#best places to visit in south australia

[harborcation]

Discover the Beauty of South Australia: Best Places to Visit

South Australia, a diverse and captivating state in Australia, is a hidden gem filled with breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich cultural experiences. Whether you're an adventure seeker, nature lover, or history enthusiast, South Australia has something to offer for everyone. In this blog post, we will explore some of the best places to visit in South Australia that will leave you in awe of its beauty and charm.

1. Adelaide:

The vibrant capital city of South Australia, Adelaide, is a must-visit destination. Known for its beautiful parklands, stunning architecture, and vibrant food and wine scene, Adelaide offers a blend of cosmopolitan delights and relaxed charm. Explore the historic Adelaide Oval, wander through the Adelaide Central Market, and visit the cultural precinct of North Terrace, home to museums, art galleries, and the iconic Adelaide Botanic Garden.

2. Kangaroo Island:

A short ferry rides from Adelaide, Kangaroo Island is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. Known as Australia's Galapagos, this pristine island offers an abundance of native wildlife, including kangaroos, koalas, sea lions, and diverse bird species. Discover the breathtaking coastal scenery of Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch, explore the Flinders Chase National Park, and indulge in delicious local produce and wines.

3. Barossa Valley:

For wine lovers, a visit to the Barossa Valley is a must. Just an hour's drive from Adelaide, this renowned wine region is famous for its world-class vineyards and wineries. Take a tour through picturesque vineyards, sample award-winning wines, and indulge in sumptuous food at one of the many cellar doors. The Barossa Valley also offers stunning landscapes, charming towns, and a rich cultural heritage to explore.

4. Flinders Ranges:

Escape to the rugged beauty of the Flinders Ranges, a vast outback region that showcases South Australia's unique landscapes. Immerse yourself in the ancient natural wonders, from the majestic Wilpena Pound to the stunning gorges and red rock formations. Embark on bushwalks, spot native wildlife, and marvel at the star-filled night sky. The Flinders Ranges is a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

5. Adelaide Hills:

Just a short drive from Adelaide, the Adelaide Hills is a picturesque region known for its rolling hills, charming villages, and cool-climate wineries. Explore the historic German village of Hahndorf, sample artisanal chocolates and cheeses, and enjoy panoramic views from Mount Lofty Summit. The Adelaide Hills also offers nature reserves, walking trails, and opportunities to spot native wildlife.

South Australia is a destination that captures the heart and imagination with its stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich cultural experiences. From the cosmopolitan delights of Adelaide to the untamed beauty of Kangaroo Island, the Barossa Valley's renowned wines, the rugged allure of the Flinders Ranges, and the charm of the Adelaide Hills, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this captivating state.

So, whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or a taste of Australia's unique culture, pack your bags and explore the best places that South Australia has to offer. Prepare to be mesmerized by its natural wonders, enchanted by its vibrant cities, and captivated by its warm hospitality. Begin your journey to South Australia and create memories that will last a lifetime.

[victorharborattractions]

Victor Harbor Unveiled: A Coastal Tapestry of Enchanting Attractions

Nestled along the picturesque coastline of South Australia, Victor Harbor emerges as a captivating gem, beckoning travelers with its panoramic vistas and a treasure trove of attractions. From the rhythmic ebb and flow of the Southern Ocean to the charming town's historical allure, in Victor Harbor Attractions are a kaleidoscope of experiences that promise to leave an indelible mark on every visitor's heart.

A Symphony of Natural Wonders

1. Granite Island Penguin Parade:

As the sun dips below the horizon, witness a charming spectacle on Granite Island—the nightly Penguin Parade. Marvel at the Little Penguins as they waddle ashore, providing an enchanting display of nature's wonders.

2. The Bluff and Encounter Bay:

The rugged beauty of The Bluff meets the serenity of Encounter Bay, creating a mesmerizing backdrop. Take a leisurely stroll along the cliff's edge, where the Southern Ocean meets the land, offering a breathtaking panorama that captures the essence of Victor Harbor.

Historic Charms

3. Victor Harbor Horse Drawn Tram:

Step back in time with a ride on the iconic Horse Drawn Tram, connecting the mainland to Granite Island. This living relic of the past offers a unique perspective of the coastal landscape, accompanied by the rhythmic clip-clop of horse hooves.

4. The Cockle Train:

Embark on a historic rail journey with the Cockle Train, tracing its heritage back to the 19th century. This steam locomotive takes you on a scenic voyage, offering glimpses of seaside villages and lush landscapes along the way.

Family-Friendly Delights

5. Urimbirra Wildlife Park:

For an up-close encounter with Australia's diverse wildlife, Urimbirra Wildlife Park is a must-visit. Kangaroos, koalas, and exotic birds await, providing an educational and entertaining experience for visitors of all ages.

6. The Big Duck Boat Tours:

Embark on an aquatic adventure with The Big Duck Boat Tours. Explore the coastline, witness playful seals, and learn about the marine wonders that grace the waters surrounding Victor Harbor.

Coastal Culinary Delights

7. Local Flavors at Whalers Inn:

Indulge your taste buds with local flavors at Whalers Inn, where the culinary scene mirrors the coastal charm. Fresh seafood, paired with panoramic views of the ocean, creates a dining experience that is both delectable and scenic.

8. Oceanic Wines at The Islander Estate Vineyards:

For wine enthusiasts, The Islander Estate Vineyards offers a unique tasting experience. Savor oceanic-influenced wines while immersed in the tranquil vineyard setting.

Victor Harbor, with its captivating blend of nature, history, and family-friendly attractions, stands as a testament to the diversity that South Australia proudly offers. As you explore the coastal tapestry of Victor Harbor, each attraction unfolds a unique chapter, creating a narrative that resonates with the essence of this enchanting destination.

