TravelStream™ news feed for member david-daisy on TravelPod's free travel blogs service http://www.travelpod.com/syndication/rss/david-daisy en-us Copyright ©2009 TravelPod.com Tue, 22 Sep 2009 12:27:33 -0400 http://www.travelpod.com http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/david-daisy/1/1253635838/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/david-daisy/1/1253635838/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/david-daisy/1/1253635838/tpod.html Tue, 22 Sep 2009 12:27:33 -0400 David and Daisy's world tour 2008/09

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Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia

After much deliberating over the choice of bus companies for our trip north and into Malaysia we opted for the colourful Grassland Express. It was a very comfy ride and we sailed through the empty border post - although the amount of desk suggested this could get much much busier. The road up to K.L was really good and it was nice to sit back and admire the views of thick forests of palm trees as far as the eye could see. We stopped for a quick break along the way and, not really knowing what anything was, played it safe and went for a mango smoothie - enjoying the big price drop from Singapore. We carried on up to K.L and, with some very creative driving got through some ridiculously heavy traffic. We did then however, enter possibly the longest queue of buses I am ever likely to see at the ridiculously manic Puduraya bus station, which was still actually some way in the distance. making like tree's and getting the hell out of there, we jumped off the bus and were thrust headlong into the manic Kuala Lumpur rush hour - now this was more how I pictured an Asian city!

After fending off some persistent taxi drivers we took a short stroll to the old quarter and found 'Le Village' - an old and very pretty looking building located above a curry house. Heading up the stairs we were greeted by shoes galore before stepping into the quirky lounge area - full of paintings and artsy type figures playing various musical instruments while smoking and looking gernally pretty cool. They had availability at the hostel so we cehcked in to our £5 a night windowless 'sweatpit'. Still, there was a good vibe going on and it was a ncie building - who cares if there is a little excess perspiration hey!? K.L did mark the start of the 'squat toilet' - not so much of an issue for me but the start of an awkward few months for Daisy!

We spent three nights in total in K.L and did really enjoy it there, despite the humidity and subsequent sleep deprived nights. le Village was full of great people, with many an offer to sit and play the bongos or go out for a beer. The streets of the old quarter were dirty, busy and polluted but we noticed a definite change in the business district - home of the stunning Petronas Towers. There was change afoot - with designer shops and lots of big shiny buildings which reflected Malaysia's growing development. We had a good explore around the city, taking a trip up the towers, exploring the Central Market and Petaling Street. A highlight was defintely a trip to the Bird Park - the worlds largest covered avery. despite the dual pricing structure raising an eyebrow (at least they are honest about it) it was a fantsctic afternoon of parrots, toucans and all things birdy. So all in all, a good few days - met lots of nice people and had a good explore around an interesting and developing city. Would be really intrigued to see what it is like in five years time - might have to make a return visit.

Up next - a respite from the heat in the Cameron highlands
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/david-daisy/1/1249676419/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/david-daisy/1/1249676419/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/david-daisy/1/1249676419/tpod.html Fri, 07 Aug 2009 16:52:39 -0400 David and Daisy's world tour 2008/09

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Singapore, Singapore

We flew from Brisbane to Singapore by Singapore Airlines - often voted the worlds best and I can see exactly why. All very efficient, very comfortable and free sinagpore slings served on the plane. We also landed 30 minutes early - a new one for me!!

We quickly got to grips with the MRT and headed to 'Bugis' station. Unfortunately as we headed up the stairs to the street level we walked straight in to an afternoon thunderstorm. After 15 minutes of deliberating we went for it - it was only a 5 minute walk to the hostel - a very nice looking place called 'sleepy sams'. In that 5 minutes we got VERY wet but were glad to have arrived. The hostel was amazing - very atmospheric with lots of draped linen and a distinct Asian feel. AT the end of the road was the largest Mosque in Singapore and when we heard the prayer call we were very aware we had landed in somewhere very, very different. We were both incredibly excited for what lay ahead, but pretty shattered, so after a freshen up and bite to eat we called it a night.

