Traversée de la Nouvelle-Zélande et de l'Australie.
Moi, Phil Shaw traverserai la Nouvelle-zélande et L’Australie
commençant le 25 mars 2004 et terminant soit au mois de juillet
ou Août 2004. J’emprunterai les routes secondaires les rues
résidentielles et surtout les pistes cyclables.
Ce périple et un hommage à mon père et tout les
gens qui ont cesser de fumer ou vont cesser le tabagisme.
En attendant, je vous invite à aller visionner les périples
de la Traversée du Canada et la Grande-Bretagne.
Sincèrement Phil Shaw.
Tout va bien...température, les gens gentils et du ski à roulettes à travers des paysages magnifiques au regard du Seigneur des anneaux. Je vous écrit de Invercargill à l'extrême sud de la NZ et je remonte la côte en ski à roulette jusqu'à Christchurch, Wellington et L'Isle du nord. Souhaitez-moi beaucoup de succès et de plaisir!
La nouvelle Zélande et les Iles du Pacifique
La Nouvelle-Zélande est une nation indépendante dont le chef
d’état est le monarche britannique, ce qui rappelle ses liens historiques
avec l’empire britannique. Deux archipels du Pacifique, les îles
Niue et les îles Cook sont des territoires autonomes néo-zélandais.
L’économie néo-zélandaise est aujourd’hui
l’une des plus dynamiques du Pacifique. L’élevage de moutons,
de bétail ainsi que l’exportation de laine, de viande et de produits
laitiers figurent parmi les activités principales de la Nouvelle-Zélande.
C’est également un producteur de céréales, de légumes
et de fruits. Des centrales hydroélectriques et des usines géothermiques,
qui transforme la chaleur créée par l’activité volcanique
sous terre en électricité, produisent de l’énergie.
L’industrie touristique connaît une croissance rapide.
Les premiers habitants des îles du Pacifique sud sont les ancêtres
des Mélanésiens, des Micronésiens et des Polynésiens
actuels. Pendant des milliers d’années, ils ont explore le plus
grand océan du monde a bord de canoës. Ils ont habités sur
les îles de Hawaii au nord et sur l’îles de Pâques a
l’est, ou ils ont construit d’énormes statues de pierre mystérieuses.
Leur dernière grande expansion, il y a environ plus de mille ans, a été
l’arrivée des Polynésiens, les Maori, en Nouvelle-Zélande.
Les Maori tatoues étaient des féroces guerriers ; ils chassaient
un oiseau gigantesque qui ne volait pas, aujourd’hui disparu, le moha.
Les Maori, très attachés à leur histoire et à leur
culture, représentent environ 9% de la population néo-zélandaise
actuelle.
Les petites îles du pacifiques ont également été
la destination de colons au cours des années 1800, ces colons étant
le plus souvent allemands, français, britanniques et américains.
Certains Européens venaient vivre sur les îles, mais la plupart
d’entre eux se comportaient véritablement en colonisateurs. Des
travailleurs originaires d’Inde ont été amenés aux
Fidji ; leurs descendants constituent aujourd’hui une grande partie de
la population de ces îles. Certaines colonies sous contrôles Britannique
sont passées sous autorité australienne ou néo-zélandaise,
mais, à partir des années 1980, de nombreuses îles du Pacifique
étaient administrées par des petits Etats indépendants.
Les traditions ancestrales des îles du Pacifique ont subi des changements
considérables au cours de la période coloniale. Les missionnaires
chrétiens ont en effet interdit les formes anciennes de culte, et les
indigènes ont commence a travailler sur les plantations ou dans les mines.
La Papouasie-Nouvelle-Guinée est le dernier territoire de la région
a s’être ouvert au monde extérieur. Ses populations qui vivaient
dans les forets et dans les montagnes étaient si isolées les unes
des autres que 800 langues différentes coexistaient. Les tenues tribales
de nombreuses communautés peuvent encore aujourd’hui être
admirées à l’occasion de festivals. Ces tenues se composent
de plumes, de bijoux en os et de peintures corporelles spectaculaires.
De nos jours, le mode de vie dans le Pacifique est un mélange de traditions
et de modernité. La vie sociale est toujours ponctuée de fêtes,
de danses et de chants. Néanmoins, les moyens de communications modernes
ont réduit les longues distances entre archipels, et les gens se déplacent
aussi bien en avions léger, en bateau à moteur qu’en canoë.
Courtoisie de Phil Shaw et de l’Atlas Encyclopédie Du Monde.
Dédié à Kaley, Danica, Wasana, Elizabeth, Valerie, Charlotte et Oceanne...
La Nouvelle-Zélande
Le 03-04-2004
Salut tout le monde,
Après 10 jours de route et de promotion, la campagne va très bien. Je vous écrit de Christchurch ou j'attends des entrevues avec les médias demain. J'ai encore beaucoup d'énergie et j'ai le goût de continuer à foncer. La température est clémente,les gens sont gentils et le paysage magnifique.Alors, allez-up, lets go... je lâche pas.
Sincèrement, Philip Shaw
Le 16-03-2004
Bonjour tout le monde,
Voici
une photo de moi et deux courreurs du midi. Ils sont nombreux a courrir ici et
utiliser la piste cyclable longeant la mer. La vue est splendide sur la capitale
Welligton NZ.
