Journal

Dec. 8, 2005.

- Huge update to photos today, and I'm gonna try and get on here again tomorrow to do all my catching up on the journal end of things. Check out album 7 in my photos for all the new ones though.

Nov. 22, 2005.

- I haven't been on here recently because I've been relaxing in the lap of luxury. It's been great, we've done so much this past week that I don't know where to start, so I won't. Short version is that we've done tons of great stuff and I took a bunch of photos that I will get up on here soon. Hate to say that I don't have much to say right now, but I've gotta run and pay off a parking ticket and then head back up to Trinity Beach to take care of a hurting girlfriend. Hopefully get some photos up soon.

Nov. 13, 2005.

- Not a ton to talk about today, sitting on our lazy asses as of right now. I'm drinking a tall boy beer while we wait around for some other people to join up with us to head out for a $5 lunch at the pub and then off to Etty Beach (the nicest beach I've been to in Aus so far). It's damn tough being Harry F. Hurst these days, lol. Anyways we are off to Cairns tomorrow and I get to get rid of this stupid motorcycle and then mom get here the day after. Talk to you guys next time.

Nov. 11, 2005.

- BAM last day of stupid retarded banana picking today. Only worked until 10am anyways though and spent some of it ripping around on the quad bikes so it wasn't too bad. Speaking of stupid and retard the bike broke down a few days ago, cost me $240 to get fixed so I think I may return the deposit from the guy that was gonna buy it and see about getting a bunch more money for it. The dealer said it was still in decent shape anyways, so I'm gonna try to get rid of it this week in Cairns. What else? Geeze getting really excited about seeing my mom and younger brother again in a few days, can't wait to introduce Matthew to meat pies and bundaburg ginger beers. Other than that gonna sit around this weekend and try not to spend money then it's back up to cairns on Monday morning. Can't wait to see you guys. HA heard it snowed back home today, did I mention it was 32C with a clear blue sky today? suckas.

Nov. 5, 2005.

- Well I am banana humping in Innisfail now, and let me tell you it's not near as fun as the other humping I've been doing on this trip. We needed to build up some cash in order to make it down the coast so we decided to go back to good old fruit picking. Worked hard at it this week, and yes it sucked, but the pay seems to be alright. The hostel is shit, but aren't they all?. For some nutty reason none of these lazy ass farmers work weekends so no backpackers work on the weekend either, so Libby and I drove into Cairns for the day today, and ended up going to see "Dukes of Hazard" for a laugh. Also went to Bellevue to grab some of our things we had stored there, figured we might want somewhat decent clothes for here in case we ever decide to go out here. Tough chance of that one though as everything shuts at 5pm. Either way, not much time before Mom and Matt get here so that will be alright. Other than that though just putting along still. Hate not to be able to say more, but anything else is just gonna sound bitter about working my shit job, lol.

Oct. 24, 2005.

- Just finished all my updates from the roadtrip and all the rest of it up until today. Still haven't got work but that interview comes up tomorrow, fingers crossed on that one, and Libby is at a trial at the bar right now. Things are finally looking up I think, with no time to spare either as our time to work is getting shorter and shorter with mom and Matthew are getting here in a couple of weeks. That's all for now but have a read back and see how we got here. Go back to Oct. 5, for the start of the latest big update.

Oct. 23, 2005.

- Some germans that were leaving camp yesterday gave us two of those awesome fold up camp chairs. Just in time for us to have somewhere to sit for Libby and I to celebrate our 4 month anniversay. Funny to think I've spent 4 months of my time over here going out with Libb's but hey I've had a great time of it so no worries. Picked up a bottle of wine and sat outside in the evening with our mossy coils and candles and had a great time, even though it wasn't as nice a bottle of wine as we would have liked, but hey beggers can't be choosers I guess.

Oct. 21, 2005.

- I wish we could find work, lol, saying that reminds me of a quote I heard somewhere back home and that quote is:

"Wish in one hand, shit in the other, and see which one fills up first"

that's about how we are feeling right now on the whole job situation. Still no luck but an interview on Tues, so hopefully something comes from that.

Oct. 20, 2005.

- I have to give Libby credit as she finished all the planning for what to do along the east coast today. Spent the day looking for any shit work we can find only to come up empty handed. Got softcones again to help us along.

Oct. 15, 2005.

- Today should have ended up being a good day but Libby spent most of it down in the dumps because she had called around and not had any luck at finding horse work. I did however drag her along to investigate our future room at Bellevue in Trinity beach. What a great looking spot, sure to be the best place I will have stayed the whole trip. The best part other than the fact that Libb's and I will have a real bed again (if only for a week) is that we are staying there with my mom and my younger brother Matthew. Yeah that's right it's only a couple of weeks until part of my fam unit flies to the other side of the world to visit me. I'm quite excited about that one.

Oct. 14, 2005.

Even though we have next to no money I desparately needed new shorts today as the ones I wore for the bike trip are covered in exhaust dirt and my denim ones are hot as shit to wear here. So I bought some cheap but cool looking board shorts, and then we picked up a bikini for Libby as well as the material in hers was to the point where the material was worn so much you could see through in places, and only I'm supposed to be seeing that, lol.

Oct. 13, 2005.

- Spent the day wandering the city today, found a new addiction in the process. McDonalds soft serve ice cream cones. At least at .50c they are a cheap addiction and they do help fill our daily dairy needs, lol.

Oct. 12, 2005.

- With the job scene in Townsville not looking great we pushed on to Cairns today, which is our end destination. Temperatures are back down in the 30's now, and after a beautiful drive along the east coast's green belt, we ended up in Cairns. We can't get over how nice the downtown is, with a huge man made beach style pool being the main attraction. Well that and the unbelievable million dollar yachts in the harbour. But Hey! another 3000km's under our belts now. We've sure seen the country the hard way on the motorcycle but it's made it way more worth it when we do roll into nice cities like this.

Oct. 11, 2005.

- Libby was bugging me last night to get up early and get some nice photos from atop Castle Hill as the sun came up. Castle Hill is a mountain in the middle of town that had some great views we saw yesterday, so we got up at 4 something am to make sure we got all the way up to the top. In the end I give Libby credit for insisting we get up that early as we got some great photos in doing so. Spent the rest of the day checking into the job situation in Townsville, and strolling the beach. I caught a pufferfish in my hands in the shallows which more or less made my day, lol.

Oct. 10, 2005.

With townsville in easy reach today we were able to make a pit stop in the White Mountains national park at a beautiful spot overlooking a big valley. Fly's were shit though, felt like we were back at devil's marbles almost. We rolled into townsville at before noon just as the sun was starting to really heat things up, got to a great campsite right in town and headed in for a look around. Townsville is quite a beautiful place and it's the first time in this road trip that we've seen the ocean. There isn't the same worry about saltwater crocs here, just deadly jellyfish, so thats better, lol.

Oct. 9, 2005.

- We were asleep by 8:30pm last night but woke up at 10pm ish to a big rain storm beating through all the open windows of out tent, so we had to jump out in the cold and wet in a rush to put the stupid tent fly on. Got back on the road early again and trekked to Mount Isa, which as we found out happened to be the birthplace of Greg Norman. We looked around for sparkplugs for the bike but as it was Sunday everything was closed. On we went to Julia Creek, but on the way ran into roadworks after roadworks. One of which was such rough gravel that Libby had to jump off and I drove at a few km's an hour for about 1km so we didn't dump again. After that we thought we were through the worst of it until we found out that for the next 50km's or so the road narrowed to one lane, now thats not one lane each side, but one lane for both ways to share. Scared to shit by a few roadtrains, but other than that got through it ok. Whole lot of nothing to look at again. At lunch we decided to make it another long day so we set our sights on Hughenden, and once again ended up doing the last stretch in darkness praying that we didn't hit a damn kangaroo or some other local wildlife. Made it to the campsite without any incident, well nearly hit a rabbit, but who cares about rabbits. After doing the math today looks like we had another 700km+ day, although can't say we will be doing that anymore as it's not worth risking our lives in that last hour each time.

Oct. 8, 2005. Back to Harry

- Got up early again today so we could race against the heat of the day. We were doing well until the bike started sputtering and gave up on us, on a stretch of road between Barkley homestead and Camooweal, 260 km's long with nothing to be seen at all apart from some shitty bushes and heatwaves off the ground (which by the way we were quite accustomed to seeing by now). So nothing to see for miles and miles and where do we break down? right in the middle of course. Luckily a great family from Queensland towing their caravan stopped for us pretty quickly and the dad seemed to know a bit about bikes. Took him a few mins to find out that our sparkplugs were all gunked up, so we cleaned those off and we were back in action again, ending up in Camooweal (the first town in Queensland from the border) around 12:30 in the afternoon. Once again an aussie town out here consists of a mini-mart, a pub, and a campsite. Sat around for the afternoon, and then watched as the family that helped us rolled into the campsite for the day. After chatting with them for awhile we all headed over to the pub where I bought them a round, and then Libby and I kept their kids busy playing pool with us for a couple hours, which I'm sure they appreciated more than the round as they had a long day on the road with 3 pre-teen kids by that point, lol. Either way I was quite happy to have run into them again so we could show a bit of gratitude cause if they hadn't stopped, who knows how long it would have been for the next people, and wether or not they were axe murders.

Oct. 7, 2005. Libby's Diary

- Did we drive today or what? On the road by 6am to try and get as many km's as possible. We headed back through Mataranka past the hot springs, and Larimah where we stopped at the roadhouse for egg and bacon sandwichs, next was Dunmarra and then took a 3 1/2 hour lunch break at Elliot which I had forgotten was nothing more than a petrol station, beat up pub, and mini-mart, in order to wait out the hottest part of the day. After the usual routine of Abo's begging us for money and such, we sat down at a picnic table until the temp started to drop off. Then it was off again for Renner Springs (100km's) where we had a much needed drink and a game of pool. Left later than we meant to at 6pm only leaving us about an hour of daylight. We passed a sign that read as follows:

| DANGER |

| no fuel for | All dirt track as well.

| 500kms | Crazy

So the last little bit of driving was done in the dark which was going OK until about 3km away from Threeways Roadhouse (our stop for the night) a kangaroo jumped out in front. Harry swerved away from it and it ran behind us missing by mere inches. Totally scared the shit out of us, we were close to death. Camped at Threeways for the night and collapsed in bed with shattered nerves and burning eyes from doing just short of 700km's today at temperatures around 45C.

Oct. 6, 2005.

- Woke up at 5:30am at the Katherine gorge this morning with nosey kangaroo's right next to our tent, no doubt looking to make a meal of us. Saw a 6 foot long olive python outside the toilets last night, not poisonous as it constricts it's prey, although I can't say that would be a better way to go. Today we rented a canoe to head down the gorges in, and to our dismay were told to take lots of water with us as temp at the gorges was to reach 45C this aft. We made it up to the end of the third gorge after two portages (which by the way were shit as they gave us the heaviest canoe they had). We got lots of swimming done today and by the time we had canoed back to the start decided that we would turn in for the day at roughly 6pm, lol.

Oct. 5, 2005.

- Well off we go again, back on the bike for another long one. This time we are going aproximately 3000km's from Darwin to Cairns. The big difference this time is that rather than taking weeks we are gonna push as much as we can and get there ASAP as we have next to no money at this point and there isn't much to see on the way except desert and the heat waves that rise off the desert. So away we go. The bike should fair better this time as we sent a ton of our stuff home last week, and I've just had a tune up plus new back tire put on as well. I hope we don't run into any big problems this time, not that last time was all that bad. All in all not a bad day in the end Libby got stung by a big ass wasp while we were riding, said it felt like some shot a needle at her, blah blah, temperature nice and comfortable at 40C today, aaaaahhhhh........

Oct. 3, 2005.

- Sorry again about the long wait for updates. We are finally leaving this dirty shit hole aboriginal town they call Darwin. We have now on more than one occasion had aboriginals screaming that they hate white people to us. So they can all go to hell far as I'm concerned, damn cavemen. Sorry to go off on a rant, but before I came here some people that had been told me to give the abo's a chance, well I have now and I'm sick of them. Anyways it's off to Cairns tomorrow. Yep another big bike trip around the corner, and nothing to see along the way except road this time. We've been in the process of getting everything ready today, and I think we should be alright to go tomorrow no problems. Really starting to miss the cold weather and I'm sick of sweating my balls off over here. I know I shouldn't complain about the heat, but it barely ever even rains. Either way it's off to Carins the land of rainforests and the great barrier reef, one of the natural wonders of the world. Damn excited about that. Anyways, I'll try and keep up a written journal again while we are on the road, but you won't hear from me again until I get to the coast.

