OZ Foray from Maine & Guam-Late November

Subject: RE: OZ Foray from Maine & Guam-Late November
From: Naemanson
Date: 20 Oct 03 - 05:41 AM

OK Gang! It's for real. I bought my tickets today. I'm flying into Cairns on November 13. Apparently Contintental only flys to Australia on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays.

Now I have to reconstruct the plans I set up and lost with my computer.

Subject: RE: OZ Foray from Maine & Guam-Late November
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 20 Oct 03 - 08:04 AM

goody (the first part)

booh, hiss to the no-goodnik who stole your computer. Now all you have to do is read the relevant bits on this thead to see the advice again in the hope that it reminds you ...

What a bummer

see ya soon

sandra

Subject: RE: OZ Foray from Maine & Guam-Late November
From: Charley Noble
Date: 20 Oct 03 - 08:09 AM

Brett-

We'll be joining you at Port Douglas on Saturday, November 15th, if there's anything left of the place after your arrival. We'll review local news stories after landing in Sydney November 13th before we fly out to Cairns.

Maybe you should avoid the stop at Crocodile Charley's.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: OZ Foray from Maine & Guam-Late November
From: Naemanson
Date: 20 Oct 03 - 11:15 PM

Why Charley, what DO you mean? I am the very soul of peaceful coexistence with my fellow travelers on this Earth.

I can't decide if I should bring the 6 or the 12 string. I can't finger pick the 12 (yet) but it certainly has the better sound. But then it's bigger and heavier and I will be carrying it around a lot. But then, if it gets broken or stolen I only paid $70 for it. But then, it's worth a lot more than that in value, both monetary and sentimentally.

Decisions, decisions. No wonder I never take vacations.

Subject: RE: OZ Foray from Maine & Guam-Late November
From: Charley Noble
Date: 21 Oct 03 - 08:14 AM

Brett-

My apologies for suggesting that you were anything but the gentle soul you are. However, you should be studing carefully the Mudcat Aussie dictionary.

I'd suggest bringing the lighter one, since you'll be "riding the rods" for part of your travel. Then again, maybe you should bring the one with the studiest case, the one that will survive being run over by a berserk wombat. Then again...

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: OZ Foray from Maine & Guam-Late November
From: Naemanson
Date: 26 Oct 03 - 01:26 AM

Well I have worked out an itinerary for my trip to Sydney. It's anyone's guess as to what I'll do after that. I am open to suggestions. I'd like to visit with Hrothgar in Brisbane on my way home. I think he's too wrapped up in the rugby tournament to be able to visit on my way south. I hope your broken bones are healing well enough to let you get to the games, Hrothgar.


Depart Guam               13-Nov-03        7:55 PM        Continental Flight 902
Arrive Cairns               14-Nov-03        12:25 AM        
Depart Cairns               18-Nov-03        8:35 AM        The Sunlander (Train)
Arrive Brisbane               19-Nov-03        3:55 PM        
Depart Brisbane               19-Nov-03        7:00 PM        Sunstate Charters Coach (Bus)
Arrive Murwillumbah        19-Nov-03        8:45 PM        
Depart Murwillumbah        19-Nov-03        9:50 PM        XPT (Train)
Arrive Sydney               20-Nov-03        11:38 AM        
******** 10 days to do whatever I want and go wherever the rails will take me ********
Depart Cairns        30-Nov        1:35 AM        Continental Flight 903
Arrve Guam        30-Nov        6:10 AM

Subject: RE: OZ Foray from Maine & Guam-Late November
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 26 Oct 03 - 07:18 AM

hooray!!

Last night's Dog went well, despite severe weather & hail around Sydney - fortunately not at the Dog, but if did keep some folks away, I'm sure. Maybe it also kept Giok away as he didn't turn up!

see ya soon

sandra

Subject: RE: OZ Foray from Maine & Guam-Late November
From: Charley Noble
Date: 26 Oct 03 - 12:27 PM

This is all looking great, even our top secret foray to the James Craig.

What a crew of helpful people. You know, you all have to come to Maine/Guam so we can properly reciprocate.

