Moving to Forster and travelling OS again!

Moving to Forster and travelling OS again!

I found out I got a permanent position in Forster so we went and bought a townhouse. I did really well at uni so I was pretty chuffed. We sold the place we were living in for 600 grand after buying it for 260 three years ago and putting about 40 grand and a lot of work in so we were stoked. Started moving stuff up there on weekends and I was working there Mondays and Fridays and surfing there heaps. Was really busy and we were looking forward to Holidays again, going to Melbourne for Shell’s belated 40th! Did a lot of camping after not being able to for so long, and we were loving life in Forster. We spent a lot of time swimming in the river and having a beer or two some of the time, going out to some of the many restaurants available too. I was surfing heaps, before and after work so I was stoked and feeling really good. It didn’t take us long to start travelling again now that we could though, first stop was Darwin. When we got there, we checked out the city a but and had a ride along the coast on an electric scooter, too bloody hot to walk! We went up there in April, not thinking it would be too hot and the guy we rented the van from said we’d may as well drive to Uluru because a lot of Kakadu and Litchfield were still closed from the wet. We laughed and headed off to Kakadu. Our first night in the van was at Merl campground near Ubirr rocks in Kakadu. Went for a walk around rock art and an amazing view out to Arnhem Land. We then saw a croc at Cahill crossing and had a long night with the mozzies, luckily we had the screen and bats to eat them! The next day a lot of things were closed from the wet but we saw more rock art and some gorgeous scenery. We decided to head for Uluru after all! We went for a swim at Edith falls and camped at Mataranka that night. We checked out Bitter springs in the morning and then drove to a great camp and pub in Alice Springs. We then went to Kings Canyon for a quick walk as it was bloody hot and then chilled in the pool with a few beers before a beautiful sunset while laying in the van. The next day we went up to the rim walk then out to Uluṟu. We had a feed at the restaurant then went to the Olgas and the rock. Both of them were all they were cracked up to be, it was pretty bloody impressive. We got up and watched the sunrise over Uluṟu then drove to the Devils marbles. After a beautiful sunset and sunrise free camping at Devils marbles, with a stop at Daly Waters pub for lunch and Rainbow springs at Mataranka for a swim, we went to Katherine Gorge, we walked up for the stunning view of the Gorge in the morning. Then we had a great couple of days in Litchfield. Checked out and swam in waterfalls then had a few beers in Buley hole before camping near there. We then had another swim at Buley in the morning and went to Berrry springs for a look as it was closed due to the crocs. That arv we went to Greenys and had a ball. The next day we took the van back and swam and drank at the Cav hotel as our room wasn’t ready. The last day we chilled in the room a bit then went out for a couple of drinks and a feed. Did plenty of surfing through the term, and some camping and then before we knew it we were off to Bali for the mid year holiday. Had fun surfs at airports then went out to Sanur and went to the dentist. Got a bike and board the first day then went out Kuta beach. Had a night at Tanjung Benoa and had a grovel at what I think is Sri Lanka. Too windy at Sanur so went surfing at Middles and airport lefts again. Had plenty of beers there and a nice walk along the beach. Went back to Kuta for a night to see KJ and had a big night with her. Then she came down to Ulu’s and we went out for a few and a feed. Had another two surfs the second day at Ulus then went out when it was pretty big and got washed down past the cave and had to drift down to Thomas beach. Went back to Sanur and watched Origin after round two at the dentist. Surfed Airports again then went out with Kara in Sanur. Went and saw her at Canggu the next day and had a fun surf near there. Went out for our last night in Kuta, which was another big one and then had my last surf at Kuta reef before heading home. Had such a great time, stoked to be travelling OS again! Came back and once again surfed heaps, camped plenty and flew up for a weekend in QLD for Aurora’s birthday. We also built a pergola out the back which looked schmicko, but was a bloody hassle because we didn’t ask body corporate and one pain in the butt was digging her heals in. Reminded us why we didn’t like living in units anymore!