Sept. 26, 2005.

- Well we've had a couple of snags in the last couple days. First of all when Libby gave notice at work they canned her, second we still have about a week and a half before we can leave where we are staying. Also we have just found out that Cairns is much further than we originally thought, by almost 2500kms, lol. So we've got another roadtrip to plan for it looks like. Anyways times running out on my computer, I'll get on for a bigger update next time.

Sept. 11, 2005.

- Back on the job hunt this week as it finally came to a grand finally at the sunglass place between my manager and myself. Won't go into it really as it was the same old shit just more of it, too much of it. Anyways it's back to the search, I've got the paper sitting at home and it has some labouring jobs in it, hopefully I can get into one of those as they actually pay enough that I can save some money. I did the old weigh in at the gym today and I'm down another kilo since last I looked. Got the bike fixed and got a speeding ticket right away for $100 (couldn't have come at a better time, lol). Also had the time to get

some more photos uploaded, even put some captions on. That's it right now though, I'll be back on again soon, hopefully with good news about work.

Sept. 7, 2005.

- Hello again, I just got into town from my 1 hour bus ride. Yeah rode the bus in because the bike has had a bit of a breakdown, but not to worry it's being fixed as we speak. Went to Lichfield National Park last weekend for a little bit of R&R. We ended up having a great time, swam in some waterholes, saw a few waterfalls, and spent the night. It's nice to have one of Australia's big national parks so close. Joined up at the gym week before last as well, and have been losing more weight steadily since then. Gonna be nice to be fit when I finally get home. Speaking of which I'm starting to get excited about the idea of being home in just a few more months, even though it doesn't seem like I've been gone that long. Lol, looking at how big I was in photos before I left gives me a good idea that it was awhile ago though. Got my haircut the other day as well, I've decided to grow it back out again for now. I'd love to say that I had some kind of big news but with work and jobsearching nothing has really changed. Oh yeah saw Charlie and the Chocolate Factory a few days ago..........not great, not bad. Well until next time.....

August 29, 2005.

- Not much happening in the last little while. Went out pig hunting with Dean and his dogs but we didn't get anything. We have been fishing quite a fair bit though and even though we haven't caught anything big here we have gotten a few mud crabs with the traps we bought. Mud crabs are the local seafood and they cost about $30 a crab in the grocery store, but we've been catching them free!!!! They're quite nice, taste kinda like lobster. Libby and I have gotten ourselves onto a shitty diet over here, but it will be nice to lose more weight before I come home, and hopefully keep it up once I get there. Bike is still running well, and we are holding up ok too, gonna join the gym this week so each of us has something to do while the other is working. We are starting to think that we may just take the bike down to Cairns once we are done working here in Darwin so we miss the wet season there and then just work our way down the east coast instead of up. That's it for now though. Hopefully have some kinda news in the next little bit.

August 19, 2005.

- Sorry about the wait between updates there. Been a busy week for us, we both have shitty jobs now and a pretty good place to stay (even if it is 25km outside the city), and we are finally getting used to Darwin. Not a bad place really and the fact that the beach is close is great. Can't say I like that both Libby's hours and mine don't even come close to matching up, our temp solution has for me to just hang out at the bar with her while she works, lol, sounds fun I know but I got there after work at 6:30pm the other day and sat around until 2am when she was finished and then had to drive the 25km's home. She's going to try and switch to days. I've come to the conclusion that my boss is intimidated by me because she has only done the whole sunglass thing for 2 months where I've done it for a year back home. This all works out to her being a bitch to me at work all the time and telling me things 5 times when she only needs to tell me once, I won't even get into the fact that she tries to steal my sales. Dammit and another thing she's so damn lazy or backwards or something that she entered my bank details in wrong so I missed pay day today. Either way I'll work it for now until I find better pay with more hours. The guy we rent from is a labourer and said he could get me in with a company to do some construction work right around home for a couple months, so I'll take him up on that once I've used my discount at work a bit. The bike seems to be running alright, had it tuned up a few days ago, it's not belching blue smoke now, lol. That's really it for the time being, still love it here and it's sure nice to settle down for a while, but now we've gotta get down to some big saving, so I should even jump off here now. Talk to everyone again soon.

August 12, 2005.

- Well Libby ended up getting her job and I'm just waiting for my references to say I'm not an axe murderer and then I'm working again as well. Sent out a big email to most of the people I have on my email lists, if you didn't get one, it's only cause I don't have an updated email list, email me and I'll forward it along. Haven't been doing a ton over the last few days, just trying to get our stuff together here in Darwin, I'd did go to the beach today and had to rush back into town to a chemist to get a bandage for the hand I cut wide open on a seashell. Went from there to visit Libby and have a drink at the pub, in that order of course. That's it right now though, might have some photo's from Darwin up in the next day or two when I have some free time. Have a good one.

August 10, 2005.

- Nice to have caught up again on my journal and we are now starting to settle in to Darwin life. As I was sitting here updating another english girl that was staying with us back at Nomads walked in and I got to catch up with her a bit. Libby's just at a job trial at the pub up the road in downtown Darwin, and here I am doing all this stuff. I can rest a bit easier as I got a job at a sunglass place yesterday without even needing to give them a resume. Start tomorrow, and hopefully Libby will do alright and get hers today. Still looking hard for a place to stay, probably have that figured out by the end of this week and if not we'll just stay on the campsite for now. Went out last night with Colin and Crystal two of the Canadians that we met at Nomads, as well as working with Crystal on the potato farm. So all is well at this point, or looking better every day anyways. From now on you can expect a bit more regular updates, as the internet place is pretty cheap and lets me do most of what I want. Anyways, I'm gonna go track down Libby and see how work went, I'll let you guys know what the verdict is next time.

August 6, 2005.

- Did our scenic flight today, and it was great as scenic flights are. I'd love to go into more detail but I've done so much damn work on the site today that I can't be bothered. Either way though, we did our flight and then pushed hard to roll into Darwin finishing our trip tonight!!!. I did the math while looking at the maps, and from start to finish with all the little and not so little side trips, we have driven 4824kms. Hell of a long way if you ask me.

August 5, 2005.

- Drove around Jabiru a bit this morning looking at all the dead cane toads on the road from the night before. The aboriginals are much more respectful up here it seems, although you'd hope as this region is some of the most sacred aboriginal land in Oz. Jumped on the bike and drove to Nourlangie rock to photograph some aboriginal rock art. Unfortunately in my attempt to thwart anyone attempting to steal my camera stuff full of photos, I had forgotton to put my card in the camera before setting out, lol, so no photos of rock art today. We got back to Jabiru and relaxed for a bit before heading out to Ubirr, which is as far you non-aboriginals can go into the sacred lands without a 4WD and a permit. We did get to witness of of the most beautifull sunsets of our lives, as we stood on top of a huge cliff watching the sun set on the other side of the lush green floodplains. I did take tons of photos here, but until I get to a better pc I won't be able to upload them as I need to resize them first. We then jumped on the bike and passed every single car full of silly tourists on the 40km drive back to Jabiru, course it wasn't that difficult seeing as there are no speed limits and we were pushing about 175km/h most of the way.....lol......I hope I don't wonder why the bike dies when it does.

August 4, 2005.

- Got up BEFORE 6am today to go out on our fishing charter with Dean-o lol the guide. When we booked the trip yesterday it seemed a little expensive, but when we saw that it was just Libby, Myself, Dean-o and one other customer on a decked out little fishing boat, things started looking up. As we got out on the water we got to see a beautiful sunrise, and minutes later I hooked the first and last fish of the day. It was a 65cm Barramundi which is the sought after fish over here. Dean-o was saying that any all aussie's in the northen territory have the life goal to catch a big Barra before they die, and that there are a hell of a lot of people out there that would love to catch one like I did so that's cool. Spent the rest of the day trying to catch more but I ended up being the only one to catch anything, which goes to show how rare the Barramundi can be. Libby had a blast anyways. We got back and had the kitchen fry up a big plate of my fish for us then obviously sat around the pool for a bit longer. Didn't leave the resort until about 6pm and did the drive to Jabiru in the dark....I know I know, no night riding, only about 50kms though so no biggie, and we still had some light.

August 3, 2005.

- Woke up at some crazy hour to a pack of wild dingo's howling like it was goin out of style. Today was our day to take a bit of a break. So we did nothing but sit around the pool and drink fruity cocktails with the odd margherita thrown in. First day in a long time that it feels like a vacation again, of course it does help that we are sitting around a pool in a gorgeous resort, in the middle of one of the most famous national parks in the world. Love to say we did something else today, but hell sitting around the pools feels pretty damn good to me at this point.

August 2, 2005.

- Ha, snuck out of the campsite before reception opened this morning and as we got there after they closed we didn't have to pay for it. We drove to Pine Creek where we stopped for some great Banana Smoothies, and then cruised on towards Kakadu's entrance. Made it about 10kms outside of town and ran into bike trouble, so we back tracked to Pine Creek to see a mechanic. After a lot of fiddling and a few warm day cold beers we packed everything back on and high tailed it to Kakadu, where we stopped at a campsite inside the park at a place called Cooinda. Best campsite yet. Two pools (one with a waterfall) great food, great barstaff, and cheap too.

August 1, 2005.

- Woke up and headed to Katherine Gorge this morning. We had originally planned on doing a canoe trip but found out that we really didn't have the time, so we did a short (3.5km) walk to one of the sides of the gorge and down to the water in the center for a great swim in possibly crocodile infested waters. Lol. Had also planned on getting well outside Katherine today, but had to swing by the hospital for some rash that Libby had on her hand. We ended up waiting for almost 3 hours for some dick of a doctor to tell Libby he didn't know what it was. So we ended up having to camp in Katherine again.

July 31, 2005.

- Took off from Dunmarra today around noon, and stopped along the way in Daly Waters which has an airfield that was used for the Australian Army in WWII. Interesting stop but not near as cool as the hot springs in Mataranka that we stopped at later in the day. 37C water and crystal clear. We had a great time there until we tried to swim down a little stream on the side that had brightly coloured hand-sized spiders dangling all over. Needless to say we weren't happy to see them. From there we continued on to Katherine to camp for the night.

July 30, 2005.

- Another straight day of driving today, not much to report other than the fact that in the morning we passed over a "Harry Creek" and then to our suprise a "Hurst Creek" later in the day, no kidding. Camped in Dunmarra for the night, and after dumping the bike on the gravel path to the campsite and tearing a fair bit of skin off my arm, obviously headed to the pub again. Lol.

July 29, 2005.

- Not a ton happening today. Straight drive to get us to Tennant Creek today. Stopped at a roadhouse for the usual meat pie and chocolate milk, and then back on the road again. Also ran across a place called Devils Marbles which is a whole bunch of really huge round rocks all piled up in the middle of nowhere, and they were pretty cool. Now I know I've been able to be pretty good about not swearing in my journal, but I must say that the flies at Devil's Marbles were the worst fucking flies I've ever had the displeasure of being around. Hundreds of them and they seem to love landing on your eyeballs or in your nose, ears, and mouth. God Dammit. Rolled in to Tennant Creek, it's not too bad, kind of a dive, but not like Coober Pedy. Checked into another campsite and did our usual set up the tent and head to the pub routine, lol.

July 28, 2005. Back to Harry Again

- Hope you liked hearing about my trip from a different perspective for a bit. We've come to the conclusion over the past couple of days that Libby will be returning with me to Canada for a few weeks in Dec., so I'm quite looking forward to introducing her around back home. Anyways, we spent the day doing odd jobs in Alice today. Biggest thing though was getting the bike in for a new rear tire, as the previous one was quite possibly about to explode with us on the bike. It's really too bad everything costs money and seems to cost even more here, but I guess we aren't going to get the rest of the way without it so no worries. We had planned on getting out of here in decent time today, but as you can see I've spent a ton of time on here today doing updates and getting lots of great photos uploaded. So we are simply shooting for a rest area outside of town, and then we will push through to Tennant Creek tomorrow. Weather is in the mid 20's now and by the time we get up top it will be getting into the mid 30's, so we have much to look forward to. The biggest thing on my list now though is Kakadu National Park (where they filmed Crocodile Dundee), which we should be arriving at with about 3 or 4 days. Well that's it for now, but get on and check out photos, and unfortunately don't expect an update until I get up towards Darwin in a little over a weeks time.