Taupo est une ville extraordinaire situe sur un ancien cratere volcanique. Le lac Taupo aussi, d'ailleur c'est le plus grand lac au NZ. Avec le Mont Ruapehu pour le ski et diverse activite la region est un "must" pour visiter.
Sincèrement, Phil Shaw
Bonjour tout le monde, je vous écrit de Nelson NZ au nord ouest de l'isle du sud. Je vais très bien malgré la température fraîche et la pluie. Je rencontre bien mes objectifs de ski à roulette, de publicité et de promotion. Sur la photo vous me voyez en train de donner un discours sur les méfaits du tabac dans un bars de Christchurch. Les jeunes sont ouverts à l'idée d'arrêter de fumer mais pas les gens de 40 ans et plus. Et joyeuse pâques à tout le monde...pas trop de chocolat hein?!
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La Nouvelle-Zélande, suite...
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Bonjour tout le monde. Le périple va bien et le "PR" aussi. J'ai eu une entrevue avec des belles filles du "Waikato Chinese Times" La statue au milieu représente la protection, le défi et la bravoure en tout temps. Alors souhaite moi-en aussi. Merci.
sincèrement, |
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Phil Shaw et la jolie journalist Chinoise Jo avec la statue Pou Whakamahara au milieu. La statue représente la protection, le defi et foi. |
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Me voici en interval après l'avertissement de requin. Une chance que le sable était dure et je suis en forme. Photo prise par une belle Koreen sur la plage de 90 miles dans le nord de la NZ.
Sincèrement, |
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| Bonjour tout le monde,
J'ai skier 50 km le long de "90 mile beach" C'est la peninsule de l'extrême nord de l'île. Malgré que le sable est dure c'est difficile de skier sur ce genre de surface. A date le périple va super bien. Pas de pépin, juste des bons souvenirs et une autre journée à faire rêvée. Cape Reinga est magnifique.
Sincèrement, |
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| Bonjour tout le monde,
Me voici avec quelques jeunes adepte de planche à roulette et vélo BMX. Ils ont bien reçu le message de moins fumer, faire plus d'exercice et de mieux s'alimenter. Par contre, un des petits cocasse ma demandé si la marijuana est OK? Non j'ai repondu. La preuve que c'est pas bon ou pire que le tabac est que le <pot> est illégal!
Sincèrement, |
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Svp visiter les sites internet suivants :
- www.smokefree.co.nz
- www.smokefree-au.com
- www.smokefreeworld.com
- www.smokefree-thankyou.com
- www.pasdeboucane.com
Pour vous ou quelqu'un qui a besoin d'inspiration pour cesser de fumer ou vivre en sante. La photo attaché est de moi et la statue de John Logan Campbell. Il a donne Cornwall Park à la NZ et moi je donne le message de sensibilisation sur la santé.
Merci.
Philip Shaw
Prochainement L'Australie...
L'Australie.
Ca va bien ici en Australie avec une couverture médiatique de tv, journaux et radio. La madame Indra qui ma interviewé à la radio 2xx fm à été particulièrement gentille avec moi. Je suis très impresionné de la capitale Canberra. Surtout les pistes cyclables autour des lacs. Vous pouvez pratiquer votre anglais en lisant le texte suivant:
(Anglais seulement) - I arrived at Sydney international airport on a cloudy Monday May 24th morning. I
was nostalgic leaving New Zealand behind. After all, it is the nicest place on
earth ! I contacted the local media. I then proceded to roller ski down to the
circular Quay East and along the pedestrian walkway past the Sydney Opera House
and along the green park bordered walkway to Hyde park. I was amazed at all the
exotic birds. I was also impressed at seeing all the very strange trees and
vegetation. The royal botanic gardens were a real treat with wooden walkways
traversing tiny waterways. Clusters of palm trees and weird vertical branches
caught my attention as I wizzed by on my roller skis. I was able to catch a
glimpse of the small CN type tower reminding me of the one in Toronto. Many were
the commonwealth or British images or symbols. Like Canada or New Zealand many
British themes abound. Statues, landmarks, structures and historical figures
like James Cook confirm links to the UK. I enjoyed my downtown Sydney Australia
roller ski. I am sure it rivals in mystique and appeal of what American cities
have to offer ! ?
Next I made my way south to Wollongong where I began using a Didgeridu. A Didgeridu is an Aboriginal musical instrument which sounds like nothing else you have ver heard. The world’s most primitive instrument it is used to gently blow down the tube making a low tone as if imitating a low engine noise. The paintings often tell a story of tribal designs or totems. Mine has a platypus and weird nature arrangements.
I have been using my Didgeridoo to visit and roller ski throughout this
beautiful seacoast town of Wollongong or more affectionately known as the gong
by locals. Both the 26 and 27th were consecrated to visiting this trendy city.
Apparently 380,000 people live in the greater area and I was particularly
impressed by the Mercury newspaper journalist and photographer. Mamma of Mamma’s
pizza were definatinately on the good list. I must confess that Mamma’s is
the best pizza so far in Australasia.
I met 5 young girls and gave them 5 cinema tickets. I didn’t feel like going to the movies with just anyone so my gesture wasn’t totally generous and slightly egocentric.
Next stop was Ross Vale where I met other nice people. The girls at the
liqour store were nice and so was the greek lady at the Hot food restaurant. My
roller ski along the roads of the town area was nerve wracking. Narrow, windy
and cold. Ya cold, for the first time since early march I felt a winter wind.