After an amazing sleep in a huge dorm that was excellently set out and divided up for a real sense of privacy we grabbed our free breakfast and used free internet - last time we had that was back at Noelene's at the start of January!! We ventured out - it wasn't too hot at the moment but we could feel it heating up - and headed down through the colonial district - lots of posh white buildings and exactly as I had imagined! We wandered over the river and entered the beautiful Chinatown district. We were in a sea of market stalls, beautiful buildings and temples and I cannot explain quite how excited I was too be in Asia! A huge attraction for me in Asia was the food and we eagerly picked up lunch in a hawker stall. People will always say don't eat the street food - do not listen to this advice. We had amazing meals at stalls all across Asia and never once got ill from it. The hawker stalls in Singapore are everywhere and great places to pick up cheap meals and enjoy them amonst locals.

One evening we took the obligatory trip to the Raffles Hotel Long Bar for a couple fo Singapore Slings - on the pricey side but was a nice experience. Singapore is not exactly a party city, but there are far more bars lurking than the guidebooks (well our one anyway) would have you believe.

We also headed to the Singapore Night Safari one evening. This was a really good night - getting to see a number of animals including lions, tigers and hippos at night, when they are active. Apart from zero photos coming out it was really cool, even getting to see an elephant doing a very, very srange 'dance' (I kid you not!) What a nice idea.

For many Singapore means only one thing - shopping. We took a trip down the Orchard Road area and I was astonished by the sheer size and number of the shopping malls- how can one place possibly need so many!! There were lots of familiar brands too - M&S and Topman among these. I however mainly looked, though Daisy picked up a lovely top from one of the shops. The highlight of the trip to the shops for me was a visit to a food court. Here I went for a 'seafood congee' I must admit I didn't really know what this was but quickly established it was pretty much fish porridge! As unappetising as this may sound I can ensure you it was beautiful, and I intended to try this one again along the way!!

While in Singapore we also took a walk to see the strange Merlion statue - a symbol of the country and strange mermaid/lion hybrid. After some less than expert navigating (oops, my fault!) and some searing afternoon heat it was quite a mission! Then, on arriving - we had discovered it had recently been struck by lightning so was under scaffolding....noooooooooo!!! As annoying as that was, on the way back we discovered a Buddhist food court where we dropped in for a beautiful vegetarian lunch so it wasn't all bad. We also sorted out a bus ticket for Kuala Lumpur - Malaysia, here we come!
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/david-daisy/1/1249674941/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/david-daisy/1/1249674941/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/david-daisy/1/1249674941/tpod.html Fri, 07 Aug 2009 16:19:12 -0400 David and Daisy's world tour 2008/09

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Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Due to the itineray mishap we needed to head right back down to Brisbane. We got a cheap Jetstar flight down which was fine - a lot like easyjet. Got some lovely views out over the reef near Cairns as well so itt worked out.

We checked into the curiously named 'Banana Benders' hostel in Brisbane, which was pretty nice. Brisbane came across as a really nice place. Many backpackers we had me poured scorn on the place whoich I can understand a little as there is not a great deal to do, but it defintely seemed a very nice city, on the affluent side and with a very good quality of life for those lucky enough to live there. After the humidity and heat of northern queensland, it was also a welcome respite. Brisbane was also home to the Brisbane Hairdressing School. Our last haircuts were back in September so we thought it would be a good (if little risky) time to get a trim - only $10 so what could possibly go wrong.....

We were both fine - Daisy was there for quite a while but we were both pretty pleased. I'm not sure how many people's hair 'Cherie' had cut, but she did a stellar job. My hair was approaching shoulder length and was not really ideal in the heat so it was nice to get a bit of a trim. Feeling good we popped into Myer for a sneaky spray of perfume/aftershave - this became a staple of our time in Brisbane but hey, we are lowly travellers, the chance to smell nice for a while is too big a draw to ignore. By the third day of heading in I think the staff had caught on and were manning the stations we were loitering by straight away. Nonetheless, with some sneaky moves and a feigned interest in buying something, we got to spray and walk once more.

Other than that we sorted a few admin bits out in brisbane, sent some gifts and bits we had picked up along the way back home and had a very nice walk through the botanic gardens. I liked Brisbane a lot, even if there was not much for the backpacker crowd. We explored the nightlife a couple of times, which was pretty average, although in one of the bars they served a 'Guiligan Chocolate Liquer' - without sounding like a massive woman, it was heaven in a glass my friend.

