Byron Bay

Well I survived the first night in the backpackers hostel ok. Had to go to reception for something and two surf dudes who worked there tried to persuade me to go out to celebrate St George's day. It was already 11 pm and up at 7 so reluctantly slipped away. The surf guys picked us up bright and early in their colourful van with loads of surf boards trailing behind. They were a hoot. Jimmy and Dino. Blonde, tanned and so laid back. It was like dumb and dumber. Most surf guys don't even bother with shoes at all. We went to Lennox Point and they checked out the surf. A bit of yoga on the beach followed by our surf lesson. Went ok but thought I found it hard jumping on the board in the sand never mind the sea. Up with the board (it's heavy) tied to the ankle and off to the sea. Trying to fight a way through the strong waves is so hard. Mouthfuls of salt water and one step forward and one step back. Eventually Dino got me through enough waves to turn and get on the board. Just one quick strong wave and was off. Wow, great fun but as expected stayed on the tummy. No way could I also jump to the standing position to look cool. Was absolutely exhausted and sore knees. Gave it a try though and it was worth it. Probably a photo to follow!
Went back to town which is just so pretty and laid back. Treated myself to a chilli vodka in a coconut. Boy it was spicy and I can't say that I will repeat the experience.
Moved on on Thursday towards the Whitsunday Islands. It's Anzac Day here in Oz and a public holiday. They remember the Australian soldiers from WW1 from the Gallipoli landings.
Upper arm muscles ache today from the exertions of yesterday. Surfing is a good workout. We got on a bus and headed to Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast for a short visit on our way to Brisbane airport. We flew to Prosperine where we got a bus to Airlie Harbour and then a ferry to Daydream Island. It's a resort only but so beautiful. Bumped into a few wallabies on way to dinner. Bit of dancing to Santana in the evening and bed. Will try to get photos on later. Having a morning by the pool I think. Love to all. Hope the weathers warming up for you. It is certainly getting more tropical here as we head northwards.

Sydney/Byron Bay

Hi all
Well our last day in Sydney had a trip on a yacht in the harbour in the afternoon. The sun came out and it was wonderful. What we didn't know was that we had to be part of the crew to help out. So much for a relaxing sail. The sails are huge. When they are at full sail they are magnificent. The fully raised height was 35 metres and going under the Harbour bridge we felt "will we make it" but the captain said there is a 51 metre clearance. Each time we had to change direction of the sail we had to cross to the other side of the yacht. It was fun.
Today
We flew to Byron Bay. Quite relaxing flight. Upon landing our guide told us that our supposed hotel had let us down. Byron Bay is a very laid back sort of place. Full of surfers and cool dudes! So the only place that had enough room for us was a local backpackers hostel! Half of the group were up in arms and not the ones that I thought would. I just felt well it would be an experience. Nice room. Two half bottles of wine as a bribe and a slap up meal added and I was pig in muck. Tomorrow may be different. What will be will be. Went to the lighthouse for sunset and it is at the most easterly point of Australia. Was very beautiful and I hope to add photos soon. Tomorrow is action packed and I have to be up at 7am. Is this really a holiday? 

Days 2-3 Sydney

The rain chucked it down and woke me up on day two. What a disappointment. It rained on and off all day. I wasn't expecting that. How quickly we get used to heat.  No point in moping so umbrella out and I got on a ferry to Darling Harbour. It's a busy place with bars, restaurants and attractions. I decided I would visit the Australian Wildlife Zoo. Saw the two new Tasmanian Devils. What fun they are. They were eating but also like to have a little yelling at each other showing their teeth. Then saw the Koalas. Now I have been told that Koalas aren't bears and should never be referred to as such. They are marsupials. They were so cute. Sleeping and eating is their life with not much else to do. Their first meal is their mothers poo! It gives them the ability to eat the eucalyptus leaves as they are toxic. Decided to have a meal alongside the opera house. Cold but very atmospheric. Walked back to the oldest pub in Sydney which had a guitarist/singer on. Had to queue outside but it was worth it. Met up with some Australian girls who had been to see their small town team beat a big Sydney team and they were celebrating. It would have been rude to not help so hangover awaited for the next morning.
Day 3 and the sun had come out. Had to check out of my hotel as will be moving to another one to meet up with my new group for the tour. Had a trip on the ferry to Manly. It was beautiful and the surf was up. Young surfers and young families alike. It's a very family oriented place. The hangover soon disappeared after two or three coffees sitting alongside the bay. Let's hope for the sun to be out again tomorrow.

Chapter 3 - Sydney

Well it's strange. Waiting to get on the plane last night I felt jet lag and I hadn't even got on board. Probably the previous flight catching up. I had visited Sentosa that day and had been on the cable car. I arrived in Sydney early this morning. After a long flight with little sleep I tend to be a bit grumpy. Thought the harbour bridge looked old and the opera house a bit, well, yellow. After a short kip all changed. Wow what a view. The temperature has dropped a bit but still warm compared to home. Bought a jerkin to keep warm and had a walk. A quick shower and I met Rhys from the Rajisthan trip. He took me up the Shangri La tower hotel to the bar where an absolutely fabulous view of Harbour Bridge and the Opera House was to be had at sunset. Coupled with a glass of vino, life couldn't be much more perfect. We moved on to an amazing wine bar here you served yourself from a pre loaded credit card to the size of glass required. Photos to follow. A wonderful meal and reminiscences with Kate after she finished work. Thanks guys. Had an amazing time. England is yours any time.