australian wildlife vs canadians

Blogging is not Nic's passion. I can bang one off in 10 minutes and he sits and agonizes over spelling, punctuation (to avoid my nagging afterwards I'm sure) and it ends up taking him like an hour.

Herb is fan-frickentastic. Camping is so not what it was in Grade 10 during May 2-4 when it rained/ borderline snowed. The parks are immaculate. I wouldn't go eating off the floor, but I would let the 10 second rule stay. The bathrooms get cleaned regularly and the showers are really nice. The first one we stayed at had a communal kitchen which was fab- but the last 2 have BBQs. It doesn't bother us, we like using them.

We started camping during "Schoolies". Schoolies is all of the Year 12 students who have just graduated going out and getting drunk for a week straight. They have provided us with much entertainment. We went to Byron Bay the first 2 nights and it was full of them. Byron is a total hippy funky town. We pretty much just beached it along the coast the first few days. We found some huge deserted beaches that were just gorgeous.

Today we are in... I actually don't know where we are- maybe Southport? We are about 10 mins away from Surfer's Paradise. Today we went to a National Park known for it's Rock Pools. That's what the pictures are from. I was way too scared to go down that waterfall- but Nic did it. The water is freezing- I could barely handle it. Nic survived- thank god because there was no cell reception and I can't drive Herb. He's manual and the only 2 attempts I've had with that include not being able to reverse and almost tipping the water wagon on my Dad's tractor. Granted- I can switch gears, it's the people who honk when you stall that make me nervous.

We are having quite a time with the wildlife. Today a catfish tried to bite me. Yes, a catfish. I didn't realize one of the Rock Pools was inhabited by a territorial catfish. Practically as soon as I got in the water he was chasing me off. Yes, I screamed and ran out around a ton of people when a local 18 year old told me the tale of ye old catfish. It's pretty much ruined any fresh water swimming that could happen. Also, while at the National Park, that lizard thing appeared. At first he wouldn't move when I tried to startle him--- but of course as soon as the camera was on, he was a star. Then it's been all of the birds on the campsite- AND EVEN AS I AM WRITING--- they are here. Tall, ugly things with long beaks and almost come into the van. The baby ducklings were super cute though. Also, I realize I have the worst nervous laugh ever- so I apologize. A guy I used to work with said I have the laugh from Charlie Bit My Finger. You tube it if you don't understand. So yes, apparently up the coast we can kayak with dolphins- hopefully they are not territorial creatures.

Herb has been great. Other than and I quote Nic: "He has a tiny little set of nuts on him" when trying to climb steep hills. Well maybe we shouldn't have taken Herb on a almost 4 hour Mountain Drive. It was really gorgeous, but I don't think Herb appreciated the view. We stopped and had lunch at a deserted park, yet it still had BBQ and picnic tables. I've done a lot of reading and Nic has been a most excellent driver. Tomorrow we are going to something call the Tambourine Mountains and doing a hike... yay.. I am so excited I could stick a fork in my eye. Nic says there is SO much to do there.... I'm thinking hiking mainly. I'll keep you posted. This has been the best time in Australia yet. We like it so much- that we're selling Herb and upgrading our van to a 4 seater when Mom & Jannie arrive. They'll stay on the cabins on site- Nic and I are happy in the van. I've still got to shower everyday and I like meeting the people we've met (that we can understand). In fact, Nic has booked a hair appointment for 9 am tomorrow morning. A woman is cutting hair at the campsite and advertising from her trailer.

Well, I should be off. Nic and I have a thriving game of Go Fish to attend to (yes, of all games we play Fish once a night before bed--- it reminds me of my Grandma Fisher- except Nic doesn't cheat. Greg and Pat- you raised a good kid.

xo

the hunt for herb

Last night I slept in a comfy bed, ate breakfast on a verandah, went for a run, had a warm shower, washed my clothes and am now sitting on a plush couch in front of a massive flat screen. Who knows how long until this is life again.

