Journals
Click on the main location
headings to expand/contract -- revealing/hiding the related
journals. Journals are listed in reverse chronological
order, with latest journeys first. You can access all
of our photographs from within the various journals or from
the "Photos & Videos" page.
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Indian Ocean - Red Sea - Mediterranean
Maldives, Oman, Yemen, Eritrea, Sudan, Egypt, Turkey
(January 2008 - Current)
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March 8 - 11, 2008: Massawa, Eritrea
Italian influence, war devastation, and
extremely friendly faces.
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March 1 - 7, 2008: Volcanic peaks of the Red
Sea
Our first stop in the Red Sea is at Mersa
Dudu, Eritrea, where volcanic cones rise from the
desert.
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February 26 - 29, 2008: Fun in Arab Town
Aden, Yemen was an
unexpected delight. We enjoyed the culture, the scenery,
and the rest.
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February 21 - 26, 2008: At it again - another 617 miles under our
belt
The passage from Oman to Aden
(Yemen) included sandstorms and some rough seas, but at least it was
pirate free!
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February 15 - 20, 2008: Repairs, repairs, and more repairs
We didn't have much time for fun
in Salalah, Oman as we were too busy trying to clean-up the mess created
from the passage getting there.
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February 5 - 15, 2008: Bashing through the Indian Ocean
So much for the advertised
excellent passages of the Northern Indian Ocean. With exception of
the fish catching, this was one of Billabong's worst passages to date.
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January 29 - Feb 5, 2008: Another Idyllic Atoll, with a Culture twist
Uligan, Maldives was a fantastic
break from the Indian Ocean passages. The atoll anchorage was like
many others, but the culture, people, and living arrangements were
unique to those we'd seen in the South Pacific.
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January 17 - 29 2008: Northern Indian Ocean Crapola Begins
Thailand to Uligan, Maldives was not the pleasant trip we were hoping
for, but at least there were fish! (repeat of Blog)
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Indian Ocean
Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand
(July 2007 - January 2008)
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November 2007 - January 2008: Singapore - Malaysia - Thailand
Sorry folks, nothing is written yet, this is merely a place holder for
the day we hope to finally get caught up!
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October 4 - 8, 2007: Orangutans in Borneo
WOW! How else can we describe this experience! The two day,
one night trip up the river in Kumai easily makes Billabong's top 5,
and we'd gladly go back again & again.
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September 23 - 28, 2007: Billabong in Bali
The island of Bali is quite different from the other parts of Indonesia
we visited. From spas and temples to shopping and dining ... it's
a full-on experience!
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July 25 - September 22, 2007:
Cruising Indonesia
Kupang (Timor Island), Flores Island (including
Maumere, Kalimutu, and Maurole), Rinca Island, the
Gili Islands, and Bima ... all [hopefully] coming
soon (in the meantime check out the photo pages
accessed from this journal)
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Australia
Eastern Coast, Melbourne, Tasmania, Darwin
(November 2006 - July 2007)
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May - July, 2007: Australia: East Coast to Darwin
A lot of miles were covered in the 2-1/2 months it took us to sail
up the coast from Mooloolaba and over the top to Darwin.
February - April, 2007: Australia Road Trip
Via campervan, we travel from Brisbane to Melbourne (through Sydney) and
around Tasmania ... enjoy a bit of time away from Billabong and the life
of landlubbers!
February 16, 2007: Southport to Mooloolaba
A quick seven day journey brings Billabong back to Mooloolaba, where we
plan to leave her for a couple of months.
January 2007: Southport Area
We get out and about as we explore nearby areas; including a fantastic
wildlife park, bustling Brisbane, the coastal town of Byron Bay,
neighboring Sea World, and a couple of National Parks in the Hinterlands.
December 2006:
Sandy Straits & Southport
Our travels from Bundaberg through the Sandy Straits, past Brisbane to
Southport ... where we are loving the down time and big cities!
November 2006:
Bundaberg & Nambour Area
A great start in Australia with too much drinking, too much eating, and
many new friends!
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South Pacific
Countries of Year 3
Fiji, Vanuatu, New Caledonia
(May 2006 - October 2006)
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October 27, 2006:
New Caledonia
We spent most of our time enjoying the good food and culture
of Noumea.
September 28,
2006: Vanuatu Highlights
Highlights of our trip around the Vanuatu islands, including Port Vila,
Aniwa, Erromango, Epi, Malekula, and Ambrym. Note: Tanna has two separate journal entries (Aug 24 and Aug 18)
August 24, 2006:
Mt. Yasur Volcano (Tanna, Vanuatu)
Our hike to the top of the active volcano, Mt Yasur, was truly a
life-threatening experience!
August
18, 2006: Tanna's Nekowiar/Toka Festival (Vanuatu)
A very traditional festival that only occurs ever few years ... and
we
were lucky enough to attend!
July 25,
2006: Fiji West
After Naviqiri Village, we worked our way to Vuda Point for a one-week
haul out, followed by down time in the very touristy spot of Musket Cove.