So next stop, Singapore!!! We are really looking forwards to Asia which will be so different to anywhere on our travels so far - and also be far more wallet friendly, which is much needed. However, we have just had an absolutely fantastic two months in Australia and I think it has surpassed both of our expectations. Although I had a few moans along the way about the amount (and social etiquette) of backpackers in this part of the world, I guess I have gone for the incredibly well trodden east coast route so should have expected it. Nonetheless, it was completely minor compared with the beauty of the country, the friendliness of the locals, the amazing surf and beaches and the sheer amount and variety of bird and wildlife

Goodbye Oz, we very much hope to return someday.
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Cairns, Queensland, Australia

Its with a heavy heart that I got on the ferry and left Magnetic Island. Only the promise of new adventures got me out of bed and back on the bus - our last time on the Greyhound! It had been our trusty friend and taken us over 4500km in Oz + a fair old way in the US and Canada. We were on the bus from 9am - 5pm, putting in a full shift with a lunch break in Cardwell, which my well have been the hottest place in the world, ever, at that time. I don't know exactly what the temperature was, but my oh my, i've never wanted to get back on an (air conditioned) bus before!

Now I must say I had Cairns all wrong. In my head I had always imagined it as a romantic place, all the way up there by itself on basic maps of Oz which just show the cities. I had imagined a pictureque type place, with a glistening sea and coral reef in the distance. A bit much to expect maybe, however I didn't envisage a place that looked like Milton Keynes. Yes I was sorely disappointed on the visual front, though we booked into a nice hostel and managed to get ourselves down to the infamous Woolshed for a free meal - things were looking up....

We had a few drinks that evening, though wasn't really feeling it - I can't quite put my finger on it but didn't feel totally at home in the mammoth bar/club/backpacker resort places. There seemed to be a lot of angry people around. Dodging another ferocious tropical storm we made our excuses and headed back a lot earlier than expected. Strange, though we both feeling the vibes in the air so was glad to get back in one piece. Maybe it was just the weather?

We had a bit of an explore of Cairns over the next couple of days and I must say it was far from my favourite place. It seems to be completely reliant on the backpacker trade and the attractions are defintely out at sea (the reef), up the coast (cape tribulation) or inland (atherton tablelands). We booked a trip to the tablelands and sorted some admin bits out - swapped our Australia lonley planet for a south east asia one - result. Also profited from an obscene amount of free food left at cairns, in fact I think we pretty much ate for free for 4 days. Which is always good. So, not quite, the idyllic place I had in mind, though it did give us a launch pad for exploring the atherton tablelands, which we did with 'Uncle Brian'


We had heard different things about 'Uncle Brian's tours' but decided to give them a go. We got picked up and quickly acquainted with the bus 'Wally' Apparently Wally has a mind of his own and like to beep at people quite a lot. He also gets very excited when he meets his best friends 'Bruce' (the highway). It seemed we had an interesting day in front of us....!

We ventured into the beautiful rainforest and took a stroll to the Devils Pool. It was very beautiful but defintely not a place for a swim. We took a dip a bit further upstream - it was pretty bracing and an evil looking eel scared me into a quick retreat. The next stop was Josephone Falls - which has a pretty awesome rock slide that we were keen to try, However, due to all the rain the water level was up much higher than usual so we had to give that a miss. Shame, as it looked pretty rad, but probably for the best! After a nice scenic drive and some beautiful waterfalls we had a spot of lunch overlooking the tablelands - very nice indeed. After lunch came the highlight of the day - a visit to 'Milla Milla' falls - scene of Peter Andre's infamous 'mysterious girl' video and also the setting for the timotey advert!! After a nice swim and some timotey moments of our own we headed on to a volcanic crater lake for one last swim with some archer fish and turtles. The water was much, much warmer here, in fact I could have swam around in there all day,

But no - on we must go, for some platypus spotting!! Now I have always loved platypus' (not sure exactly what the plural is!!) and was very excited by the prospect of seeing one in the wild. They are nocturnal so we went in the early evening to a very muddy creek. Unfortunately, being the shy creatures they were making it very difficult for us to spot! However, I was lucky enough to see one just dipping under the water, tracing its shadow into the bushes, however that was that for the elusive and unique creatures. We headed back to Cairns, very pleased with a great day out.

