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Australian Reflections Before Zeb and Eider Return to Colorado

So many stalagmites and stalagtites inside the Naracoorte Caves.

Inside cave

Inside Naracoorte Caves

We are near the Great Ocean Road on Australia’s southern coastline.   This arch commemorates the men that built The Great Ocean Road with only axes, shovels and picks.

Memorial Arch

Memorial Arch

No explosives were used building this road.    London Bridge is one of the famous rock formations.

London Bridge

London Bridge

The bridge collapsed in January 1990.   Fortunately no one was injured.   Our last stop was Sydney.   This photo, from a boat in Sydney Harbor, shows the Sydney Harbor Bridge and the Sydney Opera House.

Leaving Sydney Harbor, we look back at the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbor Bridge

Leaving Sydney Harbor, we look back at the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbor Bridge

These are possibly the most famous landmarks in Sydney.   This boat carried us to see the migrating Humpback Whales.

Tail of humpback whale

Tail of humpback whale

We love whales!   We believe we should show you a few of the Australian animals.   We saw so many that we admired, but here are a few of our favorites.   Emus were in several locations of Australia.

First emu sighting after crossing into the state of Victoria

First emu sighting after crossing into the state of Victoria

The females lay the eggs and the males care for the young.   Of course, koala visits are a necessity when visiting Australia.

Koala on the move

Koala on the move

The kangaroos and the smaller wallabies are just so cute.

Mom with her baby "joey"

Mom with her baby “joey”

These pink and gray galah were one of our first birds of Australia, and mom’s favorite.

Pink and Gray Galah. Wild and beautiful

Pink and Gray Galah.  Wild and beautiful

These white Sulphur Crested Cockatoos seem so exotic to us.

Sulphur Crested Cockatoos are plentiful. Considered exotic birds in US and farmers pest here.

Sulphur Crested Cockatoos are plentiful.   Considered exotic birds in US and farmers pest here.

They have very strong beaks.   While eating out of mom’s hand, a cockatoo bit her finger.   No blood, but some pain.   Australia is an island, so spectacular sunsets are plentiful.   Some of the best were over the Indian Ocean.

Just beautiful

Just beautiful

We truly enjoyed our Australian adventures.   We hope you will visit there soon.   It is fun and the people we met were all very friendly.

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More Australian Reflections with Zeb and Eider Part II

Driving through Broome, we entered the Kimberley.   Derby is one of the major cities here.   We loved Derby but we were fascinated by the Boab Tree.   This is the Boab Prison Tree.

Prison Boab Tree

Prison Boab Tree

Legend says that prisoners we put inside this tree at night, while being transported to Derby.    That is rather scary.   Back in Broome, Cable Beach is a wonderful place.   A meal or snack at Zander’s on the beach and fabulous sunsets viewed from a camel create unforgettable memories.

So cool

So cool

At Broome’s Town Park we were fortunate to witness Stairway to the Moon.

Stairway to the Moon in Broome, Western Australia

Stairway to the Moon in Broome, Western Australia

This experience is also forever in our memory.   Australia has many beautiful national parks.  There are over 500 Australian national parks.   In Kakadu National Park in the Northern Territory we gazed at Aboriginal Rock Art

Aboriginal rock art

Aboriginal rock art

and watched huge crocodiles.

A really big crocodile at Kakadu

A really big crocodile at Kakadu

Thankfully the crocodiles were more interested in the warm sun than tasting Colorado Traveling Ducks.  We rode the Ghan, Australia’s other main railroad, to the red center of Australia.   Another fascinating train ride.   We believe sunrise at Kata Tjuta was beautiful.

Sunrise over Kata Tjuta

Sunrise over Kata Tjuta

Uluru, formerly called Ayers Rock, is huge.

Not just a smooth rock

Not just a smooth rock

Scientists say most of the rock, or monolith,  is still underground.   The above ground height is 863 meters or 1,141 feet.   More than that amount is still hidden underground.   Next we took a public bus to Coober Pedy.   This opal mining town celebrated its 100th anniversary.

Coober Pedy celebrates 100 years

Coober Pedy celebrates 100 years

Inside an opal mine, the opal is beautiful in the rock.

Opal still in rock

Opal still in rock

Just waiting to be mined.     Much of this town is underground, living in cave live areas.   The Underground Serbian Orthodox Church was spectacular.

From church balcony

From church balcony

A short flight to Adelaide and we rode another bus into the wine country.   Here we saw beautiful countryside and, of course, tasted some good wine.

