Full Plate

Hello fellow travelers and friends ect ect ect...........................

Last e-mail guys leaving for Thailand tomorrow night. Have had some incrediable times however in the last few days. One being the ghost walk. Things do go bump in the night. It was an erie place. From around the 1800's ships would come into the dock at the santatiurom as many were sick and dying. Small pox & typhoid were the two biggies. All the buildings scattered throughout a large area have all been revamped. Each area had it's certain details according to the sickness if you were rich you went into the nicer places, if you were dying they had a place for that and as to the Irish and convicts they were in the dregs. A hospital, morgue were the most interesting and spell binding. It was dark most of the lanterns brought went out including torches (flashlights) that worked perfect before leaving. Alot of spooky goings on. It lasted for three hours. Manly has some interesting places and quite beautifull as well.

The hostel I was in I quickly moved the next morning. A real dodgy place in a dodgy area. I did not like walking down the streets at 11:30 at night alone. I felt I was in white chapel..................... Moved to another one called the Board Rider brand new a fantastic common room with a big screen TV mordern kitchen the works. No special roomies only 4 of us. Two Guys from the UK and one from Canada.

I met some people a month ago while in the towers of the bells at St. Mary's Catherdral. I had been invited to the Irish rebellion memorial at a cemetary outside of Sydney called vinegar hill. I was to meet people at St. Mary's for the 10:30 Soleum high mass (1 1/2 hours) the Cardneil was saying the mass so it was packed. Even took comm. from him. That set off the day. Next stop was Castle Hill where the events to take place was next. A wall with names ect had been erected at the castle hill cemetary. The rebellion was in 1798 by convict prisioners mostly Irish for their freedom to go back to Ireland. Because there was so few of them and many more Guards and soliders most were killed and the leaders of the rebellion were all hung. Two were in the battle of vinegar hill in Wexford Ireland and sent to Australia as convicts.

A huge Irish choir with 100 school children from the area sang songs. Flags from all the counties of Ireland were marched in by the irish dancers of the area with the pipes and whistles playing. It was grand. After that everyone went to where else the pub. It was there all the action took place. A meal and dancing to Irish bands went on. The best however was to come. The Bishop of Sydney happens to be from Ireland. All those who know me know I like to dance. Well so did the Bishop. We took up on a lively tune and did an Irish jig. Next sat down Anne Webster whom I did not know except her name at the time. We got on real well. She is from Wexford Countie Ireland so we started swaping stories and the like until she said I'm giving you my card and want you to attend my reception at my office in Sydney. She is the Consulate General from Ireland. Not bad for a backpacker and you bet I shall be attending. I also fly that night so will only be able to be there for an hour. Margaret will be attending as well as she is taking me to the airport. This just goes on and on. A full plate for a full evening. More new friends and places to stay when I come back to Australia

My ferry ride back was on the outside so I could see the lights of Sydney. A huge cruise ship with all the lights was docked by the pier. A lady sat beside me & we got talking She is a member of the band of the B-52's doing a concert in Sydney today. Even got a ticket for that concert but cannot attend. She is the base player. Just through with a concert in Auckland New Zealand. Life is never boring you just have to go out and grab it.

I shall be boarding the ferry back to Sydney in awhile to take the train back to St. Mary's for my pickup by Margaret. Australia certainly has given me it's best and I think I have left something behind of me. I will have one more walk on the beach of Manly and will miss the roar of the waves at night which has put me to sleep the last three nights I've been here.

Farewell for now until the next adventure starting in Thailand.

Sending love and light....................

Me

Wally..............................wow of course I shall be visiting you in Fla.

Moonwind.................are you still alive and kicking?????????????

Dave..................will give you a call

Ken & Sheila...........................what are you doing???????????????????????????