Even this part of Australia gets cold wind chills at this time of year. As I
write this text the electric heater is full on in my motel room. 90 km’s from
the above mentioned town is where I am spending the night. Goulburn is about
200kms south of Sydney on a high plateau. Known for its federal prison,
agriculture(wool, manufacturing and police academy. Goulburn boasts all the
modern facilities of a rural city, enhanced by the friendliness of a country
town. I visited the area for about 24 hrs. Nice Aussies, yet a little red
neckish. Many of the young people seem to gawk and gesticulate even more so than
the Kiwi kids. First in-land city of Austraila dating back to 1818, it
definitely has a cowboy feeling to it.
Next was Queanbeyan 15kms or so
from Canberra. On my trainride their I saw for the first time Kangaroos. Most of
them far off were like sentinels. Motionless and regal in their appearance. The
ones caught closer to the train would hop away nonchalantly. It was as if they
were playing tag with the train and running for cover as with hide and seek.
Kangaroos appear mischievious yet likeable. Just like big kids. Soon the train
pulled into Quenbeyan and I quickly found nice people to stay with. Mrs Skepev
the function manager the Best Western Central Motel put me up in a quiet yet
luxurious room. It was a nice change from the last couple of nights. I visited a
couple of bars and pubs and called it an early Saturday night. I must confess
that Charles Ness of the Canton Chinese restaurant gave me a nice hot meal of
chicken, rice and curry. Nice way to end an adventurous day in Quenbeyan,
Australia. Sunday I enjoyed roller skiing the resdintial roads of Q… and was
happy to experience another day of glorious sunshine. The 5th consecutive day of
bright blue skies. The farmers have to complain because a draught has been
affecting this part of New South Wales for many months now. I know because the
ground is hard. ahk
Oh my God, Canberra.The very beautiful capital of Australia. What a
magnificent place. At this time of the year Canberra celebrates its birthday
with parades, a balloon fiesta, and a top food and wine festival. Canberra is
comprised of incredible architecture. It has an eclectic group of embassies and
consulates. Many monuments are found throughout the city with parliament house
as the top off. Oh, and I also enjoyed roller skiing around the National museum
of Australia. It has a bold architectural form with many multi-colored buildings
surrounding it. I was mesmerized and stricken with dizziness circling these
beautiful works ! This 31rst day of May was especially gratifying because it is
« World no tobbacco day » I felt very excited promoting the message on this
special international no smoking day.
As yesterday I met the press again
today. The Canberra Times were very nice to me as was Win Tv channel 9. I also
had an interview on radio 2xx fm community radio. In fact, this was the
highlight of the day ; being interviewed by a beautiful girl on lunch box radio.
To top off my day I roller skied around the two connected lakes of this magnificent city. Beautifully large bike path with paved surface in excellent condition. Exotic trees and birds dotting the way and looming mountains far off on the southern horizon. The Australian alps appear towards the south. A spectacular scene in a spectacular place it’s no wonder it’s the capital of Australia !
Sincèrement,
Phil Shaw; aka Crocodile Philey
Ah ha vous avez pris pour acquis que je suis mort d'une
piqure de serpent ou d'un accident de la route!? Mais non! Je suis très vivant
et très enthousiaste encore pour la campagne de santé ici en Australie. Pour en
savour plus lire le document.
Sincèrement,
Phil Shaw
(En anglais seulement) - I will begin my experience with a description of my undersea odyssey. Port Douglas
is where it all began. The surf, the sea and skiing. Roller skiing that is. And
again on the beach. What feeling double pole with all the energy one can muster.
The 8kms of beach was more than worth the effort. The undersea odyssey came next
with the famous Quicksilver snorkeling experience. Led by world renowned marine
biologist Annie I took in the amazing reefs many multi-coloured species.
Pointing out the special sights I enjoyed her highly erudite commentary. Even
though she was pregnant and impeded by the mask and snorkel and the tops turvey
waves she made a very positive impression on me. I was most troubled when I had
to leave the water because I had bonded so much with the surrounding sealife
that when it was time to embark on the boat I felt I was leaving something
incredible behind. Please visit www.quicksilver-cruises.com
To get a feeling for this
special odyssey!