July 27, 2005. Libby's Diary

- As the day was spent driving from Kings Canyon to Alice Springs today I planned a number of little surprises for Harry on his birthday. The first was a wrapped up drawing that I did yesterday which I gave to him as soon as we woke up. I made up a poem on the bike which I read to him at the Mt. Ebeneezer Roadhouse on our way back out. Then when we reached Alice I brought out a piece of cheesecake with candles. We are staying at Elke's Backpackersin a nice double room with our own bathroom and kitchen. The funniest part was that we decided to test out the bed (which is very nice) and had lots of fun there. We then went for a shower and when we got out I remembered that I had forgotten my towel in the bedroom. We then discovered that the bedroom door had locked and our keys were inside. Harry then had to walk down to the managers office wrapped in the shower curtain. Ha Ha Ha. It was so funny. Harry looked at the maps tonight and worked out that we have driven 2971km's to get to this point and there are about another 2000km's to go, where we will see Kakadu and Litchfield, among other things.

July 26, 2005. Libby's Diary

- We decided to stay an extra day at Kings Canyon as we are both knackered from moving on every day and the boredom of driving with nothing to look at. So we headed off on the 3hr walk around the rim and walked off the track a lot of times which was good fun. As it was the afternoon it was bloody hot and the walk was quite strenuous. Got back and layed in the tent for a "short rest" and ended up staying in there all night apart from getting up at 12am for a shower.

July 25, 2005. Libby's Diary

- We got up at 6am this morning to go watch the sunrise over Uluru. Once again overtook everyone on the way over, but this time Harry confirmed with me that even he thought we might have been going a bit fast. The sunrise was good especially because we beat everyone to the viewing area, but it wasn't as good as the sunset. Mid morning we wandered around the base and got pretty hot doing that so thankfully we did not need to attempt to climb the rock. We left at about 1pm riding the bike in just shorts and t-shirts, very unsafe, I know! lol, and hit the road again. 305km's to Kings Canyon where we are now. The drive felt very long and I kept falling asleep only to be woken up by Harry banging his helmut into mine to wake me up.

July 24, 2005. Libby's Diary

- This morning we packed up from the Kulgera Roadhouse at 8:30am. Mid-morning we had a break at the Mt. Ebeneezer Roadhouse where there was a whole museum/shop of local aboriginal art with photos of the artists next to them. Onward to Ayers Rock (Uluru)! We checked into the Ayers Rock Resort, which is only 15km's away from the rock and paid the ridiculous price of $25 each for a 3 day pass. Went to Kata Tjuta National park about 42km's away from the resort and did a 1hr gorge walk. The highest dome is 500m was very cool looking. We got to the rock in time for sunset where the carpark was packed, but everyone was very quiet so it was OK. The orange and red colours of the rock were very very cool, and it finished in a deep purple colour. We then mercilessly overtook everyone on the way (as there are no speed limits in the northern territory). Went to the pub and listened to a guy play guitar and didgeredoo really well.

July 23, 2005. Libby's Diary

- Another whole day of driving as we travelled from Coober Pedy to the Kulgera Roadhouse. Was made slightly more fun when Harry leaned forwards and I steered the bike. Keeping the throttle on the whole time is a lot tougher than I expected so now I really appreciate him doing the driving all the time. Was quite a relief to leave Coober Pedy as it is an extremely weird town and neither Harry nor I felt comfortable there, even walking around in the daylight. Pretty much a straight drive except for a break at the Cadney Roadhouse where we played some car racing games and had some fun. Today is the first day of the trip that it's been cloudy but according to the people in Coober Pedy it never rains. Hopefully it wont because they say when it does it absolutely pisses down.

July 22, 2005. Libby's Diary

- We cruised into Coober Pedy at noon and quickly found out that it is a haven for dirt, Abo's, and dirty Abo's. Very hot, very dusty and very scummy abo looking (Libby and I aren't too keen on the Aboriginals anymore) Anyway we had thoughts of being mugged outside so we checked into an underground hostel which was quite cool and kind of creepy at the same time as the rooms are like caves and have no windows so even in daytime it is pitch black with the lights off. We went to an underground church which was smaller than we expected. Then we spent about an hour doing a self guided tour through the old timers mine where opals were mined and there were also old underground homes. Had lunch in an underground restaurant, and then an afternoon nap which lead to play with a certain b/f, funny bit was the following morning the bloke at reception (who looked like a pregnant man) said to Harry, "Quiet night then?" and winked at Harry. I guess it might have echoed around the caves a bit.....lol.

July 21, 2005. Libby's Diary

- We had a whole day of driving today and both of us had very numb arses by the end of it! We had to backtrack from the Flinders through the mountains (although not through the pass we came through previously) and stopped for a lunch of pizza in Pt. Augusta. The day was quite cold and we camped at a roadhouse just outside the border for aboriginal land. For the price we paid it was a bit of a shit hole as it literally stank of shit! Harry and I had a shower and then christened the tent. Was totally knackered by the end of the day. The scenery is pretty boring just rocky, shrubby, flat desert and the only interesting things are the wild horses, cows, sheep and the occasional dead kangaroo and/or cow with a massive vulture on it. Mmmm nice.

July 20, 2005. Libby's Diary

- We had planned to do a 6hr walk to St. Mary's peak but all did not go according to plan as we read the map wrong. Ended up climbing up to 2 lookout points instead which were really nice and then had lunch at the top. Carved our names on a tree near the Hill Homestead and on the way back scrambled down a steep slope off the path to a stream and took lots of photos. It's probably just as well we didn't go to the peak as we are both unfit and it probably would have destroyed us! Got back around 3ish and got on the bike. Went to aboriginal site called Sacred Canyon which was at the end of a very bumpy 13km dirt road. It was brilliant though, extremely quiet and had some rock carvings as well. Got back without hitting any Kangaroos and I yes I got the camp fire going first time. Cooked sausages and rice and then went to the pub (where I'm writing from at the moment) but not before I tripped over a piece of stupid wood and fell flat on my face without really even having a chance to save myself! Was really quite hilarious.

July 19, 2005. Libby's Diary

- We managed to get out of Pt. Pirie by 9:30am and hit the road for Flinders Ranges. It was pretty much a straight drive apart from stopping to take photos of the ranges and in a little town called Quorn for the best caramel banana cake ever! Rather than carry on straight up the A87 (Explorers Way Highway) with all the road trains, Harry had the idea to go through Horrocks Pass right through the middle of the mountains. This turned out to be a very good idea as the scenery was very picturesque. We made good time to Wilpena in the centre of the Flinders National park, set up the tent and went for a short walk with many Kangaroo sightings. Cooked instant noodles and sat by the fire that we painstaking took ages to get going and then went to the campsite pub.

July 18, 2005. Libby's Diary

- This is it my ne-gros the first proper day of our trip. We meant to leave Adelaide about 9ish but didn't leave until 3pm. Spent the day doing things bits and pieces like going to STA and flight agencies, buying food for the trip, and fixing the whole in my bag caused by the bikes tail pipe. Finally got onto the road and about 100km in stopped at a roadside cafe made out of a barn to give the bike a rest but ended up stuffing ourselves with chips. We decided it wasn't the best idea to drive through the dark so instead of pushing on to Pt. Augusta we stopped at Pt. Pirie. We then waited outside a campsite for ages for someone to show up, but no one did so we went up the road and Harry turned the bike around too sharply and dumped the bike on its side, which was bloody heavy to pick up, and then landed a campsite where we got an entire ex-hostel = double bed and showers to ourselves for $30. Sat down and drank the bottle of wine that we bought at Wolf Blass earlier.

I've decided to change pace a bit here now, as I'm far too lazy to keep a journal during the trip up, and Libby writes in hers every day. So from here on anything in purple writing is from Libby's journal.

July 18, 2005.

- Heading out of Adelaide today for Port Agusta. Shouldn't be too bad as I think there are some things to see along the way. Really enjoyed having a bed to sleep in last night. Had an interesting moment this morning when Libby and I were seen running out of one of the showers in the girls washroom at the hostel. Good thing we've checked out now as I don't think the girls in there were all that happy to see me. Anyways on to Port Agusta now. I'll try and keep a journal on the road and enter it when I get to a computer again.

July 17, 2005.

- Left Nomads today and have arrived back in Adelaide. Libbs and I just got back from seeing "War of the Worlds" and we are heading out for dinner tonight with Sean the american that I met the first time around here. Stopped at Wolf Blass today on the way through, best winery ever. Tomorrow's plan is to drive another 300+kms to Port Agusta where we will camp outside for the first time on our trip. Can't say I'm excited as it's friggin cold, less cold here though than out in Kingston. I'll try and get on later tonight to outline our 3 week drive up. You guys have a good one, and I'll catch up with you next time.

July 14, 2005.

- Started into a big update today. Over the next day or two I'll have a section on here dedicated to the planning of our trip to Darwin. Check the navigation bar for the link. Don't have any more time right now, but check again tomorrow at some point.

July 10, 2005.

- I feel like a bag of ass sitting outside on a hot day in July today. Last night we threw a huge party up at the house for Nick and Kelly as they were leaving today. Libby spent most of the day in Adelaide and was quite surprised to find me off my face when she got home. All in all a good time though. I went out all about on the bike yesterday even taking people from the hostel all over to different towns. Then went to a florist and ordered a big arrangment of flowers for Libby to be delivered tomorrow as it's our last day of work. Should score some points with that one. I never really realized how damn expensive flowers are though. Just plan on going for a walk this aft, as it's 3pm and we are just getting out of bed. That's about all for now though. I'm going to try and get some maps up showing the route we are going to take to get to Alice and Darwin over the next few days. Alright have a good one and talk to you guys again soon.

July 6, 2005.

- Got off work earlier today so I've got some time to get photos of the bike up, as well as some photos of the house we are staying in. That's right, house. Libby and I moved up to a house for our last week and a bit here, and it's damn great. We've finally got a bigger bed with an ensuite bathroom, and a kitchen that rarely has anyone else using it. Having a great time now though as we are able to finally kick back and relax at night. I didn't even realize how draining it can be hanging out with everyone down at the hostel all the time, so it's a nice change. Libby even puts up with my snoring!, lol which is saying a lot as it drove some people in the dorm rooms nuts. That's about all right now though, we are just starting to get all shit together for the trip up north. We are now thinking rather than bother with a trailer for the bike buy saddlebags and then ship our packs up to Darwin so they are there for us when we get there, and then just pack what we need on to the bike. Probably better for us and the bike that way. So yeah, I've got some more pics up today, and as my birthday is coming up don't forget to get in touch with my parents in order to arrange a cash gift.

July 2, 2005.

- Oh god my head feels like it's going to explode. I think I went a little overboard on my Canada Day celebrations. I drank a bottle of wine to myself after dinner and then drank half a bottle of Canadian Club, needless to say I don't remember much more than that. From what I've been told though I was quite entertaining, even though I am definately paying for it today. Otherwise though I'm having a good time still. I'm sitting here uploading pics and I see that I've forgotten to get a damn picture of the motorcycle. Oh well I'll try for next week, lol, I've become such a scatter brain. Not a whole bunch goin on really. I paid off my rent that I owed yesterday and next paycheque will go to paying off my famous bar tab, and then I've gotta start buying all the silly little camping stuff I figure we'll be needing. Quite excited about the fact that I have a birthday coming up in less than a month. Hopefully will have made to Alice Springs, if not Darwin by then. That really about all that's up though. I hope everyone back home has a great Canada Day, and I'll catch you again next week.

June 29, 2005.

