Hi everyone... just a small update on what we've been up to in the past couple of days... we spent last night at a cattle ranch in the middle of hicksville. Dreading what we were going to (but having no choice as it's a compulsary stopover on the Oz Bus) we were pleasantly surprised that we actually had an awesome night with the 6 cowboys and our fellow Oz bus travellers. We learnt how to a whip and how to throw a boomerang- which I'm sure you'll agree is a talent we're going to need at some point in our lives! The evening was dedicated to a huge roast beef dinner (not fresh from the ranch so it didn't seem too sick) and plenty of beer and line dancing. I somehow ended up serving behind the bar for most of the night as I just popped behing to change the music and someone asked me for a VB (that's an aussie beer btw) so I thought I'd serve them for a laugh and quite enjoyed it so stayed on... now at least I can honnestly say I have bar experience! We were given an awesome tour of some of the ranch (which in it's entirety is the size of Belgium) by 'the y cowboy' who was indeed pretty hot- the rest were all a little strange! We're now in a place a little further down called Bagara in a holiday resort... it's so lovely and the same price as all the hostels we've been staying at so far. We have a small house for six people with bathroom, tv and couches etc, tennis courts, pool, bbq- it's pretty nice! A pleasant change from 'Dingo' (the cattle place) where ALL the water was a dirty brown and I was eaten alive by mossies right must go no money left on metre but love you all xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Iam on a late shift today so posting an early morning message from a damp and grey Edinburgh . We had such a lovely Spring day testerday . I could scarcely believe it today to find the rain here . This is Scotland I suppose . We were over at Broughton on Sunday and I stood on the spot where the Bay Window will be , the view is magnificent . We drove over in the Cobra as it was such a sunny day but it was freezing , how does your Father manage to trick me every time . Laura will be home on Friday and of course her 21st on the 29th . Ihave the day off so we are going to do something together in the day time perhaps the Zoo or The Botanics . God Bless and Love as always xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Mum

soooo jealous now just reading our last message about the youht (ong can not spell that word! but im sure you can guess what im on about!) jealousy is increasing as i sit here watching grange hill writing essays on smerd rebellions! errm not much happening here on the newcastle front...been to my locals happy 2 and 1/2 hours far to many times this week and spent weekend with john. Off to hong kong in a week soo excited even though dad has planned the "itinery" all ready! off to abu dhabi on thursday which i cant wait for... when are you guys back in the country? im spending most of summer here so ill come a visiting when you get back to catch up as feel as though i havent seen you in a life time. anyways thats all for now love you both and miss you lots keep reporting back about whats going on in oz love chaddy xxx

Hey KP or should i say Pat (did you take your dangly earrings with you?) We won our game yesterday so we are now battling with Spencer to get 4th spot and then possibly go up to the next league! Bring it on. Miss seeing yo in your flip flops when its minus 5 and of course your sense of humour! By the way you still owe £20 subs! But i guess that one can wait til you get back. Have a great trip and look forward to catching up when you get back.
Take care, Kit Kat x

Georgie and KP. Sounds like you're having a treat over there. oooh, it brings back some great memories!! glad you've conquered the fish fear Georgie!!! back to the grind for me now....done a few shifts in the theatre, and was telling Amanda i met up with you for my last night!! damn....its cold here! anyway, hope you both have a good time over there, and say hello to Sydney for me when you get there. too da looo!!

Troopers. Lovely to hear from you all. KATHY! Mate, glad to have some hockey support on the ol' site. Keep the tunes pumping and score a couple of reverse shots for me. No, Georgie hasnt pushed me overboard yet, and we've just got back fomr a 3 day sailing trip so she had a good few chances. BIG BOBS AND CAZ....What have i told you about those giant salmon? Next time try a fork, not a teaspoon. Oh, and Ive heard a couple of funny things about the sheep down your way, apparently they've taken a fancy to trampolining. So just keep your eyes open. OK, so beef. 3 days aboard the mandrake, a serious racing yacht that sailed us around the whitsundays, a small slice of paradise, where we visited the fifth best beach in world and georgie and ! were greeted by 6 sting rays swimming around our ankles as we innocently paddled in the surf of said beach. Whilst georgie stood there claiming they were 6 random shadows, we realised that no, they were sting rays and ran down the beach screaming like the girls that we are. We did lots of snorkelling, and georgie confronted her fear of fish and sharks by squeezing my hand tightly as we came face to face with a fish called elvis that was 2 meters long and a metre wide. No joke. We had to sleep in a tiny bunk bed, too small for me so I spent the best part of the first night sleeping on deck, under the stars and panicking about rolling over board. It was pretty damn cool. A few interesting characters on board, including our seadog of a captain, who sat around at night telling us gross dirty jokes and guffawing at himself...chatting on his mobile as he navigated us through a storm...and waking us up in the morning by playing fleetwood mac and icehouse. Wonderful stuff. Either way, love you all and to all a good day X