I spent 3 evenings visiting the bars and resto’s of Port Douglas. In my opinion there are World Class beautiful, World class trendy and World class friendly. Just 60kms north of Cairns it was a justifiable detour. Next stop on the “Roller-Ski Throughout N-Z and Au. For Health Awareness” was Cairns. A variety of experiences came alive here. I decided to let loose and take a beak from the mundane routine of roller skiing and promoting. So I took a mini vacation with a crocodile river cruise, a 4 by 4 jungle trek and guided walking trek lead by another World renowned biologist Dr Burns. The guide hike through rainforest was again the highlight with longing to stay and linger and explore. Another eye opener was the annual “Cairns Show” A festival of significance for this area. The fat laughing lady and the tall man on stilts were my favourites. Another highlight Gilligan’s resort. New, upmarket and great for meeting beautiful young women from far away places. My memories of Gilligan’s are fond, funny and fuzzy!!! A send a warm hello to Angie, Roz and Jackie; my British girlfriends. Great place to stay if you like a gigantic pool with a humungus video screen playing much music. www.gilligansbackpackers.com.au
Innisfail was a smaller town with lots nice country people. ‘Laid Back’ in
the Australian sense. But loud and verbal too. Especially when I roller skied
by. Apparently few Ozzies have seen roller skis and I am a living testimony and
witness to this. I visited the nearby crocodile farm and was more struck by the
owner than the actual Crocs. With many crocodile teeth scars and a weird sense
of humour this chap was more than I bargained for. He was so jealous of my
tatoos he tried to scratch them off my arm. Needless to say I kept away from him
when CROC feeding time came. Spooky I’ll say. I made the
mistake of stopping on 25-07-04 at Mission Beach not because it was a wretched
place but because I hurt my back here. An out of place movement while walking
made for a very unpleasant experience. I wasn’t able to roller ski, or promote
the “Quest” I was frustrated and in great pain. It was incredibly hard for me to
stop and take the day off. Doing nothing, absolutely zilch was harder or tougher
than going up the steepest hill, or enduring the hottest heat, or whatever else
I have found difficult in this endeavour. But again I must emphasise that
Mission Beach is a beautiful getaway for those wishing to enjoy a peaceful and
tranquil tropical beach town setting. Not too busy, not too quaint just perfect
for the ‘Off The Main Beaten Track Adventurers.
Ingam originally called
Sligo officially became a township in 1882. Named after William Barstow Ingam
adventurer and dreamer-described by his peers as educated, adventurous,
bohemian, athletic, utterly self-reliant and brave as lion. Hmm, sounds like a
description of me. Today Ingam is a bustling little town of 5 maybe 10,000
people. I roller skied by the nearby sugar cane fields, talked to some locals
and made my way south to Townsville. Townsville is the epicentre of the
Queenslands north. Economic hubub with lots of industry. The strand bikepath is
really nice though, with its column of pine trees and vistas of ocean /beach.
Fewer tourists than Cairns and fewer related type businesses. I was happy to
leave Townsville after a couple of days.
Ayr was another quaint little town. A hundred or so businesses cramed along a main street I had enough of a couple of hours. I will also mention the sugarcane ash deposits. Strands and bits & pieces of black ash from burnt sugarcane; not a pretty sight. At least the people are nice country folks with a generally friendly manner.
Next was Bowen. A nice little town perched on the South Pacific ocean. Typical of other Queensland towns I was able to relate to this quaint place. I made\an interesting discovery on that fateful evening. A roller skating club of about two hundred young people were practising their favourite activity. So sure enough I went for a visit and pep talk. Please see annexed photo. Airlie Beach was a lot more trendier and hip with the tourists and me too of course. I enjoyed roller skiing along the beautiful bike path, swimming in the nearby ocean and visiting some of the more posh nightclubs and cafes. Worth the detour Airlie beach is a good 25kms off the Bruce highway. I will never forget the beautiful view from my Whitsunday appartment. Neither will I ever forget the marina and the cruises & charters arriving and departing. The romance in the air and the excitement and lure of the Whitsunday corals and protected nearby islands.
Mackay another nice town just 150kms south of Airlie beach. Although reliant
on industries and fishing this town is vying for part of the tourist pie. Being
a very affluent and prosperous town Mackay has what it takes to attract some of
the tourist flow heading towards northern Queensland. I was impressed by many
things about Mackay including the numerous ceramic tile artistic work depicting
endemic flora and fauna. Designs with colours and detail so vivid I would slow
down and often stop to observe the beauty. Sarina was another very small town I
visited for 24hrs. Dependant on cane or sugarcane it has its own unique charm. I
would visit again one day just see the narrow wagons loaded to the brim with
cane pieces roll through town emanating that subtle sweet
smell.
Rockhampton turned out to be more fun than most people had
suggested. The glittering action packed nightlife was really impressive for such
a small town. My message was well received except for one girl who said I must
be on drugs. “How can that be?, I said. I am promoting drug abstinence and not
drug use! Its funny how different people are from one group to the next. Looks
can be deceiving and usually are. But generally speaking "The older the person
the less impressionable they are” Unfortunately that goes with the message of
smoking less too. Fortunately the Rockhamptonites have a good sense of humour
and cracking a joke was always likely. One of the funnier ones was the motor
cycle gang guy of “The rebels” who was photographed with me and his buddy for
the local newspaper. See annexed picture.
Gladestone was visited August 8 and 9th 2004. An industry based town of about 60,000 people which is friendly and well meaning. Of course most Australian towns are nice but this one in particular. The marina and the hilltop town centre setting contribute to Gladestones’ uniqueness. Bundaberg is a world famous town for its rum and sugar. Its also nice to roller ski around once. Once is enough.
Hervey bay wasn’t as nice as Airlie beach. But it has its own uniqueness. I preferred my Noosa experience more. With the nice sandy beach and international tourist draw. I was able to meet interesting people and enjoy in more places than previously espressos and cappuccinos galore. Similar get-set feeling in Mooloolaba. Very trendy and very expensive. A place for the rich and famous and affectionately called Sunshine Coast.
