Author: Scott
Okay, now this is just ridiculous. The entire time we were in New Zealand we heard that there was a ten year drought in Australia, and when we come to town it looks like it is getting sorted out in one big whack! Now I want the drought to end as much as the Aussies but soon the kangaroos are going to have to take swimming lessons. The last two days have continued to be rainy.
Monday morning we were fooled into believing that the rain had stopped, but the clouds were only taking a brief rest before continuing the torrent. Pam and I headed over to CYC for a quick breakfast before meeting with Ron and Sam from Humanware. Our morning’s mission was training on a talking GPS product called Trekker. Trekker is a handheld sized talking GPS unit that will provide us with a second speech synthesized solution for navigation. Just as we finished up breakfast Ron and Sam arrived and I was treated to a second cup of coffee (always a good way to start the day). The training went smoothly and ended around lunchtime.
Later in the day we worked on interview questions from a reporter working on a story for my father’s local newspaper, the Colfax Record.
For dinner we were whisked away from our stormy swamp boat by our friend Michael who we met on our prior visit to Sydney. Our reunion was spent at a homey little bistro oozing with European mountain charm. We had a delightful and leisurely meal together and had a chance to catch up on all of our adventures since we all saw each other last.
Tuesday was more rain as we continued to move boat projects along. Jason a local boat engineer who had offered to help us out showed up to discuss our various projects. He turned out to be instrumental in referring us to people who could help us with our projects. We are now a few steps closer to getting the boat in order for our departure.
In the evening we gave a presentation to our friends at Sailability. Sailability played a key role in our arrival publicity, provided us with a berth at Rushcutters Bay and has been continuously helpful since our arrival. Tonight was our opportunity to share our experience with the members of the New South Wales clubs. Phil and Sam from Humanware picked us up at 16:30 and gave us a ride over to the Burwood RSL Club (Return Service League). Phil and Sam were representing Humanware at our presentation. It turns out the RSL is like a Veterans of Foreign Wars Club in the States. The RSL raises money by offering legal gambling through slot machines and other electronic gaming and then proceeds are funneled back into services for Australian veterans. Each night at 18:00 everything stops and all in attendance participate in the “Ode for Fallen Soldiers”, which is basically a moment of silence to honor killed and wounded soldiers. The RSLs also serve as a community meeting place for other charities and this is why Sailability holds their meetings in this location.
We gave our presentation and it went smoothly. We also had a chance to learn a little more about Sailability. Sailability is a series of sailing clubs whose motto is “Sailing for Everyone Regardless of Ability”. There are 24 clubs in New South Wales and 46 clubs throughout Australia. After the presentation we were driven home by Phil, bringing an end to another wet day in Oz.
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