0102NG:

During a three-week trip “Down Under,” New Gloucester residents Mary Lou Lowrie and Nat Steele hiked along the Cape to Cape trail, which stretches from Cape Naturaliste (near where the photo was taken) to the southwestern-most point of Australia, Cape Leeuwin. Snorkeling, surfing, and just plain relaxing on deserted beaches was the how they unwound from competing in the grueling Ironman Western Australia event on Dec. 5.

Courtesy photo

Action-packed vacation

New Gloucester residents Mary Lou Lowrie and Nat Steele know how to maximize a vacation.

They centered an exotic trip “Down Under” around a world-class competition: Ironman Western Australia, in which over 1,000 athletes from over 40 countries attempted to complete the entire 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike race, and full marathon as fast as they could.

According to Lowrie, “Ironman Western Australia was fantastic! Of all the Ironman events that we’ve done, this one by far was the most enjoyable and fun. Ten of us ‘Team Nor’Easters’ from the Portland area competed.”

She triumphed by posting first place in her division, which earned her a much-coveted qualifying slot in the Ford Ironman Triathlon World Championship, to be held in Kona, Hawaii in October. This honor provided motivation for the highly-regimented training she’ll be immersed in during the intervening months. Steele also fared well in the race, especially considering that the time he devoted as the team bike tech cut into his available hours of training.

IMWA is an annual event held in the lovely seaside town of Busselton, about a two-and-a-half hour drive south of Perth. Famous for its jetty that extends over a mile into the Indian Ocean, it makes for a perfect Ironman swim in clear turquoise waters, plus provides a good vantage point for spectators. The bike course follows the ocean, dipping a little inland through the lovely Tuart National Forest before returning to an excited crowd gathered in Busso. The marathon course is equally as beautiful, mostly along a gorgeous paved footpath on the beach, with some of its span under a canopied path teeming with songbirds and supportive crowds everywhere. Aussies are regarded as wonderful, fun people known for their friendliness and hospitality, which has helped establish IMWA as a favorite event for Ironman athletes in its short four-year history.

Lowrie and Steele spent 10 days after the race exploring the beautiful coastal Margaret River region, noted for its many wineries, pristine beaches, and fantastic surf. They discovered a small winery inn for one night, and ended up staying there for five! Far-flung views of hilly vineyards and ponds stretched all the way to the bluffs and beaches of the nearby Indian Ocean. In the bush, they were delighted to find mobs of kangaroos that provided much entertainment, and they learned that Kookaburras really do sit in old gum trees laughing themselves into hysterics.

“Christmas time in Australia is very low-key. It’s more or less a non-event. Kids were just getting out of school for their summer vacations, so focus was on family fun at the beach! Occasionally, we’d see an olive tree adorned with beribboned ‘honky nuts’ (or ‘gum nuts’) fallen from eucalyptus trees, but that was pretty much the extent of Christmas decor. How nice to not have Santa-in-your-face everywhere for three weeks,” Lowrie said.

Save the date

The Friends of the New Gloucester Library will be holding their annual Cabin Fever Sale Saturday, Feb. 14 from 9 a.m. to noon. By popular demand, all books available for purchase will be on sale, in addition to video/audio tapes, audio books, puzzles, games and delicious baked goods. Mark your calendars for this wonderful sale. There will be lots to keep you busy when cabin fever sets in. The Friends are always looking for donations of gently used books, games, and puzzles. Please leave off your donations at the New Gloucester Public Library during regular library hours.

Open gates

The staff and volunteers at New Gloucester-based Open Gates Equine Rescue, 407 Morse Rd., would like to extend their appreciation to all who have supported their work consisting of rehabilitating abused and neglected horses over the past year. The nonprofit organization is planning upcoming benefit bean suppers, open barns, and other events for 2009.

In particular, the need for hay tops Open Gates Equine Rescue’s wish list. Also, monetary donations are welcome to defray medical expenses. For more information, call Linda or Deb at 926-5570 between 6-9 p.m. on weeknights or anytime on weekends, or visit www.opengatesequinerescue.com.