Tomorrow - Brisbane awaits. This is mainly due to an itinerary cock-up which means we have to fly from Brisbane to Singapore - its the fault of STA travel but we should have checked the details so we have ourselves to blame I guess. But its no biggie, a quick trip on jetstar tomorrow and a few days in Brisbane before we leave for our adventures in Asia

]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/david-daisy/1/1249659957/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/david-daisy/1/1249659957/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/david-daisy/1/1249659957/tpod.html Fri, 07 Aug 2009 12:01:42 -0400 David and Daisy's world tour 2008/09

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Magnetic Island, Queensland, Australia

Carrying on north - ran in to Tim this morning which is awesome. He has the same plans as us for the next few days - a trip to Magnetic Island!! We were on the Greyhound all morning and there was plenty of evidence of the flooding in this part of the world. In the afternoon we arrived in Townsville and jumped on a ferry for the 20 minute crossing over to Magnetic Island. On the approach, it looked absolutely spectacular and i'm very glad we were getting the opportunity to visit - a couple of weeks prior and the cyclone had made this place a no go. We jumped on a local bus with a load of schoolkids who were returning from a day at school in Townsville. A pretty nice journey to/from school and rather more exciting than mine! Things were very much reminding us of Rarotonga at this stage - beautiful tropical vegetation, blue skies and beautiful vistas out over the sea. We headed to our accommodation - some quirky bungalows over in horseshoe bay. We were struck by the sheer amount of life on the island - the endearing call of the kookaburra echoing out and flashes of colour as rainbow lorikeets swooped from the trees. There were bats, beetles, possums and of course those pecky mosquitos - we were getting through our Deet by this stage. I also encountered a gigantic spider - without exagerating, it was the size of my outstretched hand. It was in its web and I kept checking back - our bungalows were pretty rustic with some large gaps, and I didn't fancy sharing a bed with that!!

We had a fantastic couple of days on magnetic island, indulging in rather a bit much Carlton Draft with Tim and just being amazed at the amount of wildlife in the place. I had a swim in the stinger free zone, but paranoia was getting the better of me so stuck to the pool after my earlier show of bravery! Queensland is certainly a beautiful part of the world, with maybe just magnetic island being my pick of places to visit in this part of the world, other than the great barrier reef of course! Our time in Oz is sadly running out, though this was a reminder (as if one was needed) what a beautiful country it is - and so incredibly full of life it is.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/david-daisy/1/1249659074/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/david-daisy/1/1249659074/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/david-daisy/1/1249659074/tpod.html Fri, 07 Aug 2009 11:45:04 -0400 David and Daisy's world tour 2008/09

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Airlie Beach, Queensland, Australia

We had an overnight bus up the coast to Airlie beach - was pretty uncomfortable, had some lovely folks in front forcing seats back as far as humanely possible in front of us - yep its stopped going back now BECAUSE THATS MY KNEE!!! I'm all for a reclining seat, but trying to force it back further than its intended tends to have consequences when there is someone sitting behind. The journey was long and sleep free. I do remember a blurry stop off at Rockhampton at around 12am. I jumped off the coach to stretch my slightly bruised legs and was hit by a wall of heat - come on its midnight it should have cooled down by now!!! But nope, it was still scorchio and very humid, but we were now entering the tropics so should start getting used to it.

We had a pretty low key couple of days in Airlie Beach. Its really a place to go on a Whitsundays cruise. We were tempted, but after being told repeatedly that we HAD TO go, it started to grate a bit and we found ourselves wanting to go less and less - not all backpackers have to do exactly the same thing and don't let anyone else convince you otherwise! We were satisfied with our boat trip, great barrier reef snorkelling experience of the previous day so decided we would not cave in to pressure, we've got a limited budget after all. The weather was also a bit iffy, so I think, although i'm sure we would have had a grand old time, we made the right decision. There wasn't a great deal to do in Airlie so we spent a couple of days in the humidity, making some plans for the rest of our time in Oz. It was a nice, chilled couple of days though, bar Mr Pukey I was lucky enough to be sharing a dorm with - isn't it just great when someone pukes all over the toilet/sink/floor in the night and then just leaves it? The culprit was a young British male so maybe I shouldn't have been so surprised, but I still gave him a mouthful in the morning before I checked out. Ho hum,
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/david-daisy/1/1249656624/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/david-daisy/1/1249656624/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/david-daisy/1/1249656624/tpod.html Fri, 07 Aug 2009 11:30:42 -0400 David and Daisy's world tour 2008/09

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Seventeen Seventy, Queensland, Australia

Had a bit of time in the morning before our bus was due to depart so gave my bag a much needed repack! Also took advantage of the free breakfast at the hostel, which was much appreciated - we hadn't seen a free breakfast in a hostel since san francisco! In the afternoon we set off, on what we though would be a pretty straight-forward journey north. The bad weather in that part of the world had cleared and the roads were in action so we thought we would be fine. However, we copped a huge storm - the roads were flooding again and it was all very grim. And then the coach broke down, seemingly in the middle of nowhere....

