Austrailia

"Procrastination ends tomorrow" laughed the drunk American observing my bulging Bergen.

I really was not in the mood, my pack contains all I need for myself and for another to spend an impromptu night out under the stars, or mountain trek. So long as I use everything I am carrying I do not really mind the weight. The spare clothes, headtorch and various odds and sods have really helped others out, and made many new experiences possible.

The customs in Aus are notoriously strict, and as usual I was patted down and questioned. The only time thishas not happeded in recent years was travelling with Andy - so the moral is travel with someone more dodgy than yoursef ;)

I was questestioned about the blades in my pack, but after confirming they were not double edged or martial arts equiment I was allowed in.

The friendliness of Aussies was confirmed as soon as I got in. I was able to stash my pack, and get free internet. I received an email from Mel, who had surfed my couch back in Swansea. She very kindly let me stay in her space room, gave me a key and a spare bike to ride into town!

Back in Swansea, she had described the design of her unusal house, the 19th century clapboard and post lightweight house had been divided into separate living spaces with a common hallway and garage underneath. The spaces may be joined by opening and closing of doors.


Relaxing into her couch it was wonderful to be in a home after countless hotel, bunk houses, jungles, beaches and park benches. Her house is bear Southbank, which is uncanilly like its London namesake, though their ferris wheel is smaller, and the women an even greater hazard to cyclists. I was had a moment rembemering how many people I had met, and places I had got to know since I stood on the London Bridge the day before my flight to Hong Kong.

Sycling back I passed through the Westend, a hippy area in the process of "Boutiquification" - my new word for the process as hippy places turn into hangout for the too cool for school kids and yuppies. The area of wide boulevards and arts cafes reminded my of Hawthorne area of downtown Portland, Oregon.

After the first few days readjusting to the familiar sights and smells, I have the luxiry of travelling super light, carrying not much more than the clothes on my back, phone, notebook, wallet, towel and poncho.

Mel's boyfriend Bret gave me a lift to Surfers Paradise where I felt very free as I was tumbled in the waves, bit the high rise and loud bars send me seeking quieter spots. I arrived in Byron bay later that evening, the first clear skies giving a perfect view of the milky way, and my ceiling for the night. Sleeping out always makes me feel free - there is something of the gypsy in all us worth their salt.

This second stage of travel, now back in the West is very different. Asia afforded cheap accomodation and constant novelty. This stage is about putting the lessons remembered from the road into practice, and learning new skills to support my bushcraft teaching.

I continue to be overwhelmed my the offers of places to stay, and the positivity towards life. Thankyou so much everyone!