Wine was sampled at Henry's Drive Winery

Wine was sampled at Henry’s Drive Winery

Our time in Australia was so much fun.   Tomorrow we will finish our reflections of our wonderful vacation.

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Australia Reflections with Zeb and Eider Duck Part 1

Zeb and Eider Duck spent a couple months in 2015 exploring Australia.   We have been showing you what we found during our time, but this week we want to share our favorite Australian memories with you.   We liked this post card from Australia showing a map of Australia on the map of the United States.

Australian map over US map and where we visited

Australian map over US map and where we visited

Gives a good idea of the distances involved.   The red yarn shows where we went.     After a couple days in Sydney, we flew to Hobart, Tasmania.   Such a beautiful island!   The Tasmanian Devil is now found in the wild only in Tasmania.

This Tasmanian Devil was running a lot. He has nice red ears.

This Tasmanian Devil was running a lot.  He has nice red ears.

We thought he was rather cute.   Another famous destination in Tasmania is the Bay of Fires.   These rocks gain color from the lichen on them, and the white sand was so soft and the water so blue.

Sitting in soft white sand, near orange boulders and blue water.

Sitting in soft white sand, near orange boulders and blue water.

There is only ocean between Antarctica and Tasmania, so the water is pretty cold.  Tasmania is perfect for camping, hiking and other outdoor activities.   The St. Columba Falls are spectacular.

St Columba Falls

St Columba Falls

From Tasmania, a short flight to Adelaide and a short boat trip took us to Kangaroo Island.   Of course, the kangaroos, white and brown, were the stars of the island.

Aren't they adorable. Our first white kangaroos

Aren’t they adorable.  Our first white kangaroos

There was much competition for top spot with the seals and sea lions and the breathtaking scenery.

Love the beach with sea lions

Love the beach with sea lions

These guys were so cute!   A few days later we took the boat to Adelaide.   While in Adelaide, we enjoyed the free city buses.   In the city park, the pelican was friendly and curious.

Anything for me?

Anything for me?

Black swans very plentiful.

Too close mom

Too close mom

We were told that black swans are only native to areas south of the equator.   Australia has great trains.   The Indian Pacific Railway took us across the Nullarbor Plain to Perth.

The Indian Pacific Railway

The Indian Pacific Railway connects the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean.

From Perth a great boat trip took us to Rottnest Island, a pretty island and home to the quokkas.

The quokka is our new friend

The quokka is our new friend.  He is a marsupial and hops similar to a kangaroo.

Back in Perth, we again utilized free city buses to explore the city.  Obtaining a rental car, we drove up the west coast of Australia.   We highly recommending driving along the coast.   The roads are good, the scenery perfect and people very friendly and helpful.   Also free tourist information is available.   At Hamlin Pool, we went inside the telegraph station.   This is where an Australian lady, using Morse code, helped NASA when our communications system had problems during a space mission.

Hamelin Pool Telegraph Station of 1884

Hamelin Pool Telegraph Station of 1884

The shell blocks were great to see.

Shell Blocks at Hamelin Pool

Shell Blocks at Hamelin Pool

This area of Australia was the only time we saw these shell blocks.   We visited the second and smallest country on the Australian continent, The Principality of Hutt River.   We needed and had our passports stamped here.

Stamped passports

Stamped passports

If you are in the area, visit Hutt River and learn about the establishment of this independent principality.   Continuing north along the Indian Ocean, we learned of several joint projects between Australia and the United States during World War II.   This is the monument to Operation Potshot, one of those cooperative missions.

Operation Potshot Monument

Operation Potshot Monument on the Indian Ocean

We will continue with our Australian memories this week.   We hope you will reminisce with us this week.

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The Rocks of Sydney Harbor with Zeb and Eider

This is our last night in Australia.   Zeb and Eider are taking the humans to The Rocks.

Going to The Rocks

Going to The Rocks

This was Sydney’s first European settlement near Circular Quay at Sydney Harbor.   It has been renovated and now it is a “place to be”.   First stop is Cadman’s Cottage.

Cadmans Cottage Historic Site in Sydney

Cadmans Cottage Historic Site in Sydney

Cadman’s Cottage, built in 1816, is the oldest house in Sydney.   It once housed longboats and was the home of the last government coxswain, John Cadman.    The area, now known as The Rocks, is one street away from Sydney Harbor and Circular Quay.   These steps have been here for many years.

