Photos

Big update

I haven't updated this in ages so I doubt many people check it now if they did so any way. At Yamba we stayed with joes fried for a week and mainly went surfing and a few other things. We saw some dolphins there as well which was cool. After Yamba we went down to Coffs Harbour for a night. We stayed in a hostel, a very big one which was quite impersonal and noisy and dirty. The good thing was they had free canoes, so we woke up early and went kayaking down the creek.

We then went to Port Macqaurie and stayed with Gary. He picked us up from the transit centre and showed us around he was a really nice guy. The next day we had a walk along the beach and went into some little rain forest centre and had a walk around. Which was pretty cool. The next day we woke up at 4 Am to get the bus to Newcastle for 5.30 Am which was a joy.

When we got to Newcastle we met a guy called Johnny who was awesome. As soon as we met him he was like do you guys want some surf boards, some bikes, snorkel gear etc. He was very enthuiastic about his home city which was cool. He told us somethings to do and we went off and explored. We went to Nobby's beach and walked around the city for a bit and had a look at some other beaches. We went snorkelling in a little rock pool and saw some fish and a sting ray. Later that evening Johnny took us out to some pubs with some of his friends and some canadian people he met. And we pretty much got a free night because every one bought us drinks which was pretty good.

Then we left Newcastle pretty hung over and went to Sydney. We got to Sydney and had to wait around for a long time because the guy we were staying with didn't finish uni till 5 and we got there at 1pm. So we lugged our bags around for aggggges and I had a huge 5kg bag of rice. We finally rang him and met him at uni but we had mistaken him for some one else and we started talking to some random guy and he was like who the hell are you and then Ollie comes up from behind and is like like HI! So we made fools of our selves lol. We stayed in Ollies house which he was sharing with other uni students and they were all a bit iffy with us staying. Later that evening Ollie and his friends took us to some house party and then we went to uni and watched 300, which is pretty bad.

The next day we looked around Sydney.. We walked to the botanical gardens and then a long the front and we saw the Opera house and Harbour bridge. We walked all along the front and then we walked across the bridge and over to lunar park. Then it decided to bucket it down, when it rains in Australia, It RAINS. So we waited there for ages and when it died down we walked back but it started to rain again so we got pretty wet. Then when we got into the city the pavements were really smooth so I kept almost slipping over in my flip flops which joe found hilarious. So I walked through Sydney bare foot in the end. Then Ollie and his flat mates were having a house warming party. So there was more drinking that night as well.

I can't remember what we did sunday we woke up and went and got kfc for breakfast.. I know that much. Oh then we went to the Botanical gardens for a little bit then we went back pretty early. Monday we had to leave but we stayed with one of Ollies friends at Uni. And later that day we went to the blue mountains and up to Katoomba. Its beautiful up there, we saw the three sisters and went for a walk and stuff. Pretty cold and wet, which no one informed us about so we went up there in shorts and t shirts.

Tuesday we left and went to Canberra. We stayed at Canberra uni with a girl called Rose for the first two nights. We climbed up black mountain and had a look, thats where telstra tower is and you can see the whole city. And we just had a look around Canberra. Then on Thursday we left and went to stay with another family. Although most of the family went to Melbourne to watch the swimming so we were just with Chris and he wasn't there half the time because hes an Ambulance driver and did shifts. So we looked around parliment and did a few other things. Watches lord of the rings and went swimming at 8pm.

On Saturday I met Edd and Maree and some of the family which was cool. We went to this place called Lanyon which was like an old sheep farm 150 years ago and it still remains how it was then, so its an interesting insight to the old style life of early Australians. We had lunch there as well and I had a steak sandwich. We then went back to Edds for a bit. We talked and things and then Edd drove me back and showed me the lake as well. Was a really good day!

Then on Sunday we did pretty much nothing. Got the bus at 8.30pm and arrived in Melbourne at 6am. Worst bus Journey of my life, thank god I don't have to do many more. We have then stayed with Daniel from Monday till Saturday which is today. Monday we did nothing apart from go to a place called willaimstown and got some ice cream and had a look around it was freezing.. Tuesday we had a look around the city and went on the trams and went to MCG. I got a free ticket haha. Which would of cost 15 dollars. Wednesday we did nothing. Thursday I don't remember doing to much walked to the shops and we watche date movie back at home and had some food. Yesterday we went into the city and Daniel showed us around the botanical gardens then we got some chinese for lunch. And today which is Saturday we will be leaving at some point to go to Montrose and stay with some people that have a bed and breakfast. We will be working part time casually for board and meals for the next few weeks so that should be good and will save us some money. Daniel lives on a very new estate and has access to a free gym and stuff so we have been going down there and using the steam rooms and saunas.

