Australia's East Coast

Hello Hello my happy followers!!!

I'm trying so hard to keep everyone updated on all the stuff that I"m doing, but I feel that it all just gets long and repetitive. Please let me know if that's the case. Plus, I just keep doing so much it's hard for me to even keep up with myself. Crazy travelling!!

So talking about the Whitsunday is going to be hard because I just loved the reef so much up by Cairns that nothing I ever dive in will ever be the same, but the Whitsunday does have it's own highlights. I think I saw the most beautiful beach ever there. Just pure white sand, and the sand was a soft as walking on a beach covered with baking flower. Just perfect. I think I got my new desktop photo from there.

So going through my days, I left you all after I just got back from diving.

Tuesday, July 14

I got off the boat to go back with my buddy Nathan, (he was my dive buddy and we also became really close friends because of that.) to have a place to get a shower. It was the best shower ever. After 8 dives in the ocean, plus getting thrown in as an extra bonus, I was covered in salt water. So was all my clothing, but I knew I was going to be back on a boat soon, so there was no point in washing anything but GREAT SHOWER!!!

All of us were not ready to part so we all got together for some drinks and dinner. I was really nice to get to spend my last bit of time in Cairns with some of the best people I've met. I feel I say that after every tour, but really, when you spend two days in a classroom and then three days on a boat with the same people you learn to either love or hate the people. Well, I loved these people.

As the night went on people started to have more to drink, but I didn't plus, I was going to get on a bus so that would have been miserable. Lucky for me, I had an excuse to duck out. I had a bus to catch at half 12 in the morning. (Oh my, there I go talking like them. Who says half-12??) To be honest, it was really hard for me to part with Nathan. We had just spent the 5 days almost constantly together, and depending on each other to watch the others back. I mean, I don't think I could ever train a buddy like him. He's the only person to remind me right before I get into my wet suit, to go to the toilet. Then he is the first person to help me out after the dive, so I can run to the toilet. You can't get any better than that. (So that's a hint for those of you who are certified back home, if we ever go diving together.)

I got onto the bus and was asleep for the night. I guess an over night bus ride was worth saving on a nights accomodation, plus it saved a day of travel.

Wednesday, July 15

When I got off the bus in Airlie Beach, by first goal was to find a place to leave my stuff. There was no point in bringing everything with me on the sail boat. After I went though that I had to go on a bit of walk to get to the marina so I could check in.

Check in was odd. It seemed to be just two bums who party all the time and the office looked like someone personal office in their home. I guess it was just preparing me for the boat. It was all so odd that one of the guys checking me in even asked me to join him up at the pub for a few drinks. I had a few hours to kill so I did join him wiht the locals. I must say that was quite an experience. I basically walked away with one of them wanting to pick me up in a limo after I got back from the sailing trip. Them crazy Aussies.

I finally got on the Pegasus sail boat, where we all had a very strange orientation. You know to be quite honest nothing really exciting happened. We introduced ourselves then most everyone just sat around drinking. Not really my idea of fun. I think traveling has made me less interested in drinking. But, we did play a fun drinking game that doesn't have to be done with Alcohol. The maid thing I remember from it as was how cold it was, and I did not bring most of my warm cloths. Dumb dumb move.

Thursday, July 16

As we sailed around Whitsundays we stopped at the White Haven Beach. It is the whitest sand ever. It really just looks like snow, it's so white. Also, with the tide going out it looked like a paradise photo. We didn't see much there but a whole lot of crabs, which actually looked pretty cool.

We moved beaches to Hook Island. Here, we got to jump off the boat and go for a fun snorkel where we even heard whales. That was quite a rush, and so amazingling exciting. While the four of us who are diving certified were snokeling the others where getting a short lesson in diving. Finally it was our turn. We, in a very thin stinger suits when for a dive. It wasn't anything like up in Cairns, but we did still see a lot. Unfortunatly it was killed by the freezing weather. We surfaced to get into the little motor boat, but we had to wait till everyone ran out of air. (I"m sure it was done so against PADI regulations) So that meant sitting in this boat as the sun was setting losing feelings in my body. OH man getting to the boat was fantastic so we could get out of our stinger suits and warm up.





As the sun set we all just sat around watching the gorgous sunset on the water. Once dark hit some people went for a night snorkle. There was no way they were getting me back in the water. This meant that we were the first to get dinner. Yay food!! Oh I need to stop thinking that way because I swear I never stop eating.





Friday, July 17





Everyone must have been up late parting because it took everyone forever to get up. Once we were all up we moved to another sight where those of use going for a dive hopped into the motor boat to a sight. This time we decided we would take things a lot slower and really get to see stuff, because all I really saw last time was the back side of our guide, oh and a lion fish, which was cool. This time we got to see a giant clam. It was massive and a perfect shade of purple. It wasn't like I ever expected it to look, but it looked way better then I could have imagined. I think our guide was getting frustrated that we were going so slow because he kept snapping at us and trying to make us move faster. But really what do you get out of a dive if all you do is swim as fast as you can. If that's all you're going to do then just swim some laps on the surface. You go diving to explore what is on the oceans bottom.





Well, to add to our frustration, when we surfaced they took our BCDs and weight belts and told us to swim to shore. We had not planned on this so we hadn't sent our stuff with anyone, so we had no towel, no dry clothes, no nothing, and we were already frozen. The only way we were able to keep warm was by huddling all together and wait for the boat to come to shore. Oh, it was dreadful.





As soon as we got back to the boat we were going back to Airlie Beach. On our way we saw a Hump Back whale off in the distance. It had a calf with it because it was teaching it tricks. It was amazing to watch. If only it was closer. The best part though, had to have been the waves. The boat was rocking so much that at times you would have thought the boat was going to flip. I was having a blast, but others were not doing so well. Poor things!!





Back on shore I had a few hours to kill. I really had no way to get a shower so I had to accept the fact that I was going to be traveling over night all salty. Enh!! But, two from the boat were just hanging out at the lagoon so I stayed with them till I had to leave, but first they introduced me to "Jacket Potatoes" Yeah all the really is, is a backed potatoe, but have you ever tried it with backed beans?? That was amazing. That's got to be the perfect break-up food item. It's delicious.





That evening I had to get back onto a bus to work my way farther down the coast.





Saturday July 18





I arrived in Rainbow Beach mid-afternoon, and was so ready for a shower, but I couldn't get one yet. I had to sort some things out for my 4 Wheel Drive trip to Fraser Island. Then we had an orientation where we got to meet our group, and learn about the rules on Fraser Island. It was mainly, drive slowly and safe on the beach, and don't feed the Dingos. Yep, that's right, Dingos. This Island has the largest collection of pure bred Dingos. Pretty cool. After that we had to create a shopping list and a few of us went out to get the food keeping it all as cheap as possible. I was a bit concerned about the group because all they talked about was drinking, and being drunk the whole time. I was so not into that idea but I had no choice but to accept it. Then now, finally, Finally finally finally....I got my shower.