Melbourne
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Les images et symboles de l'empire Brittanique sont partout ici à Melbourne. Comme la statue de la Reine Victoria clické sur www.visitvictoria.com.au pour en apprendre plus sur cette région magnifique de L'Australie. |
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Phil au supermarché. |
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| Bonjour tout les monde,
A date j'aime "Tasmania" plus que tout les endroits. Svp visité www.discovertasmania.com.au et voyer par vous même ce magnifique pays. Merci pour vos pensées, Photo de Phil Shaw et des "Tasmanian" Kangaroos. Oh, et les "Tasmanian Devils", oh la la quelle bête!
Cheers from Philip in Adelaide, Australia |
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Le périple continue à rouler sur des roulettes. Beaucoup de surprises chaque jour. Beaucoup de nouveauté, de découverte et de rencontre. Quelle belle expérience l'Australie en ski à roulette.Pour en savoir plus sur la plus belle ville de l'Australie selon moi visiter www.perthtourist.com.au
Sincèrement, |
 Nullarbor plains in cook, Australia on train break. |
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Bonjour tout le monde. Ca roule encore. Salutation de Crocodile Phily |
The beautiful world of Tasmania.
My arrival to this magical and mysterious world was on Sunday June 13th at Hobart-a city of all seasons. Shaped and defined by ocean, river and mountain and based at the slopes of Mt-Wellington and adjacent to a great harbour. And yes of course a world class cycling/pedestrian path along its bottom slopes. What a sight, what a thrill to visit and experience such an exotic place. The adrenalin explodes through my veins. It’s a natural high observing the weird vegetation, and scenery. Although I didn’t see any kangaroos, wombats, Koalas, emus or Tasmanian devils my imagination was playing tricks. Ñ
Monday June14th my hallucinations came true. Andrew Evans of Tigers eye Tours Tasmania set me straight on nature’s wilderness path. We started by visiting The Tasmanian zoo where I saw 3 Tasmanian devils fighting over Wallaby meat. What a spectacle, three raving animals fighting over raw meat with sinister growls wild hissing and tons of furtive moves to elude each others greed. The Kangaroos seemed to behave in mindless, aimlessly roving behaviour. Friendly though. They weren’t fighting over food at least. Furthermore, they were approachable and semi domestic. Likeable beasts, but intimidating fore me all the same. They were many caged birds. Native species mostly. Many, with impressive colours. We topped off the visit here with a cappuccino and a delicious meat pie.
We then drove to Australia’s Premier Convict site, Port Arthur penal camp. Port Arthur is one of Australia’s great tourism destinations. Created with convict labour, the impressive architecture, delightful gardens and chilling prison facilities have survived 125yrs of non-use. The guided walking tour provided a fascinating glimpse into the past. I particularly enjoyed the museum with the displayed collections and artefacts. Creepy place though, with long shadows and somber cells. Musty old wooden smells. Wouldn’t like to spend the night in one of those cells. Ghosts come to mind. And grotesque figures.
I spent Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in the magnificent town of Hobart. So far it is my favourite city. It has world class charm with small country town friendliness. The cafés and restos along the ocean side boardwalk was my highlight. So was the roller skiing. And Joanne Banks too ! Hi Joanne.
Next visit was Launceston where I enjoyed staying at the James Cook Hotel and the Prince Albert. Both prestigious hotels I was able to sleep in a very quiet, clean and comfortable setting. It was a nice change. The Launcestonians reminded me of the Hobartonians and I was surprised to see a difference with the Davenport people. They were less receptive to my health awareness message. The Davenport folk were generally less diplomatic to my message. I had to use extra tack and patience to explain my reason for visiting them. It was a little bit frustrating. So from this I will change subjects to mention all the tours available in the area. Chocolate cheese & honey tours. Cheese & nut tours. Crackpot and Cradle tours(In the mntn’s). Wine tasting tours. Devils Gullet and Cave tour. Delightful Devonport tour(where I met the same English guy twice). Emu valley Rhododendron gardens tours. Upper Natone Reserve tours. Fernglade Platypus trail tours & last but not the least the beauty point magic tour where people get to visit a gold mine, sea horse farm, a sea taxi and fantastic small coastal town scenery. But please believe me when I say that nothing in the whole wide world beats a roller ski tour…the feeling…the rush…the endorphins…the focus…the ecstasy…the attention and the total experience is unheralded by anything else imaginable. Roller skiing like cross country skiing is the ultimate mode of travel and touring or visiting! Please believe me I wouldn’t keep going so far and so long if this feeling wasn’t true. Signed, Phil Shaw. And then there was Burnie. Situated in Tasmania’s Northwest Burnie was my last port to call on with the Health awareness message tour. Today June 20th was a sad day for all Tasmanians’ because the recent premier Jim Bacon died of lung cancer due to cigarette smoking. Like many Tasmanians Jim was oblivious to tobaccos ill effects. My sympathy goes out to his wife Honey, his family, the Tasmanian government and its people. As for Burnie I enjoyed the nearby platypus, seal, penguin, eagle and wallaby colonies. Although I didn’t see any of these magnificent beasts I was thrilled knowing they lived nearby. How come such primitive “beasts” as we call them have the wisdom to avoid smoking and other human vices? Maybe we should call them entities or animal beings or something more respectful. Burnie is a hub for road, rail air and sea transport systems linking the North West Coast of Tasmania to the rest of the world. It was thus fitting that I left this very beautiful, friendly and remote island from the nearby airport. My heart went out to all Tasmanians as the plane hurtled towards mainland Australia. I love you Tasmania and I can’t wait to visit you again. www.discovertasmania.com.au
Second récit de mon voyage en Australie.