Had our first holiday in New Zealand and it was mind blowing! We enjoyed Christchurch, with an old tram city tour to get us around and a hop off at the market with craft beer, local wine and local artisan food. Needless to say, we hopped back on for the rest of the trip and then headed back to the market to sample the goods, a couple of hours later we found an Irish pub for some Guinness and Kilkenny pint size nightcaps. The first night in the van we free camped on the beach at Kaikoura. We went and watched some seals on the rocks and are sitting in the van now, drinking some beer and wine while the lambs on the hill behind us baa to their mums. Sat in the sun for a while before that, soaking up the last bit of warmth after a walk along the beach. We had a stunning drive up the coast, through incredibly green farmland surrounded by snowy mountains and featuring cosy little historic towns. We then got back to the coast to drive along watching seals jump through the waves and again look up to see snowy mountains looking over the whole show. We were floored already by what we’d seen in just a day. Didn’t score any waves in Kaikoura but the drive across to the west coast was incredible. More fantastically green farmland, crystal clear waterways, snowy mountains, cute little historic towns and speaking of cute, spring lambs living their best life. Frolicking, wagging their little tails while drinking milk from mum and blissed out smiles, closed eyes at the sun while sitting down eating that greener than green grass. We had a swim in one of those streams by the side of the road and of course, it was freezing so we warmed up back in the van. We then got to Westport and headed down one of the top ten drives of the world down the west coast road toward Greymouth. It didn’t disappoint, though either of the last two days hadn’t either. We stopped many, many times for photos and got out for a walk at the pancake rocks. It really is the Wild West over here, the Tasman smashes up against mountainous cliffs and along rugged beaches, mostly deserted apart from a few picture postcard old fishing shacks cowering in the dunes from the roaring forties that howl across the face of the huge waves. Found a spot along the road that if someone else was as stupid as me to go out, I would have but even the shark magnet might not have kept me safe this time. We got to Greymouth and had another free camp on the beach. It was pretty cool to watch the sun go down out the back of our van over some almost waves while having a feed and some drinks. That was all just on the second day! Found some almost waves again in the morning but was another case of not wanting to risk it alone for the lack of inspiration. What was inspiring us was the day ahead! We headed down another gorgeous coast road toward the glaciers, different scenery again from shrubby, arid coastal bush land to rainforested mountains with glacial rivers running alongside the road. We got out for a walk at Franz Josef glacier and while there was no ice, it was spectacular. The sheer volume of the place and everywhere in this country makes you realise how small and insignificant you are. While getting philosophical, being here in spring really warms the heart too. Each day brings a fresh fix of lamb love and there are calves, bambi and a plethora of bird life to go with it. We camped that night in Haast pass, paid 20 bucks this time but that was fine. It was getting a bit dark and it was a picturesque spot in the rainforest with one of those glass like streams running by. The next day we had another world class drive to Queenstown. Snowy mountains and lakes were the canvas this time. If a map tells you 1 hour, make it at least 2. That’s because of all the stopping for walks and photos though so it’s a great thing. We stopped at Wanaka for coffee and a pie, which is quite a treat here. It is a gorgeous little town on a lake surrounded by those snowy mountains we’d driven around. We stayed in a backpackers in Queenstown for some warm water and flash grub. We ended up in an ice bar which was really cool, pun intended. We had breaky there in the morning for one last look at the remarkables and the vivid blue lake that the ski resort town is perched on. Another terrific drive took us to Milford sound. We stopped many times again for photos, in particular the mirror lake which was exceptional on this sunny and cloudy day, as was the stop in Gertrude valley with the cheeky Kea trying to fly into our van then posing for photos on the don’t feed the Kea sign with the snowy mountain backdrop. We had to go through those mountains in a tunnel which was cool but a bit freaky at the same time. Once there we had some arvo beers overlooking another beautiful mountain river. The next day was our Fiordland cruise, it was jaw-dropping. Rainbows in waterfalls, dolphins, penguins, seals and that mass of Tasman again. On the walk back we took the little waterfront walk and were rewarded with the songs and up close encounters of Tui and other native birds. That afternoon we went for a walk through the forest and along that creek and then I had a swim in it which was to say the least, invigorating. We left the next day with another incredible drive along the coast and stayed at Colac bay. We had a stunning view while we ate lunch on a cliff overlooking the wild Tasman at Orepuki and a detour to look out on the even wilder Southern ocean and battered old fishing shacks huddled up into the rocks in cosy nook. I had a surf at Colac bay which was OK and bloody cold! We had a few beers and a delicious feed at the pub which the campground we stayed in was attached to last night. This morning the surf was blown out so we had another terrific drive through