Sunday, July 19





We had to start our morning by going though an orientation of the vehicle, and doing a check on the vehicle and our inventory. They lent us tents, and camping gear which we had to of course bring back in good condition. Then the ones who could drive (Over 21 and have a drivers license, which means I qualified, if only I could drive manuel better than I do) had to read over the iteneray. After all the ligistical stuff was done we were on our way....or so we thought. We drove to the ferry... which ended up being the wrong place. Oops, I take that blame. I was navigating and I got us lost right at the start. Who thought it was a good idea to make the directionally challenged one incharge of getting us from place to place. Bad idea.





Finally we were off, for real this time. Frank, who became our main driver got the first leg, and he was driving fabulously on the beach. Our first main stop was at Lake Mackenzie. It was and over cast day with a slight chill and we all ran foulishly into this lake. Oh to be young. It was absolutly freezing. It was fantastic. We all played a little volleyball, then through a frizby around for a few hours. It was an amazingly relaxing day and I was really enjoying my time with all of these people.





Finally we got out to our camp and let me tell you, it's pretty funny to see people who have never camped before to be left to put up their own tent. Who thought that was a good idea I don't know, but finally I jumped in to help them. All the tents were set up, and some of the guys took on the task to cook our pasta dinner.





In the mean time others pulled out their "Goon". Now I'm sure that sounds a bit strange to all of you and possible not that appetizing, well let me tell you, it's horrible. It's a really really REALLY cheap "wine" if that's really what you want to call it. It's a type that comes in a box, but most people take it out of the box and just carry around the bag, so it's wine in a bag. It's the ingredients that make it the best. I'm sure that there is some wine in it, but I also know that one of the ingredients is fish oil. That right there makes me now what it. So with it being so disgusting people drink it with the soul purpose of getting drunk. Lucky for me, none of them got really annoying and others were still sober. Until, the liquid laughter happened.....





Three of the guys got really chummy over the night in their drunken state. When we all started to turn in they insisted they had to be in the same tent. There was also another one who was drunk and walking around with the music speakers. My favorite sight of the whole night was Gary standing outside the tent with the three guys holding the speakers to the tent, while you just see the tent swaying back and forth while the guys were getting situated. It was fantastic and will always make me laugh.





It was shortly after that though, that I heard what sounded like a bucket of water splash inside the tent. I knew that couldn't be good. Frank was the only one brave enough and he pulled aside the tent flaps to find Lloyd pressed against the screen of the tent....sick....hence the "liquid laughter"





Monday, July 20



Poor Lloyd cleaned up his mess. In fact, we lost him because he went to a different loo to do his washing and no one knew where he was. When we found him he was cleaning everything 3 times. With body soap, shampoo, and Toothpaste. Yep, toothpaste. I guess he was going for the fresh clean smell. Unfortunately it did no good. It all still smelled foul.



We went back out to the beach to go to the ship wreck that was left on the beach about 30 years ago. After it drove into the land, the Army decided to use it as bombing target. So it's a rusty destoryed massive ship just hanging out on the beach. It really was amazing. We also lucked out my having the most spectacular weather so the photos look fantastic.



We then back tracked a little to go to Eli Creek. We didn't really know what this was but we suited up in our swimmers and checked it out. It was a perfectly clear creek that you just walked along in. We got wet up to about our waist, but in the heat it was really quite refeshing. At the end of the creek some of us just sat/passed out in the sun while others played a little football (soccer).



I woke up realizing how much of the day was just lost. We had not had lunch and we still had a long drive to get up to Indian Head. We decided to stop some place to eat and there we made the decision that we would not make it up in time. So in stead Frank stopped us at the Pinnacles along the beach. He had seen it on the way up and wanted to check it out. He and I saw that there was a path and we were going to go for the walk. All of a sudden everyone liked the idea of going for the walk, so we locked up and left stuff and made this huge preparation. The walk was about 80 meters..... Yeah we felt dumb after that. But the rocks looked really cool.



It was nearly 4:00 and we had to be off the beach by 4:30 so instead of going to the camp we all just played some volleyball to pass the time. It was really a great way to end the evening. Finally we had to move on to the Aboriginal camp site. This was really a fancy way to camp. It had pavilion that we set the tents up in, and there were mattresses to put under our tents. Talk about camping in style. It was also nice because there was a campfire there, and I got the pleasure of teaching everyone how to make S'mores. Oh it was just fantasitic.



That night we got to meet some of the local Dingos. To be honest it scared the crap out of me. Then the owner came around with some tubes so we could learn how to play the Didgerido. I was much better at it this time than the first time I tried, but it was really difficult. It's that whole circular breathing, that is really difficult.



Tuesday, July 21



Our only stop today was Lake Wabby. However, it was a bit of a drive and then a 30 min walk. The walk ended up being longer than that, but the lake was worth getting to. We took the scenic path, so we came up on it from the top of a massive sand dune. We then had the brilliant idea to run down the hill as a group. It was brilliant till we all hit the water. We lasted about 3 seconds till we realized we had to run out because it was so cold.



We spend the rest of the day there till we had to head off to get back to the main land on time. We were way off on our time and got back about an hour late. Oh well. They seemed to like us enough that it wasn't that big of a deal.



We then had to wait to for him to make sure everything was returned. We all of course had the same question going through our head, "Do we tell about the sick tent?" Finally a few of us came to the conclusion that he was going to figure it out when he opened the tent and it would better for him to prepare himself. So, I was the brave one to fess up. I guess I really am a goodie-to-shoes.



In the end of it all, he said that we were actually the best group he's had. So that was fantastic. (Man I really need to get some new adjectives) So we took the rest of the food we had and made up a huge feast, then ended the day with a movie. Perfect way to end our time together, chill and with no worries. That was our whole trip together.



Wednesday, July 22



Really there was nothing much to my day. I sat on a bus, then transfered to another bus, then sat in a station, then slept on the last bus. Finally around 8:00pm I got into Byron Bay. My hostel ticket said that I would be picked up, so I called to be sure they were still coming since I had no idea where I was going. He said he was 10 mins out making me think that was how far the hostel was. No I was so wrong. The hostel wasn't even in Byron Bay. It was an hour out in Evans Head. The owner of the hostel was Plenko and your very typical surfer. Evans Head became like a home over the next couple days.



Thursday, July 23



The only other person staying at the hostel was Hanna. She was in Australia for nearly 2 weeks and wanted to just get some sun and some surf time, so that was how she ended up here. It was really a good thing she was there. It made my whole experience in the odd little town of Evan's Head so much better.



We started our day with a bike ride. It was Plenko's excuse for going to check out the surf. Before we all hopped in the ocean Hanna and I got into a Kayak and went up the river to the National park. There a made a little blood sucking friend. I have no idea how the leach got on me, seeing as we were not in the water, but out of no where, there was a slimmy thing on the foot. At first I thought it was just some mud but then when it didn't come off I realized what it was. Hanna actually had to work hard to get it off. I was glad to leave that friend behind.



