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Crossing a creek near Fitzroy Falls

Activities with Gisela and Pico. Gisela and Pico stay with us until July 12th. Most of the time, they discover Sydney on their own, walking to even the most remote areas in the city. We quote Pico: "My whole life I haven't been walking so much!". Consequently, their physical condition gets better day by day. On the weekends the four of us take the car and explore the surrounding area. A weekend in our beloved Kiama to the south – and of course a comprehensive visit to the Blue Mountains in Sydney's west mustn't be missing. Over there, Gisela and Pico walk from Govetts Leap to Pulpit Rock, cross a creek, which soon afterwards becomes a waterfall. They hike along the rim, through eucalypt forests (on the sunny tops) and rain forest (in the shady canyons). We watch eagles and red-blue parots. That day's highlight is a pick-nick on Anvil Rock with 360° views across the wilderness and down to Sydney at the horizon. As all our visitors before, Gisela and Pico now can claim to have made a real bushwalk.

Australian signpost in Berry

Swimming. Claudia's arm fracture encourages her to frequently go swimming. The physical excercise helps in the rehabilitation process, and the water supports Claudia in lifting her left arm, which after three month is still her major handicap. However, after a long working day it's hard to bring yourself to do it. A psychological trick helps: Go for a swim together with a friend or your partner. Another way to cheat yourself: We use to swim ten double laps, no matter how long the pool. Ours at home is 25 meters, which results in 500 meters. But from time to time we go to the North Sydney Olympic Pool, which has a 50 meter salt water pool. Folks, there is no such thing as swimming in heated salt water in the late evening. In the outside, having a marvellous view on the illuminated Harbour Bridge. Peter has to admit: For the very first time in his life he was swimming one kilometer.

Shadow, the Shetland Sheepdog puppy

Shadow, the Shetland Sheepdog puppy. Our German friends in Sydney hardly show up in July. Winter in Down Under is the perfect time for a visit in good old Germany. Silvia is on a business trip in Europe, and so is Eric who has a project in Walldorf. Bine accompanies him, Irina and Matthias spend their holiday in Germany. On the other hand, the Aussies, real ones as well as immigrants, just ignore the winter season. Peta invites to a barbeque where Arlan prepares a wonderful Ocean Trout and two Barramundis. Poppy is still sailing her dinghy every fortnight, though with new crew. Erica and Mark got addicted by Maggie, the Golden Retriever (cf. monthly report November 2002). By mid of July Shadow, a Shetland Sheepdog puppy, joins their small family. We immediately volunteer for doggie sitting.

Well-prepared for training

Relief. In the morning of Friday, 18th of July, tears are flowing: Tears of relief. In her usual physiotherapist session, Claudia's arm is massaged, flexed, stretched. And suddenly it can be completely lifted, just as it is supposed to be! It's three months now since Claudia has a stiff shoulder. All the time there was uncertainty whether (optimistically) it is just a matter of time till the arm can be moved again, or (pessimistically) whether there would remain some stiffness. A couple of hours after the treatment, the shoulder has stiffened up again. But this does not matter. It was lifted once, therefore, it will work again. On the weekend we are back to paddling our kayaks. In the middle of winter we camp at Bonnie Vale camp site in the Royal National Park and participate in a training weekend, which is organised by the NSW Sea Kayak Club. Peter is introduced to different techniques of assisted rescue after a capsize. Eventually, he deliberately capsizes on his own to practice an assisted re-entry into the boat. This works so well that our trainer Andrew is kind of startled when Peter admits that he had never done this exercise before. If he would have known, we would have practised in more sheltered waters.