Apr 2007

Well, there’s not a lot to say about the flights home. It took 41 hours to get from my hostel door, to my hosue door in Toronto. It was a weird time, as I had 4 flights, 4 different time zones, 2 red-eye flights, etc, etc. I never really knew what was going on. I spent so long sitting around in airports, that it became a way of life.

Overview of the flights home:

3 hours in Sydney airport waiting
4 hour flight from Sydney to Fiji
4 hours in Fiji airport waiting
10 hour flight from Fiji to Los Angeles
10 hours in Los Angeles waiting
4 hour flight from Los Angeles to Detroit
5 hours waiting in Detroit
1 hour flight from Detroit to Toronto

It’s a really long drive from Byron to Sydney (but we stopped over night in Coff’s Harbour, yet another beach town!). We decided to stay in Bondi Beach, which is Australia’s most famous beach (apparently). Bondi is really cool, as its like a small beach town, but situated in the middle of Sydney. There are no high-rises, and you can’t see downtown Sydney, so you don’t feel like your in a huge metropolis. But a 20 minute bus rides gets you downtown to the opera center.

(Bondi Beach)

I didn’t have much time in Sydney, with a lot of potential things to see. So I decided to go on a solo walking mission and hit as many as possible.

(Grave yard overlooking the Pacific)

(Awesome rugby/soccoer pitch overlooking the ocean. It would amazing to play here)

(Have to make the visit to the opera house)

For my last night, we headed downtown to see the nightlife. We didn’t get in until 4:30am, and I had to catch a 9;00 shuttle to the airport.

(Drinking some Guinness with the Irish)

I caught the bus into Byron Bay. Byron is another beach town, but very different than Surfer’s. Surfer’s is very trendy with lots of clubs, clothing shops, and other touristy things. Byron is dubbed ‘an alternative lifestyle’ place. Lots of hostels, cheap restaurants, and cheap clothing stores. Byron is the only township in Australia where the Green party is in power. They even have enough influence to chase out McDonald’s when they tried to open a franchise.

While in Byron, it was more of the same. Got a few big sleeps (12 hours plus), some really good boogie boarding, and a day trip to Nimbin. It’s a good surf spot. I was also able to meet up with an old Toronto next-door-neighbour, Greg.

(Amazing sunsets in Byron... you can see the surfer's heading home as the sun sets)

(More amazing sunsets)

I also met a couple Irish guys who were doing an around the world trip (2 months in Africa, 2 in NZ, 2 OZ, and then on to China and Thailand). They had a car, so I was able to catch a lift with them down the rest of the coast to Sydney. We spent many hour talking about travelling, and how to poor a proper Guinness.

(Irish guys Aiden and John)

Alex (who'd I been travelling with since Brisbane) was an amazing chef, so I just chipped in my 50%, and he made some amazing feasts

(Much better than Mr. Noodles, which I usually cook for myself)

Early the next morning, I caught the Greyhound to Surfer’s Paradise. When I arrived at the hostel, I could hear NHL hockey play-offs over the speakers. I looked around in desperation. Some of the hostel staff were from Vancouver, so they were listening to it. They had a good laugh when they saw my reaction to hearing a familiar sport.

(Surfer's Paradise beach)

I spent the next couple of days enjoying Surfer’s Paradise, either sun-tanning (or in my case, usually burning), or checking out al the shops. On the second night, we went on a giant 500-person pub crawl through a bunch of clubs.

(Awesome sunset over one of the canals in Surfer's)

(Crazyness on the giant pubcrawl)

I was back on my own as I headed for Brisbane. All I could really think about was getting some good sleeps. My plan for the next 10 days was to make my way over land through the Gold Coast to Sydney, doing the whole beach thing along the way.

I arrived in Brisbane 5:00am. I made it to my hostel by 7:00am, but wasn’t allowed to check into my room until noon. I left my pack in storage, and headed for downtown. I grabbed a coffee and started reading in the food court, almost falling asleep many times. I knew I had to walk around to stay awake.

I spent most of the day walking around the city, taking care of a few jobs. That night I was able to meet up with an old friend, Stan, who I worked with at Tanamakoon. He's from Denmark, enjoying the beaches and rugby in Brisbane, while finishing up his masters.