So after a small snack. Hanna was off to the beach and Plenko and I were in the back yard teaching me how to stand up on a surf board. Lucky for us Plenko's back yard was right up against the river which lead out to the beach, so we go in the water and I got my first day of hard working paddling. Once out in the surf Plenko had me stand up then pushed me out into a wave and I rode my first wave in. Then it was my turn to paddle to catch a wave and stand up. I did it on my first try. It was such a great feeling. I was doing that for about 2 hours until I got really tired. So Hanna and I walked our boards back.



Plenko had to go out to his dads so we joined him. His dad works on a sugar cane farm so as a treat for us they let us try sugar cane. They just gave us a stick and told us to chew on it. I don't know if they were just trying to make us look silly, but it was really good. From there Plenko took us to the bowling pub. Hanna and I though he was talking about bowling like with pins, but they mean lawn ball which is where you have a small ball and you have to try to get the bigger balls as close as possible. The highlight there was our little bit of gambling. I don't know why but Plenko was really enthusiastic about us doing this. It was quite amusing.



That evening we stopped at the supermarket to pick up some ice cream, but also some Tim Tams. OH man Tim Tams are the best things ever. They are two chocolate biscuits (cookies) sandwiching chocolate cream call coated in chocolate. I don't know how I'm going to live without once I leave. Because of my love for them Plenko started calling me the Tim Tam Nazi.



Friday, July 24



Hanna and I went back out to the beach to do a little more surfing. It was miserable this time. There were abour 20 people and the waves were only crashing at one point. I spent more time trying to not drown then even on the board none-the-less surfing. So I went back to drop my board off and get a shower, then I went back out just to watch Hanna. Eventually she came into the beach and we just spent the whole afternoon talking.



That night a whole group of guys showed up. They come out there to just get away and fish. So that night Plenko treated them to a BBQ. Since he had grown so fond of us, he treated us too. It was probably the best meal I've had this whole trip. It was a massive steak and tasted so amazing. The steak was seriously bigger than my head, plus a sausage and some salade. Oh I'm drooling just thinking about it.



Saturday, July 25



The three of us went for another bike ride this morning. This time we rode out to the National park where not only did we go to look at the surf but also enjoy some of the wild life. There is so much here it unbelieveable. I mean birds we can't even imagine are normal here. I think people in Australia are just so lucky in all that nature has to offer it.



We decided that the surf looked good at this beach, so Hanna and Plenko suited up. I decided to sit out since I was on the verge of crashing and knew that I had a surf camp of 4 days to come. No point in crashing before that. But, I went out with them anyways and went for a little walk down the beach to the creek, then up the rocks and was able to watch Hanna and Plenko surfing for a totally different angle.



Once back at the house Plenko again fed us. I think he enjoyed getting to feed us, then since I was leaving the next day we had to get rid of all the Tim Tams. Now the best way to eat these amazing little biscuits is to bite off both ends then suck hot tea through them. Then they sit there and melt in your fingers and are some delicious. So here we are eatting all these Tim Tams while watching....Dance Your Ass Off. How perfect is that.



Since Hanna and I felt quite fat after all those Tim Tams we decided to go bike some of it off, by going down to the beach. We biked quite a ways along the beach, but I'm so glad we did. It was just perfect, watching the colors on the water as the sun set behind the hill.



Sunday, July 26



I got picked up from Plenko's by the Surfari bus to go to a little place called Crescent Head. The only other people on the bus were Ben from Scotland and Wowa (w are said like v) from Germany. After we arrived we were fed lunch and were right out into the water for our first surf lesson. It was getting dark but we pushed on until it really was dark. It was a great way to get into the surfing mode.



Monday, July 27



In the morning just the 3 of us got to go surfing again. I was improving really fast. My bad experience at Evans Head was just the conditions. Now my confidence was growing which really helped because then I was getting up more and surfing the waves all the way in. We stopped for lunch but were right back in. It was crazy how much we were surfing. I got to the point where I couldn't even push myself up any more so I had to call it a day. It was hard because I knew that the rest of the group who was coming from Sydney was going to be at the hostel when we got back they were going to take them out, but I felt I just didn't have the strength to do any more that day. Well after a hot shower, some stretching and a bit of a rest I had new energy and was ready to go.



The whole group of us went out and the conditions were horendous. The waves were coming from every direction. Just when I would get up on my board I would be knocked down by another wave. I spent all my energy just trying to get out into the waves that I wasn't able to catch a wave. Yep, welcome to surfing.....



That night though, we all really got to get to know each other really fast. One of the girls Anne started playing the guitar and her sister Becky pulled out her harmonica. We all loved the fact that she had a harmonica, that we all had to learn too. So yep, on top of surfing I learned to play the harmonica. We had a little jam session playing the "Ring of fire" then the drinking began. I wasn't too interested so eventually I was off to bed. (Wow typing this I feel like such a fuddy duddy, but the drinking scene just doesn't do it for me)



Tuesday, July 28



We all were back off to where Ben, Wowa and I first surfed our first day "Point Plummet". We were in the water and all socializing while all getting better and better at surfing. I mean you really can't ask for any better situation. We were all cheering eachother on and just having a blast. Eventually we all got out for some lunch then we decided to go for a walk to look for some whales. Rosco (our instructor) was not confident that we would see any but it was worth a try. Lucky us we saw a whale. Not only did we see a whale but it was doing tricks for us for a good 15 mins. When we first saw it, it was just flapping its tail on the surface of the water. Not only did it look unbelievable, but the sounds was just like nothing you would imagine. Then after doing a few leaps and spitting some water, it began flapping it's fin and it looked like it was waving at us. It was just like nothing else. As it swam off it passed about 10 feet from a little fishing boat and spat water out of it's blow hole. It must have been the most terrifying moment for those fishers. Truely a highlight.



After that amazing experience we all got back in the water to surf even more. We spent a good 6 hours in the water working on our surf. It was so exhausting that it was fantastic.



That night Rosco had some friends come over to jam with him. We were all invited to join in and next thing I knew I was rocking out the Kazoo to "Always look on the Bright Side of Life" and let me tell you, I really rocked that kazoo. By the end of the jam session it was a choice of fighting through the exhaustion or going to bed, and I chose the bed option. It was a really long day, and there were only more to come.



Wednesday, July 29



First thing in the morning one of the guys working there, Paul, was doing some yoga. I decided it would be a good idea to join in seeing as I was so stiff and hurt. Before leaving we were going to do a few hours of surfing again. It was hard work this time because of being so tired, but I learned more fighting through that exhaustion. We all lost track of time and those of us leaving had to rush to get out and get some food before heading back to the hostel. We had very little time to shower before we were going to the train station. Yeah, that's how they got us back to Sydney, was by train. It was a very long 8 hour train ride. Lucky for me though, I ran into Hanna, from Evan's Head, on the train, so we were able to exchange numbers so we could meet up in Sydney.



