The first stop

Well, I have finally begun.

It all started on a bit of a awkward start. My first hosts could not take me on, as their daughter went into labour and they had to be with her so I studied the map and went to the first place on the train line with a YHA. After catching the train as it was literally leaving the platform (my apologies to Lucas and Juan for running madly away and saying a very hurried goodbye!) I headed off to Bundanoon.

There really is not a lot at Bundanoon, which became apparent after about an hour. The four guests at the hostel were all heavily engaged in books and I followed suit, reading a battered copy of 'Animal Farm' by George Orwell in my first afternoon over about fifteen cups of tea and the equivalent amount of cigarettes.

A morning walk down a trail past a waterfall and an old disused mine was a wonderful way to start a Monday morning, although the downpour that begun whilst I was walking in Converse up a 4WD track in a disposable poncho was not fun! (Mental note: buy more disposable ponchos) A family of kangaroos chewing away happily at the edge of the park made it all worth it though, even though the father kangaroo looked liked he was going to take me on in a round of fisticuffs - I survived (damply).

I have to admit, I felt very homesick yesterday. It just hit me suddenly that I was alone and that my comfortable life in Sydney was only a couple of hours away and I did seriously contemplate hopping on the next train home. Then, I realised that not taking this opportunity was just downright stupid and parked myself in the common room, forcing myself to make pleasant conversation. This proved fortuitous, as the lovely German couple I met, Stefan and Martina were heading off to see the Glow Worms. Glow Worms are a Bundanoon specialty, flourescent larvae that glow brightly at night. Once again, another 5km trek in the rain culminated in a cavern of neon bugs! Spectacular! Unfortunately, without a flash the resulting pictures are an underwhelming testament.

The night ended in conversations about Eckhart Tolle and the spirituality of horses over rhubarb and apple crumble. Mmmm

Stefan and Martina were driving to Melbourne and kindly offered to drop me off where I am now, Goulburn (Population 24,000). All I know about this place is that it has a shopping centre and a giant clock. Oh, and a library (so it is OK with me). A hastily made phone call at 8am this morning landed me at the Yurtfarm (www.yurtworks.com.au) where I will be off in an hour or so. So, I shall let you know if I stay in a Yurt or not!

All my love to everyone and I hope that life is sailing along well. See you in a few days.

XO
Kate

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