Joan................send energy for the ole ribs

Greetings From Manly Beach

To my fellow travelers and those who wish they were,

Should of never left Bryon Bay. The train ride was a nightmare. It was a 12 hour trip mostly during the night fortunately. Someone decided they would put their feet out into the isle while sleeping on the floor which I found quite nicely and so did my ribs. After being brave and all decided would find the train guard which I did in the bar car, was given ice packets and put into first class.........................Enough of that story as it was painfull. After a few days of using the human soothing salves, nonething was happening so went down the road to a vet supply place and got my horse ointments for legs and bag balm for cows. Worked perfectly for the ribs so now up and running again.

The day after I got back to Kemps Creek got a ride to the train station to go to Manly Beach for the day. I got off the train at circular quay where you have to go down the stairs through big double doors that open out where all the ferries are for anywhere you want to travel. (these are passanger ferries) The Sydney harbour bridge is on the left and to the far right is the Sydney Opera House. This place is flash. Just as I made my appearance I could see a ferry arriving rather fast quite fast actualy. It was not heading properly where it should be and boom glass everywhere as the ticket booth was being demolished and creaks and croaks of boards and splintering of boards was all you could hear. A Asian man was washing the windows at the time outside the ticket booth (he is still running). It all took place about 50 feet from where I stood as well as alot of people. Screaming you name it was next. Pretty soon the police where there taping off the section where all this took place. The media arrived. I got chosen to speak on chanel 7 which I did not. French can be a good thing when you don't want things to happen. The interview obviously did not take place. After a bit we were all put on a fast ferry to Manly. A good way to start a morning. Now for the bit of sun and sea to soak the ole ribs. At the beach I rented a sun chair & placed myself on the crowed beach . Well the sun was great the waves perfect and as I was entering the water a loud speaker announced "blue bottle jelly fish are in everyone out nonething we can do for the stings"). Nice ay but the best was yet to come as within a short time another announcement SHARK SITINGS....................... At least the sun was warm off the beach it was over 40C ( 100). Nonething exciting on the way back just sore ribs still This of course all took place before the horse stuff was applied.

Ventured out of Kemps Creek again long enough to go to Parramatta to meet with the Canadian conection & moved in with them. Because of their jobs (archiologists) they have great stories and places to go and see things people do not ordinarly see. Jason was given the day off with pay to ride me around the place to graves, old buildings & lots and lots of stories. There are more hidden tunnels false walls in train stations with ghost stations on the other side it would shock people if they knew of these things. Another great adventure just wish the ribs were a bit better.

At present I am in Manly Beach again. Booked into a hostel to meet up with people I met in Byron Bay and heading out to the North Shore tonight for a 3 hour ghost tour of the old buildings people were put in 100 years ago with the plague. Tomorrow promises to be a good one so it will be a beach day and tomorrow night I'm open for suggestions.

Sunday going to the vinegar hill memorial for the Irish who rebelled 100 years against who I don't know (probably with the English) with people I met while in the towers of the bells of St. Mary's in Sydney back in January. These people belong to an Irish singing group after the ceremony a festival will take place. Anyone Irish you all know how good that is. I have no clue where this is but can't be too far as these people are driving and Sydney people don't like to drive too far.

Next week I'll be back on the wings of the big bird for Thailand that is where an experience of a life time begins. It shall be on a ship next instead of hostels more people to meet and 24 countries later I shall end up in Venice. Good deal ay? Set that one up while in Darwin 2 years ago and it all came together. Good things can happen.

Before I depart must leave you with an impression of a lady I met today while coming over on the ferry. If anyone does not know who Miss Marple is watch the BBC as she is alive and well. As usual I meet people who are different and boy she was. The most entertaining lady I have ever met. She is 83 years old has been married three times and the third husband is now dying in the Manly hospital. Wonder what happened to the last two. She to as a young woman travelled the world herself. She does not like anything that is common enjoys her life to the fullest and shared so many stories with myself and a gentleman who happened to sit next to her. by the time the ferry landed in Manly there was a crowd around our sitting area listening and laughing. She actually had a hat on like the one Miss Marple wears had a cup of tea severd to her while she was talking, She had the long skirt and primy shoes like Jane Marple wears as well. I could not believe it. A remarkable lady.


