Hey hey,

My apologies for not updating my blog in a week, I will try and get right up to date in the 45 min I have left before I have to catch the coach.

I am currently in the awesome Byron Bay. I have been here since last Thursday and am leaving to head up North to Surfer's Paradise in about an hour then tomorrow will be in Brisbane, Queensland.

Last Tuesday I went to the Blue Mountains National Park which is just an hour or so outside of Sydney (an Oz Experience day trip) We saw some wild grey kangaroos and then went for a very long walk in the insane heat for some great lookouts over a massive valley and cliffs covered in vegetation. After a couple of hours of cliff paths we got back to the coach and had a really nice lunch consisting of bread and fillings. It was a short drive to Katoomba where we went for another hike down the cliffs to see the Three Sisters, a massive waterfall and to catch the world's steepest railway. It goes up at an angle of 52 degrees and is basically an open train with no windows and of course I had to be at the front (bit scary though). After a quick look around the gift shop and an amazing view of the whole area and three sisters from Echo Point we went back to Sydney. I was rushing the moment I got back to my hostel as I wanted to go and see the Queen Mary 2 as she was in the port. I met Alex and we attempted to get a taxi down there but ran most of the way as it was too slow, basically right across the city to Wooloomalloo. The ship was impressive and there were so many people down there taking pictures and seeing it but the best bit came when fireworks went off right over the ship. We then walked all the way back to the hostel, grabbed a huge pizza and I went on the net.

The next morning turned into the world's biggest nightmare. We had to be at the oz experience bus at 6.30am so I set my alarm for half 5 so I had easily enough time to get ready and to wake Dan and Dave up (who were drinking the night before). Unfortunately I did the usual in that I woke up and thought I would lie down for a bit longer....oh dear. Next thing I realise me, Dan and Dave are up at the same time and guess what the time was- 7.20am..S**T! We ran down to the office (just down the road) and found the bus still there as it had come back for some girls so we booted it back up and got our stuff packed in 5 minutes to get on the bus. We couldn't believe our luck and ironically the girls never made it.haha. Our driver's name was Diesel who wasn't sympathetic but found it quite funny and so did the rest of the bus as we looked a total mess. We headed out of Sydney, stopped a couple of times for food and eventually after about 7/8 hours and a male vs female quiz later we arrived at the Mojo Surf Camp- SpotX. After putting our bags away and having a quick surf lesson we headed down to Arawarra Bay got in the sea and just surfed for a couple of hours under supervision from two typical aussie surfers; Louie and Andy. I stood up a few times (as you can see) and I caught a glimpse of a dolphin riding a wave which was incredible. Everyone was pretty tired at the end of it and I grazed my knee considering no one was wearing a wetsuit. Dinner was served soon after and was really really good considering it was rice, beef, cheese and salad (don't exactly sound like an Antony sort of meal). We had a few drinks after dinner and went down to the beach and chilled till the early hours gazing at the stars.

The morning after felt a million times better than the previous one especially since I had a really good sleep in a cosy bed. We all got our cd's with our surf pictures on them and a free t-shirt then left surf camp to go to Byron Bay, which only took an hour and a half. The Holiday Village Hostel was where we got dropped off and I booked in for 6 nights as I knew the area would be awesome. Our room was number 25 (lucky number) and was right next to the pool, BBQ area, kitchen and tables so we were well chuffed as everything was so easy. We settled in then I met some guys off the bus and we took a walk into town past loads of nice cafes, shops and bars (I bought flip flops and a towel) before seeing the magnificant Byron Bay beach complete with headland and lighthouse to the South and mountains to the North. Unfortunately I wasn't wearing any boardies so left the beach for the day and took a dip in the hostel pool instead before going round some of the people off the buses apartment (basically 2 rooms and a lounge and kitchen on the same complex) and drinking for the evening. Eventually we got to Cheeky Monkey's (a bar across the road), had some more drinks and watched a wet t-shirt competition which was damn good to watch. I then have a 3 hour blank and woke up at 4am outside somewhere before going to my own bed.

The day after was the most chilled out day I have had so far on this trip. I spent most of the day round the guys apartment in the lounge watching films, chatting to a group of londoners from the other room (Donna, Jodie, Tracy and Rory) and eating. That night there was a hostel BBQ right outside our room which was 10 dollars all you can eat (sweet) so took full advantage of that and had a few beers int he process. For the second night in a row we went to Cheeky Monkeys (about 9pm), played loads of pool, drinking and having a laugh with the londoners. We left about 2am, got a kebab down the road and then just went back to the apartment where I slept on the sofa. It was a really great night.

On Saturday we kicked off the day with sea kayaking (me, Jade, Anaick, John and Rory went and we were in two person kayaks). After basic instruction we pushed our kayaks down to the sea and battled past the waves without tipping over; I was with Anaick who I met on the bus and get on really well with. About an hour was spent going out to sea past the cape itself looking for dolphins but no luck. We headed inshore a bit and eventually saw some about a hundred metres away and they were getting closer. They got to within touching distance of our kayak and swam under us before splashing about on the surface (they were mating.haha); I was really pleased to get so close to them. The journey back was fairly easy and we managed to surf a wave coming to shore. As we were packing up it started to pour which wernt great as we were walking back to the hostel but we were already wet so didn't care too much. The rest of the afternoon was spent washing and going down the the awesome beach for a couple of hours. That night we were drinking again and ended up in Cocomangos club (not very good) but I didn't have a great night and didn't get that drunk.

Anyways I really have to go and catch my bus. I am up to Sunday so will add more later today or tomorrow to finally get you guys totally up to date with my trip.

bye for now

Ant