Nic and I had a tumultuous week. On Saturday, we decided it was time to buy a van. Not just to drive, but to live in. You see Nic and I are going to explore the coast and stay in camps and national parks along the way. It is a very popular way of life here and we found heaps of vans on gumtree (their kijjiji). So, we rented a car from ½ price car rentals- a smashing robin egg blue Hyundi Getz which looks like a tuna can on wheels and we were off. For only $118 for the weekend- we were content.

We drove to Brisbane as this is where Mandy & Dee live. A nice 4 bedroom house that has all of the things we take for granted. We did no hunting the first day as the boys scoured the internet and drank beer while Mandy and I talked babies (no rush here- I say this while Nic is having an intense play with 8 month Lyla- but neither our bank account, my waistline or Nic’s sleeping patterns are ready- check back in 5 years) and drank beer. After a great meal, we went to bed excited for our travels the next day.

We woke up and made our plans to see 4 vans. An outfitted (has all of the camping, bedding & cooking gear) goes anywhere from 4000-7000 so originally we thought we’d buy one like that. Well, our travels on finding a van included Nic administering first aide to a 40+ woman who cut her hand with a whipper snipper (and later inviting us to stay the night for a BBQ), getting lost about an hour away from where we wanted to be (turns out there is coloumbus court and coloumbus crescent), riding around in our teeny getz with 2 Frenchman who could speak little to no English, got yelled at by an angry business woman because we took a parking spot in which I ended up giving her a toonie to alleviate her anger by missing out on a customer buying a one dollar coffee and this was all mixed in with punctuated music/dance breaks, McDonalds and getting honked at by drivers who were less than impressed with our navigational driving. The roads here are incredibly stupid- a roundabout every 3 minutes. They even had a picture of it trying to get people to take the toll road- it looked like Medusa’s hair (snakes) with one straight road in the middle.

After A LOT of deliberating, we could not agree. Nic had decided he would prefer to buy a cheap van (that had yet to be roadworthy or registered) and outfit it ourselves and I just wanted to go in a more expensive unit that was ready to go. So, in the end we compromised and bought nothing and went home to Mooloolaba---- it was a very quiet ride. We stayed in the hostel that night… our final night as it turns out- as we decided early the next morning that we would stay in Brisbane at Mandy & Dee’s until we found “The One”. All the vans are here so we needed to be too. So, yesterday morning, Nic told the hostel and firstly I don’t think they even noticed we were gone and secondly, they didn’t care that we were leaving. We set off back to Brisbane with all of our crap. We got here around 2 and scoured the internet again even though we both really were so so so sick of looking. We saw a listing that had no picture and was asking 1,500. Now, this was a steal of a deal because it had it’s roadworthy and registration for 6 months meaning it had to be in decent condition. So off we went. I did tell Nic in the car that I had a feeling this was it….

And once we saw him- we were pretty certain. We took it for a test drive and then gave the lady a thousand dollar deposit. It’s got a large wheel base, tinted windows, runs well and has a high roof. Apparently perefect for living in your van. She had no idea how much more money she could have got. We had to fight out another guy who wanted to see it immediately (probably because he saw the profit that could be made). So we pick up Herb later today. He’s a handsome fellow- dark green (like my old Jimmy and Nic’s old GB--- fate). Nic is going to set him up in Dee’s laneway and we should be off soon. We just need to buy his essentials. As long as Herb doesn’t have any drastic body damage while in our care- we should easily make 5000 when it’s time to sell. Turns out our compromising (even though we didn’t talk for an hour) will end up paying for our backpacking trip and then some.

I am really fond of a daily shower and Nic thinks I’ll totally hate this in 2 weeks…. And he’s probably right, but he is so excited and he does a lot of great things for me, so embracing the camper within is the least I can do for him. I intend to make sure we stay in parks only- but I have the feeling Armstrong will try and avoid this every night. However, I think it’ll be super fun and it’s the cheapest way to see Australia when you’re paying for a wedding, and a down payment for a house. I’d probably be more reluctant if hundreds of other travelers weren’t doing it. Unfortunately, Herb can’t come to Fraser Island with us because he lacks 4X4- but that is what I am MOST excited for as we make our way to Cairns.