[kjupchurch-xx]

🩷 Conflicting Feelings 🩷 Part 3

Hugh and I ended up getting take-out for lunch. We spent the last 24 hours together. Things were nice. Things were right. The last 24 hours had been spent working out kinks of what was to come next. It was spent with hours of being in each other's arms and many passionate kisses. He'd been my person for years. These things had only ever taken place in my dreams, I never imagined them becoming a reality.  I'd always wondered what his kisses were like. The thoughts made me smile as a red blush appeared on my cheeks. 

He came up behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist and looking at me through the full length mirror while resting his head on my shoulder. "What's got you turning red?" He asked, smirking at me through the mirror. 

Our height difference was pretty silly considering I'm 5'0 and he towers me at 6'2, so imagine him bending down to actually rest his chin on my shoulder. I tilted my head looking at him through the mirror, "Nothing." I said pursing my lips together. 

He chuckled, "Are you sure, love?" He asked sweetly. 

I quickly nodded, "I'm sure." before turning to look at him, staring for a moment, "What?" He asked laughing. I shook my head, "Nothing. I just can't believe this is even happening right now." I said honestly. 

He smiled, "Well it is. And if you'll have me, I'm all yours." His gaze went down to my lips for a moment before meeting my eyes once again. 

Flashback to September 5th, 2021: 

I was back home in South Carolina visiting family. I'd just finished playing an extra in a movie when my phone started ringing. It was Hugh, who was in England filming for his new movie The Son. Figuring he was just calling to ask about my filming experience, I answered. 

I could hear sniffling, "Hey, how was filming?" I asked, trying to hide the concern in my voice. 

He sighed, sniffling a bit more as he belted out, "My father died." the tremble in his voice killed me. 

I sighed, "Oh shit. I'm so sorry, babe. Is Deb on her way?" I asked, hoping she'd canceled whatever she had going on since he was in England alone. 

That simple question broke him, "I fucking rang her and she just said 'I'm so sorry babe, I'll see you when you get home. I can't leave the dogs.' Who the fuck says that?!" His voice dripping with hurt as he continued breaking. 

I closed my eyes, feeling my teeth start to grit, "Are you serious?" 

He sniffled, choking on his tears, "I just lost my fucking father. I'm in another country filming a movie I can't even focus on at this moment and that's all I get from her." 

I quickly put the phone and speaker and sent Deb a text. 

Me: Hey, I saw the news. If you guys need someone to keep the pups while you go to Australia, I don't mind keeping them. I miss Dali and Allegra!

She text me back almost immediately after I hit send.

Debbora-Lee: Thank you, honey. I appreciate it but I'm not going to be able to go. Ava has school stuff we can't miss unfortunately. 

I sighed, "I'm so sorry, babe. You're in England, right?" I asked knowingly as I began searching for flights on my phone. Someone has to be there and I guess if she refuses to be there, I'll have to go to make sure he can make it through his film and to make sure he's okay. 

He coughed again, "Yes, I'm in fucking London." 

I bit my bottom lip as I booked the first flight I saw, "Meet me at the airport at 11 pm your time." 

He sniffled, surprised, "Where are you? What do you mean?" He asked, confused. 

I sighed, "I'll be landing in London at 11." I said while grabbing my things, throwing them in my bag to haul ass to the airport. 

"No love, you don't have to do that. Don't mess up your time with your family." He said softly. 

"It's already paid for. Just pick me up at 11." I said as I ended the call. 

I'm pissed. I'm pissed she can't get off her ass to fly to be with her husband who just lost his father. I'm pissed my time with my family got ruined because of this fucked up situation, but he's my best friend and he obviously needs someone on his side. He called Deb, then called me. I'm pissed that I can't show this man what he means to me because of a marriage he's in with such a selfish person. But I'll go be the hero and save his ass because she refuses to. Time to put my platonic face on. 

11 PM, London, England: 

After a 10 hour flight, a comfortable bed is all I'm after. I booked a room at the same hotel Hugh was staying to be close by. I hadn't seen him in months. I was excited, despite the circumstance of why I came in the first place. I stepped off the escalator, the airport was practically dead at this time. Maybe 20 other people and I'm sure they all just got off the flight I was on. I quickly found the baggage claim, grabbing my things and checking my phone. 

"You really didn't have to do this." I heard a familiar voice, my favorite Australian say as he approached me, pulling me into a quick hug. 

He looked awful. His eyes were swollen from crying, his hair was a mess. He was almost unrecognizable.  

I shrugged, "You didn't have anybody else. That's what I'm here for." I smiled. "Take me to the hotel. I'm tired and ready to be away from airports and planes." I said, walking towards the doors. 

He gave me a sad smile, "Isn't this your first time out of the country?" He asked, looking at me, walking with me towards his car. 

I nodded, "It is. Finally putting the passport I've had for a year now to good use." I laughed. 

As we approached his car, he opened the door for me and grabbed my bags, placing them in the back, then coming to get in the driver's seat. "I'm so thankful to have someone like you in my life. Thank you. You have no idea how much this means to me." He said, his voice slightly shaking. 

I took a deep breath, trying to contain my own emotions, "Don't mention it. That's what friends are for, babe." I said with a small smile. 

He took me to a fast food place to grab a bite to take to the hotel with me. As we reached the hotel and got up to the room, he stopped holding his composure and broke. I couldn't help but pull him into my arms and stroke his back as he wept. I'd never seen Hugh actually cry and the sight was heartbreaking. Nonetheless, I'm glad I'm here so he isn't alone. We spent hours with him crying, telling me stories about his father and the kind of man he was, we rehearsed his lines for The Son until the sun came sweeping into the hotel room. 

Present Day:

"What's on your mind?" He asked, giving me a serious look. 

I looked at him, "Nothing, I was just thinking about the night I flew to London to see you." 

He chuckled, "Ah, the night that started it all."

I playfully rolled my eyes, "I don't remember anything being started on my part. I remember trying to call your wife and let her have it... but you wouldn't let me." I laughed at the last part. 

He laughed, "No, I wouldn't. I told you that you were better than that and I didn't want her to ban me from seeing you." He said with a smirk. 

