On the East coast... finally!

G'day from Cairns! I hope everyone is enjoying the beginning of October! Man, it's hard to believe that I have been travelling for 8 months now! So much conquered... yet so much to still see.

Everything is great in Oz. I had a rough first tour up to Alice Srings but after that it all got better. The tour from Alice to Darwin was just three days but was great. Awesome guide, great group of people and lots of beautiful places to see. Gradually it got more green and driving through the Never Never was bizarre - absolutely nothing there. My favourite stop was by far Daly Waters... population of 10. But it is a town because it has a pub. It was just a quirky place and I loved it! Got to go swimming in some pretty places which helped beat the heat. I am not cut out for 35+ weather. Our last night was in Darwin and the group had a great time at the Vic Pub. Early morning meant that I couldn't stay out late.

The next day we left on the last tour into Litchfield and Kakadu NP. Cool guide and the best group of people... fun lovin' and great! Kakadu was spectacular. Lots of brilliant places to see, swim, and a fabulous cruise. I saw at least a dozen crocodiles! That was so cool! Sad that we accidently ran over one with the propeller... but I was told he would be alright (I hope!).

Last night in Darwin was off the hook! Hostel was awful (we didn't have a light in the toilet and no lock on the door... not cool). But we all went to the Vic again and I totally let loose. Very quickly I had won 3 pitchers of beer in contests: I blew up a balloon the fastest to have it pop, and then successfully played a vacuum attachment like a didge. It was a great night of dancing, partying, and hanging out with great people. Sadly, we all had to go our separate ways (the part of travelling I Hate!). So I stayed up all night rather than going to bed (I had a 3am airport shuttle pickup) and then had a delayed flight to Cairns. It was a long two days by the time I arrived in Cairns. But I am so glad I am here. The hostel is clean and chill. And I was finally able to sleep!

Yesterday, I did a tour of the Atherton Tablelands which was hilarious! Crazy people, wicked places to swim (anybody remember the waterfall from Herbal Essenses commercial?) and craziness ensued. I did have a bit to drink and when we were out looking for tree kangaroos I accidently fell on the stinging tree. So now I have Dead man's Itch - and it is awful. My arm was inflammed yesterday and right away it was burning. Even today. the burning itch won't go away. And I have been told that it stays for 2 weeks and then symptoms can return with temperature changes for up to 6 months! Not cool. But at least I learned my lesson (I hope). Ended the night with something I have never done before... flashed a car next to us. Alcohol + me = crazy! But at least I am living up to my new nickname, "the crazy canadian".

Hopefully I can take it easy the next few days. The tours have been exhausting - early mornings and late nights with a lot to do in the day. But I wouldn't change anything... I have loved it all. Even the first tour was worth it. I have been able to see so much of Australia that is so different from anything else.

So in Cairns, I start my Learn to Dive course in a few days. That is going to be awesome: learning to dive in the Great Barrier Reef! And then once I get my PADI certification, I can dive anywhere!

So, things are good with me. Mom and Dad, don't worry yourself. It's all good!

Love y'all, Lisa