I’m actually excited about it too. I don’t know how often we’ll be able to contact family & friends but I told Nic I’d like a power converter in there if possible and he seems pretty hellbent on making me happy- so I imagine he’ll provide. My parents are probably completely shocked that I’ve went for this and Mom, you’re probably worried about my wellbeing. Literally, I can’t tell you how many people do this and we won’t be in any danger (unless we don’t stay in the parks). We are definitely staying in a resort on Christmas and I imagine we’ll check into hostels every now and then- so have no fear. Nic is currently building up the inside and later today we are going to “Crazy Clarks” for some “interior decorating”. This place is like our version of the dollarstore but better- they have pillows and throws (which are actually quite decent).

A HUGE thank you to Mandy & Dee for letting us stay here while we set up. Hopefully we can do the same for you in the near future in Canada.

Shout outs to welcome Alexis! Nic’s brother Matt and girlfriend Chelsey welcomed their daughter to the world on Sunday. Congrats guys.

Peace out brothers.

Love, your hippy friends- Shauna & Nic.

Crikey!

Some photos and videos of our day at the Steve Irwin Zoo. We fed many animals (including an elephant- but that picture is a hard copy) and we finally got to hold a koala (also hard copy). To my highschool pals- I am honoured to say, I met a bear cat. Enjoy! (P.S.- Any man will enjoy the Kangaroo video)

the good life

G'day Folks.

Nic is at the owner's house fixing his bathroom and I just got back from the beach with some girls from WA (they say this for western australia like we say HC). I am exhausted and need a nap. We were up early this morning because our friend Julie was going Paddleboarding- so we tried it. I am however having the worst sleeping conditions. I get cold really easily- so I have to sleep in pants and a long shirt- but I wake up at like 2 sweating so I undress and then by 4 with the fan I am freezing. I was quite restless last night. Did I mention we're sleeping in bunk beds? I am telling you, separate beds are the way to go. Nic pushed them together and we're both sleeping on the top bunk- so we can reach over and touch each other but my side is nice and clean and Nic's looks like the cookie monster was drunk eating McDonalds. The sheets are all torn up and the matteress is like a recliner. There isn't actually food in the bed- but Nicki had a good night on Friday and was a tad messy.

On Thursday, Dee came up from Brisbane and the boys had a quick get together while I nursed what I am certain were 1st degree burns. I took pictures but they are too X rated to post on the blog. Right underneath my chest looks like my sign is falling off- well it is. In the shower, I was collecting water in the blisters and could push it out. I am mucho better now- and have been to the beach almost everyday since. Back to business, Dee ended up calling us on Friday afternoon and took us out for the day. IT WAS SO NICE TO BE IN A VEHICLE! Not too mention, he has a sweet 1976 Ford something that he's kept in excellent condition. So, he took us to Noosa which is a huge destination beach and we walked the beach and went to the surf club for lunch. Later that night, his wife Mandy came and we all went down to the beach and drank. I looooove what they do here. They have huge outdoor BBQ areas with many picnic tables and you can drink in public and make your food. The best part I thought was is that there were people our age, young kids, families, people my parent's age. After we finished our own, we went to the bar. Mandy went home to their daughter soon after and I realized I was the last woman standing- so I thought I should give the boys (more of Dee's friends showed up) some boy time. I passed out hard and don't remember Nic coming in at 3. He clearly picked up some fast food though. Says he tried to wake me up.

After what was a slow going morning for the boys, we had plans to meet up with Dee and Mandy for lunch and meet their daughter, Lyla. She is 8 months old and possibly the cutest kid in Australia. We went to a cute cafe where they used to live and then they took us on a walk around the area where they got married. If Nic and I had the cash- we'd be staying in that area. So gorgeous. I can't believe I didn't get any pictures of the boys--- so when we go to Brisbane, I'll have to take some. They were really fantastic people and I am so glad that Nic got to reconnect with them.

