Perth - Good to be back in the land of Oz

Seventeen glorious years ago, Nicole and I spent four of some of the best weeks of our lives on a honeymoon here in Australia. When we left, we swore we would be back. And we did it. We landed in Perth a couple days ago and we were immediately reminded of the wonderful Aussie people - kind-hearted; happy; and chill. Unlike every other customs agent on the planet, we were greeted by a jolly old fella more interested in chatting us up, than checking our credentials. He even made Bryce smile, which is a testament to putting people at ease. (Note, I truly don't understand why countries seem to actively place their grumpiest people in those little booths to greet weary newcomers.)

It is time to get back in our travel rhythm. After a full day of travel from Dubai (after the shortest hotel stay in recorded history - checked in at 9pm, checked out at 1am - our flight left at 3am, and we just needed a place to shower and nap after a day of Dubai heat), we spent our first day grocery shopping, studying, and checking out the local scene. We're staying in a beach town called Hillarys about 20 minutes north of Perth. This is Southern California living to a tee.

There is nothing like the original from Australia. We loved them 17 years ago, and they are still amazing.

It's mostly the same, but we Americans take it to level 11 with our groceries, pharmacy, liquor store, and auto-care. They are still the Target from 15 years ago - clothes and toys and things.

Sometimes it's the little things that make us so happy. For 21 weeks, we have yet to find:

Refried Beans (of any kind). The world doesn't know what these are.

That thing the world calls mustard is gross. Only French's has figured out the magic. 

On one previous occasion, we found "American Dressing", but it was nasty. This is Paul Newmans Ranch. Still not Hidden Valley, but it will do.

Mission Brand tortilla chips. Of course, the world thinks a chip is a french fry, and they would pronounce it "tortila," not "torteeya." 

Typical morning of home schooling. Contrary to what our blog may suggest, it's not all fun and frivolity you know. 

Caversham & Horse Riding:
Our first order of business was to connect with Joanna, the second cousin twice removed (or something like that) of a business friend of mine. It's always good to have some local knowledge. On our way to visit with Joanna, we spent the morning at the Caversham Wildlife Animal Reserve for our first taste of the curious Australian fauna. Australia, hands down, has the oddest bits of animals on the planet. No trip down under is complete without some kangaroo feeding, koala pics, and wombat petting.

They really are as cute in person as they look in the pictures. You can't help but giggle when they try to walk on the ground. A lifetime spent hugging trees creates curvy legs. 

Hopping dear are fun to feed. 

Pretty sure I could have sat there and took another 200 pictures of this owl. It's expressions were a catalog of emoji's. 

The afternoon was spent with Joanna at her horse farm. In her spare time (which Nicole and I couldn't imagine where it comes from given her multi-faceted day job) she boards seven horses to offset the cost of her magnificent horse, Laura. Interesting, but lame fact about me, I have never touched a horse, much less ridden one. Joanna was kind enough to give me, Nicole, and Zane a riding lesson (Autumn and Bryce preferred hanging out inside with the Greyhounds and cat). Zane absolutely loved riding, and now we're concerned this little afternoon will result in a large investment on our part when we get back. If only he would be infatuated with riding a hamster or a welsh corgi.

Joanna and her horse, Laura. Wonderful creature. She was so docile and ready to tote us novice around without a fuss. Laura that is. Not Joanna, that would be weird.

Zane spent a good 30 minutes riding without being led around. He could turn, stop, and go. Frankly, seems a natural.

Riding off in to the sunset

Meanwhile back in the house.

Sand Boarding (Lancelin Sand Dunes) & Pinnacles:
One of the disadvantages of creating an eternal summer for a year is the absence of snowboarding. When we heard of a thing called Sand Boarding just north of Perth, we said, "Well that seems like something fun. Let's do it!" And the entire Long clan shot our right hands in the air in exultation.[slight hyperbole there]. It's a bit of work clambering up a hill that is constantly giving way, only to force-ably try to lunge your legs forward and shove your hips at the same time like your doing some kind of crazy breakdancing move.  During this dance, the earth is actively trying to hold your board in one place no matter how much wax you apply to the bottom. Meanwhile, you're being sandblasted by the wind (the dunes exist because of the wind so you can't really get too upset that it's windy). It's entirely fun and totally worthwhile [no hyperbole there].

The swim goggles were a genius idea from Nicole. So were the hats. My visor left my scalp exposed to a thick layer of sand. Gross. BTW, those are not pirate hats they're wearing, just the effects of the wind.

No lifts. One step up, half step slide.

Had to lean back a lot to keep momentum. Made for nearly impossible turning. Bombs away!

The sledding was super fun

Triple slide

Further north is the Pinnacles in the Nambung National Park. It is a curious natural phenomenon of rock pillars sticking up from a sandy orange desert.

"Well kids, what a treat to see such mysterious rocks. These will be around for generations to come for all to see." We accidentally had it in reverse when we left, but as far as we know, all is well. 

This is a sign of success. 

It just now occurs to me... I had no idea that I had dormant interest in geology. Throughout this trip, I have been fascinated by the many different types of rocks and the formations of mountains. For instance, here in Perth, the shore is lined with really interesting sandy rocks that are super jagged and pitted. It kind of looks like AA lava, but light brown and white.

Rottnest Island & the Quokkas:
Without fail, if you were to ask a Perth native the one thing that must be done, it's a visit to Rottnest Island. Now that we've been, they're right. It's a wee expensive as you have to take a ferry, and it's best to hire bikes, but it's totally worth it. While the beautiful pockets of beaches and turquoise waters would probably be sufficient, the real reason to visit is to interact with the Quokkas. They are not a village of indigenous people that engage in spiritual dances. They are these little rodent things seemingly born from a wacky mating of a rat and a kangaroo. Quokkas precisely straddle the line between ugly and cute, and are the boldest creatures on the planet. Whereas the mighty Cheetah, or Lion will cower away from obnoxious humans shoving cameras in their faces, the Quokkas gladly step in to the action. Imagine if every squirrel you met came right up to you and had a snuggle.

Hired bikes for the day. More hills than we expected. Good thing we had Bryce in the trailer.

If you squat, they will come. 

They are just so curious.

We suspect it was the Pringle crums that Bryce had smeared all over his face that the Quokkas smelled. 

They are a curious beast. I had to nudge this guy out with my foot, and he had planned to hop right back in. 

A Sunset to Remember:
One of my goals is to take a sunset pic in every place we visit. Sometimes they are duds, and sometimes it's quite memorable (Midnight sun in Lofotens). In this case, it went from a dud to magic in about 1 minute. Just as I was meandering back home with the skies a dull grey, it was like a ocean sized can of crimson red paint was cast up from the horizon.

A bit of time lapse fun while I waited.