New jobs and new continents

A new job for both of us and a new home and Tawian 2^nd time

We moved to our new place at Metford! Had a huge day loading the truck from Woopi, driving down then unloading here. Thankfully Dad helped and drove the truck back. Our place was nice, we think the area is ok and we had air con! I surfed mostly on weekends and sometimes through the week when I had a course in Newy, found waves sometime but it was more crowded of course. Clint and Ayu came to visit with John which was nice. We flew to Adelaide to say goodbye to Raelene which was hard but we were glad we got to do it. We then bought an iMAx van and decked it out as a camper. Very shortly after wards we bought another unit and moved in. It was in East Maitland, just around the corner from Metford. It was a definite fixer-upper but we had time. Went to Mardi Gras and stayed in the van, had a great time! Then went to a metal fest with Marduk, Ulcerate, Gorguts, MGLA and Departe’ and met up with Dan Wendt and met Macca who asked me if I wanted to be in Punched at Birth, of course I said yes! Started doing a bit of camping around the central coast when we got it decked out and we kept improving it over time. Went home and to Roy’s over Easter, camped and surfed of course but as usual spent a lot of time seeing family. Went to Krepo’s wedding in the Goldie and had a great time, snuck in some waves at home before heading back. Started renovating the new joint on weekends and it was looking pretty good, Shell finds some awesome stuff on Gumtree! Had another quick trip home before we went to Taiwan!

Had a quick look at Batu caves while in KL on our way to Taiwan which was cool. Had a couple of tiny surfs, just missed a touch more swell before I got here apparently! Plenty of potential though and had a couple of spectacular rides around checking it out. Kenting night market was fun, we'd walk up and down eat side of the street eating little bits and getting 7/11 beers then found a little pop up bar with cheap spirits to chill for a while. We then went to Xaoluiqui! Got there in a couple of buses and a ferry here from Kenting.  Our luxury hotel was lovely and we got some beautiful sunset photos while eating Takoyaki and drinking Taiwan beer! Had an amazing dive at Houbihu. Saw Nudibranchs, lots of different schools of fish, big coral, a moray eel and it was lovely and clear. It cracked us up, the ute we went to the beach in wouldn't start so we helped push start it and our dive master just left it running while we dived to charge the battery. Shows how honest and trusting they are, was a crappy old thing but still was nice to know. We are home after our awesome holiday. We stayed an extra day at Xiaoluiqui after the first full day there we had 2 great snorkels with heaps of turtles and riding around the island was beautiful. We went to another place for a snorkel on the second day and more turtles! There was some colourful coral too and some pretty fish I hadn't seen before. The staff at the hotel were really helpful too, there was no ATM we could use so they exchanged some cash for us and gave us drinks from their bar! We then went to Taipei on the bullet train which was a buzz. We went to a night market and had some nice food and some drinks. The next day we went to a walk up in the mountains which was nice and a bit cooler. The next day we left for a night in KL on the way home. We got to KL and had a few beers and a feed then got up early to fly home. I dropped Shell off then drove home by about 12. Had an awesome holiday!