Any good reports from the ghost tour will fill you all in before I leave Australia which saddens me. Many good memories and friends here it is always hard to leave. I won't miss however Margarets 180,000 chickens in the many sheds.

May all your dreams unfold like the wings of a butterfly.

Me.................

Fr. Marc..........I thought I was in the right church on Wednesday last. Saw lots of people entering the cathedral had it seems the right name St. John's Did the usual beginning things we all do on entering not long after that was asked if I was lost by someone there told if ashes wanted down the next street up the hill St. Patricks would be the place they thought I was looking for Do I look Catholic?

Mark.........congrat's you did it. Like Jane Marple told me today once you become the world wonderer your never the same. Life is good Dance on tables??????????????? See you in London in April

Deborah..................no I have no plans for Alaska do you?????????????? Next place South Africa for me however if you have a deal and lots of money I'll go...........

Bill & Dale enjoy Cuba not too warm in Fredericton

Bob & Marg. Had a great time with the kids hope to see them on Sunday night after the irish thing. Haven' called them yet but do have the invite. Will try and call you.............

Dr. Don..............you would not believe the problems I had getting my meds. I think the next time we shall say it is drugs & send it on to Nimbin instead. I do have them after 4 hours of.........

Jim Darby and Russ.............will call you all on your Monday night sometime after 6 hope you'll be home. Love yoou Russ & Jim have Kaitlyn and Laura e-mail me

Everyone else keep on sending the e-mails...................................

Leaving Byron Bay Tonight

Another lovely day my friends. Always lovely in Byron Bay. A special place is always hard to leave especially this one. Took the last swim in the sea with wild dolphins no less. The sea here is so warm and the waves are always there as well. The beach goes on for miles and miles where I am is like in the middle of a horse shoe. I found out where the cockles were on this beach went and got some for my lunch today. Tonight going out for a meal in town with my friends people from just everywhere a nice send off.

The train pulls into town at 10:30 heading back for Sydney. It's a beautiful train and the scenery I can't waite for to see again when it becomes daylight tomorrow. The station will be full of backpackers just more new friends to meet.

I'm sending this off to all of you as it will be awhile before I get on the computer again as Margaret does not have one and I don't plan on going into Sydney again before I leave for Thailand.

Onto the next chapter as this one is soon to close.

Keep in touch all of you great to hear from everyone.

The happy traveller goes on.....................

ME

Jason and Fel. I shall be in touch with you as soon as I get back to Kemps Creek probably tomorrow night make some plans for my visit before I leave again. Remind me to bring you your picture from home I have it in my rucksack.

Bob & Margarete....................Might give you a call from Jason's as I toped up my hostel phone card.

everyone else be happy

Greetings from Byron Bay

Hello from paradise,

Another brilliant beach day any snow blindness back home? As usual there is always things going on backpacking. I've moved into another dorm. Was put first into a dorm that always had people leaving I know why. The dragon lady. Wow her broom is always in flight. Into a great room now with Swiss people and English people. Got a single bed what luck that one was next to a windiow no less. Even most travel alone you are never really alone as there are just people waiting to be your friend. The best friend however is your new best friend who has a car. I haven't been that lucky yet as most of us are just getting on day to day picking up work when possible and enjoying life and each others travels. This isn't life style but style of life...........

I had a roomate a few nights ago around my age which was nice. She was on the way to Scotland lives in Tasmania thought to get her life straight again backpacking was the way to go. She got accepted for work in Iona Scotland no less. The place where I was offered a job 3 years ago behind the bar. Sent with her a letter to Sheila if possible work for me this summer there. How ironic and now a friend Joan is going to be there as well with the McNeil clan nonething happens without reason.