picturesque farmland and coasts, with some cute little fishing towns such as Riverton and from Taieri mouth to here. We found an Irish pub here and are staying in a backpacker again for a bit of luxury after a life changing first week in this novel worthy country! We then got to Dunedin! We were amazed after one day in that country, it had been about a week and each day had gotten more and more beautiful. Had a surf at St Clair in Dunedin which was OK and then headed up the coast again through more beautiful farmland and our daily land fix and stopped for a look around Oamaru. There is a cool steak punk vibe in that town, historic shopfronts and warehouses along the waterfront are filled with art, sculptures and people dressed in their weird and wacky outfits. We continued on to Timaru and had a free camp at Patiti point, there were no waves but it was a nice place to have a quiet one in the van. Got up the next day and saw that there were still no waves so we headed up the coast and back towards the snowy mountains of the Banks peninsula. That place is spectacular. From shrubby coastal farmland to mountains with lambs playing in the ice and snow that spills onto the windy little roads we sheepishly drove along. We then got to Arakoa and the sun came out and really lit up the beauty on the volcanic crater with its brilliant blue water to vivid green pastures to snowy mountains looking over the whole show. We parked the van at our campsite that overlooked this mesmerising view and then headed into town to check out the feedback inspired architecture and a couple of their local beverages. It quickly turned black and we headed back up the hill before the rain really opened up. The next day we woke to the snow falling on the van and giving us yet another perspective on this incredible place , the crater was now shrouded in cloud, mist and fog and the green grass was covered with a blanket of white. We hung around for the morning as the people at the park told us we were snowed in but after talking to locals at lunch who insisted it was fine we decided to head out towards Christchurch. It was a bit scary with more snow and ice on the road but I took it easy and we got to Lyttelton and got a room in town. We went to a cool old pub and a brewery and then had a pretty quiet one. We had another stunning drive the next day and along the way we got lucky enough to see a seal right on the side of the road on the rocks on the beach. We checked it out for a while then checked the surf but it was too small. There was a cool rock called cave rock on the beach that I walked around for a bit. We packed the van up then took it back and went to our airport hotel. We had some drinks that afternoon, talking about the amazing things we’d seen and done on this holiday. We plan to come back and do the north island as we’d had so much fun on the south. Went back to surfing heaps again and doing the kitchen in our unit because a beautful house turned up, thankfully we got the pergola approved just in time! Great spot with views of the ocean and the lake for 180 degrees, double garage, unit downstairs we can rent out, 3 bathrooms and a fireplace! We got the house and sold the unit. With the money we made from the Woodberry house, that huge price was cut in half and renting the unit out paid for most of the mortgage. We then went to the South Pacific over Christmas and the new year!

A new house and more travelling

We started in Korolevu, Fiji, had sick waves the first full day but then it’s been flat the last coupla days. Went on the bus into town the second day then just hung at the hotel yesterday for Christmas and had a nice walk along the beach. We then headed to our new luxury hotel at Korotogo. Snorkelled and saw plenty of colourful fish and coral. The place we stayed there was great and had a yum Indian restaurant downstairs so we went through most of their menu. We then went to Olosara. Had sick waves at Sigatoka, airs and barrels all to myself. Had fun waves at Hideaway too for a couple of days. Had a fun new years there and woke up to see some of the fireworks then went back to sleep. Headed back to Nadi then off to Samoa! In Samoa we stayed in a Fale on the beach in Tafatafa. Surfied fun rights with two other blokes right out the front of the Fale. Went to a beautiful double waterfall that we could get behind the fall and jump off the rocks. We then went to the So Tua ocean trench which was stunning too. The coastline here is spectacular. We've had some great snorkels here and a nice one at Apia to before coming to the South side of the island. We’re loving it here but the surf has dropped off so we’re heading to Falepuna tomorrow. There could be waves there but it’s also time for some luxury after roughing it in the cape for a few days. Had a great time in Falepuna, had a swim in the cave pool which was beautiful and went for a bus ride along the stunning  coast looking for an island to snorkel at but decided to just snorkel in front of the hotel which was amazing. Cuttlefish, turtles, a tiny, cute little eel, bright and colourful range of hard coral and lots of fish I’d never seen before. I came back and took Shell out on a kayak but it had a hole in it and after we’d paddled out about half a k, it sank. We couldn’t paddle it back so we had to swim and I towed the kayak which felt like it weighed a ton. We told some locals who’d watched us go about the hole and they laughed and said ‘they all have holes!’ After that we had a couple of nights in Apia, ate some great food and drank some good wine (which is hard to come by here) and Shell did some shopping. We then went into the mountains at a hotel with a magnificent view over Apia and the gorgeous coastline. We swam in the waterfall on the property and went to the sliding rocks which were closed unfortunately. Had a nice feed and a few beers tonight back in Nadi before heading to Tonga! Had a great time there. Hired a car for a couple of days, went looking for waves the first day but no go. Went and checked out the blowholes though which was cool. The next day we went looking for the fishing pigs but didn’t catch them in the water. Went to the Tongan Stonehenge and an awesome cave and I had a snorkel at the beach in front of the cave too. Unfortunately there are no island trips going after the Tsunami, a lot of the island has been smashed by it and it seems like it will take a long time to rebuild. We had a great, relaxing holiday but it was back to reality. We moved straight into our new house when we got back and started buying and filling it with eccentric furniture that Shell had dug up. I fit in a heap of surfing and we did some camping along the way. The first holiday of the year was down south. We left on Thursday and stayed at Karuah, had a beer under the moonlight shining on the river, then a few more at the bowlo and a feed, was just great to get on the road after work. Free camped in Berry the next night after a fun surf at Werri then some beers, music and food at the pubs and some wine back in the van. Went to Milton the next day and had a fun surf at Mollymook then went to the Wombat Brewery with Rhonda and Demelza. Stayed at Ray and Jacqui’s and had a nice dinner and more drinks. Spent Easter there too and did more of the same after going into Milton for some supplies. Ray was sick but doing really well so that was great to see. We then went to Congo campground, had a few beers on the beach in the arv then a feed of huge Berry steaks and some wine. Had a fun surf at Kioloa today after leaving Milton. Surfed in the morning but it was pretty fat and a lot of water moving around a long way out in the ocean by myself. Went to Bermagui after that with a stop at Tilba for a beer and a look around. Had a great spot with ocean views and a feed at the pub. We then went to Pambula after a fun surf at Merimbula bar. Went to the brewery for a few and then back to the park for some more amd wine. We then decided to go to Jindabyne! It is stunning. We just walked around and went to the pub the first night. We then had a walk around the lake and drive out to Thredbo river which is jaw dropping. We then went to the brewery and a great Japanese restaurant for dinner. We wanted to climb Kosciusko but high winds could shut the lifts and drop the temp up high to zero or less so we will be back with more time to check it all out more. We left and decided to stay in Cooma for the National Busking Championship. It was fun and then we had a fire at our camp. We started back for Ulladulla but had to backtrack and take the low road because the weather on the one we were on was getting pretty nuts and we were in the middle of nowhere if something went wrong. Had a nice drive though. We’re a bit sad for a number of reasons today but looking forward to getting back on the road tomorrrow and going to the awesome camp spot on the beach waiting for us in Coledale. We went back to Milton and stayed at Ray and Jacqui’s. Had sick waves at Bogeys then the point today and it was pretty solid. We went and saw Joy then to the winery after breaky with Col and Rhonda. Had a great time camping at Coledale, our camp was right on the beach and there were sick waves! Surfed in the arvo the day we got there and got barreled. Then surfed the next day and had sick ones too, pretty solid and sucky both times. Hung at the camp the first night then went for a drive into Wonoona and the brew shop the next day. Went to the bowlo then into Thirroul for an awesome feed the next night. Through the night though, our gazebo got bent out of shape and buggered by the wind which wasn’t even that strong and everything got soaked in the rain. We decided to bail on the camp that night and go to a hotel in the gong. We had a great time at 2 breweries and a yum feed at an Italian restaurant. We left the next day for the Entrance and used our new gazebo we bought in the gong at our new camp site right on the waterfront. We hung at the camp the first night and looked for waves the next day but struck out. We went out for Mexican that night and met up with Beth and Shannon. We had a fantastic time away and went back off to Sydney the next weekend for a comedy show! Had another Sydney weekend of comedy and the zoo this time. Did plenty of surfing and went up home to see the family. We then headed off to Vietnam!

Had a few in Hanoi for my birthday but we were still knackered from long night flights over there. Not too knackered to sample some of the amazing street food and 60c beer hoi! We then went to Sapa! Got there on a sleeper bus, great way to travel! It’s beautiful up there and a bit cooler in the mountains. Had a great time in Sapa, went for a ride through the picturesque terraced villages and past waterfalls and spectacular mountain vistas. Went from Sapa to Halong bay on another sleeper bus. Spent the afternoon in our hotel’s horizon pool overlooking the city coming to life with lights as the sun went down then went into the city for a feed and some drinks. Got on our cruise ship the next day, which was amazing. Our room was better than we could have hoped (apart from the spa jets not working, so we were upgraded to the presidential suite!). The food was fantastic, and there was always so much of it! Goes without saying that the views were phenomenal and we did some cool things like kayaking, swimming and caving. Got off the boat after two great nights and went back to Hanoi. Went to see ‘train street’ which