Another great South coast trip

            Mum and dad came down for a weekend and we went to some wineries which was nice. Went to Dubbo zoo which was great to get away for the weekend, just us. Went camping at Fingal Bay which was nice to get away again, if we stay home we did renos! Shell went to see her sister, neice Aurora, old man and Claire. I then went to Crescent head with mum and dad and got some fun waves. Went to Metal united in Newy and saw some sick bands. The first night of our South coast trip we stayed in the bush in Megalong Valley with a lovely fresh water stream. The next day we went to the Three sisters and Wentworth falls which were both stunning. I had a very cool swim to freshen up.  Had a great time at Jenolan Caves and finally saw a Wombat tonight in Kangaroo valley! Walked around Blue Lake for a while and then went in Nettle cave which was amazing. Then we had a feed with some very friendly Rosella. Last night's spot was great on the side of the road near Jenolan amongst the Daffodils and the Satin Bower birds. No one around so we cranked the tunes and had a blast. We then camped at Werri beach. Got in late after a big and beautiful drive from Jenolan caves. We then headed to the Harbrow's after a surf. Our night with the Harbrow's was great as always, Michael didn't come but Jo and the kids came for a quick visit. After that we had two relaxing nights at Lake Conjola with Beth and I got Green Island pumping. Particularly the second day when it was bigger and less crowded except for the baby Seals swimming around with each other. Fed some fish there to while having a few beers before going to the club. . Spent a couple of lovely nights at Ray and Jackie's and watched the Footy Grand final there, had sick solid waves at the Bommie. Spent a fun night at Demelza's with her and Loretta too. We then camped at Lake Brou national park. Had a fish and a few beers this arv We then stayed at Picnic point which was beautiful. Fed fish again and had a few beers and Shell got some Oysters for me. The next day I had a tiny surf at Tathra while we dried out our smoky fire clothes. On the way to Picnic point we stopped in Narooma to see the Seals and it was awesome. We then went to Eden in a hotel for a bit of luxury. Had our last night at Demelza's again, this time with John home and he's looking pretty good. Before that we had a night at Pretty beach which certainly was with all the Roos around. Got home to a new bathroom and it looks great, Strata covered it so it was a little bonus to a fantastic holiday!

Went to Napalm death and others and it was sick!. Painted our new bathroom and it looks great. Went to Oils and Birds of Tokyo with Mum and Dad. Rode around wineries and camped, had a ball! Got camp fridge, it's awesome. I sunk the pavers and did some van stuff while Shell went to Bitter and Twisted. Went camping at Cams Wharf. Had fun, solid waves at Hams on Saturday. Had a great spot on the Lake for a chilled weekend! Went to the Junkyard and saw a band Friday for Shell’s birthday. Floated around in our boat for a while on and did some housework Sunday. Had some fun waves Tuesday arv .Had some fun waves after my RR graduation. Went to Loretta's for a big one to celebrate Shell's birthday a bit late. Met mum and dad at the markets on the following Sunday. Had a great long weekend at Noosa, Roy's wedding and seeing the Beddows'. No waves but had a swim in our pool then caught up with Carl for a beer. Was great to see the Perry's and our newest nephew Woody! Had a busy end of year with Parties and work at school and home and surfing of course, we were stoked to get out of there to Central America!

Central America

We were on Caye Caulker for Christmas! Got there late after a bus and ferry from Tulum. Met up with some Aussies, Yanks and a crazy Korean dude and had a huge night. Had another delicious dinner and a few drinks and then a great, quiet sleep last night. Cenote diving on our first full day in Carmen del Playa was amazing! We didn't know where to look, it was spectacular in every direction and the Halocline was bizarre, felt a little like you were stuck in it when coming out. That night we had a ball in town and the next day went to stunning ruins in the jungle at Coba and on the beach in Tulum. Then had a lovely dinner of $15 lobster that was huge! We were there for 2 or 3 nights then headed to Belize City to catch a plane to Honduras. We then went to Utila! Had my last 2 amazing dives there on New Year’s Eve. Saw 2 Eagle rays, a Shark sucker and heaps more. Shell gave it a miss because she was crook in the guts. Over all the diving we saw a lot. A huge variety of colourful, hard and soft coral and fish, Giant Moray eels, Hermit crabs and Lobsters and the list goes on. When not diving we've just been sleeping and partying. New year’s was crazy, we started about 5 and went for our 2nd shot challenge and then went to Treetanic which had bridges and tunnels decorated with mosaic and carvings everywhere. We met heaps of great people and didn't want to leave but we have a lot to go and we're excited to get back on the road. After Caye Caulker we had an early night in Belize City. It's supposedly dangerous so we went out early for dinner then veged in front of telly for a while. The next day we were going to museum but it rained so we just went to the airport and had a few drinks while waiting for plane. We arrived in Roatan about nightfall and had a few drinks and another good quiet sleep in a lovely treetop room. The next day we got up and got on the ferry to Utila. Then we headed to Leon, Nicaragua for a night and then to San Juan Del Sur for surfing! Took a Tica bus from Leon, which was much more comfortable than the long shuttles we'd had recently. Went to Las Penidas near Leon, no waves though so we just partied! Bought a nice 2nd hand board and had a coupla fun little surfs at Playa Hermosa near San Juan before that and then saw baby turtles released! Had a few drinks that night before getting in another shuttle the next day back to Leon. From Las Penidas on the Tica bus we got into San Salvador about 2 in the morning and thankfully the hostel owner across from the station let us crash on the lounges for $5 each as he was full. We got a chicken bus to the beach the next day and it was cool! We rushed through a bit because there isn't much swell and we had to get the Tica bus a day earlier than we'd planned. Had fun little waves at le Tunco for a couple of days. Had a few at a bar after watching the sunset with a beer after a surf.

