Ducati Monster Forum

In thought i might start a thread for Trev when he gets the internet sorted. So this is a email he snet me today.

Hi All


Well the first step of this great new adventure has been taken. On Friday 19th March Guy and I drove out of Sydney after disposing of 95% of all our worldly possessions. Everything was sold, given away, recycled or taken to the tip. A very very scary but uplifting / purging experience. OOohhh and bloody hard work toooo.


To give you a hint of what this would be like go to your kitchen and open every cupboard and then imagine disposing of everything you see. And for you blokes go into your garage and do the same........ Scary.... The hardest possession to see go was my belovered Ducati S4RT.... Loved that bike :-(


Being anally retentive that I am...., we set up a document to track everything we had to do. This really highlighted how complex our lives have become. Our lives are sssooooooooo much simpler now. We now owe nobody anything and everything we have is ours........  Niceeeee feeeeling.......


Friends got some good bargains. Family (as in kids) got their family heirlooms early (Rosewood furniture & stuff (my travel trinkets)). Vinnie's got some very good corporate cloths. eBay / PayPal was our garage sale specialists and did very well out of us. And I got to know the Tip man very well.


We have a few things in storage back in Sydney (my climbing gear and my MTB gear (will send to us once we find our new home) and few things for Jordan (Guy's son)) but that is it.


Guy and I are now living out of backpacks in Adelaide and about to go to the beach house at Port Willunga for a month or so to get used to this retirement thing. Timing to relax before we hit the Philippines in May and head off to the island of Palawan where we will explore and start the search for our Bungalow on the beach.


No blog setup yet but this is my task for next week once we get some "free time" at the beach. So sorry bulk email has to suffice for now.


I wish you all well and may your retirement be sooner rather than later.


Take care alllllll...... :-)

Good stuff!

What a way to live.  [thumbsup]

would you stop changing you name Super bloody hell [roll]

I am a chameleon.

I have no identity till I have another Duc.  ;)

yes you have an identity your THE SUPER TIB [bow_down]

just to let you guys know that Trev is in SA relaxing  at the beach and have good time 

yes i've seen the snaps on flickr

Are they in a public Flickr area?

Sorry Heather they are currently on my Flickr..... Will get the blog a happening for all to see soooon....

Here's a sample of our beach life......  Life is good..... [thumbsup]

(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2761/4478364011_b3a92263e4_b.jpg)

(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2754/4478355081_1ab84daa6d_b.jpg)

That's awful please never show them again.  :'( :'(
Lovely work Big T. 

 Glad to see you are taking it easy Trev can I now join you [bow_down]

Nice. Great photos too.  [clap]

Gee Trev, the foundations look solid in that first pic, but where is the house ??






                                          Mmick

Hi All

Well the first chapter in our new adventure is ending and chapter 2 is commencing tomorrow on the 4th May at 8:00am. Guy & I head for the Philippines arriving tomorrow night.

The first couple of weeks we are staying In Manila with Guy’s sister and Mum while we get ourselves organized with setting up bank accounts etc.

Also the Philippines Presidential elections are on Monday 10th May so not the best time to travel. We will watch the happenings with interest before we commit to traveling in the provinces. With over 600 candidates should be an interesting election.

Oooohhhhh if there are any riots in Manila on the news look for the tall Aussie giving you a wave…….. :-)

The islands we are then heading for are Mindoro, Marinduque, Boracay, Bohol and then Palawan. Google these places if you’re looking for further info. Marinduque looks very promising at the moment. Got beaches, caves, water falls, trekking, snorkeling and diving. And I can always add mountain biking…..

Check out this web site. http://tourism-philippines.com/marinduque/ (http://tourism-philippines.com/marinduque/)

“Hospitality and friendliness are a common trait among Marinduquenos.”

After arriving in Adelaide on 23rd March we have enjoyed some quiet time along with catching up with family and friends at Port Willunga. Lots of walks on the beach (a few swims) and sleepins. And I’m re-exploring my long time love of photography. Lots of time to snap away round the beach and play with the pics.

And at long last the closing off our Australian life is completed. This involved closing off some 14 financial commitments (Gas, Power, Phone, Broadband, Credit Cards, etc.). And changing my contact details on some 31 websites (Banks, email, Qantas, Super Funds, Investments, Forums, etc.). Very liberating process and for the first time in my life in the month of June I will have zero bills to pay with none coming in after that. Awesome feeling……

Is kind of nice to now have zero commitments, and everything we have is ours (all be it one backpack full). It has been a bit of a journey though. We went from a house full of stuff to a van full to a station wagon full and now two back packs full. Has taken me 3 packs to finally get down to one back pack full. Only took Guy two packs. Have had to leave a box full of “spares” at Sandy’s (sisters) place.

So my next communication will be from a land far away and our new home. Excited and a little nervous all at the same time but all good.

Take care all.

Trevor & Guy.

Well Guy and I have made it safe and sound to Manila with all our luggage.

We left Adelaide on Tuesday morning and had a bad flight to Sydney flying through thunder storms. I was a little seedy but the time we hit Sydney so the 2.5 hour stop over was very welcome.

We also meet up with Jordan & Jo (Guy’s kids) for an hour at the International terminal so that was good.

The flight to Manila was 8 hours of un-eventful nothing. Usual crap movies and food. At least it was smooth so no more motion sickness…

Arrived in Manila just after 7:00pm local time (9:00pm EST) We were given a VIP escort through Philippines immigration (got our passports stamped with no questions asked) and customs (no bag inspections at all). It was 15 minutes from off the plane to getting out the terminal. Quickest ever exit out of any foreign airport for me and loved it.

We were then meet by a school friend (and her hubby) of Guy’s who took us out for a quick bite to eat before heading to Quezon (the old Manila) to stay with Guy’s sister and Mum who live next to each other.

I started eating and drinking the local food and water immediately. So now it is a waiting game for the gastro. Day 2 and still okay (Touch wood….). Hopefully all those nasty bugs I pickup from my other trips might have build up some anti-bodies. I guess time will tell. OOohhh and I have lost my appetite since we have arrived. Still not all bad as I can certainly afford to loose a few kilo’s…  :-)

Wednesday was spent getting mobile phones (Note my new number below), mobile broadband and a bank account sorted. Turns out I am now officially an “Alien” in the Philippines, according to the bank. Never been an Alien before……. But I am a good Alien…

Today we went into Manila to an international food fare at the world trade centre. Lots of Asian food displays and some very weird tastings. There was an Australia stand and they were serving oatmeal porridge and apple juice. And served by locals. Weird…….

We are now into the hottest months of the year here and it is hot and humid. Bit of a wake up call for us both. We have definitely slowed down a bit. We have aircon in our room so sleeping at night is fine. But that 1:00pm to 4:00pm period is dam hot. Beaches here we come….

There is a HUGE mall (and I mean huge) not far from where we are that is nicely air-conditioned so might have to be a few trips there if it gets tooooo hot.

Have also been sampling the local transport which includes Triks (Motor bike with side car), Jeep Me (stretched jeep) and the Light rail. All very interesting, each in there own right. We have access to a car but there ain’t no way I am driving in this traffic.

The Jeep Me’s are an interesting concept. They drive a fixed route and have no designated stops. You just hail them from the roadside and they will drop you off where ever you want. Works well. Cost Guy and I a grand total of 50 cents to get into the city today (30km trip).

We will be here in Manila till Saturday 15th May now. Get the elections out the way on Monday, let the dust settle and then we hit the road. Must say I definitely looking forward to the beaches. I’m not a city bloke I’m afraid.

Going out to get some pics tomorrow morning of the neighbor hood with Jerry (Guy’s brother). He is going to provide me with an escort so I don’t get lost or mugged. I am the only “white man” in the neighborhood so tend to stand out a bit. But all very friendly people.

He has been great escorting us round and ensuring we pay “local” prices.

Will send some pics after my little outing tomorrow.

Take care all and some of your cooler weather would be most welcomed right now.

Trevor & Guy.

Just a quick few pics as I have discovered that Mobile Phone coverage here is fantastic. Unfortunately Mobile Broadband is crap.

OOohhhhh and the Gastro has finally hit me. Not to bad actually just
feeling crap (pardon the pun), running tummy. So watching what I eat
and drinking lots of water (Sorren all those tips from previous climbs
are coming in handy). Drugs next if it persists. Well elections tomorrow so we shall see what it brings......

Take care all.

The "bus" service.

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4057/4599218943_1df2be514a.jpg)

One of our local transport means. About 50c to $1 to get around our area.

(http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1211/4599218743_36e1072630.jpg)

The local Catholic Chapel. Very strong Catholic
>presence here.

(http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1134/4599846224_27cedfe55d.jpg)

Well have had gastro for the last 3 days. Not real bad but enough to
 give me the shits (pun intended…). Feeling a bit crap, runny tummy> have to watch what I eat.

 Drugs come out of the medical kit tonight. I’ve had enough.
 
 Well election day and it is organized ciaos. Went for a walk to the
 polling booth this morning for a look see. See the attached pics.
 
 Okay here is some of the local food I have been eating.
 
 Pork with blood jelly. Pork cooked with Pork blood with some herbs,
 spices and vinegar. Eaten with rice. Actually very nice.
 
 Also eating lots of fish (Milk fish (Bangus local name), Galunggong
 (poor mans fish)) with rice (well some anyway as the appetite is still
 missing in action). The fish is fresh and then pan fried. Bangus was
 marinated overnight first and then dipped in Soya sauce with kalamansi
 (local lime). All very tasty.
 
 Tonight it is Tilapia (another local fish) which is fried and served
 with rice and the Soya / kalamansi dip. And all the fish are fresh
 water fish.
 
 Went out for dinner with Guy’s school friends the other night and had
 a full sucking pig carved and served with herbs and spices. Was very
 nice as well.
 
 My walk round the neighbor hood was interesting as each section has
> everything, Church, Police, school, polling booth, medical centre,
> mechanics (car, jeepney, bikes (motor and ride)), hardware, food
> vendors, bakery, basketball court, etc.
>
> Was great to have Jerry as the tour guide. He pointed out all the
> local “attractions” and had me in a sweat as we dodged all the
> traffic. Standing in the middle of four lanes of traffic trying to
> cross the road was interesting.
>
> Ooohh and watch where you walk. Excavation holes in the footpath are
> un-marked. No OH&S here.
>
> As for my tea drinking. I was drinking 12-15 cups of tea a day back in
> AUS. Tea is just not drank here. All coffee (The American influence)
> So I have gone from my 12-15 cups to none or one a day (we found a box
> of tea bags). Struggled the first few days with a caffeine headache
> but pretty much recovered now. It is just to hot to drink hot drinks
> anyway.
>
> But at the Mall the other day we found a café that sold “Chai Tea”
> (hot or cold). So we had to try one. MMMmmmmm the idea was there but I
> guess it was better that nothing.
>
> And my diet is basically now also dairy free. There is no fresh milk
> here. All coffee creamer (powdered). No cheese or yogurt. Diet really
> is rice with fish, pork and chicken. Ooohh and sweet bread rolls baked
> by the corner backer each night.
>
> We are sleeping lots at the moment 8-11hours a day. With the heat and
> just getting used to a whole new environment (huge culture change for
> me) is exhausting. But I must say that with all this sleep, eating
> healthy food and no more tea caffeine I am actually feeling
> “healthier” when I am awake (gastro excluded…). Oooohhh and not
> working might help a bit tooooo. And even loosing a few kilos too.
>
> Hope all is well with you all.
>
> Great to get your emails from home and lands far away. Keep them coming….
>
> Cheers

The pig  [bacon]

(http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1334/4599881213_9fac542150.jpg)

Trev's Room
(http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1176/4600499692_44dee6b5f0.jpg)

The walkway
(http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1211/4599880915_3693ffbbdb_m.jpg)

Hi all

Well we have been getting out and about a bit now. Was out looking at a property estate on Tuesday about 45km outside of Manila. Have been also looking at apartments in a new complex out by the harbor (the good area of town), just out from the city centre and next to the Mall of Asia (Philippines biggest Mall).

We are not looking to buy but this now gives us a benchmark for when we are looking for our bungalow on the beach. Basically you are looking at about $65,000 for a fully furnished 1-bedroom high-rise apartment with outdoor pool, games area, private cinema and courtesy air-conditioned bus service to downtown and the airport.

The estate house outside of Manila is about $50,000 for a three-bedroom two-story place. OOooohhh and three bedrooms here is about the same size a one and a half aussie bedrooms so quite small houses really.
We also ventured to the Green Hills Mall, which was advertised on the plane as the place to buy Pearls in Manila. Basically it is a market / mall that is divided into sections (Pearls & jewelry, Cloths & Shoes & Handbags, Mobile phones & accessories, Cameras & computer stuff). Makes it so easy to find what you want. Must say the Pearls were impressive and no we didn’t buy any.

They also have a Paddies Market section but it was closed.

I loved the camera section saw a very nice “Pearl colored” Panasonic GF1 going cheap….. And no I didn’t buy it…..

Also in the mobile phone section you can buy any phone you want unlocked and for half of the price you pay in Aus. The only phones that still commanded a high price were the iPhones. 16G unlocked was about $800 Aus.

And if after you have all your Pearls, cameras, phones, cloths, shoes, handbags and jewelry and your feeling a little vulnerable for your safety your can get Pepper spray for $5.00 a can or a SIG 9mm auto with all the licenses to carry it unrestricted for $1,200 aus. And no I didn’t buy one……..

Well back at the Mall again today at our favourite cafe. We love it as they don't mind you sitting here for hours with your laptops plugged into their power. And they serve a nice Mango Iced Tea. OOohh and they have a 5 star toilet (it has a seat and loo paper). Very handy for me in my delicate state at the moment. All the standard Mall toilets have no seats and no paper. They are clean though.