That in a nutshell is pretty much what I've been doing for the past few weeks.

Yehaw

Ooooook. Monday we left Jennies... Went to Byron bay for one night and stayed at a backpackers called middle reef which was a pretty nice place.We went out for a look around and walked around to the light house which was pretty cool. We then went back to the hostel and got some beer and went out to a club called cheeky moneksy and then to some other pub and stumbled our way back. Then the next day we got back on the bus to a place called grafton but on the way we stopped at the BIG PRAWN.. haha.

Then Joes friend Nathan picked us up from Grafton and took us to yamba. Which is a really nice place. Then yesterday we woke up went surfing and went on Nathans Girlfriends dads racing yacht for a few hours which was great. So far today we've just been surfing.

On the move again

Okay.. So Joes been here for about a week now. We've been up to a fair bit.. Had alook around the city been doing some sight seeing like going up to mount coot tha and southbank and the museum, art galleries and various other things around. Joe also went to Australia zoo the other day which was cool, he had a good time.

Tommorrow we are leaving to go to Byron bay which is in New South Wales so a whole new state for us. Which should be good. We are staying in a hostel for one night and then we are off too Grafton to stay with Joes dads friend. Every things going great and I'm excited about leaving.

yoga

So recently I've been doing loads of yoga and helping out at the ashram. Theres always plenty to do some I'm usually pretty busy. I'm learning lots of new things at this place which is cool and just doing loads of yoga like I said. Not much else to report really.

ummmmmmmmmmmmm

Yeah so I'm now staying at an Ashram which teaches meditation and yoga. Its really cool and I'm learning lots of yoga. Today I did 3 hours so I'm nackered. Its really good for you too, its like a combination of tai chi and stretching. The people that run the place are all really friendly too. Its pretty good.

I spend a lot of my time cleaning the place and cooking and a few other odd jobs usually end up doing 3 - 5 hours or something a day. If there are lessons we do those and do the work after so its good. Its a different experience and I'm learning a lot.

Today I woke up at 7am and had a shower and stuff had breakfast. Cleaned up for an hour, then took part in the easy yoga class which lasted 1 and a half hours. I then took part in the general class which is a bit more intense than the other which lasted the same time. I then cleaned up so more and watered the plants.

Its also Chinese new year today and because I'm staying in China town I'm going to check it out. They have big festivals with lion dancing and stuff down the streets. It doesn't start until 10pm but I have tommorrow off so its ok.

Previously

So last Friday I left Bundaberg and spent 3 hours waiting for the bus at the bundaberg coach station because it broke down. So I didn't get to Cooroy until about 6 o clock. Its very hilly around there and it kind of reminded me a bit of Derbyshire it was very green.

The people I was staying with were called Jos and Kaye and they were part of a permaculter thing. So they grew their own vegetables and made their own dairy and such. So its like a self sustaining place. All the localcs kind of trade with each other for vegetables, fruit and such. I learn a lot about herbs and cooking and various other things while I was there. All of which were very interesting.

They also had a baby chick which was almost like a human because it was an only chick. So it kept following me and would let you pick it up and try and fly on you and sit on your shoulders and things so it was very cute.

Whilst I was there I helped to make a compost here and made a garden bed ready for planting as well as a few other things. I had my own caravan to stay in too which was really cool. All in all I had a great time there.

I'm now at Jennies typing this up getting ready to go into the valley for the tai chi, yoga, meditation place. So i'll have to see how that goes. If I don't like it I can always do a runner!

Yesterday

Yesterday I woke up had breakfast went for a run around the block. The I went into the city had lunch again at the same cafe, its awesome there. I had a cappaccino and a milk shake and a ham roll! I then left there and went to the Bundaberg Rum distillery. I cycled there because the family here let me borrow there bike which was awesome. I payed 10 dollars for the tour and you get two free drinks. So I had my tour and my drinks and then cycled home and cooked dinner. Thats about all I did yesterday.

