Snapshots from DownUnder Deetour

From September '09 until April '10, I was able to see a lot of Australia. Some old haunts, some new ones. When not on the road, I took time to explore my own backyard and uncover some secrets of Sydney.

Here are some of the Queen Dee in Queensland and the Island Nomad in Tasmania, the largest island of Australia.

South Australia Holiday

Australia Day (26 January) proudly celebrated with matching cap and flag at Adelaide's Henley Beach.

Adelaide Adventures: South Australia Revisted

Dee Farrell currently lives and works in Australia, Canada and the US, as the weather suits. She is currently on assignment in South Australia, home of some of the best known grape growing regions downunder.

Kept thinking of my brother Joe, a Wednesday night marathon cyclist back in Indianapolis. This past Wednesday, I caught a glimpse of his idol, Lance Armstrong, who put together a team to ride in the Down Under Tour in South Australia.

I rode into Adelaide (on a motorscooter not racing bike) for the long weekend, not realizing the bike tour would wind all through the wine region and around downtown. It was exciting to watch close up and personal as well as on the nightly news.

My former business name was DeeTours DownUnder, so love the race moniker...The Tour Down Under.

Previously, I had personal guided trips to Adelaide Hills, McLaren Vale and the Barossa Valley. This trip, my goal was Clare Valley, home of some notable reislings and world-class shiraz. Thanks to my Bacchus Wine Society (Denver) mate Barry, I had a great day visiting some of his local favorites...Mt Serum (09 Nebbiolo), Monarch ($100/case shiraz special), Sevenhills ($5 wine skin), Stonebridge (pizza and wheat beer), Neagles Rock (08 Shiraz).

Wine touring down under - superb!