Yesterday we did a little kayaking (which I still have my touch) and then decided we were going to eat down at the beach. So while Nic was "working" (I use this term very loosely as he's fixing things my nephew Cam could fix, e.g. thawing a freezer, fixing bike chains) I went to Coles to buy some food. We ate steak, potatoes and salad and polished off a bottle of wine. It was probably the best date I've ever been on... or it could have been the wine. The picture above is from it. Crazy story- while there, Nic goes, "isn't that your friend Steph?"- we had plans to meet later in the week, but Nic spotted her leaving the beach. I had no idea we were so close. She looks fricken fantastic. If you can afford it, the year of schooling has treated her well. We have plans to go to her place for dinner tonight.

Nic and I love Mooloolaba. There are so many people in and out of this hostel that we're hearing so many great stories. Our ephiphany came from 2 girls from Holland. We'd gone looking at a house that Dee had set us up with when we got back and were sitting out in the lounge area. We got to chatting and the girls, Saskia & Lyn started telling us their travel plans. They are hitting hostels along the coast until X-mas with just their backpacks. When Nic and I got in, we both knew we wanted to do the same thing. As much as we love Mooloolaba, we want to see as much as we absolutely can- so we're not staying. We are downsizing even more (if it's possible) and we're going to follow them. They are going to email us their trip and the hostels they stayed at and what they saw. They were so kind (and gorgeous- which to Nic's credit- he didn't let on). So, we are supposed to start surf school on Saturday- so I don't know when we will leave. We may just do it elsewhere.

Out of everyone on the paddleboards today- I am the only new person who didn't fall in. Mind you we were in a canal with absolutely no waves. They have this canal right next door that is perfect for kayaking and "learning to" activities. Apparently sharks love canals- but I didn't spot any. I am so happy here and I believe Nic is too. Last night after too much wine, walking home I just blurted "I'm so in love"--- much like the first time we uttered the words. I wish we had unlimited funds--- we plan to travel until the cash runs out--- so we're living thirftly (spelling??) Breakfast is free and dinners are next to nothing. Mind you, with this heat, I don't have a big appetite. Either way- leaving Melbourne earlier than expected was one of our best decisions. I am hoping we do this again in another country before we "settle" down or if we have kids, after they can take care of themselves (within reason).

Nic just walked in and told me we're going deep-sea fishing on Wednesday with a group of people from here (there are some awesome people amongst these dudders).... super. I've always to deep sea fish.....maybe??

Mooloolaba- take one

Blogging isn't my favorite past time as of right now. I don't know if it is because I can't type as quick as Shauna and it takes me ages to write a page on the blog. None the less here I am writing an update on our departure from Melbourne.

As you know I was really excited to get out of the city, and here are a few reasons why. As we were loading our gear onto the skybus, which takes us to the airport, the man driving the bus grabbed onto Shauna's suitcase, which was severely overloaded, and yes I am proud of you -tried to pull it up onto the deck using the trolly handle. Well he was in a bit of a hurry so he just reefed on it and ended up pulling the handle right out of the suit case. I was standing right behind her and watched this all, kinda laughed and asked him if this means we get to ride the bus for free. He responded with " I didn't break that, I didn't do it, she did." I was a little taken back and kind of lost for words, believe it or not. You can imagine this kind of set Shauna off. It wasn't the fact that the suit case was broken, it was the fact that he didn't own up to it, and then blamed her for it. So our 20 minute ride to the airport consisted of Shauna calling the Skybus office and lodging a formal complaint. By the time we arrived at the airport she was told to write down what had happened and bring it to the office at the airport and let the people the see the damage that was done. Later, they would refund our new luggage. This of course took 20 or 30 minutes and by that time we were cutting it pretty close for our departure time. We hustled down to the Tiger Airways terminal where we found ourselves a very large line up. Great, the plane takes off in 30 minutes and we have a lineup that is clearly an hour long. After scoping things out for a couple minutes we see that there is express line for people like us. We jump into it and cut to the front were we are advised that we are 29.6 kilos over our limit for the weight that we can carry with us. That didn't sound too bad until she told us that we have to pay 15 dollars a kilo over our limit. I had it worked out in my head before she told us that the total would be 403.00 extra if we want our luggage. Shauna'a response was, " we already paid for our tickets," the lady simply smiled and said "I know." So that put an end to our cheap flights to the coast, I figure we could have flew to Thailand for the price we paid for our luggage to get here. I just kept telling myself "we are leaving the city and going to the beach." So we left the city on the kind of note that really made us want to leave in the first place. "Thank you for flying with Tiger Airlines."

