Google Map Link

Hi All,

Here is a link to a google map that will show you where we have been.

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&ll=47.465236,-123.046875&spn=2.109338,4.614258&z=7&msid=101994170700744657574.000466743d768cc66ab8e

Olympia

On the weekend we arrived in Olympia the capital of Washington. The weather was predictably terrible but neither we nor the locals had expected snow. Apparently the relatively warm??? conditions were the cause of the very large snowflakes. It was very unusual for us to see snow right on the coast!

We enjoyed the Olympia Rotary spirit with a wonderful and snowy welcome party complete with magnificent prime rib. Miraculously the weather did clear up for a short time on Sunday resulting in some gorgeous views of the Cascades.

We must be moving up in the world as we were given a unique tour of the Supreme Court by the Chief Justice. The Temple of Justice has a long history and is a beautiful building. We also had the privilege of sitting in on parliament and toured the Capitol Building. The bill for enhancement of 911 was under debate but was certain to be voted in as the Democrats have a significant majority.

The GSE Team is a cohesive unit now and we are all enjoying the GSE experience.

Keep glued to your screens for more updates soon.

Beautiful Scenery

Big City Lights

Friday, our last full day hosted by the Kingston Rotary Club. We were off on the ferry to Seattle, across Puget Sound. First up was the Space Needle, built for the 1962 World Fair. Although the weather wasn't clear, the view from 520 feet was a must see. http://www.spaceneedle.com/

From here, we were taken on a driving tour of the inner city by our driver, and Shana's host, Fredrick. All week he has navigated us through the Olympic Peninsula, and today we were shown the International District, the Upside down building (it's narrower at it's base), Pioneer Square.

The team was amazed at how many Starbucks there were, almost on every corner.

A highlight of the day was our tour of the Seattle Public Library. A very interesting building architecturally, and functionally. We had a great tour guide, very passionate about books and the interaction we have with them. We were even treated to a tour of the book sorting machine, which is usually only for employee's eye's only. Very sophist acted, and handles 1200 books an hour, and sorts for over 20 library's in the district, plus Seattle itself. Our tour at the Library was followed by a lunch at the Women's University Club. Hosted by Jerry's hosts from the Kingston Rotary Club.

In some ways, lunch continued at Pike Place Market, where samples of all the fresh produce were aplenty. From fresh salmon, to chocolate pasta, fruit, and spicy jam's. With people everywhere, and vendor's promoting their wares, it felt very much like Melbourne's Queen Vic Markets. Oh, the the first ever Starbucks was right across the street.

After departing the market with a bag of fresh, hot mini doughnuts, Washington University was our next stop. The Dean of Forestry is an Australian, an old friend of Jerry's from Forestry School. He showed us around the beautiful campus, and told of the student numbers (~250) within Forestry, and about the program they run there.

We had a great day, full of an assortment of what Seattle has to offer, but I think we all agree that you need more than a day to see Seattle, and that we would have to come back some day.

Elk in Hoh Rainforest

Since the last post, plenty has been going on, although the weather is still the same. Cold and raining.

Vocational days have allowed us to learn more of forest management in the area, visiting Olympic Resource Management's harvesting operation, while also learning of the extension work of of Washington State University in aiding private forest land owners..

Visiting the Hoh Rainforest on Thursday was a highlight. On the way we saw many interesting things, from miniature donkeys, to a cat with 6 toes, and the vampire town of Forks. But let's talk about the rainforest, for starters, it rains 144 inches annually (3.5m). The forest was magnificent, with trees over 500 years old, and over 80 metres tall.

The wildlife was also amazing. We came across elk and evidence of beaver. Perhaps a slow way to cut down trees, but it certainly impressed us.

Kingston-North Kitsap

Since arriving in Seattle on Monday, we have all been very busy. Immediately after landing, we were greeted with some less than warm conditions (~50deg F), something we would need to get used too. From plane, to ferry, we arrived in Kingston and were met by our host families. It was great to be in comfortable surrounds, have a non plane food meal, shower and have a well earned rest.

Tuesday morning came around rather fast, and by lunchtime, we were off to Suquamish, the local Native American Tribe Headquarters. An informative afternoon was shared, learning of the tribe's history in the region, land management regimes - including forestry, and visiting some cultural and historic sites in the area.

In the evening, we attended at dinner at a local Rotarian's home, where we were welcomed by wonderful, friendly people and a great meal. The end of our first full day was now over, and we couldn't wait to get out into the forest for a Vocational day the following day.

G'Day USA

Hi All,

After a successful District Conference last weekend the team is ready for departure.

I can confirm that everyone has made it to the airport on time and has managed to get their luggage under the weight limits. Unfortunately the flight has been delayed for an hour but with an adequate supply of coffee at the airport we dont expect a repeat of what happened at Sydney Airport.

Due to the time delay we will be landing at Seatac later today so goodbye Australia and G'day USA.

Ciao

District Conference this Weekend

The D9780 team consisting of (from left to right) Shana Read, Andrew Matheson Jerry Leech (Team Leader) Jane Charles and Tim McDonnell have been busy over the last few months preparing for the GSE exchange.

We have had generous support from each of our sponsors to whom we would like to extend avery special thankyou - Komatsu Forest, Thales, Cemex, IFA, and Osmose.

This weekend is the D9780 conference which is the first offical engagement for the trip.

Bye for now!