Maroondah Dam

Another one of the past weekends was spent with my girl visiting Maroondah Dam. Cecilia and I were shocked to see how little water there was in it! Sure we've all read the reports about water shortages but it wasn't until I saw the levels with my own eyes that I realised that things have really changed.


Me and a hot chick.

It's amazing how the curators have managed to keep the gardens around the dam so lush and well-looked after. Anyway, it was a lovely day in all, we even found a new Beechworth Bakery in Healesville on the way back. Unfortunately it was quite late when we walked in, and they had sold out of Bee Stings. I'm sure my arteries were quite thankful for this.

Devil City Swing

I was about to write that I had never been to such a cold camp but that's not true. The Halloween Camp in Stockholm was held during their Autumn (just after Halloween, actually). It was snowing on the streets and I was wearing my 'Michelan Man' jacket.

In Hobart, the snow kept to the mountain, but it was still very chilly. I had a good time catching up with the likes of Duncs and Kara, and met some lovely people from all over Oz, as well as Tassie. In fact, I don't think I've seen so many Adelaidians in the one room! They were all top people and I only wish I could have stayed longer to get to know them better.

The actual weekend was quite relaxed, we went on an Art Deco architecture tour during the day, but got side-tracked when we walked by a music store. The tour went on but we just couldn't leave the store. And besides, Sam had a lot to catch up on with her ol' buddy the store manager.

It's true what they say- the bands in Tassie are unbeliveably good! I only got to sample 3 bands but they were all fantastic! I recommend trying out the live music scene to everyone who visits!


Just a few of the crew- Helen, Bernard, Liv and Bryce



Kev from Canberra!



Sam



Dave and Finn



Finn, yep they're starting really young now!



Finn and proud mum Heidi

Australian Jitterbug Championships

...sounds like a waaaay to formal name for a swing comp!

I competed with Timana in the Strictly Lindy, and Steph R. in the Slow. No placings in either of these, but we did do well, and I'm really glad for the experience of the practice sessions- I know it's helped my dancing and I've gotten to know Tim and Steph more.

I also placed third (yes I seem to be good at coming third!) in the Open J&J. I was paired up with Loz Y. in the final. She was a bit nervous at the start but once we got going- it was just so inspiring to see her confidence level sky-rocket!!

Go Team Green!!



Woo-hoo!!





I love to sliiiiiiide!!

Next stop- Hellzapoppin in Canberra. And then Showdown in the US!!

In other dance news, Brats have started on Traffic Jam after 'finishing'* Big Apple. So when we're done with TJ, we'll have a total of 3 routines under our belt! So we'll be like a real troupe!!

*'Finishing', as in I gotta learn the corrie!!

It's been great getting right into the action back in Melboune. I'm loving it here, and as far as dancing is concerned, that's thanks to the Melbourne community and of course Swing Patrol. They cop a lot of criticism but they should also be praised for their huge input in promoting the dance here.

Werribee

Ok, it's blog catchup-time and I'm just recapping the last few crazy weeks...

One lovely weekend was spent at the Werribee Mansion and Open Range Zoo to celebrate Theo's birthday. It was supposed to be a big surprise for Teddy, until he started to recognise the cars in the carpark!



Part of the gang. Besides Bich, I'm only just getting to know them. Figured if I crash enough of their gatherings I'll eventually be accepted.





We should have gotten in for free considering all the maintenance work we did!





Inside the Mansion- the largest acid-etched window in Melbourne. Ooooooh!





The lovely couple!!





Meerkats. It's tough being a loner.





Ahhh! How quickly allegiances change!





Giraffes at sunset

CBD- 22nd June

A smaller-than-usual crowd, probably because it's the Thursday after AJC. And one very slick, inconsistent floor! I played the second round following a high-energy kickin' set by Keith.

Because the crowd had reacted so well to Keith's old-skool set I felt a need to continue with the old-skool theme, and maybe ease into some groove later on. Except for Keith, I don't think anyone else (??) noticed I played 2 of the numbers he had already spun (Tain't What You Do and East Street Louis Toodle-oo).

We had some trouble with some over-zealous sub-woofers. Next time this happens I'll call in the experts (ie. Cam) to take a look. I had the bass right down but that sub-woofer just kept on booming- most songs were fine, there was only a handful that were really affected.

All-in-all a fun relaxed night, no more DJ nerves here!