South Australia

Bobert got into Newy last Thursday to visit for a couple weeks so we've made our way down to SA. First couple days was mellow so he could try and recoup from a long journey over from Africa and start sorting out plans for our travels. We did go out Friday night which turned into Saturday being a complete waste on my part for having a massive hangover. We stayed in Sydney Saturday night for our early morning flight down to Adelaide. Upon arrival, we took a bus 1.5hrs south of Adelaide to a little coastal town Victor Harbor. Cute little town that was pretty empty though since its low season now and winter is here. We walked around the small town centre and walked the 20min across the causeway over to Granite Island. You can either walk over the island, like we did, or you can jump on one of the big carriages being drawn by Clydesdale's down what looks like a railroad track. The island is pretty small, only took about 40 min to walk the circumference but lots of rocks and cliff edges to climb on and get distracted. Even at dinner it was still too soon to drink, for me that is, so had a low key night of pizza and watching episodes of The Office back at our hostel.
Woke up early this morning to make the 1.5hr drive to Cape Jervis to catch the ferry over to Kangaroo Island. Was a gorgeous, scenic drive with nothing but green rolling hills and livestock scattered about. Came into the eastern side of the island at Penneshaw and picked up our rental car. Have done a few side hikes, lunch on the beach, and visited several farms. The honey farm, aside from Clifford, the quiet and non-informative owner, was really nice. KI is a sanctuary for the pure ligurian bees that are unique in the world. Tasted several honey's and bought some honey ice cream that was delicious! Stopped by a Lavender farm that had just closed for the season and also a Eucalyptus Farm that we caught just minutes from closing so were able to chat with the owner for awhile. He also raised emus so talked about the hobby farm back home which he got a kick out of. We're staying in Kingscote tonight at a backpackers and will start to make our way to the western side of the island tomorrow in hopes of seeing more wildlife. KI more famous wildlife consists of kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, and penguins. We'll be on KI until Wednesday evening then head back up to Adelaide and go from there.
At the library now, time is up for computer. Will try and keep this updated over the next couple weeks to avoid having to write a massive entry when I get back to Newy! So stay posted....

Cheers

Kokoda!

Quick update that I've finally gotten my senses together and boughten the plane ticket to Papua New Guinea! Will be embarking on the 9 day Kokoda Trek through the jungle with 9 other Aussies. Should be quite the adventure. Between my own research and talking with others, sounds like I'm in for quite a hard hike. I can't wait :) 

Have been picking up more shifts at the bar in town, which is good b/c its cash in hand that goes right towards my Kokoda fund. I've been waitressing in the bistro but will have my first go behind the bar tomorrow night after the bistro closes. 

Also bought some plane tickets for myself and Bobert to fly down to Adelaide end of the month, looking forward to catch up with him and hear all about his recent African travels! Always nice to check out new areas too as I haven't been to Southern Australia yet. 

All for now, just really excited about Kokoda and want to share with the world!

Cheers

Hey all, haven't written in awhile b/c nothing too exciting to report. Have been trying to work as much as I can to save up money for travels. Aside from the Pet Shop, I've picked up a few shifts at a pub but haven't been told if I'm officially on the roster yet. I want to bring in some extra cash so I can afford to hike the Kokoda Trail in July. Every day is a different battle in my head on whether to spend $3000 on a 9 day hike or use the money to see more of Oz and even go spend a month in SE Asia. 

Other than working have just been spending time with friends, going to Knights Rugby games, beach runs, hiking around local national parks, eating yummy kangaroo steaks, drinking some aussie red, and researching all places/trips I want to do while here. Newcastle has been a great first stop to work and see old mates, but I'm getting antsy to get back on the road. Think I'll stay here for about 2 more months which should set me up to travel for a bit without worrying about how to pay for it. Really want to explore more of Queensland and get over to the Western Australia too. 

Good friend Bobert (worked with him on the boat) is coming to visit next week so really excited to see him and go adventure off for a couple weeks. 

All for now, hope this finds you well and happy. 

Cheers