Now I still haven't heard back from Helen if there's any life in Newcastle with the folk music community, other than their website. Judy and I will be in that area from November 29th to December 2nd. We'll be visiting with our nephew's new Australian family, part of our secret plan to establish "transporter links" between Maine and Oz. We're not exactly sure what the "family plans" will be but there might be time to fit in a small music party.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: OZ Foray from Maine & Guam-Late November
From: Naemanson
Date: 26 Oct 03 - 06:22 PM

OK Charley, I am into the Achipelago in Port Douglas. I'll be arriving at Cairns airport at 12:35 AM on the 14th but don't come knocking on my door too early. I won't get to bed until probably 2:30 AM.

What are your plans for the 14th?

Subject: RE: OZ Foray from Maine & Guam-Late November
From: JennyO
Date: 26 Oct 03 - 08:51 PM

Don't forget the BBQ and song party that John Warner and I are having at Earlwood on Sunday 23rd, the day after the Dog!

Only 4 weeks to go, and it's still a mess outside. We need to get ourselves moving on that. We'll be at a festival the weekend before, so time is running out! (panic panic)

We also have yet to work out whose place to go to for a session on the Friday before (21st).

Jenny

Subject: RE: OZ Foray from Maine & Guam-Late November
From: Charley Noble
Date: 26 Oct 03 - 09:52 PM

JennyO-

We're looking forward to the BBQ and song party, and meeting John again. I have several warped songs that I don't think I sang him last time around. I'll have to see what I can come up with for a mini-train song.

I believe Margaret is working on a small pre-song party for Friday, the 21st, so we can clear our voices before the Loaded Dog.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: OZ Foray from Maine & Guam-Late November
From: alison
Date: 27 Oct 03 - 02:18 AM

I spoke to Giok on the phone at lunchtime on Saturday... he was intending to go to "the dog"..... I had a gig in the mountains... had to drive through the hail storm... when we got to the venue there was 2 inches of hail on the ground... looked like snow....... but the show went on anyway.....

slainte

alison

Subject: RE: OZ Foray from Maine & Guam-Late November
From: Naemanson
Date: 27 Oct 03 - 05:08 AM

Snow! Charley, are you dragging me out of my tropical paradise to go somewhere cold?

What clothing should I bring to Sydney? what kind of temperatures are you having?

Subject: RE: OZ Foray from Maine & Guam-Late November
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 27 Oct 03 - 07:01 AM

Brett - late Nov is almost summer!

Bring a light jacket in case you need it at night, if you're worried about the weather check out the Bureau of Meteorology - www.bom.gov.au

Bring a brolly with you as we do get rain in summer even tho we currently have some water restictions because our dams are low due to drought over the past few years. Sydney also has some great beaches just down the road from me.

sandra

Subject: RE: OZ Foray from Maine & Guam-Late November
From: JennyO
Date: 27 Oct 03 - 07:19 AM

Don't worry Brett, it was just a thunderstorm which dumped hail in some parts. The weather has been quite mild lately actually - warm to hot days and cool to balmy nights, with some late afternoon unsettled weather and thunderstorm activity in the last couple of weeks.

By the time you come, it will probably be even warmer. We do sometimes get the afternoon storms, so bring your umbrella, or buy a cheap one here.

Jenny

Subject: RE: OZ Foray from Maine & Guam-Late November
From: Charley Noble
Date: 27 Oct 03 - 08:13 AM

Brett-

We plan to bring our lightest tropical gear for Port Douglas. For Sydney, my boating jacket should be more than adequate for evenings. Some kind of foul-weather gear might be called for if an early summer monsoon sweeps in. But do leave your snow shovel on Guam.

With regard to singing "Northwest Passage"? Sure, but we better practice. I've already got too many parody lines embedded in my mind. What's that version about trying to find the proper exit to the Maine Mall?

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: OZ Foray from Maine & Guam-Late November
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 27 Oct 03 - 08:51 AM

The evening will be full of parodies, tho the Bums, being good Public Servants, have a projector for theirs so we can all join in the choruses.

Subject: RE: OZ Foray from Maine & Guam-Late November
From: JennyO
Date: 27 Oct 03 - 08:54 AM

Yes, but not a parody of Northwest Passage, please. Wouldn't mind hearing it some other time tho, like the next day :-)

Subject: RE: OZ Foray from Maine & Guam-Late November
From: Naemanson
Date: 27 Oct 03 - 06:25 PM

I guess I'd better start reading up on Australian politics so I will be able to understand the humor in the Shiny Bums' songs.