Well worn steps

Well worn steps

The stones have certainly been worn over the past couple hundred years.   Crossing to the older area, we see the Sydney Harbor Bridge and the narrow streets.

Sydney Harbor Bridge from the Rocks

Sydney Harbor Bridge from the Rocks

The bridge crosses from the harbor from the western side to the North Shore.   Here is the Observer Hotel.

Observer Hotel

Observer Hotel

The historical Rawson Institute for Seaman is in great shape.   Built in 1859, it was formerly Mariner’s Church.

Rawson Institute for Seamen

Rawson Institute for Seamen

Then the Rawson Institute for Seamen.   Then it was an art gallery.    Since 2011, the building houses a bar and night club.   There are several cafes and restaurants here with outside seating.   We liked this one with the heaters.

Eat outside with heat towers

Eat outside with heat towers

It was a cool evening.    These old buildings have been carefully maintained.

Great building. Love the red phone booth!

Great building. Love the red phone booth!

Check out the bright red telephone booth.   In the late 1800’s this area was a bustling business center.   Steel shod horses and carriages put much dirt and dust into the air, causing problems for pedestrians and shopkeepers.   They needed streets with a firm, stable surface and good traction, that wouldn’t make too much noise.    The solution was woodblocks.

Streets made of woodblocks

Streets made of woodblocks

Australian class 1 hardwoods, including blue gum, red gum, ironbark, blackbutt, tallowwood, mahogany and turpentine worked best.   They were durable, looked good and minimized noise and dust.   There was an ample local supply of wood and the streets were washed every night.   We really liked the silhouettes of blue lights in the alley.

Great silhouettes

Great silhouettes

The old buildings are just great.

Great old buildings

Great old buildings

We liked The Rocks, but if it had been a warm evening, we would have spent more time here.   Maybe we can come back in the spring or summer??

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Whale Watching in Sydney with Zeb and Eider Duck

We are back in Sydney, Australia.   We really like the Sydney Opera House.

Zeb and Eider by the Sydney Opera House

Zeb and Eider by the Sydney Opera House

Wow!   Look at this.   If we didn’t already love Sydney, this would do it.

A Chocolate Bar!

A Chocolate Bar!

Max Brenner Chocolate Bar.   And it is very close to our hotel.   Since we don’t have much time left in Australia, and Sydney is our last stop before the airport and our flight back to the United States, we wanted to do something special today.   We are going on a short cruise to watch whales.   The people at Sydney Harbor say we should see some humpback whales.   We are on the boat, leaving Sydney Harbor.

Leaving Sydney Harbor, we look back at the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbor Bridge

Leaving Sydney Harbor, we look back at the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbor Bridge

Behind us we are leaving the Sydney Harbor Bridge.   There are people walking on top of the bridge.   To the left is the Sydney Opera House.   The tall building behind the Opera House has a revolving restaurant on the top.   The humans ate there when they were in Sydney 10 years ago.   We are so amazed by these steep cliffs, so close to Sydney.

Steep cliffs as we leave Sydney Harbor

Steep cliffs as we leave Sydney Harbor

The humans on our boat are wandering around, hoping to spot whales.

Humans looking for whales

Humans looking for whales

We ducks also want to see the whales.   There are whales here!

Humpback whales here 6

Humpback whales here

This shooting water is from a humpback whale.   Look!   More than one whale is here.

Shooting water is from a whale 15

Shooting water is from a whale

We see the whale frolicking in the water.

Humpback whale 2

Humpback whale

He jumped in the water and his tail is beautiful.

Tail of humpback whale 11

Tail of humpback whale

We love these whales.

Humpback whales 4

Humpback whales

They seem to be putting on a show just for us.   Look at that perfect tail.

Tail of humpback whale 9

Tail of humpback whale

The lady on the boat is helping us find whales.   There are more than whales here.   She said this bird is an albatross.

An albatross

An albatross

It is time now to head back to Sydney Harbor.   We see more rock cliffs on the way back.

More steep cliffs are we return to Sydney

More steep cliffs are we return to Sydney

Back in Sydney, we head to the shopping area to purchase a few last minute souvenirs.

Last minute shopping at Circular Quay at Sydney Harbor

Last minute shopping at Circular Quay at Sydney Harbor

Our time in Australia is almost over, but we still some more things to show.   See you next time.

