I've now been in Oz almost 2 weeks - I can't believe how quickly time has passed since arriving. I mentioned in my last blog update that Greg and I were off canoeing and camping to Kangaroo Valley last weekend. We set off early, as it was a 2 hour drive and I told them we'd be there for 11am...oh, and we needed food, supplies, bait for fishing etc. on the way.

The weather was forecast for storms and strong winds all weekend, but we thought that would only add to the challenge! I have quickly learned to completely ignore the weather forecast in Oz, becasue it's ALWAYS wrong. The good news from our point of view is that we arrived at Kangaroo Valley, bathed in hot sunshine and with a light breeze - the complete opposite to the forecast. The owner told us a party of 80 had cancelled based on the forecast - more potential campsites for us and a lesson learned for them.

The route was 20km up a river to Talloah Dam, where we would be picked up the following day and brought back to base. The were no campsites as such - we were just given a number of possible camping spots in the bush either side of the river. After about 12km, we started looking for potential sites - I jumped out at one site and the water was a sheer drop so I went in upto my head. One camera attached to waist destroyed.

We eventually found a great spot, on a slight peninsular, on the bend of the river. Tent pitched. Fire lit. Steaks on. Fishing rod cast. Beers open. Apart from a sore back, we arrived the following day on time and got picked up, before making the journey back to Sydney. A great weekend, and I managed to see my first wild kangaroo (caught a glimpse for about 10 seconds of one kangaroo in 20kms of "Kangaroo Valley") as well as huge lizards everywhere.

This week I've met with friends, who've shown me some more of Sydney's great sights, such as Watson's Bay, at the entrance to the harbour. Many of you will know sailing used to be a real passion of mine - seeing the boats sailing round the harbour everyday has made me make some enquiries into sailing. It costs a fortune to rent a boat, so I'm currently exploring other avenues to a free ride! I will sail in Oz before I leave. Defo.

The running is going pretty well, although I'm coming from a low base! I'm going out for an hour every other day during the week, so at least I'm starting to get in shape again - not like on the Thailand piccies. It's absolutely perfect for running here, with great scenery and loads of routes, combined with fairly decent weather.

The tickets for the Melbourne Grand Prix came through yesterday, so I'm looking forward to a long weekend down there. Also got tickets for Aussie Rules Geelong v Essendon at the MCG. I can't get excited about sport here, so maybe watching it live will change my opinion. We're going to watch the Manly Sea Eagles (rugby league) at the Sydney Footy Stadium on Monday night - I have to support the local team after all...

Well I'm going to STA Travel now to put some meat on the bones of my New Zealand leg. After Greg and I have been to The Whitsundays, he will fly back and I'm going to work my way back down the east coast. So I'm also going to organise that trip - I think it'll be about 11 days, which will give me a week back at Greg's before I leave Oz.

We'll be watching Boro v Jawdees live on tv on Saturday night (well, 2am Sunday morning). My aim is to be well oiled so it numbs the pain of an embarrasing defeat!

Take it easy possums...