We flew to Ballina Byron Bay airport with the intention to stay for a week with our 2nd Helpx hosts Donna, her husband scott and thier two boys. Our accommodation was a one bedroom studio in their back garden which was lovely, the biggest bed we have ever seen. That night we all had tea together around their family table and got to know each other.

The following morning we did our 4 hours work to earn our keep. I (Ryan) cleaning all the inside windows whilst Meg tidied and cleaned the boys bedrooms (Which were 12 and 15!!!!), stripped all of the beds, took out all 12 animal skin/fur rugs which stuck!! Not the most ideal job for a veggie, cleaned both bathrooms and then as a joint effort we hoovered and mopped the floors. Meanwhile it was absolutey chucking it down outside.

That evening over dinner Donna said that the forcast for the week was looking awful, thundery showers all week. So asked us if we would prefer to move on as we would be doing our jobs with little to no reward as we couldn't enjoy Byron Bay beach. Our flights to Melbourne were booked and our suitcases were packed that night.

We luckily had a contact from Megan's Nan's Bestfriend's Daughter in Melbourne, Warburton. She welcomed us with open arms and said we could come straight away no problems at all! She arranged for her Husband to pick us up from the station after he finished work and take us back! We have fallen on our feet here! They cant do enough for us.. We stay in their cottage in their 13 acre garden when it isnt occupied by Airbnb guests, the rest of the time we sleep in the tent and are welcome to catch lifts to the city to explore if we like.

We've had a fab time so far. We've had woodfire pizza's around the fire with Hazel, Christian and their two sons - which they treated us too! and gone to St. Andrews Markets with them and they've treated us to coffees and will take us anywhere we'd like. Let alone invited us to their family vacation to Phillip Island with them and the boys in the Easter Holidays. They have also got many contacts for other places we can stay for free with their friends just for help in the garden! Lucky us!!!

Thanks Nanny Rundle.