Wednesday

Well the family I'm staying with at the moment are awesome. They are so friendly and welcoming which is great also very helpful. Bundaberg is quite a nice place although most of the people in Baffle Creek will disagree. The main shopping area is quite nice lots of really cool and unique shops and a book exchange which is great.

I arrived on Monday had a look around sugarland which is the shopping complex close to where I'm staying. Lots of shops and stuff too look around. Plus the buses leave from there which is also pretty good but its nothing to exciting, sugarland. Thats all I really did on monday and then met every one else of course.

Yesterday I woke up and went for a run and just a had a little look around the neighbourhood. Then I got ready had breakfast and went to Sugarland and got the bus into the city. I looked around the shops for a while just window shopping. I found some awesome book stores and bought around the world in 80 days by Michael Palin and Sahara by michael Palin, which should keep me happy. I want to buy the hobbit though. I then found a small cafe and got a coffee of some sorts for the fun of it. it was actually pretty good. I then left there and got the bus back to Sugarland and went to the cinema which was opposite and saw Dejavu which was a really good film.

Bundaberg

Well today I'm off to Bundaberg. Glen has to go into the city so hes going to give me a lift which is good. I spoke to the lady on the phone and she seems very friendly so it should all be good. Bye.

The reef

Ok.. So I've been cooking a lot. So far I've learnt how to make Apple pie, Short bread, My own pasta and a recipe. Which is all good. Yay.

Today I woke up at 6am got ready left here at 6.30am to get to 1770 by 7.30. I got there in time and waited. Then I was allowed on this huge boat thing which took us 32 miles towards lady Musgrave. The most southernly point of the Great Barrier reef.

It wasn't the best day to go out because it was windy and a bit rainy. On the way there because it was so bumpy every one around me was throwing up so by the end I felt very sick and was on the brink of vomitation but I restrained. You know why because I'm a man hahaha. Any way once we got there we had tea and biscuits and all kinds of things like that. Well I did any way not too sure about the people that had thrown up.

First thing that we did was too feed the fish. They had this thing that went under water on the pontoon where you could see all the fish. I tried in vain to take some pictures but the glass was all scratched and useless. So I managed to get one fairly decent picture which you shall see later. After that they took us onto the island in a boat with a see through bottom (I can't remember what them call them) so we could see some of the coral and it also took us to lady musgrave. We had a tour around the island, its bigger than it looks. What really sucked is that we weren't allowed to take any thing, not even a small piece of coral. Which was my plan and would of made an awesome souvenir but you get fined 15000 dollars which I can't afford.

They eventually took us off the island back over the coral and then back onto the pontoon for lunch. Lunch consisted of a buffet which was: chicken, ham, beef, salad, potato salad, and various other things and for some strange reason they had some kind of pineapple in cream and mayonaise or something.... So lunch was good. I then went snorkelling around the lagoon for about two hours, which was amazing. You could see all the fish really close up and I saw a turtle. I took lots of pictures with an underwater camera I got for 25 bucks but I need to develop the film first, plus its resusable. That was such a cool experience loads of different fish, I even saw a sting ray but I swam for my life. I snorkelled for a good two hours before I decided it was time to get back on the pontoon for some tea and biscuits.

We then went on a little boat trip to see some turtles and stuff. We managed to find two turtles. It was cool. The turtles lay their eggs on lady musgrave and theres always a population there. After that we went back and I fell asleep for the duration which was good because it was a two hour journey of open water. So all in all very good.

Below are some pictures from the reef and around where I'm staying. woop woop.The bush basherThe houseSome of the landCalfsQuartz mineMagicarp, seakingThe boat and the pontoonOn the IslandSome kind of coralFinally the lady

Ok

Haven't been up to that much really. Had some people over for dinner last night. Some local people, Chad and Donna, both really nice people. Ray cooked thai food for that which was awesome.

Today its been raining all day. So all I've done is read really. Oh and we also had a crack in the kitchen. We made some short bread which is awesome and easy to make and I think even I could make it. We also made apple pie which I'm yet to try because we are saving it for dinner.

I'm writing down all the recipes that I help to make so I can remake them in the future. Glen makes superb mango ice cream so I'm going to steal that recipe and have a go at making it too. At least I'm learning something constructive. Its my new ambition to become a good cook and it will be useful in the future too.

