Friday Fishing

I went fishing yesterday and had a ball. Nick and I took a "Tinnie" (an aluminum boat) out for some salt water flathead fishing. Basically you use a double hook and big sinker to drag along the bottom of the water. For bait we bought the cheapest meat we could find, lamb necks. These flathead fish are UGLY but they taste GREAT. It's been a while since I've done any fishing and we had a blast. It was a bit cold but the sunset out there on the water was brilliant. We ended up catching enough for dinner and even was able to invite some friends over to help us eat the catch.

A pic off the internet of a flathead

We breaded them and then put them over a veggie salsa we made and a bed of Rocket (Arugula). As Lora would say... It was Scrumpsh! Sorry to not include any pics but I still don't have a camera since I've misplaced mine a month or so ago.

If you find the word Hobart we were fishing in the bay under the "art" in Hobart.

I'll update the blog in another day or two with pics of our trip to Fraser island last week. It was an awesome trip and so great to see Lora again. Stay tuned.

Tim

Great Barrier Reef

Anna and I have been working non-stop since she arrived, so as a treat we headed to the reef for a day of snorkeling. We went with Denise and her friend Kimberly who was visiting from the states for a several weeks.


Denise, Kimberly, Anna and Me on the boat ride to the reef


It took just over an hour to get out to the reef from Port Douglas. Once there, the boat moored in 3 snorkeling areas.

The reef


It was great snorkeling. My favorite would have to be the giant clams. They are huge with crazy colors. Along with all the heaps of fish, Kimberly and I saw a good size reef shark.

After our last snorkel

The only draw back of the day was that it started off cold. Both in the water and out. The water temperature was warmer than the air temp, especially when considering out windy it was. By the end of the day the winds had calmed and it wasn't so bad. After the first snorkel Anna's turned purple from the cold.

Kimberly and Denise comparing their toenail polish to Anna's lips

Overall it was a great day. After this we had one more day in the field and then we started our drive to Brisbane and more importantly getting Tim from the airport.

Just Checking In

I though I'd let everyone know what we've been up to recently. But first of all a big CONGRATULATIONS goes out to Chris and Amy on their wedding! I talked with them today and they seem really happy. Both Lora and I wished we could have been there.

Lora is still up in the Far North with her fabulous assistant, Anna. They are tackling plots and having to figure out new techniques as they go. As always once she figures it out on the first few plots it should get easier. Looks like they will be heading down to southern Queensland in about a week and a half. I plan on meeting them up there for a much needed reunion and vacation. We have plans to hire a 4wd and take it over to Fraser island for a few days.

One of many freshwater lakes on Fraser
Copyright: Alaettin KI

Fraser island is the World's largest sand island. There seems to be a lot to see and do as long as you stay out of the ocean. Seems to be a small problem with sharks. Luckily there are many lakes where one can take a dip in crystal clear water. Oh yeah. I should mention that there is also a 75 mile long ancient dune where someone may try to fly.

I've been busy with my 4 hour work week. Boy it's exhausting! No really I've been really busy recently. I finished up a semester of school work so now I'm half way to completing my Masters degree in Ed. YEA! Teaching up at the Uni has been quite an experience. It took me a little bit to get used to students actually taking notes whenever I said anything. I've received a lot of positive feedback from my students which makes me believe that I'm doing a decent job. It's been a lot of fun but quite a bit of preparation goes into each class.

I'm also still doing some work in the outdoor education setting. On Wednesday I'll be taking some students rafting. Actually, I'll just be safety kayaking but damn they pay well here with my teaching credentials. If I thought I could make a living doing it in the States I might give it a go. Working with kids in the outdoors back in North Carolina is a big reason I became a teacher.

Well that about covers it. Both Lora and I will be really happy when we finally get to see each other. I'll keep you posted. Don't forget that you can always call us or post a message.

Tim