A Surfing First!

   

Geoff  and Raff took me out to go surfing at Granite, well they surfed and I got to attempt it. 

     The first thing I learned was that the boards are very light for how large they are. 

     The second thing I learned is that the boards are actually quite heavy. It may be light as a feather at first but carrying that board ~5k uphill in bare feet then climbing down the side of a cliff the board seems to just get heavier and heavier as you go. Carrying it back it was even heavier.

     Then Geoff taught me how to use the leg leash and off we went! (I am right handed but board left foot back, apparently this is strange) Paddling out wasn't too hard one you get past the breaking waves. Out there I got to practice sitting up and paddling around trying to stay out of everyone's way. As I got better at that, Geoff said I should try and catch a wave just laying on the board. That attempt sort of failed as will happen with beginners. I totally ate wave and flipped end over end than got ran over at least by my board and maybe Raff. All the joys of learning to surf. I then paddled back out to wait another try. Getting board paddling around and sitting watching the guys I started watching for fish and turtles. There was even some dolphins in the distance.  If you get sea sick I don't recommend doing watching the sea-life and getting distracted. Sad to say I am the first anyone at this house has heard of getting sea sick on a board. I was good enough not to fall off and roll with the waves but I AM lame enough to get sea sick. It was cool watching the fish trying to eat the jellyfish though!  So feeling a bit nauseous I went back to shore to watch the guys finish their surf and back home we went after the obligatory 7/11 run for coffee.

"I never travel without my diary. One should always have something sensational to read in the train" -Oscar Wilde

Day 1 fail

Day one in Australia and Ive already messed up.

     So before I left I set up a Homestay* near Noosa Heads. I was very nervous as I had never met these people before and I was to wait for them to show up where the bus had dropped me off.   Thankfully after stalking them on Facebook throughly I recognized them pull up minutes after arriving at the bus drop off. Unfortunately in my nervousness I left my small purse on the bench (had my passport and credit cards in it). I realized my mistake as soon as we got to their house and felt like a true nincompoop. What a great way to make a first impression!! Geoff and Margaret were extremely kind and understanding and Geoff gave me a ride back and helped me search everywhere to no avail. Needless to say I was stressing. Geoff helped me make a police report but as this was a Sunday it was likely that if someone picked up my purse to turn it he/she would wait till Monday. So. no use worrying till Tuesday if I couldn't find it till then. 

"Take only memories, leave only footprints." -Chief Seattle and my mom

I chose this quote to remind the reader that leaving anything but footprints may be harmful to the environment.   Just kidding. Don't leave your passport and/or wallet. I found mine and am so glad I do not have to go through the hassle to get new copies of it all when out of the country.

*stay at a person/s home in exchange for work set up through sites such as Helpx.net