                        

           

We then went to Antigua! Had a few beers in the beautiful Parque Central and then a few rums at a cute little bar afterwards. We spent the first day in Antigua just cruising around and admiring the charming little city. We had a couple of beers with Joyce at a craft brewery while watching the sunset over a Volcan de Agua. The next day we did the hike. It was incredible, the views on the way up alone were worth it. At our base camp though our tent looked straight out to Volcan de Fuego, the active one. It erupted constantly and as it got dark the colours became more vibrant and we were all mesmerised. Not for long though, we were shagged already and had a 4:00am start for the summit to watch the sunset. It was breathtaking, it felt like another world and the colours radiating off the side of Fuego as the sun began to hit it were stunning. Looking down over the surrounding country was like looking out the window of an aeroplane. Coming back down the summit was heaps of fun too, the quickest and easiest (maybe not the smartest or safest) was to run/jump down. Kind of like walking on the moon, it was so steep that each step was like a long jump and my feet were sinking a foot of so each time into the pebbles. Of course it was the two Aussie blokes at the front of the group, the only ones running and laughing their way down and leaving the rest behind, including the guides. It took us about a third of the time to get back down and we were pretty bloody happy to be on flat ground again but had a once in a lifetime experience to explain the aching legs and shoulders. It was about 5 hours up a predominantly steep incline from 2000m to about 3500m Our tent was on rocks with a 15 mil yoga mat to sleep on so it was a long night, even though we were spent! The summit made the day walk seem fun, it was a constant steep incline for about an hour and a half to the top which just under 4000m. It was also dark, so thankfully Joyce and Shell slept in and Joyce let me use her torch otherwise it would have been dangerous as there were parts where there was just a little path and a sheer drop over the side. The fall might not kill but it would hurt. The run and walk down the summit took about 15 minutes and the walk down from base camp took about 2 hours. It got down to 1 degree overnight so we had to carry a lot of clothes, 4 litres of water and food so we were very glad to get our packs off! We went from the Volcano back to our hostel for a much needed shower then on a shuttle to Lago de Atitlan which was another draw dropping sight. The view from our hotel balcony and room in San Pedro le Laguna was out over the little town at the lake and the Volcanos and mountains looming over it, a little reminiscent of the Fjords in Montenegro, a great spot for a couple of beers and a long sleep! We got on a Lancha (a little ferry across the lake that was as bumpy as the shuttle ride from Antigua) the next day to Panajachel.  Had some beers watching another hypnotic sunset and then went to a bar with a cool band and did some salsa dancing, well Shell did and I did a drunk dance. Stayed at Huatulco for our second night in Pacific Mexico and had a few drinks at a pub. Had a fun surf at Playa de Bocana. Was hard work in the rip though, but it was just me and the pelicans and it's got bags of potential for long hollow lefts. Had a nice hotel there but it was a big resort town and not really the Cantinas on the beach we're after so we went to Zipolite. Our first night was in Tapachula, spent the afternoon/night there to get on a bus at 10:45 pm to Huatulco. It was great to be back in Mexico but it's also getting toward the end of an amazing trip. First surf in Zipolite I had a couple of fun shories, a bit like the wedge when they lined up properly and there were pipefish jumping out of the water and spotted rays swimming around. We then had a few drinks looking at the sunset on the beach. Got good waves the other end too, little barrels bouncing off a rock a bit like Barneys. Went to Ventanilla from there and saw crocs, turtles, Iguanas and heaps of pretty birds. Had a quick look at Mazunte on the way back and saw a cool Vaquero parade. We then went to Puerto Escondido! Had sick waves the first two days here and got heaps of barrels. The last coupla days were too small though unfortunately, still went for a paddle but not getting much. Hired a scooter and went for a look around at other beaches and had a pretty average snorkel at La Punta. Went to a bioluminescent lagoon the other night which was cool. Shell went horse riding and she had fun. Other than that we just been chilled out and lazed about then partied late into the night. Flew from Puerto Escondido to Mexico City for a night before getting on the flight to LA and then home. 

