Fiji - 1984

It was the end of a very long hard year's work on 'A Country Practice' at Channel Seven. John, my partner at the time, and I decided to take our first overseas holiday together. We booked Fiji with the intention of lying around on the beach, learning to wind surf and soaking up the sun. We found out only a day or two before  leaving that pat McDonald, the actress John was working with on 'Son's and Daughters' was going to be staying in the same Hotel, the Regent of Fiji for about the same period of time. Surely, we thought, Pat would have her own friends or entourage with her. But no. When we arrived, we realised she wanted us to be her entourage. Throw an ex-minor celebrity like Jim Schwartzman and his young 'business partner' into the equation and you have a recipe for the holiday from hell. It wasn't that bad really. There were some quite entertaining moments. Like the night Jim told us that Pat was after him. Maybe she really believed the 'business partner' story?!

1982 - Oriana South Pacific Cruise

Enjoyed sailing on the high seas (particulary bad coming back from NZ) but nope, would probably not do it again! I think I was on 'G' Deck. There is a new Oriana now. This one was sold to a Chinese company to become part of a theme park, caught fire, was blown over in a gale just when it was about to become a carpark and then lay on its side for a while before the decision was made to finally scrap it. (See Link)



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1979. Ames IA, to Chicago USA

My dear friends Steve and Dori take me on a trip to Chicago.

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1979 USA Midwest and Eastcoast

March 1979 - FLORIDA& WASHINGTON, D.C. TOUR BLURB

1ST DAY: Cedar Falls - St. Louis, Missouri. Anticipation coupled with excitement and the certain knowledge of a well planned, worry-free vacation prevail as our motor coach departs for St. Louis. Upon our arrival we'll take you to the Gateway Arch. This 630 foot engineering marvel, designed by the famous architect Eero Saarinen, is the nation's tallest and most elegant memorial... It was dedicated to the spirit of the pioneers who settled the West after the -Louisiana Purchase. You'll take an exhilarat¬ing ride, to the apex of the arch, inside a special self-leveling capsule transporter. Sixteen windows on each side of the observation deck afford a breathtaking panorama. After checking into our accommodations and having.' a chance to freshen up & relax we'll take you down to the riverfront to board the U.S.S. Admiral Excursion Boat. It is full air conditioned, has five over-air sheltered decks and features live music & dancing.2ND DAY: St Louis - Chattanooga Tennessee. Checking out and boarding the bus, we're on. our way to Chattanooga. We'll pass through Music City, U.S.A. - Nashville, Tennessee. You'll be free to explore the city of Chattanooga on your own after our check in.3RD DAY: Chattanooga - orlando Florida. A very special treat is assured today before leaving Chattanooga for you'll ride the Incline Rail¬way to Lookout Mountain. Time will be given for viewing and then it's on to Orlando for the next three nights.4th Day: Disney World, the "Vacation Kingdom of the World." You'll be treated to theme park attractions such as the Hall of Presidents, the Tree House, the Carousel of Progress, It's a Small World, Space Mountain and countless others. We'll ride the monorail through the lobby of the Contemporary Hotel (or take the ferry across the lake at your discretion) to an unforgettable experience of fun and excitement.5TH DAY: Orlando_, Florida. This morning we're on our way to the orange groves near Winter Haven, Florida, giving you an opportunity to purchase some of the luscious fruit for which Florida is famous, before going to Cypress Gardens. The New Gardens of the World are open featuring a spec¬tacular waterfall, a fifty foot Dutch windmill and an All-American Rose Garden! The daily water ski revue with the thrilling delta wing kiteman, barefoot skiing and the beautiful Aqua Maids in graceful ballet are some of the highlights of this visit.. This afternoon we'll take in Sea World, a $20 million, 125 acre sea adventure. See Shamu, a leaping two ton killer whale, take a bareback rider for the plunge of his life - trained dolphins - sharks and exotic fish - a Japanese. Village with pearl divers a South Sea,Village - The Fountain Fantasy of the 'Future.. Enjoy delicacies from the world over and gorgeous gardens. It's entertaining, exciting, and educational!6TH DAY : Orlando “One small step for Man, one giant leap for Mankind.” Neil Armstrong's words are recalled as we head for Kennedy Space Center for a two hour tour of the Center, Museum and launching pads that sent the United States into the Space Age. This afternoon we'll go to Dayton Beach where we'll check into our rooms and then you are free to enjoy the beach & ocean shores.