Are there any Australian newspapers on line?

Subject: RE: OZ Foray from Maine & Guam-Late November
From: Chris Maltby
Date: 27 Oct 03 - 09:04 PM

Ok, so the November Dog is past and gone with no sightings of Charleys, Bretts or Judys. What gives...

Subject: RE: OZ Foray from Maine & Guam-Late November
From: Bob Bolton
Date: 27 Oct 03 - 09:08 PM

G'day Chris,

Did you switch to the "Month Saving Calendar" on Sunday ... it's still only October ... round here!

Regard(les)s,

Bob Bolton

Subject: RE: OZ Foray from Maine & Guam-Late November
From: Bob Bolton
Date: 27 Oct 03 - 09:14 PM

G'day Brett,

" ... better start reading up on Australian politics so I will be able to understand the humor in the Shiny Bums' songs ..."

You should get the day's copy of The Sydney Morning Herald (the local broadsheet) at: www.smh.com.au . (I suspect it might need more than a brief perusal of the daily blats to understand the humour of a bunch of Canberra public servants ... ).

Regards,

Bob

Subject: RE: OZ Foray from Maine & Guam-Late November
From: Naemanson
Date: 27 Oct 03 - 09:44 PM

I am sure there are some aspects of their songs that will be easy to understand even without knowing Australian politics. Bureaucracy, being what it is, has certin universal standards that define it as the quagmire of apathy that it is.

Subject: RE: OZ Foray from Maine & Guam-Late November
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 28 Oct 03 - 06:32 AM

Brett - the Bums have a site - www.borisbooks.com.au - where you will find their mission statement & other useful stuff. The pic shows some of them (it's hard to get them all together!!) - Canberra Chris is the bloke with the salt & pepper beard!

Simple stuff about Oz politics - the ruling Liberal party are not Democrats (think of them as Repulicans, the Labour party (the opposition) are not very labour these days - the Greens seem to fit that bill.

20 years ago I added a cartoon to my collection - picture them standing looking at each other - TweedleDumb & TweedleJustAsDumb - which seems to still fit our pollies, there's not much difference between Liberal & Labour these days.

sandra

Subject: RE: OZ Foray from Maine & Guam-Late November
From: GUEST,JudyB
Date: 28 Oct 03 - 11:10 AM

Naemanson -

You asked a couple of days ago what we were doing on the 14th and I'm not sure Charley answered - we'll be in Sydney recovering from the 26 hour trip from Maine, before taking off on the 15th for the 3 or 4 hour trip to Cairns. We've got one of the vans meeting our flight, so we should be in residence in Port Douglas mid-afternoon on the 15th (though I'm making no promises as to what time zone our minds will be in!).

Judy

Subject: RE: OZ Foray from Maine & Guam-Late November
From: Naemanson
Date: 28 Oct 03 - 07:39 PM

Yeah, Sandra, that seems to describe our politics as well. Each side tries to impress the majority of the voters and seem to meet in the middle while voicing their own rhetoric.

Thanks Judy. I guess I have a couple of days at Port Douglas to see the town and recover from my early (AM) arrival.

Subject: RE: OZ Foray from Maine & Guam-Late November
From: JennieG
Date: 28 Oct 03 - 11:49 PM

It's not raining today. Yet. But Sydney will put on a warm welcome for you regardless of the weather!
Watch out for those cranky kangaroos and wombats on the highways at night - a few weeks ago my son hit one coming back to Sydney from Canberra after a gig, very late at night - pity about his little blue sports car. Score: Wombat 0, Stephen 1, insurance company 10!
Cheers
JennieG at home today - anyone want a lurgy?

Subject: RE: OZ Foray from Maine & Guam-Late November
From: Naemanson
Date: 29 Oct 03 - 12:18 AM

I'll bite, what's a lurgy?

Subject: RE: OZ Foray from Maine & Guam-Late November
From: Bob Bolton
Date: 29 Oct 03 - 02:41 AM

G'day Brett,

Don't bite ... it's contagious!

We forget that you poor Yanks grewe up deprived of the glorious Goon Show - years of inspired ½-hours of hilarious insanity from Spike Milligan, Peter Sellers, (later Sir) Harry Secombe ... and sundry other suspicious characters.

The word "lurgi" (or "lurgy") comes from an episode called The Dreaded Lurgi ... and has given yet another new, goon-inspired word to the English-speaking world (but not America).

