Kathy Marris Sheds Light on Down Under

Kathy Marris is my counterpart ‘Down Under.’ She is the author of 50 Shades of Age, a lighthearted collection of stories on being 50 something.  A top blogger for the mature travelers she shares insider tips for travelers in OZ, and favorite holiday spots in striking distance – like Bali.

Australia is on my radar for 2020, so she seemed a perfect source for tips to make my trip more meaningful and less hectic. So, many tour companies have you spending a lot of time in airports zipping around a large country with extremely diverse eco-systems.

I asked Kathy questions that will help me streamline my trip and avoid tourist traps. I have been having a hard time deciding where I want to go because each region offers different experiences at different times of the year.

To help me get my bearings, where in Australia do you live in relation to Sydney?  

I live on the Far North Coast of New South Wales in a little coastal town called Kingscliff which is 815 kilometres north of Sydney. It is around 8-9 hours drive or 1.5 hours by plane.

Which part of Australia would you suggest for the first time visitor?

Sydney Harbor Sail-in

Like your country, the United States, Australia is a vast country and is completely different from north to south and east to west. Most tourists coming to Australia tend to visit the East Coast of Australia, taking in the cities of Melbourne, Sydney, Gold Coast/Brisbane and the Far North of Queensland – Cairns/Port Douglas.

The East Coast is the most populous part of Australia and the cities are diverse from the south to the north, with easy flying distances between them.

What is your favorite region and why?

I may be a little biased, but I love the region where I live now on the Far North Coast of New South Wales. The beaches here are beautiful, very pristine and relatively uncrowded.

The region surrounding the Tweed Coast is aptly named the Green Cauldron because there are mountains, rainforests, volcanic rich soil that is perfect for farming all types of produce, particularly bananas, sugar cane and fruit and vegetables.

What is the best time of year to explore your favorite region?

Summers can hot and humid in this part of Australia, winters are mild but can get cool, so I would recommend visiting in either Autumn or Spring. – October/November or March/April.

What are important sites not to be missed that most do?

Federation Square, Melbourne

In the southern state of Victoria, Melbourne is a very cosmopolitan city with great food, culture and beautiful gardens. A day trip to the Great Ocean Road, around and hour out of Melbourne is a definite must see.

Sydney in New South Wales, known as the Harbour City , is spectacular. The iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, a visit to Bondi Beach and catching a ferry across the harbor are the must sees.

The Gold Coast is renowned for having some of the most beautiful surf beaches in Australia with mild year round temperatures and heaps of sunshine. It also has several Theme Parks like Sea World, Dreamworld, Movie World and Wet N’ Wild. The lush green Gold Coast Hinterland is also incredible to visit on a day trip.

Brisbane, only a hour’s drive north of the Gold Coast is also a magical city to visit with it’s location on the Brisbane River than is fringed with beautiful parklands, cultural precinct and kilometres of cycling/walking paths.

Cairns located in the tropical Far North of Queensland is also an amazing city with the World Heritage Listed Daintree Forest situated to the north, the Great Barrier Reef, beautiful palm-fringed beaches and warm year round temperatures that enable you to swim and snorkel. Inland is the amazing Kuranda historic train and sky-rail set amongst lush tropical rainforests.

Uluru in Central Australia is also very popular with tourists, but you would need to fly out here as the distance is huge and there’s little to see in the arid inland of Australia.

Go Way travel offers many different self-drive tours. Do you think a first time visitor should tackle driving in Australia? The distances seem vast.

Kuranda Rail

Yes the distances are vast in Australia, but I always believe that driving holidays enable you to see so much more of the “real Australia”, rather than just cities and touristy areas. Melbourne to Sydney is 878 kilometres so this can be accomplished in two days comfortably. Then it’s a similar distance from Sydney to Gold Coast/Brisbane. Driving from Brisbane to Cairns in Far North Queensland, maybe a little ambitious. It really depends on how long you have.

Are there tour companies you recommend for the 50+ traveler?

Without doing some research, I don’t really know of any tour companies in Australia. We have mainly spent our time holidaying in our country in our caravan (trailer).  I would maybe look at Intrepid Travel or Adventure Tours.

Have you been to the Port Douglas/Great Barrier Reef region? Are there tour companies there that you would recommend for that region?