From the train station I had the wonderful adventure to find the hostel I was booked at. The guy, when I called, told me a park would be on my right and the church on my left and just go down the hill and the hostel would be across the street from the car park. Yeah if only it were that simple. I couldn't find the hill he was talking about so when looking at the church I had no idea where to go. Then I saw the car park, but no hostel. I decided I would walk around the car park just in case. Still no hostel. Finally I saw a sign (that was not lit) that said hotel. I was going to go in there just to ask, when I realized, that was the hostel. I was so excited to find it that I pretty much crashed, the moment I got in.



Thursday, July 30



I took a walk down the park out to the water to see the Sydney Opera House. It has to be one of the best moments of my life. I can't express how unbelievable it was to see the Opera House in person so close. I walked around the basin to go up the stairs to the Opera House and there I got a ticket to go on a tour.



The tour, honestly was a bit of a let down. I learned a lot about the hall and it's purposes, but she dumbed everything down, and half the information I knew and knew better than her. She looked at me like I had 3 heads when I asked if the symphony ever had to use an orchestra shell. Yeah, see what I mean.

Remember Hanna, well she met me at the hall and we went for a walk around the warf and through town. We eventually made our way over to Darling Harbour which is actually the famous harbour in Sydney, not where the Opera House is. I learned something knew. There we went to the IMAX theater to watch Harry Potter. I know, dorky but I'll take it.

It was late went the movie got out so it was straight to bed for the both of us.

Friday, July 31

The beginning of my day consisted of me making up a package to send home. Really not all that exciting. Later though I made it out to the Olympic Park. So that is the location of the 2000 Sydney Olympics. I guess since I made it to the one in Munich it only made sense to go to this one also. Maybe I'll see if they have anything in London already and stop there too. So but back to the Olympic park. I got to see the main stadium where the cerimonies happened. I also walked around both inside and out of the Aquatic Center. Yay, Swimming!!! But I just had a nice walk down the main road. It wasn't very fancy but there is enough talking about it being the location of the Olympics that made it cool enough. Interesting fact, is that all of the buildings built for the Olympics are still used today. That's pretty good. There's also a whole park apart of it that I was unable to get to because of time. It wasn't exactly close to town.

Saturday, August 1

Wow, here we are already in August.....

This morning I ran in Wowa from the surf camp. We decided to go for a walk into town together, to find him some food. In the meantime I picked up my very own Harmonica. Blues Brothers... Here I come....

We found ourselves back in Darling Harbour. Wow it was crowded. It was also a Saturday and they had a boat show going on. Don't ask how they even got all the boats in. I couldn't even make a guess. But I can say, there were a whole heck of a lot of boats in that one wee little harbour. Our main purpose for going to the harbour though was to get some pancakes. Hanna told me about this place called Pancakes on the Rocks and they had pancakes made up any way you can imagin. Oh it was amazing.

After enjoying the entertainment around the harbour we both headed back to the hostel. That evening I spent with some of the people who had been staying in this hostel for who knows how long. When they went out, I went to bed. Early morning of doing touristy things.

Sunday, August 2

Last day in Australia... Well I spent it by going to the Blue Mountains. These are neither blue, nor mountains. They appear blue due to the Eucaliptic oil and they are about as good as you are going to get to mountains in Australia.

So our first stop was the Olympic Park. At least we didn't spend long there seeing as I had already gone there. Then we went to a wildlife park. Lucky for me I had talked to Robin just last night. She told me it didn't matter if Koalas had clamidiya because it doesn't pass to humans in that way so I should have no excuse for not holding a Koala. I didn't get to hold one, but I got to pet 3 in fact and one was a baby. Don't worry I have photos of all of this. I also got to see Dingo Pups, a Tazmanian, more Kangaroos, Wambats, and a Croc. Basically it was all Australia in one park.

So from there we got to learn about the Aboriginal story of the three sisters and the rock formation. We took a walk down 1000 stairs into the Blue Mountians then we took a tram that was really fast right back up the mountain.

To end my last day in Australia I am going to sit and watch a movie. Then tomorrow I'm heading into town to watch the sunrise on the Sydney Opera House.

I'm really going to miss Australia, but I guess that is just more reason to come back again.

I miss each and every one of you. Talk to you all in England!!!

Scuba Certification in the Great Barrier Reef

Well, I'm sure that the title tells you all you need to know, so I'm going to leave it at the....




Yeah just kidding. It was too fantastic for me NOT to tell you about it.

July 10 and 11 2009

I had to go through class. That was really all we did. We had some time in the classroom where we learned the theory then we all hoped into a pool and began our practical. It did not take long for me to get the name "giggles" yet again. It all really started because they had us do 16 laps of the pool. Well, I was having so much fun doing this that I was laughing the whole time. Everyone hated me for that because they were beginning to struggle.

It was really bizzare putting on that wet suit for the first time, then putting together the our tanks knowing that that was going to be our life line. Lucky for us, we had awsome instructors so we were much less afraid than I think we should have been. Basically we spent the next 4 hours doing different exercises that would be what we would need to know while 18 meters under water, instead we were only 1.5 meters down.

So you don't need to hear all about the classroom stuff so we'll get to the good stuff.

July 12, 2009

It was an early morning to get us to the boat. Once at the boat we still had a long ride out. Of course the sea was very choppy so there were many people who got sick. Thankfully I did not. That would have been horrible to be sick then go diving for the first time in open water. AAAHHHH!!!

After a short briefing we were geared up and getting in for the first time. It was so amazing to jump in and be able to see the bottom and all the coral and the fish. And to think, that was the worst site we dove at. It was nice, because we got to just swim around and enjoy everything.

Once we got out we had a massive lunch all prepared for us.

(Just so you know this may seem repetative and I'm sorry)

Then another briefing and we were back in the water. This time we had to do some exercises. It's very distracting when you see fish every where and you just want to follow them around. There were just sooooo many and of all different colors. But I did it and passed that dive.

That was actually our last dive for that day, but a group of us went out snorkeling. We got to see a shark just chilling on the bottom of the ocean. We also saw a whole cluster of Nemo fish. Well, actually cousins of Nemo, but it was good enough for me.

That night the certified divers all went diving and while we watched them go in we saw a massive shark swim around the boat. Glad I wasn't in the water.

July 13, 2009

Bight and early we were in the water. This was at a new sight and more impressive. From a distance we saw a sea turtle eatting away. We also saw a sting ray, and another shark. Really as cool as all that is, the most impressive part is just the color and all the fish, and the variety of fish.

After Breakfast, we had one last dive. This was a very relaxed dive seeing as it was our last before we were certified open water divers. Yay, us!!!

We all had a celebration. Of course, without alcohole because if we drank we would not be able to dive again for the day. So guess what that means. After Lunch we all jumped in and got to just explore on our own. Yeah that was totally different. We actually had to pay attention to where we were and figure out how to get back to the boat. So I guess we spent more time doing that then looking around, but we did get to see some cool stuff. We saw a turtle eatting and stuck around it long enough that we got to swim right up with it. It was so totally cool.

