Beep beep beep!!!
Deep in thought, my son alerted me to the fact that my mobile phone had sent a message. Having received a new phone for Christmas as cdma is disappearing and our nation goes to next G, I was not used to the new message tone. It was also rather surprising that I was now able to get reception in our relatively ‘blackspot’ rural area.Checking out the message, I found I was required to sign into the murmuring woods, leave a last minute portal at the cauldron and move onto Rainbow Beach. Rainbow beach sounded so good after our unceasing hot weather and it would give me a chance to avoid those persistent and pesky Aussie flies.
Plus I love travelling and especially love trying out new places. An added bonus is that I am on school holidays and had no activities planned. My mind is ticking over as I pack my bags wondering if Rainbow Beach is somewhere near Moonlight Heads or Blanket Bay – a particularly beautiful coastal area near us. Noting that I must not forget my phone, I say farewell to my bewildered family and head off to the cauldron.
After obtaining directions to Rainbow Beach at the cauldron, I proceed to my destination. However, as usual, I get hopelessly lost and and after a seemingly endless time, come full circle back to the cauldron. After a stressful few moments, I remember my trusty mobile phone and message my son in London. He advised me to take a digital video of the position of and area surrounding the cauldron. I did so and sent him back the video immediately. Using google earth and google maps, my son was able to guide me to Rainbow Beach. So after only 30 minutes, I was back on the road again following his directions via skype (it was far cheaper to use this than my normal mobile phone service for international communication) “Lucky, I got this new phone for Christmas!” I thought.
I could finally hear the roaring surf and call of the seagulls and knew that I was near the coast. Finally, a welcoming sign announced that I was at Rainbow Beach. It is even more serene and beautiful than I had imagined and ……. even better there are no pesky flies, just wonderful cool, refreshing waters to dip and refresh in after my exhausting journey. I can now meet my web 2.0 friends
Hi everyone!!!
(I still don’t know whether Rainbow Beach is near Blanket Bay. I never had time to look but will check it out on my mobile phone when I install the gps software).
Reminders keyed into my phone install that new gps (global satellite positioning software)
4 responses so far ↓
loisdaley // January 6, 2008 at 1:29 pm
Well Ann you certainly have all the technical know how at hand with gps and dss and ppp and lmp and do do do’s …when we travelled with le Enchanteur a year or so back she gave us a purple bag and in it was
A small compass
A shell and I think a torch and a small note book to write in
Now you know I have forgotten already what else was in that purple bag
I should know ! I carried it from islands to manors on boats and donkeys etc etc …
I do remember sleeping in a cave that was so comfortable and warm
ang meeting my late Father on an The Island of Ancestors…
It was a wonderful experience I can still feel it but not remember what I carried in that little draw string bag…..
Happy trip Ann…and being near the sea it will be wonderful
Lois ( Muse of the Sea) Sund. 6th Jan 2008.
woodnymph // January 6, 2008 at 4:31 pm
Hey, I’m so pleased you’re with us despite getting lost along the way. We all had challenges and you handled yours beautifully.
Vi
Jill // January 6, 2008 at 5:59 pm
This is a great start – I enjoyed it very much! This is going to be one interesting journey
)
jodhiay // January 6, 2008 at 6:40 pm
Anne: I love how you incorporate your phone and other technologies into all of this, and am glad that Rainbow Beach is free of flies!
Don’t let anyone tell you (including yourself) that you aren’t a writer: just keep doing it, because you are!
Joanne