The brave driver grabbed an umbrella and headed out in the driving rain to see what was happening with the coach. The rain was worryingly heavy, but we made light conversation - the thought of being stuck here in the middle of nowhere was in the back of our minds but we tried to remain positive. KABOOM!!! Unbelievably, about 10 metres away, lightning had grounded. There was a huge crack and flash of light and my first reaction was - the driver is a gonner. About 2 seconds later, flying up the steps and looking pale as a sheep was said driver, muttering obscenities but gladly in one piece - it had missed him by a whisker!! Everyone in the coach was by now very alert!!! After a lot of calls and some mechanical nuance from the driver we were fortunately on our way - were held up for an hour, but it could have been much worse if that bolt of lightning was a few feet to the right!

We arrived in 'The town of 1770' - named to as it was the second landing site of one James Cook on his explorations in the year 1770. It was a pretty small place but nice enough - and marked the northern extremity for surfing on the east coast of Oz. Why is that you ask? Because this is the southern point of one of the natural wonders of the world, the Great Barrier Reef.

On Sunday 16th Feb we took a trip out to Lady Musgrave Island, to go exploring the southern part of the Great Barrier Reef. We were planning to do a reef trip in Cairns, however 1) the weather was still a bit dodgy in that part of the world so we couldn't guarantee we would get out there on arrival. 2) EVERYBODY sees the reef at Cairns. So, after hearing some encouraging talk about the water visibility, good health of the coral and its relatively unexplored nature and small group sizes we took a boat out to sea. It was a beautiful day and on the way out a pod of dolphins swam alongside the boat - an awesome site. On the horizon was a small island which we docked at - imediately noticing the beautiful colours and shape of the coral beneath us. The water was certainly clear, and we were itching to get in. At first we took a quick walk on the island - which is formed entirely of dead coral and home to a number of white capped noddies and also some huge blue orb spiders (thankfully not poisonous!) We saw a number of turtle tracks - the island is a popular spot for laying eggs. We headed back to the pontoon, seeing some stingrays and also the shadow of a reef shark. Then the reallty fun part. We got kitted out and headed to the reef.The water was so inviting and beautifully warm. As soon as I submerged I was hit by the stunning colours and sheer amount of fish all around me - of all shapes and sizes. I REALLY wish I had an underwater camera at this point. Our friend had picked one up from aldi the paid $80 for, unfortunately and just maybe because of these reasons, it leaked. So that was that. However, we have the memories, which I will never be able to adequatelt put into words. The colours and sheer beauty of the underwater world was almost overwhelming. The sense of peace and quiet as I drifted past stunning tropical fish was striking and it was a day I will never forget. If only I knew what everything was!! I could identify a shoal of cuttlefish - an eerie sight as they changed colour when approaching. We also saw huge green turtles and I saw a sea snake - which I moved away from with some haste!! The day absolutely flew by and I gave unequivocally say it has been the highlight of my trip so far - most defintely worth travelling to the otherside of the world for. I just sincerely hope that climate change and human activities do not cause too much damage to the coral...I would come back out for a day of snorkelling/diving here at the drop of a hat and I hugely recommend a visit. Its a bit of a way from the UK I know, but hey, just wait til you get there :)
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/david-daisy/1/1249566356/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/david-daisy/1/1249566356/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/david-daisy/1/1249566356/tpod.html Thu, 06 Aug 2009 10:01:52 -0400 David and Daisy's world tour 2008/09

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Fraser Island, Queensland, Australia

Our next stop was Hervey Bay, where we stopped at the lovely Colonial Inn hostel and run into our favourite Germans Peter and Toby once more. There is not an awful lot to do in Hervey Bay, it is really a departure port for Fraser Island adventures though a nice enough town. Being disorganised travellers we hadn't arranged anything when we arrived, though got a trip booked for the following day. We had a nice enough day in town, cycling along a lovely 14km paved cycle path right on the coast. This was really good fun, though coming back (against the wind) was tougher than expected!

