Australian wilderness survivor story gets a soap opera style twist

by Scott Carmichael on

What was supposed to be a story of personal endurance and an amazing rescue, has slowly turned into a nasty family battle revolving around a lot of money.

When 19 year old backpacker Jamie Neale was found after 12 days in the Australian wild, the photos showing Mr. Neale reunited with his father probably brought a huge smile to the millions of people following the story.

The whole thing has now turned into a battle of the words (and cash) between Mr. Neale and his dad. According to one story, his dad left Australia and headed back to the UK just 19 hours after his son was rescued. The reason? A $200,000 interview he had arranged. His second TV appearance netted just under $100,000, half of which was promised to go to the various rescue operations that participated in the search.

The other side of the story paints a different picture – that side claims Mr. Neale is the bad guy, and that he is the one refusing to donate the $50,000 to the rescuers. To give the whole thing an even bigger soap opera appeal, Mr. Neale claims his dad actually walked out on the family when he was three.

UK outdoors specialists are now questioning the whole incident, and have doubts about the story Jamie told the press. I’m not sure we’ll ever get to the bottom of the story – and that is probably for the best, as there is obviously more to it than meets the eye.

Worst jobs in the world in Hamilton Island

by Tom Johansmeyer on

The lazy Brit who’s supposed to be blogging has it made, having won what is billed as “the best job in the world.” But, the many people working on the island, according to a construction union rep are far from living the good life. Hell, he likens it to Alcatraz – before it stopped being a prison, I imagine.

The workers are engaged to develop the island’s yacht club. Currently, they’re being housed in Palm Valley, which has been called “vastly inadequate.” Up to six people are being stuffed into four-person apartments, and the rooms themselves are small. The union claims that the living conditions are in breach of the original terms.

Elsewhere on Hamilton Island, the best job in the world involves a hefty salary relative to the obligations and nice digs in a luxury villa.

So, what does Park View Group CEO Geg Thompson – the man who writes the checks – say about this? Nobody’s forcing the workers to stay.

Across Austraila by train

by Kraig Becker on

Australia’s transcontinental railroad, affectionately referred to as “The Ghan”, has a long and storied history. In fact, on the 4th of August, it will celebrate the beginning of its 80th year of service as an 1850 mile north-south route running between Darwin and Adelaide. As the Ghan approaches this milestone anniversary, Australian newspaper The Age, hops the train to see how it is adapting to the 21st century, and reports back on the experience.

Nearly a year ago, the train was upgraded to include luxury service that offers private cars with comfortable couches that convert to a double bed, in-suite showers, gourmet meals and champaign delivered right to the passenger’s door. But travel writer Louise Southerden, who wrote this article, notes that it isn’t long before your attention is drawn away from the comfort and luxury to the beaituful scenery outside your window. Fortunatley, the luxury cars have windows on both sides, so you won’t miss a single thing, and unlike most other trains, this one stops for a part of each evening to ensure that nothing important is passed in the dark.

The Ghan, which derives it’s name from the caravans of camels that once delivered supplies to the Outback, which were driven by Afghans, or “Ghans” as they came to be called, runs twice weekly, with stops in the towns of Katherine and Alice Springs. The article notes that taking the journey is a bit like taking a step back in time, as much of the Australian countryside remains quite remote and steeped in tradition.

I’ve always felt that there was a certain romantic nature to traveling by train. It is a throwback to a different era, and gives you a much better sense of the countryside. The Ghan crosses the entire length of Australia and seems like an amazing way to take in a country that offers such diverse scenery, spreadout across a vast distance.

For more info this amazing train journey, go to gsr.com.au.

Is the “best job in the world” winner too busy working to blog?

by Katie Hammel on

Ben Southall became the envy of many when he beat out 34,000 other applicants and was awarded the “best job in the world” – the chance to spend six months in Australia’s Great Barrier Reef region. He even got to bring his girlfriend along for the adventure. In exchange for priceless experiences and A$150,000, Southall was to detail his adventures on regular blog posts.

But, according to The Courier-Mail, some people feel that Southall hasn’t keep up his end of the bargain. Since the job started on July 1, Southall has logged just seven posts. Tourism Queensland blames difficulties with Internet access for the skimpy posting and says that they are pleased with Southall’s performance so far, especially given his hectic schedule. Tourism Queensland also claims that Southall has conducted over 50 interviews and has a documentary crew filming his every move. From what is posted on the blog, it does seem as though Southall has a very busy schedule, with dawn-to-dusk activities planned nearly every day. Tourism Queensland also said that they were looking at ways to clear up Southall’s schedule a bit.

Hopefully they can work things out and allow Southall more time to blog. And if it turns out that Tourism Queensland isn’t pleased with his performance, I’m sure they’ll have no trouble finding a willing replacement!

Five great ways to get naked around the world

by Tom Johansmeyer on

With Nude Recreation Week just behind us, TripAdvisor has announced the top five naked events in the country. So, whether you like to wet your willie while skinny dipping or prefer to bike in the buff, you have plenty of choices to hang your wang.

Biking in the Buff: World Naked Bike Ride – Worldwide, June and July
This one just ended, but put it on your calendar for next year. Since 2004, bikers from around the world have converged to protest our car-driven culture. Show some skin for what you believe in!

Daring Dip: AANR World Record Skinny Dip – Across North America, July 2009
More than 12,000 people set a record by wearing nothing but water in July, creating the world’s largest skinny dip. Everyone had to be shoulder-deep, which I imagine was easier on the eyes in some cases … and disappointing in others.

Maslin Madness: Nude Beach Olympics – Maslin Beach, Australia, January
You have time to plan for this! Maslin is Australia’s first official nude beach, so you can take part in history as you stumble along in the three-legged race (feet, mind you, are joined).

Barely Bulls: Running of the Nudes – Pamplona, Spain, July
PETA’s “Running of the Nudes” is meant to protest bullfighting, but it doesn’t have to be political. Free your body from that fabric prison, and mingle with the few hotties you can find at these types of event. One TripAdvisor traveler admits, “I was shocked but entertained because everything was jiggling around and flopping around, if you know what I mean.”

Share Some Skin: Burning Man – Black Rock Desert, Nevada, August – September
This is an American classic, billing itself as a retreat for self-expression, creativity and community. Burning Man attracted almost 50,000 people to the Black Rock Desert in 2008, many of them getting service without shirts or shoes.