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Zeb Visits the Wyeth Exhibit at the Denver Art Museum

This week, my little friend, Lagertha Duck and I, Zeb the Duck, returned to the Denver Art Museum.   Lagertha Duck is named for a Viking Warrior Queen.   Great name, Lagertha!

The Denver Art Museum

The Denver Art Museum

This museum has so many interesting permanent exhibits, and they have really great temporary exhibits.   Let’s go to the special Wyeth exhibit now.

Let's go in

Let’s go in

This exhibit will be in Denver through February 7.  This features Andrew Wyeth (1917-2009) and Andrew’s son, Jamie Wyeth (born 1946).   They are both famous and talented artists.   Here they are, father and son.

Andrew Wyeth and his son, Jamie Wyeth

Andrew Wyeth and his son, Jamie Wyeth

I loved this painting when Jamie was a young child, painted by his famous father.

Portrait of Jamie Wyeth as a child. Painted by Andrew Wyeth, his father.

Portrait of Jamie Wyeth as a child. Painted by Andrew Wyeth, his father.

Even at a very early age Jamie wanted to draw.   The scribbles at the bottom were done by Jamie.   This is Christina Olson.

Christina Olson by Andrew Wyeth

Christina Olson by Andrew Wyeth

She was a friend and frequent subject of Andrew’s paintings.   Andrew completed this in 1947.  At one time Jamie Wyeth had a place in Andy’s Warhol’s New York studio.  During this time, in 1976 Jamie painted Andy Warhol.   Andy is holding is dog, Archie.

Andy Warhol and dog, Archie. By Jamie Wyeth

Andy Warhol with his dog, Archie.   By Jamie Wyeth

Here is a painting by Andrew, finished in 1943, called The Hunter.

The Hunter by Andrew Wyeth

The Hunter by Andrew Wyeth

Both Andrew and Jamie really wanted to know their subject and the area well before they painted.   Both of the Wyeth’s spent summers in Maine and the rest of the year in Pennsylvania.   Included with our entrance ticket to the Wyeth exhibit, was an audio guide.    We enjoyed the audio comments by Jamie Wyeth.   This painting of the Kent House, by Jamie in 1972, was painted from inside a bait box.

Kent House by Jamie Wyeth

Kent House by Jamie Wyeth

The house painting is oil on cardboard.   The audio guide said Jamie did not want to be observed while he painted, so he borrowed this bait box from a fisherman, sat inside, and painted the Kent House on the hill.

Bait box studio

Bait box studio

Jamie says he never really painted the sea.   The sea is “more interesting when it’s reflected in a gull or sheep that lives the island”    This painting in 2008, named Jenny Whibley Sings, is oil on board.

Jenny Whibley Sings by Jamie Wyeth

Jenny Whibley Sings by Jamie Wyeth

In the background is Jamie’s home and studio in Maine.   Here is The Islander, with the sheep, painted in 1975 with oil on canvas.

The Islander by Jamie Wyeth

The Islander by Jamie Wyeth

Meet Kleberg.   He is Jamie’s dog.

Kleberg by Jamie Wyeth

Kleberg by Jamie Wyeth

This is an oil painting on canvas and completed in 1984.   Notice the unusual making around Kleberg’s eye.   Kleberg was getting too close to the easel while Jamie was painting one day, so impulsively, Jamie put his finger in the black paint and painted Kleberg.   The marking was so popular with humans, so Jamie repainted it about once a week.   You will laugh as you hear Jamie tell the story on the audio guide.   Jaime has another funny story about painting this Raven.

Raven by Jamie Wyeth

Raven by Jamie Wyeth

In the spring of 1980 he had a cow carcass delivered to his island.   The neighbors noticed.   The dead animal attracted the raven so Jaime could paint him.    Betsy is Andrew’s wife and Jamie’s mother.   Andrew completed this painting of his wife, Betsy.

Betsy by Andrew Wyeth

Betsy by Andrew Wyeth

Betsy did much of the framing for Andrew’s paintings.   She did frame her portrait.    Notice the embroidery on the bottom.    This painting and framing are spectacular when seen in person.   There are many works of art exhibited, completed by Andrew and by Jamie.   We hope you visit this exhibit and enjoy the paintings.   When you have seen the exhibit, we hope you stay in the museum and visit the North Building.   On level 6 there are a few more paintings by Andrew Wyeth.    This, Rough Hauling, a watercolor completed in 1940 is my favorite.