Yes I’ve spent some time in this region and it’s a must see. Once again I’ve never done an organized tour here, as we have always self-driven. There is a company called Experience Oz that do some great tours all over Australia so that may be a good place to start.

I was told November in Port Douglas is the wet season and unbearably hot. Is this true?

Yes the Far North of Australia is very hot, humid and wet in the summer months – December to March. I would avoid travelling at this time.

How do you feel about a side trip to Tasmania?

Tasmania is an amazing island! We have had several trips here touring around in a campervan (RV). However once again, you need at least a week to get around to see all the wonderful sights on this island.

Thank you Kathy for taking time to help me plan my trip. I think readers who contemplating a trip down under can benefit from reading your blog http://www.50shadesofage.com/

Linda Ballou is an adventure travel writer with a host of travel articles on her site www.LostAngelAdventures.com. You will also find information about her travel memoir, Lost Angel Walkabout-One Traveler’s Tales from Alaska to New Zealand, and Lost Angel in Paradise where she shares her  favorite  hikes and day trips on the coast of California.

Subscribe to her blog www.LindaBallouTalkingtoYou.com to receive updates on her books, travel destinations and 

Hoodoos or Bust

The second leg of my journey in the Red Rock Country of Utah to Bryce Canyon was thwarted.  Highway 9 (the Mt. Carmel Tunnel road), touted as one of the most scenic byways in America which is the direct route from Zion to Bryce was closed due to damage from the heavy rains.

This forced me to do some backtracking to Highway14, a snaking road that winds upward to a breathtaking summit blanketed in snow. I could hear the ice crackling in the creek tracing the Scenic Byway as I climbed ever upward. This detour proved exciting and a less-traveled alternative to get to Bryce Canyon, but it is not for everyone.

Hoodoo Magic

Bryce is famous for its hoodoos, colorful and exotic-shaped rock spires carved by wind and ice. It’s most famous formation “Thor’s Hammer” is located on the floor of the amphitheater which is the heart of the park. White drifts of snow in the clefts’ burnt-orange formations looked like frosting on a carrot cake. The walk along the rim with inspiring views is an easy stroll between Sunrise and Sunset Points. It can be a hike if you chose to go the entire length of the trail.

Castles in the Sky Mossy Cave Walk

Due to heavy snow, the Queens Garden and Fairytale Loop were the only trails open to those who are hardy enough to descend to the valley floor. Going down is easy but returning to the rim can be stressful.

Sensitive to the altitude (8,000 ft.), I chose to take the easier option to Mossy Cave. The trailhead is located outside of the main park off Hwy 12. Tears of gratitude welled as I strolled at the base of the castles in the sky along an energetic river to a waterfall.

I was not denied the thrill of knowing the shady glens and walls laced in maidenhair ferns on the valley floor because of physical limitations. Even though millions flock to Zion and Bryce each year, I was able to find my quiet moments here with Mother Nature. I will return to explore more of some of the best of the Creator’s handiwork that has been preserved for all to enjoy.

Queen’s Garden Trail

Lodging: Ruby’s is the landmark establishment in Bryce offering food, lodging, horseback riding, and more. They are kind enough to allow people staying elsewhere to use their Olympic-sized pool and soothing spa for $5.00.

NOTE: The National Park staff is working feverishly to have the “tunnel road” from Zion to Bryce back up and running by April 30th, but if you are planning a trip to the region I suggest you wait until mid-May. Be sure to check road conditions of the alternate routes before going. There were closures due to late spring storms.

Linda Ballou, has a host of articles and information about her travel books on her site www.LostAngelAdventures.com.

 You will find information about her novels at www.LindaBallouauthor.com

Subscribe to Linda’s blog www.LindaBallouTalkingtoyou.com to receive updates on books, and travel destinations and events.

Celebrating 100 Year Birthday at Zion NP

After a week of exploring the red rock country of  Nevada and Utah, my wings have taken on a crimson cast. A stop in Red Rock Park just outside of Las Vegas provided a memorable leg stretcher that broke up a long days drive from Lost Angeles.