I arrived in Wagga Wagga around 3pm on a rainy Wednesday afternoon. Although it was dreary and cool I managed some support and even an appointment with «The Daily Advocate » Thanks to the newspeople I was informed that Wagga Wagga is the largest inland city in the State of New South Wales, with a population of about 55,000 people in an area of some 480,000 hectares. It is the ‘capital’ of the Riverina Region and the major support city for some 200,000 people who live and work in the rich southern agricultural area of the state. Wagga Wagga, a « Garden City » with its excellent facilities, provides an ideal base from which to tour and inspect the technical and general features of the area. I was able to experience much of the towns sights by roller skiing by them. Not as easy as it sounds. One has to keep an eye on the road and vehicles too you know. And it’s a good idea to rest once and a while. Laying down on the buttocks feels really good!
Next was the Albury Wodonga twin towns. Albury in New South Wales and
Wodonga in Victoria. Separated by about 2 kms the towns share many sporting and
cultural venues. Mungabareena is also home to an old Aboriginal tradition of
meeting of the seven Koori tribes of the district. This was a mini-parliament
where inter tribal law was discussed in a peaceful manner, marriages were
performed and celebrated. The tribes would then travel up the Kiewa river to the
alpine areas to feast on the nutritious Bogong moth for the summer months. Ah if
I only could have roller skied by here two or three months ago. Needless to say,
Albury Wodonga is nice touring hub offering rich scenery, history and outdoor
experiences. I much enjoyed. Especially roller skiing along the Murray river
bike path. 8 feet wide and a smooth ciment surface. Perfect for rolling along.
There was even two emu’s waiting for me around a bend. Unfortunately they were
fenced off with some ponies and sheep. Whistling caught their attention. They
have big dark oval eyes. Scarry eh!?
Oh Wangaratta. Wangaratta (an aboriginal word meaning either resting place of cormorants or meeting place of the waters) was named by surveyor Thomas Wedge in 1848. Today it has many bike paths, parks and sports stadiums. I roller skied past one on a daily roller ski outing. Nice little town with friendly people. What I hated the most was leaving the Australian alps behind as I approached Benalla.
Benalla is another small town with nice places to visit. Local cafes, restos
and bars interspersed with a fast food giant and local fast foods. Chicken and
fish are favourites here too. So is salt, deep fried grease and sugar snacks. No
different from anywhere else in the western world that I have visited. One
particuliarity here though. Liquor stores sell their product on an open counter
at street level. No windows or doors, no walls or anything except for a counter
and some selves stocking the alcohol. Strange how such a voluble product retains
so little protection. Its no wonder the sales clerks are edgy about such lax
prevention measures. I should know, I talked to a liquor sales person here in
Benalla! What about drink sensibly? It goes with eat sensibly. Everything in
moderation.
Oh oh Bendigo, nice town of about 60,000 people. I was able to get an interview with the Advertiser newspaper. I enjoyed roller skiing throughout the towns scenic parks. The bike paths and pedestrians ways follow natural contours and undulations. I particularly was impressed with the many canals, creeks and rivers found throughout this municipality. Like other townships the tarmack trails are well thought out. The Aussies seem to have one up on their Canadian cousins. More walkways means better lifestyles and thus healthier citizens. When is Canada going to follow the Aussies’ in this respect? We may have the longest pedestrian path in the world but most Canadian towns are totally lacking sanctioned trails. I know, I’ve been throughout Canada twice!
A four day visit in the beautiful city of Melbourne. The Yarra rivers bike path, the numerous botanical gardens and the many museums and cultural venues make it a must place to visit. Click on www.victoria.com.au for more info.
Ouest et Sud (en anglais)
South and West Australia
Unfortunately, I missed visiting Ballarat because I wasn’t able to find proper accomodations near the town centre. So I visited this town of about 100,000 people for approximately 8hrs. I was in rush to escape the unseasonally cool June weather for a Canadian. Usually back home the highs range between 23 and 28 degrees celsius. So leaving for Adelaide was a better bet for warmer than Ballarat and Victoria weather. In fact South Australia is the driest state of the driest continent on earth. Its in the capital city of Adelaide where I discovered a friendly, hospitable and safe place with a Mediterranean. Founded in 1836, it has well panned broad streets and boulevards, squares and parklands surrounding both modern and fine his,historic buildings. Uniquely charming and essentially cosmopolitain, Adelaide wears both its history and modernity with equal assurance.
Cafes and restaurants abound with a diversity of ethnic communities. Like the 16km bike path bounding both sides of the Torrens river; diverse terrain, beautiful vistas and lots of exotica…like the many strange looking birds and ducks. The black fat looking bird which runs off awkwardly towards the water every time I roller ski by is my favourite one. A very Anglo Saxon feeling here too with Street names like Sir Donald Bradman, King William Street and Wakefield Street. Yet, Adelaide is the first community in my Australian travels where I saw Aboriginals. Long lanky hair, dark skin and wide flat noses; they were unmistakably native Australians. They remind me of native Africans or Amerindians. Shy and preoccupied, unhurried and self contained. A very noble looking people. Beautifully different. I enjoyed staying at the Hilton Hotel in downtown Adelaide but they charged me full price. Adelaide is the Amsterdam of Australia, but I don’t agree with legalised marijauna or prostitution. In my opinion it’s not a very healthy.