(Alex from Victoria on the left, Stan in the middle, me on the right. I ended up travelling with Alex for about 10 days down the coast)

We left the epic Kakadu National Park and headed for Darwin, the hub to northern Australia. The northern Territory has a population of 200,000, of which about 1/2 live in Darwin. Needless to say, this was the first city we had seen in a long time.

We spent the rest of the day doing all the sights around Darwin. Interestingly, Darwin was actually attacked by Japan in WWII.

(We stopped to see this baby wallaby on the way)

Darwin is probably the hottest place in the world. The high during the day is usually 30+, and the humidity around 90%. So that makes it feel like 40+. Even at 10:00pm at night, chilling on a patio, I would be sweating my brains out. But its all part of the experience.

(The sun... The nuisance of my existence. But it does look good when it sets)

That night we had our final dinner and night out at the club. This was the last night of the tour. For some people, we had been together for 25 days, the rest of the crew 11 days. It was pretty sad. So we all partied with no regrets!

(Some of the crew enjoying the last dinner together!)

The next day I hat to catch a 1:40am flight out of Darwin, heading to Brisbane to enjoy the Gold Coast again.

By this point in the trip, I hadn't cut my hair. So it had been growing for about 3.5 months. The first night in Kakadu, the head shaver came out, and I was talked into shaving my head. I've never had my head shaved before. Hopefully my mom won't disown me! However, since shaving my head, life has been better, as its much cooler without the mop on top.

(The before shot... look at the size of that mop)

(Holding my beautiful locks as they are cut)

(Greg and I, with our new haircuts)

We started our full day in Kakadu Park by heading to Nourlangie Rock. It’s a pretty spectacular place, as there’s evidence the aboriginals had used the rock as shelter some 20000 years ago. There are a lot of pictographs (I don’t know if that’s the proper name for them, but that’s what we call them in Ontario).

(View from on rock, looking out over Kakadu Park. Very different part of the outback to where Ayres Rock is)

After visiting the rock, we headed for a river cruise to see some crocodiles. However, it wasn’t meant to be. We did see a Jesus bird, which can walk on water.

(Trip up the river)

(Walking on water)

That night I taught our Aussie Contiki guide Dan how to shotgun beers.

(Dan and I shotgunning a beer)

Today was our biggest driving day. However, this isn't the end of the world consider the coach is air conditioned, and the heat is almost unbearable.

That night in Katherine we had a big pool party which consisted of some beer pong, and being attacked by frogs in the swimming pool.

(I'm playing our Contiki guide Dan. Victory Canada)

It was an early morning as we headed for the Katherine Gorge. This was was one the coolest gorges I had ever seen. What made it even more special was knowing that salt-water crocodiles can swim this far up the river! (Salt-water crocs are the ones which can eat humans).

(Katherine Gorge)

(More of Katherine Gorge)

(Me in Katherine Gorge. Ruined the picture by doing some stupid hand signal)

We stopped for lunch at this amazing lake with cliffs and waterfalls all around.

That night we arrived in Kakadu Park. We were treated to an awesome steak dinner. The heat is unbearable, so we retreated for the pool. Even when the sun has been down for hours, the humidity is still a battle.

Today was a big driving day as we headed north. We crossed the Tropic of Capricorn which meant the humidity and heat increased ten-fold. Not something I was happy about. We also stopped at the Devil’s Marbles which are a collection of giant boulders in the middle of nowhere.

Not much to say about Tennant Creek. It’s the only major stop between Alice Spring, and the northern section. We do go to a really authentic Outback bar that night, and got to interact with the local population. The drinks were very cheap.

(The Contiki crew enjoying some $5 Jagarbombs... $5, you gotta be kidding me!)

This was also the first place I saw Australian Road Trains. These trucks are not to be taken light. When you see one, you get off the road.

(A road train. 3 times larger than a normal tracker trailer. This one wasn't even that big. I saw a postcard with one which was about 6 times larger).

(What kind of place is this that the best picture to post is off the 'road train' sign?)