- Lot of big news since last I updated. First of all I now own a motorcycle over here!! What a blast that is. It's nice to feel that I have some freedom again. Libby loves it as well so the idea of travelling to Alice Springs and then Darwin together looks like it's that much closer to reality. I should be picking up the trailer this week as well, so everything is falling into place as planned. Now the second piece of news is that I now have a pierced eyebrow. Yes yes I know I said I'd never get one and I've always been against them, but Libby has really been a horrible influence on me, lol. The way I see it though is that when I get tired of it I can just take it out. It was either that or get a tattoo of her name on me somewhere, lol, and I've already learned that lesson, so a piercing seemed like the better option. I'm also quite surprised to say that it didn't hurt near as much as I had prepared for, course that's also not to say I want to run out and get another....ever....lol. Big day today, I'm taking Libby out for her birthday to Banrock Station for a wine tasting, a nice lunch, and then a walk through the wildlife reserve in Banrock. Looking forward to that quite a bit, as we both get to dress up a bit for it, lol. Then tomorrow I'm taking the day off so we can sleep in until noon or so, and then it's off on a bike trip for the day if the weather's nice. Speaking of sleeping in, we lost our room last week because there was a couple that wanted to check in to a double bed in an empty room, and since we were'nt paying the full rate for the room we've been moved back to the dorm. It has quickly become apparent that single beds do not easily accomdate 2 people, lol, so we've inquired about moving to a room in the house. It's only an extra $15 each per week and the rooms have a TV and access to a sauna in the house it's probably a good idea, especially since I haven't actually slept in the bed I'm paying for this whole week. What else has been up? This is a bigger than normal update but then again I haven't updated in awhile. Oh yeah I have had to buy a smaller belt, yes that's right smaller belt. I'm even down to one waist instead of two now, lol. I'm getting pretty excited about riding up to Alice. I had forgotten how much I missed my bike until I rode one over here. Work has been going alright. It's been so cold this past week that during my spare time I built a firepit with rocks and the works and have built a fire every morning that we hang out around at lunch and breaks. Yesterday Shane, one of the tractor drivers even brought in some chickens wrapped in tinfoil the we cooked for lunch. Other than all that though, I've really just been up to the same old. Work, Eat, Drink, Sleep. Wash, rinse and repeat, seems to be my routine, but with us taking off for the desert soon we should be in for a big change. I'm mainly excited about going on vacation again, lol. On that note I'm signing off for today, hopefully get some photos of the bike and Libby up in the next few days, as I don't think I actually have any of her up yet. Alright guys have a good one and remember to simply talk to my parents if you wish to make any sizable donations. Lol.

June 11, 2005.

- UPDATED PHOTOS TODAY!!!!!!!!! Yeah finally got around to getting some new photos up on the site. Not a ton more to talk about. Getting closer to the motorcycle every week, and from the sounds of it now Libby and I are going to find some way to keep on travelling together and I suspect I may be headed up to Alice Springs with her to see Uluru (Ayers Rock), so we started a search for a small trailer to tow behind the bike. Maybe I'm crazy, but dammit I hate this saying goodbye thing to people and it's not fair to have to do it so often over here. So we are gonna go splits on the trailer and petrol, I also need to buy a swag (kinda one man tent) and then we just pull over in the camp sites along the way and we don't have to worry about accom that way. Anyways someone wants to get on here so I'll be back but check my photos and talk to everyone later.

June 3, 2005.

- What have I been up to? A whole lot of nothing and work. Although that being said I'm putting down a deposit on a cheap motorcycle tomorrow, so that's got me excited. It's an old Yamaha 650cc, and assuming everything goes as planned that lets me cross off "motorcycle along the coast" in things to do. Other than that Libby and I are heading into Berri tomorrow to remind myself that there is still a world outside of Nomads (current hostel). Hate to say it though but that's about it. I'll let you guys know what's going on with the motorcycle and hopefully get on and get pictures up soon.

May 23, 2005.

- Well I crossed off one of life's to-do list items today. Libby and I just hitch hiked into Barmera. Woo-Hoo I can say I've hitch hiked now. An older couple David and Carol picked us up and then invited us for tea some day. Lol, I love the Aussie's. So I'm in the library in Barmera using the computer right now. I was hoping to be able to hook up my camera to put some pics on but it doesn't have the connection here so I'll have to burn off a cd for next week when I come in. Work's going alright, in fact it's the easiest job in my life, but it doesn't pay much. To give you an idea of how easy it is, I've just finished reading an 800+ page book that i started reading Tuesday and I've only read it at work. Can't complain too much I guess. I just went down to smallest notch on my belt this morning too, go figure I'm gonna have to buy a new belt because this one is gonna be too big for me. Anyways that's about all for now, I'm headed over to the bottleshop next to go pickup a bottle of wine to go with our pasta tonight so I'll talk to next time.

May 15, 2005.

- Sorry I haven't had an update in awhile guys, not a ton going on other than work right now though. I've got a full time spot on a farm right now covering potato bins with burlap sacks. Which works out to about 5 mins work and then 15 mins break while the next bin is brought in. It's boring as hell not doing much all day, but the idea of getting paid for doing next to nothing is enough to keep me going. The footy game (australian rules football) last week was good times. There's not much better than sitting at the footy game with a meat pie in one hand and a beer in the other watching the players beat the hell outta each other with no pads on, lol. Other than that hostel life is going alright, although I must say that I'm hooking up with more Canadian people than I would back home. I mean come on I'm on the other side of the world I'm supposed to be meeting different people. No big worries about that though. Libby (english girl here) and myself have been able to sweet talk (buy beers for) Rob into letting us move into one of the empty dorms for the same money as I'm paying now. So that's a bonus. What else? Went splits on stuff to make a seafood pasta last night with Libby. That was awesome, it was full of mussels, scallops, calamari, and some prawns. I also booked the TV for "Cider House Rules" which we watched with a bottle of Tempus Two, a New South Wales Shiraz for $34 and damn was it worth it. That was probably the nicest wines I've had during my stay over here so far. All in all it was a great night and it kinda made me feel at home for a night which was kinda nice. Plus no one else in the hostel had even heard about the movie before so it kept everyone entertained for awhile. That's it for now though, I work later on today and had my day off yesterday, so it's back to it until next Saturday. You guys have a good one and I'll get on here sooner next time.

May 7, 2005.

- If anyone ever asks you to pick olives for $6 a bucket tell them to shove those olives where the sun don't shine. I worked an almost full day today and picked more buckets than the other guys I was working with and only managed to pick 7 buckets through the whole day. I won't go into it further but it sucked. I spent a day on a potato harvester and that ended up being good money but tiresome. The plus to all this is that I've been able to talk the hostel guy here into getting me a job driving a pickup around a farm dropping off buckets that I don't even have to lift. Lol, don't have any more time on here right now, day off tomorrow and I'm driving down with a Canadian chick to Adelaide and back for a footy game. Should be fun.

May 1, 2005.

- Third day in a row that I've been picking pumpkins and I'd be happy if I never saw another one in my life. On top of that I forgot this morning that I was in Australia and didn't put sunscreen on, then decided to wear a tank top out picking. I think you know where I'm going with this, aloe vera has become my best friend. What else is going on? I lent some money to an aussie guy I was travelling and he has since skipped town. Live an learn I guess. I did however buy a nice bottle of port tonight with some of my recent earnings through work which I'll dive into later on, hopefully help relax a bit. Not sure what kind of work I'll hve after the pumpkin picking, tomorrow's the last day so I'll find out tomorrow night probably. That's about all that's going on right now. Hopefully I'll get to a computer where I can load some pics onto the site soon.

April 30, 2005.

- Well I'm officially off the map, literally. I'm near a place called Kingston along the Murray river. I just got back from picking pumpkins today and what started off being a shitty day ended off pretty well when we went back to the farmhouse for a few well deserved beers. I'll say this though I've got a hell of a lot more respect for people that work on a farm all the time. Made $80 today and was paid cash at the end of the day, and we'll be over there tomorrow and the next day as well, so that works. There are a lot of Canadians here as well, and I'm a god every morning when I brew up the Tim Horton's coffee. Overall though this is a cool hostel, it's cheap as hell and the people stay for awhile, so you get time to know people. On the downside I won't be able to upload photos for awhile, as this computer sucks and I plan on being here at least 3 weeks to make some cash back. Well I'm gonna let you guys go, but hopefully I'll be back on to update soon.

April 28, 2005.

- Well I leave for Murray this morning, still have to do all my packing but I'll try and update as soon as I get there later today.

April 26, 2005.

- Not too much going on today. Made all my reservations for the hostel at the fruitpicking place and found out that there might even be a tractor driver spot opening soon. So things are looking up again as far as work goes. Other than that just went to the market today and bought some grapefruit, lol. I figure I'll book one more night here so I can do my washing and then I'm headed off to Murray by bus. An aussie guy named Jason is gonna tag along as well for some work. Might be on to update later if I do anything else today.

April 25, 2005.

- Computers have been screwed for the past day or so. Hey though I did my winery tour. What a good time that was. Best part had to have been the fact that all of the people at the tastings seemed to encourage excess drinking, which after 5 vineyards and who knows how many types of wine and ports tried that was a very good thing. Didn't get to Wolf Blass unfortunately, but did go to Rockford, Grant Burge, Henschkes and some smaller ones as well. We also went to a little German town named Tanunda for some looking around. Lunch was alright, nothing special but better than what I've been eating, lol. Then we stopped in an English town named Angaston for some more sightseeing. All in all it was a great day tour, and for $65 it was well worth the price of admission. Other than the tour though I haven't been up to much. Went to the beach again with some people from around the hostel and now I'm just figuring out what I need to do for my move to Murray. Still having a great time over here all in all, but I'm looking forward to settling down somewhere for awhile again and just working. Alright catch you guys next time.

April 24, 2004.

- I've only got a second on here cause I'm off to my Barossa Valley tour. Yeah that's right, I'm low on cash but it would be stupid to be here and not do it, so I booked one of the cheaper ones and I leave in a few mins. Be back on later to tell you guys how it turned out.

April 22, 2005.

- Got up to a late start this morning as last night ended up being quite a late one, and once I got up I through my shoes on and headed out for a walk along whatever the river is that goes through Adelaide. I've noticed that a ton of the cities over here have rivers through the middle, it's kinda nice. Of course it would be better if they weren't all so polluted, although the one through Perth is supposed to be swimable. The walk took up most of my morning (which would be most peoples afternoon, lol), and then I came back here to the hostel and made myself a big sandwich. Now here I am. It's almost 6pm, and from the looks of it, it may end up being a movie night here at the hostel. I'm getting to the point where I am missing home a bit, but it's still not near enough for me to even think of cutting my trip short, lol. I'd say overall I'm having a great time over here. I'm still looking forward to finding a little beach town where I can just stay in a shack on the beach and buy a fishing rod that I can catch all my food with lol who knows, it could happen.

April 21, 2005.

- Not much going on today. I went out to the big market this morning and bought a loaf of bread and bacon. Cooked up a sandwich here and used my Frenchs' mustard on it, man that was great, lol. I'm really just waiting my time out here until next Weds when I leave for Murray. Wish I could just leave now, but they don't refund here and the picking season doesn't start for another week and a bit anyways, so no worries. That's about all for today though.

April 20, 2005.

- It's also noteworthy that I saw one of the guys that works here enter the admin password for the computers, so I've got free internet for the rest of my stay here now, lol, or until they change the password.

April 20, 2005.

- Went out to the beach with some people today. Ended up being a little cold but that didn't stop me from getting in to the water, even though no one else really had the balls to do it, lol. Good news this time around as well, it seems I've found work next week or so. There is a place called Murray about 2 hrs outside of Adelaide where citrus fruit picking season begins in 2 weeks or so. I figure once my time in Adelaide runs out I'll jump on the bus to Murray and check in to the hostel right out there. Apparently the hostel has a pool as well, although based on how dirty some of the hostel bathrooms are I'm not sure if that's a good thing or not. What else is new? Nothing really I guess, I'm still waiting to get to a town where I can get a shack on the beach and sit around all day, lol. I'll let you guys go for now.

April 19, 2005.

- I've had a few days in Adelaide now and I've come to the conclusion that it's quite like KW in the idea that it's not a big city but it's not a little town either. I think I'll see about finding work and hanging around here for a little while. I still had money the other day so I paid for another few days on top of what I had paid for already, so now I'm booked here until next Weds. There's always fruit picking to fall back on here, but I'd rather not jump at that without at least looking around first. Weather is nice here, not too hot but it's steady instead of the crazy up and down of Melbourne. I did end up going to the beach here the other day, that was great, and I went to the "Rodney Fox Shark Experience". This guy that was attacked by a shark when he was young ended up studying sharks and becoming a shark photographer as well, then he came to Adelaide and started up a little museum. Not a bad time. Other than that, I haven't been up to much, although I do think today will be job search day. Speaking of which it's noon now so I should prob get out there and see.

April 17, 2005.

- Woke up this morning and booked a week in Adelaide, as I found yesterday that I quite like it here. Today's gonna be a beach day and I'm outta time on the computer so I'll be back on later this aft. Later.

April 16, 2005.

- It's been awhile I know, but I'm finally back to civilization and I've made it to Adelaide. I don't have a ton of time right now because I've just spent the last hour uploading photos from the last 3 days. I will make sure to go back and fill in the last couple days journal later today or tomorrow, but in the meantime make sure you check out the pics and I'll try my best to fill in the journal ASAP.