Next was Port Pirie. Renowned for its hydroelectric facilities this seaside community is quite busy despite its small size of about 35,000 people. I was thrilled to roller ski in the rain and wind and took pleasure in observing locals gawking at me. Many of the passer by vehicles slowed down and voiciferated messages to me. Usually emotional thoughts of disbelief. I noticed a keener sense of awareness to my roller ski getup. It was fun promoting the health awareness message to Port Pirie People! A lot of fun.
So was promoting the message in the city of Port Augusta. Situated on the waterways of Spencer Gulf, it is a meeting place for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people. Unfortunately many of them meet at the fast food KFC or Macdonald’s. Why is it that in this day and age of Aquarius so many people are still attracted to junk food?
Traditionally, travellers have utilised Port Augusta as the last stop over on their journey to replenish their stocks before heading north to the Flinders, or west to the Nallabor. West to the Nullabor is where I am heading and on a train to boot. The Indian Pacific railway is taking me west across the Nullabor. Leaving Port Augusta at 11pm Sunday evening we arrived in Perth Tuesday morning around 10am. Passing through 8 very small 2 and three people service communities. Some of these outback settlements help furnish the passenger and freight trains with water or fuel and they receive food or necessary provisions from the trains. Some of them have Aboriginal names like Ooldea which is located 2693kms westward down the line towards Perth. Ooldea meaning “Meeting place where the water is available” It is the only natural water flow on the Nullabor plain, believed to be an under ground river originating in the Musgrave ranges. Cook was next and is named after a former Australian Prime Minister, Sir Joseph Cook. This is the halfway point for the Trans Australian line. The train actually stopped here and we the passengers were allowed to visit this 2 person community with a toyal of 5 buildings.I actually roller skied around this dirt road town and definately felt the isloation and the emptiness. Loongana was next at 3155kms down the line from Sydney. An Aborigianl word meaning swift. The Lynch caves are here, named after the first Federal Minister to visit them. They are well known for their beautifully coloured, delicately shaped stalactites. Deaken, Curtin another small community or siding as the Australian term goes named after a former Prime Minister. Next stop where we were allowed off and encouraged to take a guided tour was Kalgoorlie. Situated at 3695kms up the rail line it is the capital of Western Australia’s world famous goldfields discovered by Paddy Hannan in 1893. The town lies on the fringes of the Nullarbor and Great Victorian Deserts. Water is piped here from Mundaring Dam, 563kms away! Perth an area inhabited as long ago as 150,000 years ago by Australias’ indigenous Aboriginals. The Nyoongar people are still around today holding fast to the same values of conservatism with respect for life and land. Europeans first landed here in 1616 with Dutchman navigator Dirk Hartog landing at Shark Bay. Today Perth is a city of almost 2 million people and is really the “friendly city it boasts to be” I was endeared by people who called me matey or mate and was eased into many conversations. Warm mediterranean climate and large bike paths made my five day stay here well worth it. Plus, there are numerous cuppuccino strips where upscale venues abound. I love expresso after a long hard roller ski. Quite satisfying.
Bonjour tout le monde,
Je suis emballé de vous annoncer que le défi en "Australasia" à très bien terminer. Merci de vos pensées et votre interêt! J'ai l'intention de faire d'autre voyages pour la même cause...peut-être L'Europe l'été prochain.
Sincèrement,
Philip Shaw :)
Ce texte n'est disponible qu'en anglais.
End of the endeavour
And the beginning of a new one…
Coffs Harbour was next, a regional centre for tourism, commerce and industry.
The city and surroundings is home to about 60,000 people and is assessed by
CSIRO as having the best climate in Australia. Coffs Harbour is notable for its
banana and avocado plantations, dairy and beef farms, State Forests, National
Parks and sub-tropical rainforests. This region boasts the most southern pocket
of banana plantations and sure enough the short stocky trees bear the yellow
fruits. Only strange thing is that they cover the fruits with a cloth type of
brassiere. Needless to say I enjoyed my brief 24hr visit here, but had to be
extra precocious roller-skiing the hilly terrain. I also was appalled at the
generosity of the Coffs Harbour Comfort Inn where Michael gave me great
hospitality. Hats off to you and your staff dear Michael!