We had finished the lower loop of our Outback tour, and we headed back to Alice Springs. That night we went to the Dover’s Blow-out meal to try all of the Outback animals, including crocodile, kangaroo, camel, and emu. I try not to be negative, but the restaurant was horrible, so it’s a pretty poor meal. I didn’t enjoy any of the meats. But I don’t think that’s a fair call, as people who had them in other places, enjoyed the meats very much.

(All of the meats...)

That night we went to the only night club in Alice Springs, and just to fit with the rest of the Outback, they had a local reptile handler there with his python.

(I don't know if you can tell I'm scared or not. I would probably rather bungy jump again, then hold this python. It was about 6 feet. Everyone was telling me to hold its head. No thanks. I didn't want to put my fingers anywhere near his head)

Every trip to Ayres Rock starts off watching the sunrise, and the cool colours on the rock. Its an early day as we rose at 5:15am. But it was fully worth it to watch the rock change colours as the sun broke the horizon, and then gained height.

(Ayres Rock during sunrise)

(Awesome Outback sunrise)

Once the sun was at full height, we headed for the base of the rock, to walk the 9km around it. It was spectacular to see all the caves.

(Walking around the outside of the Rock)

(More walking around the outside of the Rock. Only stop for a second to take photos, or the files will eat you alive)

(Huge caves, which looked like a wave crashing. Guy inside the cave is "Moose" from Calgary)

(Inside one of the caves. Actually took this photo myself using the timer)

After the walk around the rock, we went to the Olgas. I’m not really sure the history behind these rocks, but they’re pretty spectacular.

(Standing in front of the Olgas. Can you tell how hot it is?)

We then headed back to the Ayres Rock airport for a helicopter ride around Ayres Rock, and then the Olgas. This was amazing to see the rock from above, and also the new perspective on the Olgas.

(Heading up in the bird)

(Ayres Rock from the helicopter. You can see how its a big rock, with nothing but flatness around)

Video of Ayres Rock from up in the helicopter:

After the helicopter ride, I went right back to the base of Ayres Rock to climb it. Now, they recommend you don’t climb the rock for safety reasons and also spiritual reasons, but it was something I couldn’t miss, so I climbed it anyways (note: its not that you’re not allowed, but they recommend you don’t. People have died from the heat and steepness, and also the spiritual meaning to the Aboriginals).

This climb was full on, as its really steep, the heat is unbearable, and the flies are relentless. However, it was worth the effort, sweat loss, and blood given to the flies, as the view was spectacular.

(Lucky for the change to hold onto, so you don't fall off)

(At the top of Ayres Rock, with nothing around but flatness for as far as the eye can see)

(On the way down, I was able to get awesome views of the Olgas and the sunset)

After the climb, we went to our champagne sunset. Everyone stands around watching the sunset and the changing colours on the rock, while drinking champagne. This was one of the highlights of my whole trip. Everyone had enough champagne that by the end, we were all roaring for a big night. This meant a rocking bus drive back to the hotel and lots of dancing back at the bar. I should note that excessive champagne after spending the past two hours climbing in the sun, and with nothing to eat is not a good mixture.

(Sunset on Ayres Rock)

(Everyone enjoying the view and champagne)

We left Ayres Rock feeling less than 100% after the champagne sunset. We were heading for Kings Creek, where we would be visiting Kings Canyon and also sleeping in a swag. A swag is basically a giant piece of canvas, which you wrap yourself up in. This means you are sleeping on the ground where all the deadly Australian snakes and spiders can get to you. This posed a pretty big problem for many of city-dwellers on the tour.

That afternoon we went for a long hike in Kings Canyon. Kings Canyon has been described as a miniature Grand Canyon, but elevated. Its not anywhere close to the size of the Grand Canyon, but not a poor comparison.

(Looking out from the top of Kings Canyon, towards the open nothingness of the Outback. Notice how flat it is)

(Part of Kings Canyon. If you look closely, you can see the fault which help create the Canyon)

(Looking good...)

That night we a good ol’ fashion campfire, including guitar, campfire games, and shot gunning beers.