"Honestly though, that was the night that really did something for me. I had nothing but platonic feelings for you until you did that for me. After that weekend with you, just being there, being yourself and being there for me, helping me keep my head in the game with my film, it was hard to separate myself from developing feelings for you." He said quietly, slightly shaking his head almost as if he were in disbelief.

I kissed his cheek, "I'll bet you had no idea that I was absolutely smitten with you long before that. Which is why I flew to England. Do you think I fly across the world at the drop of a hat for anyone else?" I giggled. 

He looked at me, eyes widening a little, "What? You were not. You never showed it at all." 

I rolled my eyes again, "Um sir, you were married and I did not want to fight someone over their husband. I enjoyed our friendship and respected your marriage too much to do something stupid." 

He smirked, "No, but we did have a cuddle in London." 

I gasped, laughing, "No shit, you were an emotional mess. I wasn't going to just say 'Hey, I'm heading to the other room. See ya tomorrow, big guy.' What was I supposed to do?" I said crossing my arms. 

 He laughed, pecking my lips, wrapping his arms back around me, "Okay, point well made." 

It was starting to get late, now getting closer to 10 pm. I yawned, looking at him, "I'm sorry, but I refuse to sleep on the couch again tonight. I'm going to sleep in my bed tonight. You're welcome to join me unless you want a hard sofa." 

He smiled, "I'll be there in a second, love."

I smiled sleepily, yawning again before walking towards the bedroom, "Okay." 

As I got to the bedroom, I put on a tank top and matching pajama shorts before climbing into the big king sized bed. It wasn't as comfortable as my bed at home, but it would do. About 10 minutes later, Hugh walked in interrupting the annoyingly funny reality show I was watching. 

"Miss me?" He asked cockily while taking off his jeans and t-shirt, moving the blankets to lay beside me. 

I chuckled, "No, I had Mama June and Honey Boo Boo keeping me entertained."

He rolled his eyes, "I can't believe you actually watch that." He laid his arm over my shoulder, pulling me closer to him. 

I played as if I were offended, "Don't hate. They're hilarious." 

He looked at the tv, "I'm sorry it took me awhile to come in here. I was on the phone with Oscar." His voice sounded sad.

I chewed at my lip, nervous for what was to come next, as I rested my hand on his bare chest, softly caressing it. "It's okay. Is he okay?" I asked. 

He sighed, "He's fine. He's disappointed that his mum and I couldn't fix things, but he's old enough to understand that people have to do what makes them happy."  

I looked up at him, "Well, at least he understands. Does he know where you're at?..." I asked lowly. 

Hugh sat in silence. 

"Hugh... You didn't tell him you're with me, did you?..." I asked, growing worried, lifting up to look at him. 

He shook his head, "Well not at first, no. He asked where I was. I simply said LA. He asked who I was with. I didn't say. He said 'You're with her, aren't you, dad?' and you know I'm a terrible liar." 

I exhaled the breath I'd been holding in hopes he did not tell his child I was with him. Oscar and Ava adored me, but I did not need the world thinking I ripped this man out of his marriage and away from his family. 

He rubbed my cheek, "He knows you didn't do anything wrong. He's old enough to understand the issues Deb and I have. He knew his mum and I had been practically separated for years but didn't want to actually separate for their sake." 

I shook my head, "I hope you're right. I also hope he doesn't call her and tell her." I said without thinking. 

He shook his head, "He won't. He doesn't know what we're doing or what we've talked about. He knows you're always there. He probably thinks you're making sure I don't do something stupid and just being a good friend." 

I nodded, "Okay... If you say so." 

Hugh's phone lit up, a notification from Ryan Reynolds. It was a text. Opening it, it was a screen shot of his soon-to-be ex-wife, posted up with another man. I looked at Hugh, chewing my bottom lip, anxiously awaiting his response. 

He looked at me, "Good for her. She deserves happiness." He said bluntly. 

I pursed my lips, "You took that better than I imagined." I chuckled. 

He smiled, holding his phone up to take a picture with me. "What are you doing?..." I asked, not ready for his response. I knew exactly what he was doing. He was going to post his own selfie to get back at her. 

He smirked, "I'm just taking a selfie with my best friend that will be going on Instagram with the caption 'That's what friends are for'." He exclaimed proud of himself as he forced me to smile for the camera by tickling my side. 

"I can't believe how toxic you are." I said with a chuckle watching him post the picture to his Instagram. You could clearly see he was shirtless, I'm in a tank top and we're close to one another. This was going to go over great on the internet. 

He chuckled, "I can be toxic, but in a sexy way." He reminded me. 

Author's Note:  I'm actually having a lot of fun writing this. Let me guess... You guys want a part four? 

[jakesangel]

jake showing you brisbane around ꣑୧

lets go with bikes! youll see the beaches looks so much better by bikes than by feet baby ! your boyfriends says with a smile, his teeth full on display. it hasnt been an hour the both of you arrived in australia and jake is already excited to show you his favorite childhood places, the second your suitcases hit the floor. jake, we just arrived... you start, but seeing his smile slowly fading away, already makes you feel sad : him being the best boyfriend, always agreeing to everything you ask, you have to let him pass today. sooo where do we start ?

there you are, both of you biking next to each other, the australian's sun hitting jake's long hair perfectly. it feels so nice isn't it, my love, he talks-yells as the wind hits both of you. you can not see his face but you can hear how happy he is right at this moment : it's not everyday he can actually visit his hometown n further more, you being here with him. it is ! as you ride thru a beautiful garden. we're at the South Bank Parklands baby! he slowes down as kids is surrounding the both of you, coming down from his bike, i used to play a lot here when i was really young. if i couldn't make it to the beach, i would just go in the wheel wiht my friend after class and then walk back home next to the river. it's sooo beautiful at night, we should defo do a picnic tomorrow here. he is now looking at you, eyes shiny of dreaming of taking you out for the first time here. you break the eye contact, wanting to fully take in your environment, that sounds lovely jake, it does seem so beautiful at night.