I'm still getting over my gastro. Last antibiotic pill tonight. So we shall see. I also wanted to stock up on antibiotics as I realized I only had one course with me. In AUS it requires a visit to the doc to get a prescription for the pills (which were about $30?). Here you walk into a chemist and walk out with the pills. Got a pack of pills (3 pills for 1 course) for $12. So have cheap spares now.

Guy now has a sore throat and a cough so we might delay our departure to the provinces for a few days. Will decide tomorrow, Friday. It is rather nice that we can come and go as we please with no deadlines.

Visited the provinces down south on Wednesday with Beth and family (they took the day off work) for a local towns patron saint’s feast (locals cook up a feast and share it with all who visit). Spent most of the day with a friend of Guy's who we will spend a few days with on the way south. No running water (well water with hand pump in the house), no air con, no flushing loo...... Typical province living. Was a reality check for me but good as it has made me rethink what we will take with us when we do head down south. I only really needed a 1/3 of what I brought over with me. Learning how to live simply very fast.

Also visited a local market and bought some Jack fruit, Green Indian Mango (Tastes like a sweet apple), Buko Pie (young coconut meat) and pineapple. And all came with a free tasting first. All very sweet and refreshing.

Will let you all know when we head south once we recover from our current welcome to the Philippines teething challanges.

Cheers

Guy (with a cough) & Trevor (to scared to cough for fear of a rear end explosion….)

Hi All

Well tomorrow (Monday) is the day we head bush for the white sandy beaches experience. We delayed our departure a few days to enable us both to recover from our ailments. My gastro which still isn’t 100% but manageable and Guy’s cough and she also had a touch of the gastro.

We are heading by bus to the port of Batangas where we will catch the ferry to the island of Mindoro. We arrive in Puerto Galera which is known as one of the diving Mecca’s of the Philippines. Turn left and you head to all the diving resorts. Turn right and you hit the beaches for “the beach bums” according to the Lonely Planet. So right it will be for us.

Accommodation will be at cheaper hotels and home stay (bit like a B&B) and either on or close to the beach. Transport round the islands will be a combination of Bus, Jeepney and Trik. So should be a bit of an experience for us both.

From here will explore Mindoro for a week or two and then catch another ferry across to Marinduque for another week or two. Then onto Boracay, Bohol and Palawan as the fair winds take us. If we like a place we will stay a while and if not we can just move on. No set time table at all.

The heat here is pretty dam hot and humid at the moment. Guy and I are “coping” just (thank god for Malls). The days are extremely hot especially from 1:00pm to 4:00pm (high 30s to low 40sC everyday). Have been talking to the locals and even they are finding it a struggle. Apparently this is the hottest it has been for many many years and all due to the El Nino effect. Trust us to land in a heat wave but if we can survive this we can survive anything.

Once the sun goes down at 6:00pm (same every night year round due to close to the equator) it isn’t too bad as you tend to get a bit of a breeze. We tend to go for walks round the neighborhood at night. It is very pleasant as everybody comes outdoors into the streets to enjoy the cool. To sleep we have the air-con just to cool the room and then sleep with just a fan on.

Everybody is waiting for the wet to start in a few weeks (June). Will be wet and sticky but at least will cool things down a bit. And then of course we will be waiting for our first Typhoon experience (well me anyway).

Remember the pics I sent with all the election banners, well 99% of them are now all gone. You wouldn’t know there had been an election. I’m impressed actually with how they cleaned everything up.

Ooohh and speaking of interesting election happenings. In our neighborhood the Mayoral candidate (who lost) handed out 1500PP ($37 AUS) to all the Trik operators to buy their votes. And in the province where the existing president Arroyo was running for congress, she paid each family in the slums 3,000PP ($75 AUS). Rumor has it that she must win the seat so she is immune to corruption charges. While you are still holding a public office here you are immune to corruption charges.

Maybe Aussie politicians’ could learn a thing or two……….

Well at our favorite mall café at the moment escaping the midday heat and purchasing our last few supplies for the great adventure that awaits us.

We are really looking forward to our first white sandy beach and a swim to escape the heat. And a sea breeze at night to cool things off as well.

Not sure when will next be online as communications could be sketchy on the islands.

So till next we meet take care all and enjoy your winter…..

 
Trev & Guy
PS: Sorry no new photos this time.

Hi all

Well we left another stinker of a hot one in Manila on Monday. Caught the bus just round the corner from home so was good not having to go to far in the heat. A quick Trik ride got us to the station with all the luggage (two day packs and one 85 litre pack)….

Then a 2.5 hour air-conditioned (Yyyeeeaaa) bus trip to the port of Batangas. During the bus ride it stops for comfort (toilet) stops along the way where all the food vendors come on board and try to sell their wares (apples, caramelized peanuts, Pork crackling, cold drinks and other stuff I have no idea what it was).

From here we caught a motorized Bangka (see pic of the boat) to White Beach. Now I’m not a fan of boats at the best of times (I get sea sick) but I must admit that the 1 hour Banka ride was actually quite good. They are long wooden boats with Bamboo stabilizers out each side so they cut through the wind chop without any rock and roll. This is going to be our chief mode of transport for a while now as we island hop.

A quick Trik ride to Mengie’s resort (as recommended by the Lonely Planet) right at the western end of the beach away from all the big resorts, bars and tourist spots followed by our first swim which was pretty dam good.

Mengie’s is run by a very talkative but helpful lady who will cook you a meal anytime (24x7), organize a massage, be the bar maid, organize “her” guides for exploring and a hike to the local water falls, organize “her” Trik boys to take you anywhere and look after you and anything else you want.

We were only the 4th & 5th “tourists” checked in so had the pick of the rooms. Ours consisted of a ceiling fan, bed, cold shower and toilet. No TV, no fridge, no cupboards. But hey for $15 a night and 50m from “our” private beach who can complain. We spent all of time on the beach anyway under the coconut trees 10m from the water. But you need to beware of falling coconuts…..

It is definitely cooler here with the sea breeze so glad to leave the sweltering Manila behind right now.

Looks like we will be here for a few more days (Till the weekend at least). We were going to go down the beach to another resort but after an inspection today we found out it is quite expensive and full of “tourists”.

But we did discover that it does have free Wi-Fi so hence this email. Also I’m still struggling with my gastro and Guy still has her cough so what better place to recuperate.  

We are spending our days lounging on the beach lounges (made out of bamboo but quite comfortable), swinging in the hammock, swimming to keep cool and our evening walk up to the other end of the beach. Mengie keeps us fed and watered with nice local fresh food and cold bottled water with the odd Coke thrown in.

Ooohhhh I had a one-hour massage by a lovely little old lady under the coconut palms on the beach who has very strong and slightly rough hands. It was like having a massage and body scrub all at once. Got the full head to toe treatment for the princely sum of $6.50. It was very very nice. Quick swim after and all was good. Might have to indulge in one more before we leave…

Well today the power was out all day. They call them brown outs here. Power goes out and your not sure when it will be back on. But being on the beach all day who cares.

And one other thing I have now noticed. Have a look at your wallet / purse and count up all the cards you have (Credit, Debit, Medical, Auto Club, Other Club, etc.) I had heaps. In my wallet now I have two cards. A Credit card linked to my account back in Aus and a Debit Card for our account with the Bank in the Philippines. I also have an emergency numbers contact card (With AUS and Philippines contacts on it) and cash. My wallet has never been so thin. Love it.

Take care all as we watch the sun go own over the ocean....again.....

Trev & Guy

PS: Broadband is really bad on the islands so we have to seek out free Wi-Fi at expensive hotels and steel some of their time. Till next time…..

Guy and I in our best red life vests for the Bangka ride to White Beach. Yes that it is a nervous smile on my face
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3400/4630463939_94cc877f19.jpg)


Me hard at work under the beach shade in the cool of the night. That lovely necklace I am wearing is actually the room key. I’m not that feral…yet… Now where shall we go tomorrow?

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4011/4631062378_9025798f0e.jpg)

Hi all
Wednesday 19th:

Well just enjoyed another glorious sunset as we devour a very very tasty Pork chop with gravy and veggies dinner from Mengie’s. The go now is that we see what Mengie is cooking for the family each day and we join in. Works for her and us.

It’s 8:00pm ish (Wednesday) at the moment as we watch the squid boys out on the bay squiding. The way you squid here is to firstly let off skyrockets which attract the squid to your area and then get them to the boat with LED flashing coloured lights. Interesting fun process and great for the spectators. Though I suspect that the skyrocket thing is just so the boys can have some fun. Mengie informs us it is fresh squid for dinner tomorrow night, provided the boys catch some.
 
Thursday 20th:

And fresh squid it has been. We had grilled bay squid stuffed with tomato and then adobo squid (squid cooked in its ink with coconut vinegar) served with rice for dinner tonight (Thursday). And it was delicious. Even my doggie tummy liked it.

Did our walk down the beach tonight (Thursday) and ventured to the other side (White Beach) where all the popular tourist resorts are. See the attached pic. We are so glad we didn’t finished up there.

Our days at the moment pretty much consist of getting up between 9 – 10am and having brekkie. Our favorite is Mengie’s fresh mango pancakes with local wild honey. Then a swim and our morning nap under the palm trees and my run to the loo. Lunch is a few snacks that we have with us before a swim or two and then the afternoon siesta between 1-3:00pm back under the Palm trees. This is the hottest part of the day and things pretty much grind to a halt in the quieter parts of town.

Round 4 ish it starts to cool down a bit ready for our afternoon walk with dinner at 7ish. Update our travel diary after dinner and in bed round 10ish.

And no air-conditioning all week so starting to acclimatize but it is a struggle with the heat. We have a ceiling fan in the room that works great at night though.

Now I have been known to not be able to sit still for too long but you will all be very impressed, I am actually able to now while away my days without any strenuous activity. Being bloody hot and a bit crook does help to curb my desire to do too much.

And another brownout (blackout as known back in AUS) tonight (Thursday) for several hours. Thank god for Petzel Head torches. We finished up eating our squid dinner by candlelight. Very romantic…

Friday 21st:

Well miracles do happen. Day two and the gastro bug has disappeared. Knew sending the email for help would scare the bug off. If I get through tomorrow (Saturday) with all things normal Guy & Trev are going to celebrate.

Saturday 22nd:

Today has been the coolest day we have had since arrival. Was very pleasant under the palms with odd swim to keep cool but not stifling heat. Also noticed that the nights are starting to get muggier as well so looks like the build up to the wet maybe happening. Supposed to start in June.

Tomorrow we hit the road again after 6 days R&R and all the bugs now sorted. Three days clean for me and Guy’s gastro and cough all good too.

Leave Mengie’s and head for Sabang Beach on the northeastern side of Mindoro. A couple nights here and then we head south to hit Pinamalayan by Thursday to catch the Bangka to Marinduque Island.

Looking to stay at Calapan on the way down and explore the local tribe who live in the area called the Mangyan. They are mountain people and still live in their traditional ways.

We will be arriving at the port of Gasan south of the capital Boac on Marinduque. Then head for Boac where we are meeting up with friends of Guy’s from Manila who are visiting for the weekend. The week after will be exploring the island and see what we can find as this is one of our possible final resting places

Other Stuff:

Booking our accommodation is pretty simple here in the provinces. You find out the mobile number of the place you want to stay and text them with the dates and type of room you want (Basically air conditioned or not). After a few texts it is all booked. No phone calls, no credit card deposit. Works a treat.

One thing we have to get used to is we are now living in a “cash” society. Out here in the provinces it is all cash, no credit cards (apart from the major resorts). So we have to make sure that we have ample cash with us between ATMs. These are usually located in the capital of the island but not all islands.

So as we have to carry a reasonable amount of cash with us we have our little system of breaking down the cash to 4 stashes. One goes in each backpack and we each carry a stash on us. My credit card is feeling very unloved and I’m loving it.

Till we next find some free Wi-Fi.

Trev & Guy

keep it up guys!  [thumbsup]

Hi All

Tuesday 25th:
We arrived in Calapan today after a two-hour Jeepney ride from Sabang (one Jeepney change in Puerto Galera). The road was okay but had some rough dusty bits and was very windy.

I was feeling a little car sick when we arrived and it was the hottest part of the day, siestas time it was. After our nap we headed out to explore Calapan. Started walking to the Pier but it turned out to be further than expected so we got a tour of the town on a Trik.

Calapan is the capital of the second province on Mondoro. The main town is away from the pier and is just another city. No beaches to speak of. Just  another city. We stayed at the Ricelands II Inn just off the main drag. Was okay with a nice restaurant with good food. We scored a room with air-con, cable TV and free Wi-Fi. Luxury…..

So tomorrow we have decided to head straight for Pinamalayan ready for the Thursday morning Bangka to Marinduque Island and more beaches.

26th Wednesday:
Decided to take an air-conditioned mini van to Pinamalayan over the Jeepney. Cost was only 20PP (50 cents) more in the van so a no brainer. We were stuffed in the van like sardines but at least it was cool. Arrived at 12:30pm so off to the local café for lunch and back to the room for siesta.

We are staying at the Blue Waves Hotel (no air-con or TV just fans) on the beach just down from the pier. We are on the first floor with a little balcony overlooking the beach and it catches the cool sea breeze nicely. Also the Trik man gave us a free ride to the hotel. When we told him where we were going said why go there, as there is nothing there. That was music to our ears as this is what we are looking for.

