Plans or just ideas?

Tasmanian boxer Daniel Geale
defends his middleweight title
in Hobart on 31 August.
(web image)

Back at Jeanneret Beach and planning to learn how to snorkel and dive. Diving requires about $400 worth of gear including wetsuit, mask, snorkel and flippers. Even in summer you'd need a very good wetsuit to swim in Tasmanian waters. Ben mentioned Tuyet visiting sometime in August, and a trip to Hobart to see a boxing match. He also mentioned the possibility of travelling on the mainland and riding up to Queensland. It seems there are lots of plans, or maybe they're just ideas. I'm left wondering where he'll be on the 18th December for his 21st birthday. The ENT specialist in Launceston cauterised both nostrils and that's the end of the visits for now because there's been a significant improvement.

One year ago - Bridge Road Richmond.

Epworth Hospital Richmond
(web image)

Left another specialist appointment

with more than a few worries.
Prescriptions and medications
to deal with symptoms.
While real causes
remain a mystery still.
Groups of shoppers
saunter along Bridge Road.
Happily discussing their
shoes, accessories and clothes.
Lined up side-by-side
they stop without warning.
Blocking the narrow pavement
with, it seems, scant regard for others.
Resisting the urge to complain
we mutter and push through.
Must reach the car
before the limit expires.

That was just one year ago.

Seafood and stews.

Ben's back at the Bay of Fires and eating GOOD food. Back in Melbourne, some new motorcycle gear has been purchased: boots, a bag and waterproof liner. Finally, Uncle Peter and I had lunch in one of Ben's favourite restaurants. Ben was there too.

Late evening update: Camped at Diana's Basin tonight and heading to Launceston tomorrow for another ENT appointment. Spent the past few days visiting a long-term camper at Jeanneret Beach. Dented the fortnightly budget with the purchase of a "telescopic" fishing rod. It's much easier to transport than the old single-piece rod which had to be tied to the bike like a lance.

Ben and the art of motorcycle maintenance.

It pays to look after a bike, especially if you're touring in remote places. Not so long ago, all the workings of a motorcycle were a complete mystery but, over time, some of the art has been learned if not mastered. Oil and filter changes; brake pad changes; bleeding the clutch and brake lines; replacing indicators; cleaning, oiling and adjusting the chain; as well as skills like controlling the bike on gravel, riding with a flat tyre, dealing with a flooded engine (a flooded Ducati sounds like a gun when it backfires) and trying to maintain speed with a dodgy throttle. One of the difficulties is that you often need gadgets and tools. Improvisation is possible, as shown in the pics. This is one way to lift the rear wheel when cleaning and oiling the chain. I wouldn't use it to safely hold the bike when the rear wheel is removed, you'd need two boxes for that. No need to lift the bike manually either; just angle the box under the trailing arm and pull the bike backwards till the box is vertical. Placing the stand on a length of board allows the stand to slide back with the bike. Of course there are some tasks where it's necessary or advisable to go to a mechanic. Changing tyres is one and replacing timing belts is another, although the belts can be replaced DIY. Last time Ben was in Launceston, he quietly browsed through the wholesale price lists while the mechanic worked on the bike. The retail markup and, of course, labour can make motorcycle maintenance expensive at times.

Jazz goes to Chelsea beach.

Ben's in Derby today and the weather is magnificent. Ben's dog, Jazz, who still lives at home in Melbourne, drove down to Chelsea for her first visit to the beach since she was a young pup. She loved the beach and soon discovered the water wasn't good to drink. Two years ago, Ben would regularly swim at Chelsea, even in winter. Jazz would like to visit Tasmania some time. Although, she'd need a nice big yard to stay in because it's not an entirely "dog friendly" place and dogs are banned in many areas.

Spiral Creations.

(web image)

Spiral Creations is the name of a jewellery store in St Helens. Ben's been talking with the owner about producing jewellery incorporating some of the gemstones that have been collected and cut. Their website shows examples of the items on sale and they do look impressive. Of the three topaz sent to Hobart only one was cut; the other two stones were faulty in some way. However, the one that was cut has turned out really well and looks like a large glittery diamond. It's cold and miserable in Tasmania today. The gloves are wet and that makes riding the bike uncomfortable. He's abandoned a planned trip to St Helens and, instead, will buy a hot lunch at the Holy Cow Cafe in Pyengana.


4pm update: According to the "tracking device", he did go to St Helens after all. The current device readout shows a balance of under $50.00; having to replace a worn front motorbike tyre sure dented this week's budget.

Loupe.

Loupe

This is a loupe (pronounced loop). It looks like a hand-held weapon but actually it's a magnifier that's used by jewellers and experienced fossickers to examine gemstones. This one has 10X and 20X magnification with 10X being the standard used by jewellers. If there's no flaw at 10X magnification, the gem is "flawless". Ben's getting one of these in the mail in a day or two. He's also teamed up with a jewellery maker in St Helens who will manufacture a pair of sapphire ear rings. I received this SMS yesterday: "This is an automated message. Your order has been placed. Hamilton Sapphire Co."  I'll admit to placing the order but I'm not going to wear the ear rings! Who is? Watch this space.