Regard(les)s,

Bob

Subject: RE: OZ Foray from Maine & Guam-Late November
From: Naemanson
Date: 29 Oct 03 - 05:46 AM

Oh, I thought it was an Aussie pronunciation of orgy. It seemed like an odd question but I was ready with an affirmative answer. *grin*

Subject: RE: OZ Foray from Maine & Guam-Late November
From: JennyO
Date: 29 Oct 03 - 08:39 AM

A lurgy is a "code id the doze", or the flu, and no Jennie, I don't want it. Hope you weren't spreading it my way at the Dog on Saturday!

Jenny

Subject: RE: OZ Foray from Maine & Guam-Late November
From: Charley Noble
Date: 29 Oct 03 - 09:21 AM

"Step into my parlor," said the spider to the fly...

Brett, maybe I should bring a couple of "squiglies" so we can better protect ourselves from the welcome efforts of these Oz folks?

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: OZ Foray from Maine & Guam-Late November
From: JennyO
Date: 29 Oct 03 - 10:29 AM

Wot's a squigly?

Subject: RE: OZ Foray from Maine & Guam-Late November
From: Naemanson
Date: 29 Oct 03 - 06:48 PM

Don't ask!

Subject: RE: OZ Foray from Maine & Guam-Late November
From: Chris Maltby
Date: 29 Oct 03 - 07:30 PM

Ok - sot it's still October (just). A brain explosion I suppose - and not related to any lurgies or squiglies or other legendary ailments. I suppose I'll just have to crawl back into my burrow and wait patiently...

Subject: RE: OZ Foray from Maine & Guam-Late November
From: JennieG
Date: 29 Oct 03 - 07:45 PM

No Jenny, I don't think I spread it around on Saturday - it hit me suddenly on Monday, on Tuesday I couldn't go to work and haven't been able to since. Geez Brett, I don't think I would be much fun at an orgy at present! I'm still curious about squiglies though. Wriggly orgies?
Cheers
JennieG - perhaps I should get into the brandy - for medicinal purposes only you understand!

Subject: RE: OZ Foray from Maine & Guam-Late November
From: Naemanson
Date: 29 Oct 03 - 10:40 PM

Charlie has a thing for squigglies, hardly goes anywhere without them. They come in flourescent colors and he enjoys waving them around. I've know some people with strange fetishes but this supasses them all.

Charlie, the Aussies may not want you to come along if you bring your squigglies.

However, if you want to know what they are just scroll down.

















They are large rubber squids. I personally think he bought them in a sex shop in Canada's maritime provinces.

Subject: RE: OZ Foray from Maine & Guam-Late November
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 30 Oct 03 - 06:39 AM

"in a sex shop in Canada's maritime provinces"???!!!

Will I ask why such a shop is different to other of it's ilk in other places, or would it be best if I say nothing & ignore several of the most recent posts to this thread?

My neighbourhood (being the entertainment capital of Sydney) is full of such shops, Charley, if you want to research the subject.

sandra

Subject: RE: OZ Foray from Maine & Guam-Late November
From: Bob Bolton
Date: 30 Oct 03 - 07:18 AM

G'day Sandra,

On that note you should valianly drag this thread back into its true music province ... how about posting Have You Ever Been to See Kings Cross (was that by Charlie Drake ... back in 19 xx ... ?).

Regard(les)s,

Bob

Subject: RE: OZ Foray from Maine & Guam-Late November
From: Charley Noble
Date: 30 Oct 03 - 08:32 AM

Brett-

It was NOT a "sex shop"! The squiglies you so accurately describe were purchased from a "bait shop" where they are sold in sets to tuna fishermen for trolling. We were amazed at their rainbow display on the ceiling and knew that we had to buy some. Each one is about 12 inchs long, hollow, flexible rubber shaft, and in several flourescent colors. We always thought they would make a nice accessory for a Full Monty dance routine, but for some reason Roll & Go members adamently refused to cooperate (rise to the bait?).

So much for my dreams of becoming filthy rich, but I'm not a bitter man. Just perhaps there will be an opportunity to market these squiglies down under: set up a direct export/import connection from Shelburne, Nova Scotia, to Sydney, Australia. I'll bring samples.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: OZ Foray from Maine & Guam-Late November
From: Naemanson
Date: 30 Oct 03 - 05:38 PM

Oh God! The squigglies are coming. I'd back out of this trip but the tickets are nonrefundable except for some of the more advanced forms of death.