After that, some of us decided to upgrade to an Adventure certification, so we had to do a few more dives with instructors. One including a night dive. Yep, so that night we all geared up and jumped right back into the water. To be honest, there really wasn't much to see, but we did see this massive turtle, sleeping in it's nest. That was truely a highlight. We all had torches, but you couldn't see much with them. They were more of a security, plus they scared away all the stuff that comes out at night.

July 14, 2009

We got up even earlier this morning. The sun was just getting over the horizion when we were jumping in the water. This didn't matter, because we were going for our deep dive. We were told the bottom was only 28 meters. According to my guage, while I was kneeling at the bottom I was at 30.6 meters. Oops, that's lower than I'm allowed. Tell no one.... We got to see how the color changes down there, then basically we just swam around. It was just a drop off with coral all on it, and it looks like a ski slope, which was the name of that sight. Pretty cool.

So then it was breakfast time. Once again another very satisfying meal.

At this time many people were allowed to dive, but not us deep divers. There is a whole much of calculations that need to be made to figure out when, how often, and how deep you can dive. Basically we dove deep enough that enough time had not passed, so we could not dive. But, before anyone got their gear to go diving again, a whale was spotted off in the distance. All of us fought to get into our suits so we could jump in to snorkle to see the whale. Sure enough we all got in and the whale swam right below us. Only maybe 20 meters or less. It was so crazy. It was a minke whale and beautiful.

So our last and final dive we had to make an elective. My Buddy (Nathan) and I chose photography. It was hard, but we got some good photos. But I wished we could have gotten to dive there more. They call it the Cathedrals, but basically it was just towers and tunnels of coral. The sun had come out for us and was making the color fantastic. It was truely the best dive sight of them all.

So finally we had to pack up all our gear and head back to the real world. We had to make one stop. A hump back whale was spotted along the way and this was even a first for some of the instructors. That's how rare that is. So we truely got one of the best trips one could ask for.

Well, we are all about to head out for dinner, then I leave on a bus at 12:35am to Airlie Beach. Hope to get in touch with you all soon.

Cheers from Cairns again!!

Final days of New Zealand, The Outback, and the Rainforest

Yes yes, I know it's been a really long time. There is so much to catch up on, but in my defense if have been very busy and enjoying this holiday, plus many of the places I've been didn't even have internet...it's called the outback. So here are my last 3 weeks, and there is a lot to put in.

Sunday, June 21

Really not much happened this day. It's also hard to get excited about a long bus ride especially after you have been really tired and missing home, but those are all just minor in the whole scheme of things.

Basically my morning started by catching a really early bus from Queenstown to Christchurch only to find out that the heater was broken. I had to sleep just to forget how cold I was. When I woke up my toes had lost all feeling I was so cold. As the sun came out, it got better, but once your cold, your really just cold until you can get to heat.

Some of the sights we saw were Mount Cook. That was pretty exciting because I had been hearing about it and seeing photos so finally I got to see it. I actually just expected it to be a mountain by itself but it was just a really tall peak in amongst a whole mountain range, with a glacier on the otherside of it. Not what I expected but still very impressive. The coolest part to it, is that it is important to history because Sir. Edmund Hillary trained on Mt. Cook before he climbed Mt. Everest beging the first to climb Everest. Pretty cool.

We also stopped at Lake Takapo, which was really gorgeous. Robin, you would have loved this. It has a random hill next to it and at the top is has an observatory. It's one of the best spots in the world to view the stars. Makes me really wish I had an evening there. Oh well, next trip.

Finally after many hours of driving and a few stops just to break things up, we were in Christchurch. I knew to expect Christchurch to look very old English, but that is what most of the buildings are based off of, but it was strange. It's like seeing little England, or just a minature vertion of things in England. So, if you remember from the start of my trip I met Wayne on the plane to New Zealand, and he lives in Christchurch. Well, I gave him a call and what do you know, he had space for me. So I had a local to tell me about the area, and finally a warmer place to stay. I also had my first real meal, that was not pasta, in a month.

Monday, June 22

I did a very dumb move today. After Wayne drove me into town, I realized I had forgotten my camera back at his place. I never realized how dependent I was on my camera, but without it, I had very little motivation to do anything. I guess it was kind of a good thing because after so much travelling you just get really tired. So I just hung out in a cafe and enjoyed the sites. Finally I did get bored with that so I wandered down to the Art Gallery where they had an exhibit on Rita Angus. I'm not big into art, but I did recognize her work, and found it pretty fasinating. Of course, eventually the art lost my interest so I did head back to Wayne's. We tried to go watch the moving "Gloomy Sunday" which is a Hungarian moving taking place during WWII and has been playing every night for the last 7 years at this movie theatre, but we got there too late, so we just went back and watched the news. They don't have very exciting news in New Zealand, so they have news from America. It's a little strange to see.

Tuesday, June 23

This time I made a point of remembering my camera. I had found a walk that goes around the city center and talks about buildings and highlights to see. The start of the walk was at the Christchurch Cathedral. This was their "large" church. Really though it was quite nice to see, and they have put in right in the middle of a courtyard so it's...well...nice. From there I walked down to the Avon river which is the river that goes around the city center. On it, they have punting, which is very English. I totally meant to do it but lost track of time. Guess it's just one more thing I'll have to do when I get to England, or I'll do it when I go back to NZ.

There was a nice little walk down to the hospital where they have a church for all the nurses who served in war. I read that it's the only one, but who knows. No one seems to really know what else is around the world. That is one thing I'm really learning on this trip. So other things I saw, let's see.... Well I saw the botanical gardens, which I'm sure look a lot nicer in the summer, but were still very nice to walk around. I also saw the firefighters memorial which isn't even from New Zealand. It is scrap of metal from the 9/11 attack, but honestly that is the closest I got to anything from that day, so to me as an American, it was really impressive to see.

My favorite part of the day was lunch. In the courtyard, in the city center they have food stands. I went to the Brutwerst stand to get a snack and then went to watch a chess match played is child size chess pieces. This, there I was with a brutwerst watching chess and hearing a bagpipe on my left and an Irish flute on my right. It was fantastic. It's one of those moments that's makes you realize, "Wow, how did I even get here?"

That evening, Wayne and I were able to get to the movie "Gloomy Sunday" as I said it plays every night. It was really good. If you ever get a chance to see it, do so. I might even try to find it when I get home.

Wednesday, June 24

My last day in chilly New Zealand. It was strange to think that I was moving on to another country and it wasn't America. But at the same time I was so excited about going on to the warm weather.

Wayne decided that I couldn't leave Christchurch till I had seem Lyttleton, so he drove me over the mountain. There really wasn't much there, but it was nice to get to see the harbor, where settlement started for Christchurch.

Wayne then drove me to the airport where I got bombarded by a survey asking me all about my travels through New Zealand. Yeah that was painful. Lucky for me, I had to get on the plane. My nice 4 hour plane ride.