(Everyone laughing at Adam...no surprise)

The sleep in the swag was pretty good. I put the cover over my head so the bugs wouldn’t get to me. I’ve definitely had much worse sleeps.

(Enjoying being in my swag. You pull that top flap over to be fully protected)

(The next morning, Greg cracking a beer.)

It was time to leave to the beaches and reefs and head into the hinterland. However, this also meant lots of goodbyes as our Contiki crew broke up.

We caught a plane into Alice Springs, which is the main hub for travelling around the Northern Territory (which is basically where all the famous things in the Outback are located. Right once we landed you could feel how much hotter it was. Also, the flies were insane. Everyone was questioning their decision to come to the Outback.

(Me infront of Simpson's Gap. That actually a riverbed I'm standing in. Hard to picture a river running through the bone dry area.)

The next day we picked up about 30 new people as our Contiki group grew once again. We began by going to an Outback zoo, where we saw all the creatures native to the Outback. We saw this crazy bird show. Here is a video of bird which pulls 15 Gs when flying! I think roller coasters are around 4 Gs, and a figher jet 10 Gs. I may be wrong with those numbers, put the point is this bird was pulling much higher than anything else.

(Whoa!)

After that we went around to all the Alice Spring’s hot spots, such as Simpson’s Gap, the Royal Flying Doctor’s, the Old Telegraph Station, and Anzac Hill. We went to the pub that night, to get our first experience of a Northern Territory bar.

(An Outback River)

We left the dream world of the Whitsunday's, and headed for Cairns, which is the access hub to the Great Barrier Reef, along with a bunch of extreme activities.

That night we went to a really cool restaurant (I can’t remember the name though!). This restaurant was really unique. The male washroom had a two-way mirror looking out into the main dining room. Not only was there a mirror, but the mirror was also the back wall for the trough (trough = urinal). So one sat there relieving himself, while looking out onto the dining room. Our tour guide didn’t tell us about it, so the first time everyone walked in, they got completely shook, and didn’t know what to do. From the outside (the dining room), you couldn’t see into the washroom.

(Waving to the people in the bathroom. You couldn't actually see in from the dinning room, but we waved to scare them anyways)

That night we headed to P.J. O’Brien’s, and a wild night of Jagarbombs, bar dancing, and all around chaos ensued.

(a bunch of the guys from the tour, getting ready for a bombing run)

The next day, I took it easy and used the day to catch up on laundry and sleep. That night a few of us headed for Dundee’s, where one can enjoy a platter of Crocodile, Kangaroo, Buffalo, Emu. It should be noted that Australia is the only country in the world to eat both of their national animals. Everyone hit the sack early, as we were headed for some scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef.

GREAT BARRIER REEF
It was an early start to the day, as headed out to sea to visit the Great Barrier Reef. The ride out there was worth the price of admission, as we experienced the ocean at its worst. Lets just stay all the staff was walking around with barf bags, and people were throwing up out the back for the whole ride. Somehow your's truly, despite having really bad motion sickness when I was young, was completely fine.

(The boat on a crazy angle with huge waves coming over the front. This picture doesn't really do it justice, but a lot of people were horizontal from this ride)

We received a quick speech was the basics of scuba, and before we knew it, we were in the water. We did a quick 5-minute practice of all the safety procedures, and then we headed down.

(Tom and I, getting ready to head down)

At you descend, the pressure increases. This usually causes one’s ears to hurt. Well, I have never felt that type of pressure before, and my ears were ringing like crazy. I sucked it up, and eventually they got better.

(Tom and Nick heading down. You follow the white rope)

(Me getting ready to head down)

There’s not really much to say about scuba diving around the Great Barrier Reef. I think its just one of the things I hope everyone gets an opportunity to do at some point. It was an amazing experience. We were even lucky to see a really rare fish, which most people take hundreds of dives, if ever, to see.

(The Group Swimming around)

(Nemo)

After our scuba, we went for some snorkels. The last reef we stopped at, is the reef where 'Finding Nemo' was based on. It was the nicest of the 3 reefs we visted.

(The crew getting ready to head in for a snorkel)

(The Great Barrier Reef from the top. You can see how the waves crash as they hit the reef. Hence why there's no surfing in the north-eastern coast of Australia).