Maldives and finally back to Bali!

Went to a play one night in Maitland and put the new doors on the wardrobe in our room that weekend. Went to NeO in Newy and they were awesome again! Went to Thy art is murder with Darcy and they were sick, Justice for the damned and Fit for an autopsy were great too. Got our new fridge and put new kitchen in, big job! Went to IKEA in Sydney one Friday arv to get flooring and benchtops and then stayed in a pub at The Entrance, hoping to get waves on Saturday but it was flat. Was doing a fair bit of surfing, getting a few earlies in too. Went and saw Darcy and his band Splinter play in Newy Saturday and they were sick. Went camping at Barrington Tops and swam in the Gloucester river a few times. Was great to get away from the heat for a while! Had a great Easter at home, everyone but the Beddows were there. Surfed Darkum every day, usually twice with just Dad and Clint and there were fun little shoreys with some pits and ramps. Went out Arrawarra Sunday arv for a muck around with Kara too. Nan and pa and Lisa and Shane came over Saturday night. We had an amazing time in the Maldives! The very first day In Thulusdhoo I had sick waves at Cokes with hardly anyone out, a few barrels and heaps of long waves for hack after hack. It dropped off a bit but the next day I got more sick waves and still not too busy. We had a little snorkel there but it wasn't great. We then went to Himmafushi and the first day I had fun waves to myself at Sultans, a bit lumpy but long waves with some air sections. The next coupla days I surfed Jails which is another long right perfect for smacking. We had a great snorkel there too, coral wasn't the best but heaps of fish and the colour of the water is spectacular. We then moved on to Maafushi and first day we organised a dive and were on the floating bar within half an hour of getting off the boat! The next day our first day was a drift dive and we saw Black tip reef shark, 4 turtles, Nudibranch, Stonefish, Moray eels, Hard stars, Box fish, schools of large and small fish, colourful coral and many varieties of colourful fish. Our second dive was in a Shipwreck, went inside and into an air pocket. Many caverns to swim through. Common Octopus, Many varieties of clam, small Napoleon fish and Nudibranch. We loved it so much we went on a night dive back at the wreck and we saw an Eagle ray, Lobster crab, Mantis shrimp, Lionfish, many different box fish and Soft corals. I had a snorkel on the last day and we went to the floating bar for a last couple again. We didn’t want to leave! We stayed in a lovely hotel in Sydney when we got off the plane and the next night we camped at Gosford. No waves in North Sydney or Central coast though and it was raining and cold so we just came home and I went to Dudley the next day and got a few crappy waves.

