NaDave Aussie: Feb 25-Mar 1 (Conference, Air Show, Festivals & Rowing)

It was a short week after Sydney, as Nadine & I were invited to present posters on our PhD work at a conference hosted by Deakin University in Geelong.

Wed Feb 25

After an early work day, Dave traveled via train to Geelong and arrived ~5p.  We walked over to the hotel where the conference was held, and got there just as the session began.  We had a great time discussing our research with other researchers, as well as networking with academics & industry partners.  Also, our program director from Southern Miss was there (Dr Wiggins) and he was very pleased to see us representing USM at the conference.  Dave also got the chance to meet the Deakin professor he almost wrote his Australia proposal with (if the proposal with Dr Fuss fell through)

After the session, we joined Dr Wiggins for dinner and drinks at a nearby pub, and also met a group of Boeing PhD Engineers.  We strolled home with full bellies & an Australian conference on our resumes!

Nadine, Dr. Kzeminski, Dr. Wiggins, Dr. Tucker

Thurs Feb 26

The day was geared around tours.  After Dave called his Mom to wish her a Happy 60th Bday (woo!), Nadine gave Dave a tour of the Deakin Sports Engineering facilities.  We saw all the labs and met several people (from around the globe!).  Deakin is quite an impressive campus, and will be making noise inthe upcoming future.

We then met up with the conference group and joined them for their planned social event at a local brewery.  After some conversations & tasty brews, we caught the bus back into town.  On the way home, we found a new pub that was starting their Trivia night.  So we popped in, struggled to answer even the most obvious Aussie questions, and then finally continued on home.

Poem at Brewery

Fri Feb 27

Today was the final day of the conference, and it was held at the Australia Int'l Air Show.  Everyone from the conference was given free tickets, so of course we joined in!  We toured the planes, walked around the trade show, and hit up the free lunch.  It was then time for the true Airshow to being, which was highlighted by 'experiencing' the F-18s take off & fly around.  Very exhilarating!

The wind picked up and the dark clouds rolled in, so we caught a bus back into Geelong.  We quickly stopped home to change clothes, and then headed to a local Nightjar Festival.  As the sun went down, the festival lit up!  There were also live bands, and after a little wine, Nadine & I were dancing to a local blues musician.

USA at Air Show!

Air Show

Nightjar Festival

Sat Feb 28

We woke up at 630am to head to Torquay beach for surfing!  The waves were calm, but were plenty to surf on.  Nadine tried out a hard board for the 1st time & it was a success.  Both of us were surfing waves in Australia!

For the afternoon, we headed to the Sustainable Hook & Vine festival.  It was full of seafood, wineries with tastings, and live local music again.  Sure enough, we were dancing until the end.  We then biked home before the sun went down & right before a thunder shower!  What a sustainable day...biking, surfing, wine & local food.

Surfer Girl

Surfer Dude

Nadine gettin' that free wine!

Huge Prawns at Hook & Vine

Sun Mar 1

To cap off our long weekend, Nadine had the awesome idea to sign up for our 1st rowing lesson.  There was a local rowing club on a nearby river, so we biked over for a 930am lesson.  We knew that rowing coordination was tough, but we now have a totally new appreciation.

We shared a 4 person boat with a lady Aussie that said it best "Isn't rowing terribly British?"  Also, our teacher was Peter from the UK, and he was a delight.  So proper!  Nadine & I had a blast and were finally getting the hang of it by the end...maybe we'll try a two person boat next time!

We biked home for lunch & then firmed up our plans for the Great Barrier Reef next weekend!  The forecast said no Cyclones & plenty of sun!

Rowing Club & River