Hello Hello Hello. Firstly - sorry that we haven't update the site for ages - I can offer no excuses, but to put a positive spin on it - at least we have lots of news for you. We were quite glad to get out of Darwin as a bit of a baptism of fire into Australia - full of scary rednecks and drunks. Pleased to report that evolution is more in evidence as we work our way down the coast. After Darwin, next stop on the old backpacker conveyor belt was Cairns. While we were there we did a boat trip out onto the Great Barrier Reef and did some scuba and snorkelling and were lucky enough to spot some super cute Finding Nemo stylee turtles. We hooked up with Ally, Caz and Neil from the UK and had a really cool few days hiring a car and taking off to visit Cape Tribulation, the Atherton Tablelands and Daintree National park . We took in plenty of picture postcard beaches, got eaten alive by mozzies in the rainforest and rode the white waters on our backs in Mossman creek. Much to the disapointment of all, we failed to spot any road kill though. We won't feel that our Ozzie experience is complete until we a stiff Kangaroo working it's way through the stages of decomposition! Working down the East coast, we spent a very relaxing 5 days on Magnetic Island surrounded by the glory of Mother Nature. We stayed in an amazing backpackers which was like a bush camp and was teaming with all kinds of crazy creatures. There were flocks of parrots, peacocks, colourful butterflys fluttering around, Wallabies bouncing about, cheeky little possums trying to steal our dinner and best of all super cute Koalas kipping in the trees. And we didn't even need to leave the hostel to see it all - like a home delivery zoo - the lazy travellers dream come true. We also met up with Shane and Bec's, a very cool Aussie couple who kindly kept us fed, watered and most importantly entertained with stories of men who can projectile lactate! We've just arrived back from a sailing trip to the Whitsunday Islands where we spent two days hiding from the rain, sweating in our bunks, and being surrounded by gap year students drinking box wine (affectionately known as Goon - 4 litres for 4 quid!). We actually really enjoyed ourselves - We had a good crowd and the crew were a real laugh. The sun did make a few appearances and eating your breakfast on a boat surrounded by views that would have Judith Chalmers waxing lyrical is quite an experience. We've spent the last 12 hours trying to stop rocking from side to side and celebrating our return to land by consuming many jugs of lager and taking in the great Ozzie tradition of a wet t-shirt compeTITion which everyone should experience at least once - these chicks are absolutely filthy and will do anything to bag the prize money. So, that brings you up to speed with our adventures. If you skip over to the photo page there are some new pictures which we put up a week or so ago, plus the latest photoshop + too much time effort from our artist in residence, Mr Paul Hayward. Cheers Paul - Keep them coming - but please use some more flattering shots next time dude! Lots of Love, Linda & Paul