April 15, 2005.

- Woke up quite late today, lol, only to find that I was the only person up due to the previous night's partying by everyone there. Looked in the cupboards today and found an old bubbling percolator so I figured it out and made some Tim Horton's coffee that had been sent to me a few weeks ago. What a huge hit that was, probably ended up scoring more points with the Canadian girl that way than I would have in a week's time. We then headed back to the Grampians to check out a pretty cool waterfall and some other stuff. From there we headed out a little town where some of the people jumped on to a bus towards Adelaide that would get them there by the evening. The rest of us stayed on the tour and started to circle around to head towards Ballarat, stopping at a gold mine and some aboriginal sites along the way. More or less uneventful though, almost wished I had taken the day bus as well but no worries. When we reached Ballarat we killed some time at the pub before the bus showed up and then jumped on for the 8hourish ride to Adelaide.

April 14, 2005.

- This morning we all got up bright and early to go have a walk along the beach of the 12 Apostles. To our surprise on getting up and going for the morning we found that not only was it long pants weather but coat weather as well. Good thing I didn't throw my coat out early when I was going through a heat wave in Melbourne. From there we went to see another formation called "London Bridge" which was also somewhat interesting, but again by this time I'd seen enough rock formations to last me awhile. We then started to turn away from the Great Ocean Road and headed NW towards the Grampians through some great sweeping farmland. We stopped at some of the lesser mountain ranges to look at some of the different parks and finally came to the Grampians themselves. Took a 3.5km hike up from ground level to come to the peak of one of the ranges, and when I say "up" I mean UP. The hike was really really up hill and in some places up rock, lol. Either way though finally reached the top and were treated to an amazing view of the surrounding countryside. I just remembered that before we got to the Grampians we stopped at a Crater lake as well, but too late now. After making another 3.5km hike down the mountainside, we stopped to pick up our BBQ stuff for the night, at which point I bought a 2 inch thick steak that the butcher cut just for me, and continued on to the bottleshop where I bought a nice bottle of Australian port that is supposed to be so good. We then arrived at our accomodations for the night which ended up being a small cottage big enough for everyone to get their own room. After getting settled in we started cooking all our BBQ food (lamb chops, sausages, burgers) and in my case it was more of throwing my steak on flipping it over and taking it off within a minute or two. Now I like my steak rare but I've never cooked a 2 inch steak with the idea in my head that i only wanted the middle warm. I have to say though that even though there was about and inch thick of uncooked meat in the steak it was the best I've ever had, and you better not ask me for a rare steak because I'll cook you the rarest steak ever, although it's safe to say now that is the only way to eat a steak. After dinner we broke out all the booze we had bought in town and I poured a few glassed of port for myself and a few others. I have to say that I've never really had port before but I really really enjoyed it, relaxing with a glass after dinner felt great. After all the fun was had for the night, I headed to a very late and well needed rest.

April 13, 2005.

- I'm writing this a few days after it happened so I may forget some stuff, but I don't think I have. Got picked up at the hostel in the morning. Ended up being a really small bus, but there where only about 7 people total anyways so no big deal. Drove for awhile and I was surprised at how quickly it turned into countryside. We drove for an hour or so until we got to a little town near Belle's Beach, where we stopped to look in all the surf shops, and then continued on to Belle's beach itself where I got the pic of the surfers. After that and some more driving we came to the Great Ocean Road, and let me tell you, they don't call it great for nothing. Anyone that's ever been along the Cabot Trail back home, should picture that but 5x better. It's unbelievable to see all of the unused miles of beach, and the absolutely beautiful cliffs. We stopped a few times along the way to have a look on some of the beaches and then headed off to Lorne, a very small beach town where we took a walk along the pier there and had a tea break. From there we headed further along the Great Ocean Road, until we reaced a little diner famous for it's shark burgers. So needless to say I ordered a shark burger and like the Great Ocean Road it too lived up to its reputation. After lunch we walked out to the beach to swim in the ocean for about 30mins or so. That was so damn cold I couldn't believe it, but it was the first time I'd swam at such a beautiful spot and first time on the trip period, so why not?. At that point you are still really close to the Antarctic sea, which explains why it was so cold. We then headed towards a place called Apollo bay to have a look around, from there we headed inland to some of Australia's cooler (temp) rainforests. That was just great as well, I've got far more pics than what I posted from there, so maybe I'll find time to get some more posted. Finally as the sun was going down and after we had seen some unbelievable limestone formations along the coast we came to the 12 Apostles. They were great, although I must say that the first formation we saw "Loch Ard Gorge" was possibly more impressive, simply because once you've seen some cool limestone stuff you've seen it all, lol. That night we stopped at a nice little hostel in Port Campbell, and had a more or less uneventful night.

April 11, 2005.

- I booked my trip to Adelaide yesterday. Booked it with a private tour company run by two Aussie guys that pick up 4 or 5 other backpackers and then go along the great ocean road stopping frequently, then continue on up to Mount Gambier, then over to the Grampians, and finally across to Adelaide. I am horribly opposed to bus tours but this isn't a bus and it's a 3 day tour which should mean lots of stopping. We even camp outside up in the mountains one night. So that should end up being a good way to get there in the end. Not a ton else going on, I've really just been lazing around reading the last couple days, not that the weather's been bad or anything, I'm just done with Melbourne. On that note I'm signing off for now.

April 9, 2005.

- Have you ever woken up and felt like you'd be better off dead? This morning felt like that, due to an very large amount of drinking last night. Last night was ladies night at the bar downstairs, and that meant free champagne for the ladies for the night. The real plus to that is that when they go to the bar to get it they can get 3 glasses at a time, so I just made sure to hang around with girls I've met this week and get free booze all night. What a hilarious time, even if I feel like crap today. Then closer to the end of the night I figured that the girls in our group that weren't staying in the hostel might as well sleep in my room as I've got a few empty beds in there. Everyone thought that was a great idea of course. Then when I was changing to finally go to sleep I had to use the washroom, which was just around the corner from my room, and I only had my shorts on but it was just around the corner. Well, when I got back to the door I realized that I had left my key inside the room, and even though I banged like hell on the door, everyone had basically just passed out cold, so no luck there. I was then forced to walk down from the 3rd floor to reception in my shorts and ask them for a key. Not a ton of fun, but it was still funny enough when drunk. To my surprise everyone was still in the room when I woke up today, and I'll tell you that took a second to remember what had gone on the night before, lol, as I was expecting to wake up and see only Dean the kiwi guy that's been in my room for so long. In the end though it was a great night that I wouldn't take back even if I do feel like a piece of meat today. That takes me to today's plans. I desparately need to get out of Melbourne before I spend more cash, and I've decided that if I haven't gotten out by Monday I'll book the 3 day tour that leaves on Wed.'s and go from there. Hopefully though Bryan's buddy in the car rental place comes through and has good news for me today. I'm gonna leave it at that for now, unless something earth shattering happens today.

April 7, 2005.

- Well just when I thought things were going smoothly, I run into a roadblock. My ride to Adelaide has cancelled on me. I hate to say it but in hindsight it's not a big surprise, I've had that feeling all week, but it's still a pain in the suntanned ass. So I don't know what the hell to do, but as always I seem to make it through BS like this so I'm not TOO worried, of course the fact that I'm very hung over today doesn't help things. Figured that I won't be here much longer so I used the end of my free beer tickets last night. Had a blast doing so though, so I guess it's worth it. Did a bunch more updating today to the "New Random Stuff" page, such as adding an Aussie slang section, and a section with some of the cool stuff I've come across here as well. I bought the new Beck cd the other day as well, and I would highly recommend getting out and buying (or downloading) it. It's been a great cd to sit and listen to so far. So today's mission is to find transportation to Adelaide somehow, not sure how to go about that, but I figure I'll look at the job boards in the hostels first, and go from there. I found a cheap ass car rental place that lets you drop off the car in Adelaide, so that might not be a bad idea. Either way I should probably getting going on that idea as the day's wasting, catch you guys next time, hopefully with good news.

April 6, 2005.

- Worked my last day of work yesterday, and I must say it's damn good to have some time off now. Damn excited too about getting to Adelaide. I've even heard now that it's easy to get work picking grapes at most of the wineries, so even though I want to get over to Perth ASAP I might stay a little longer in Adelaide and work for a week at that if I can get the work. I booked a tour at the vineyards as well when I get there. Other than that today is payday, and even though it's a little less this week than I had hoped for it's still going to be enough to get me where I'm going. If you haven't seen already I did a big update to the site today by adding a whole new page called "New Random Stuff" lol, where so far I've listed all the cool tunes I've been listening to here (really just listing them so I can download them all when I get home), and another spot where I'm going to put random thoughts when I can get around to it. Same old though outside of that, got a haircut today but that's about it. I've gotta find a place to put new tunes on my MP3 Player today, prob an internet cafe around that I can plug it into. Well I'll get back on tomorrow to let everyone know what my plan is.

April 2, 2005.

- Finally I've had some time to do all my updating, you may want to read back a few days to see what I've been up to. Nothing insanely new, but a few things nonetheless. Might have worked my second last day of work today, so that's feeling good. Might even dig out some free drink tickets and go get some impressionable girl drunk just for laughs. Bryan was saying today that he's got one more gig just before I leave so that will prob also turn into a last night with the boys type of thing, although I've come to the conclusion that I will be back to Melbourne at the end of my trip. I can always fly out of Melbourne International instead of Sydney. Also had the idea over the last couple days, to make a book/memoires of my trip, since everyone seems to like reading my journal so much. Kinda take my journal and put it all together with some more transition and then write something looking back on it all when I get back. Would make for an interesting read, lol. Not much else going on tonight, still sticking to my self invented diet, that I have now come to call the "Poor Bastard" diet. It's easy enough to follow, every week you just have to spend most of your food budget on some toy, or clothes (well I needed the clothes) that you really don't need, and then buy a whole bunch of soup and instant noodles with whatever you have left. The next part is obvious because it's not possible for your willpower to just give out and eat more food, as willpower does not make food appear anyways. That being said though I'm down 4 notches on my belt now since gettting here which by my calculations is a full pant size down, if not more (I never was one for math). So it works, but it isn't much fun. In the end though it's all good. I'm just realizing how long an entry this is becoming, so I'm stopping here, but keep in touch and I'll try a bit harder to keep you updated. Bye.

April 1, 2005.

- Not a whole hell of a lot today, got back to working etc etc. Not too many days left, although I'm not really counting. I've had a good time here and will be sad to leave but I don't want to spend my whole year in one place. I'm starting to look forward to Adelaide and definately Perth more and more every day. Nate and I have come up with the genius idea of posting a request for passengers to go to Adelaide, that way neither one of us has to pay any gas money, lol. The second part of the plan is only to respond to people that want to split gas and are attractive women as well. We think it's a great plan, lol, really worst case scenario would be we don't get anyone and then we split gas ourselves. Should make for a good time either way.

Mar. 31, 2005.

- Went to the library today and started up a temp account. Then I took out two books by "Terry Brooks" an author I loved way back before high school. Got home and read the whole book (yeah the same day). Can't say I've done the 500+ page a day thing for awhile, but hey it keeps me sharp and stops me from getting too bored, not that I get too bored when the beach is within walking distance and it's at least 25c and sunny every day. Hate to say it but that's about all.

Mar. 30, 2005.

- Sorry I haven't been on in a bit, I kinda ran outta internet money, but I'm all good now. None of you guys back home would believe it, but I did a 15km hike today, along the Yarra River and into the countryside a bit. I decided to call it quits as I came to Dwight Falls about the same time my legs were about to fall off. The thought of turning around and walking another 15km's back was not very favourable either, so I headed back into the city and drank a few "V"'s (an energy drink sold at 7-11, 3 for $5) and then wandered back to the hostel, which was not near as far if you beeline through the city. Got home and pretty much passed out. All in all a great day though, nice to know that if I ever need to walk that far I can do it, lol.

Mar. 27, 2005.

- Turned our clocks back an hour today, and I must say that I really enjoyed having the extra hour of sleep, especially when someone checked into our room last night around 3am. Not sure what I have planned for today. I might hook up with one of the guys from work that has the day off. Finally caved in last night and gave them a $10 deposit for dishes in the kitchen (which is ridiculous as this is the first hostel to have done that) but I did the math and realized that chicken burgers from Nando's weren't very cost effective. I'll prob go pick up a bunch of soup and stuff today to keep me going till next pay. Starting to get excited about moving on to Adelaide and Perth, although the more I talk to people Adelaide sounds like it may be a bit of a hole. Either way I don't plan on being there for more than a day or two, so it shouldn't be that bad. Might be back on later to give more of an update.