The beach here is the black volcanic sand so very hot during the day and also makes the water quite dirty at the shoreline so not good for swimming. But at about 4:30pm all the locals arrived for the cool sea breeze and stayed till well after dark to eat, swim and just chill. Pinamalayan  is a largish fishing village with two Bangka’s that go to Marinduque so is our kind of village. We walked round the town and it has everything including a couple of ATMs so we are all cashed up for the next few weeks now. All we want is a Pinamalayan with a white sandy beach. We are getting closer……

There was also a festival down by the pier tonight. Had a DJ for all the local young kids. Was great to watch and seeing everybody having a great time. The Philippinos like do like their dancing and Karaoke. Oooohhh and their food. Haven’t had a bad meal yet. Early start tomorrow as the Bangka leaves at 8:00am ish. When we arrived at the pier today to checkout the Bangka the crew offered us the night on the Bangka for free if we wanted it. Let me tell you the only way I would be sleeping on that boat would be in a dry dock.

27th Thursday:
Well we made it on board the cargo Bangka with all the chickens, rice, salt, Bananas, Mangos, wedding presents & dress, other stuff and all the other passengers. You had to get aboard via a dingy which ferry’s you to the Bangka and you then climb aboard with all your gear. Guy tested the boarding process with a bit of twirl as she boarded which had all the Bangka boys hauling her aboard.

Leisurely 3 hours cruise across the bay with the occasional flying fish showing us a display of their talents. These fish are amazing. They come up out the water and glide a foot or so about the waves for a 100m or so. They also bounce off the waves to keep going. Quite entertaining.

Arrived at Gasan and the chaos of unloading continued. All these tiny Bangka’s pull up next to the boat and you throw your gear in with yourself and off to the wharf where you have the boys haul you and your gear up the 5 foot high wall. They even managed to get two new 175cc motorbikes on and off the Bangka with this process. Guy had a good chat to two locals on the way over and we got some good advice on the island.

Today we meet up with Charlin and her husband Joseph (he’s American) who are staying at the same hotel as us. The story is that Guy started corresponding with her via the Internet via the Marinduque website. She and hubby work in Seoul, Korea, but own a house (where her mum & dad and two brothers and sister live) just down the road from the hotel. As there is a festival in town (see the pic) the tradition is to watch the parade and then have a big cook up and share all the food with friends and family.

Charlin was very gracious in inviting Guy and I along to meet all her family and enjoy some fantastic food. Once again I can’t say enough on how friendly and sharing the people are here. But Guy said that it is traditional hospitality that is being shown to us by the locals and something that happens everywhere in the Philippines.

Friday 28th:
Well a bit of a sleep in today. Got up at midday, had breakfast in bed (nuts & Polvoron (local thing)), sent this email, then time for siesta till after 3 ish.

Going into Boac later to catch-up with one of Guy’s friend’s husband who has arrived for his school reunion.  Also checking out the local tourist centre about home stay on the island (Like B&B in Aus).

Well siesta time.

Take care all.
From a very relaxed Trevor & Guy.

One for the Ducati Guys & gals. What to do with a 175 single Suzuki. Actually saw the guy riding this. Check out that rear drum brake. Ooohh and no Ducati’s yet…….
(http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1274/4661788700_6c87fbe80d.jpg)

Roadside Barbie. P12 ($0.30) for a Pork Barbie stick
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4050/4661788696_56e3563fa8.jpg)


Our trusty Bangka from Pinamalayan to Gasan.
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4054/4661788692_92b8e97b15.jpg)

Hi All

Quick update as we maybe out of contact for a few weeks. Going bush.

Friday 28th:
Well we made it in Boac and explored the Tourist info centre and the Museum, which gave a great insight into some of the history of Marinduque. The island has a strong Spanish past and this is certainly reflected in the Cathedral / fort that still stands on the highest part of town. Had a look and it is indeed very impressive and dates back to the 18th century (was thinking of you Ian B as I took a few snaps…).

Ooohhh and they have a mountain bike club on the island. Saw some pics of the riding and it looks pretty good. Just dam hot. So big tick for Marinduque from me (no 29ers though Ivan and Kim).

Caught up with Philip (Guy’s best friends hubby) and as it turns out tomorrow (Saturday) he is lending us his car while he is at his school reunion. So with his son (Guy’s god son) and nephew we are going to do a road trip round the island (only 120km in total) and scout out some places to explore over the next few weeks.

And the bonus is that Aura (Philips wife) sent some chocolate brownies and French pastries down for us. They are dam good, as we haven’t had any of this stuff since leaving Manila.

Had our first rain today as well. 4:00pm it fell down and at 5:00pm it stopped. So hopefully the wet is on the way. Was great as it settled the dust and cooled things down a bit although was a tab muggy.

Another two brown outs today / tonight. Thank goodness for Mac laptop batteries…..

Saturday 29th:
Today we had Angelo (Guy’s godson) and Jerry (a nephew) take us on a road trip round the island. We did the whole circumnavigation including the southern peninsula, which involved 25km of rough, dusty dirt road (we were in a 4x4). Got a good feel for the island and its layout.

Right at the tip down south is a place call Elephant Island. Now this is an island that has a six star resort for the rich and famous. As the Lonely Planet says:

Try the newly-opened 6-star Bellarocca Island Resort and Spa located at Elephant Island (formerly Isla Perro) in Buenavista town. Guests are treated in this resort in a very Mediterranean way that resembles the vibe of the Greek island of Santorini. Amenities include seaside pools and Jacuzzis, a 9-hole golf course, a function/dining hall and bar. From the Marinduque airport, guests are transported to the island via a private yacht or helicopter. Rooms and terraces cost from $350-$1,100 USD (food not included).

See the pics. It is very impressive but just a little over our budget.

Also managed to check out the hot springs outside of Buenavista on the mountain road to Torrijos. We are heading there on Monday for a few days. The springs hold medicinal powers so we shall be swimming in them purely for medicinal purposes.

The next stop after that is about 5 km outside Torrijos (east side of the island) at the far end of White Beach at a home stay called Marilous home stay. Now home stay here is different to B&B in Aus. Here home stay means that you take over the home and stay in it.

Anyway Marilous has a stretch of land that goes from the main road down to the ocean (about 500m long). On it she has her cottage up by the road and a “shack” down by the waters edge. To get to the shack you have to go through three gates and dodge the cattle having their siesta under the shady trees.

Now this is a real Robinson Crusoe shack. It consists of two bedrooms with bathrooms (no flush toilet and only cold water) side by side with a huge veranda out front that has a gas cooker, a fridge that works whenever the power decides to work and some pots and pans. Twenty steps off the veranda and you have your own private white beach with coconut palms for shade.

You have to supply all your own food and drinking water from town (5km away). You can also apparently walk over the small headland to the far end of White Beach for basic supplies but that hasn’t been confirmed yet. Oohhh and there is an Indian Mango tree loaded with fresh mangoes that are free for the taking. We brought a few back with us and are eating them right now. They are eaten green and taste like a sweet apple. Very yummy and we will indeed relieve the tree of a few more.

Other than that you’re on your own. So we are going to spend a week there after the hot springs and go Robinson Crusoe for a while.  Marilou also informs us that we can get fresh fish from the fishermen who peddle their catch of the day by the beach over the headland. She has enough dried coconut husks to barbeque a ton of fish (coconut husks are burnt as fuel for the barbie).

Also there is a hammock but needs a bit of work so might have to be my task for the week to fix it.

Sunday 30th:
A leisurely midday swim and off to Gason (where we arrived) to visit the German restaurant for a late lunch and a bit of good old German food. And very nice it was.

And as luck has it there were 4 other expatriates (Finish, Danish, Aussie (actually Danish Aussie from Melbourne) & Pom) there who all now live in the area. Seems that the Gason area is a popular “retirement” area for foreigners. 

The Pom was full of knowledge on who lives where and what is for sale and rent. Very good info actually. So we swapped numbers and on our return in a few weeks we are going to look at some possible leads. His wife is about to complete a long-term rental, fully furnished cottage on the beach (black sandy beach) just down the road from Gason which will have a look at.

Then a quick trip to Boac to get a cheap goggles & snorkel for our Robinson Crusoe beach later this week and time to pack ready to leave in the morning.

Stuff:
Marinduque is known as the second most peaceful province in the Philippines. Crime is almost non-existent and the people are all very friendly and helpful. The island has a really good “vibe” about it that you can actually feel. If you’re looking for nightlife forget Marinduque. If you want the quiet life this is a good place to explore. We still have some waterfalls and caves to explore yet.

Now as we are heading to the mountains for the hot springs and then over to the east coast we maybe out of touch for a few weeks. At this stage we haven’t found any Wi-Fi on the east coast so will be back in contact on our return to the west coast and it’s free Wi-Fi.

Ooohhh mobile phone coverage is fine is these areas so if you have any exciting news from home text me……

Take care you all and see you in a few weeks (hopefully sooner if I can find a connection).

Trev & Guy

Low tide waiting for the sunset. You can hire these “rafts” for the day and they will paddle them a few hundred metres off shore for you to picnic, swim and snorkel off
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4019/4661205465_5982f5d028.jpg)

Another sunset from our balmy beach walk after dinner
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4011/4661205471_532bee1fcf.jpg)

The market in Boac where we get our fresh fruit for snacks
(http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1285/4661205461_bb5152f6ac.jpg)

Six Star resort anybody? Send me the chopper James
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4030/4661205455_53f1ec00e9.jpg)

The rice paddies are all dry at the moment but once the rains come all this turns a lush green. Waiting for the day….
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4047/4661205449_31059396ba.jpg)

Cathedral that was started in 1580 and completed in 1792.
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4053/4661205423_63f83af29c.jpg)

Hi All

Wwwooo hhooo we found Wi-Fi in Torrijos. You just never know when and where it will pop up.

Monday 31st May:
Left Eastpoint Hotel this morning and caught the Jeepney south to Buenavista where we then had to transfer to a Trik to get to the Hot springs. Upon arrival in Buenavista we walked to the pier and were sitting under a shade enjoying the cool sea breeze when Guy struck up a conversation with one of the locals.

We were going to eat at one of the local eateries before heading to the Hot springs so were enquiring on where to eat. Well this guy recommended a lovely local spot called Curba Grill, just out of town, and organized a Trik who would take us to the grill, wait while we ate and then take us to the Hot springs all for the sum of P60 ($1.55 AUS).

So Curba Grill it was. Well this is a great little spot where we had a Lomi (thick soup with pork meat and liver, veggies and noodles). A Pork bun was also utilized to soak up the yummy thick soup.

As a few of you know I also like a slice of lemon with my drinks. So out comes our ice tea with a lemon slice (lemon is not big over here). I was in heaven with great food and my “lemon” ice tea. And all this food and drink for a total of P160 ($4.10 AUS). Absolute bargain.

Made it to the Hot springs, which is a very pretty little place with gardens and bamboo nipa huts in the grounds. It has 3 hot pools (2 big and 1 small), which are fed by a hot stream coming out of the mountains. And they are hot. But it is very refreshing when you swim then get out and sit in the breeze. We repeated this process many times. Then time for our afternoon Siesta.

Beautiful evening so we walked back to Curba’s Grill (40 minute walk) and enjoyed a Halo-halo (made up of ice, milk (tinned evaporated), ice cream, purple yam, coconut, gelatin, crunchy rice, sago and other sweet fruits). Very nice treat as you can’t always find them out bush. Curba Grill is this little restaurant on the first floor that catches the breeze and views of the surrounding fields with a loud stereo playing mellow music and very relaxing with very friendly staff. Trik ride back to the hot springs and a leisurely dip before bed.

Tuesday 1st June:
Bit of a sleep in, breakfast (some yummy coconut small buns locally called hopia) then hit the springs. 1:00pm ish we headed for Curba’s once again for the main meal of our day, lunch.
 
As it was a very balmy coolish day (low 30sC) we decided to spend the afternoon at Curba’s in the breeze watching the locals. We were entertained by a guy and his buffalo with skid trailer and the local kids carting bricks, cement and building supplies from the road to about 500m up in the dry rice paddies for somebody’s new house.

These little kids would hoist 1 and some times 2 bricks onto their shoulders and off they would go. Each time they arrived back it was a contest to see who could carry 2 bricks.

And we were entertained by this little kid with an old motorcycle tire that he would guide along this narrow twisty cement path in the rice fields with only a stick. He was pretty dam good at it getting round all the corners without stopping. Ooohhh and we managed to have a couple of Malibu and Pineapple juices Sandy L and Lynne A while we were at it.

I managed a quick nap on the bamboo bench seat (this practice is acceptable here) before we finished off with a Halo-halo. Then a stroll back in the cooler evening air. We purchased tomorrow’s breakfast (some more coconut buns) then back to the hot springs for a dip to cool off in the hot water.

Wednesday 2nd June:
Another hard day at the office. Breakie, hot springs, Curba’s for late lunch, nap, explore Buenavista (on the coast), Curba’s for Halo-halo, hot springs and bedtime.

Today we meet the guy who runs the hot springs and had a great chat to him on the history of the springs and the real-estate market in this area. He also took us up the back of the resort to pick some organic Sineguelas (Small sugar plums). If you eat them slightly red they are slightly sour and crunchy. If you eat them dark red they are sweet (almost like mango). Tried both reds and both very refreshing although I like the sweet ones. We have a bag full to take to Torrijos with us.

The history of the hot springs was that it was a bit of a dive until 2007 when Francis (The administrator come developer, come designer) took over running the resort for the owners. He completely redeveloped it, as it had been the local dump for the neighborhood. So he buried the dump and built two new pools, landscaped the grounds and updated the accommodation. He made the resort self sufficient in one year. They have 9 hectares of land with only 2 being developed at present. He showed us the next stage of development that is another pool with an island bar for private use by the high-end users (well you can have private functions there).