Red Rock Country outside of Las Vegas

 It seemed everyone I knew had been to Zion except me and that it was high time for me to experience the soaring ramparts with majestic views and the splendor of sculptured slot canyons millions of years in the making. I chose mid- April   for my visit to cash in on wildflowers, cool temps and waterfalls that are fed by melting snowfields and dry up in the heat of summer.

View from Watchman Trail Zion NP

Cotton Wood Trees

 The park is so loved by millions that a very efficient shuttle system has evolved that drops off and picks up hikers at nine trailheads along the 9-mile sandstone gorge. Sadly, the majority of the intermediate hikes were closed due to heavy rainfall that caused rock slides.  However the Watchman trail that is a rock stairway switch-backing up a canyon flush with the white blooms on the service bush, and sprinkled with vermillion Indian Paint Brush to a plateau overlooking Springdale, the gateway to the park was open.

 Happily, the River Walk along the Virgin River that has carved the tallest sandstone cliffs in the world darkened with a waterfall spilling over a 7,000 foot precipice into a foamy pool on the canyon floor was also open. The road into the canyon framed in cottonwood trees flush with chartreus leaves shot through with golden rays of a warming sun could not have been more lovely.

River Walk Zion NP

However, the next leg of my journey to Bryce Canyon was thwarted by the fact that Highway 9, through the Mt. Carmel Tunnel touted as one of the most scenic byways in America, was closed due to damage from the heavy rains.  The park staff is working feverishly to have the road back up and running by April 30^th, but if you are planning a trip to the region I suggest you wait until mid-May. Be sure to check road conditions of the alternate routes before going. More on that in my next post as I venture onto to know what voodoo hoodoos do in Bryce Canyon

Linda Ballou is an adventure travel writer with a host of travel articles on her site www.LostAngelAdventures.com. You will find information about her travel memoir, Lost Angel Walkabout-One Traveler’s Tales and her latest book Lost Angel in Paradise. 

Travel Resources for Riders

FOR RIDERS WHO WANT TO SEE THE WORLD FROM THE BACK OF A HORSE!

Nancy Brown on Writing Horseback

Equestrian travel expert, Nancy Brown, has created a website that is a terrific resource for riding destinations.   On w.writinghorseback.com you will find Dude Ranch Reviews and links to articles on horseback adventures around the globe.  

My article about riding in Ecuador is featured there. She was one of the first to review my book The Cowgirl Jumped Over the Moon when it came out in 2015.  Since then she has added and upgraded her site to make it one of the best resources for riders looking for equestrain adventures. 

Linda leading group on Inca Trail Ecuador

In the meanwhile, I published Cowgirl in audio book format and it is getting rave reviews.

This story is full tragedy and triumph. The tragedy of divorce and being hurt. The triumph of healing and working towards want you want! I couldn’t put this down. I stayed up all night to finish it. I will be listening to again. Audible listener

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Can’t go on a riding adventure right now? Do the next best thing and ride with Gemcie aboard Marshal her Irish Hunter ont the way to the World Cup!

Linda Ballou is an adventure travel writer with a host of travel articles on her site www.LostAngelAdventures.com. You will also find information about her travel memoir, Lost Angel Walkabout-One Traveler’s Tales.  She is also the author of Wai-nani: A Voice from Old Hawai’i a historical novel set in pre-contact Hawaii. More on her books at www.lindaballouauthor.co

Forest Bathing! Really?

."We humans do not save beauty; rather, beauty saves us." -Gretel Ehrlich

What Bill Bryson so aptly called a “Walk in the Woods” is now known as “Forest Bathing.”

The Japanese have over 60 Forest Therapy Camps in Japan alone. We have certified Nature and Forest Bathers right here in river city. The Lost Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic garden offers guided forest bathing walks.

  I need the soothing balm of breathing deeply of oxygenated air. Watching butterflies flit from flower to flower is enough entertainment for me. Putting one foot in front of the other allows my mind to relax and puts an end to repetitive thought. Studies indicate that getting into nature can boost our immune system, improve mental clarity and decrease anxiety. All good reasons to get outside, but the sight of a seductive trail through a shady tree canopy has always been enough for me. So whether you need a docent to steer you to the benefits of forest bathing, or just want to take a walk in the woods, it’s all good.

In my book Lost Angelin Paradise, I take you on 32 outdoor days most of which include a 2-4 mile hike somewhere beautiful. It is on in Amazon’s kindle store and ITunes both offer the ability to download the book to your phone. It has live links that take you to trail maps and a good place to eat nearby.