Mar. 26, 2005.

- Another day at work today, not much to say about that. Although I did find out today that Nate will drive me to Adelaide if I pay for the trip there gas wise, so that works for me. One less thing to worry about now. Other than that though same old. Certainly love being Canadian over here as opposed to the other options. Seems that Canadians are the only ones that everyone gets along with right off the bat (for the most part) speaking of Canadians, I ran into a Vancouver girl tonight named Jillian that is at the start of her year here as well. Seems like she may be a bit of a "gold digger" but as I don't have any extra cash right now I should be alright, lol. Somehow I am not working tomorrow, and as much as I'd like the money it'll be kinda nice to have another R&R day. Maybe try and convince Jill I do have some money for the time being, we'll see who's using who, lol. Anyways that's all from Aus today, thanks for the Roots Tee from home guys hopefully I don't have to rely on my Aboot's and Eh's for people to guess I'm Canadian anymore.

Mar. 25, 2005.

- Oh jesus, I feel as bad today as Bill Clinton must have felt when it came out that he had "sexual relations" with Monica. Last night was a party with all the guys from work, and you know that when you get pictures of your boss running around the street in his underwear that it was one hell of a good party. We started at an upscale bar called "The Pier" and I really don't think the people there had ever been in the some place as working guys like us, unless of course it was when they were telling their homebuilders that they wanted marble floors in the bathroom. Needless to say no one looked impressed when we started winding up for the night. I think we even scared a few people, lol. Thankfully Bruce was good friends with the owner and we did spend more money there at the bar than the bartender could remember, so hey we could really be as loud as we wanted to. I'll post some of the more funny pictures from the night, and that should give everyone a good idea of what it was like. Either way I am a damn hurting unit today and still haven't been to sleep as I only got back from the bar a few hours ago (the second bar we went to of course). In fact there is more I could talk about but I'm damn tired, so I'll try and update later.

Mar. 23, 2005.

- What a day it's been today! Although for most people, payday is a good day. I started by walking down to the Columbia store and buying some new shoes, which in itself would have let me die happy (actually the last ones would have probably killed me anyways). They are great though, fit perfectly, and are made with Gore-Tex so hopefully they will help a bit against the water. Then I went and bought some new clothes which again was fun. I then wandered out to the edge of the city and ended up right near the IMAX theatre which I had booked a ticket for tomorrow. Went in and was able to have my ticket switched to today and I saw "Aliens of the Deep 3D" which is the new James Cameron IMAX film put out by disney. What a damn good movie. Unbelievable sized screen and the best most realistic 3D I've ever seen. I'm going to go back and see "Robots" that computer animated movie next week when they start showing it. Price of movie tickets here is like $16 and IMAX was $17 so guess where I'm going from now on?. Paid for my final 2 weeks in this hostel as well today. Just when I think that all my spending for the day is done, I walk past a JB Hifi (which is a high end stereo shop similar to Gibsons, back home) and buy one of the more expensive pair of Sennheiser headphones to replace my ear buds that I blew last week. Now it looks and sounds like I have big speakers attached to my head, but hey they sound great and I've treated myself with one big item each pay, no reason to stop now. Of course it means I'm back to peanut butter sandwichs for the next two weeks, well I could probably afford jam this week as well. Rather long update today but hey it's the first day in awhile where I've felt like I've had an interesting day. Everybody make sure you go see that aliens of the deep movie, especially if you liked James Cameron's "The Abyss". Oh and to Christopher back home, hope you like the little Kangaroo, buddy. P.S. updated the things I've done page as well.

Mar. 21, 2005.

- I just finished sliding down about 6 metal edged stairs so if I sound a little pissed you know why. I swear I feel like I must be the most accident prone guy in all of damn Aus. Anyways again not much going on other than the fact that I'm now counting the days until I leave for Adelaide. I need to get out of this city, as nice as it is I just need to see some real Australia or I'm gonna go mental. Some friggin German asses (not saying all german's are asses but these two were) stayed in my room last night. Before they even said hello they asked me and Dean (the Kiwi guy staying in the room for a couple weeks too) if we could switch so that they could have their own bunk bed between the two of them. Obviously we were not impressed with that. It then came close to being a Canada/New Zealand vs. Germany fighting match later when the guy and his girlfriend started making out during the night and Dean and I not so kindly at all asked them to stop. But that's not what you guys want to hear about.......lol........is it, needless to say they checked out of the room this morning shortly after I QUIETLY got up for work at 5:30am, lol. Even americans would not have been as rude. On the whole though, same old nothing going on. Funny how my ankle is almost done healing and I've not torn my arm pretty well. I made the decision while falling to sacrifice my arm instead of my backpack containing my camera stuff though, so I don't regret it. Just sucks to have to heal another wound this week. Funny enough I was trying to figure out what to do for Easter and I've found out that Kennard's (where I work) never had a Christmas party so they are having it this weekend coming. Should be a great time. Won't be having it in the shop this year though as last year some of the equipment was wrecked, lol, I'm sure they didn't see that one coming. Well talk to you guys later.

Mar. 19, 2005.

- Geeze I'm gonna keep this one short cause you guys have read it all before. BORED work work work today, and then came home took some pictures used internet and next is sleep. Must say though that I've got a good bunch of pics to post as soon as I get to a real computer again. I said I was going to keep it short so this is all for tonight. Love you guys.

Mar. 18, 2005.

- Same old going on today. Little tough to get in to work as I must have drank about 13 beers and one pepsi last night for St.Patty's, and you know how much it cost me $2.50. These free beer coupons have possibly been my best scam to date. I was a little bummed about Pepsi costing so much more than at home, but I guess I shouldn't complain about the $30+ I saved on the beers, lol. I know I know it's wrong but hey this hostel blows and if they owe me a few beers a night to keep me content then so be it. I have however found a very practical use for them. Remember how I snore like crazy well I've simply paid off the people in my room with free beers. I figure if they are loaded when they go to bed no one will have any worries about my snoring. Kinda funny I have to talk about what happened the night before all the time, as I haven't been in a state to talk or type the last couple nights. Ha some drugged up swedish guy is now sitting beside me and has put an aussie hat on my head, definately more than just booze. Seems to be a trend around here. Speaking of which I'm starting to notice the darker side of the city. You'd figure marijuana and that type of stuff was what people would do for that kind of fun around here, but from what the guys at work and around say the drug of choice is heroin (not saying the guys at work are into that). Unbelievable at first but after having seen more than a few needles laying around the streets I guess I have to believe it. Still pretty stupid and crazy. The police here have the reputation of the excessive force type too. Course the fact that they drive around in Twin Turbo V8's might give someone that impression. Just a little useless info that I found worth noting. Here's a verse from the inspiring tune I'm listening to right now. From a song called Travellin' Man by Mos Def

I'm a Travellin Man, movin through places
Packed my bags, arranged my suitcases
I got to tie up both my shoe laces
Kiss my cheek and see me gone
I'M LEAVING, but I won't be too long
I'M LEAVING, and I'll be good while I'm gone

lol can you guys tell I might be a little bored tonight?

Mar. 17, 2005.

- Not much today, ended up doing a hell of a bunch of walking through the botanical gardens here in Melbourne, and now my feet hurt like hell. Went to see Million Dollar Baby last night with Amy, on a tip from the parents that it was very good. In the end it was, a little bit more sad than I would have liked but that type of movie is usually a good one to drag a female companion to. Lol. I really hate to say it but I've done really nothing much else. Myself and one of the guys from work are trying to book tickets for Steven Wright (famous comedian). He's in town just before I think I'm leaving for Adelaide. So that would be a blast. Other than that it's business as usual, there are a few concerts coming up we'd like to make it to but not sure how the money situation will work for that. Amy's moved to this hostel for her last couple days back, so we'll probably grab a few green beers in celebration of St.Patty's day, and then drag ourselves up to the common room and watch the comedy network until we pass out. Good thing I photocopied as many of those beer things as I did cause we'll be able to drink free again tonight, that still only partially compensates for the fact that this is a far shittier hostel than what I've stayed in so far.

Mar. 15, 2005.

- Hung out with one of the girls that went to Tas a few weeks ago, now she's back so that's cool. She'll be in Melbourne for a little less than a week but hey it helps me feel like I know people outside work. Ugh maybe you guys remember how I said that no one pays for the tram? well tonight the inspectors came through and asked for my ticket. I played dumb Canadian tourist and they let me off with buying one right then, but they threatened a $150ish fine. So needless to say I will probably start paying for the tram, even though I'm kinda in the middle of the city or at least walking distance from everything. Really just another slow day today, a little nuts at work but a norm day nonetheless. Photocopied the free beer token they gave me at check in yesterday about 50 times, and Amy and I are going to take full advantage of them. It's not our fault they are printed on norm white paper and don't have numbers of even colour on them. Not sure what else I have planned for the night, that I could type here anyways, but I'm sure I'll be fine. Have to say it's a little strange being back in the hostels now, and it really feels like I don't know anyone. Back to the start again, but no worries.

Mar. 14, 2005.

- Ended up being a late night last night, not so much cause of partying, really cause of packing, although Prodigy was crazy to see. I'm at work now, but tonight it's back to the hostels. Should be alright though now as I've been here long enough I know the city better than most of the backpackers in the hostels. I've come to the conclusion too, that my next destination will be a little vacation to Adelaide to take some photos and visit the big market there. Hopefully drive it so I can go along the Great Ocean road, and then after a bit in Adelaide I'll jump on a plane to Perth to work for awhile and build up funds again. That will take me to the furthest point on the west coast. I figure it sounds like a good plan, we'll have to see how it goes, although I figure I'll stay here for another few weeks. Treated myself to a nice meal tonight on the Yarra as well, kind of nice to do something like that once in awhile.

Mar. 13, 2005.

- Geeze guys sorry bout not getting on here in the last little while. I went to the Motorshow yesterday and drooled over some great cars I'll only drive when I get up the nerve to steal one, lol. Tonigh's a big night that I had forgotten all about. Big huge techno music concert called "Two Tribes" with Prodigy and Armand Van Helden playing, among others of course but they are the biggies, lol, and Grandmaster Flash. Starts at 8pm and goes till 8am, should be interesting. Prob only make it through Prodigy though as I really do have things to get done between now and tomorrow morning. Tomorrow being a big holiday here should make tomorrow easier. Really just a whole lot of nothing except work the last week or so though. Trying my best to find myself a local girl instead of all these tourists, lol, and my housing arrangment has a bit of a sour taste to it right now as well so I'm headed back to the hostels for a few weeks. I've found a few closer to work anyways. Not much else though. Gotta pack my bags tonight and head off to the hostel tomorrow after work, but Dad's asked I put up more pics of the people I've met, so while I have a decent computer to screw with I'll go back through my cd's and put some more up that needed work. Talk to you guys next time.

Mar. 7, 2005.

- Another more or less uneventful day today. Got up for work before 6am again, lol, and then hitched a ride in to work with Bryan. Tried to upload pics today but I think the photo site is down for today. Wouldn't mind uploading a picture of the neighbourhood and where I'm staying, plus some cool pics from the races I did see at Albert Park one of the days. I'll make sure to have some new ones up soon, try to get a good pic of how short my hair is for you guys, lol. I wish this damn ankle would finish healing so it wasn't such a pain in the ass to walk around, as apparently we live about 2 mins from the Yarra river which passes right through Melbourne and Bryan says its a beautiful spot for pictures on this side of the shore. Not really much going on though, pay day is tomorrow night I've found out and my hourly rate is higher than what I originally thought, so who knows maybe I'll be able to get a package sent home. I'll send some vegemite or something, that stuff is about as Australian as it gets. Have another good one you crazy snow shoveling canucks.

Mar. 6, 2005.

- Watching the Grand Prix today, unfortunately from the house, no luck with tickets in the end. Still pretty cool though that when you mute the TV we are close enough to hear the cars at Albert park from here. Cheering for David Coulthard today, strictly because we got to meet him at the Red Bull party the other night. Kinda funny that it wasn't a big deal then, but watching him race in second place as we speak today means we probably shoulda had him sign something the other night. Gonna get back to the TV to see how that's going, be back later.

Mar. 5, 2005.

