Hello, how are yer!?

So, where were we last time we wrote to you all....

I think we were in sunny little Noosa, and about to learn to surf. We met our instructor, Chad, Brad, or Trey, we can't remember now, but he taught us the basics on the beach and then let us loose in the surf. Believe us, it was easy on the beach...but both of us eventually got two feet on the board and were catching rippers like pros. Kindof.

But it was soon time to leave and we headed north. Queensland is beautiful, and more rugged cowboy country then New South Wales. There is less civilisation up here with hours and hours between towns. But there are some amazing natural wonders up here.

First was Fraser Island, the largest sand island in the world. The island is made ENTIRELY of sand but has huge green rainforests, and crystal blue freshwater lakes. Quick quiz: Anyone know the second largest sand island in the world? And no googling!

But it was a wierd and wonderful place. We had a two-day tour aboard a 4WD coach as only heavy duty vehicles can get around on the sand and rocky tracks.

We swam and drank in Eli Creek, a freshwater creek that runs to the sea; we drove along 75-mile Beach (Aussies were sure imaginative with their names!) which runs along the eastern shore; we swam in Lake Mackenzie surrounded by white sands and dense rainforest; and hiked to beautiful Lake Wabby which is being slowly filled in by a huge sandune.

After Fraser we got back on to the mainland and erm....headed north. This time we ended up in The Town of 1770, Capt Cook's second landing in Australia and the first in Queensland. And another funny named town which was basically a marina and a cafe.

But from here we got our first taste of the Great Barrier Reef. We got a boat to Lady Musgrave Island, an incredible tiny island miles out to sea. From here we swam with green turtles and reef fish. While walking on the island, we saw two baby turtles make a run for the sea after hatching in front of our eyes. Amazing.

As we mentioned it is cowboy country around here, and we went through Rockhampton and Mackay (and a few other towns) that are based on farming, mining, or both. Tim has found some more big things which he wants to share with you quickly: A Big Cow (actually a whole herd) in Rockhampton; a Big Snake in Ayr; a Big Mango (it was huge!) in Bowen; and is looking forward to the Big Gumboot in Tully. Simple things.

But the real highlight the last few weeks has been a weekend sailing the Whitsunday Islands. These 74 Islands are just off the coast of Airlee Beach, and are the daydream of every Australian. And now ours as well.

We sailed aboard the IceBerg, a racing sailboat with only 10 other people, and visted loads of the islands. We sunbathed on Whiteheaven Beach, one of the most amazingly beautiful beaches in the world. It has pure white sand and torquise waters. We donned our stinger suits (full body leotards to protect you from deadly jellyfish apparently and make tourists look silly) and snorkelled more colourful coral reefs and spotted turtles and thousands of mutli-coloured fishies. Including Nemo. And Dory.

We watched the sunset as we sailed to a little bay of Hook Island, where we moored for the night. It was the brightest night sky we've ever seen and we relaxed on the deck, drinking a bottle of red wine and watching shooting stars all around us. It is a tough job.

The only other news is that Tim skydived from 10,000 ft over the Whitsundays. Before anyone asks, no Amanda didn't. She kept her feet firmly on the ground. Tim got a DVD of the view he got up there so she didn't need to jump!

So that brings you up to date, we are actually in Townsville today and we're nearly at Cairns! It is incredible that we are so close to our final destination in the van. There is still so much to do, but we'll blog again in a few weeks to keep you posted

Hope you are all well at home, and that life is good in Blighty.

Amanda and Tim

xxx