sandboarding and surfing; before today I did not know there was such a thing as sand boarding, but it means exactly what the name implies--riding a board down a sand dune. Here's some examples of sandboards:
Before you board down the dune, you have to wax the bottom of your board so that you get SOME friction. I could try and say that I did not wax my board enough, but we all know how clumsy I am, so I think it goes without saying that I did not do too hot at sandboarding. It was fun though!
As I mentioned previously, I had a go at surfing today as well. The Feuchts invited an Australian family to join us at the beach, so I had some experienced Aussies teaching me how to surf. I learned two things, one: surfing requires a lot of upper body strength and balance and two: I need to buy a rashie. For those who do not know what a rashie is (because I had no idea) here's a pic:
A rashie prevents the sand from scratching your skin and giving you rashes, hence the name. As for the surfing, I was not able to stand on my board, but I got up on my knees :) Next time, though, I am not getting out of the water until I stand on my board!
Now for the 4WD on the sand dunes, which is so much better than any carnival ride I've ever ridden on by the way. The dunes are unfathomable constructions of nature, and climbing
one in a vehicle is so thrilling! I will share my sand dune adventure with you through pictures:
The caution signs that greet anyone daring enough to have a go at it:
The Toyota Prado that did the climbing:
Our valiant driver, Mr. Jon Feucht:
THE DUNES:
I took a video of the Prado devouring a dune, shot from inside the vehicle of course so I could enjoy the ride as well:
Our tracks in the sand after this video; yeah, we did that:
AMAZING.
Before leaving Lancelin we had to retrace our steps back to the "thong tree" that we passed on the way to the dunes:
In closing my story I would especially like to thank the Feuchts for inviting me on a this wonderful excursion, and the Walters for making the invitation possible. Goodnight loves :)
No comments:
Post a Comment