Rough Hauling by Andrew Wyeth, 1940, watercolor

Rough Hauling by Andrew Wyeth, 1940, watercolor

Then on level 7, you can see an illustration by N. C. Wyeth, Andrew’s father.   N. C. was a very famous illustrator.   His first commission as an illustrator, in 1903, was Bucking Bronco for the cover of The Saturday Evening Post.   This illustration, owned by The Denver Art Museum, completed in 1916, is Gunfighter.

Gunfighter by N. C. Wyeth

Gunfighter by N. C. Wyeth

The illustration of a saloon fight represents a larger than life version of a bygone era.   We hope you visit The Denver Art Museum soon.   We like to visit here often.

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Colorado Traveling Ducks Will Help Santa

We three Colorado Traveling Ducks have been practicing and are now ready to help Santa Claus deliver presents.   There will be a full moon Christmas night, so Christmas Eve will also have a bright moon, and we are confident that all packages will be delivered.   J B Duck, wearing a red tie, is on the first reindeer.   Soapy Smith Duck, wearing a blue tie, is in charge of the second reindeer.   Zeb the Duck is riding on the sleigh, wearing his Christmas hat and Christmas scarf.

Colorado Traveling Ducks are ready to help Santa on Christmas Eve

Colorado Traveling Ducks are ready to help Santa on Christmas Eve

We are ready Santa!

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Zeb and Soapy Explore 3 Denver Malls at Christmas

Our moms love to go the malls to see Christmas decorations.   We try to go when they open in the morning, during the week.   It is not so crowded then.   I, Zeb the Duck, visited three malls this month.   First I will show you want I saw at PARK MEADOWS MALL.   Of course, I wanted to find Santa.

This way to Santa

This way to Santa

Here I am on the enter sign.   I really like this Santa house.   We even have reindeer pulling a sleigh full of presents.

Reindeer pulling sleigh

Reindeer pulling sleigh

Next we headed to Nordstrom’s.   Isn’t this red horse cute?

Zeb on Nordstrom's red horse

Zeb on Nordstrom’s red horse

Especially with me, Zeb, riding him.   We are pulling the cart.   The snowman is cheery.

Cheery Snowman

Cheery Snowman

Going through the mall, we noticed the fountain is also ready for Christmas.

Water rapids and fountain ready for Christmas

Water fall and fountain ready for Christmas

Walking down the halls, these lights make us smile.

Lights in Park Meadows Mall

Lights in Park Meadows Mall

I wanted to be sure you could see these decorations, also.

Christmas decorations everywhere. I love it!

Christmas decorations everywhere. I love it!

I really like the pine branches and huge red ornaments.   We decided to have a snack at the food court.   The fireplace, decorated with the wreath, makes everything cozy.

Decorated fireplace in food court

Decorated fireplace in food court

We really liked Park Meadows.   Now Soapy Smith Duck and I, Zeb the Duck, will show you what we saw at FLATIRONS MALL.   First we visited Dillard’s to see Christmas decorations.

Dillard's Christmas at Flatirons Mall

Dillard’s Christmas at Flatirons Mall.   Soapy, don’t jump

We liked this.   Soapy and Zeb are under the tree, sitting on presents.

Zeb and Soapy under the Christmas tree. Soapy, do not open the gifts!!

Zeb and Soapy under the Christmas tree. Soapy, do not open the gifts!!

All of these decorations in Dillard’s are for sale.   In the mall, we smiled at these lights.

Lights in Flatirons Mall

Lights in Flatirons Mall

Flatirons Mall has Santa’s Observatory.    This is the entrance to visit with Santa.

Santa's Observatory at Flatirons

Santa’s Observatory at Flatirons

Here is Santa.

Santa sees us!

Santa sees us!

He smiled at us.   Maybe we will find presents on Christmas morning.  Zeb and Soapy headed to CHERRY CREEK MALL next.   This Christmas display in Neiman Marcus caught our attention.

Neiman Marcus Christmas Display at Cherry Creek Mall

Neiman Marcus Christmas Display at Cherry Creek Mall

Then we spotted the Ice Palace.

The Ice Palace at Cherry Creek

The Ice Palace at Cherry Creek

This is the entrance to see Santa.   Zeb and Soapy discovered the trees surrounding the Ice Palace.

Zeb and Soapy in Christmas tree

Zeb and Soapy in Christmas tree

The moms decided to get a cookie.

We are getting this cookie!

We are getting this cookie!

Great idea, we will all have a piece.   We like to see the Christmas decorations.   We hope you visited some malls near you this season also.   They are beautiful.