Had a bit of a storm last night with thunder, lightning and very heavy rain along with the usual brownout. The days are now cloudier (stormy clouds) and a bit cooler (at long last) but still pretty muggy. So hopefully the wet is on the way. The locals are all waiting so they can plant their rice crops.

Thursday 3rd June:
We left the hot springs sadly and headed for Torrijos (about 30km away on the east side of the island). From there it was to the far end of White Beach at our home stay home called Marilou’s. Guy did her usual hard negotiation with one of the local Trik boys and we ended up taking the Trik for about a $1.00 more than the Jeepney ride and far more pleasant.

It was a very pleasant ride through the mountains. On the home stretch Trik boy switched off his engine and for 12km we just coasted down the mountain taking in all the sights and sounds. When we hit Torrijos he waited while we got 2 x 20 litre containers of water and some supplies and then transported us to Marliou’s front door. All for the princely sum of P300 ($7.75 AUS).   

This is one very cool place as we have our own private beach with a 300m walk over two headlands to get to the resort area of White Beach. Luckily we are far enough away from White Beach that we don’t hear or see them but we can walk to get supplies.

The local fisherman sell their catch at White Beach as well so looks like fresh fish on the Barbie tomorrow night cooked with coconut husks. Ooohhh and we got some coconut vinegar for the fish. I am a vinegar lover from my childhood and this coconut stuff is pretty dam good. It has chilies, garlic and other secret herbs and spices in it.

Our shack is 20m from the waters edge with lots of shady coconut palms and a larger veranda out the front, which houses the kitchen and “lounge”. And it catches the cool afternoon sea breeze.

We also have a private cook if we need her. You negotiate with her what you want (local food only) and she will get the required ingredients and come and cook it right here for us. For her to get the food and come cook it here, you are looking at about P400 ($10.00 AUS) for two days worth of food for us. We will be utilizing her services.

We had an afternoon “wet” storm and due to it being that heavy we were able to shower and wash our hair in it while standing in the “front yard”. Yep we are going feral. After the storm passed we picked some fresh apple mangoes for our dinner. Don’t get much fresher than that.

Balmy evening watching the lightning show off shore and the Fireflies light up as they buzz past us. Then off to bed under the ceiling fan.

Stuff:
We now have a whole new eating regime. Basically we eat a light breakfast (9:00am ish - fresh fruit or some sweet bread buns) and make lunch (1 to 2:00pm ish) our main big meal of the day followed by light snacks for dinner (6:00pm ish). If we snack (which we hardly do) in between it is usually nuts or fruit

No more cheese, biscuits, cakes, chocolate, tea/coffee or any of that other great western food. This is working for us about 90% of the time and we actually feel pretty good. 

And we now have a mascot travelling with us. I found a little teddy bear on the beach today so we washed him off and he now “hangs” on the veranda with us and will now accompany us forever. Oohhh he is named “Toddy”. Yep Todd Stafford he is named after you and your teddy that went on every race with you come rain, shine or hail.

Take care all.
Trevor & Guy.

This kid was good with controlling his tire.
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4010/4676306685_3997114246.jpg)

We now head inland away from the coast into them hills and the hot springs.
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4053/4676306695_d407e86d18.jpg)

Petrol by the Coke bottle. And you get tree sizes P21, P30 & P53. Just don’t forget what’s in the bottles and try and have a swig. Oohhh and thongs are P180 as well.
(http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1280/4676306663_4df190b0ec.jpg)

Showering in the afternoon “wet”. Very refreshing, and yes i did put this up for my enjoyed [evil]
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4069/4676306649_6bdc5b038c.jpg)

The secondary hot springs pool.
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4015/4676306669_90201948d6.jpg)

Toddy our new traveling companion.
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4053/4676306643_d47b3cc42e.jpg)

Hi all from a land far away.

Well I got off my butt and have finally setup a blog.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2010/06/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2010/06/)

Go here and you can see the last 6 or so posts (go to May Archive for older ones) with the latest one being Day 118 of retirement. Will be adding the old posts to the blog over time.

Having a great time over here. Guy and I are have "acclimatised" now on many fronts and have fine tuned our traveling procedure.

I'll let your know each time I update the blog.

Still lurk in the forum and it is great to see all the new members. Still miss you all but the other day we hired a 125cc Kwaca and rode some 200km round the island and over two mountain passes. Aaahhhhh what I would have given for a Multistrada.

But we had a blast.

Ride safe you allllll.....

Big T

Miss you big time Trev, was just thinking of you the other day. So keep on enjoying life and its adventures  :-*

Hi all

Day 123 of retirement has been added to the blog at:

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2010/06/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2010/06/)

View at your leisure.

Retirement is good.

Cheers

Trevor & Guy

PS: Missing my Jukie as well...... Missing the big hugs from the little bomb shell...

Very interesting reading, great to see it is all going well!  [thumbsup]

Hi All

The blog has been updated with Day 128 of my retirement.

I have added to this post a bit of a run down on the gear we are using to keep you all up to date and keep us happy and healthy.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2010/06/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2010/06/)

You will also notice that I have now posted all the back emails right back to December 2009 where this adventure kicked off.

These posts are covered in the archive months of April, March, February & December 2009.

Retirement is good.....

Big T

Still miss you my Trev, sending you lots of hugs and kisses :-* :-* :-*

Hey Jukie.

I still "lurk" just see what adventures (or should that be miss adventures...) your getting up toooooo..

 [moto]  Saw a Ducati the other day.  :'(  :'(  :'(

Miss you all, just a bit........

Big T

 i have been a bit quiet at the moment no time for fun yet.

Hi All

Day 133 has been added to the blog.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2010/06/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2010/06/)

Got a few "bling" shots of some "Monster" little bikes.  [moto]

Even over here they love their bling. Just different bikes......   8)

Enjoy.

Trevor

Hi All

Day 140 of our retirement has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2010/07/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2010/07/)

We are back on the road again for a few weeks now. Exploring the Romblon islands.

Enjoy

Cheers

Big T

Hey Big T,

    Love the reading you certainly make us all envious of your adventures.
Miss having you and sugar here, although we still have a part of you on every ride that Betty attends.

Thanks Matty. Still miss you all and the "Old North Rides" and of course my Sugar....  :'(

There might be a new baby "Monster" in the stable soon.... Stay tuned.....  [moto]

And I trust the "Virgins" are looking after Betty and you all...... ;)

Big (Working hard at retirement) T

Thanks for the posts BigTrev.  They make very interesting reading.  [clap]

Actually Heather they are very interesting to write as well. A whole new world here with lots to learn and experience.

We are getting very close to closing a deal on some land where we will build our dream Bungalow with lots of space for visitors. Everybody welcome..... for some  [coffee]   [drink]   [moto]   [beer]   [wine]   [popcorn]   [bacon] 

Hiring a little 100cc motor tomorrow to explore Romblon Island with the misses. Should be fun.

Where is that Multi when you need it...  ;D

Till next time you allllll......

Big (to busy to retire) T

The virgins will be out tomorrow. Its kinda like a womans handbag ... wouldn't know what to do without it ... but not altogether sure how much stuff and exactly what is stowed in there.

It was a liitle like that Betty.

I put a whole roast pig in there once and never did find it........    ;D  ;D

Ohhh pig yummy [bacon] [drool]

Hi All

Day 144 of retirement has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2010/07/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2010/07/)

Cheers from our little stretch of paradise.

Big (very relaxed) T

PS: Now if everybody sends me one part from a new Multi I might just have the perfect bike (once assembled) to compliment my travels......  ;D  ;D  [moto]  [moto]

Wish I could afford one part from a new Multi, Trev.   ;D

Nice pics.  That Cabanbanan Resort sounds fantastic especially to someone shivering through a Victorian winter.

Hi All

Day 151 of retirement is now posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2010/07/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2010/07/)

We are currently on a "Signal 1" of 4 for Typhoon "Basyang" which is off the eats coast of the Philippines at the moment. Just getting lots of rain at present here. Hopefully will miss Manila.

We have a friend trying to get to Manila from Marinduque but is stuck as all the Ro-Ros are closed by the Typhoon wind warnings.

My first Typhoon.....

Cheers

Big (Windy & wet) T

Stay safe my Trev and let us know how you are going

Sure will Jukie..........

A little bit of wind rain ain't going to stop Big T........  ;D  ;D

Hope it doesn't get too windy Trev.  What is 'zagu'??

MMmmm hard to explain but it is like a cold thick shake with crushed ice in it with hot chewy sago balls in the bottom.

You get this huge straw that you suck up the balls and thick shake mix, and then chew the balls.

You can get some very weird flavours and we haven't had a bad one yet....  [drink]  [thumbsup]

Very refreshing on a hot day and supposedly full of calcium...  [roll]

Here is the website but it doesn't give much info on the secret recipe....  8)

http://www.zagushakes.com/index.htm (http://www.zagushakes.com/index.htm)

 Wow that sounds weird.  :o  Thanks Trev.

Hi All

All good after Typhoon Basyang (went through from 9:00pm last night to 4:00am this morning). Only minor damage in our part of the city (trees, fences & the odd window).

Lots of wind, rain and lightening. Our house is fine.  [thumbsup]  [thumbsup]  [thumbsup]

But no power for the last 17 hours and no idea when it will be back on.

All schools closed today so the kids are loving it.

Big (Back to normal) T.   [popcorn]  [beer]

thats great new but not about the power keep well my Trev

Just at the Mall and look what I picked up........  [thumbsup]

A Galil (Israeli) .223 full auto with grenade launcher.... And yes it is real. 

What every good Duke rider should have for "fixing" cagers who cause you grief.......

They have a mega gun show on at the Mall where you can get shot guns, rifles, machine guns, pistols, pepper spray and stun guns of all shapes and sizes. Guns are everywhere over here. All you need is the cash and you can get pretty much what ever you want, legally....

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4097/4798630786_23e9cb2d45.jpg)

The finger on the trigger was a little dis-concerting ... but that cold emotion-less stare into the camera  :o

Things are obviously quite a bit different over there.

You have always filled in your time with 'extreme' sports ... extreme Monster, extreme climbing, extreme mountain-biking, extreme friends.

Just don't go running off into the bush and becoming a religious extremist, okay?

Ooohh my god Trev, you and Bazz have to meet one day  [laugh]

Now THEY ARE my sorta playthings!!  [evil] [evil] 8) [clap]

I thought I was you play thing :'(

Kindred spirits?

Betty, only if I can do it from a 5 Star resort on the beach......  [cheeky]

I need my creature comforts......

And yes things are a "little different" over here..... But I'm loving it....

You can now add "extreme retirement" to my list of extreme's......  [thumbsup]  ;D

PS: My smaller, lighter round the house hardware....  8)

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4118/4800892420_3cd75f2eed.jpg)

Hi All

Day 156 of our retirement has been posted.

Should warn you that I love going to markets, anywhere, anytime. So there a few market pics this post.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2010/07/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2010/07/)

Enjoy  [coffee]

Life is good  [beer]

Big T

Hey Trev can you drop one of those in the post for me. [drool]
Will transfer the funds.
(PM Sent ) [laugh] [laugh]

Hey Rob maybe a "group buy" might be in order......  ;D

Might be able to get a discount.....  8)

Name your ultimate Ducati "warning device" people (anything is available).....  [bow_down]  [cheeky]  [cheeky]

Trev you know the answer to that is its WRONG, we are just not like that here

Hi All

Day 163 has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2010/07/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2010/07/)

You will also notice that the first "Food Stuff" recipe has been posted as well. Now all care but no responsibility is taken with these recipes. We have attempted to get the ingredients and measures correct but as you know, any good cook goes by taste and just adds a bit here and a bit there. So cook away.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/food-stuff/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/food-stuff/)

Enjoy

Big (wet and wild (the wet is here...)) T  ;D

Hi All

Day 170 has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2010/08/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2010/08/)

Also is you haven't already check out the Food Stuff page, do so as Pork or Beef Sinigang has been added.

Not many pics this post but now that we have wheels and a place to call temporary home, we will start exploring the island and get some great pics. The island is so green now with all the rice paddies in various stages of planting / growing.

Life is good.

Big T & the Thunder Monster

Hi All

Day 177 of our retirement has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2010/08/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2010/08/)

Enjoy.

Life is good even with all the storms, brownouts and bugs....  ;D

Trevor & Guy

Hi All

Day 184 of retirement has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2010/08/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2010/08/)

Enjoy

Life is good

Trevor & Guy

Hi All

Day 191 of our retirement has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2010/08/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2010/08/)

Enjoy

Loving getting out and about on the Thunder Monster exploring the island. 125cc is a great fun ride, back to basics.  [moto]

Life is good  [thumbsup]

Trevor & Guy

Check out the mods to this bike.
~ All the flaring stripped off
~ Custom exhaust
~ Bar risers
~ Twin horns
~ Square headlight
~ Tail riser
~ Custom number plate bracket
~ Slim line seat
~ And the best one, a custom Gatorade fuel tank.

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4120/4933602035_455de611fa_b.jpg)

Hey Trev how are you going, i have just some more mods on jukie too

Going great. Still miss my hugs  :'( ........  [thumbsup]   [moto]   [coffee]   [bacon]

So what you been doing to Jukie?   ;D   :o

I know during or after long rides I often feel like a Gatorade ... s'pose in the heat of the Phillipines, the bike may feel link one too ;D


Check out this thread:

http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=41659.0 (http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=41659.0)

Jukie is in the second half. I should also mention that when we were in 'the Clinic' today there was a predominantly stock S4Rt in there ... and yeah, she got a little emotional.