The next day involved an early start and a 30 minute barge over to Fraser Island - a world heritage site and the largest sand island in the world. After arriving on the island we transferred on to a £300,000 4x4 coach - necessary to get about on the sand! Unfortunately the weather was not playing ball and it was pretty rainy but we still managed to stroll around the sub-tropical rainforest at Wangoolloa (sp) - trying desperately to avoid the very bitey and generally pretty evil giant horse-flies. It was a really beautiful setting though and reminded me of jurassic park (minus the dinos). We then headed out along the beach - no swimming likely due to the deadly rips and bull shark spawning areas aurrounding the island!! We headed to Eli creek - swelled somewhat by the rain. The driver confidently drove through, than must have lost a lot of that when we started sinking, sinking - yep we were stuck right in a creek, in the pouring rain in a 4x4 coach!! It was pretty deep and didn't look too good, but after some expert towing from another coach and some red faces from the drivers we were out! Phew.

We took a stroll around the Maheno shipwreck - another bit of dodgy navigating leading to the remnants of a boat on the shore. We then headed to the beautiful Lake McKenzie - a beautiful perched freshewater lake, surrounded by white sands. I went for a swim in the lovely, warm water but it was pretty unfortunate it was pissing down outside. The driving rain had also put paid to any Dingo spotting we hoped to do, which was a shame but the way it goes. All in all had a great time on Fraser though and I do recommend a visit, just watch out for those horseflies and deeper than expected creeks!
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Noosa, Queensland, Australia

We travelled up to Noosa Heads on Sunday 8th Feb on the Greyhound with Toby and Peter. We changed bus in Brisbane but didn't stop as we would be returning there soon due to an itinerary cock-up. We were lucky enough to be booked into the beautiful Halse Lodge in Noosa, which was reminiscent of a big old house in the deep south of America. The only drawback to this beautiful old building was that the rooms were really uncomfortably hot but hey ho, we were in Australia now.

Noosa is a beautiful seaside town. It is every so slightly posh and the main street (Hastings St I think) was lined with lovely restaurants and bars that were sadly out of reach on our travellers budget. Still, we had a box of wine knocking about so haa! We had a nice couple of days at the beach, being treated to some excellent surf at 'little cove' and probably having the most productive days surf of the trip thus far - the waves were very clean and around 3-4ft so good for building the confidence - getting wiped out a few times by some monsters at Byron had led to me doubting my prowess somewhat! Noosa is also home to some Everglades. We took a stroll around the national park and visited Laguna lookout for some fantastic views over the landscape. It was incredibly warm while we were in Noosa, but by this point I think we had both defintely really started adapting - it must have been high thirties which would normally finish me off in the UK (not that we get there often) but, although warm, we were doing alright.

We had also picked up on the vibrant wildlife that we were finding in Queensland. We were treated to some close up action of kookaburra's in the national park, saw a few huge spiders, a giant hornet-type thing that landed on Daisy and also saw a python chilling out in a tree. For me the wildlife will be a lasting memory of my time in Oz and something I will greatly miss (apart from the mozzies, spiders and snakes maybe...)

Our time in Noosa was filled with mixed emotions as it was while we was here that the terrible bush-fires down in Victoria were occuring. It was awful to see, though after travelling through the barren landscapes in that part of world I can see why they have those problems. Also, up in northern Queensland, there was terrible flooding that had taken lives and cut off towns. Our direction of travel was north, though as the roads were cut off, it was clear we needed to bide our time in southern queensland. Australia is a beautiful country with a great climate - but along with this comes the fire/floods risk. I will stop complaining about the weather in the UK in future...
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Surfers Paradise, Queensland, Australia

Had a nice drive up form Byron Bay, putting our watches back an hour when arriving in Queensland. Our 'courtesy' pick up at the bus station was anything but so after quite a lot of faffing we finally got to our hostel, which was very nice, but a bit out in the sticks in the scheme of things. We had an explore and although the place was nice enough, it seemed a bit souless - a bit like Vegas-by-the-sea. We ran in to Toby and Peter, our roomie's back in Sydney so was nice to have a catch up with them guys. One day I attempting some surfing, but the surf was very messy. There was also a bluebottle jellyfish 'infestation' which was a bit disconcerting. I managed to avoid getting stung but was surrounded by them when in the water so earlier than planned knocked it on the head. The sun was so intense as well, was sporting a pretty good tan by now if I do say so myself but wouldn't stay out in that for too long for fear of actually cooking myself. So yeah basically I have mixed views about surfers - not my bag at all but can see why some people go for it. Ho hum, next stop noosa.
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