2010 ...

2010 was another year of adventures for not only me, but my whole family.  In January, we bid farewell to my brother, Tom, who was heading off for a year of travel and work in South America and Europe.  Mum headed off on her 'GAP' year to Alice Springs and I was headed to Canada, via Sydney.  I began my new job, filled with anticipation about the family and the unique experience.

Saying goodbye to Tom

Beginning my new adventure in Manly

In February, the children were pushing the boundaries and I was struggling with the isolation of my new job.  Relief came with a trip to visit family and friends in Melbourne and the beginning of my Masters study.

Birthday drinks in Melbourne

March was an adventure-free month.  The school routine began to develop more consistency and I enjoyed living in Manly. 

In April, the real adventure began when I boarded a plane bound for Calgary.  I was greeted by cold weather and snow.   I practiced driving on the wrong side of the road with a day trip to Banff.

The snowy ranch

My first trip into the Rockies ... snow covered Banff

In May, the family decided to travel to Africa to build a school, which left me with three free weeks.  After frantically finishing my first lot of uni assignments, I headed off on my first North American adventure, travelling to New York, Boston, Montreal and Quebec City.  Despite the stress of having my wallet and passport stolen, the trip had many highlights including four Broadway shows, Ellis Island, Harvard University and old Quebec City.

The Manhattan skyline

Harvard University

Crepes in Montreal

Old Quebec City

June was filled with Cowtown activities including cattle branding, cattle drives and polo playing.  At the end of June, I jetted off to Florida for the ASCD Summer Conference.  The conference was great, Orlando was a let-down and Miami was filled with Art Deco delights.

My first cattle branding experience

Learning to play polo

Beautiful Art Deco in Miami

The adventures continued in July, with my first trip to the family's island, near Salt Spring Island.  I also visited Vancouver for the first time as well as attending the Calgary Stampede.

First sea plane trip

Fairy Door hike on Salt Spring Island

Vancouver

The Calgary Stampede

August was the month of hiking.  I did many great hikes with C. and the family.  August also bought another trip to the family's island.

Bald Hills in Jasper

Kananaskis Country

Waterton NP and Glacier NP from Mount Bertha

Sunset from Deadmans Island

In September, the highly anticipated event of Mum's visit arrived.  We had a wonderful three weeks spending time on the family's island, in Vancouver, on the ranch, in the Rockies and also a flying visit to New York.

Kayaking in the Gulf Islands

Mum acquaints herself with the locals in New York

Mother and daughter hiking in the Rockies

October bought the end of Mum's trip and the frantic packing to get ready to return to Australia.

Cowgirls ready for the cattle drive

November was all about re-acquainting myself with Australia - catch ups with family and friends, spending time on the beach and exploring Brisbane with C.

Dad comes to Sydney for a visit

Catch up with my baby bro in Melbourne

In December, C. came to Sydney for a surprise visit and I headed back to Melbourne for Christmas.

Rob's snapper delight at the Davidson family reunion upon everyone's return to Melbourne

Tom with the family dog, Charlie

Mum on Christmas Eve

Dad and his partner, Carla, open their Christmas crackers

Helping Grandmother with her new telephones

The city from Clifton Hill on Christmas Day

So, that's it ... 2010, another year of adventures.  Bring on more in 2011, I say!  A taste of what's to come - another visit from C, my 30th birthday, a trip to San Francisco, several road trips and hopefully a visit to Canada from Dad, plus many more I hope!  I hope everyone has a happy, mindful and successful 2011!