after multiple stops he finally showing his favorite fishing place, cylinder beach, there we go baby, the fishing spot ! he stops his bike to the bridge's barriere and come close to you helping you to get off yours. he hold his hands to you, wanting to finish that quick visit going hand to hand. i've spent so many hours here n got my first fish here. he started, i've always wanted to show you this place bby. the sun has started to set, the orange sky highlighting jake's beauty. his infamous smile is somehow prettier in australia, showing a raw-er n better version of him, the true jake, unfolding in front you of n you only. before going to korea that was the last place i went to. i needed to see one last time and just think of what my future will be looking like. he stops at his track, the end of the bruges right in front of you and helps you sit down, feet's swinging on top of the water. his arms encircle you, your head naturally coming to his shoulder. i'm glad i went to korea, now i've got to hold my future in my arms, pressing a kiss on your temple.

perm tag list ( open ) : @berryyuni @stwrjvke @neos127 @goldenretrieverjakezgirlbaby @heeheeswifey @sjylouvre @txnwvc @oopshee @mioons @en-ner-jay @en-chantedtomeetyou @jlheon @ghostiiess @theyluvfrankocean

[styleandcheek]

I asked ChatGPT where I should live that’s similar to Southern California. Welp.

ChatGPT:

If you're looking for a place similar to Southern California in terms of politics and weather, consider these options:

1. Central Coast of California: Areas like Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Monterey have similar mild Mediterranean climates and a more moderate political environment compared to urban Southern California.

2. San Diego, California: It's in Southern California but often considered distinct from Los Angeles in terms of both weather and political atmosphere. San Diego has a more moderate climate and a somewhat different political landscape.

3. Parts of Hawaii: Some areas of Hawaii, such as Maui or Oahu, offer warm, sunny weather year-round and a laid-back lifestyle similar to Southern California. Politically, Hawaii tends to lean more liberal.

4. South Florida: Cities like Miami or Fort Lauderdale have a warm climate and a diverse population, similar to parts of Southern California. Politically, Florida varies but tends to be more conservative overall compared to California.

5. Sydney, Australia: If you're open to an international option, Sydney has a coastal climate similar to parts of Southern California and a generally progressive political environment.

Each of these places has its own unique characteristics, so it's a good idea to visit or research more deeply to see which matches your preferences best.

[muckmagister]

ANOTHER RAPID FIRE QUESTION ROUND!!!!! on the condition that it cannot help you escape the deserted island, what is one thing you would take to a deserted island? what's a book that changed your life in high school? what's your ideal job? what's your favorite ice cream flavor? what's your favorite place you ever visited and where would you like to visit someday? what's your favorite video game? again i can't think of any more questions but if you have something you would like to say. well. you can say it. bye bye 💖💖💖

oouhh my god that's a tough question to start with. like the boring answer would be some sort of multi tool but i suppose anything that helps me survive would eventually also help me leave. it'd have to be like. a ball. or some other sort of small nicknack that i could easily keep on me to play around with, oH or my childhood plushy. or actually like a lil instrument like a harmonica to learn that'd be cool. yeaah so like a rubiks cube or a harmonica or my plushie ^^

The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy was like the only thing i read during middle/high school that wasn't required reading for a class it's fantastic. ok well it wasn't the only thing i read but it's the only thing i've reread like 5 times by now lmao. it definitely helped stoke my imagination and interest in physics with the dumbass sci-fi fkjdksjs

wuuuh i haven't thought too much about it but i think ideally i end up in some sort of pure mathematics research position; i imagine i'm also gonna end up teaching at a uni somewhere at the same time, which isn't bad honestly even though i'm an awful teacher ^^ i just love talking about and trying to explain that stuff. i don't know exactly where my passion comes from but it's just. sure i've always been good at it but more than that it's exciting! it's so exciting to learn about! maths isn't invented, it's discovered, and we're discovering it! and it's so complex and so stupid. it's embedded in everything and exists wholly outside of it. i also like philosophy lmao

ok ok, so. good. proper. vanilla icecream. like chocolate with fudgy bits and stuff is incredible, fruity/berry flavoured icecream is awesome too. but there's a reason vanilla became synonymous with default and it isn't because it's boring it's because it's the best. but yeah only if it's good, shitty vanilla icecream sucks ass. it's also incredibly close to be entirely honest i DO like a good berry icecream. but the simplicity and delicacy of vanilla just does it for me most of the time

i don't think i have a favourite place- i haven't traveled enough yet😭 the furthest i've been from home was just sydney and the gold coast and it was like. different but the same, all just australia still but somewhere else. but i've always wanted to tour through europe and japan and some bits in south africa and the americas and other places too though. i need to see everything

AHH terraria probably??!!!?! it's so hard to say but really terraria is probably the game i've played the most in my life. otherwise plazma burst is an old flash game that's close to my heart because of nostalgia. and cause it's fucking awesome still tbh. OHH and the henry stickmin games!!!! also nostalgia but they also fucking rock still. and then there's the basic answers like portal and skyrim because of course. i cried when i finally beat portal 2, it was literally one the first games i ever played on the xbox 360 we got when i was like 9-10 years old, and like, i'd get stuck at bits and not play for a while at a time so it ultimately took some two years to get through but when it happened it was just. ough.

[isay]

Chances are that when you think of Australia you tend to think of the beaches, Sydney Opera House, or the red centre and Uluru. Most people by and large tend not to consider that we also have gigantic forests and mountain ranges.

So anyhow, taking advantage of the Chris died for my sins public holiday yesterday, we decided to head out for a drive because Kim has had a hankering to see leaves changing colour with the advent of autumn. We'd planned to head to a place called Jamieson up by Lake Eildon, stopping on the way for lunch at Mansfield, which in winter is the gateway to the snowfields and the skiing at Mount Buller.

Now to get to Jamieson was nice and easy, about a two and a half hour drive on decent enough roads. Not exactly major roads by any means but perfectly capable and comfortable to drive on. But then in Jamieson, with about 120 kms of gas left in the tank we decided to take a 'scenic route' for the return journey.