My next visit was to Port Macquarie. A magnificent surfing beach hugging quiet rock strewn coves hemmed in by a 5km walkway-bike-path. This was my favourite place between Cairns and Sydney. Plus, the lively restaurants, cafes and night-clubs. Wow what an incredible town and surrounding area. Visit www.Kempsey.midcoast.com.au Sunday August 22nd was my last full day in the land of Oz and definitely a very memorable one. The sun was warm, the sky was blue and people were cheerfully enjoying one of the first nice days of spring. In fact, hundreds of people were frolicking around the bike paths, parks and beaches. I was able to take interesting pictures and leisurely enjoy my last day down under. Towards the end of my roller-ski I was rewarded with a dolphin popping in and out of the seawater. Wild birds walking and straddling by the waters. And huge pelicans too. With their large bulging throats they remind me of greedy beings always wanting more food. Later that day I saw a congregation of about 10 kangaroos squatting as they do partly on they tails and starring emptily. Needless to say wildlife is usually close at hand in this vast land of Australia and Port Macquarie was no exception. I was complimented again today as by many Australians before “that I am fit as a Mali bull” I have seen these bovine beasts and they really look fit. Slender, sleek and yet muscled strong looking. So it went, that up until the end of the Roller skiing throughout NZ and Australia I remained not only fit but no worse for the efforts or the ordeal. 5 ½ months and 9000 kilometres later I remained fit, sane and thank God safe. I am thankful especially to God for granting me strength, courage and wisdom. My appreciation goes also to Canadian and American friends who were helping me from behind the scenes. A big thanks to my parents and my brother Mike who cheered me on from home. I would also like to thank the many “Kiwis” and “Ozzies” who offered me help in the form of food or accommodation. Even on my last night in Sydney I was well received. This endeavour would not have been possible without the co-operation and the help that I had. Thanks to your help, many have been influenced by the “Quests” message of “Smoke less, exercise more and eat sensibly”
This successful endeavour and its countless experiences has forever committed me to promoting health awareness. For me this may be the end of the Australasia but it is the beginning of some other future mission. As Malaysia flight 122 hurtles west towards home I know that one-day I will be travelling to another land with a similar message. May my preparations prove worthy of another trial. May I one day be up to the challenge. And remember; you too can make a positive difference in this world!?!
... Fin du voyage en Australie.
L’Australie
L’Australie est situee entre l’ocean Indien et l’ocean Pacifique. Son littoral est baigne par de chaudes mers tropicales, tandis que l’ile de Tasmanie, au sud, est entouree d’eaux plus froides et houleuses. Sa cote nord-est est protegee par la plus longue barriere de corail du monde, la Grande Barriere, qui s’etend sur 2027 kilometres du nord au sud.
La cordillere australienne, don’t la partie sud est appelee Alpes austarliennes, se dresse parallelement a la cote orientale. Le fleuve le plus d’Australie, le Murray, don’t le principal affluent est le Darling, prend naissance pres du mont Kosciusko.
L’interieur de l’Australie, compose du Grand Desert de Victoria, du Desert de Gibson et du Grand Desert de sable, est principalement une region sauvage presentant un paysage d’affleurements rocheux, de puits salants, de lacs asseches et le long de la Grande Baie australienne, de basse terres (plaine de Nullarbor). Les deserts sont bordes de regions de broussailles, de savane, de forets tropicales humides, de prairies temperees et de forets tropicales humides, de prairies temperees et de forets d’eucalyptus. Les habitants australiens arbritent de nombreuses especes d’animaux et d’oiseaux que l’on ne trouve nulle part ailleurs sur la terre : les koalas, les kangourous, les diables de Tasmanie et les ornithorynques.
La grande majorite des Australiens vivent dans les grandes villes des cotes est, sud et sud-ouest, ou la temperature est agreable et le sol fertile. Partout ou la nature le permet, l’interieur du pays, ou outback, est occupe par d’immense ranchs a bovins et moutons ou par des mines.
Les habitants premiers issus des premiers Australiens sont appeles Aborigenes. On compte diverses cultures et langues aborigenes dans les differentes regions d’Australie. Les habitants de l’ile du detroit de Torres, dans l’extreme nord, appartiennent quant a eux a un autre groupe ethnique apparente tres ancien. Les Aborigenes, passe maitres dans l’art de la survie dans le desert, ont ete victimes de la persecution et de la violence dans les annees 1770. Ils ont ete exclus de la nationalite australienne jusqu’en 1967. Aujourd’hui, les Aborigenes ne representent plus qu’environ 1% de la population. Ils sont confrontes a de nombreux problemes economiques et politiques, et revendiquent aujourd’hui la possession de leurs terres ancestrales. Depuis quelques annees, on enregistre en Australie et dans le reste du monde un grand regain d’interet pour leur culture et leurs traditions. La grande majorite des Australiens sont d’origine anglaise, ecossaise, irlandaise ou galloise. L’anglais est parle dans tout le pays, mais avec son propre accent et de nombreuses expressions regionales. Depuis 20 ans, l’Australie est neanmoins devenue une societe beaucoup plus multiethnique, a la suite de l’immigration de Scandinaves, Polonais, Hollandais, Allemands, Italiens, Grecs, Libanais, Indiens, Chinois, Thailandais et Vietnamiens.
De nombreux Australiens sont passiones d’activite et de sports en plein air tels que le tennis, la voile, la natation, le surf, le cricket, le rugby et le football australien. Depuis quelques annees, des villes telles que Sydney et Melbourne sont devenues des centres artistiques. Bien que 85% des Australiens soient urbanises, pour la plupart dans les grandes villes modernes du littoral, il existe toujours une grande fascination pour le folklore et les traditions de l’outback (l’interieur du pays). La vie dans les regions isolees est souvent difficile. S’il y a un accident dans un ranch eloigne, les medicins doivent parfois s’y rendre en avion. Il arrive qu’un professeur donne des cours a des eleves se trouvant a des centaines de kilometres, par liason radio bidirectionnelle.
Courtoisie de Phil Shaw et l’Atlas encyclopedique du Monde.
Tous les articles de journaux.
Le voyage de Phil Shaw a été couvert de façon extensive par les médias de Nouvelle-Zélande et d'Australie. Voici, en coupures de journaux, la vison des média océaniens sur Phil Shaw...
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