7TH DAY: Daytona, Beach St Augustine Florence, South Carolina. Leaving Daytona this morning we start our way north to St. Augustine for a-tour of the United States' oldest city - Ponce de Leon landed here in1513 in search of his Fountain of Youth and the city has been preserved and remarkably restored. Our tour here will be in a colorful surrey from which we can leisurely absorb the sights and description of the Old Spanish Church, America's Oldest House and-the Slave Market. Then we'll travel on as far as Florence, South Carolina.8TH DAY: -Williamsburg Virginia. Checking out this morning will travel into the beautiful state of Virginia. The restoration of Williamsburg is one of the most complete and meticulous reconstructions in the world. It is overnight stop

for tonight.9TH DAY: Williamsburg- Monticello -Washington D.C: Before leaving-¬Williamsburg you'll be shown The House of Burgesses, Governor's Palace and gardens and the Williamsburg Court House. Then it's on to Monticello, the home which Thomas Jefferson designed, built, and resided in. It con¬tains much memorabilia and fascinating examples of this multi-talented and uncommon man's inventive genius. Late this afternoon we'll arrive in the nation's capital Washington, D.C. where we'll stay for the next four nights.10TH DAY: Washington, D.C. The entire day is going to be spent at the Smithsonian Institute. Here you can view John Glenn's.Space Capsule, Lindbergh's "Spirit of St. Louis," the collection of Inaugural gowns of the First Ladies and the original copy of the Star Spangled Banner. The possibilities are endless and you'll lose all track of time as you find yourself totally immersed in the exhibits.11TH DAY: Washington, D. C. A full day of guided sightseeing awaits us. We will see downtown Washington, the Capitol, the Bureau of Engraving, Just-ca..-Department and the National Gallery of Art. A visit to the White House and then across the Potomac to Arlington National Cemetery - to view the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and John F. and Robert Kennedy's graves. On to Alexandria, Virginia, circling the Pentagon enroute, our next stop will be at George Washington's home in Mt. Vernon. Here you'll tour the house and gardens and visit George and Martha Washington's tomb on the shore of the Potomac River.12TH DAY : Washington, D. C. The day is yours to visit and explore places that interest you. You might wish to tour the Capitol, the Lincoln, Jefferson, and Washington Memorials or go back to spend some additional time at the Smithsonian Institute. Tonight we'll see Washington after dark, a glittering spectacle, including the lighted Capitol Dome and hauntingly beautiful Lincoln Memorial.13TH DAY: Washington, D.C.- Gettysburg - Sandusky, Ohio. - We're off to Gettysburg this morning where you'll see the area of the great Civil War battlefield and President Eisenhower's farm in the distance. After checking into our fine accommodations in Sandusky, those that would like to go to the Cedar Point Amusement Park at their own cost are free to go. The bus driver will take you and pick you up at a time agreed upon by all.14TH DAY: Sandusky.-Chicago Illinois.Travelling to the Windy City of Chicago we'll arrive in time enough to take a short tour of the city and some of its highlights such as the Sears Tower and possibly a drive through Chinatown.15TH DAY: Chicago -Cedar Falls, Iowa. We're homeward bound this morning as our motor coach rolls through the midwest countryside to Cedar Falls.
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1978 My First World Travel Experience - USA with YFU

Sydney, Australia to Maxwell IOWA USA. July 1978.
RR1 MAXWELL IOWA 50161

Letter home 23/9/1978

Dear Everyone,
Thanks for your letter Mum (dated 15th Sep.)That one only took eight days to get here! I'm very sorry if I've been repeating things, I know how boring that can be. The other day I had a dream that I got back and everybody had changed… nobody knew me! It really gave me the creeps man! So far I’ve had letters from Jo, Wendy and Meagan…friend-wise that is.Today (being Saturday) I met Sonny, Barb’s brother. He is a bachelor and can spend all his money on really big and expensive farm equipment. Today we’re going to Sac City to see Steph and Kevin again and stay there for a little while (until tomorrow night). I understand it’s a really long drive. In a while I’ll be going up the road a bit to a different church which is Granma and Pa Caple’s church ‘cause it’s holding a fete of some kind. After that we’ll take off.

Thanks heaps for the badges Mum, I know if I wore them in Australia I would look like a real ‘space-case’ (which means a lot of space between the ears, but here it means so much more. Did I tell you about that orientation I’m going to on Sep 30? Well I’ve got to take a typical Aust. Meal for a pot-luck dinner. I’ve racked my brains and I think I’ve thought of something but it is too late for you to try and help me now. A letter telling me something good would take too long to get here. Please say soory for me to those who have said anything about my not writing yet as there just doesn’t seem to be enough hours in the day…I’m especially meaning Warren. I’ll try as hard as anything to write to you real soon.

Well I’m really terribly sorry but this cannot be an extensive letter. It’s just a short not to let you know I got that letter and so sent you these photos I took as soon as I got here.

Lots of love from your long lost son.

Col

PS I’m getting on a lot better with Roxanne now – I’ve always been getting on with Bryce.PPS I really liked getting those little surprises in the mail ..please continue to surprise me!

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