Once in Melbourne, I was finding accommodations and then just getting settled.

Thursday, June 25

I had plans to do only one thing in Melbourne and that was the Penguin Parade off Phillips Island. I however, did not have bookings to do that, so I was crossing my fingers that I could get in for a tour. Lucky for me, there was an opening.

On this tour, we stopped at a wildlife park. In the park I got to see all my firsts of the native animals to Australia. I got to see an Emu, a Dingo, and a Wombat. I got to feed a couple Kangaroos and Wallabies and I got to get my picture taken next to a Koala. Plus, I had a snack nearly thrown at me. Because I laughed they forced me to hold the snake. That's what I get for laughing jeez.

We then went to a farm were we actually got to see sheep shearing. Go figure. I go all around NZ for 5 weeks and never get to see this. I'm in Australia for a day and I'm seeing sheep shearing. We also go to see how the sheep dogs work the sheep, and watch then prepare a horse to have it's shoes changed. All stuff you don't really think about how it's done, you just know it's done.

We were then off to what most of us came to see, but first we had a stop at Coon's rocks to see where there is a seal coloney, but also we got to see some of the huts that the penguins live in. Down at the beach the sun was setting. This is good because the penguins come in from the ocean at sunset because it is safer for them. Unfortunatly, I have no photos of all of this because the flash can either blind the penguins or cause them to regurgitate all that they had just hunted for over that last 2-4 weeks. People are dumb and don't know how to turn off flash, so they just said no photos. But it just gave me a chance to really enjoy the penguins. They would come up at groups in the waves and slowly and carfully they would cross the beach. Then there were walkways that we could go along and walk right next to them. These guys "Little Penguins" are the smallest penguins and they really are small. They come up to about the bottom of my calf. SOOOO cute!!!

Something that was more interesting to me was the perfect sky. It was just after the New Moon so there was little light from the moon and there was no polluted light clogging the sky so I could see more stars than I have ever been able to. Plus the Milky Way looked more perfect than it ever does in photos. Also, the one time I went out star gazing I had difficulty trying to find galaxies but this time I could see them all around me. It was really quite impressive.

So after the penguins we had some pizza then a long drive back. I didn't have a chance to do anything because I had an early morning to catch my flight.

Friday, June 26

I had two flights today. I had one from Melbourne to Sydney, then to Darwin. It was basically 5 hours in the air, but at least it was with Qantas who is really good about spoiling their riders so I got lots of food.

Finally in Darwin I had to figure out where to stay. On my tour I had said to pick me up at the Cavanaugh so that was where I told the shuttle to take me. That was bad because they had no space, so they told me to walk down 5 blocks to another place. In that walk I learned very quickly that I was in New Zealand any more. I was dripping with sweat. It was easily 30 degress (about 85) and the humidity was really high. At least it was the dry season. I wouldn't want to think about going out during the wet season. Once I got to this hostel I found out they had no space, so she directed me to another hostel. On this walk I over heard two people talking about Michael Jackson's death. This came as such a shock to me. I'm sure it did everyone, but it was possibly the idea of me traveling and learning something so tragic.

The hostel I was told about I swear does not exist but I did manage to find another one. It turns out that was right in the center of Darwin, so I think I did well. Then I just had to get my plans fixed with my tour and I was good to go.

After being in Darwin for an hour I learned that I stood out like a sore thumb. Everyone was so brown from tans and I looked like a ghost. (That has since changed) It was just crazy, but I guess Darwin is like our Florida. Everyone just spends time in the sun. There really isn't much else to do.

Saturday, June 27

Today I left for my great outback tour. At least the tour of Kakadu. I was only supposed to do a 2 day tour, but when I got to the office they had some complications and thought there were no 2 days going out. So, they asked if I wanted to upgrade to a 3 day and visit Lichfield. I had no better plans so I did that. Of course after I was all booked up and had changed my plans with the hostel, they discovered they had made a mistake and there was a combined 2day/3day. To be honest it was the best mistake to happen.

So we got onto a truck, which held 17 people including the driver. However, it was a very cramped truck, but it needed to be a truck since we would be doing a bunch of 4WD. This however, meant that a bunch of us had to be packed into the front. There were 4 people in the seat behind the driver and 2 of us with the driver. I got the lucky number and was up with the driver along with Berna. Berna, though, was more unlucky than me. She over slept because she had been out late and drinking the night before. This then was fresh bait for our guide Benchy (Ben). He wouldn't let her sleep and gave her a hard time. Of course, this also meant I was given a hard time, especially when I sat in between them. But, at least it was all in fun and games. In fact it brought me that much closer to Berna which was nice since most of the group had been together since Alice Springs (5 days) and some even since Adelaide (9 days). This means that they were all very close so it gave Berna and I a companion from the start.

Our first stop was at a cultural location. We got to learn about the plants the aboriginals use for food and weapons. Then finally I got to see a didgeridoo and have it played the traditional way. We also learned how they are made. They find branches that have been hollowed out by termites. Then they sand them down. That's the basic way of it. When they passed it around, we all got to try it. Yeah we made dying animal sounds. So bad!! After that, the guys all got to show off their manly hood by throwing spears at wooden animals. Then the girls got to feel real girly and learn how they make baskets out of the plants and the dyes they use. The coolest part were the brushs they used. They were natural plants that when they fall of the tree they actually look like an brush you would use in your kitchen sink.

We were running early so we took a small detour into the wet lands where we saw many different birds and my first Crocodile. Of course, there were many more to come since we were going to a croc cruise. On the cruise we saw a couple more crocs just chilling in the water but the most exciting part was when we got to see one out of the water eating a goose. That was really a highlight.

Our cruise guide was a bit strange, but very informative. Unfortunatly he gave so much information that I just can't remember most of it. We saw a bird that looked a lot like the bald eagle, but was much more impressive. There was another bird, that has a flat wing span so it glides more than flaps. We also, saw a blue crane, that is very difficult to get up close to but these guys let us get right up to them. So, yeah we saw so many different cool things.

From there we had lunch. Of course all of this was new to me so I had no idea how things were run. Everything is group participation, so everyone helps put out the food and everyone helps clean up. Lucky for me I had Berna with me to give me guidance. Everyone was tired of these lunches because it was always salad makings put on a sandwich, most every lunch. (I did not have that luck. I had almost something different everyday) Finally we were off to Kakadu National Park.

The main thing that we did in the park was go to Ubirr. This is a place where the Aboriginal have done a lot of rock art. Their art is usually one of two things. It can either be a story that is passed down to teach a lesson, or it is just an expression.

At the top of Ubirr we had a 360 view of Kakadu National Park. There was no way we could see it all but it was still impressive. Then we hung around to watch a very spectacular sunset. From there we went to camp. It was such a late night that no one really wanted to deal with dinner, but we were all so hungry that there was no way to put it off. So we all started chopping, cutting, mixing, whatever, and soon there was a chicken curry stew all made up.