After forcing Google Maps into choosing a route south along minor roads off we set, oblivious to what lay in wait for us. Essentially a good two and a half hours on unsealed roads, up and down mountains with the traction control freaking out constantly. Both Kim and I are terrible passengers as we both like to have control of the car, but yesterday I got to ride shotgun, which often meant staring off over a sheer drop into a bottomless gorge.

And did I mention the 4x4s that are built to do this that think nothing of roaring along those roads at 60-80km an hour, billowing up clouds of dirt you can't see through? Yeah we came across a few of them too.

Halfway through we also realised that we were likely to run out of gas before making it back to civilisation. Thankfully after about an hour or so and with 60ks of gas left in the tank we made it to a township (pop.30) called Woods Point which showed it had a 'historical gas station'. No actual gas station though.

Thankfully though it has a pub, the Commercial Hotel, which is now my favourite pub in the world. Because it also sells petrol. Just enough to get us back to the 21st century. Off we set again, leaving Brigadoon behind us, grateful that our visit coincided with it's once in a century appearance.

Another hour and a half of time travel through the land that time forgot and we finally hit sealed roads again, much to our palpable relief. Then weaving through some of the most gorgeous driving there is to be had in this world, winding roads surrounded by forest still, and hardly a soul sharing them with us. We finally made it safely home after three and three quarter hours of adventure.

So the moral of this story? There's a reason why Google Maps is sometimes reticent to send you down the road less travelled, and you might want to listen to it. Or you might not, because you'll see things others hardly ever get to, have a grand adventure and you might get to find the best pub in the world.

[imperialgoogie]

Live from America, it's the House of Googie!

It's been a while since I've posted here, but that's because I've been working on something big. Really big.

I'm travelling to America!

To celebrate my 30th birthday, I'll be visiting California, Nevada, and Arizona, the very home of Googie, and taking in the sights. San Francisco, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and plenty of other places, I can't wait to see them all! For a guy from New Zealand who's only visited south-eastern Australia, this is huge.

I'll also be visiting KoHoSo, who some of you may remember from the retro Tumblr community last decade. He's been hard at work finding all sorts of mid-century sights and delights for me, and a lot of this trip couldn't have been done without his help.

Of course, I'll do my best to share some of the Atomic Age goodness that I find here; after more than a decade, I'll finally be able to show my own Googie pictures! And that is very important to me, because Googie is Good™.

[noirandchocolate]

IT'S TIME, MY FELLOW BELIEVERS IN SANTA, to once again cheer on our holly jolly bringer of joy and presents via NORAD Tracks Santa! 

Here’s your yearly history lesson about this merry tradition:

In 1955, a Sears department store placed an advertisement in a Colorado Springs newspaper telling children that they could telephone Santa Claus on Christmas Eve.  But the phone number for the “hotline” had a typo in it and calls from excited kids went to Colorado Springs’ Continental Air Defense Command (CONAD) Center instead. Colonel Harry Shoup responded by telling children that there were signs on the radar that Santa was on his way south from the North Pole.  Colonel Shoup also told his staff to give all children who called in a “current location” for Santa Claus. A tradition began which continued when NORAD replaced CONAD in 1958.  And it’s been going on for OVER SIXTY-FIVE YEARS!  

As of right now on the tracker (8:22 am EST), Santa is soaring over Australia in his open sleigh, and he and the reindeer have already delivered 785k gifts!  COME ON, SANTA!  DO YOUR BEST TO BRING THE MAGIC FOR 2022!!

Meanwhile, NORAD’s Santa-spying tech can also be used as a fun way to learn more about the world, since its map pops up new links to Wikipedia articles and photos–and sometimes little videos–for locations Santa visits! Check it out!  

[linane-art]

Public Service Announcement

Yes, I'm back! Missed me? :D

I don't know where to start, really. My last year of travels was both an incredible, life-changing, empowering, unforgettable experience, and the hardest, most challenging thing I have ever done (and probably will ever do) in my life.

In the space of a year I have visited 11 countries: New Zealand, Fiji, Australia, New Caledonia, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Poland and Greece. Everywhere I went, I have always tried not to be a tourist, but live like a local, stay with the local people and have as many experiences as I could possibly grab a hold of.

I close my eyes and I can re-trace the exact route from Cashmere to the city centre of Christchurch, or I can still taste the Kava drink, or I remember exactly where to put my feet on the ascent to Yunomine Onsen via the Kumano Kodo Pilgrim Trail, or I can tell what Sumatran elephant skin feels like under my fingers, or which of the rice fields around Ubud offer best views without too many tourists.

I got to do everything I ever wanted, fulfilled every dream I ever had and then some, met some amazing people that will stay with me for the rest of my life, and frequently did 8 absolutely impossible things before breakfast. I travelled on local busses, bought my veggies from local bazars, had local supermarket loyalty cards, dealt with visas, made friends with people who didn't speak a word of English... It kinda made me fearless and unstoppable. I've also struggled with depression, seriously questioned my life's choices, missed home insanely, been to paradise and hated it at times, doubted myself, and had a real reality check on what's important to me. And I regret none of it.

How do you pick up the pieces of your life after something like that?

The good news is that my love for this fandom has never left or diminished, and in fact it often provided to be a source of great comfort to me. I wrote stories in my head during my walks, I re-read some excellent old fics, I took Fili and Kili with me to some seriously remote places.

But I think the fandom has changed during my absence. And I have changed too. So as I sit down and re-think how I wanna indulge in my love of FiKi, here's what I've got:

I am seriously attached to three of my Verses (and have been focussing on them for a while), which I'd love to continue with: Silence, Isca and Postcards. There will be more posted, when I'm ready with it. Watch this space. Subscribe, maybe?

I have been writing mainly for myself for a number of years now and I can and I will continue to do so. But it's alwas a delight when someone else comes on a journey with you, so I'll continue posting publically.

