Forever One

Coming to the end of our trip with full hearts and better self awareness. The Great Barrier Reef was our last, but certainly not least, stop through our month long journey up the east coast of Australia. With unknown visions of what waited for us beneath, we eagerly dived into the crisp, blue ocean. The colors, fish, coral, and every little specimen was more beautiful than any of us could ever imagine. Making images through camera lenses and our minds, none of us wanted the moment to end. With all of us snorkeling, some scuba diving, we all had a little story and memory to tell of the legendary, Great Barrier Reef.

Waking up the next morning, Australia must have known it was our last day because the day welcomed us with rain. All sad - but not wanting to show it, we got ready for the day. Ten of us decided to end the trip with one last adrenaline seeking bungee jump! The thrill we got through that jump made us feel so much closer to each other. One by one, each heart racing and smiling face, we would exit from the jump thrilled to tell the others exactly how we felt at the moment. The feeling of knowing that nothing could replace a moment like that is forever engraved in our hearts and minds. The rest of the group had a fun day learning about Aboriginal culture. They taught us how to play the didgeridoo, throw a boomerang and sing their lungs out with beautiful aboriginal anthems.

We ended the trip with a great American-style meal at Hogs Breath. The smell of food, the chatter of 18 happy souls and abundant laughter filled the air. We reminisced on all the memories of the 31 days we had together; and started planning on the reunions to come. Thinking how crazy it was that we were all strangers a short time ago, and now we hold bonds and memories that no one could replace or take away. Now as I sit here, with tear filled eyes, I know the most amazing trip is at its end. Sobbing as we said our goodbyes, we knew the moments we shared would keep us close forever. The Tim Tam Slammers; composed of 18 strangers, 18 different back grounds, 18 different personalities. 18 different appetites, 18 different reasons why we joined the trip, 18 different view points. And one strong bond. The family we built through, trials, lessons, long talks, disagreements, bellyaching laughter, jokes and achievements; will forever be one.

~ Alexis