hellocloud photography by Ken Lönnström » wwoofing

One stormy night

Ken — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 14:18:59 +0000

We came home an hour ago to the kiwi orchard where we now live for an undetermined amount of time. We have been out in Myrtleford (45 minutes away) to a restaurant with a couple which we just recently got to know. Isaac and Janna. Wonderful people! Janna actually comes from Sweden and Isaacs mom is from Sweden but he was born in Australia. He lived with Janna in Sweden for four years but they moved back to Australia a short time ago.

All day have been a bit stormy, very big and dark rainy clouds have been moving over us. Just before we left tonight it began pouring down and by the time we left the car running for Janna and Isaacs door, the rain stood like fish rods in the ground.

The night was very pleasant filled with Swedish words and ugly songs. On our way home we had a few problems, or more like a test drive course to confirm the handling on Herman is awesome. Big sticks had fallen down from the trees. Some of the trees had also buckled for the weight of the storm. Luckily for us we were able to sneak around all of these trees.

Now that we came home to Leigh and Tina, they were awake waiting for us. They had been out tonight as well and a neighbor who drove before them had a chainsaw with him, so he began chopping the trees in the way. That’s why we could get pass. If we wouldn’t have gotten home until midnight they would have gone to find us since there is no cell phone signal.

Now it really is time for bed so we are ready to prune and tie down kiwi trees in the orchard tomorrow.

But how are you guys?

Back to the roots

Ken — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 12:10:14 +0000

After five years waiting I have finally taken the step combining the future with my past. What before felt so hard, just now feels so right. What is it that sometimes scares us so that we hide parts of ourselves? Working with Beetles will always remind me of the time me and my father spent together all these sunny days and dark rainy nights in the garage. Dreaming. Fantasizing. Discussing. Drawing. Spending time.

Why have I lost so much time not working with Beetles since I have so many wonderful memories linked together with them? They give me so many flashbacks from a time long ago, that during certain periods lay forgotten in the pool of memories. Probably because I know I will never ever experience and gain more mental pictures together with my dad.

But I can get many more special memories that will remind me of my father. And honestly, what is life worth if you don’t have any good memories to pull forth from the back of your head? Isn’t that really what life is about? Any day you want, just sit down and be able to go through everything that have made you smile, laugh or just given you that good feeling inside of your chest.

We are with Beetle!

Ken — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 10:42:00 +0000

His name is Herman. He’s an awesome, totally relaxed dude who really enjoys a luxurious massage containing valve adjustment and some poking on the carburetor. The three of us (me, my better half and Jenny) will in a few months travel around Australia. If you want to join for a road trip, just write. We’ll pick you up!

Kancoona Valley

Ken — Sat, 30 May 2009 23:54:11 +0000

This is just a short message from a computer connected to the internet through a satellite modem. We are alive and well. There is no cell phone signal here so you cannot really reach us. I’ll write soon again, but now we are to prepare lunch for a few people.

Take care and stay happy!

ps. The above picture was taken just before we were picked up in a small town called Myrtleford. Right now we surely live outside of the civilization.

Happy birthday Nellie!

Ken — Thu, 28 May 2009 10:37:43 +0000

It is my niece’s second birthday today so anyone who reads this can use the comments field to say happy birthday to her. The picture above is also a tribute to Nellie. Look at the license plate. She loves to scare people, especially me and Jenny. Walks up to us, hides her face behind her hands and pulls them quickly away screaming “boooh”. Another funny thing with the picture is the beautiful awesome Swedish Volvo.

Life is grand here in Australia. Today I sat at a café for four hours writing on several blog entries which I have not (obviously) posted but they ought to be finished in a few days with pictures and everything. However there are some recent news. Me and Jenny are leaving Melbourne tomorrow and we’re going to a place called Kancoona Valley, which is in the north eastern part of the state Victoria, same as Melbourne. We are to moving in with an Italian family to help them with their vineyard and some building extensions.

It is called wwoofing and it’s when you work approximately twenty hours a week at a farm or similar and in return you get free accommodation and food. This is a great way of experiencing life and find new interesting people, you can do it all across the world. Have a look at their vineyard and restaurant on www.kancoonavalleywines.com.au. Don’t know yet if they have Internet but we will know tomorrow. In that case I’ll write something dull or funny.

Some of you (aunt Vexy) will probably find it funny but in Kancoona… it is quite cold. One hour away from the vineyard lies a ski resort called Falls Creek Resort. We probably have to buy some warm clothes to wear in the following days.

Other news is that we are looking for a car. First plan was to buy a Beetle but they are quite expensive and a bit rare down under. Found a VW Type 3 which looked quite nice, so who knows? Also we have been looking on VW Campervans (Type 2 in Sweden or Bully in Germany) but they are also expensive. There might be an so called Holden Commodore that will end up as our possession. In Sweden, the brand is called Opel instead of Holden.

We are doing some laundry and I have to pack now but until next time, stay happy and enjoy life. And do not forget to write something to my niece in the comments field!

Lots of love
Ken