Saturday, November 24, 2007

The Australian Wave


Well, as most of you can guess the Australian Wave is not really a wave at all, but a jerky swat like move as you cuss and blow air, squish your face and close your eyes at those nasty little flies that seem to be in abundance there in Australia.
They are every where and it’s really hard to get use to as you seem to be constantly swatting and batting away the little suckers when ever you are out side. After a while it’s almost comical as you hear other members your group barking, grunting and making funny noises trying to get them off your face and body.

Carrie and I just spent 2 weeks in Australia, the first 7 days playing just out side of Sydney in the Legends Tour Open Championship (which I won, yippy!!). Some how, I was able quiet my commentating voice long enough in my head to hold off Alicia Debos the final 3 holes to win by a two shots.
Imagine Lorena Ochoa and her last 3 holes last Sunday in her quest for the Million $ 1st place purse at Trump International for the ADT Championship. Makes my job seem like a piece of cake.
Anyways, it was fun and I’m proud to be named the Champ and it definitely made our trip to the land of No Worries Mate (don’t believe it, I was scolded for something every day) a lot of fun!


The final days of our journey there in Australia were exploring two different areas known as The Blue Mountains and Hunter Valley. Both were outstanding and worth the trip if you are ever in Sydney.
Of course it rained every day, (exactly what I didn’t expect for the spring time Down Under). I mean ugly, fogging misty and sometimes really hard Rain.Somepeople have all the luck. Me and Carrie, Not!

But we gutted it out as we happily went on our 3 hour hike overlooking Echo Park and what pictures showed as beautiful vast views from the rocky cliffs. Of course the fog set in and we couldn’t see past the railing for most of the hike. Until, miraculously the fog lifted just long enough for a glimpse of the steep drop offs and vast wilderness below, and to get a picture of the land mark The Three Sisters at Echo Point.. Not quite as grand as our National Park, The Grand Canyon, but still very beautiful and probably the best hike we’ve ever had.

We ended our stay in Australia in Hunter Valley which is a lot like our own Napa Valley of California where we will be hosting an RJGG event this summer. We thought we might get a head start on our wine tasting skills as we wound our way around the mountain to the beautiful valley dotted with vineyards. If you like to drink wine and eat well then we highly recommend this scenic area. Don’t miss out on the Kangaroo’s, and the beautiful Jacaranda Tree’s in their colorful bloom.

Finally, we made it home after the 14 hour flight back to the US, Trophy in tote, Wine too. Still, we are a little messed up as we fight our sleeping schedule and the urge to Wave. Happy Thanksgiving! That was a real Wave.