L.A. County Arboretum & Botanic Garden


 Please stop by my site where you will find travel articles, photo essays and more about my books.  www.LindaBallouAuthor.com

Presently, I am focused on getting to as many beautiful places I can before they are gone! That is why I created this web page www.LostAngelAdventures.com dedicated to travel.

Our Hawai'i remembered by Charmian London

Our Hawaii by Charmian London
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In spite of the fact that the language is archaic I enjoyed experiencing Charmian’s experiencing Mrs. London’s POV. She and Jack London were hosted by Hawaiian royalty all over the Islands and were privileged to enjoy in a way that few have. They were hosted everywhere they went with lavish luaus and princely accommodations in a Hawaii that does not exist today. When they arrived in the early 1900's Hawaii had been annexed by the United States and the royal families were in decline. The Missionary families owned huge tracts of land and lived as royals themselves. The horse was the favorite mode of transport and the London’s rode throughout the Islands sometimes in less than comfortable conditions, but they were troopers. Their years in the Islands were some of the happiest for the London’s and they both wrote fondly of their time there. I researched heavily for my historical novel Wai-nani: A Voice from Old Hawaii. I only saw a few discrepancies in this precious rendering of the Islands by Charmian London. She states that Kamehameha the Great died at 82. I read that he only lived to be 69, but in almost all matters of Hawaiian history and legends she was accurate. This book is not for everyone, but if you are a Hawaii aficionado like myself it is a delight. Note: There are numerous errors in formatting and misspelled words that are very distracting. It might be because it is an old book and hard to translate into kindle format, but I think a proofreader would have helped.Wai-nani: A Voice from Old Hawaii

View all my reviews

For More About Wai-nani

Love for the Lost Angel from Globerovers Magazine

Lost Angel in Paradise: Outdoor Days from L.A. to the Lost Coast of California by Linda Ballou
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Linda Ballou’s travel writing has provided me with hours of captivated reading. I loved her book “Lost Angel Walkabout” which I could not put down until I finished it. Now she blessed us with “Lost Angel in Paradise“ and her angelic stories about hiking along the sun-splashed Californian coast from Malibu to Mendocino. I have done some of these hikes many years ago and to now read her colourful interpretation of these hikes is pure bliss! She brings to life every aspect of the places she visited because she knows how to appreciate the small things most of us often overlook while hiking or enjoying a day on the beach.

“Lost Angel in Paradise” is the essential guide for hiking and cycling enthusiasts in the Malibu area with tons of practical tips and guidance to get the most out of your visit. However, even if there is no chance that you would find yourself exploring this area in-person, just sit back and let Linda’s writing take you there! She shares her experiences and knowledge of the area in such vivid writing that you don’t even have to go there yourself. A highly recommended read. I’m already looking forward to her next book! Peter Steyn-Editor of Globerovers Magazine


For more travel adventures go to Lost Angel Adventures

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Adventure travel writer, Linda Ballou, has a host of articles on her site along with information about her novels and articles at www.LindaBallouauthor.com

Subscribe to Linda’s blog www.LindaBallouTalkingtoyou.com to receive updates on books, and travel destinations and events.

The Secret Life of Mrs. London

The Secret Life of Mrs. London by Rebecca Rosenberg
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am a Jack London aficionado, so I couldn’t wait to read this book. I loved getting in between the sheets with Charmian London and her adventuresome husband. But, I hated that the time with them was in the last couple of years of his incredible life when a self-indulgent, excessive lifestyle was taking its toll. He began drinking as a teen when he was an oyster pirate in Oakland California. He hopped freights for a while and ran with a very rough crowd. By the time he was 40, the dreadful effects of alcoholism and chain smoking were evident.