Yesterday I spent at the beach body surfing as the waves were terrific. A father and daughter team are in the next dorm to me and we have become fast friends. Kate and I went a little too far down Belongil Beach however and when coming out we were greeted by a quite naked man he was in the right we were in the wrong so just moved up a bit and kept on rolling. A few laughs just another story to share around the evening meal. We have a great cook here so we all pitch in giving him a 10.00 note he buys all the food and we have the greatest barbie I've ever known. At least 20 to 25 people sitting around together at the tables sharing. By the time I get through with this trip I have even more places to go.

There is a hostel here in Bryon on the other side of town that has more than a hotel could offer. Because Kate worked there before meeting up with her dad, she took about 9 of us there for a movie. Walking on Liquid. For only 5.90 we sat on couches that went back with foot rests, all clad in a cow hide appearance, holes for your drinks and another square hole for your popcorn on the arms. It was a film about surfing. The surrond sound in the theater made it feel like you were actually there in the pounding surf. I suggest everyone seeing this. Outside of the theater is a fab resturant. Beyone that is the reception huge kitchen upstairs, a large pool, dorms around the pool or you have another choice of dorms situated around a pond. Canvas type buildings with small porches with views of the rain forrest or 10 bed teepees all in a circle. There you get free yoga class in the am, digie making (the native instrument here from the aboringals) digie playing, druming you name it they have it. After the movie because of Kates connections we got into the Abroginal show for free. It was amazing. We all walked back to here via the beach with the lighthouse beams crossing the beach and the waves crashing along the way. Magic.................

I wish my eyes could implant to everyone the beauty here. Not even a camera can produce what God's hand has done. The hinterlands where I'll be going back to this afternoon again reminds me of Ireland. The hills and flowers everywhere green green lush paddocks. Only a 20 minute bus ride with my friends as everyone is shopping at the shops most use. St. Vincent de Paul will be quite busy as our outfits are getting a little tired.

My two Canadian buddies are leaving this afternoon for Coffs Harbour. The daughter and sister they are going to see is most famous in Australia as a singer. She sang I guess in "the little river band" before moving on. She sang at Russell Crows wedding and lives quite close to him. I almost made my stop over there before heading back to Sydney.

I leave here tomorrow evening at 10:35 on the night train to Sydney. Will arrive around 11:30 on Thursday am. I shall miss Australia wish I had more time here but Thailand is calling me as well as a plane ticket.

Movies again tonight in Byron theater with an English couple in my room than after that who knows. Isn't life great in the slow lane???????????????

Sending lots of love and light to everyone wish you all could be here.

ME

Lisa............ I plan on being in Ireland will be heading my way up to Donegal. Def. will stop in Sligo for sure. Will let you know when. I'll give you my Irish friends name and e-mail from Dublin who lives in Thailand. He loves company has a big house and is on the beach. Great place good
fun.

Bill and Dale............have fun in Cuba I don't like the temps I just read about here it is in the 40's........ cent.

Hey b.............................my favourite lady.................you have a safe trip to Atlanta will be thinking of you and yes I am quite dark.......................tooooooooooooooobad ay?

Fr. Marc St. Finbars needs you. Take up golf........................

Dom................Thanks for the nice val. greeting

Marylin................thanks for all the Maine news you have a safe trip down south.

Jim Darby and Russ............ will call from Sydney stay warm.............

Heading for the beach bye bye..................

Happy Happy Valentine's Day

Greetings again from Bryon Bay,

Back to reality and the best spot to be in Australia. My bus trip to bryon was interesting part way at least. 4 1/2 hours on any bus is too long. I got a window seat hoping to sleep part way when a lovely ederly woman decided to sit next to me. She was in her 80's. Mentioned my big pack as she called my ruck sack, and what was this nomad life like as she lived in a boring retirement home. Our conversation gave me insperation something we all need at times. By the time we arrived to Burlleigh Heads where she was to get off, I almost had her convinced to get on the road and truly be free.