FINAL NIGHT
That night was our final night for the east coast, so a big party at the Woolshed went down.

(One last night at the woohshed)

We left the beef capital of Australia and headed for the Whitsunday Island. We had a big couple of days coming up as we were boarding a sailing ship to tour around the Islands. However, this wasn’t just any sailboat, it was the ‘Condor’, which is an 80-foot ocean racing ship (Its been retired and outfitted for commercial overnight trips). The Condor is the only sailboat in the world to have won ever major ocean race at least twice.

(The Condor ripping across the ocean. You can see people hanging over the one side to stabilize the boat, and prevent it from tipping over)

We boarded the boat and got our beer coolers filled to the top. We then headed for a two hour sail out of Airlie Beach towards the Whitsunday Island. This first trip was a test to everyone’s sea legs. The swells weren’t too big, but it was really choppy, which resulted in a very bumpy ride. The rain was coming down and the waves were crashing over the side of the boat, leaving everyone soaked to the bone. The sun had set, so it seemed like we were heading out into a big unknown. A few people were pretty sick, but everyone was able to keep it inside. Overall, this was a wild ride, and a good introduction to big boat sailing.

Once we reached a sheltered bay, we were treated to a feast. That night we stayed up playing all kinds of different games (what else do you do on an 80 foot boat?). Games included the 'Game of Life', but you have to go to the Whitsunday's to find out what this game is.

The next morning everyone was awake by 7:00am. I tired to get as much sleep as possible, and lasted until 7:30, but all the talking and the motor prevented any decent beauty sleep. Cracked the first beer of the day at 7:46am.

(Breakfast of… champions?)

We set sail on the open ocean, heading for Whitehaven Beach. This next sailing leg was full on. The winds were ripping, and we got to see this ex-racing boat in action. Its capable of going on a 45 degree angle when full tilt. It was probably one of the highlights of Australia for me. Ripping acorss the open ocean, with the tunes blarring over the speaker system. In addition to being a passenger, everyone needed to help out with the sailing, which included getting on the grinders to raise the sails.

(On the grinders and setting up the sails)

(Crazy angle. You can see one of the staff, Luke, at the bottom, hanging on for life as he fixed a snag)

We arrived at Whitehaven Beach, which is considered in the top 10 beaches in the world (how do you get the job of deciding the top 10 beaches in the world?). We went for a swim in the surf (where I nearly destroyed my eyes dude to salt water), and played a game of modified cricket on the beach. Most people walked away from this beach session with good memories and BIG sunburns.

(Whitehaven Beach... soo good!)

(This isn't Whitehaven beach, but this is just across from it)

(Me posing in a singsuit. To go swimming in the Great Barrier Reef, one must wear a stingersuit incase Jelly fish are present. Not something to take lightly!)

(Hanging out on the beach)

(Heading out into the Surf)

(Playing some cricket. Good farmer's tan too.)

That afternoon we sailed to a good coral spot (we were in the Great Barrier Reef) to do some snorkelling. It was amazing, seeing all the colourful fish (including the famous ‘Finding Nemo’ clown fish).

(Hanging out on the deck for an easier ride in the afternoon)

(More Hanging out on the Deck)

(Our snorkel talk... "Don't Touch the Reef!")

(Heading out into the Great Barrier Reef!)

(Mitch and I, enjoying the Reef!)

(Lots of Fish. At one, we were feeding them, and there was probably 3 times this amont of fish. It was kinda scary as they swam inches from your face)

That night we were treated to an awesome sunset, another feast, and lots more games.

The last day on the boat including some more snorkelling in the reef, and sailing to Long Island Resort where we would spend the last night.

(Mitch enjoying a big bourbon and coke)

(Sailing in the last day. Pretty calm compared to the previous morning)

LONG ISLAND RESORT
Once we reached Long Island Resort, we all headed for a shower to get all the salt water, sun tan lotion, sand, and sweat off our bodies (there was no showers on the boat). We spent the rest of the day and night hanging around the pool enjoying the extensive list of cocktails, including Long Island Ice Teas needless to say.

(Enjoying lots of fruity drinks)