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Published: July 22nd 2008
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G'Day Mate,
Arrived in New Zealand yesterday and met another roomie at the airport, Nate Wucherpfennig, so now there are 3 of us on the trip. Our time in Australia was great as we were able to have 4 great days of surfing and finally drink some water from a tap.
The major accomplishment dealt with getting to Australia. We left from Kilimanjaro, Tanzania on a flight at 7:00am on Monday morning and arrived in Brisbane, Australia at 7:00pm on Tuesday. After renting a car and driving an hour south to Surfers Paradise we went out for some much needed western style nightlife. The next morning we woke up and headed straight to a surf shop and bought a couple boards. We got into the ocean right away at Coolangatta and caught a couple waves on a nice point break over a sandy beach with turquoise water. Craig was in heaven, while I was still trying to figure out the proper form for a duck dive. Once out of the water we realized that a wettie (wetsuit) was necessary. We went to the local outlet mall and got them for $75 each for a 3/2 steamer. That night we
headed to Byron Bay and stayed at a campground that was right on the Pacific. The next morning was straight to the water again at Watego's. The surf was a little washed out and choppy, but plenty of fun. After lunch we found the local spot in Byron Bay, Cozy Corner at Tallows Beach. This was definitely the highlight of Australia as a school of dolphins was out surfing the same waves we were. I caught a wave with 3 dolphins right next to me while another group swam under CY's board. That night we listened to some live music in town and realized that Byron Bay is one of our favorite places in the world. Everyone here was extremely down to earth and friendly with a very laid back attitude.
The next day was our big travel day as we had to head from Byron Bay to Sydney, 700km. Along the way we surfed at Lennox Heads and Pippies break at Yamba Beach. We also looked at the Angouri Point, one the world's top surf sports. The swells would head into the bay at a northwest angle and they would hit the point and turn 90 degrees and
head into the point. We were going to go out, but the water was only a foot deep over rocks so we decided against it.
After making it to Sydney at 2am and going out in Kings Cross for some meat pies and to watch the debauchery (being sober around hundreds of drunken people is really interesting and entertaining). Since it was so late we slept in our car, well at least I did CY wrestled with the surfboards and backpacks trying to find a comfortable position all night long. After being woken up by suburban moms out for their Sunday strolls with Fido we went to Bondi Beach. CY went to the bathroom and saw a homeless man having his morning shower. After a pleasant exchange of good mornings the gentleman offered CY his bar of soap, apparently our personal hygiene has reached a new low. After one final session at Bondi we set off on a mission to sell our surf boards. After an hour trying to sell them at the local community art fair we decided to head for the boardwalk. One hour later we had sold both boards and only lost a quarter of what we
had paid for both in Byron so we were happy because board rental is $50 a day.
Headed to the Sydney Opera House after this, but not after the Pope rolled by in his motorcade complete with helicopter. We got a picture of this luckily. The Opera House was truly impressive. One side note is the architect who initially designed it Jørn Utzon has never been back to Sydney to see his masterpiece completed, there was a falling out during construction.
We surfed over 12 hours in four days and were completely exhausted because of our lack of physical activity over the past month. My surfing improved to the point I was able to catch waves consistently. I had a good coach. Overall Australia was amazing and we will both definitely be back.
Also we have neglected to do this, but wanted to send a Thank You out to our hosts in Cairo, George and Kate and Nigeria, Abs and Mike. Really appreciated all of your hospitality, thanks again!
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Shawn Smith
non-member comment
great times!
Craig- you should play Bodie in the sequel of Point Break. I'm glad to see you guys are having a great time. Throw back a couple of Speight's and travel safe.