GF is my Happy Place and I have missed it hugely, especailly as it hadn't continued to function as I hoped it would during my absence. I want to come back to tending that garden, as it's important to me. And I might take part in some events again, if the gods smile at me again, which will mean any and all verses will be considered.

I can't imagine in what possible universe I would have the time for drawing again. Having said that, I am sitting on some unpublished and unfinished artwork, some of it in collabs, and I know I can be stubborn enough to force their completion. Something to think about.

What else? I guess that's it. How have everyone been? What's new? WHO's new? Did I miss anything important? Come and say hi - I'm always happy to chatter.

[simoncardonefishes]

STALKING GREENFISH – The Swimbait v Soft Plastic Impoundment Challenge!

By Simon Cardone

My personal cod quest began in in the year 2000 and has since taken me all over Australia fishing fast flowing gin clear waters right through to giant murky slow-moving rivers and everything in between.

Like most cod fishos that I know, the search for new locations and different methods to catch greenfish is constant, so with some of the reservoirs managed by SA Water finally being opened to the public of South Australia for recreational activities I immediately purchased a fishing permit and got out exploring.

Happy Valley

The closest reservoir just minutes from my home is Happy Valley, located about 25 minutes’ drive South from the Adelaide CBD. Prior to Happy Valley being opened for fishing in December 2021, it was decided to stock the reservoir with 1000 mature murray cod ranging from 2 to 9kgs in weight so that visiting anglers could have something to target apart from the noxious redfin perch and carp that already inhabited the impoundment.

This proved to be a great move, as the cod immediately started feeding and spread out quickly to all parts of the reservoir. The fish were attacking all manner of artificial lures and almost everybody who had a crack in the early days ticked a murray cod off their bucket list. This feeding frenzy didn’t last however as the cod started to see more lures, they become more selective when it came to what to eat.

Changing Tactics

Due to the Happy Valley cod being smaller sized fish in the 50-80cm range, I initially opted to target them with golden perch tackle, casting 50 – 70cm crankbaits. This worked a treat for the first few weeks, but then the crankbait bite shut down, partly because the bait fishos had moved in and the cod were now feasting on an almost daily diet of chicken and cheese!

This required a rethink on my part, so I decided to walk the banks and fish in places where other people weren’t. Sticking with a seven foot 3-6kg rod matched to a 2500 sized reel spooled with 15lb braid, I tied on a 20lb fluorocarbon leader and grabbed a couple of packets of four and five inch Bite Science paddle tailed plastics. Selecting the appropriate jig heads required a little bit of trial and error, but I have now opted for a ten gram standard 4/0 jig head for the five inch plastic when fishing deeper water, and a 3.5 gram 1/0 weedless jig head for the four inch plastic when fishing shallow water.

After a few fishless sessions with the crankbaits under the belt, I was quietly optimistic that the switch to a more life-like presentation might get me back on the winners list. My hunch proved to be correct, with a brace of hungry cod in my first two sessions exploring new water. A simple slow roll is the preferred retrieve method after allowing the plastic to hit the bottom initially.

Enter the Swimbait

Observation of the immediate environment will always be a key to fishing success, whether on the day or in the future. While the soft plastics were still nailing cod after a few months of fishing, I had noticed a pattern where most of the hits and hook-ups were occurring in a metre or less of water over either rocky bottom or on flats with reeds and weed beds.

For my next outing I decided to leave the plastics at home and cast swimbaits exclusively. I tied on a 190mm Shimano Arma Joint to my 40lb fluorocarbon leader on my swimbait setup and it has stayed there ever since! Again, success was immediate, if not stunning! The short hour-long session yielded five fish from six hook-ups, including three in as many casts. My son also got his first cod off the top on a surface paddler during our brief mission. Again, a simple slow roll is the best retrieve for this lure type – the action is so lifelike.

Of course, I had to try and replicate the results the following week, and yes, the swimbait delivered – it was no fluke. I encouraged a mate who had been struggling to get a fish for a while to give the swimbait a crack and his first session out managed to land seven cod from ten hook-ups – champagne fishing in anyone’s book!

The Verdict

So which lure is best? There was only one way to find out. I spent the last six months of the year fishing with both lure types during all my sessions at the ressie. I have fished at various times of the day in various locations and in all types of weather. And the fish tally is about 50/50 after all this time. Some days both lures have success, on others it’s one or the other, but the numbers don’t lie!

Overall, the soft plastic is the more versatile of the two lures, given you can rig it differently to suit the water depth and surrounding structure. So, on days when the fish are sitting out a little deeper it is a clear winner. As mentioned earlier, the lighter spin outfit used to throw the soft plastic gives the cod a chance to give an honest account of itself as a hard-hitting sportfish – the drag peeling shallow water runs are fantastic!

The most exciting lure in terms of the strike and crunch factor, is the swimbait. Nine out of ten strikes are off the surface – these fish are hell bent on killing the larger prey item and are not messing around. After the initial chaos, generally the fish I have encountered are relatively easy to subdue on the swimbait setup I run. On some days I have had cod follow the lure all the way to my feet, including two cod that hit each other as they both tried to slam the lure!

Go Your Own Way

With both land based and fishing from canoe or kayak being permitted at the reservoirs here in South Australia, fishing with soft plastics and swimbaits are methods that every angler should have up their sleeve for those times when trolling a deep diver or casting a crankbait or spinnerbait isn’t creating any interest from the resident cod – this has been accepted practice by most switched-on cod fishos in the eastern impoundments for some time now.

I highly encourage you to go out and explore your local impoundment either for the first time or with some of the methods I have described – especially with many of the rivers and creeks across the Murray-Darling basin in flood at the time of writing - you might be pleasantly surprised with the results.

Finally good times ahead for South Australian freshwater fishos.