Aaahhhhh thanks Betty for the link...... Mmmmm some work be going on..... Looks / sounds great...  [thumbsup]

Yep was looking at pics of "Sugar" the other day and got a bit emotional myself....  :'(

But she has gone to a good home. Heard from the guy a few weeks ago and he is loving it..  [moto]

PS: Having a blast on the Thunder Monster....... Great little "Monster"...

Hi All

Day 198 has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2010/08/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2010/08/)

Food Stuff updated with two new recipes also

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/food-stuff/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/food-stuff/)

Enjoy

Cheers

Big T

Hi All

Day 205 of retirement has now been posted.

Checkout the very blue bling bike.... The best one I have seen so far.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2010/09/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2010/09/)

Enjoy

Cheers

Trevor & Guy

Hi All

Day 212 of retirement has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2010/09/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2010/09/)

Turned 55 so now I am officially retired......  ;D ;D  [cheeky]  [cheeky]  [clap]  [clap]

Enjoy

Cheers

Trevor

Hi All

Day 219 of retirement has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2010/09/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2010/09/)

Enjoy

Cheers

Big T

PS: Saw a Ducati the other day on Marinduque. But on closer inspection it was some chinese sh..t box with a Duke sticker.... Bugger...  :-\

I like the twisty road Trev.
Regarding the camera cards/discs.  Are you saying it's a good idea to re-format them in the camera on a regular basis?  Touch wood I haven't had problems yet but if there is something preventative I can do, it would be good.

And

Happy Anniversary Trev & Guy

hope Guy is over the dreaded lurgy.

Hi Heather

It is good to format your cards every now and then in the camera. Resets the card and clears up any file management errors.

I normally do it but got a bit lazy this time.

And Guy is feeling much better today thanks. We broke out the medical kit yesterday and got her on the antibiotics so all good.

Life is good

Cheers

Big T

Thanks Trev.  [wine]
That's what I love about this place.  Teaches me all I ever need to know.   [thumbsup]

Hi All

Day 226 of retirement has been posted.

https://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2010/09/

Been out on the Thunder Monster cruising the 15km mountain pass down south of the cottage. Great winding concrete road. Almost thought I was back on the S4RT for a moment.....  [thumbsup]

Enjoy

Cheers

Big T

Hi All

Day 233 of retirement has now been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2010/10/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2010/10/)

Enjoy

From the born again hippy......  ;D

Big T

Hi All

Day 240 of retirement has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2010/10/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2010/10/)

Enjoy

Life is good

Big (Hippie) T

PS: After 2 weeks in Manila looking forward to "going bush" tomorrow, back home to Marinduque and the Thunder Monster.

Hi All

Day 247 has been published.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2010/10/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2010/10/)

Enjoy

Cheers

Trevor & Guy

PS: Currently on Typhoon (Juan) watch but looks like it will go north of us. Will know in the next 24 hours. We are prepared, as we can be.

Hi All

Day 254 of retirement has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2010/10/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2010/10/)

Enjoy

Cheers

Trevor & Guy

PS: Been out exploring (off roading) the mountains on the Thunder Monster. Very interesting roads but oohhh sooo much fun.

Hi All

Day 261 of retirement has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2010/10/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2010/10/)

Enjoy.

Trevor & Guy

Hi All

Day 268 of retirement has been posted.

Bit of a quiet one this week as I still trying to shake this flu thing I have. Just keeps on hanging on......

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2010/11/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2010/11/)

Enjoy.

Cheers

Big (Snotty) T

Hi All

Day 275 of retirement has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2010/11/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2010/11/)

Enjoy.

Cheers
 
Trevor & Guy

PS: Feeling better from the flu thingy....

Hi All

Day 282 of retirement has been posted.

Been a slow week as it rains every afternoon so no exploring. Only a few more weeks of the wet and then back exploring on the Thunder Monster.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2010/11/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2010/11/)

Enjoy

Cheers

Trevor & Guy

Most people enjoy short periods of time relaxing and long periods of time running like a hamster. (Lisa P)

We enjoy short periods of time running like a hamster and long periods of time relaxing.
I think we might have finally got it right........ (Trevor & Guy)

Hi All

Day 289 has been posted.

Has been a quiet week due to the wet every afternoon. So not much exploring happening. Has actually been good to relax a bit and catch a few siestas. 

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2010/11/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2010/11/)

Enjoy

Cheers

Big (Relaxing) T

Hi All

Day 296 of retirement has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2010/12/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2010/12/)

Enjoy.

Big (Wet & Wild) T

Hi All

Day 303 of our retirement has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2010/12/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2010/12/)

The big excitement this week is that I have had a hair cut. Was looking a little feral after 9 months. Back to my old "business" style.

Ooohhh and Guy had one two.......

Enjoy

Big (Respectable) T

It's about time Trev, can't have you going feral on me and plus you promises :-*

Jukie I shall be respectable (as promised) when I see you all in March 2011.........  [cheeky]  [cheeky]

Is actually quite cool with all the hair gone......  [thumbsup]

Big (Reformed Hippie) T

Hi All

Day 310 of our retirement has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2010/12/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2010/12/)

You alllll have a fantastic Xmas and New Year and enjoy all the adventures that 2011 will bring.

Cheers

Big T

PS: Check out the Trike pics. Love it. I want one......  [moto]

Hi All

I trust you alllllll had a fantastic Christmas with family and friends no matter where in the world you are. Time to relax and rejuvenate (after eating and drinking way too much) ready for the New Year celebrations.

Day 317 has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2010/12/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2010/12/)

Enjoy

Cheers

Big (Totally Stuffed) T

PS: Ride safe you alllllll.........

Gee Trev,

               For a bloke who has (formally) retired you sure do get around.

Anyway enjoy.





                              Mmick

Hi All

Day 324 has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2011/01/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2011/01/)

You allll have a great New Years and here's to all your adventures in 2011.

Cheers

Trevor & Guy

Ride Safe....  [moto]

Hi All

Day 330 has been published.

Picked up a little Xmas present for me. A full size M16 BB gun. Fires BBs in semi or full automatic (500 per min) mode. It's powered by a rechargeable battery that runs a mini air compressor on board to pump out the pellets at 300fps.

No tin can will be safe at the cottage now....  ;D

Pics next week as it's all packed up for traveling.

I'm a day early with publishing as we are on the road tomorrow going back to Marinduque from Manila with the kids.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2011/01/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2011/01/)

Enjoy

Cheers

Big (Rambo) T

haha! you know what's funny, even the Thunder Monster is spotless like the S4RT used to be..

(http://trevorkloeden.files.wordpress.com/2010/11/34-bike-6436.jpg)

Yea yea old habits die hard...........  ;D  [moto]

It is quite amazing how long you can sit there and polish regardless of what bike it is......

A wax here, a polish there, a wipe every where........  [cheeky]

Hi All

Day 339 has been posted. It is a day later than usual as I spent Sunday afternoon with my head over the side of a Ro-Ro in very rough seas coughing up my cookies. Still a bit seedy.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2011/01/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2011/01/)

Enjoy

Big (seedy) T

Just started reading this today.. love it.. tail chop n paint job...

Hi All

Day 345 of retirement has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2011/01/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2011/01/)

Kids have gone home after a fantastic visit and looking forward to getting back to the island to recover.

Enjoy

Cheers

Big (tired) T

Hi All

Day 352 has been posted.

Rolling brownouts for the next 2 weeks due to a fuel shortage for the generators that supply the island power. Getting to learn to live without electricity.

Plenty of gas so the Thunder Monster is fine....  [thumbsup]

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2011/01/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2011/01/)

Enjoy
Big (powerless) T

Hi All

Day 359 has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2011/02/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2011/02/)

It has been an interesting week with the power being on and off (having power for only about 6 hours per day is interesting). And also experiencing the mini gold rush on the Dawis River just up the road from us.

Enjoy

Cheers

Big (in the dark) T

hi trev glad too here your still having fun stay safe  my good friend bazz

Hi All

Well day 365 has been reached and what a year it has been. Guy and I have had an amazing adventure so far and it is only the beginning. We are definitely looking forward to next next year and the year after that and the year after that and...........

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2011/02/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2011/02/)

Enjoy

Cheers

Big (1 year old) T

PS: See you alllllll in March....  [drink]  [coffee]  [beer]  [wine]  [popcorn]  [bacon]

Hi All

Day 373 of retirement has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2011/02/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2011/02/)

Enjoy

Cheers

Big (about to see you allll sooon) T

Hi All

Day 380 of our retirement has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2011/02/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2011/02/)

Enjoy

Big T

Hi All
 
Day 387 of our retirement has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2011/03/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2011/03/)

Enjoy
 
Big (on the way back) T

PS: Looking forward to seeing you allllllll in a few weeks.....  [thumbsup]

Hi All

Day 394 of retirement has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2011/03/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2011/03/)

Currently back in AUS and I must say it is a little weird but enjoying family and friends.

Enjoy

Cheers

Big (see you all next week) T

PS: Our thoughts go out to all those effected by the tragedy of the earthquake and Tsunami. All our family and friends in the Philippines are fine as the Tsunami impact was very small.

Welcome back Trev, look forward to seeing you.

Looking forward to seeing you all in one week from today........  [beer]  [drink]

Hi All

Day 401 of retirement has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2011/03/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2011/03/)

Currently shivering in Canberra. Give us a nice warm tropical island any day........

See you all on Thursday night.

Big (shivering) T

Hi All

Day 408 of retirement has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2011/03/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2011/03/)

Was great to catch up with the old and new last Thursday night. I was just a little envious of all those Dukes but back to my belovered Thunder Monster on Tuesday.

Enjoy

Cheers

Big (now got the aussie flu) T

Hi All

Day 415 has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2011/04/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2011/04/)

Enjoy

Cheers

Big (Over this flu thing) T

Hi All

Day 421 has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2011/04/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2011/04/)

Enjoy

Cheers

Big (relaxed) T

Hi All

Day 428 of retirement has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2011/04/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2011/04/)

Enjoy

Cheers

Big (Getting hot (summer here)) T

Hi All

Day 437 of retirement has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2011/04/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2011/04/)

Been a busy but fantastic time with Easter, the Moriones Festival and Jas (son 1) & Mike visiting us here.

Currently summer here now so hot and humid  [drink] (singlet weather once again).

Enjoy

Cheers

Big (wet and sticky) T

Hi All

Day 442 of retirement has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2011/04/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2011/04/)

Lots of pics in this post (the most of any of my posts) due to the Moriones Festival.

Here is a link on what it is all about.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moriones_Festival (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moriones_Festival)

Enjoy

Cheers

Big (need a holiday) Trevor

Hi All

Day 449 has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2011/05/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2011/05/)

This marks our first year of retirement in the Philippines (Arrived May 4th 2010) and what an adventure it has been.

Bring on year 2 and many more hours exploring on the Thunder Monster is all I can say.

Enjoy

Big (2 year old) T

Hi All

Day 456 has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2011/05/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2011/05/)

You will see some pics with a DSCF next to the number of the pic. These are the pics taken with the new Fuji X100 camera and will become more prevalent as I get used to it.

Enjoy

Cheers

Big (new toy) T

PS: Bring on the MotoGp tonight. One of the few "luxuries" I can enjoy on the island....  ;D

Hi All

Day 463 has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2011/05/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2011/05/)

Currently enjoying the heat and humidity........

Big (hot & bothered) T

Love the sunset photo Trev. [thumbsup]

They are even better in real life Heather.....  [cheeky]

You allllllll are invited to come on over and see one for yourselves at the Big T&G Exclusive Resort..... ;D

Some touring on a trusty 125cc Thunder Monster's included....  [moto]

Are you enjoying that new camera?
I went and had a look at it as I've been looking to add to the stable of travel cameras cause I'm sick of carrying the DSLR with me when I go away and not really using it.

Been looking at the Olympus EPL-2 in the twin lens kit along with the electronic viewfinder.
All for less than $1000.

Loving it Matty.

It is a little quirky to master but a few days playing and it works a treat.

If you shoot RAW pretty much all the quirky stuff goes away.

Awesome JPGs though.

APS-C sensor over the m4/3 wins hands down. Dynamic range of the X100 is awesome.

Fixed 35mm (35mm equivalent) lens is a gem.

Slightly bigger than the G9 but about the same weight.

All the pics on the blog with "DSCF" in the file name are X100 pics. Just remember that they are reduced to 75% in scale & 75% in quality. Most are JPGs straight out of the X100 with a few RAW saved as JPGs.

Replaces my ageing G9.

I use Capture One Pro V6.2 to process my pics. It now has a profile for the X100 and supports RAF (RAW file format).

The EPl-2 is a very cool camera which I also looked at. But for what I shoot the X100 is the one for me.

Cool, for me I think the 35mm only would be just a bit too limiting.
I too need to replace my very very aging G7!

I do like the look and feel of the Olympus, the fact that I can have two lenses to it is also attractive.
If I wanted a fixed lens camera the Fuji is indeed the choice.
I do shoot a lot of RAW files but not often when I travel it just takes up too much room.
My processing is all done via CS5 which might also be upgraded to 5.5 soon too.

Hi All

Day 470 of retirement has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2011/05/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2011/05/)

Our guests (Deb, Pam & Mike) who arrived here last Sunday for a 3 day visit were finally able to leave the island this morning on a RoRo (after 7 days) due to Typhoon Chedeng. No damage at all here as it went far east of us. Just some rough seas and a bit of wind. Boats and planes were cancelled. The joys of travel in the Philippines during a Typhoon.