I probably won't update for a few days so most likely that will be my last post from here. Before I leave though I'll put up all the pictures I have and stuff about the reef.

Rocks

So we've been building a waterfall and now a decking so thats what I've been doing most mornings. Yesterday a Pete the chippy came over and helped to construct the decking. Later on he invited us around for a bbq which was good fun and it was my first barbie.

Today I drove my self to Agnes and was going to go surfing. Yet I didn't go surfing because of the lack of surf so that was annoying, instead I got a skim board. I stay down there for a few hours and tricked and skim boarded. And thats all really. I will probably be here until Sunday then I might head of to Bundaberg.

Australia day

So, I've mostly been moving around rocks and helping to build a waterfall feature. I'll take pictures some other time. It looks good so far.

Yesterday was Australia day which was the 26th of Jan. Australia day is like the day when it was founded or something, theres beers and barbies all over on Australia day.

We went down to the local tavern at baffle creek. They had loads of games like marbles, boat races, mullet tossing, welly throwing, casting, toad races, snail races and all sorts of fun. I lost at marbles and welly throwing, miserably. Oh well it was fun though. I had a few glasses of Victoria Bitter one of the Australian bitters, not bad. Quite strong though. They don't have pints over here so the nearest thing to a pint is a scooner. No idea what it means though.

I came home pretty early, I drove the auto home. Then Glen stayed down the tavern and waited for ray to finish work, he works there. Whilst I was here I watched 4 weddings and a funeral and read some more of Jackie chans autobiography. Which i slike 400 odd pages and I've read about 330 in a few days. Which is condsidering I don't read! Not much else to report pretty mild today, cloudy and over cast still humid though.

Thursday

Ok. Woke up pretty early about 7. Fed the animals. Then glen and I started to build some kind of waterfall rock feature wall type thing. Did that until about midday. Its bloody hot today seriously its soo bad. They have this old 4by4 which they call the bush basher. I'm allowed to drive it around the property and stuff its awesome lol.

They also said I would be able to drive their automatic car, if I wanted to go to the beach and stuff. I have a British driving license which they said is ok here and the insurance here is different so thats all cool. I've also started to read Jackie Chan's autobiography. Seeing as I finished my last book "thumbs up australia".

Photographs

1770

1770

A log at Agnes National park beach

Me at one of the beaches at Agnes national park

G'day

Soo, I woke up at 5am and got ready for my bus journey that departed Brisbane Transirt centre at 7am. It took ages to get too Agnes waters but it was ok there was lots of scenery and lots of sleep to be had. So once I arrived I was picked up by Glen and he took us too his house which is in Baffle creek about 40 minutes away from Agnes. Its a nice area.

Its really in the bush, theres nothing around apart from trees and wild kangarros and snakes. I saw a carpet snake last night which was trying to get the chickens. There are a few animals here things like cattle, pigs, dogs, goat and a few other things. Its a really nice place and the people are helpful and friendly.

Today Glen took us up to this little beach on the national park which was amazing. Totally secluded and it had all these rock pools which was awesome. Then he took us to 1770 to look around and then to Agnes. IT was a cool day and I got to see a lot. So today was a rather easy day. I've got some pictures but I'll put them up tommorrow. Every thing here is all cool and good. Hope you're all ok!

Alright

Ok today I went surfing. I woke upa t 3.30 am stayed awake until 4 when every one else woke up got ready go to steves for 5am and then we waited for his mates. We then drove down to the gold coast to a place called Currumbin. I was pretty tired after waking up so early haha but it was good fun. Steve was teaching me what to do to begin with but its soo hard. I though you could just swim out hop on and surf but oh no, theres much more to it than that. First you have to battle your way through all the waves which some times come over your head so you're constantly being bashed around trying to stay on your surf board. So once you get out there you then have time time it perfectly to catch the wave and then try and stand up, so all in all its pretty hard. It was good fun though, glad I did it. Hopefully up in 1770 near Agnes Waters I will be able to hire surf boards and practice.

Later on today I'm going to pack all my stuff and then have every thing ready for tommorrow. I have to get up about 5ish and then get to the transit centre in Brisbane city by at least 6.30 so I can check in and then get ready for the coach. The whole trip will be 11 hours yay. Oh well I guess its all part of the whole thing, should be ok though i've got a few books to read. I'm not too sure if Ill have internet access too often, so I'll have to wait and see. Hopefully I will. If not I'll try and contact every one when I can. Bye for now.