Berna and I hated that we didn't know anyones names so we convinced Benchy to get everyone to introduce themselves and this is who we had:
Bernadette-Ireland, Phil-England, Laton-New Zealand, Stefan-German, Richard-Colorado, Michelle-Switzerland, Sarah-German, Jayleen-Korea, Yannich-Switzerland, Rito-Switzerland, Davena & son-China, Rik-China, Max-China, Mili-Chec Republic, and Benchy our fearless leader. All of these people became some of the best people I know. I miss them all and am sad that I only had 3 days with them. In fact, since Berna and Phil were only on the 2 day and I got the closest with them I really only had 1 1/2 days with the majority of them. But really I miss them all as much as I miss you all back home.

Monday, June 29

We got up nice and early, but this will soon be routine and not a chore. Our first stop was at twin falls. This is a fall that goes all year because the water stays in the sandstone and so it can produce water all year long. We took a short boat ride and then we had to walk along some large rocks to get to the base. These waters we were not allowed to swim in since there was a chance of crocs, but yet we were walking along the waters edge. You would think that would be scary, but not so much.

Benchy being a good guide and looking out for us got us up early for a particular treat. The treat was that we were going to climb up the side of the falls to go for a swim. This climb was excursiating. It was so hot and parts were very steep. In reality the climb really was not that hard, but it was the heat that was killer. We got to what we thought would be the pools and there was no water there. We were all about to just jump Benchy when he told us finally that we had to go just a little further. Once we finally had water in sight, we were all stripping and running. There was no time to have those moments of embarracement about our swim suits. No one cared. We all just wanted water. It was the most satisfying swim I have ever had. I don't know how long we were there, but none of us wanted to get out and make that hike back down. But, eventually we had to. At least there was lunch waiting for us at the base.

After lunch, we made the 4WD back out and over to Jim Jim Falls. These falls were not all year. When we got to them it was just a drizzle. In fact, we couldn't even tell that it was going till we got right up to it. But first we had to make a hike to get to it. (There is no such thing as an easy swim around here) This hike was easy except for short people. The last part of it was across large boulders but I made it. We got into the water, only to find that there was another pool around the corner, which we all swam to. While there, Rik, called out to us between us and the falls and said that there was another pool. So we all got out and walked over more boulders, only barefooted now, and jumped into a really really cold pool. At least we had a goal in sight, and that was to swim as fast as possible to the falls. It was really quite cool to get to stand under this water fall. I mean in the pictures you see it is huge, but now it was just as if it was raining on a summer day.

We got in trouble because we got back late, but we don't care. It really was worth it.

We had to now drop off Berna and Phil. I was really sad to see them go. They were basically the only companions I had and I didn't know how I would get along with everyone else. I worried about nothing. For one, I was already well known in the group as the one who laughed all the time. I guess my reputation will follow me all around the world. I guess that's not a bad things. In fact it's a good sign, because with this group, I laughed more than I had in my whole trip. That's how great this group is. That night, I was trying to get to know people so I sat around the fire with them and had a great evening.

Tuesday, June 30

It was another early morning. (Now when I say early I mean 5:30) But we had a lot to fit in. Again, Benchy was being a great guide. He was making sure we got 3 swims in unlike the typical 2. Our first swim was at Burley Rock Holes, which was a bunch of pools attached by little waterfalls that you could slide down. Most everyone went to a pool farther up, but Rito, Laton and I went to a different one. It was nice because there were less people and we were able to play in one of the falls. It was just a different experence, and it felt great to be in the water so much.

After the pools, we stopped at Florence falls. There were so many people there it was not worth getting in the water, but most of us did a walk around the falls, and when we got to the end of walk there was Benchy making hotdogs on the barbie. Yeah for Aussie stereo types. But let me tell you, it was fantastic.

Our last stop and swim for the day was at Sandy Creek. This was by far the best swim of them all. This was at a basin that had a water fall. The falls were still going strong, so we could swim up into it. It, however, was not so strong that it stopped us from actually climbing up the falls and diving into the water. Layton, managed to be the most daring about it, but Michelle and I had our fair share of being daring.

Sadly we were all forced in so we could go back to Darwin. This just sounded like a chore, until Benchy started talking about us all going out to dinner together. This perked us all up. We all met at the Cavanaugh (yep, the same place I tried to get a room at before) and had a full harty meal there. This all just made it that much harder to say farewell to everyone. Lucky for me, Berna came out to join us, so I did get to see her again. Then a group of us walked back toward my hostel together. That were I said my final farewells to Benchy, Michelle, Sarah, Berna, and Layton. At least I know I have great friends that I will keep in touch with all around the world. Plus, I'll get to meet up with Berna when I go to Ireland, so it's not really a "final" Farewell.

Wednesday, July 1

"Territory Day"

Yet another early morning, only to find myself back at the office for my tours. This time I was going down to Alice Springs. Though I met Michelle and Victoria from Brisban, and Bridgette from Washington DC (Yep that's right) it's hard to get to know people when you come off a such a great group.

There really wasn't much to the first part of our day. The main thing we were going for was Katherine Gorge. Our first stop there was at our camp where we grilled up some chicken. See, I'm not having the same thing every day. I really got lucky.

Then we went to the actual Gorge. At the Gorge Michelle, Vic, Bridgette and I went kayaking. At one point Bridgette and I stopped and she had a swim and I just stuck my feet in the water, but there was this constant fear since there are crocs in those waters. Vic and Michelle proved that by seeing one. Many of the other people just went for a swim, and I call them crazy.

After the Gorge we went to meet Manuel who taught us some of their art. We even got to try. Basically what you do is paint a boarder, then the outside of an animal. Then you outline the animal. Then on the inside of the animal you put in Rah, which is a basket weave lines. For not being an artist and usually not very good at drawing anything, I didn't do too bad.

I guess it was good that this was such an easy day, because we wanted our guide, Ruth, to be rested for her very long drive the next day.

Thrusday, July 2

As I said, this day was a really long drive, so of course we had to be up very early. Our first stop was at the Mataranka thermal pools. It was warm outside, but these pools were warmer than outside. It was like taking a bath. From here, things get long and boring, and people go a little loopy.

Let me tell you about a man name Stuart. Well, you really don't want to know about him, but I'll give you what I can. He was an explorer and made 6 attempts to go from Adelaide to Darwin and back, and only 3 are well known, and only one was successful. He was a very grumpy man, but he made sure none of his men died. That's why it took him so long, because if they were running low on provisions he turned back. He created the path of the telagraph which was huge for Australia because they could then get messages to England faster.

Well we were driving along the Stuart Highway and there was nothing on it. So I think to keep the drivers sain, they have stops for them. One for us was "The Stuart Tree" This "tree" was only about 9 feet high and had the top part cut clean off. The only reason why it's the Stuart Tree is because if you look closely there is a big "S" on it. I guess you have to get your kicks where you can on the Stuart Highway.