was really fun. It’s barricaded off by police but locals ‘sneak’ you in through their house as long as you buy something such as a $2 beer to watch the train hurdle past you metres from where you are sitting. The next day we flew to Da nang and got straight on the bike and headed to the marble mountains. The views were beautiful and there were shrines and statues around and a cave to climb through. We had dinner and watched the dragon bridge breathe fire and water that night. We then rode up Hai van pass which had some more breathtaking views and breaky up top before heading to Hoi An. Got there by riding from Da nang. Had a $30 feed of lobster on the river and had a few drinks watching the lanterns on the islands and in the boats light up as the sun went down. It really is a beautiful spot. Had a chilled out first full day there. Went out for a yum breaky and then had a swim in our pool. Organised a dive for the next day and then went out for some more great food and drinks. The dive was amazing. We saw heaps of nudibranchs, lots of different colourful coral and plenty of fish. We then went out for another great night. The next day we went for a bit of a ride around sightseeing. We rode back to Da nang Friday and went for drinks on the beach and dinner on the street and saw a cool band and that was our last night of another great holiday in Vetnam! Had another great term of surfing and camping. Started staying Sunday nights and getting up early for a quick surf then going to work which made it almost like a long weekend! Before long we were getting on the plane to the North Island of New Zealand! Had a ball in Auckland. Went to a couple of cool pubs the first night then went for a stroll around for late breaky/early lunch the next day and found a gourmet buffet with plenty of beers, wine and cocktails and continued that at a few other places all afternoon and onto midnight! We free camped at Ocean beach near Whagarei on our first night in the van in NZ! Had a beautiful drive up the coast and got there in the arv for a few beers and wine with dinner. The drive from there to the Bay of Islands was magnificent. We stayed at Russel the second night and had a few beers in town then wine back in the van. Had another picturesque drive the next day after crossing over to Paihia and with a stop at Waipu cove where I had a few fun little waves and Shell had a sleep. Had a feed at Murphy’s law Irish pub just south of Auckland at Drury and crashed in the car. Drove to Raglan the next day and had a bloody terrible onshore surf there. Stayed that night in Raglan and had a few drinks in town then wines back at the van, a good pattern happening here. The surf was just as bad the next day so we decided to head across to the south east coast where it wasn’t forecast to be onshore the rest of the time. Stumbled across the free camp in Rotorua and went for a walk to Kuirau park to check out the geothermal pools, rocks and mud pools. The foot baths were out of action but that’s cool, it was bizarre to see the otherworldly landscape. We were on our way back to the van and a few pubs jumped out at us so we obliged and had some yum food too. The next day we went swimming at Kerosene creek geothermal hot stream which was beautiful with its little waterfall and the warm water really seemed to cleanse us. We then went to a geothermal park outside Taupo which was cool with the steam vents and mud pools. We also checked out the spectacular icy blue and white Huku falls. We then did another mountainous drive to Napier and checked out their cool art deco architecture before heading out to our cabin at Waipatikiri beach where we had a coupla nights of luxury in a cabin and a day out of the van. Had a few fun waves in the morning yesterday then went for a walk around the spectacular, secluded valley which opened up to the stunning, isolated beach. Was great to just laze around in the sun and look at the beauty out the window of the cabin that looked straight down at the beach. On the drive back up the Island we dipped our feet in another geothermal hot stream and checked out a mud pool. We then went back to the free camp in Rotorua and to some more of those great pubs we keep falling into and found some more yum food. Once again, we were floored by the beauty of this place and loving it! After Rotorua we went to the Bay of plenty and looked for waves, should have went out at the first place with people out but it was a bit small. Had a spectacular drive up and down the coast though. Free camped at Ōhope beach, which was beautiful. Even got Indian delivered to the van! Climbed up Mt Maunganui the next day and the view from the top was incredible. Free camped in Tauranga that night and went out for dinner and drinks. The next day we walked around Karangahake gorge and checked out all the old mine ruins. The drive from there through the lower Coromandel was stunning. We camped that night at Hot water beach and dug a natural spa at the beach then in it with beers while the sun went down. The next morning I had a fun little surf there and then we headed to Coromandel town for our last night in the van, free camped on a little stream right in town. Did a pub crawl and had a nice dinner. Had a swim in the stream Saturday morning and then our last picturesque drive down the western side of the Coromandel. To say which Island was better would be hard, as would picking a favourite from either, needless to say we had another fantastic holiday in New Zealand! Had more great waves and camping through the term. Had a romantic camping getaway for Shell’s birthday and a family (just before) Christmas and mum and dad’s 45th anniversary get together back home.

20 years and what a way to celebrate!