[faunandfloraas]

hey sorry for the stupid question but what is the weather like in australia? I used to think it was really hot there most of the year but when chanlix or skz are filming in australia it's not that sunny and it's it doesn't look like it's really hot either lol

Climate change gets the best of us </3 skz has only ever visited Melbourne and Sydney, these are both south eastern states so unlike say Western Australia or the Northern Territory or even Queensland, we aren't as hot as they are- contrary to the image of Australia that tends to exist I.e literal desert in the outback, we get winter and we get rain, it's autumn right now and today's forecasted temp is 27°c so... that's not exactly cold, but it's not always hot? It's all over the place lol

[a-man-for-hire-and-his-archives]

Crew for Stan series Scrublands: Silver reflect on ideal coastal destination for TV production

written by Warren Hately | Augusta Margaret River Times

Producer Martha Coleman with actors Luke Arnold and Bella Heathcote alongside director Ben Young. Credit: David Dare Parker/Photograph by David Dare Parker

The cast and crew of Stan crime drama Scrublands have reported mixed feelings about their pending wrap on their season two shoot in Augusta.

Production has taken over the seaside town and brought a welcome boost to the economy at the outset of winter, before filming concludes on July 12.

Rhetoric aside, co-producer Martha Coleman from Third Act Stories and the Australian show’s leading stars expressed a deep fondness for the coastal hamlet.

Coleman told the Times the visiting film crew quickly felt at home in Augusta after residents embraced the production and opened their doors and businesses to the cast, which included lead actors Bella Heathcote and Luke Arnold.

But Coleman said many genuinely felt there was something “incredibly special” about Augusta and its surrounds and she urged local authorities to protect its existing character against future over-development.

“It’s like a coastal town from my childhood in that it hasn’t been ruined,” Coleman said.

“It’s not become something it’s not.

“It’s like the gift that keeps giving. We’ve got all of our locations there.”

Operating under the code name Silver, the Stan series sees Arnold’s journalist character return to his WA home town with his girlfriend, played by Heathcote.

As is typical of crime dramas, things soon turn pear-shaped.

Arnold said he appreciated the warm welcome from the Augusta community.

“It didn’t take long for people to start talking about wanting to move here,” he said.

“We couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful location both on-screen and off.

“Everybody is filling their weekends with incredible food, wine, and adventure.”

Coleman and Heathcote also talked up the region’s scenic beauty.

“Augusta is so stunningly beautiful and the people here have been nothing but warm and welcoming,” Heathcote said.

“The best thing about shooting in pre-existing locations is that it feels like I’ve been taken on this weeks-long tour of the town: from the lighthouse to Ellis Street Jetty and everything around and between.

“I’ll be sad to say goodbye.”

Coleman said scoping for the series was undertaken during a magical summer, but when wintry conditions set in on day one of shooting at the Ellis Street Jetty, the directors chose to lean into the powerful natural feel of the region.

That included long days shooting at Flinders and Hamelin Bay, which had transformed since summer from a pristine white-sand beach to a wild and seaweed-wracked locale.

“We shifted our focus on the location not being pristine, but powerful,” the co-producer said.

“We wanted a coastal town that hasn’t yet been gone over by the developers.”

Coleman herself had moved her company back to Perth during the pandemic and the partnership with east coast company Easy Tiger — rumoured to be shooting some additional scenes in Augusta for their separate production The Twelve — mean idyllic places like the town and other parts of the Margaret River region are likely to appear in future shows.

Coleman said despite the stiff drive from Perth, the region was relatively well set-up to support a burgeoning film industry and local and State authorities had “bent over backwards” to smooth out any problems.

The biggest challenge faced was with telecommunications.

The region’s woeful broadband and phone system have raised the ire of South West creatives for years, and while the Stan production had its own unit van to help when in dead zones like Hamelin Bay, greater investment was needed on that front if authorities wanted to get serious about supporting local creative industries, she said.

Source: The West Australia

[calhorowitz]

[non-binary and he/they] Welcome to Aurora Bay, [CALVIN HOROWITZ]! I couldn’t help but notice you look an awful lot like [TROYE SIVAN]. You must be the [TWENTY-SEVEN] year old [UNEMPLOYED]. Word is you’re [CULTURED] but can also be a bit [ESCAPIST] and your favorite song is [DON'T BLAME ME BY TAYLOR SWIFT]. I also heard you’ll be staying in [SEABROOK QUARTER]. I’m sure you’ll love it! 

BIOGRAPHY INCLUDES: parental death, addiction, drug use, brief mention of an affair with a power dynamic

@aurorabayaesthetic

BASIC INFORMATION !

FULL NAME: Calvin Noah Horowitz STAGE NAME: Calloway Fox

NICKNAME(S): Cal AGE: Twenty-Seven GENDER & PRONOUNS: Non-binary & He/They SEXUAL & ROMANTIC ORIENTATION: Homosexual & Homoromantic BIRTH PLACE: Brisbane, Australia BIRTHDAY: 15 July ZODIAC: Cancer RELATIONSHIP STATUS: Single HEIGHT: 5'8"

NEIGHBORHOOD: Seabrook Quarter LENGTH OF TIME IN TOWN: Two Years PARENTS: Noah Horowitz (Father) — Deceased, Lisa Horowitz (Mother) — Deceased SIBLINGS: None PETS: None

BIOGRAPHY !

Calvin Horowitz was born to two archeologists, which meant they travelled a lot when Cal was a child. As a kid, Cal got to visit all over the place, from Rome to South Africa, but when Cal was five, their parents decided they probably could benefit from settling down in one place, so they shipped their child off to live with his aunt in the states. Since his parents didn't really get a lot of time, most of their communication was done through an occasional video call and the post cards they sent from various places they've ever lived. While they did not have the most ideal relationship, Cal eventually really liked living in one place, even if they didn't always get along with their aunt. Being in Aurora Bay was probably the best thing for him.

Their relationship with his aunt was nothing if not complicated. Clearly she didn't want to bear the responsibility of raising a child that wasn't hers. She constantly fought with her sister on the phone when she thought Calvin couldn't hear her, but he did hear some of them. It was her fault, they knew. Cal threw themselves into activities that would keep them out of their house so they wouldn't be a burden on their aunt. They tried everything from soccer, like so many other kids their age. But Cal fell in love with theatre. They signed up for just about every local show they were able to and their relationship from their aunt somewhat changed when she realized she could capitalize on Cal's talent.

