Last update from Down Under
We last left you at the end of the Fraser Island hiking trip. What a blast!
After eating Australian Cheescake and waving goodbye to Dragon Lady at the hostel, we made our way south to Byron Bay. A windy day provided some excitingly huge waves to help us work on our balancing skills when we went kayaking in the bay. We saw dolphins, which was a delight for all, nearly lost Michael to a big wave (or four) and a few people lost their breakfast (over the side of the kayak) along the way as well. Fun was had by all, cavorting with the locals and other travelers whilst checking out the Byron nightlife. We all enjoyed the comfort of our lovely beach cottages and our impromptu but delicious BBQ chicken dinner.
The waves at Byron in no way compared to the waves around Crescent Head, which was our next destination; Surfaris surf camp. Everyone had been looking forward to this and we were not disappointed. From the free 24/7 PB and J, to the free wireless, to the rocking band on our last night, fun was had by all. Must not forget to mention the surf, which was mostly good; the instructors, who were brilliant; and the surfing skills, which ranged from ok (first day crappy waves) to fantastic (not to brag, but I heard some surf companies want to sponsor me now); all achieved in 5 days of hard work and harder fun! This really was an excellent week together and a great 'big bang' before heading home.
We've spent the last two days in Katoomba, in the Blue Mountains National park, a couple of hours from Sydney. Yesterday most of the group went on a grueling 5 hour exploratory bike ride through the Blue Mountains and were rewarded with astoundingly beautiful views during the ride. Although my butt isn't thanking me for it today, it was worth the hard work and effort. Two days in Sydney, final debrief, picnic dinner and the groups' departure beckons tomorrow. Its going to be a shock waking up when I want to, with nobody to talk to and no organizing – whatever will I do with myself?
- Leo
As our last days in OZ are coming to an end, I am starting to wonder what I am going to do without the group. There are only 3 nights left before we go home and I am already getting groupsick (like home sick but of the group). When I get home I will feel like I am lost without the other 11 people that I have grown so acustomed to. When I look back at my time downunder I will be looking back at the time of my life, my prime, my heyday, my zenith, my pinnacle.
- Michael Elghazi
Whenever I stop and reminisce about the trip, I feel as though I'm going over memories from someone else's life. These past two months I have challenged my physical and mental states to unnerving feats compared to the biggest challenges I faced at home. This trip has widened my lens of what I thought was possible from caving, to mounting steep slippery cliffs, and from taking a 134m free fall, to hiking in the rain for 6 hours with 35 pounds on my back. I know when I get home my confidence will be higher and my ambition greater and most of all I will make each moment count. Also I will never forget the people I accomplished all this with and who made each set back into an adventure.
- James Cameron
Jumping out of planes and off bridges, falling down 21ft waterfall, riding a horse that was in Lord of the Rings, scuba diving, planting, surfing, snorkeling, sea kayaking, weeding, zorbing, caving, rappelling---all are activities I somehow fit into my two short months here. And now there are only three days left. How is that possible?! I have spent the past year dreaming of these two months here in New Zealand and Australia and now it is suddenly coming to a close. Even though the time has flown by, I find myself coming out of this experience with not only 11 close friends or a million amazing memories, but confidence, maturity, and an open mind. My next challenge is going home and sharing my indescribable experiences with my family and friends, but I can't even start thinking on where to begin. When March 16th comes around, as I finally say goodbye to my life down under, I will be sure to hold onto all the moments that have made me laugh, cry, struggle, grow, learn, smile, and all the amazing people that made that possible. Peace out PD. Kia Ora.
After eating Australian Cheescake and waving goodbye to Dragon Lady at the hostel, we made our way south to Byron Bay. A windy day provided some excitingly huge waves to help us work on our balancing skills when we went kayaking in the bay. We saw dolphins, which was a delight for all, nearly lost Michael to a big wave (or four) and a few people lost their breakfast (over the side of the kayak) along the way as well. Fun was had by all, cavorting with the locals and other travelers whilst checking out the Byron nightlife. We all enjoyed the comfort of our lovely beach cottages and our impromptu but delicious BBQ chicken dinner.
The waves at Byron in no way compared to the waves around Crescent Head, which was our next destination; Surfaris surf camp. Everyone had been looking forward to this and we were not disappointed. From the free 24/7 PB and J, to the free wireless, to the rocking band on our last night, fun was had by all. Must not forget to mention the surf, which was mostly good; the instructors, who were brilliant; and the surfing skills, which ranged from ok (first day crappy waves) to fantastic (not to brag, but I heard some surf companies want to sponsor me now); all achieved in 5 days of hard work and harder fun! This really was an excellent week together and a great 'big bang' before heading home.
We've spent the last two days in Katoomba, in the Blue Mountains National park, a couple of hours from Sydney. Yesterday most of the group went on a grueling 5 hour exploratory bike ride through the Blue Mountains and were rewarded with astoundingly beautiful views during the ride. Although my butt isn't thanking me for it today, it was worth the hard work and effort. Two days in Sydney, final debrief, picnic dinner and the groups' departure beckons tomorrow. Its going to be a shock waking up when I want to, with nobody to talk to and no organizing – whatever will I do with myself?
- Leo
As our last days in OZ are coming to an end, I am starting to wonder what I am going to do without the group. There are only 3 nights left before we go home and I am already getting groupsick (like home sick but of the group). When I get home I will feel like I am lost without the other 11 people that I have grown so acustomed to. When I look back at my time downunder I will be looking back at the time of my life, my prime, my heyday, my zenith, my pinnacle.
- Michael Elghazi
Whenever I stop and reminisce about the trip, I feel as though I'm going over memories from someone else's life. These past two months I have challenged my physical and mental states to unnerving feats compared to the biggest challenges I faced at home. This trip has widened my lens of what I thought was possible from caving, to mounting steep slippery cliffs, and from taking a 134m free fall, to hiking in the rain for 6 hours with 35 pounds on my back. I know when I get home my confidence will be higher and my ambition greater and most of all I will make each moment count. Also I will never forget the people I accomplished all this with and who made each set back into an adventure.
- James Cameron
Jumping out of planes and off bridges, falling down 21ft waterfall, riding a horse that was in Lord of the Rings, scuba diving, planting, surfing, snorkeling, sea kayaking, weeding, zorbing, caving, rappelling---all are activities I somehow fit into my two short months here. And now there are only three days left. How is that possible?! I have spent the past year dreaming of these two months here in New Zealand and Australia and now it is suddenly coming to a close. Even though the time has flown by, I find myself coming out of this experience with not only 11 close friends or a million amazing memories, but confidence, maturity, and an open mind. My next challenge is going home and sharing my indescribable experiences with my family and friends, but I can't even start thinking on where to begin. When March 16th comes around, as I finally say goodbye to my life down under, I will be sure to hold onto all the moments that have made me laugh, cry, struggle, grow, learn, smile, and all the amazing people that made that possible. Peace out PD. Kia Ora.
posted by Pacific Discovery at
1:46 AM
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