Subject: RE: OZ Foray from Maine & Guam-Late November
From: JennieG
Date: 30 Oct 03 - 07:47 PM

I like the sound of those squiglies - I want one! Does this mean I now have to start haunting fishing shops? There aren't any fishing shops in Beautiful Downtown Sefton where I live. There isn't much of anything really......but we do have a pub which advertises its "Miss Best Bits" competition. I don't know what that means though.
Bob: I think perhaps it was Frankie Davidson who sang the song about Kings X. I can hear it in my mind and it doesn't have an English accent, which it would if Charlie Drake were the singer. It's the kind of Aussie song that Frankie Davidson always seemed to go for.
Cheers
JennieG

Subject: RE: OZ Foray from Maine & Guam-Late November
From: Naemanson
Date: 31 Oct 03 - 12:54 AM

I've been reviewing the schedule of events for our sojourn in Sydney. It sure fills up the schedule. And it sure looks like a fun time. This could be one of those vacations after which I'll need a week to recover.

There is so much going on that I think I'll have to fly down from Cairns just to be able to get to it all. The loss there is that I'll miss out on seeing Hrothgar in Brisbane. But it might be best for my peace of mind if I restrict this trip to Port Douglas and Sydney and plan to see other parts of the country on a subsequent visit.

Decision, decisions....

Subject: RE: OZ Foray from Maine & Guam-Late November
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 31 Oct 03 - 06:47 AM

Good one, Brett

Maybe we can persuade Hrothgar to give up running his singing session on the 4th Sat in Nov, & come to Sydney for the Dog! What about it, Roger?

Or as you say, Brett, you could save Brisbane for a subsequent trip.

sandra

Subject: RE: OZ Foray from Maine & Guam-Late November
From: Naemanson
Date: 31 Oct 03 - 06:11 PM

I don't think I've made it clear to anyone but this is my very first vacation ever! Down through the years I have taken trips to visit family and trips to DO things and, of course, business trips, but I've never said, "I'll go to Australia just to look around."

Because of this the decision making process is somewhat daunting.

I'll go to Australia just to look around.

Subject: RE: OZ Foray from Maine & Guam-Late November
From: JennyO
Date: 31 Oct 03 - 11:28 PM

Brett, I can understand how it would feel daunting, being here for the first time, but it sounds like at least the Sydney part of your stay is going to be well taken care of. I was talking to Margaret this morning about some of the details. Boy are you going to be busy!

I will PM you soon. It would probably be helpful to have your email address too, although I suspect Margaret already has it.

Now gotta get back out in the garden - heaps to do unless you like having a BBQ in something cross-between a jungle and the local tip!

Looking forward to your visit, Jenny

Subject: RE: OZ Foray from Maine & Guam-Late November
From: SINSULL
Date: 01 Nov 03 - 09:17 PM

Send me a black opal, Brett. I was in Austalia in the 70s and they were just kicking round on the ground.

Subject: RE: OZ Foray from Maine & Guam-Late November
From: Chris Maltby
Date: 01 Nov 03 - 10:16 PM

I think the kangaroos and drop bears have cleaned them all up, because I haven't seen any around for quite a while now.

Subject: RE: OZ Foray from Maine & Guam-Late November
From: Naemanson
Date: 01 Nov 03 - 11:51 PM

Black opals? Drop bears? I've heard of black bears and I've dropped an opal before but...

OK Mary, I'll check around on the ground and look for black opals. I hope I can figure out how to recognize them. You might end up with a chunk of asphalt.

Subject: RE: OZ Foray from Maine & Guam-Late November
From: Charley Noble
Date: 02 Nov 03 - 08:57 AM

Brett-

I think the "drop bears" are similar to what we call "hangdowns," nasty critters if you're not careful. We were fortunate, last time around, not to encounter any.

Well, today Judy and I are beginning our packing, tossing various clothing items into sorting boxes to get some idea of what we'd like to bring and what can actually fit into our compact luggage. Of course, there's extra room in my banjo case for socks and underwear, which sometimes raises a grin when it's inspected at the other end. But at least it's clean when we're heading out!

Cheerily,
Charley Noble