Flyabout Adventure to Theda Station with Fran West

As mentioned in one of my previous blog posts, I flew in to Theda Station on my way around Australia's coast.

I ordered a drum of avgas to be trucked in for me so the plane could be refuelled.

Before I left on my trip I checked that the fuel had arrived at Theda. Sometimes in the northwestern part of Western Australia the roads can be flooded and trucks can't get through with the fuel.

One of the things I remember about Theda was not only the flies and the wonderful hospitality but the fact that I had company when I had a shower.

The local frogs seemed to enjoy having a shower with guests - just as well it was poorly lit!

The photo shows the accommodation block which had the toilets and showers in the middle and the eating area on the right.

Flyabout Adventure around Mt Everest with Fran West

After we returned from the mountain flight to Everest, on my big occasion birthday, I looked back at the plane and took this photo.

However, because I have a very weird sense of humour, the pilot seemed to be saying "Look at those windows, man. I told you to clean them before we left. All I had was complaints from passengers who couldn't see a .... thing!"



Having a sense of humour when you travel can be a real asset because it can help you see the funny side of things which aren't really funny.



Travel throws all sorts of different experiences at you and how you handle them can determine whether you have a good or bad holiday.

Flyabout Adventure around Australia's Coast with Fran West

Cape Wiles, near the bottom of Eyre Peninsula, South Australia, is a spot not to be missed on either a flyabout or a driveabout adventure.

It was named in 1802, by Matthew Flinders, after James Wiles, the botanist on board the sailing ship "Investigator".

Today it forms part of "Whalers Way", a scenic drive out of Port Lincoln.



My flight around Australia's coast wasn't just a journey in a plane but also a lesson in historical geography with the English, French and Dutch names.



Matthew Flinders named a lot of places in South Australia, particularly around this area which is rugged, wild and beautiful and also dangerous to mariners.

Bryce Canyon Adventure with Fran West

In 2009, one of the best holidays I organised myself was a trip to the Southwest of the USA and southern Utah's national parks.

I started in the west with Zion National Park and followed a tourist route recommended on one of the internet sites.

At Zion Canyon, you have to look up to appreciate the canyon, whereas at Bryce Canyon, you have to look down to view a breathtaking panorama.

There are many drives and walks at the top of the canyon as well as walking and mule trails down into the canyon.

The features of the park are not only the vegetation and wildlife but in particular the rock formations and their various hues.


Sunrise and sunset are brilliant at certain points of the canyon.

One of the places I'd like to return to and explore a bit more.

Check out http://www.nps.gov/brca/index.htm

Fran West Flyabout Adventure in a Hot Air Balloon, Florida

This is a really good adventure to do providing you don't mind getting up early in the morning.

I was fortunate to have a superb hot air balloon ride in Florida.

We launched from a field at Boggy Creek, near Orlando. Three balloons took off ahead of us and then our balloon launched just ahead of two others. Great photos looking up at airborne balloons and then others looking down from aloft.

So calm and peaceful in the air floating over swamp and forest draped in Spanish moss. A good time for reflection.

One good tip - wear a beanie, gloves and warm clothes because it can be very cold in an open hot air balloon basket at dawn.


After we landed we had the traditional champagne, orange juice, crackers and cheese.

Fran West Rafting Adventure on the Seti River, Nepal

After finishing the trek in Nepal, I had another adventure lined up, rafting on the Seti River.

There had been a lot of trouble in the country previously because of the royal family deaths, so there weren't as many tourists around.

My trip consisted of me and three Nepalese men (all a bit young for me though!) in the raft.


The guide even thanked me for paddling, particularly when we were going through the rapids. What kind of raft trip is it if the guide does all the work and everyone just sits there? That's not rafting.



Anyway, a great trip with one overnight stop. I had a good night's rest, after all that hard paddling, in my own cosy tent which was close to the Royal Palace (loo tent). More stories about the trip later.

Flyabout around the coast of Tasmania with Fran West

Australia has some pretty spectacular coast - different spots in all of the states and the Northern Territory on the mainland.

But the Tasmanian coast, because it's not as long, has all the beauty spots relatively close together.

The best coastline in Australia just has to be in the southeast corner with Tasman Island (pictured), Cape Pillar, Cape Raoul etc. etc. etc.!



I have photos of this place everywhere, even in the loo.

It's even on the DVD label!



You must visit Tasmania and walk this coast, fly over it or take a tour boat ride.

Check this out - http://www.pennicottjourneys.com.au/

And yes, Tasmania is Australia's island gem.