As any backpacker knows you meet someone somewhere and a 1000 miles later you meet up with them again. Walking down the street in Brisbane I heard my name being called and sure enough one of the mates in my hostel in Sydney needed a chat. The people here in Byron at the hostel gave me a welcome back cooked meal the likes nonething like it.

People that I have met in the dorms I've stayed in are from all walks of life all ages but one family. Accountans, a dentist, a man I just met from Vancouver decided to leave his advertising agency and backpack with his daughter and now doesn't want to leave this life style. The burn out of life sometimes takes someone to leave all behind and start over by finding out who and what you really are.

I spent the day yesterday at the beach with one of my roomates from the UK an 18 year old no less just watching the waves churn the nasty sea weed from the north winds After moving down aways it was a bit cleaner however the blue bottles were ( a nasty jelly fish with a long blue tenticle) there. I finally ran out of luck as I got stung by one it hurts for awhile and after my trip to town this am got some vinegar I'll put in my day pack so they can sting all they want now as vinegar takes away the bite.

Last night again another wine and cheese party as one of the Kiwi's was leaving had been away from New Zealand for 5 months just here in Bryon. It is amazing the conversations being shared and to look and think that back home it could be this way is not reality. The 18 year olds are not different from the 50's or even 60's as everyone is together and away and really hang out with each other. Sound odd? I was even invited to go to the beach this am in another part of town by young people which I had to say no to as a friend I met from here in Bryon is picking me up and bringing me to her home. She is a massage therapist has her business there and I being a reiki master we are going to swap our talents. A dinner after that before coming back to the hostel is today's plan. I know tonight a band is playing at the beach house so will with who knows how many will be traveling into town for that.

There are too many experiences to share that happen on a daily basis in this lifestyle. People drift in and out mostly but there are some that stay. No one is running from anything anymore but slowly walking to another place in time. Each day is a lesson learned one being how the soul is ageless.

Be happy and live life.....................

Till the next event

me

Jude..........yes you can do it after you come back from South America you'll be ready for yet another journey hopefully we can cath up somewhere and meet again for yet another part of life. Thanks for the graffic snow picture I'll take the beach thank you

Chris...........let me know the date at 4 pm your time we should talk and I shall call.

Don...........Thanks for the e-mail will pick up meds in Sydney.... Probably will have to be for the UK as well so will use this e-mail for that one to. Darby may need another letter if so she will be in touch.

Dave have you broken fingers?

Elke might take the ferry over to Holland if can't get a cheap flight. Will let you know. Any work I might be able to do in Holland? You know how gifted I am ha ha.......... See you sometime probably in May

Mark..............dance on tables? You need a change give up the professional life like you said. That you can catch up with later on

Fr. Mark want a swap in Oz? Great little church here in Bryon.................... Good golf courses as well

Greetings From Downtown Brisbane

Leaving Brisbane in the am by bus back to Bryon Bay. Arrived here yesterday visiting a friend met in Scotland 3 years ago. Wasn't planning on being here this quick but it was only a one nighter at the place I was supposed to be working at in South Golden Beach. Alot of fixing up on an old house was taking place which was ok so a mattress was placed on the floor of the room I was to be sleeping on.

When I awoke yesterday am I turned over to my side only to look at a rats head with eyes and mouth open about 4" from my head his partly eaten guts a little below that and his feet and long rat tail a few inches after that. The cat did me no favours.

After vomiting and brushing my teeth I was packed and gone down the road within 10 minutes. I had been given a bus schedule by the school bus driver the day before so had over a 3 hour waite in the hot sun for the next bus. When the bus finally arrived the driver asked me where I was going my only answer to him where ever this bus is going I'm on it. I told him I would like to head for Brisbane so was dropped of at Brunswick Heads waited another hour and got to Brisbane. Mind you I took no time for shower, hair comb nonething. By the time I got into the bus terminal in Brisbane the word toilets and showers was like free gold. Never have I taken a shower before in a bus terminal however I know now why people were looking at me so odd. Took awhile to get to sleep last night trust me there is only a dog in this house and no cats. I'll have nightmares over this for awhile. I even washed everything from the rucksack last night as well just in case kitty might of even layed on anything in it.

