We're getting ready for a trip to Australia and New Zealand. The trip will take us from Sydney to central and northern Australia and a visit to the North and South Islands of New Zealand. We'll then shift back to Australia for a side trip to the Wollemi National Park, in the Blue Mountains. This has been on our calendar for some time and we're looking forward to seeing a wide variety of geography and wildlife.
While this is our first trip to Australia, this is our second time in New Zealand. About 20 years ago, we traveled to both New Zealand islands, including a few days at the Bleskie Farmstay, in Te Awamutu, which was a great experience for the family. From recent searches, it appears this farmstay is still active. If you have time, a farmstay is a great way to experience a day in the life of a working farm. My older daughter rode horses with the owner and my younger daughter enjoyed the seeing the farm animals. We also were able to visit a working dairy and taste fresh cream and milk brought down from the dairy shed in the early morning.
One of the trip highlights will be a stay at the Wolgan Valley Resort, in the Blue Mountains. This resort was created by the Emirates and is quite the opposite from a farmstay. It is reachable from an unimproved road from Lithgow. Once arriving at the gate, visitors are met and driven onto the resort property. The resort has individual lodgings and central services for dining, pool and spa. The resort also hosts a number of on-site activities, such as mountain biking, horses and wildlife visits for those inclined.
We expecting another wide range of temperatures during the trip. As we once again consider what to pack, I'm thinking of bringing a new Tilley Hat with me. I often travel with a Tilley Cotton Duck Hat (T4) but am considering purchasing a Tilley that could be a bit cooler on the head (LTM8).
Both hats are lightweight, comfortable and can be flattened for your suitcase. My Cotton Duck hat has been used for hiking, fishing as well as traveling through China. The hat has been washed several times and bounces back to original size and fit. What's the major difference? The LTM8 has a mesh crown which should permit more airflow and I presume a lighter weight - though this is just a few ounces.
While this is our first trip to Australia, this is our second time in New Zealand. About 20 years ago, we traveled to both New Zealand islands, including a few days at the Bleskie Farmstay, in Te Awamutu, which was a great experience for the family. From recent searches, it appears this farmstay is still active. If you have time, a farmstay is a great way to experience a day in the life of a working farm. My older daughter rode horses with the owner and my younger daughter enjoyed the seeing the farm animals. We also were able to visit a working dairy and taste fresh cream and milk brought down from the dairy shed in the early morning.
One of the trip highlights will be a stay at the Wolgan Valley Resort, in the Blue Mountains. This resort was created by the Emirates and is quite the opposite from a farmstay. It is reachable from an unimproved road from Lithgow. Once arriving at the gate, visitors are met and driven onto the resort property. The resort has individual lodgings and central services for dining, pool and spa. The resort also hosts a number of on-site activities, such as mountain biking, horses and wildlife visits for those inclined.
We expecting another wide range of temperatures during the trip. As we once again consider what to pack, I'm thinking of bringing a new Tilley Hat with me. I often travel with a Tilley Cotton Duck Hat (T4) but am considering purchasing a Tilley that could be a bit cooler on the head (LTM8).
Both hats are lightweight, comfortable and can be flattened for your suitcase. My Cotton Duck hat has been used for hiking, fishing as well as traveling through China. The hat has been washed several times and bounces back to original size and fit. What's the major difference? The LTM8 has a mesh crown which should permit more airflow and I presume a lighter weight - though this is just a few ounces.
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