Went to footy one night in Newy to watch the bunnies and Knights with Julie’s crew and Beth. Went to Cradle in Sydney with Macca and Bianca it was awesome. I dressed as a nun and Shell crowd surfed. Nan and Pa stayed over for a night and we went to the Bowlo for dinner, was great to see them. Went to Vivid in Sydney and it was fantastic! Bought a newer Lancer and it’s great. Went to Nelsons Bay for the long weekend with Roxanne, Drew and Aurora and Loretta and her family. Had a few little waves Saturday and then it was flat on Sunday. It rained a lot but we had a good time, it was crappy again on Monday so we just headed home. We did the kitchen splashback and painted the ceiling in the kitchen and lounge room. Went to an Escape room with Loretta and Oscar, was heaps of fun. We had a ball in Bali! I had some small, fun waves at Ulus after the mission ride down. Shell, Beth, Kylie and Pix are in Ubud having a quiet one and so am I here. Had some fun, solid waves at Airport lefts yesterday then went out for a big night. Went back to Sanur after a great coupla days at Lembongan. Lacerations was pumping, got the best stand up kegs I’ve had in a long time. The day before we had a coupla fantastic dives, no Mola-Mola but heaps of fish and coral. The first day I just managed to paddle out Shipwrecks on low tide but didn’t even catch one wave, too shallow. I then had to walk back in the sharp reef but luckily fond some old pants so ripped em up to make booties. Some Aussie legends bought me a beer after watching me walk for 25 mins. Before that we were at Sanur and I had some fun solo waves there the day before we went to Lembongan. The day before that I went out Sanur left too low and only got a few as it was too shallow again. Had a big night with the girls in Sanur before they went and then watched Origin the next night l. Had a few small waves at Ulus before heading back to meet Michelle. Mostly just chilled out the Last week at Sanur, mostly because of my stupid head injury. We’d had a great night out dancing and then a nudie swim in the pool and after I got out with wet feet, Shell was having a shower and she heard a crash. She came out and I had blood pouring out my head so off we went to hospital in a taxi. The hospital was great now, not like the cat in the operating room in Balikpapan! Travel insurance paid for some of it but I was spewing that I couldn’t surf anymore. Went to Serangan the day after we got back from Lembongan but the rumours were true. Yes, it is closed for an eco-development by some Singapore based greedy bastards so no-one can surf it! Met up with Lizzy and Constant which was nice and went out to Pabean for a Recon mission, it’s still accessible but it really didn’t seem to be working again so I hope it’s back to its old self next time! Sanur had really turned on too, I’d never seen it that big and long, really fast though. Once again I was wishing I could get out there. Went to the Dentist and got our teeth whitened among other things. Went for another trip back to the hospital and just enjoyed lazing around our nice hotel and doing some shopping and another late night nudie swim. We’re planning not to leave it so long next time!

Our first cruise and half way round Oz trip!