So a short 2 hours later we are landing in a much warmer, much friendlier, much less congested part of Australia. The Sunshine coast. It is as pleasant as it sounds. The people here are relaxed more than any other place I've been. The beach is only a couple of minutes away and as you will see the sun is a lot closer to us here. It is kind of a tropical feeling here, it was about 26 degrees and kind of muggy when we landed. Even though our shuttle wasn't there for us when we arrived, we had no problem waiting outside in the sun. The location of our "resort " as Shauna has been referring to at is, is only short walk to everything we could possibly need. There is a grocery store, a Subway, a Mcdonalds, a post office and of course the beach. Among the the fast food there is also a lot of small restaurant's, cafe's, book stores clothing stores, I mean really everything. So we are getting comfortable here for the time being.

The place we are staying has a fairly large mix of people from all over the world. I have met people from the UK, Ireland, Germany Switzerland, and of course a few Aussie's and Kiwi's hanging around also. All different ages, it seems that the majority of the people are younger, but it is just because they are the ones that are always just hanging around by the pool, and the pool table. Hidden away in the rooms are quite a few older travelers and other couples that just don't feel like hanging around like they are college students.

So day one, we came for the beach and that's where we went. Seeing as that we haven't had a real good dose of sun for 14 months we both were pretty excited. Maybe a little too excited. After an hour and a half I could tell that I was good for the day, so I tried to convince Shauna that we shouldn't lay out here to long because we will end up getting a real bad burn. She insisted she was going to spend the whole day down here and get a good base. I knew I had to get out of there, so I did. Good thing, that hour and a half was enough to make me look like a lobster. I think if I stayed just any longer I would have ended up in as much pain as Shauna did. About an hour and a half later Shauna arrived back at the "resort" and she walked as if she had did something wrong, you know with her head kinda hanging and looking guilty. She knew at that point the sun had gotten to her a little more than she hoped. That was just the early stages of the burn, as the day went on the redness started to set in. By night fall we had a teary eyed girl that "had never been so burnt in her life." Well we wanted sun and that's what we got. I am not so sure if it falls under "good base" but we definitely have some good colour. Day two consisted of me getting some aloe vera for Shauna and her lying in bed constantly applying it to her wounds. I, on the other hand had a big day as the maintenance guy. 5.5 hours of odds and ends. Couple shelves up here, cleaning out our utility shed and a making a dump run in the "trippy" as they call it. The girls were a little concerned about me driving it as they think it is such a piece of garbage, I on the other hand thought that it was easy enough to drive. They tell me that all the Canadians that have driven the trippy love driving it and really why wouldn't we? It's the closest thing to a pick up truck I have been in since we left. At the end of day two I had a little surprise. I got a phone call from my Australian friend Dee that I met when I lived in Whistler and he informed me he was half an hour away and stopping in to say hi. After he hung up I started thinking how long ago has it been since I saw him? I figured a little more then 5 years. He confirmed this by telling me that the last time that he was in Ontario was "Bean fest "05."

He knows this because he still has the stickers at home that read "Farts are funny" and he looked at them just the other night. We made plans to "go out on the piss" as all the Aussie's say, tonight with Dee and his wife.

Day 3 and kitten's arms are felling better today, so we think that we may go try our hand in the kayaking sport. We will see if her skills that she developed when she was 13 are still intact, as I was just informed that she did all kinds of kayaking when she was younger at camp. I will keep you posted on this one.

Well kids we are off, wish us luck and don't let the bed bugs bite.

Garlic Bread & Pancakes

Our New Home!