Then we started our incredible 20th Anniversary in Vegas and month in Mexico 20th honeymoon! Landed in LA on Saturday and drove to Palm Springs that night through the desert in our luxury black Infinity that goes like clappers! Had a yum Tuscan dinner and a few drinks then crashed out tired as. The drive through the desert was spectacular and we checked out Route 66 and had lunch at a cool 50’s diner. Checked into our first hotel, The Strat and saw a funny show after a couple of bars and a win on blackjack. Went out the next day about lunchtime after a loss on blackjack that time. We then had a suite at the Linq hotel and it was pimping. We got married by Elvis! I dressed up as him too and Shell was Marilyn Monroe. We had a ball and are looking forward to another fun 20 year together and then some! Had some huge nights in Vegas, had Tapas and cocktails one night then went on to bars until the early hours. We then flew to San Diego and had a great time there too. Went out in the Gaslamp quarter and had some drinks then found free comedy so had more drinks and laughs. Got my board the next day on a stop from the trolley on the way to the border. We then crossed over and had a blast in Tijuana! Went out the first night to breweries and pubs then a nice feed of tacos and huge margaritas. Got the car the next day and went looking for waves at Baja Malibu but struck out. Had a huge night of dancing, drinking, Shell got a tat and other shenanigans until the early hours. We went to Rosario the next day and hoped to get waves! We then went to Valle de Guadelupe for Christmas! Went to a beautiful winery and had a yum steak after a stunning drive through the desert and mountains from Tijuana. Went to more wineries the next and enjoyed their wines with gourmet food afterwards around the fire at our cute little hotel. After Valle de Guadalupe we had a spectacular drive over the mountains to K38, about 10k’s out of Rosario. I had a couple of surfs, the morning one was the best. It was pretty solid, long and fun waves when I could get on them. A lot of paddling and getting wide, fat ones on the head every now and then though. We had a quiet one there after a big last night in the Valle with some yanks, wine and Mezcalito. We went into Rosarito for a look but it was pretty hectic and just a long, straight beach so we were happy for low key. We then headed to Ensenada, took the car back and had another huge night. We got on the night bus to Santa Rosalia at about 9, supposed to be 8 (Mexican time). Shell slept OK and I did too, a combination of being a bit fluey, hung over and I necked a coupla sleeping pills. We got to Santa Rosalia about 10 I think’ it was all a bit blurry and the time changed along the way. Had a proper sleep for a while then went out but all the street food stalls were closed, spewing! We had a couple of beers and a good feed and some more good sleep. It was a cute little old mining town on the Sea of Cortez, nice for an overnight stop. We got up early the next day for the bus ride to La Paz! Had a great night last night, plenty of beer and margaritas and we saw in the new year on the beach with some drunken American sailors! We got there after another long bus ride along the beautiful coast lined with cacti and vultures. It’d been a great year again! Travel OS was well and truly back in full swing and we were loving it. I got the job in senior land so I’d be much happier at work! We’ve had tenants in our new place downstairs so it’s looking after itself and we love living there. It's been really nice to enjoy where we live and not do too much work around our house. We were looking forward to another great year, the Africa trip for starters was going to be amazing. But we hadn’t finished this one yet and of course, Mexico delivers every time! We did a whale shark snorkel which was incredible! We got so close and they aren’t phased by us at all, they are just so chilled out and graceful. We stayed another night in La Paz after the snorkel and had a few drinks that night. The next day, we hired a car and drove down the coast! We only got as far as Todos Santos (about an hour) because it was a cool town and we had plenty of time. We had a walk around, found somewhere to stay and then had a beer on the deck of a great restaurant at sunset watching whales mucking about in the distance. We then went and had some more drinks down the street until the early hours. We headed further south the next day towards San Lucas, looking for waves on the way. Struck out that day, so we kept going to San Lucas, had a look around and found a great hotel. We went into town, got some diet pills, downed one and then went to a brewery and a few other bars, again into the early hours. The next day we headed back up the coast and stumbled across Gas point and I had sick waves. We had a quieter night that night and the next day we went back to Gas point and it was even better. We had another big night, this time mostly in our room with some beer, wine and tequila. We then tried in town at Monuments and I got fun waves, also kicked an urchin after diving under right at the start of the surf. Still trying to get them all out! That night we had a quiet one again and then got up this morning and checked out to head to San Jose. It was great to have the freedom a car brings again, had some sick waves and some spectacular drives down the coast. Had a fun surf on the way to San Jose at Monuments. Had a walk around and got some supplies (grog) and then checked into our hotel. Had a beer at a tap room but it was windy and cold so we came back here and had a few more beers and some wine with yum cheese, meat and olives. Got no waves in San Jose so we just had a look around at some beaches and the