- Through some freak turn of events last night, we ended up at the Red Bull (Jaguar) Formula 1 private party. Pretty damn cool, got tons of Red Bull merchandise and drank too much Red Bull saw the Red Bull Jag's and drivers up close, and had a great time overall. All that meant I had a rough time getting up for work today but I got there. This morning I came into work to find the guys with heaters in the office. Apparently a high of 19c is damn cold for these guys. Another norm day at work, actually pretty damn slow, but no worries there. Went out with Bryan and Carly after work to see Constantine, with Keanu Reeves (DUDE!) which was alright, and then came home and watched Bill and Ted's Bogus Journey, acting style hasn't changed much. That's another day in my life over here.

Mar. 4, 2005.

- Well I didn't get on yesterday but I had a great day nonetheless. Found a place to stay with one of the guys at work. Should be a good time because he is also in a band. Also went to the first day of the Formula 1 stuff, saw a few races and got some alright pictures. Last night was great as we went out to see Bryan and his band play at a little club. What a hilarious time that was, kinda figured the cops were gonna take us all away though after they finished playing and started drinking. Funny too that my boss is a bigger party animal than me. Either way it was a good time. Just working today so I might be on to update again later.

Mar. 2, 2005.

- Day of the Formula 1 parade and I must say it was very good and very bad at the same time. I figured the cars would go down the street trailered until we heard a crazy engine noise from the far end of the street and saw an F1 car come flying around the corner of and go past us up the street at some insane speed. It was unbelievable. Like I mean really fast, and the noise was crazy. The fact that we were only on the sidewalk and they were only on the street made it even cooler. Now the crappy part.....They had one car go up and down the street a few times every 20mins, and we had a shitty spot to watch from. But there never really ended up being a "parade". Sure it was cool to see how loud and fast the cars were right up close, but the barriers were too high that they put on the curb (you could really only see the tops of the cars from where we were), and it took far too long. Either way it was still worth going to see the cars, even if I didn't get a single good pic. Have to wait till race day I guess. Well my next big hurdle is coming up now (I should probably say it's here, as I only have 1 more night in this hostel) I have to find another place to stay, preferably an apartment, but in the end anything works. I waited to long to book a place for this weekend and now F1 has even all of the hostels fully booked, so who know's what I'm gonna do. Maybe camp out in the shop at work, lol. Don't know right now though, let you guys know what I come up with, I'm off to go split my last Labatt's Blue with the Aussie girl that works reception, lol.

Mar. 1, 2005.

- Not much going on the last couple days. Work work work, which is fine and today was my last day for a little bit so that's a plus as well. Work has been lots of laughs so far. I remember bugging the hell out of Steve from Australia when I worked at Systematics back home, and now I'm the minority, lol, not that I can't put up with a few pokes. Got a few days off now, and it's now roommate seach, or it's out on my ass. I'll let you guys know how that goes of course. I really wish I had something funny to tell everyone but I don't right now, so tough.

Feb. 27, 2005.

- Found out that on Sunday's the tram doesn't come until 8am, so I was late getting in to work. Called ahead and jumped on a different tram that got me there in alright time. Ankle was still a pain today, and now it's really red. Hopefully it'll be healed soon. Had a run in with another girl from Canada last night. Asked her where she lives etc, she says Ontario, right on, Kitchener Waterloo, and then frigging Sandowne Dr.!! I couldn't believe it. Here I am on the other side of the world and I run into someone that lived within a 15min walk from my house. So we split my Blue and chatted about our travels so far. Great times. Today was another good one, work work work, but I don't care. I feel like I fit into Melbourne right now and that's what matters. Not much tonight except for sleep as I only had a few hours last night. Later everyone.

Feb. 26, 2005.

- Missed an update yesterday, a little tired from work. Today I was only working until about 1pm as I burned my ankle with a hot pressure washer (very fun). On the bright side though (I know I'm supposed to be watching my money) I was in the bottleshop today grabbing something for Ed, when I found 5 lone bottles of Labatt's Blue!!!!. I had to buy them out of Canadian pride. I'm looking forward to having a couple tonight just for old time's sake. What else today? took my hair down another notch, now it's a #1 all around (bout 3mm's long) I figure I'm on vacation someone doesn't like it? well we know what they can do. Not really much else going on to be honest though, just busy with work. Gotta start looking for a place as well though. Anyways that's about all I've got right now, I'll try to get some more pics uploaded soon.

Feb. 24, 2005.

- Well that was probably my first day of real work ever, lol. Got there at 6:45am, and was introduced to everyone. Funny how I can be on the other side of the world but counter guys are still as vulgar as ever, even drank a few beers at the end of the day. Don't have much time left at all, so I'll try and get back on later to do a full update, but I liked it today, and it's gonna be another full day tomorrow. 7am- 5pm, but it's work and money, and it's probably good for me. Later Guys.

Feb. 23, 2005.

- Today feels like the turnaround. Not only did I find work, but I had a pretty damn good day. Of course there is always bad news. Bad news is that this hostel is booked up for Formula 1 fully from a week today and on. Meaning a week today I'm out on the streets. Lol, well not quite but I'm out of the posh hostel for awhile. So back to work, I got a job at an equipment hire place, similar looking to CRS back home. Have to thank dad for emailing them otherwise I probably wouldn't be writing this right now. So got that earlier today, then I figured I should take the tram down and see how quickly I can get there. Well 45mins later I arrived, so it's far away but it's a job, and I have to be there at 7am, BUT IT'S A JOB. Lol, oh and did I mention it's only partime? yeah he figures weekends at this point, but he's gonna have me start tomorrow, and I figure if I work my ass off in a place like that I will probably see more hours. So then the rest of my mission today was to track down an alarm clock, and I was unsuccessful in finding one I had cash for (yes I'm down to that type of budget), so I'm just gonna ask around here and see what I can find. Part time or not, you know what they say "It's easier to find work when you are working", so I'm looking forward to the next couple days. We'll see what happens.

Feb. 22, 2005.

- Woke up before sunrise today and took some of my best pictures here so far, gotta get them uploaded. Had my appointment at the job agency as well. Seemed to go over alright, so she's gonna try and place me, and I have to wait and see what happens with that. Don't have much time left on the internet right now, so I'll make sure to get back on later for a larger update.

Feb. 21, 2005.

- Another crappy day over here. I thought I was supposed to be having fun. The last couple days I haven't really done much more than work on getting a damn job, except for the Aussie Rules game the other day, that I couldn't buy food or beer at, lol. That being said I did got off my ass this after noon and went downtown Melbourne to try and find a job agency. The first one I went in to was for Australian citizens only, which made me even more happy. They did however have a list of all the local job agencies in town. So, for the first time today I felt a little better. I spent the rest of the afternoon walking all over Melbourne dropping off resumes and talking to people at the agencies. I've gotta head back in to town tomorrow to talk to someone at one of them to talk about what kind of work I'm looking for: basically anything legal that gets me a paycheque. Sounds like they could get me into data entry, which might be boring as hell but it's not near as bad as going home 3 weeks into a 1 year holiday. That's all for tonight, cross your fingers for me tomorrow.

Feb. 20, 2005.

- Sad day at the Base today. Everyone has moved on to Tasmania, and I'm back on my own again. This hostel thing is more of a hostile thing than anything. They are like sample friendships. Oh well I'm over that whole thing for the most part, just have to remember to live every day to it's fullest and enjoy my time with people while they are here. That being said I got invited out to watch an Aussie rules football match today with a british girl named Laura and a Canadian named Rachel. That was a good time. I can't believe people back home waste their time with american football when there are things like Aussie rules or even rugby to watch that are so much more entertaining. I also tested out my knowledge of English slangs on Laura today, apparently I'm doing pretty well. Did anyone know that the British hate people with orange hair? like really light red head........hate them, it's quite funny. My room is full of new people tonight so that should be interesting. I already used my portfolio to break the ice though, so I think I'll get along alright. Anyways tomorrow's my job interview first thing so I won't be on here too much longer tonight. Gotta go throw some soup on, talk to you guys later.

Feb. 19, 2005.

- It's another job day today. Tried a bunch of different places again and for the most part nothing, however they told me to come back Monday at Subway. Not quite the glamourous job I was thinking about, but it's better than coming home (no offense to the guys at home of course). Today's laundry day as well which should be good as I'm down to the clothes on my back being the only ones half decent. Bought some soups for my meals today, lol, but I did at least treat myself to a decent breakfast of eggs benedict. I must say though that the sub-par eggs benedict only reminded me of how good they are at home. Next year that can be my homecoming breakfast. Booked the hostel for Sunday night as well today, I guess if this Subway thing is monday I should probably book one more day as well. We'll see. The guys are all out at the horse track today probably drinking like fish, so I'd bet that this will be a relaxed, which is a good thing.

Feb. 19, 2005. (3am)

- Concerts with big groups are huge here. We've already seen Xzibit during the St.Kilda Festival last week, the guys are booking tickets for Prodigy next week and tonight we had a big surprise out at the bar. We headed out to what was supposed to be THE english pub to go to, and tonight they were advertising a special guest band, but it was to remain a secret up until they got on stage. So we figure alright lets hang around and see what it's like. Ended up being some cover band that came up and played 2 or 3 songs. The place was busy but nothing special. WELL their 3rd or 4th song is a song by Green Day, and halfway through the song all the lights went out and there was a whole bunch of noise, lights come back on and goddamn Green Day themselves are up on stage. The place went CRAZY. What had been a busy night turned into a capacity crowd in about 3 minutes. They played a bunch of songs for about an hour or two, and the whole place was insane. We left shortly after they finished, but what a night that was. I'm off to bed now though so I can get up and continue the job search. Night everyone.

Feb. 18, 2005.

- What a night that was. The base Idol competition was some of the worst singing I've ever seen, and it was only made worse by the free champagne for the ladies. Speaking of which there were a ton of guys dressed up as women to get free booze and as the night went on that turned into quite the scene. Couldn't tell you how the wet T-Shirt competition went, as I was busy invading England, but I heard it was quite hilarious. As a sidenote I have to say that there is a great restuarant here called "Nando's" that everyone should try to grab a bite at sometime. Best chicken burgers ever, and apparently there is one in Toronto. Well it's off to hand out resume's (or CV's over here) and see what I can come up with. Ugh back from job search today. I can't believe that I can't get hired at a damn gas station or a frigging car wash just because I'm on a work holiday visa. It's time to visit the agencies in melbourne tomorrow, as I really have to find work. I guess while I'm there a should look for another hostel for Sunday night. Alright well that's another one over here for tonight, talk to everyone tomorrow.

Feb. 17, 2005.

- Went out today to grab some breakfast, then walked down and ate on a bench along the pier. This really is a nice area. 25C today, so not too hot and definately not cold, ended up spending a lot of it inside though. After breakfast headed over to an internet cafe in town would let me upload a whole bunch of new pictures (which you should check out in my new album that even allows you to order prints and have them sent to you for cheap) as well as print off a bunch of resumes and cover letters. So I figure tomorrow is the day where I'll finally get something going. That's about it though today. As far as tonight goes though the party is just starting. Tonight is a wet T-shirt contest followed by Base Idol (kareokee), and to top it all off, free champagne for the ladies tonight as well as a wet T-Shirt competition. Should shape up to be a good time. I've become a huge celebrity around the hostel because of my photo cd burner as well, now instead of people having to take their camera memory cards to the printer and leave them for a few hours, they can simply buy me a drink and have a cd ready before I'm done my beer. Probably the smartest thing I brought with me other than my mini portfolio which has also led to some interesting times. Well another entry for the journal another day here. I must say that so far this trip has been more than I expected in every respect. More fun, more beautiful and more expensive, but in the end I'm just glad I got off my ass and did something that I won't ever forget.

Feb. 16, 2005.

- Applied for more jobs today and then went with the rest of the crew into downtown Melbourne to see what that was like. Much different city when compared to Sydney. I found it to be much cleaner and missing all the hookers that we saw back in Kings Cross. Felt a lot like downtown Toronto as funny as it sounds. Didn't really see anything as far as job postings there, a lot of apartments though. Tonight's my last night booked at this hostel, but this afternoon we arranged for the whole group to have an 8 bed room until sunday morning, so I'll look after that tomorrow. Got an email from Jamie, one of the guys that worked at the Parrot, saying that we had to get together and go see the Formula 1 and Moto GP races in Melbourne next month, which should be a great time. Other than that another normalish day, they've got a live band at the bar tonight so I might stop by and see that. Miss you guys, and I'll talk to you next time.

Feb. 15, 2005.