One one of the worst arguments Cal got into with their parents was when they had major role in a musical and their parents promised to come. When they didn't show, Cal got really upset and accused their parents about now caring about him. Two days later, both parents died in an accident and Cal never really forgave himself for their argument, even though it wasn't his fault. Especially since a few weeks after the accident, Cal got callback from an audition he'd done while he and his aunt were in New York City. Despite the guilt, Cal's aunt didn't stop them from booking the role. Cal and his aunt traded their Aurora Bay life to one in New York City.

Suddenly Cal's life was rehearsals and trying on costumes. Their first role was a hit and the director, a young up and coming playwright had the perfect role for Cal. His aunt let him drop out of the school he'd been attending in New York to be tutored like other child actors didl. They moved from their smaller apartment to a bigger one in New York City. Their love of theatre only grew, even if it was a tough field. They started to become more popular, booking bigger roles. It seemed like everything was in place for Cal to succeed in the Broadway scene.

For Cal, school was always a struggle. He wasn't academic in nature, despite everyone's attempt for him to have a proper education. He was often called out by his tutors for not paying attention and constantly being a distraction. Acting was the only place they ever felt like they belonged, so that's where they put all their effort. Singing lessons, dance lessons, costume fittings, and rehearsals. Time was flying and moving slow at the same time. Cal's aunt was proud of them, but somehow they knew their parents wouldn't be proud. So they pushed themself to do better and be better: both in academics and on the stage. A week before Cal turned seventeen, their aunt decided it was time for her to go back home. She left a three weeks later, believing that Cal could take care of himself.

Since his aunt left, Cal felt pressure being on his own and started on a downward spiral with drugs and partying. Skip forward and a few years later, Cal broke away from musicals to star in their first play. The director was someone who had worked with them before and Cal was excited for a change from musicals. They began to feel the pressure from everyone around them. Their reputation was not the greatest after it was leaked that they'd been having an affair with the director they were currently working on. Cal's career was beginning to feel like it had peaked when they were younger — at least to them. On the opening night of the play, Cal was so drunk they ended up falling off the stage and subsequently being fired from the show. Cal stayed in New York City for a little bit longer, but it seemed like suddenly most people didn't want to work with them — and when he got the call that his aunt was dealing with some medical issues, he decided to go home, officially leaving the Broadway scene. Tabloids long suspected he suffered from child actor syndrome, but his agent maintained that Cal just needed a break.

HEADCANONS !

To be written

CONNECTION IDEAS !

To be determined

[sixbucks]

The best thing I read today.

“Fewer fires burn today, but the ones left are formidable. Our pyroscape has become deranged, with fire taking on new shapes, visiting new places and consuming new fuels. The results are as confounding as they are unsettling, and our instincts are poor guides. Although we often hear about fires where rich people reside, such as in Australia’s south and the US west, fires kill the most – by far – in places where poor people live, like south-east Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. The deadliest fires aren’t the largest and most spectacular ones, but the smaller, regular ones that are rarely reported by global media. They kill by smoke rather than flame, and their main cause isn’t global heating. Many are kindled by corporate-driven land clearance.”

[radical-revolution]

More by Accident than Design

Today, we know that Buddha was born in the Himalayas in present-day Nepal, then spent his life wandering through the region of northern India that lies to the south of Nepal. Yet, three hundred years ago, after seven hundred years of Muslim rule, India had all but forgotten about the Buddha. Until, that is, a few eccentric British colonizers and tea estate managers fell under India’s spell and became fascinated by its native languages and culture.

In the course of their Sanskrit studies, they stumbled across the teachings of the Buddha. A British Army officer called Alexander Cunningham famously rediscovered Bodhgaya. Thanks to him, we can now visit the exact spot of the Buddha’s enlightenment.

Throughout the nineteenth century, European interest in the Buddha grew as reports of new discoveries in India became available. The first general historical account of Indian Buddhism, Introduction à l’histoire du Bouddhisme indien, was published in 1844 by French scholar Eugène Burnouf.

The German philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer famously described Buddhism as the “best of all possible religions” and even Friedrich Nietzsche became interested in Buddhism, albeit for all the wrong reasons. Carl Jung, the Swiss psychiatrist, wrote:

I have visited the holy places of Buddhism in India and was profoundly impressed by them, quite apart from my reading of Buddhist literature. If I were an Indian, I would definitely be a Buddhist. But in the West, we have different presuppositions.

Migration also played a major part in the spread of Buddhism throughout the nineteenth century. In the 1840s, Chinese Buddhists began emigrating to America; in the 1870s they were the first to take Buddhism to Australia. In the 1950s, Vietnamese refugees fled to America where they set up the first Buddhist institutions in the West.

By the time the Tibetans were relocating to India in the 1960s, Buddhism had begun to attract a great deal of attention, thanks in no small part to the hippies, the ‘hippy trail’, weed (ganj), the Beat Generation, the Beatles, transcendental meditation and the Vietnam war.

For centuries, Christian missionaries travelled to the East to spread the gospel and convert the natives. Asians have therefore never had to seek out the Christian teachings. For westerners it was the other way around. I have heard some very touching stories about the higgledy-piggledy routes Buddhism took to the UK, America and Europe – especially about the hippies who followed The Beatles to India, accidentally bumped into Buddhism, tuned into transcendental meditation and took up yoga. But few of those who took an interest in Buddhism at that time were specifically seeking enlightenment and so they did almost no research or fact-checking. All of which made Buddhadharma’s centuries-long journey to the West haphazard, at best.

Yet, in spite of its chaotic introduction, the results of having the Buddhist teachings in Europe, America and Australia have generally been good. The only real drawback is that quite a number of new Buddhists have been left with some quite hard-to-shake misconceptions and deeply rooted habitual patterns.

Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse

Poison is Medicine - Clarifying the Vajrayana

Siddhartha’s Intent