As to the school bus ride to South Golden Beach it was an experience. Me and two floors (a double decker bus no less) of screaming kids of all ages in all types of school uniforms. I could tell the Catholic ones right away they haven't changed much since I last wore one. It was good though for a few laughs.

I shall catch up again with an Irish friend I met while in Dublin 3 years ago just happened to meet him on the street in Bryon could not believe it the day before I left Bryon.

The last night in my dorm at Bryon finally got a female. Had a great laugh with her and will be meeting up with her in March as she and I will be in Maylasia at the same time at the same place. Odd ay?

Leaving Bryon Bay on the 18th back to Sydney on the 19th by train than will be heading back over to Thailand. I know there will be many more stories to be told between now and when I leave Bryon again.

Keep love and laughter in your heart's

till the next time

The happy traveller

Darby I shall be calling you in two days you can see when I will be at Margarets.

to you the Barry's I'll give you a call when back to Sydney will head for Croydon so be ready.

Byron Bay

Hello my friends,

Ii leftTinTenBay got the bus out of Ballina to Bryon Bay. My most favourite place in the world. Booked into Belongil Beach House Hostel which hasn't changed much since my last visit 10 years ago. As I was signing in a backpacker bus arrived picking up backpackers for a day trip. Because it said Jims Alternative Tours it was cheap and cloudy weather I was on it. What a trip and all you that have been on it before you kn ow what I mean. We went to Nimbin for the first stop. Thought I was back in the 60's and the grateful Dead would be playing somewhere. Everyone was selling hemp clothes, bags, cookies, cakes ect. I found the pub had a guiness lunch and got on a very happy bus for the next surprise. We went so far into the bush on dirt roads thought we'd never get out. We were to taste wild fruit grown on a guys farm that I almost finished a roll of film this is after Nimbin. He orignally came from New York gave up the fast lane and grew a rain forest and fruit trees. He was most interesting even to look at. Dyed red something orange long hair, painted gold toe and fingernails. His house was something that should be in some type of record book. He went with the house. He picked fruitand nuts along the narrow path winding through the bush each of tasting it until we got to the beach house. The beach house filled up the rest of the film. Alfred Hitchcock would of loved this place. A mud pond with a b ath tub sitting next to it things I have no idea what they were and nuts the best I 've ever tasted in the world were there to sample as well. We continued onto a waterfall went to a rugby field I still don't know what that was all about. Best time you bet it was. These young people were alot of fun and was glad I decided to do this.

My dorm with the stained glass windows by the way with ensuite bathroom, shower, sinks comfortable bunks is great. Again all male roomates. One from Sweden that speaks clearly with an Irish brogue (Irish girlfirnd) a swiss guy and Welsh. The Italian and Dutch one arrived later. All four of us decided we would go to town for a cheap bit to eat and possibly a club. Did that the club was great packed to the brim with people from everywhere. It was decided by the Swedish and Welsh guy I would be there sea gull and speak to the young girls they thought they would like to meet. It worked out perfectly. Everyone happy. Made more new friends some mates for the beach. Females.......................

My ant bites are doing quite well glad I'm off the farm I was on. I still look like a big fester. By tomorrow with the ocean and sun I should be just about cleared up. If I get any darker will unrecongizable.

My roomates and I decided we were to have a wine and cheese party in our dorm tonight before we go to the kitchen and cook the usual meal. Pasta. We all came into town to buy what we need here do the e-mail thing as Monday we are all booking out and going seperate ways.

I made a decision to call a number given to me at a place in South Golden Beach. Just the name attracted me. It is a small job taking care of an attorney's garden for a few hours a day picking what is ready weeding and going to the beach which is out side of his door. I got accepted and one other person will be there when I arrive on Monday. We stay and eat at his home as well. I shall keep you informed of this one Chris.