Recently in my life..

I've been up to the Sunshine coast and looked around. I've been down to the gold coast and down to Surfers paradise to look around. Both of which are really nice places. Loads of beaches and clear blue sea. I prefer the gold coast to the Sunshine coast because it seemed a little less busier and spread out. Then again it could be totally different next time I go. Noosa was hugely built up in one area so there were people every where but in Surfers paradise its a lot more spead out. Both good places to visit, if I were to stay I'd probably try and stay in Surfers Paradise for a few days or something, was pretty cool there.

Tommorrow I'm going to be going surfing at 5am down to the Gold coast with Steve and Andrew and their mates. Should be fun, I'm looking forward to surfing. I can't come to Australia and not surf. Woo.

On Monday I'm going up to Agnes Waters for 2 weeks to work on an Eco-Retreat type place. The people I've been speaking too appear really friendly. So it should all be good, I'm pretty excited because from the pictures the area looks amazing. My bus leaves at 7 am and doesn't get there til' 6.10 pm so its one hell of a bus journey. Oh well, it will be worth it.

Photographs

Mooloolaba Beach
Mooloolaba Beach

Sunshine Beach

Noosa Heads

Noosa Heads

Noosa heads

Turtle inside the museum

Alrighty then

Ok so today we went for a bit of a drive to Noosa to see Alice Anne. Then we went along the Sunshine coast to see the different beaches and I went for a swim a couple of times. I'm now even more slightly tanned, woo for tanning. Was a nice day, nice and hot and sunny. Not much else really. Pretty tired now.

The Sunshine coast was awesome, was really topically. Lots of palm trees and clear blue seas all very pretty. Nice to go and visit. Most of the areas were a bit built up and touristy. Like Noosa Heads, which was nice but a little to built up for my liking. Ahh well. I'm going to put some photos up in a bit.

Umm

Yeah, it would see that Jennie's internet has a limit on it of 500 mb a month and it seems I've gone over it, oops. So recently I've been up to Toowoomba to see Maree and we went down to Oakey, all around that area is inland so there are lots of open spaces and lots of farms. All pretty cool but very different from where I am now.

I went into the city yesterday via the bus and then I went around and did a little bit of shopping and then I met Jennie. We then went to the Museum and the art gallery all of which were pretty interesting and all free! Bonus.

I'm not going to put any pictures on here today maybe tommorrow once I sort them out and stuff. My plans have slightly changed now. I think I will just go up to Miriam vale and then volunteer there for 2 weeks and stay with them. After that I'll probably go to Bundabery or childers and stay in a working hostel and do some fruit picking or something for 2 -3 weeks to get some extra money then come back down to meet Joseph Munroseph. Hope every ones ok and email me damn it.

Fritag!

Today I woke up pretty earlyish and got ready and then Andrew took me up to Steve irwins australia zoo. It was only about an hour away and distance wise around here its pretty good quick journey for most aussies. Any hoo we got there and looked around it was really cool, lots of live demonstrations and talks every where, all of which were interesting. I saw loads of animals, turtles, comodo dragons, lizards, asian otto's, elephants, tigers, kangaroo's, koalas, snakes and loads of different things. I also went to the crocoseum where they have talks about a few of the animals and bring in these huge salt water crocs, which was real cool.

After we had been down to stevo zoo, we went up to caloundra and went to the beach for a little swim because its been a real hot day today. It was quite a nice beach, we only stayed for an hour or so. Now I have a little bit of a tan and a small bit of sun burn so it won't be long before I'm brown lol. Today's been pretty good and if you come to Brisbane you should check out the zoo.

Tommorrow we might go and see Maree in Toowoomba which should be interesting. Hopefully if Steve has time we will go surfing. I really want to go surfing to try it out, it looks awesome. Any way not much else to say, heres some piccies.

Little Baby Croc.

Sleeping Koala

Big tortoise lol

Camel

Salt water croc

Salt water croc

My self being eaten alive

Andrew riding the croc

Me with a roo'

In conclusiong its been a good day and crocs rule! I've also got some more pictures but I can't be bothered to put them up now. I'll probably put them up later tonight or some time tommorrow. G'night.