 Charmian describes him lovingly, but can’t help sharing the hurt and disappoint she felt as he became more and more difficult as his health failed. Still, theirs was a special relationship. She was an incredibly capable and intelligent woman, who adored his brilliant mind. He famously said that, “I would rather be a superb meteor, every atom of me a magnificent glow, than a sleepy and permanent planet.” He got his wish. Whether he died from an over dose of morphine, as this account claims, or of uremic poisoning, his course was set for an early death. I am relying on the author’s research and authenticity of detail in this well-written historical novel. It is one that made me smile, but saddened me at the same time. For all his foibles, I still love Jack, the Sailor on Horseback, who took us on many a wild ride. I have been to his Beauty Ranch many times, and will go there again to pay my respects. In the meantime, I will read Our Hawai’i written by Charmian London describing a happier time in both of their lives. Linda Ballou author of Wai-nani: A Voice from Old Hawaii


View all my reviews  on Goodreads

Adventure travel writer, Linda Ballou, has a host of articles on her site along with information about her novels and articles at www.LindaBallouauthor.com

Check out www.lostangeladvetures.com my website dedicated to my travel books and articles.

Subscribe to Linda’s blog www.LindaBallouTalkingtoyou.com to receive updates on books, and travel destinations and events.

Lost Angel in Paradise Coming Soon

To start the New Year off with a bang, I am publishing a collection of my favorite outdoor days along the California Coast. It is my extreme pleasure to have visited all of these beautiful places and to share them with you in Lost Angel in Paradise. I cap off each day with a suggestion for an eatery nearby the trail head, or beach walk. I have also created a new website www.LostAngelAdventures.com spotlighting my travel books, articles.

This post, “Day on the Russian River Road” is a sample of what you will find in my newest book, Lost Angel in Paradise – which is coming soon!

The cool breath of the redwood forest nestled halfway between Santa Rosa and the Pacific Ocean on the Russian River Road greeted me as I entered the Armstrong Reserve.

Light streams though the arms of the giants spotlighting ferns that frame an energetic creek charging through the forest. It rains as much as 55 inches a year here, plus the morning fog keeps the primeval forest floor damp and cool.

The majestic trees that tower overhead were spared the axe by timberman Colonel James Armstrong in the 1870’s. It is one of the last remaining groves of coast redwood trees in California that can live to be 2,000 years old.

The mystical forest encourages reflection and somber thoughts as you consider that these trees have survived centuries of change and upheaval. The Pioneer nature trail is an easy amble that winds though the shady park, but there are a host of trails with varying degrees of difficulty to explore.

There are numerous casual eateries in nearby Guerneville. But, why not make it a fabulous day and take the scenic River Road all the way to the coast? A lovely way to cap off this is day is a repast at the River’s End Lodge where the Russian River meets the ocean blue. If you are really lucky you can stay in one of the four cabins perched on the bluff overlooking a full blown sea.

After a sumptuous seafood lunch, I leaned into the brisk wind and plodded through deep sand to a spit called Goat Rock. A colony of fur and leopard seals lie basking on the sandy spit.

There was an up swell of fur and flesh as the galumphed over the sand to safer waters when I got close. One pup rolled over on his back and stared at me with liquid brown eyes. Others scampered into the icy water.

Upon leaving the beach I spotted trails lacing the bluffs along Highway One that hugs the coast. They called to me for another visit to this beautiful region one fine day.

IF YOU GO:

Armstrong Park 

Note: The reserve is located three miles north of Guerneville on Armstrong Woods Road. From Highway 101 take the River Road exit (in Santa Rosa). Go west on River Road until you reach Guerneville. At the second stop light make a right hand turn onto Armstrong Woods Road.

Guerneville, California

Note: Guerneville is an unincorporated community in the Russian River Valley of Sonoma County, California, United States. The town is historically known for the logging community, formed in the late 1800s. Guerneville is also known for its natural environment, liberal atmosphere, and proximity to wine-tasting and redwood forests. It was founded by the Guerne family in the 1850s.

River’s End Lodge and Restaurant

Located one hour and 45 minutes north of the Golden Gate Bridge, this haven for lovers of the Sonoma Coast and wine country has been around since 1927.

First published at www.nabbw.com on my Adventure Column

Linda Ballou

Linda's mission is to experience as many beautiful places on our planet as she can before they are no more. Travel tales relating her experiences while kayaking, horseback riding, sailing, birding and hiking about the globe have appeared in numerous national magazines. She had great fun collecting travel stories, and profiles of people she met in “naturally high places” for her book, Lost Angel Walkabout-One Traveler’s Tales. Go to LostAngelAdventures.com for more adventures.

Lost Angel in Paradise