Enjoy

Big (Got the house back) T

Hi All

Day 477 has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2011/06/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2011/06/)

Typhoon remnants have now all gone and we have some nice weather back (if you can call hot & humid nice!!!!).

Enjoy

Big (hot and sticky) T

Hi All

Day 484 of retirement has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2011/06/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2011/06/)

It has been a quiet week what why a tropical storm, the rainy season upon us (= dirty Thunder Monster) and brownouts (no Wi-Fi). Lots of reading (yes me reading), resting and eating.

Cheers

Big (relaxed) T

Hi All

Day 491 has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2011/06/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2011/06/)

We have Tropical Depression (Typhoon) "Egay" skirting past us out east at the moment. Flat calm day today but expect some rain and wind tomorrow from the tail end of the storm. Nothing serious.

Enjoy

Big T

Hi All

Day 498 has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2011/06/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2011/06/)

Getting a Tropical Depression / Typhoon warnings weekly at the moment. But luckily all we are getting is the fringe weather patterns (rain, windy & rough seas ooohhh and brownouts).

Enjoy

Big (Windy) T

Hi All

Day 505 has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2011/07/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2011/07/)

Enjoy

Cheers

Big T

Hi All

Day 512 has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2011/07/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2011/07/)

Back home (and glad to be) after 4 days in Manila processing my residency.

Paper work all done and just waiting for the final rubber stamp which should be 3-4 weeks away.

Cheers

Big (Filipino number 90,000,001) T

Hi All

Day 520 has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2011/07/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2011/07/)

Check out the CPI (Korean 200cc) Motard I spotted on the island. Fun bike I could see myself getting into deep trouble riding it in thongs, shorts & tee shirt......  [cheeky]

Enjoy

Cheers

Trevor & Guy

Hi All

Day 527 of retirement has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2011/07/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2011/07/)

We are currently on severe power restrictions on the island which equates to about 4-6 hours of power each day. And of course you never know when that supply will be (Morning, noon or night). They have also thrown in a few long outages just to make it interesting (31 hours and 25 hours with no power).  [bang]  [bang]

But all in all we are surviving extremely well. Just makes getting any Wi-Fi access a nightmare. But hey, it is surprising what you can do without you are forced to.

Enjoy

Cheers

Big (Powerless) T

PS: The Thunder Monster still works very well without any power and a tank of juice lasts a couple of weeks so all gooood...  [Dolph]

Hi All

Day 533 has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2011/07/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2011/07/)

We are now getting into a bit of a routine electricity wise. 8-hours on then 8-hours off.

Managing to survive quite nicely now.

Enjoy

Cheers

Big (on again / off again) T

Hi All

Day 540 of retirement has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2011/08/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2011/08/)

Great news is my Filipino residency has been approved officially. We go to
Manila on Sunday and get my ACR (identity card) and next week I become
a Filipino.

Enjoy

Big (Filipino) T

Hi All

Day 547 of retirement has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2011/08/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2011/08/)

Great to be back on the island as a Filipino resident (Probationary-have to be good for 1-year).

Enjoy

Cheers

Big (Filipino) T

Hi All

Day 554 of retirement has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2011/08/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2011/08/)

Fiesta day today (Saturday) as it is Gasan Day (Gasan is 402 years old today).

A great day had by all. Lots of drums and dancing.

Enjoy

Cheers

Big T

Hi All

Day 561 has been posted

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2011/08/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2011/08/)

Looks like we are back in the land of 8-hour rotating brownouts once again.

Cheers

TBig (Blacked out) T

Hi All

Day 568 of retirement has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2011/09/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2011/09/)

Enjoy

Big (hot & sticky) T

PS: Hot, humid, no breeze and a little electricity but life is still better than working......   ;D   [Dolph]

Hi All

Day 575 has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2011/09/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2011/09/)

Enjoy

Big (one year older) T

Happy birthday big t and to guy as well :-*

Hi All

Day 582 has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2011/09/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2011/09/)

Over all the birthdays and anniversary parties and lunches. Back to our normal relaxed selves again.

Cheers

Big (Relaxed) T

PS: And thanks Jukie had a great Bday......   [beer]  [coffee]  [drink]  [popcorn]  [bacon]

Hi All

Day 589 has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2011/09/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2011/09/)

Enjoy

Saw my second Ducati here the other day. And it was just up the road from the cottage. The guy flew past me on what looked like an 1100 Monster. Tried to catch him but the poor old Thunder Monster was no match. Man it looked big next to the Thunder Monster. Shall have to track this guy down, if he is still on the island.

Cheers

Big (I miss Sugar my S4RT) T

Hi All

Day 596 has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2011/10/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2011/10/)

Not many photos this week due to being house bound by Typhoon Pedring.

And now it looks like Typhoon Quiel is going to give us a bit of a nudge in the next few days as well.

Aaahhhh well no rest for the wicked.  [evil]

Cheers

Big (Stormy) T

Hi All

Day 603 has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2011/10/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2011/10/)

Enjoy

Cheers

Big (Wet) T

Hi All

Day 610 of retirement has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2011/10/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2011/10/)

Back to nice fine weather once again  8) (till the next Typhoon...  [thumbsdown] )

Enjoy

Cheers

Big (Drying out) T

PS: Go Casey.........

Hi All

Day 617 of retirement has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2011/10/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2011/10/)

It is good to be back on the island and out of the hustle and bustle of Manila.

Cheers

Big T

Hi All

Day 623 has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2011/10/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2011/10/)

A bit early this week as we are off exploring tomorrow.

Cheers

Big T

Hi All

Day 631 of retirement has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2011/11/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2011/11/)

Cheers

Big T

Hi All

Day 638 has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2011/11/# (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2011/11/#)

It has been a very quiet week this last week as my bung eye has returned so spent most of the week indoors resting with the sunglasses on  8) and lots of eye drops.   :'(

Cheers

Big (One eyed) T

Hi All

You may have noticed that the slide show of my photos has change on the blog page.

When you click on a photo on the main blog page a slide show of the photos starts up where you flick between each pic (Like a Facebook slide show). This slide show doesn't show the descriptions of each pic and you can't download the original sized pics.

When in this new slide show you will see a "Permalink" at the bottom right hand corner of the pics. Click on this link and it will take you back to view the slide show the old way which shows the photo description and allows you to download the original full sized pic to a window / tab.

If you have any problems let me know.

Cheers

Big T

Hi All

Day 647 has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2011/11/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2011/11/)

Enjoy

Trevor & Guy

PS: Remember if you want to see the photo descriptions and or download the original pic to a tab / window, click on "Permalink" at the bottom right hand corner of the pics in the slide show.

Hi All

Day 652 of retirement has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2011/11/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2011/11/)

Enjoy

Cheers

Big T

Hi All

Day 659 has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2011/12/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2011/12/)

Hope you alllllll are getting into the cheer of those pre Xmas parties.

Cheers

Big T

Hi All

Day 668 has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2011/12/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2011/12/)

Enjoy

Big (Walking) T

PS: The next blog post will be a little late as Gerald (Pom expat) and I head off on our round the island walk (120km) on Thursday and hope to be back on Sunday.

Good luck with the walk Trev.

Hi All

Day 677 has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2011/12/21/day-677-of-retirement/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2011/12/21/day-677-of-retirement/)

This has the first instalment of pics from my successful round the island walk. The rest will be posted next week.

Cheers

Big (Resting) T

Hi all

Day 685 has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2011/12/29/day-685-of-retirement/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2011/12/29/day-685-of-retirement/)

Cheers

Big T

PS: Hope you had a great Xmas and here's to an even better New Year with all the adventures it will bring.

Hi All

Day 691 of retirement has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/01/04/day-691-of-retirement/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/01/04/day-691-of-retirement/)

Got the kids (Jo & Jordan) here for the next 3 weeks so looking forward to some fun in the sun.

Cheers

Big (Tourist) T

Hi All

Day 697 has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/01/10/day-697-of-retirement/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/01/10/day-697-of-retirement/)

I'm going to be a Lolo (Grandfather) and Guy a Lola (Grandmother). Her daughter having a bub.  [wine]  [beer]

I suddenly feel old....  ;D

Enjoy

Big (Lolo) T

Congratulations ya big Lolo.

Thanks Tito Betty and Tita Jukie.

OOohhh and Uncle is a "Tito".
And Aunty is a "Tita".

You just had your first lesson in Tagalog....   ;D

Hi All

Day 702 has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/01/15/day-702-of-retirement/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/01/15/day-702-of-retirement/)

Cheers

Big (Beach Bum) T

PS: Having a great time on Boracay with the kids (Guy's kids).

Hi All

Day 709 has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/01/23/day-709-of-retirement/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/01/23/day-709-of-retirement/)

Still in Manila. Kids leave Tuesday. Back to the island by the weekend.

Cheers

Big T

Hi All

Day 715 of retirement has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/01/28/day-715-of-retirement/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/01/28/day-715-of-retirement/)

Were are now back on the island (after a month away with the kids visit) enjoying the brownouts, rough roads and slow flaky Wi-Fi and wouldn't swap it for anyhting.

Good to home....   [thumbsup]

Cheers

Big (back to the simple life) T   [coffee]

Hi All

Day 722 has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/02/04/day-722-of-retirement/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/02/04/day-722-of-retirement/)

Enjoy

Big (Simple) T   ;D

PS: Thunder Monster registered for another year and only cost me $27.30 including 3rd Party Ins.   [thumbsup]

Hi All

Day 731 has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/02/13/day-731-of-retirement/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/02/13/day-731-of-retirement/)

Rain, rain and more rain.......  [thumbsdown]

But at least it isn't cold.....  [thumbsup]

Cheers

Big (Webbed feet) T

Retirement Big T Style – Indulging oneself in the things that one enjoys at the time that one chooses…

Hi All

Day 736 has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/02/18/day-736-of-retirement/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/02/18/day-736-of-retirement/)

Enjoy

Big (Drying out) T

PS: The rain has finally stopped and we have sunshine  [thumbsup] which now means we have humidity  [bang]

So Trev can you pass some sunshine here and leave the humidity there

 [laugh]  [laugh]  [laugh]  [laugh]

Don't you like to get all hot and sweaty?   ;D

Well since you put it that way [evil]

Hi All

Day 743 has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/02/25/day-743-of-retirement/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/02/25/day-743-of-retirement/)

Cheers

Big (quiet week) T

So Trev
Are you heading over this way anytime soon ???

Hey Jukie we are as we speak planning a trip back to the old country in January 2013 (next year).  [thumbsup]

So we shall indeed have a little catch up some time in the new year with you all....  [beer]  [wine]  [popcorn] 

Hi All

Day 750 has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/03/03/day-750-of-retirement/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/03/03/day-750-of-retirement/)

Cheers

Big T   [Dolph]

Hi All

Day 757 has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/03/10/day-757-of-retirement/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/03/10/day-757-of-retirement/)

Cheers

Big T

Hi All

Day 757 has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/03/10/day-757-of-retirement/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/03/10/day-757-of-retirement/)

Cheers

Big T   [coffee]

Awesome as always.

Hi All

Day 764 has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/03/17/day-764-of-retirement/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/03/17/day-764-of-retirement/)

Cheers

Big T

Hey Trev looks like your old bikes up for sale.
Better grab it while you can http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/hobart-cbd/motorcycles/ducati-monster-s4rt-titanium-colour-with-lots-of-extras-/358792027 (http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/hobart-cbd/motorcycles/ducati-monster-s4rt-titanium-colour-with-lots-of-extras-/358792027)

Do it Trev ... you know you want to! Sugar is still looking pretty good in the photos.

I can see the correspondence now ... 'Hi, I'm really interested in buying your bike. I am currently living in the Philippines and would need to use an intermediary for the sale .......'







Alternatively, where's Craigo ... he's been a bit quiet, hasn't taken a trip to Tassie has he?

AAahhhhhh the old Sugar Monster.....  ;D

What I wouldn't give to have her over here.....  [Dolph]

Sugar and Thunder Monsters together.... [bow_down]

And the reason she is looking so good is that the dude has used my pics from when I sold her to him.  Taken in my old driveway.

Wonder what she really looks like....  [roll]

PS: How's the virgins Betty?  8)

Aha! Funny how I didn't even think of that ... but I did think: 'I bet he just pulled out Trev's description for the ad'


To be perfectly honest, they are starting to look a little tired :-[
I have been getting very good use out of them. Thanks.

Yeah I thought the pics looked a little familiar!
I do wonder what it really looks like now  ???

Tired Virgins.... :P Who wants tired Virgins, we must always think of them in another light  [cheeky]

Hi All

Day 772 has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/03/25/day-772-of-retirement/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/03/25/day-772-of-retirement/)

Cheers

Big (Happily recovering after my "walk" earlier in the week) T

Hi All

Day 779 has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/04/01/day-779-of-retirement/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/04/01/day-779-of-retirement/)

This post includes the day 2 photos of our across the island walk.

Cheers

Big T

Hi All

Day 785 has been posted.

A bit of excitement this last week with one of my photos made in onto the front cover of the April edition of the "Enrich" magazine.

Also included an article (written by Gerald the Pom) on Trekking in Marinduque, Philippines.

“Enrich” is A Healthy Lifestyle & Living magazine that is distributed in the Philippines, USA, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Singapore.

www.enrich.com.ph (http://)

See the blog for the full story.

Cheers

Big (National Geographic Photographer) T     ;D

Hi All

Day 792 has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/04/14/day-792-of-retirement/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/04/14/day-792-of-retirement/)

Recovering after the week long Moriones Festival celebrations.

Cheers

Big T

Hi All

Day 799 has been published.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/04/20/day-799-of-retirement/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/04/20/day-799-of-retirement/)

This post has all the remainder of the Moriones Festival pics in it.