Was surfing a fair bit on weekends and through the week. Bought new furniture to go in our almost finished unit which was looking great. Went to Queens of the Stone Age which was awesome, had a great night. Went to Crescent with Mum and Dad and Clint, Ayu and John. Got some fun ones on Saturday morning before the comp but then the wind came up. Was a bit smaller on Sunday but great shape and Dad and I got heaps of waves. Booked Bali for my 40th next year! Jammed with Black metal band with Bev and Scott, pretty stoked. Ray and Jackie came to visit which we always love. Went to Amber and Chris’ place on our way up the coast in our hols. It looks great and we had a fun night with them and some friends. Watched the footy at Bill’s and had a few. Had some small but fun waves at the Wedge on then the big family thing at the Seaview with Nan, Pa, Lisa, Shane, Lyn, Mum, Dad, Clint, Ayu, John, Anna and Woody. Had a sick surf at Dbah before seeing Davo which was good. Then had some fun waves at Burleigh before seeing Roxanne and Aurora then having a nice quiet night at Caloundra in a hotel. Had some fun little ones at Caloundra river mouth then went out to Belli Creek Park and had a few beers and a fire. Surfed fun ones at Alex Head the next day and then went to Dalby to see Clare and Everley for a couple of nights and then head back to Brisbane yesterday to get on the boat! Had a great first week visiting and surfing.  We loved it on the boat! Got on about 12 the first day and dumped our gear then had some cocktails. Went to a name that tune night and joined a fun team and did pretty well! Had a nice breaky this morning and heaps of good food already. Had a couple of veges through the day, a swim and some drinks then went and saw a jazz band, another name the tune and then went to a comedy show which was a classic. So far we are loving it, heaps of fun and plenty of time to relax too. Now enjoying relaxing, some snorkelling hopefully at Noumea and then waves at Vanuatu! Had an awesome time on the boat, met heaps of great people and had some fun parties and dress ups like Back to School, Blanco and the Gatsby party, played a few more games and another funny comedy. Drank and ate a lot of course and enjoyed chilling out and not moving around heaps. Noumea wasn’t great so we just walked around for a while then got back on the boat but Isle of Pines was beautiful and we snorkelled with cuttlefish which we’d wanted to do for a long time. I had a little surf in Vanuatu at Pango Point and another great snorkel after we went into town for a little while. We’ll probably do another one at some stage as we really enjoyed it, Time to give our bodies a detox! Went to Watagans National Park with Shell on Sunday and it was beautiful. Big mossy rock walls and boulders and a little waterfall. Went for a camp at Watagans and walked to a nice waterfall on Sunday. Got a job at Tarro school for the next year! Going for an early first. Had a lovely weekend for Shell’s birthday. Drove along the northern banks of the Hawkesbury Saturday and then wet over Wiseman’s Ferry and through the Hills back to Brooklyn where we stayed in a cute little Motel with a spa. Had dinner and drinks at the pub and then walked around sightseeing the next day. Had a couple of good surfs at Bar beach through the week too, one I forgot my boardies and had to borrow some off Simon thankfully. Having a bash on Friday night for Shell with Macca and Bev. Booked China for April next year! Had a few parties, Shell’s birthday and Christmas party. Had a jam with Bev and Daryl which was sick.

