SJ's Grand Adventure

Time has flown by, having a fantastic time.

We caught a bus from Brisbane to Noosa, unfotunately we only had a night there. It's a real surfers town with an absolutely stunning beach. We did, however, have to share a room with Grotbag herself yuck!! Would love to go back there to do a surfing course.

Then it was straight to Hervey Bay for our 4WD trip to Fraser Island. We started VERY early and had to sit through 2 very cheesy videos on what not to do on the island. Basically DO NOT FEED THE DINGOS!!!

It's the biggest sand island in the world,175 KM long with a 75km beach. Got more sand than the Sahara apparently! I'm still finding it in the most odd places!!

Met the rest of our group at the hostel a real mix of nationalities and ages - English (unfortunately), Lebanese, Mexican, Swedish, Dutch and Belgian, 9 of us altogether. Collected our car and camping stuff and set off. Didn't get of to the best of starts when we got a puncture before we even got of the ferry, managed to change the tyre (not me obviously, I was supervising!) to find that too had a puncture, so third time lucky!

First stop was Mackenzie lake which is a massive freshwater lake with beautiful white sand. Managed to disturb the peace with a game of water rugby then set of for the camp site. We lost our map in the first 5 minutes so guessed which camp site to go to. We were all pleased with ourselves having put up our tents and cooked a barbie when the ranger pulled up..... we managed to camp in the only area on the entire island we weren't allowed to, it has the busiest dingo activity. She didn't seem too bothered as long as we monitored their activity, she even pulled a toy dingo out of her bum bag to illustrate their markings, what an exciting life she must lead!!

Had a fairly uneventful night, only saw 4 dingos. We were told we were safe as long as we shouted "DINGO" at them. It seemed to work anyway!

The second day was the best with a start at Eli creek which is basically a shallow river with an extremely strong current that carries you all the way down. A natural flume. We found it works better if you use an Eskie lid to float on. Managed to shatter the peace again with the who can surf the furthest on an eskie lid game. I was rubbish! Next stop was a shipwreck before walking up to one of the highest points on the island. Absolutely amazing views (running out of descriptive words!!) Saw loads of Tiger sharks, stingrays and whales.

Last stop of the day was the Champagne pools which is an area of rock pools where the sea washes into, natural hot(ish) tubs with pretty fish in. The only area where you can go in the sea due to the sneaky sharks and strong currents. Ended up camping in the right area this time, due to the handy map the dingo ranger gave us. We were right on the beach.

Third day was back to Eli creek, best way to wake up, before heading to Lake Wabby. A bit of a hike over sand dunes but more than worth it. The lake is at the bottom of a massive sand dune, so yet more shattering of the peace with who can do the most dramatic dive game.

Unfortunately that was all we had time for. There were soooo many highlights of the trip, one of the main ones driving along the beach and the amazing views and scenery. It's extremely hard to do the place justice in words. We were very lucky with the group we had, most of us are still together up here in Airlie Beach.

The day after we got back from the island we went whale watching, saw loads and loads, mainly mothers and their pups. They were being taught survival skills before heading to Antartica. So we saw tail bashing and breaching (to use the technical terms!)One of the best sights I have ever seen, they came right up to the boat.

I'll put piccies up when I get to Cairns in 5 days. I'm of sailing round the Whitsundays for 2 days tomorrow. Chilling at the lagoon today. I'm behaving myself and being a good girrrrlllll,Mum, bed by 9:30 every night xxxx

Finally arrived in Brisbane after 3 flights and 24 hours. I did have 200 SAGA holidaymakers to keep me amused though!

Brisbane is a beautiful city, got lots of little bits and pieces to see plus a random nepalese pagoda and a beach in the middle of the city. Had a really nice few days wandering round the botanical gardens, going on a ferry up and down, up and down, up and down the river, wondering what makes all the strange noises coming from the trees and sorting out travel stuff. Donuts managed to chose a train that didn't go anywhere on Weds so he didn't go to work and was able to show me round the city. Although after 3 months of staying here his tour consisted of 'that's the river', 'that's the gardens', and 'not sure what that is' He is very good at chosing beer though!

Met loads of really lovely people already and also a few really odd ones. A particularly 'interesting' example is a french guy who shares our room. He claims to hunt lions and wears a lion's toe nail round his neck at all times hhhhhhmmmmmmmmmm!!

Donuts is on good form and has done a fantastic job of organising our trip. He's even made a wee calender with our schedule of events! He also has a few interesting stories to tell - for those of you that know him make sure you ask him why he's been given the nickname 'squeaky' by the people staying at the hostel!

We head of tomorrow (let me just consult my schedule) to Noosa for a night where I think we're going kayaking in the everglades.The rest of the trip is: (so you can follow on the map Mum!)

18th - a 3 day self drive on Fraser island, we're given a 4WD and a tent and we drive round the island with several other people.

22nd - Airlie beach where we go sailing for 3 days round the Whitsundays, really looking forward to this.

26th - Cairns not sure what I'll do here as Donuts is off on a diving course, sure I'll find something! When he's done that we're probably going to head up to Cape Tribulation and see crocodiles, do do some canopy flying and some other fun stuff.

6th Oct - Fly to Alice Springs and do a 3 day tour round Ayers rock, Donuts is convinced we're going to sleep under the stars but I think I may opt for the tent after hearing about all the nasty wee beasties.(still haven't seen the toilet spider Dad!)

11th Oct - going on a groovy grape to Adelaide where we hire a car and drive the great ocean road. Hopefully going to do a Tiger Moth flight over the 12 apostles.

16th - Melbourne!

Reckon I'm almost over the jet lag, it does make everything very fuzzy for a while though, had to keep telling myself I was in Oz. Of to a music festival down in the Valley tonight with some lovely dutch people we've met. I have got lots of photos already and will put them up when Donuts gets back and can tell me how I get them of the camera onto the computer.

Well that's all for now, having a fantastic time miss you all. Hugs, kisses and all that sopppy stuff xxxxxxx

Helooooooo!

Figured one of these blog things is a lot better than group emails and if I can figure it out I can even put up photos - you may be waiting a while for that!!

Well I've finally sorted out my travel plans and am flying to Brisbane to meet up with a uni mate, Donuts, who's been out there for a wee while. We're travelling for about a month and as far as I can figure out we're going to Cairns - Ayres rock - Adelaide - and Melbourne with lots of fun stuff in between.

Either that or he's run of with my money!

I'm leaving on Monday, the 11th Sept so not long to go. Not completely sure what I'm going to do after the month but will probably include a bit more of Oz, Nz and the Far East. Will have to get a job at some point too but reckon it'll fall into place once I get out there. As for how long I'm going for no idea about that either!

I'll do my best to keep this updated with all the fun and frolics I get up to.