hi kitters and georgie, loved to hear your news...haz showed us the site this afternoon. So hard to imagine you both, halfway accross the world but know you are having a brilliant time. Would loved to have seen the turtle but not the crocs! nothing much happening here in Arkholme, although yesterday afternoon whilst on a leisurely walk i was snatched by an 18 foot salmon and bobby had to wrestle me free from the jaws of death, armed with only a teaspoon! So nothing unusual to report. went to see the casterton musical - little shop of horrors - great fun, i think the man eating plant came from oz so be careful - however bobby spent most of the interval chatting up the girls and maz trying his utmost to get an invitation to this years cassy night... no one is that desperate yet, but he reamains hopeful. DREW and JO: got my back pack ready but will you have room for my foot spa and nail beauty kit? i think M and M should join us too, as we may need malcolms survival skills by the sounds of things. lots of love to you all and look forward to reading more news soon, take care cazzy and bobby webb

jesus louisus, you guys have been up to loads...haven't been on this website for a while have been busy all month organising bars and balls need sleep...also its not cool going to ramsey street, areyou turning into crazy australiens or has someone actaully listned to lily on how good neighbours is (my arse)? you big gays ( who i love), glad to hear you are well, send us more pictures of sunburnt georgie and and fun people you have met... and crocodiles and sharks and pretty colourful fish? yes please. miss you all very much, most likely off home next week, looking forward to seeing some hills and not just flat land - stupid southerners. let me know if you meet noel from home and away - get a picture and autograph and give him my number. cheers love you lots and lots cant wait to see you (actually i can - you'll be all borwn and i'll be jealous) xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Sorry that I haven't posted a message for awhile - its been so busy here in EH! Swimming lessons for Ellie are progressing and she now manages a lap without drenching me (and remember I'm not in the water...) Fairly dull week actually and I have managed some OU reading without falling asleep. Dad's story of his slide in the snow made us all laugh....not him though. Have to go - Will has to be at the coach (playing Kings Wimbledon) at 7.40.Then I have to get back to take Al dancing and then I have to get myself to a tutorial....me, me, me. Hope you are having a great time sailing and haven't been seasick or anything. LYL Mum xxxxxxxxxx

Aaah... the hockey players brave technology. Finally. Technology is great. Yes jealousy is a terrible thing, but... I hope your feet go rusty. Its good to hear that Georgie hasn't pushed you off a boat somewhere though KP. Tomorrow we set off v early in the morning to partake in some jolly hockeying, aren't you jealous of me now? you will be pleased to know I have your CD safely loaded in the little blue fart that passes for my car. Someone else has been as brave (or stupid) as you were, and I am now allowed to carry passengers. Hurrah! Don't grab too many surfers and keep in touch, things are very boring without you. x

Georgie have found your certificates on the floor next to the desk in the study .Thought you might like to know . Laura was out in Liverpool town centre last night giving out free samples of Colmans chilli con carne wearing a bright yellow jacket . It is her latest money making scheme - pays quite well £6.25 per hour ! Have not spoken to her yet about how it went . Hope you are still enjoying your travels. Much love Mum xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

ok so getting a little jealous now with all the croc, shark and turtle stories! it sounds like you guys are having such a blast! so jealous esp when i read tabbies mesage about the neighbours tours thats so cool i love nighbours..not as much as tabby loves karl though... anyways off to abu dhabi in a week then hong kong in 2 weeks so might not be able to check up on you for a while but hope you keep having an amazing time miss you love you both chad x