Australia has shaped up to be nothing short of fantastic. I can’t believe I only have a few more days here…

Sailing, camping, hiking and swimming…soaking up more sun then I have in my life…it’s all been quite grand.
I’ve mostly gotten over my little blue period I was having in Sydney, if only because I have something to do every minute of the day.
Would you believe that I’m up at 5:30 in the morning here? (okay, most days) It started on the ship, but has continued since then, and it makes good sense. There’s so much to do AND it’s good to beat the mid-day sun. 11-1 are spent in the shade, taking a leisurely feed (as the Australians call eatting…which always makes me think of animals, but oh well).
I’m now in Brisbane, but have already decided to leave tomorrow. While there are great parks and museums here, the city doesn’t have much character. Plus, I think I’ve officially become a beach bum…and I can’t wait to get back to it.
From here I’m heading to Byron Bay, the hippie capital of Australia. It’s famed for new age silliness. (pyramid power, sensory deprivation tanks, ever type of massage under the sun and so forth) There are over 200 yoga classes a day in this town of 5500 permenant residents. It’s also supposed to have great fresh food.
I’ll be on the bus early tomorrow morning…in hopes of hitting the beach in the afternoon.
This coming from a girl who hadn’t been to the beach in at least 5 years…
You guys are gonna choke when you see my tan…