Estuary. It was still a bit of a big hotel town so after a big night out and then a few more at the room into the early hours we headed back up the coast toward Todos Santos. Had a fun surf at Gas point again, solo for a while. Shell and I then went for a walk around the point looking to get closer to the whales that were going off out the back. We didn’t get lucky with them but we did get closer to the rock island just off shore with sea lions lazing about and swimming around. We had a look around at Cerritos but ended up back at Todos Santos that night. Had a few drinks then a pretty quiet night. Went back to Cerritos looking for waves the next day but it was small and packed. Had another look at Pedrito but it was no good either so we just lazed around Todos Santos before having beers at the brewery, great food and wine at the wine bar and then all sorts into the early hours with music at the bar we spent lots of time at in our first visit to Todos Santos. We drove back to La Paz the next day and had a quiet one there. Cooked some yum steaks and veges with some beers and wine. We then drove up to San Carlos and saw Gray whales up close, heaps of bird life and some dolphins. After the whale trip we had another quiet night of a few beers, I had another great lobster feed and Shell had steak. We had a pretty big one for our last night in La Paz with some tequila shots and margies but made sure to crash pretty early to get up and drive to the airport to get up and drop the car off before getting on a plane to Cozumel for diving and snorkeling! We had a great time in Cozumel. Watched a great band and had plenty of drinks and seafood the first night. It rained all the next day so we just had a lazy day and sorted out a dive before some more drinks that night. The dives were spectacular! The first one was an easy drift dive with plenty of such and hard coral. The second was a fantastic wreck dive, we went right inside and through the ship and there were plenty of fish inside and out. We had another fun night out and the next day got a scooter and rode around the island. We had a fun snorkel at a cafe, bought a coffee to access their beach and drifted down watching the fish and coral to the next beach club, got out and used their shower and then walked back along the road to the cafe. We then rode to the top of the island for lunch at a little cabana right on the beach. We kept going along the other side slowly, watching and stopping to take in the azure blues of that untouched coastline. We had a beer at a cool bar on a cliff overlooking the ocean and then headed back through the island for another snorkel at the other end of town. We jumped in at a free beach and drifted down again, over heaps of sting rays and a rock and coral wall teeming with fish to an old abandoned mansion on the beach where we got out to walk back along the road to the bike. It was a great way to spend the sunniest day we had on the island! The next day we took a pretty wild ferry ride (which was made all better with beer) to Playa del Carmen. We found more beers and a hotel, and then went out for more beers before we could check in. That night we went out to a few places and ended up at an amazing local place until the early hours with great music from about 30 people playing various horns, drums and strings. We had a lazy next day and then went and did it all again until the early hours at breweries, bars and a place with a crazy Mexican metal head singing and playing drums. We then went to Cancun, our last night in Mexico before flying home. We had a nice arvo feed then a quiet, late night dinner of yum sushi. We were sad to be leaving, it’s been a fun filled month here in Mexico and before that in Vegas. I’m sure we’ll be back though!

When we got back home we stayed at a pub in Woy Woy when we got off the plane and had a few with a nice dinner. Came back and had a great Oz day at One Mile with a barbie and mates. Had some fun little waves at North one and Tunners and did some gardening and stuff over the weekend and then mum and dad came for a visit and we walked down to Bella for dinner. Went to Newy and stayed at the Sydney junction, had plenty of good beer and great Italian.

Had a fun surf at Terence then camped at Old bar but didn’t surf because there was a shark around and no one out. Went camping at Bretti reserve Friday night and swam in the creek which was great after a hot day and then it cooled down enough for a fire. Camped at Manning river in Barrington tops which was beautiful. Swam in the river and had another fire because it got pretty cold! Camped at Karuah Friday night then got some tiles for the kitchen Saturday morning from Maitland. Went to Manly and did a pub/brewery/wine bar crawl. Picked up an oven at Manly, Reindeer fur at Newport, another Slipstream board at Oyster bay and then windows in Newcastle. We then went to the Northern star for St Patties day and then out for yum Italian. Stayed at the Sydney Junction Sunday night and got up at 5:00 to drive to work this morning! Had a great weekend at Mudgee! Stayed at Karuah Thursday night but the van shat itself Friday morning so we had to come home with it in a tow truck then get in the little car and take the tent. Went to a brewery, Irish pub and wine bar that night. Went to beautiful wineries, another brewery, back to the Irish pub then another pub the next day-night. Stayed at an Irish pub in Maitland Sunday night and had a few then got home today and had a few after unpacking. Had a fantastic time up there, it is stunning. Went to Newy to get a library for the spare room then had a few here. Still waiting for the van, that will decide what we’re doing in the holidays at the end of this week! We’ve started the kitchen Reno, Shell