Right next to that was Daly Waters, where there was a pub that had everything you could imagine that people would leave behind. There was a whole pavilion covered in thongs (Flip-flops) they had, dollars from around the world, coins, shirts, flags, underpants, bras, anything. That was were we stopped for lunch. I felt a little dumber leaving there.

We took a short drive along the run way of the first international air port. The same place where Qantas was started. Then we stopped at a sign that had Alice Springs on it. Again we get our kicks where we can. Then I think just to add some spice we stopped at a hike. Ruth made it out to be this great walk and we'd have a fantastic view. It was just a random hill on the side of the road. It was a good view, but we had to walk though spinafex grass, which is like walking through a valley of needles.

Friday, June 3

Finally a day to sleep in. We got up at 6:30. Our first stop of not really a stop. We were supposed to go to a cultural music place, but no one was there, so we moved on. We made an experiment and went to these pebbles. They, were just really small boulders. It was just a taste of what the Devils Marbles would be, which was our next stop.

Devils Marbles were actually really impressive. They are boulders that were created under the ground but as the earth has eroded the rocks have been exposed. It must sound crazy that I'm impressed by these rocks but really they are impressive. I'm sure photos wouldn't be able to express this either.

Our final real stop was lunch, which really wasn't much. So then we were on the home stretch to Alice Springs. 3 very long days. I won't say more but they were 3 hard days for me to get through. I just looked forward to the end more than I did, of dreading missing everyone.

That evening a group of us went to Bojangles which was nice, but all I really wanted was to talk with all of you on my blog and go to bed. I had to choose though because we had to be up at 4:00, so I choose to sleep. Sorry guys. That's also why I'm so far behind.

Saturday, July 4

"Happy 4th"

We got picked up at 5:00am by Macca. There was no trying to stay awake on the first leg. We were all asleep. It also didn't help that none of us got good sleep because we had rude roommates. I had a roommate come at 3 different hours of the night. Each time I paniced that I was late for my bus. Not a way to get some sleep.

The main scheduled high light of this day was Kings Canyon. It was a nice long walk, where we got to up the side of the Canyon then walk along the top. The way it looked with the rocks but a bit of vegitation it would not have been odd to see dinosores or something just walk along.

After the Canyon, Macca wanted to spice things up so he made us play a quiz. We broke into two groups. Each group had to come up with 10 questions and a name. We, being the group that was on the trip from Darwin, came up with "Stuart's Scallywags" Yeah lame, I know, but we won the team name contest and we won the game. We also had some really hard questions, but that was the point of the quiz, right....

Finally off in the distance we could see Uluru (Ayers Rock) The sun was setting on it and we could see all the colors. Macca wanted us to see the sun set, so he just pulled off to the side of the road and we all climbed a random hill in the outback and sat ontop to watch the sun set. It really was specatular. What I thought was crazy was the red sand. It was a rust red and such fine sand. It seemed so random, but there it was.

We had a nice helping of Steak, sausage, and Kangaroo that night. I don't know if it's how Kangaroo is supposed to be cooked, but I think it was under done. Then again, this is Australia. Michelle bought some Marshmellows so we had some roasted marshmellows. Then we pulled out our swags and crawled in. Swags, for those of you who don't know are canvas sleeping bags with a mattras on the bottom. You put your sleeping bag inside of them, then you sleep out on the ground under the stars. Truely priceless. And thanks to Layton, I had a pillow to keep myself comfy.

Sunday, July 5

We had another early morning, but for very good reason. We had to get to Uluru before sunrise, so we could watch the colors. That would all be good and fun it the sky hadn't been covered in clouds. You should have seen us when the sun came out. We all ran to take photos, and it's good we ran because we had about a 20sec window. We did get to see the rock in sunlight, but just not when it's the most colorful. A group of us did the 8km walk around the base of Uluru which was really good to get out and walk. We did essentially 5miles in 2hours. Hard core there. It helps when you can't stop to take photos. Uluru is a sacred ground, even though they have made it a national park and tourist can come and climb it, the aboriginal don't approve of it. That was why I didn't want to climb it. But, going back to my point, since it is sacred ground there are certain areas that you can't take photos of. For example there are areas that are womens areas and men cannot see, so they don't want photos to get out so there is no chance of the men seeing it. Pretty interesting if you think about it.

After Uluru, we drove down the street to Kata Tjuta, which is another rock formation formed the same way as Uluru, only it's just not as big. Here we did another 2km walk and Macca took some pretty cool photos for us.

After lunch and a short stop to look at the signs of an ocean once being out there, we were on our way back to Alice Springs. Again ending the evening with Bojangles.

Monday, July 6

Michelle, Victory, and I all had flights today but not till later, so we went to learn about the Royal Flight Doctors. David, you would love to learn about these guys. They were started in 1928. Basically they are the means of an ambulance for the people who live in the middle of nowhere. They are based in Alice Springs, but they now have bases all over Australia. They have now grown to be able to hold clinics once a month in different towns, they offer medical advice over the phone, and they do emergency transports from hospital to hospital, along with being an ambulance. These are great people and many people would not survive without them.

We took a stroll through town, which took about 15 mins, then we caught a taxi to the airport. It was still early for me, so I just sat around the airport for about 4 hours. In the airport I met Matt, and we soon found out that we were staying at the same hostel in Cairns. As we got talking we found out that we had done the same tour around New Zealand, then we did Alice Springs and we were going to be following each other along the East Coast. So even though I'm not traveling with him, I'll have a buddy to look forward to seeing along the way.

Tuesday, July 7

I left this morning for Cape Tribulation. This is the rainforest, where the reef and the rainforest meet, north of Cairns. We had a few stops along the way including a stop at a wildlife park where I got to see most of the same animals I saw in Melbourne, but there were also many birds and I got to bet a croc. True it was just a baby, but still, I pet a croc, I'm happy.

We got a small walk though the Daintree Rainforest, then we got another croc cruise. This one we didn't see at many crocs or as big, but the two we did see where just up on the beach sunning, so we got to see the whole thing. They really look so cute and harmless. Really though, they do, till you think about what they do.

Once at the Cape there wasn't much to do for the rest of they day since it was late and the night walk was booked, so I just got to get to know my roommates.

Wednesday, July 8

My roommates and I took a walk down to the beach. I had no desire to get in since we were warned of all the crocs, but I was happy to hang out. We first went to the look out where we were able to see the reef and the rain forest meet, then we walked along Cape Tribulation to find a spot to lay out. They had to leave since they were on a different bus tour, but I stayed out a couple more hours.

The wind was really strong so I was covered in sand, but that wasn't the best part. The best part was that I discovered very quickly, that I forgot to put sunscreen on where my shorts were. So when I layed out to sun in my swim suit, I got a little sun, and it shows the worst, right where my shorts would be. Oops!!

I caught the bus back to Cairns and was out for the count.

Ok, Well that has pretty much caught you all up. I'm running out of time online so I had better go. I'll be starting my PADI course tomorrow so after that I'll let you all know how that goes.

I really really miss you all. Lots of love, hugs and kisses.

Cheers from Cairns!!