Hello everyone,

We arrived into Noosa on 30th September (I've realised I've been getting confused with dates in previous blogs so I'll sort it all out when I can use a computer that isn't an iPad!) after another Greyhound journey from Brisbane. For our first night there we checked into a nice hostel located right by the estuary front in Noosaville. We had a nice walk along it that evening when we arrived.

The next day we decided to make use of the hostels free kayaks. We had one each and to start with paddled over to the sand bar in the middle of the estuary. From here we got some good views of the hills and mountains in the distance behind the town. Next we paddled into the channels running through a big area of mangrove trees which was great. To be honest, the thought of crocodiles did cross our mind but we found out later that there are none there luckily! The water was clear and shallow, and in places the trees overhung the channels like a tunnel! When we got back to the sandbar we realised how strong the wind was blowing towards us from where we had to get back to and how hard it was going to be to paddle there. We were a bit worried we were going to get stranded but after a bit of power and determination we made it back! Later on we got a lift down to the bus stop where we waited for Kathy, our new Help X host to pick us up.

We stayed with our hosts Kathy and Steve in a place called close to Tewantin not far from Noosa. We were there for 2 and a half weeks doing Help Exchange, the same scheme we did with Kristeen and Russell down in Melbourne. Luckily again we had brilliant hosts who we got on really well with. This time we were staying at a house with a huge garden and a big lake in the middle of it and a it's own mini rainforest. In exchange for our keep we did various different jobs including gardening, pruning the palm trees, cleaning and washing the car. Ryan also built them a set of steps which they were very pleased with! We both enjoyed driving the ride on mower round the garden- perhaps a bit too much! While Kathy and Steve were at work during the day we were kept company by their lovely brown labrador Cedar and their beautiful Burmese cats, Kai and Schieka all of which we gave lots of fuss to. We also got to some more exotic animals including kangaroos (which just hop through the garden occasionally) parrots, cockatoos and kookaburras. Ryan also almost trod on a snake down by the lake which caused him to jump out of his skin (and probably scream a bit though I can't comment since I wasn't there). We also got to explore a lot of the surrounding area when we weren't working. On one of the days Kathy gave us a lift down to the town where we walked to and through the Noosa national park which is absolutely beautiful. Then when we were on beach in town we saw whales again in the distance but this time they were leaping out of the water which was amazing. We borrowed Steve and Kathys bikes on another day and cycled from their house down to Noosaville. We got to ride down an old windy road which has since been turned into a bike and longboard track which was a lot of fun- not so much fun when we had to ride back up it though! When we got to Nooaville we hired a little boat or 'tinny' along with fishing equipment and went fishing out in the estuary. We had a great time but sadly didn't catch anything! On Kathy Steves day off they were kind enough to take us out for the day into the Hinterland where we visited a few nice towns and to a look out point where we got an amazing view of the beautiful Glass House mountains. They then treated us to tea and scones at a little restaurant with amazing views. On another day Steve dropped us off at the Eumundi Market which were lovely. After a few hours of looking around Steve picked us up again and we headed over to the Ginger Factory where we had a look round some shops. Next we stopped off to pick up some Pineapples from a farm where me and Ryan were surprised to learn they grow in the ground and not on a tree!! Afterwards we drove down to Coolum beach though didn't stay too long as it was a bit cold and windy. On another evening we all went up to the nearby mount Tinbeeerwah where we got amazing views of the whole Noosa area which is absolutely beautiful. On one of our evenings of staying in we made Sushi with Steves fantastic 'Sushezi'. We had great fun and the Sushi was yummy! Kathy and Steve were also kind and brave enough to let us have a go on one of their motorbikes which we rode down to the national park on one of the evenings.

Theres really too much to talk about, about our stay in Noosa. We had a fantastic time and it's one of my favourite places we visited in Australia. We still really miss Steve and Kathy, they were brilliant hosts. Sadly, we left on Thursday 20th October and headed to Hervey Bay.

Lots of love,

Jo and Ryan xxx