Our first big stop was Esperance! Got there about 1 after driving across the last bit of the Nullarbor from a free camp amongst some trees just past Cocklebiddy. Had a couple of beers down at the foreshore after driving along the beautiful coast road west of town. Staying at the overflow caravan park and had a few beers at the Pub tonight. Our first night was at Baden Park rest area just before Wilcannia after a day of watching Goats, Roos, Emus, Sheep and birds that were dead, alive or somewhere in between. Our next stop was at the Gums rest area in Kimba, half way across Australia in South Oz, not so much wildlife but a lot of changes in landscape but most of it was really dry. It was pretty exciting seeing the ocean again in Port Augusta and realising that we were getting somewhere! The third day we stopped for coffee at Ceduna and had a huge day of driving looking at a pretty constant but stunning big sky and flat country across the Nullarbor. Had a good last week at work, had a few waves on Thursday morning at Newy beach and then met my new work mates on the last day and said hooroo to my old ones at the pub. Had fun little wedges at Esperance then headed along the coast and ended up at Nanarup in a great free camp on the side of the river. Got bogged the next day though first thing in the morning and Shell got us out! Didn’t find any waves on the way but it’s a beautiful part of the world. Had a quiet night next at another great free camp at Pemberton pools after climbing the Gloucester tree again, which was a bit freaky but worth it. Spent a night at Fremantle in a cute little old B&B and went to the markets and had a great time just walking around and checking it all out. We then went to Margs and I got a few waves at Gas bay. Then we met up with the Junipers and had a ball on the wine tour for dudes and the next day I got some solid 8ft rights at Margs on my little 5’11. After that we had one of our best free camps ever at Smiths beach right on the point and the next day I got some fun waves at Yallingup beach. We had a ball with the Junipers for New year’s eve. We are having such a great time and were looking forward to heading north to start the new year, if it’s anything like this one it’s going to be great again! On New Year’s Day we went to Yanchep and had a chilled night, watched a movie and the next day I got some messy little waves at the spot. Had a great time at Kalbarri. Two fun little surfs at Jakes and then a much appreciated swim at the gorge. We had two nights in an apartment at Geraldton, had the car in for another scan so thought we might be a while. No waves there but we enjoyed lazing about for a couple of days. The night before that we spent at Ellendale pool, no swimming because of poisonous water but it was a hidden treasure amongst the hot and dry farmland. We then free camped on a beach in Shark Bay! We have it to ourselves and it’s beautiful. Falling to sleep to a thunderstorm after feeding some fish and a few beers. Saw Sharks, Rays and Turtles just around the corner and the red dirt and turquoise water views are amazing. After Shark Bay we went to Coral bay and did some snorkelling. The coral has lost most of its colour but there were still plenty of fish. We then went to Exmouth and had one night out on the west side which was beautiful but really hot and windy with heaps of flies! We had a fish in the arv after lazing by the pool. I got up early and had a fish the next day but unfortunately didn’t catch any turtles. I caught a couple of Cod that were too small to keep. We had a look at the lighthouse and the surf, too small again and then I had a snorkel at the wreck and it was great, colourful coral and heaps of fish. The next night we stayed in a hotel in Exmouth to escape the heat for the day and had a quiet night. We got up early the next day and went back to Kalbarri, no waves that arv so we went to the pub for a great feed and a few beers. The next day we got up early but there were no waves so we checked out the rock pools then went out for breaky. I had a snorkel in the arv and then we had a fish while Shell got me oysters off the rocks to eat with our beers. The next day the surf was pumping at Jakes and had a great session before heading off towards Geraldton. Finally got the oil change done in Bunnings car park after the sump plug debacle, never use a shifter or trust a shopkeeper. Told him I was trying to get a stripped bolt out and may be back and then he says: ‘Nah, it’s been used’. Once! Ah well, he missed out on me buying the more expensive spanner and I’m hoping to return it to a different shop. No waves at Geraldton so we headed to Green Head and had a few quiet beers and watched a movie. We then camped at Jurien Bay! Got here around lunch after camping at Green head last night. No waves here but Point Louise at Green Head had solid, windy ones a long way out but no one around to surf with except maybe sharks so I gave it a miss. Lazed around reading this arvo, had a fish from the boat and a few beers. We were past the halfway mark then, Exmouth was as far as we’re going and now we’re heading back slowly but still had great things ahead like Rottnest Friday, Perth Thursday night and then Cactus and Granites on the way back along the Nullarbor. Headed to Matt and Kylie’s! Yanchep had no waves but I got a couple at Trigg in the windy rip, the next morning though was a bit cleaner but ridiculously crowded so I had a swim instead. Left the Juniper’s place early Saturday after an awesome day at Rottnest. Got fun waves at Stricko then had a picturesque ride around the island, great snorkel and of course plenty of Quokkas to play with. We spent a night in a luxury hotel in Perth and went to a hilarious comedy show where we sat right at the front and I got smashed! We spent the afternoon sightseeing which was great. The next day I was chasing up the van stuff, still haven’t solved the engine light issue but it’s going fine. We spent another night with the Junipers and had a few drinks but Shell and I crashed pretty early, we just get in that pattern of having a few and going down with the sun which is great when camping. We then went to Granites, free camping with a beer looking out over the surf after just having some sick waves! Got here this arv after a beautiful night on the Bight watching a family of seals and the most amazing sunset. The night before we camped just outside Norseman on the side of the road and got nailed by bees! Had to drive back to Norseman in the morning thought because luckily we realised we didn’t pay for the fuel the day before! We’ll probably head to Port Augusta next, sad to be going home but still loving it! We stayed in a hotel at Port Augusta as it was so hot. There was no one out at Granites and it wasn’t that great so we headed off early to try and beat the heat. We went to a couple of pubs at Port Augusta and then had a few beers by the pool. Then next day we got to Broken hill and stayed in another hotel to cool off we had a feed at a pub and watched some funny karaoke. We then stayed at Dubbo in another hotel and had some beers by the pool again. Our last night was at Jerry’s plains free camper on the Hunter river, fed some fish again and had a few beers. It was such a great trip, was so glad to revisit some places from last time and some new ones and to share it with Shell. We spent our first day looking at houses to buy and the next started the laundry reno after a fun surf at Bar beach. Pretty excited about maybe buying a house!