Cheers

Trevor & Guy

PS: There is nothing like a good parade with dancing girls and boys with loud drums. Should be more of it.

Hi All

Day 806 of retirement has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/04/28/day-806-of-retirement/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/04/28/day-806-of-retirement/)

The build up to the wet is upon us so it is hot and humid. Bring on the rains (in a couple more weeks hopefully).

Big (hot and sweaty) T

Hi All

Day 813 has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/05/05/day-813-of-retirement/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/05/05/day-813-of-retirement/)

Still waiting for the rains to come. Should be only a few more weeks of hot and sticky.

Cheers

Big (sweaty) T

i check this occasionally because it's good to read about someone living their dream.

my dream is to play against a professional midget basketball team.
at least now i know where to find one!   [laugh][Dolph]

They were awesome to watch.  [clap]

And they were actually pretty good players tooooooo....  [thumbsup]  :o   ;D

Hi All

Day 820 of retirement has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/05/12/day-820-of-retirement/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/05/12/day-820-of-retirement/)

Peak mango season here right now. I'm starting to look like a mango.....  ;D

Cheers

Big (Mango) T

Yucky yucky mangos  [puke]

Your the first person I've ever met who doesn't like mango's.......  [roll]   ;D

Yes and my father has a mango tree as well. Well I am an odd bod remember

Hi All

Day 827 of retirement has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/05/19/day-827-of-retirement/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/05/19/day-827-of-retirement/)

Cheers

Trevor & Guy

PS: I have a new wallet (after being pick pocketed) so I feel whole again.....  :-)

Hi All

Day 834 has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/05/26/day-834-of-retirement/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/05/26/day-834-of-retirement/)

Cheers

Big T

PS: Still waiting for the wet season to start to settle the dust and drop the humidity down just a little........

Hi All

Day 841 of retirement has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/06/02/day-841-of-retirement/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/06/02/day-841-of-retirement/)

The rains have finally come and the wet is here. It has cooled things down a few degrees so very welcome.

Cheers

Big (Wet) T

Hi All

Day 848 has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/06/09/day-848-of-retirement/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/06/09/day-848-of-retirement/)

Cheers

Big (Tour Guide) T

PS: My sister and hubby (Sandy & Brian) arrive tomorrow for 3 weeks so looking forward to showing them our patch of paradise on the Thunder Monster's.

Hi All

Day 855 has been published.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/06/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/06/)

Currently enjoying have Sandy (Sister) & Brian (Brolaw) here for a visit.

Cheers

Big T

Hi All

Day 862 has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/06/23/day-862-of-retirement/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/06/23/day-862-of-retirement/)

Please note that the slide show viewing of the photos has changed (for the better I might add). See instructions below (they're also in the blog)

"Click on a photo below for the slide show. The slide show has the descriptions of each pic below the photo’s. You can also leave comments in this area.

To view the photo full size photo in a separate window go to the bottom right hand corner of the photo info and click on “View full size”. You can download the photo from this window if you wish".

Have a great time with Sandy & Brian (sister and brother in law) here showing them our little piece of Paradise on the Thunder Monsters.

Enjoy

Cheers

Big (Tour guide) T


Bel far niente

“The beauty of doing nothing”

Hi All

Day 869 has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/06/30/day-869-of-retirement/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/06/30/day-869-of-retirement/)

It has been fantastic having Sandy (sister) & Brian (Brolaw) here for nearly three weeks cruising on the 2 Thunder Monsters.  [wine]  [coffee]  [popcorn]  [bacon]

 [Dolph]   [Dolph]

They are now back in AUS and back to work on Monday.......

Cheers

Big T

Hi All

Day 876 has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/07/07/day-876-of-retirement/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/07/07/day-876-of-retirement/)

The rains have arrived and the rice planting is in full swing.

Rainy days = lots of reading and not so much riding.

Cheers

Big (wet) T

Hi All

Day 883 has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/07/14/day-883-of-retirement/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/07/14/day-883-of-retirement/)

I have also add some of my favourite all time pics to the page "My Favourite Pics".

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/my-favourite-pics/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/my-favourite-pics/)

As I go through my digital collection I will post more of my favourites.

Cheers

Big T

Hi All

Day 891 has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/07/22/day-891-of-retirement/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/07/22/day-891-of-retirement/)

After this last week I am almost there with my Residency of the Philippines. One more trip to Manila in a fews weeks and all done.

Cheers

Big (almost a Filipino) T

Hi All

Day 897 has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/07/28/day-897-of-retirement/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/07/28/day-897-of-retirement/)

Some interesting "toys" for home defence in this post...  ;D

Cheers

Big T

Hi All

Day 905 has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/08/05/day-905-of-retirement/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/08/05/day-905-of-retirement/)

Its been a quiet week with Tropical Storm "GENER" putting a dampener on things.

Cheers

Big (Not quite blown away) T

Hi All

Day 911 has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/08/11/day-911-of-retirement/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/08/11/day-911-of-retirement/)

Cheers

Big (Magnum PI) T

PS: An interesting development re the body washed on the beach last week. Hopefully we will know more next week. See the blog re details.

Hi All

Day 918 has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/08/18/day-918-of-retirement/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/08/18/day-918-of-retirement/)

Cheers

Big T

PS: Nothing further at this stage on the body on the beach investigation.

Congrats Big T  [thumbsup] from today onwards your are a Filipino but still an Aussie down under [beer]

Hi All

Day 925 has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/08/25/day-925-of-retirement/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/08/25/day-925-of-retirement/)

At long last after 1 year and 8 months I am now a Filipino resident (A local......).

Well worth the wait and loving my adopted country and all its great people.

Cheers

Big (Filipino) T

PS: Hey Jukie you can take the aussie out of the country but you can't take the country out of the aussie. I'm still your aussie mate.....  [thumbsup]  ;D

Hi All

Day 932 has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/09/01/day-932-of-retirement/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/09/01/day-932-of-retirement/)

Guy's birthday today. Breakfast at the best restaurant in town with me (No expense spared P350 ($8.40 AUS)), lunch with her Mahjong gang, an afternoon of leisurely Mahjong followed by an evening Skype with Zali, Jo and Dave in Canberra.

Life is good.

Cheers

Big T

PS: No more news on the body on the beach. Might have to have a chat to the Pulis as see if anything has transpired.

Hi All

Day 939 has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/09/08/day-939-of-retirement/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/09/08/day-939-of-retirement/)

Cheers

Big T

Hi All

Day 946 has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/09/15/day-946-of-retirement/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/09/15/day-946-of-retirement/)

Currently under the minor influence of Typhoon "Karen" (Rain and rough seas).

But all good as we are on the very outer edge.

Cheers

Big (Wet) T

Hi All

Day 953 has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/09/22/day-953-of-retirement/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/09/22/day-953-of-retirement/)

Cheers

Big T   [Dolph]

Hi All

Day 960 has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/09/29/day-960-of-retirement/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/09/29/day-960-of-retirement/)

Cheers

Big T   ;D

Hi All

Day 967 has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/10/06/day-967-of-retirement/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/10/06/day-967-of-retirement/)

We are currently in Manila for Guy's Mum's 80th Birthday and enjoying a few of the big smokes little luxuries.

Cheers

Big T

Hi All

Day 974 has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/10/13/day-974-of-retirement/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/10/13/day-974-of-retirement/)

Cheers

Big T

Hi All

Day 981 has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/10/20/day-981-of-retirement/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/10/20/day-981-of-retirement/)

Currently waiting for Jason (Son) and Mike to arrive from AUS (Be here in a couple of hours) for a 2 week visit.

Be great to see them again (Their second visit).

Cheers

Big T

Hi All

Day 988 has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/10/27/day-988-of-retirement/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/10/27/day-988-of-retirement/)

We are at 57 hours without power at the cottage and still counting from Tropical Storm "Ofel".   :-\

Hopefully only another day or so and we will be powered back up.

Cheers

Big (Powerless) T

PS: They have power in Gasan now so a few trips into town to charge up electronic devices happening.

Hi All

Day 995 has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/11/03/day-995-of-retirement/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/11/03/day-995-of-retirement/)

Not long to my first 1,000th day of retirement........   [thumbsup]

Cheers

Big T

Hi All

Day 1,002 has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/11/10/day-1002-of-retirement/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/11/10/day-1002-of-retirement/)

The first 1,000 days of retirement are now done and dusted so we are working on the next 1,000 days.

Cheers

Big (Millenium) T

Hi All

Day 1009 has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/11/17/day-1009-of-retirement/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/11/17/day-1009-of-retirement/)

Cheers

Big T

Update: I had a chat to the Police the other day and the "Body on the beach" has still not been identified.

Hi All

Day 1016 has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/11/24/day-1016-of-retirement/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/11/24/day-1016-of-retirement/)

We have also launched the Hiking Association of Marinduque (HAM) web site. This page is new and still requires some development but it does contain details of our walks.

http://hamclub12.wordpress.com/ (http://hamclub12.wordpress.com/)

Cheers

Big T

PS: Only 3 more week still we back in AUS (Sydney in the new year).........   [thumbsup]

Hi All

Day 1023 has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/12/01/day-1023-of-retirement/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/12/01/day-1023-of-retirement/)

2 more weeks and we will be back in AUS for Xmas and a catch up in the New Year.....   [thumbsup]  [coffee]  [beer]

Cheers

Big T

Hi All

Day 1030 of retirement has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/12/08/day-1030-of-retirement/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/12/08/day-1030-of-retirement/)

Only one more week till we arrive in AUS and get to see you allllll in January...........

Cheers

Big T

Hiking Association of Marinduque:
http://hamclub12.wordpress.com (http://hamclub12.wordpress.com)

Hi All

Day 1037 has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/12/15/day-1037-of-retirement/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/12/15/day-1037-of-retirement/)

Only 2 more sleeps and we are back in AUS. I'll organise with Jukie & Betty as Thursday night to come see you allllllll...  [beer]

Cheers

Big (Traveling) T

Hiking Association of Marinduque:
http://hamclub12.wordpress.com (http://hamclub12.wordpress.com)

Hi All

Day 1044 has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/12/22/day-1044-of-retirement/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/12/22/day-1044-of-retirement/)

In Adelaide for Xmas then off to Canberra / Sydney for the New Year and hope to see a few of you alllll.....

Cheers

Big T

Hi All

Day 1051 has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/12/29/day-1051-of-retirement-2/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2012/12/29/day-1051-of-retirement-2/)

Have a great New Year you alllllll.....  [wine]  [popcorn]  [beer]

Cheers

Big T

PS: Look forward to seeing a few old familiar faces on the 10th Jan.

Hi All

Day 1058 has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2013/01/05/day-1058-of-retirement/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2013/01/05/day-1058-of-retirement/)

Happy New Year you allllllll and may you have many great new adventures in 2013.

Cheers

Big T

PS: See some of you on Thursday night....  [thumbsup]  [drink]

Hi All

Day 1065 of retirement has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2013/01/12/day-1065-of-retirement/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2013/01/12/day-1065-of-retirement/)

Also just want to say a huge thanks to you all for Thursday night. Great turnout and I got my Ducati Bling fix for the next few years.

Special mention goes to Betty and Jukie for their hospitality..... Thanks guys and gals...  [thumbsup]

The penthouse suite is always available should any of your come visit us in the Philippines.....  ;D

Cheers

Big T

Hi All

Day 1072 has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2013/01/19/day-1072-of-retirement/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2013/01/19/day-1072-of-retirement/)

We have survived the heat and a very nice cool change is now with us.

Our holiday is now drawing to an end and we head back to our little island Paradise on Monday. It has been a fantastic visit but we are looking forward to returning home (And the Thunder Monster....  [Dolph] ).

Cheers

Big Cool T....  [coffee]

Hi All

Day 1079 has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2013/01/26/day-1079-of-retirement/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2013/01/26/day-1079-of-retirement/)

And just for something different we are coming back to AUS for a few years to support Guy's son Jordan.

The full story is in the blog.

Cheers

Big T

Big news Big T ... this retirement thing seems like hard work.

By the way ... to commemorate your trip we had a 'brownout' last Sunday for a few hours. Its the first we have had in years ... so I hope it is not a sign of things to come for the next three years.

Very patriotic to announce your return on Australia Day too.

I though I would leave you with a taste of island life with the brownout....  ;D

Sadly no Ducati on the horizon but always have your shed to visit for a look and see fix...  [thumbsup]

See you guys sooner rather than later.....  8)

Hi All

Day 1086 of retirement has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2013/02/02/day-1086-of-retirement/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2013/02/02/day-1086-of-retirement/)

At this stage it looks like we will be back in AUS just after Easter.

It's all falling into place but we are sure there will be a few challenges yet to come.

Cheers

Big (Packing) T

Hi All

Day 1093 of retirement has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2013/02/09/day-1093-of-retirement/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2013/02/09/day-1093-of-retirement/)

We are slowly getting our affairs in order for our return to AUS. We arrive back in AUS on the 28th March for our new adventure.

Cheers

Big (Still Packing) T

Hi All

Day 1100 has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2013/02/16/day-1100-of-retirement/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2013/02/16/day-1100-of-retirement/)

In 6 weeks time we will be back in AUS for our little spell. Time is flying by......

Cheers

Big T

Hi All

Day 1107 of retirement has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2013/02/23/day-1107-of-retirement/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2013/02/23/day-1107-of-retirement/)

Currently in Manila to tidy up a few thinks then back to the island on Sunday night for our last spell of retirement before we head back to AUS on the 27th March for our new adventure.