found a cheap second hand tent that’s much better so we’re having a night in it on Wednesday at Bulls. Went to see mum and dad and nan and pa, then Armidale and Dungog. Renovated our kitchen and it’s great. Had a great time camping at Racecourse! Went up Friday and little waves Saturday and a fire to keep us warm. Shell hurt her back again Saturday so we headed straight home on Sunday and had a movie arvo in front of the fire which was nice. Had a great long weekend in Yamba! Drove up Friday night and went straight out to the brewery. Went out for yum breaky Saturday then to another brewery and then out to Mexican for dinner. Went to Maclean Sunday then to the Harwood pub then the pub in Yamba and then back to the brewery. No waves but had a fun time and had plenty of waves through the week at Elim. Stayed at Port Mac Sunday night, had a tiny surf in the arv but was too small. Have to fix the G&S, big hole in the deck. Had a fun week in Sydney and weekend in Newy! Had some tiny waves Saturday at Newy beach on the latest Slipstream for the shed. Had plenty of beers and wine and good food. We both got bloody Covid though, Shell still had to go to work but I was off the whole week, no surf on my birthday! Had a couple of drinks though. Went to the Philippines and started in Manila and just had a quiet one because Shell was crook again. Had a coupla wine cans and sleeping pills on the flight and slept a few hours. Went to Boracay and went on an ‘island hopping’ tour that was mostly just around the island then to another for a swim and beers. Had a snorkel in pretty deep water with some coral and plenty of fish. Got back to our rooms and a much appreciated shower and some air con while we booked our flights to El Nido! The first day we just had a swim, booked our island hopping tour for the next day and then had a few beers and margs at a Mexican joint then some yummy Japanese food. The island hopping was great! Plenty of great snorkelling, kayaking and a couple of beers on the way back. That arvo we had a few more beers, margs and tacos and a bit more of a quiet one. The next day we headed to Coron. Had a luxury hotel in the mountains with a beautiful view so we just hung there the first day and had a few beers, wines and what seemed like a good feed there. Through the night and most of the next day I had the stomach bug so we didn’t venture far, the chilled day Shell had been wanting but not this way. By the arvo I was OK so we booked a dive for the next day. We then went to look around and have a few beers at a fantastic brewery and wines and cheese at a yum French place. The dives were amazing! The first was in a fresh/saltwater lake. The Thermocline between was so vivid that we could see it like a sheet of glass and go below to 36 degrees, through the murky soup and above to 24 degrees. Seeing the sea snake and playing with the catfish was pretty cool too. The second dive was spectacular, some of the most vibrant, diverse and active corals we’ve seen. Also saw a turtle, nudibranchs, another sea snake and plenty of fish. That afternoon we got some scrumptious lechon and went back to the brewery for beers and French place for more wine and cheese. The next day we left but unfortunately Shell now had the bug and it wasn’t a great day for her. We got to Cebu, she slept and I went and got my teeth done and organised the bike for today. Up for a snorkel in the sardine bait balls tomorrow in Moalboal! Rode here from Cebu city today, was pretty hectic in the city but nice and cooler up through the mountains through the jungle crossing one coast to the other. Had a couple of beers and a quiet one the first night, Shell’s just gotten over the same stomach bug I had for a day or so. We went snorkeling with the sardine bait balls and it was amazing. They were huge and it was really cool swimming through them and they swirl and move all around you. We then went to Kalawan falls and had a swim, which was beautiful. Went and watched a band and had some more drinks. The next day Shell went to the dentist and then I had a couple of spectacular snorkels. Saw turtles, pipe fish and more bait balls. Went to a French place and had great cheese and wine. Went to watch origin that night then had a couple of beers and dinner. Rode back to Cebu city the next day. Went for a few drinks that night and then went to Manila the next day. Was a pretty bloody long day/night. Flight was delayed and we couldn’t get through to the lounge we’d planned to go to so I had a few beers. Camped at The Entrance Saturday night and had a nice feed and a few drinks. Camped at Swans crossing Saturday which was beautiful. Picked up our awesome record player radiogram for Port Mac then stayed at Laurieton pub on Saturday night. Had a great weekend camping, we were on our way to Hungry gate but it was raining so we went to Bello for some beers at the pub then Bruno’s and crashed in the car park in town. We went to Hungry gate Saturday and I had a swim and a read on the grass while Shell did uni work. Had a few drinks in the sand dunes overlooking the whales in the ocean. We then had a fire and cooked a nice dinner on it. I had fun little waves in the morning then we headed to North Haven and I had another fun little surf while Shell finished her assignment. Had drinks on the beach then the clubhouse watching more whales then drinks and dinner back at the caravan park. Had fun little waves in the morning there before driving to work. Went camping at Dee’s corner Friday night in front of the fire then went to Jay’s 50th at Norah head Saturday. Had a great weekend with mum and dad for his birthday and Father’s Day. Had dinner at Dragons den with them Friday night and put the ceiling in the carport with him on Saturday.