Nic was supposed to write this blog. However, it's 6:40 am, he's asleep, we have our apartment final inspection at 8, I am not packed and my grandmother sent me an e-mail about the lack of blogging. He's got the next one. Especially because we have so much to write about and he complains when he has to do it when we're boring.

Ok, so quickly. A week ago, we decided it was enough of the city life. I felt a bit guilty to leave teaching BUT as my mother said, I'll probably only be in Australia once and I will definitely only be 24 once. My parents told us to "just be kids"- I've said it once and I'll say it again, being the youngest means I am always the baby- when I'm 40, my Dad will still probably call me the baby. When we told Nic's Mom- she fully supported that we should see all of Australia--- so that made me feel less guilty. I think if we stayed here a day longer Nic may snap. Many people are really rude and inconsiderate, both of us have started saying things when people don't move from their seat when a mother with a baby comes on the tram- and I don't want to be that person.

So the decision was where will we live. We knew we wanted to live on the beach or as close to it as possible. This is when I found Mooloolaba. I made Nic call the place because it's $420 a week to live there and I wanted to see if we could get anything for long term stays. Well, Nic got to chatting and when they found out he was a Carpenter, they offered him free accomodation in exchange for 15 hours a week of maintainence. They gave me a discount where I only have to pay $150.00. We said yes because it's central to the 2 bigger more well known beaches, has free kayaks, surf boards & lessons, free bikes, and you can walk everywhere you need to within the town. We are picturing a place like Bayfield... well I am. I don't know what I will do for work, but they said something is bound to come up. I came to Australia to get some teaching experience and I got the reference letters (and really great experience).

I guess I am gearing up for a vacation, like getting books and sun stuff- but haven't really wrapped my head around this being my life. We don't know how long we'll stay. We really have no plans... and that scares me. Our flight back to Canada is scheduled for April and we're still running with that. I think this is going to be the best experience of my life thus far. I love the beach and hot weather and to wake up every morning to it.... ugh, I'll just be in ultimate shauna heaven. I don't know if Nic is more excited to be leaving Melbourne or moving to the beach. I do worry about him in one sense. He's a furnace in the dead of Winter- so I am afraid he may actually cook from the inside out on the Sunshine Coast.

We've got a handful of friends here in Melbourne and due to the distance from home & family, we became quite close. Nic seems to have primarily bonded with English guys--- so here's hoping we get invited to a wedding in England.

We fly out at 11:30 and the place we are staying is picking us up. My girlfriend Steph from Canada is only a whopping 11 minute car ride away and Nic's friend Dee is about an hour and a half away.

So, we've been crazily getting life arranged for the move. We sent 3 boxes of clothing back to Canada--- sea mail- it takes 2-3 months to arrive and was still like $60 per box. I also threw out a whack load of clothing. My life is down to a suitcase and a backpack. I am literally just running with the basics here. I parted with make up, shoes... Nic doesn't seem that impressed with me. I don't think he realizes that a trip to Toronto entails 2 suitcases. Anyhow, we also ate all of the food in the house. 2 nights ago my dinner consisted of Garlic Bread and Pancakes. Last night atfer catching up with a girlfriend, I went and got us Japanese for dinner at a nearby restaurant. Well turns out I should have never tried the new place, because I hated it and Nic ended up running and getting me Hungry Jacks.... what a sport! I barely slept at all last night... and Nic is still in the fetal position as I write this.

I think our move could be a throw back to University.... or to the "Varna House" which I believe is Nic's equivalent to Uni... or is it the "Brucefield House".... I can't remember. Secretly, I am actually a little bit excited. Being in school was the bestor summer is, I don't know- sleep in until noon, do maybe 4 hours of work, go out to the gym (& tan before we knew the risks of the beds), spend an hour getting ready, go out with friends and cap the night off with some greasy fast food. Ohhh, how I miss my girlfriends. But if both Nic and I are doing that together... it's suddenly not like school and more like an incredibly lazy, gluttenous couple... and mark Nicholas' words- he is going to learn to surf.

Well I need to wake Nic up and start the day. I'm so excited and I just can't hide it.