Monday will be a good one as I shall be catching a school bus yes a school bus to get to my desired location. South Golden Beach. I drove a bus for 14 years and never did we pick up anyone else but school children. This def. will be good for a laugh. My next decision after this is if or not I have been accepted at an equstrian place near Brisbane. Hopefully that will be the plan as I intend to keep calling until a placement is open for me to work. Brisbane will be the last stop over. I have a ticket for Thailand out of Sydney and shall be on the plane in March. I have a friend from Dublin that lives there and it is also where I board a ship where my next destination is Viet Namn.

I had to make some decisions on this trip as to my life and where it shall lead me. So far alot of different places. As long as I can find work which I will, I shall end up in England and of course back to Ireland. I don't plan on coming back for awhile as too much to see and do yet. Each day of my life brings different meanings and learning from others and the value of it all. Life is good and all the people I have met so far have made it better. My book shall be a good one as each day brings on a different twist. I now have a publisher will probably take another few years to complete. The way things are going there shall be another one after this.

Sending love and light to everyone

Bridget Phyllis Gallagher

The Many Travels from the Tin Tin Bar

First time for the internet since I left Sydney. The train ride was great all10 hours of that and another 31/2 hours on a bus to Ballina. The landscape made me think of Ireland so green hillsides dotted with cows and horses and below rivers. Of all people my seat which is assigned to you sat a nun. Between her snores, beads and up and down to the toilet nonething remarkable of the trip. First night at the hostel I had the dorm to myself. Next day however everyone arrived including a lady from Franklin Massachusetts who knows Russ. Small world I must say. The kid from NZ watched tv day and night the dutch guy had a problem with English and the Mass lady was in love and off to see her friend. I took the time to get to town get some new clothes from the St. Vincent de Paul chrity shop. 5 bucks and 5 new outfits until the next op shop. I found the RSL (like the Royal Canadian Legion or American Legion) got myself in ate a proper meal found the bar and went back for the evening for a great show they were having.

I got picked up the following day after walking who knows how many miles to a great beach (all worth it) to where I am now TinTinBar. It is only a few miles to Lenox Head another beach. I go there after work as it so so hot here. I work only 4 hours a day weeding under trees I have no idea what type they are in a orchard setting. It is hard work as it is on a hillside and feel sometimes that I'll fall over it is so steep. At the end are cattle I have befriended. A rain forest is in between all of this and when you hear of the song cukaberra in the old gum tree well it's true. they are the lowdest birds I've ever heard fighting all the time with the butcher birds that have a fairly long beak that spears other birds. Nasty things they are black and white things farily large as well.

There are ants everywhere little things that like to bite. I'm covered with bites. The ocean water helps with the welts they leave. The people here however are great. For the first time I'm eating veggie meals and liking it. Thank God I brought some tins of tuna fish and salmon with me and some M&M's as well. I eat better in my room after everyone has gone to bed.

Last night we started to eat out on the deck when I was told to move quickly. Heaven knows what is in store to get you when some one says that. Above my head was a large spider of unknown type. And down came the spider and sat besider her well not exactly as the rest of my meal was eaten inside.

The other side of here is Bryon Bay my next destination. A backpackers dream. When that will be I don't know probably when when I see more ant bites than skin.

There is also a problem with large moths going about. Here it is ok however at the hostel I hosted about 20 of them in my shower. Just another addition to add to taking showers with as two years ago it was with frogs and lizards in Kakadu National Park.

Time to put this e-mail to bed . Someone please let me know who won the superbowl as over here they have no clue what football is all about.

What ever you do don't play leap frog with unicorns.

Keep in touch.

Keep saving your money Mark Oz is the place to be. Will give you some places to work when I see you in England.

Hope your party went well Dave the Pat's won.Pagie where are you?Heading for the beach and the rest of you shoveling snow are we or is it rainy in the UK???????????????

Me