Arrived on Saturday 5th April 2008. Having failed to plan ahead as the travel guide had fallen in love with a stripper, we had to improvise for the first night. Managed to get booked into the YHA in a double room (that's not two singles) for the 3 of us. Luke 'The Shy Horse' Purchase had to carry Matt's gear in whilst he waited in town. Chris meanwhile got some quizzing looks from the receptionist when telling her his guests name he'd be sharing a bed with. After Luke put his back out we were relieved to find we had a double and a single. Back to the good old days of Thailand. Cosy.

Met up with the lads from Devon who had extended their time in Byron for some more ridiculous fun (we met the guys in Whitsundays). An afternoon of fun began. Hit the beach to bit greeted by the sight we had been waiting for. Massive waves! The impending rain did nothing to put us off so in we went with the Devon chaps and the rest of the lads they had met on the way. The waves were huge and after getting a beating and some crazy photos of ten foot waves crashing down on us we limped out! A slight bit of chilling an a big game of beach football was on the cards. An epic encounter which was decided by a Matt 'Giggs' Hamer own goal. Wales had lived up to their rep when theres not an egg to be chased.

After one of the Devon lads, Jack the alledged chef, deep fat fried some burgers and sausages in a saucepan (a heart attack is impending) we arranged for a big night out. We all rolled down to the hostel opposite Cheeky Monkey's where we were now a group of 16! After a few hours of new drinking games and some unreal dirty rugby drinking songs we were all turbo charged for a big evening out. After a brief stint in Monkey's, Matt's balance was a little off and we were asked to leave. Headed to cocomangos for some unreal jam jars. Matt wasn't off to a flier so it was an early night for him. The lads partied on, and after being escorted to the keebab shop by Jack we were done for the night. The first of many a good one.

Day 2 in Byron see us rent out the body boards. Having relocated to Backpackers Inn on the beach with the lads we were off. Dangerous is not the word. The waves were massive and unforgiving. It took some luck and timing to get them right and we were't having too much of it! After a good stint we got out the water to find out we were a 5 minute plus walk from where we started. That's how strong the rip is. After some chilling and some more body boarding, where Chris ate some serious board, we set up for our evening meal where Luke and Chris's resident Chef Matt took over the reins in the kitchin. Well we were cooking chicken! After a hearty meal and some gentle persuasion we were off for the second night. Back to the hostel for some more games and sing song. We were now a group of 18! After some more serious fun it was off to La la lounge. There appeared to be a few incidents along the way. Luke slapped Matt on the bottom and then Chris gave him a small wedgey. Not impressed Matt showed Chris the bush. However whilst laughing Matt was taken down and the the lads teamed up and gave Matt a slightly bigger wedgey. After using a crowbar to retrieve what was left it soon become clear we had witnessed the death of Matt's only good boxers - the Pringles. Ripped is not the word. Also on the way the Devon lads pulled some acrobatics into a fence - unbelievable - and Jack got stuck in an A frame sign. After some nervy moments, and someone 'accidently' pushing him over he was out and we were into the club. A funny night entailed with the cow boy hat stolen from the Camel (a french dude) being the highlight. He was not impressed. After some keebab shop frolics it was another fantastic night under the belt.

Day 3 in Byron was raining. Also chatting to the surfer staying in our room we now knew that there were sharks kicking around in the bay and no nets. A Great White had been seen two days earlier and the bull sharks were rife. Yikes! Decided to do some shopping and had a good look around without the wallets coming out. Quite a chilled out day. Went to Cheeky Monkey's for a $5 Steak Dinner in the evening and some games. Met up with the lads from Surfers Paradise for a quality night.

Day 4 we decided to take the opportunity to body board whilst there was decent waves. Met up with the couple from Fraser Island for the day and hit the sea. In there for a good couple of hours, riding some mental waves and getting quite a bit chaifed as well as the usual beating. Such good fun, if a little out of control but we were quite shocked to start hearing the reports of a lad killed by a shark a couple miles down the road. We felt lucky. That evening Skippy was on the menu with cheesey mash and gravey. Probably the nicest meal we've had. No fat on the steak and skippy could be in for it from now on. Only feel slightly guilty having patted them in the Zoo the week earlier! Met back up with the group from the other hostel for one final celebration in Byron. Another cracking night. Matt had a bit of an early one from Cheeky's as did a few others but it was class. Byron was a superb party place with stuff to do in the day. The rain was unreal but so was the fun! Sydney here we come. Can't wait for the 13:30 hours on the bus, and the classic films they put on!