July 2, 2006: Naviqiri Village Return (Fiji)
The whole reason for our return to Fiji was to re-visit Naviqiri Village
... and what a great choice it was! (Blog Repeat)
May 31, 2006: Marshall Islands to Fiji Passage
One of our more difficult and tiresome passages to date (Blog Repeat)
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Pacific Countries of
Year 2
Fiji, tuvalu, Kiribati, Marshall Islands
(May 2005 - May 2006)
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Dec 2005- May 2006 Majuro, Marshall Islands
Keeping entertained during cyclone season in Majuro,
and with a 6 week visit back to the States
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Second World War & The South Pacific
We learned a little bit of WWII history has we passed through Tuvalu and
Kiribati
December 18, 2005: Tarawa, Abaiang, & Butaritari, Kiribati
We found uniqueness in each of the last atolls of Kiribati that we visit.
November 23, 2005: Tabiteuea & Abemama, Kiribati
The Kiribati tradition of friendless and giving continue as we
head north.
November 4, 2005: Onotoa, Kiribati
Places less traveled; an unplanned stop brings us to an undiscovered
paradise.
October 17, 2005:
Tuvalu
We visit two of Tuvalu's atolls; Funafuti & Nukufetau.
Drifting Across
the South Pacific:
Read about our fun experiment as we crossed the equator (back in April
2004)
August 22, 2005: Around the North Side of Vanu Levu, Part II
Two weeks in Naviqiri village left us ready to move in!
August 3, 2005: Around the North Side of Vanu Levu, Part I
The people of Fiji work their magic on us as we visit the villages and
homes on the north side of Vanu Levu.
July 17,
2005: Discovering the Eastern Islands of Fiji
From Fawn Harbor to the Lau Group, Matagi, Budd Reef, and Rabi Island --
we loved the peace and isolation the Eastern side of Fiji provided.
June 12, 2005:
Season II begins -- On to Fiji
After six months of land we're ready for the high seas ... heading North
from New Zealand into the warmer climates on our first passage with crew!
Destination: Savusavu, Fiji.
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New Zealand
Land Touring north & South Islands
(November 2004 - May 2005)
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March 24, 2005: Art & Penny in NZ / We hit the Southland
Chris's Dad (Art) & his Wife Penny
join us for a few days in New Zealand before heading off on their own.
Meanwhile Chris & I explore the deep South of the South Island. Covering
South-East Coast, North Island & far South, South Island
February 14, 2005: Exploring NZ with Mark & Sally
Chris's Mom (Sally) and her husband Mark come over for a
3-week house
swap! Covering Central & Southern North Island + Northern South
Island
January 14, 2005: Holiday Season & Mom's Visit
Another holiday season "at sea", followed by our first New Zealand visitor
(KT's Mom). A terrific Glacier experience on the South Island and
more spectacular NZ sights.
December 18, 2004: Northland / Coromandel Peninsula Roadtrip:
We didn't let rain damper our plans as we explored parts of the North
Island in our newly obtained van, Billavan!
December 10, 2004: NZ Passage & Arrival - not yet written!:
Not really written yet (yep, we wrote some entries out of order! ) ... We
were thrilled to make landfall in New Zealand, but with so much stuff to
do we haven't had time to write about it yet! Click on the link anyway to
get a very high level overview.
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South Pacific
Countries of year 1
Marquesas Islands, Tuamotus, French Polynesia,
Northern Cooks, Tonga
(April 2004 - October 2004)
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October 31,
2004: Vava'u Group, Tonga:
A very relaxing and enjoyable six weeks as we lounged around the various
anchorages of the Vava'u Group.
September 20, 2004:
Niuatoputapu
Our first stop in Tonga. Terrific people and fantastic scenery.
And an exciting underwater adventure with humpback whales!
September 3, 2004:
Suwarrow
We've find paradise ... both in the land & the people!
August 7, 2004:
Bora Bora Part II
The kidney stone returns - delaying our much desired departure.
July 25, 2004:
Bora Bora Part I
Tons of exploration & many
anchorages to explore makes for a great time - even with all the tourists
July 11, 2004:
Moorea
Ecstatic to leave Maeva beach, Billabong & crew enjoy clear waters,
wonderful views, and fun water creatures!
July 8, 2004:
Tahiti
Big City, Big Lights, Big Winds, Big Stones ... Papeete is too much to
handle!
June 21, 2004:
Fakarava
Fun times continue in our second atoll of the Tuamotos, including a
shark
encounter (by KT)
June, 5, 2004:
Kauehi
Our fist atoll in the Tuamotos spoils us with sandy beaches and clear
turquoise waters!
May 27, 2004:
Marquesas Part II - Nuka Hiva
Daniel's Bay & Taiohae Bay
May 6, 2004:
Marquesas Part I
Discovering paradise in the Marquesas ... Fatu Hiva through Oa Pou
April 30, 2004:
South Pacific Crossing & Landfall
Our first He Said, She Said -- get two different perspectives on
our 23 day journey across the South Pacific Ocean.
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Mexico
San Martin,
Cabo San Lucas, La Paz, La Ventana, Espiritu Santo,
Puerto Vallarta
(December 2003 - March 2004)
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Southern California
Ventura,
Channel Islands, San Diego
(November 2002 - Dec 2003)
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