Cheers

Big T

Hi All

Day 1114 has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2013/03/02/day-1114-of-retirement/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2013/03/02/day-1114-of-retirement/)

3.5 weeks till we hit AUS but who's counting......

Cheers

Big (I'm going to miss the Thunder Monster) T

Hi All

Day 1121 has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2013/03/09/day-1121-of-retirement/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2013/03/09/day-1121-of-retirement/)

18 days till we hit AUS......

Cheers

Big T

Hi All

Day 1128 has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2013/03/16/day-1128-of-retirement/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2013/03/16/day-1128-of-retirement/)

Cheers

Big (Packing) T

PS: This is our last week on the island for "a while" so we shall savour it. Back to Manila next Saturday and AUS on the 27th.

Hi All

Day 1135 has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2013/03/23/day-1135-of-retirement/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2013/03/23/day-1135-of-retirement/)

Well in a few hours we start our trip back to AUS. We leave for Manila and then for AUS next Wednesday 27th.

Goodbye Marinduque and we have both had an awesome time while here for nearly 3 years.

Till we return.....

Cheers

Big (All packed) T

Hi All

Day 1142 has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2013/03/30/day-1142-of-retirement/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2013/03/30/day-1142-of-retirement/)

We are now back in AUS and currently enjoying Easter with Zali, Jo and Dave in Canberra.

We have a car (Used Mazda 323 Astina) as of this morning so it is all happening. Back to Sydney middle of next week and then getting the apartment setup for us all.

Cheers

Big (Back in AUS) T

Hi All

Day 1149 has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2013/04/06/day-1149-of-retirement/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2013/04/06/day-1149-of-retirement/)

Been a busy week setting up house and more to come next week with Jordan moving in mid week.

Start the looking for work after that (2-3 weeks).

Cheers

Big T

Hi All

Day 1156 has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2013/04/13/day-1156-of-retirement/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2013/04/13/day-1156-of-retirement/)

Getting all settled in now that Jordan has joined us.

Almost time to look for a job. Guy has one waiting for her in June (Maternity leave position for 12 months). I'm starting to look in the local paper.

Cheers

Big (Unemployed) T

Hi All

Day 1163 has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2013/04/20/day-1163-of-retirement/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2013/04/20/day-1163-of-retirement/)

All settled in and got an email from our freight people that our gear from the Philippines will arrive on the 30th.

Then back to work....

Cheers

Big T

Hey Trev

Just in case you forgotten were look ,here's a good start for you  [Dolph]

http://www.bikesales.com.au/private/details/ducati-monster-s4r-2008-14638694?__N=1432%20604%201430%201429%201626%201428%204294967242%204294958379&__Ns=p_IsPoa_Int32 (http://www.bikesales.com.au/private/details/ducati-monster-s4r-2008-14638694?__N=1432%20604%201430%201429%201626%201428%204294967242%204294958379&__Ns=p_IsPoa_Int32)|0||p_RankSort_Int32|1||p_HasPhotos_Int32|1||p_Make_String|0||p_Model_String|0||p_YearMade_Int32|1||p_PriceSort_Decimal|1||p_PhotoCount_Int32|1&__Qpb=1&__sid=1382AE2B673E&__Nne=15

(http://liveimages.bikesales.com.au/bikesales/general/content/gc5505467000710944121.jpg)

Thanks Rob......   [thumbsup]  [Dolph]

Hi All

Day 1170 has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2013/04/27/day-1170-of-retirement/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2013/04/27/day-1170-of-retirement/)

Well the retirement is about to be put on hold for a while. Guy has a job interview early next week and I start looking in ernest.

The blog will keep being posted weekly but maybe scaled down a bit so stay tuned.

Cheers

Big (Job hunting) T

Hi All

Day 1177 has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2013/05/04/day-1177-of-retirement/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2013/05/04/day-1177-of-retirement/)

Just started looking for work so retirement is about to go on temporary hold for a while.   :-\  :P

Cheers

Big T

Well then, you're gonna have to start looking for some two wheeled transport. One car for the three of you just isn't gonna work.

Give Matty a call ... things could work out. By the time you head back to retirement he will probably change his mind and can buy it back ;)

Hi All

Day 1184 has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2013/05/11/day-1184-of-retirement/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2013/05/11/day-1184-of-retirement/)

Busy week for us both as the "find a job" activities kick into top gear.

Cheers

Big (Unemployed Bum) T

Hi All

Day 1191 has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2013/05/18/day-1191-of-retirement/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2013/05/18/day-1191-of-retirement/)

Both still job hunting.

Cheers

Big T

Hi All

Day 3 of retirement working has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2013/05/25/day-3-of-retirement-working/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2013/05/25/day-3-of-retirement-working/)

The retirement has been put on hold at 1195 days and today is day 3 of being back at work for me.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2013/05/25/day-3-of-retirement-working/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2013/05/25/day-3-of-retirement-working/)

The blog will continue but in a reduced version due that work thing. But we keep you all updated on what we are doing.

Cheers

Big T

Hi All

Day 10 of retirement working has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2013/06/01/day-10-of-retirement-working/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2013/06/01/day-10-of-retirement-working/)

Cheers

Big T

Hi All

Day 18 of retirement working has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2013/06/09/day-18-of-retirement-working/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2013/06/09/day-18-of-retirement-working/)

Guy is back to work on Tuesday after over 3 years of leisure..... I've been working for 3 weeks. Almost seems like I haven't been away....  :'(

Cheers

Big (Working) T

Hi All

Day 24 of retirement working has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2013/06/15/day-24-of-retirement-working/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2013/06/15/day-24-of-retirement-working/)

We are both now working. Guy started Tuesday.

Cheers

Big T

Hi All

Day 38 of retirement working has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2013/06/29/day-38-of-retirement-working/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2013/06/29/day-38-of-retirement-working/)

Cold wet week here. Where's the sunshine?

Cheers

Big (Cold) T

Hi All

Day 45 of retirement working has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2013/07/06/day-45-of-retirement-working/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2013/07/06/day-45-of-retirement-working/)

Great to see the sun back out after a very wet and cold June.

Cheers

Big T

Hey Big T

    I've just caught up and see you've both had to venture back to the land of the shopping mall and meat pies.
Hope things are going well. I am still in ownership of The Bull so let us know if you want to see some Monsters any time soon.

Cheers
Matty...

Thanks Matty all good here.

And just might have to venture out one of these days (purely for old time sakes) and view some Monsters and the like.....  [thumbsup]

Hi All

Day 52 of retirement working has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2013/07/13/day-52-of-retirement-working/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2013/07/13/day-52-of-retirement-working/)

Cheers

Big T

Hi All

Day 66 of retirement working has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2013/07/27/day-66-of-retirement-working/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2013/07/27/day-66-of-retirement-working/)

Posts will be spread out a bit now as we settled into a working life once again.

Cheers

Big (Working) T

Hi All

Day 80 of retirement work has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2013/08/10/day-80-of-retirement-working/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2013/08/10/day-80-of-retirement-working/)

Cheers

Big T

Hi All

Day 98 of retirement working has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2013/08/28/day-98-of-retirement-working/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2013/08/28/day-98-of-retirement-working/)

Jordan turned 18 on Monday and survived a night out on the town with his mates so all good.

Cheers

Big T

Hi All

Day 116 of retirement working has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2013/09/15/day-116-of-retirement-working/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2013/09/15/day-116-of-retirement-working/)

Cheers

Big T

Hi All

Day 146 has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2013/10/16/day-146-of-retirement-working/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2013/10/16/day-146-of-retirement-working/)

Cheers

Big T

Hi All

Day 168 of retirement working is posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2013/11/07/day-168-of-retirement-working/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2013/11/07/day-168-of-retirement-working/)

Cheers

Big T

Hi All

Day 184 of retirement working has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2013/11/23/day-184-of-retirement-working/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2013/11/23/day-184-of-retirement-working/)

Cheers

Big T

PS: Huge thanks to Jukie and Betty for an afternoon riding "Trev" on the Old Pacific Highway with them...   [Dolph]

Hi All

Day 208 has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2013/12/17/day-208-of-retirement-working/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2013/12/17/day-208-of-retirement-working/)

Have an awesome Xmas an New Year. And may 2014 bring many new and exciting adventures for you allllllll.....

Cheers

Big T

Hi All

Day 236 of retirement working has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2014/01/14/day-236-of-retirement-working/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2014/01/14/day-236-of-retirement-working/)

Have an awesome new year you allllll.......

Cheers

Big T

Hi All

Day 261 of retirement working has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2014/02/08/day-261-of-retirement-working/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2014/02/08/day-261-of-retirement-working/)

We are off to enjoy a couple weeks holiday in a beach house down south so all very good.

Cheers

Big T

Hi All

Day 272 has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2014/02/19/day-272-of-retirement-working/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2014/02/19/day-272-of-retirement-working/)

Cheers

Big T

PS: I snuck out to Frasers today for a look see...... The 1100 EVO looks good....  [Dolph]

Hi All

Day 297 has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2014/03/16/day-297-of-retirement-working/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2014/03/16/day-297-of-retirement-working/)

Cheers

Big T

Hi All

Day 325 of retirement working has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2014/04/12/day-325-of-retirement-working/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2014/04/12/day-325-of-retirement-working/)

Cheers

Big T

Hi All

Day 347 of retirement working has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2014/05/04/day-347-of-retirement-working/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2014/05/04/day-347-of-retirement-working/)

Cheers

Big T

Hi All

Day 370 of retirement working has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2014/05/28/day-370-of-retirement-working/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2014/05/28/day-370-of-retirement-working/)

Cheers

Big T

Hi All

Day 412 has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2014/07/09/day-412-of-retirement-working/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2014/07/09/day-412-of-retirement-working/)

We are both feeling the cold and yearn for some heat and humidity......

Cheers

Big (Cold) T

Hi All

Day 440 of retirement working has been posted.

https://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2014/08/07/day-440-of-retirement-working/

Cheers

Big T   [coffee]

Sorry to hear of your Mums passing Trev, she had a good innings though eh, 91.

RIP     

Brian W

Hi All

Day 468 has been posted.

https://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2014/09/03/day-468-of-retirement-working/

Spring time is here so hopefully some nice sunny weather is on the way.

Cheers

Big T

Thanks Brian. 91 is not a bad innings an anybodies book.

Hi All

Day 501 of retirement working has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2014/10/07/day-501-of-retirement-working/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2014/10/07/day-501-of-retirement-working/)

Cheers

Big T

PS: It is fine day's like today that get the old throttle hand a twitching.....  [Dolph]

Hi All

Day 520 has been posted.

https://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2014/10/26/day-520-of-retirement-working/

Currently getting ready for our trip to Las Vegas and then Hawaii on Thursday.

Bit of a holiday.

Cheers

Big (Traveling) T

Hi All

Day 540 of retirement working has been posted.

https://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2014/11/15/day-540-of-retirement-working/

We are back home after our Vegas / Hawaii holiday and had an awesome time.

I must say the Yanks love their Harley's. Especially riding them with NO helmets....  [roll]

More pics of the trip in the next post.

Cheers

Big T

Hi All

Day 555 of retirement working has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2014/11/30/day-555-of-retirement-working/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2014/11/30/day-555-of-retirement-working/)

Just a quick short post with the last set of Hawaii pics.

Cheers

Big T

Hi All

Day 587 of retirement working has been posted.

http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2015/01/01/day-587-of-retirement-working/ (http://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2015/01/01/day-587-of-retirement-working/)

Have an awesome New Year and here is to many great adventures in 2015.

Cheers

BigT

Hi All

Day 655 of retirement working has been published.

https://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2015/03/10/day-655-of-retirement-working/

Working and working but planning our next holidays back to the Philippines.  [thumbsup]

Cheers

Big T

Hi All

Day 727 of retirement working has been posted.

https://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2015/05/20/day-727-of-retirement-working/

Cheers

Big T

Hi All

Day 762 of retirement working has been posted.

https://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2015/06/24/day-762-of-retirement-working/

Cheers

Big T

Hi All

Day 829 has been posted.

https://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2015/08/31/day-829-of-retirement-working/

1 week to go till holidays back home in South Australia.

Cheers

Big T

Hi All

Day 847 of retirement working has been posted.

https://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2015/09/17/day-847-of-retirement-working/

Still enjoying holidays in Port Lincoln (Old stomping grounds) so life is good.

Cheers

Big T

Hi All

Day 857 of retirement working has been posted.

https://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2015/09/27/day-857-of-retirement-working/

Back to work after our family road trip which was awesome.

Cheers

BigT

Hi All

Day 898 or retirement working has been posted.

https://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2015/11/08 /day-898-of-retirement-working/

Hope to catch up with you all on Thursday night.

Cheers

Big T.

Hi All

Day 943 has been posted.

https://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2015/12/23/day-943-of-retirement-working/

Hope you all have an awesome Xmas and New Year and here is to many new
adventures in 2016.

Cheers

Big T

Hi All

Huge happy Australia day to you one and all.

Day 977 of retirement has been posted.

https://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2016/01/26/day-977-of-retirement-working/

Off to the Philippines Friday week for some R&R. Looking forward to seeing some old friends.

Cheers

Big T

Hi All

Day 997 of retirement working has been posted.

https://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2016/02/16/day-997-of-retirement-working/

Having an awesome time on our little piece of paridise and will enjoy our last few days before heading back to AUS.

Cheers

Big T

Hi All

Day 1005 of retirement working has been posted.

This post has the first half of our Philippines holidy photos and the rest will be posted in a couple of days.

https://trevorkloeden.wordpress.com/2016/02/24/day-1005-of-retirement-working/

Had a great holiday catching up with old friends.

Cheers

Big T.