- Kinda sucks to have to wake up in a happy post Valentine's mood and move all my stuff, but it happens. We switched rooms today, cause we are going to be staying here longer. The other guys came in today as well (John, Tom, Chris). So this is turning out to be a good place. Didn't do a ton today. I'm still trying to figure this job stuff out. What a laugh tonight though as they had a stand up comedy show for about 4hrs at the bar in the hostel. Some hilarious stuff there. Oh and remember how I said that RedBull and Vodka was one of the more popular drinks? It really is a great tasting drink, however tonight I was introduced to one of the more "hardcore" variations of it called a TVR. TVR after fast car company, but also because it contains Tequila-Vodka-RedBull. I can safely say now that a TVR is the most vile drink that has ever crossed my lips. UGH I'm glad someone else paid the $15 to buy it for me. Geeze I know I keep coming back to it, but the damn drinks here are too expensive. Picture spending $5 a beer and $7.50 a shot at home, it's just not going to happen. So, I've officially given up on drinking here for awhile, unless of course I con someone else to buying me one.

Feb. 14, 2005.

- Just getting up for the day. Today is job search Melbourne. Not sure where to start, I may just drag myself out to an agency and tell them I want a job. Got back from the beach this morning with some more great pictures, that if all goes well today I will be able to upload to my site. Ended up doing a double date of sorts with Ed, Aislynn, Amy, and myself. The restuarants are great here. I ended up ordering surf and turf (which down here is a big ass fillet mignon steak and some full body king prawns. Very nice. So all in all it was a good Valentine's day, and I ended up with some fun pictures to post once I get to a real computer again. Speaking of which I might have run out of space to post pictures. I'll have to figure that out.

(sidenote tonight, thanks to everyone out there keeping track and following along, obviously my fam, and everyone else, but special thanks to the Mullin's, I know you guys are keeping tabs on me, lol)

Feb. 14, 2005.

- Not really a new day as it's 12am'ish, but thought I'd come on here anyways. Little bit lonely at this place. Sure I've got a few friends with me, but it's too big to meet new people here easily. That's all I've got to say. It's just really starting to hit me that it's really easy to make good friends over here, and hard as hell to say goodbye. I got talking with Amy tonight when we were out walking the pier, and she had it all figured out. She basically has figured out that when you meet someone in a hostel for the most part you already have a lot of things in common. Things like confidence in yourself and the courage to do something that most people only think about, otherwise they would not be here in the first place. So that being said you have a chance to meet people that you can really get along with here more than just school friends and that type of thing, I mean like potential best friends. On top of that, living in the smaller hostel means that you are around these people most of the time, eating, sleeping, or relaxing, and hanging out that way for a week probably ends up equaling a month of a normal friendship. I guess that's why it's so hard to say goodbye. These people aren't just people I've hung out with for a week or so, this is my extended family over here. It's all really come together tonight as to why I wasn't really homesick. It's not that I don't miss everyone at home, but I've built relationships here that make it feel like home. I've got a girlfriend that speaks proper english from London, lol, and a bunch of friends that for the most part are a sampling of awesome people from all over the world. What happens when they go their separate ways?

Feb. 13, 2005.

- Jumped on the shuttle to the airport today at 5am, said a few teary goodbyes to the people that were just getting back from the club on my way out. Just Aislynn and myself flying out this morning, Ed and Amy are coming in this aft. Remeber how I said that I was looking forward to Melbourne being a little more laid back? well as it turns out they are having some kind of huge annual festival today. There have to be close to 500,000 people crowding the entire suburb that we are staying in. Three huge outdoor concerts, two fairs with rollarcoasters, a huge outdoor market, and closed off streets as far as the eye can see are just some of the things we've seen today. Ugh, good thing we've had our fill of alcohol for awhile. Either way though tomorrow is Monday and I'm out on the job search in full force. The festival ends tonight anyways with an enormous fireworks display on the beach. Oh yeah did I mention that I can walk to the beach in two minutes from where I'm staying? Lol.

Feb. 12, 2005.

- Can't say I woke up early today because I never went to sleep last night. Once everyone recovered a bit though, the brits took me out to the racetrack to bet on horses. Now I've never been to a horsetrack but that was really a cool place. Everyone was all dressed up and it seemed like anyone who was anyone is Australia was in that place. Ed made a $20 bet on the first race and won $170 right off, so I figured I'd do the same. Not quite. I bet $10 on a few different races, finally won $80 and then bet $50 on one race where I would have been able to pay for a vacation all on it's own. Well I think we all know where this is going. I lost, but I broke even for the day so that was fine. Last real night in Sydney tonight though. Jamie, one of the guys was able to get the entire hostel on the list at one of the more exclusive clubs in town, called Jackson's on George (george st). What a great time and a good going away party. I was able to get everyone together for a photo before we left for the club, and I realized how much I'm going to miss the friends I made there that aren't travelling with us now. I guess though that's the life of a backpacker.

Feb. 11, 2005.

- Went and set up an Australian bank account today. Then jumped on the monorail with some friends and headed towards Bondi junction. From there we should have taken a bus to Bondi Beach, but we got on the wrong bus and were brought right back into the city, lol, so I may not make it to Bondi. I'm sure I'll see enough other beaches to make up for it. So I'm applying to more jobs in Melbourne right now. Hate to say it but I'm running out of cash so I've put the party lifestyle (which I couldn't afford anyways) on hold. Not too worried though as first thing on the agenda is get a job in Melbourne which is more laid back and then hang around working. Anyways I'm off for a bit now, talk to you guys next time.

Feb. 10, 2005.

- Booked my flight to Melbourne for Sunday at 6:30am, 1hr+ flight and then I'm in melbourne which is another costal town to the west towards Adelaide. Went to the Oriental Gardens today as well in town they were cool, someone's bugging me to get on but I'll come back later and update.

Feb. 9, 2005.

- Worked on job stuff here today, had an interview but they didn't realize I was on a work holiday visa. They stopped it right there. I'm thinking I will join the girls in my room in Melbourne and get a place there as it's more laid back and I won't have as much reason to go out and spend money. Catch you guys later.

Feb. 8, 2005.

- Got up at 5:30 this morning and went down to the Opera house to take some pics and sunrise, what a beautiful place. Today's plan is some more job hunting and there was talk of going to the zoo so I might tag along for that. Give you guys an update later on. Ended up going to the zoo, it sucked. Lol, really though the animals didn't do anything and just layed around.

Feb. 7, 2005.

- Well I'm a little hung over today after visiting 3 diff. bars last night. Spent a little too much money but now that it's monday it's time to find work and no more bars until next weekend. Breakfast today was a Rockafeller melon (more or less like a cantalope) that I just sat outside and ate with a spoon. I've come to the conclusion that I may come home with an british accent rather than an australian one. I'm hanging out with so many brits over here. Apparently my english isn't as proper as it should be. Anyways I'm headed out to the gardens to relax for a bit with Robyn and some others then off to find work.

Feb. 6, 2005.

- Today is time to find a place before I don't have enough money to pay for the first month, lol. This city is far too damn expensive. Did a shoot with my new brit. friend Robyn in the gardens. Turned out nicely, I'll post pictures when I have a second. I got everyone together for a big BBQ in the backyard today too. Bought 2kg's of big fresh shrimp for $30 and we got some T-bones, what a great time that was. Nice to have a real meal.

Feb. 5, 2005.

- I'm writing this after the actual day, but I'll fill you guys in as to what I'm doing. Woke up late today as we went out to the strip club last night and they don't close up any bars until 6am, but woke up and sat around a bit. Around lunch time or so we got a crew together to go out to the aquarium. The aquarium was unbelievable as well. They had a big section of underwater walkway where the sharks swam above and below you while you walked through. After the aquarium we browsed around downtown. I say browsed around because I've just come to the conclusion that I don't have any money to shop right now. Anyways we then headed back to the hostel to chill for a bit before going out to the bar once again. This time it was out to a Australian pub to watch the big Australia-England rugby game, which eventually ended up in a hilarious whole-bar bar fight. Felt like we were at a soccer game. Well that's it for that night.

Feb. 4, 2005.

- Well I got out this morning about 10:30am or so and headed over to see the opera house which is just a short walk away. It was pretty cool, nothing too special though, now the Botanical Gardens? that's a different story altogether. That garden (if you can call a few acres of amazing plants, trees, and flowers, in the middle of a huge city a garden) was amazing. Sounds funny I know but you'll have to see my pics to know what I mean. Stopped in to have some breakfast at a cool looking restaurant with a pool in it (lol in the restaurant) and ordered an orange juice, and a fruit plate. The meal came to $15 before tip. Sydney is expensive, enough said. Damn good fruit plate though, still I thought it should have come with a sexy girl to put the fruit in your mouth at that money. I'm gonna go relax now so I'll catch everyone later.

Feb. 4, 2005.

- Thank god I am here. I really should have checked because that 24hr flight did not exist. it was actually 28hr's. I'm here now though, just woke up, feel a little hung over for some reason, lol. I'm glad a ended up not doing the hotel, as the hostel is great so far. Bought a case of beer and sat down in the common room passing them out last night to break the ice, it went over really well. Anyways I'm off now gotta let someone else on, but I'll be back on later to do a real update.

Feb. 1, 2005.

- Feb. 1st? I had something to do today..........oh yeah fly to Australia. Here I am at the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. I almost feel that my job here is done, website's up and going, I'm all packed, and I've kept everyone up to date pretty well on how my prep work is going. Mission accomplished. Then I remember that this is just the beginning. This is why I made this website, it's why I have a backpack full of clothes and such sitting in the hall right now. I'm about to do something I've only ever dreamed about. I can't say that I've always dreamt of going to Australia to work, but let's face it there aren't many people out there that don't dream of doing something like this. So here I am about to embark on this little trip, and I'm about as ready as I'm gonna be...........get me on the plane.

Jan. 30, 2005.

- Getting closer to launch every day. Over the past few weeks I've been talking about how it really hasn't sunk in that I'm about to leave for a year away on my own, well last night at "The Flying Dog" with a shot of tequila sitting in front of me and friends sitting around me it finally hit home. I've got fewer days left here than fingers on my right hand. Tough as it is to say goodbye to people I've also come to realize that I'm not saying goodbye, just see you later.

Jan. 22, 2005.

- Hello again everyone. No updates in awhile, I know, I know. I've been pretty busy though even though I'm not working. I had a great family trip to Florida for a week earlier this work, with great times to be had there. Now I don't have anything to do during the day but I'm busier than when I was working, lol, if that makes any sense. It has yet to sink in that in about 10 days I will be stuck on an airplane bound for the other side of the world and that when I get there it's going to be summer. Going from -26C to 26+C is going to be very hard.....lol...I think I'll get used to it (I say this now but I'm gonna regret it when I come back next year and it's reversed). So many things going on this week, so many people to see before I head out, and even though I don't have much of a stomach for it right now so many beers to be had with friends, lol. Well that's it for tonight, might update again in the next few days, but I may just wait until my last day and let everyone know what's going on. Hope you guys like the new layout too.

Jan. 1, 2005.

- Here I am at the start of a new year. So many things happened last year. I met so many cool people, had so many good times, and drank so much, lol. Now I'm faced with the thought that I will spend almost the entire year away from all those people. Kind of a different thought. When I stop to think about how much happened to me in 2004 I can't believe that I'm about to spend this year on the other side of the world. I mean if I thought I had a good time here, and had some crazy that I won't go into detail about, I can't wait to see what happens to me over 15,000 km's away in Australia. Yep, over 15,000 km's from Toronto to Sydney as the crow flies. Should be quite the experience.

Dec. 29, 2004.

- Well today is the day, this has been almost as big a landmark as the trip itself. It's my last day at arvato today, and I can't wait for it to be over. I'm doing my update now because I may be too intoxicated to use a computer later tonight. Now that being said, I've had a good run there, I'm just ready to move on.

Dec. 19, 2004.

- Getting a little antsy at work, gave notice last week and now im counting the days. Last day at work will be the 29th of this month so im on the countdown now. I'll get on and give everyone an update, between celebrations, lol.

Dec. 11, 2004.

- I joined an Australia Chat today, and was able to get recommendations on what the best beer is to drink over there, funny enough it's not Foster. I also came to the conclusion that if half of the people there are as crazy as the ones in the chat room, I'm in for a good time.

Dec. 9, 2004.

- Got the forum working a bit better, people can now post and view comments on there. I'm starting to think too that I might do my journal in the forum just because this section is going to get really big as soon as I get there. We'll see.

Dec. 6, 2004.

- Publishing a rough copy of the page today, not much to look at right now, but as I get closer to leaving it will be more interesting.