the desert

I am in the desert. It is so ridiculously hot and sunny- both usually characteristics I don't complain about, but this is a suffocating, brain stifling heat. When I think of California I think of 'The OC', or beaches in Malibu, not the desert where little bush's grow, and an open car window means a constant flow of hot air.

Ah, good old USA. And to be more specific Hanford, California. After 4 airports, 3 airplanes, many airport and plane meals, and very little sleep later, I had arrived.

Actually the above heat comment was more for last week when I started writing this. This week actually isn't that bad, still hot and sunny, but not pass out hot.

The first weekend I was here, Steve and I went to Los Angeles, and stayed in Santa Monica near the beach. We had a great weekend of sightseeing and relaxing. On Saturday we went into Hollywood to see the sign, the star walk of fame, and even saw MJ's star. We also went to Wilshire Blvd, and Rodeo Drive for those Pretty Women fans. The tour ended at the markets near Venice Beach.

MJ's Star
My star :) Apparently I'm musical

Steve and I at Santa Monica Beach.

On Sunday we drove to Malibu. Had brunch at a beach cafe and then spent a couple hours reading and walking on the beach. Didn't see Charlie though.

The Friday we left I also went to the base in Lemoore to see what all the fuss was about. I even got to sit in the pilot seat. I must say, I had a rather handsome tour guide ;)

Ingies is 60!!!!!!!

Happy Birthday to you!!!! Happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Ingiesssssssssssss, happy birthday to you!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And many moreeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee, hip hip hoooray, hip hip horrrrrray, noucha hip hip hoarrayyy, or something like that, you get the point, this is what I would sing if I was with you, and bake a betty crocker special, and make dom pedros (and add extra kahlua for myself) hahah. LOVE YOU the Ingies!!!!!!!!!!!! Good job with the Dragon Blades Gold!!!!!!!!!!!
Daughter xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

well...

I'm leaving on a jet plane tomorrow... heading towards the thriving town of Hanford. My OZ chapter is complete. (for now)

Goodbye OZ friends!!!

An unfinished painting...

Ahhhhhhhhh.... let me first say that I am watching the thrid season of Dexter, and it gives me this unbelievably giddy happy feeling of tv watching enjoyment like non other.

Second of all, I CAN'T PAINT. I have two days left here, no, make that a day and a half, and I know my painting isn't finished, but I just stare at it not wanting to actually get out the paints. My mind is elsewhere, not wanting to end the project in front of me. Is it bad to leave to America and Canada with an unfinished painting sitting in Australia? Feelings of inadequacy plague me right now.

5 sleeps till I board a plane to L.A.!!!!!!!!

I found Nemo....twice

Finally done work!!!! Not really sure how I feel about it all. Not sure when the next pay check will come in. But mostly liberating not to have to wait on people hand and foot- coffee slave no more.

With my backpack strapped on, and a smile on my face, I boarded a plane for my little adventure up north . My first stop being beautiful Cairns to visit miss Lesley. The first night we went for 2 for 1 drinks at The Pier. And well... it turned into a night out on the town. Next came the live band, and dancing at Gilligans.

The next morning we got up and hiked Blue Arrow. I was very happy to see a rat kangaroo, actually four :)

May 31st- MY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!

We started the day visiting Mossman Gorge. And then drove into Port Douglas for lunch, and a bit of a tour. After lunch Lesley dropped me off at my hostel, where I stayed for the next four nights. Four Mile Beach
Snorkeling with Haba- bit of a windy day. The ride out to Opal reef is two hours, and at least 10 people were yakking at the back of the boat. I was fairly green myself, but managed to survive. Had a great day out on the reef, and made a new Dutch friend named Joost.

Then I sadly left my friends in Port Douglas, and took a bus further north to Cape Tribulation, aka the jungle. The first thing I did there was jungle surfing. Taking zip lines through the canopy of the rain forest.

Watering hole rope swing- I seemed to be doing alot of jumping on this trip. And alot of being afraid of the bushes. The jungle wasn't really for me. I was constantly aware that I was in the land of Crocodiles and Cassowaries. If you don't know what a Cassowary is, it is a large basically prehistoric bird that is very unfriendly and will supposedly rip open your chest. And it has a big piece of bone on its head. There is a path from the watering hole to the beach . The guide booklet told me to follow it... however, half-way through I see the HUGE and plentiful signs that are all warning me about recent sightings of crocs, and signs of DANGER. If I wasn't afraid to breath, I would have taken a photo of my terrified face. I basically became more stealth than Pocahontas. I was never so happy to finally see the beach at the end, a beach free from croc danger signs.

I also had the opportunity to go snorkeling again in Cape Tribulation with Rum Runner. It was one of the most amazing days ever. Perfect sunny conditions- swam alone with a turtle for 20 mins- saw two sharks swim around me- more turtles- and wonderfully colourful reef- delicious lunch- and extra white wine on the homeward journey. I was very happy I made the choice to go again. Unforgettable.

After Cape Trib I made my way back to Cairns to stay with Lesley again.

Mission Beach skydiving- 14, 000 feet. Yes, that's right, I actually jumped out of a plane of my own free will.... and liked it.

Yay, Bruce!

Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

Yay, back on land!! Great trip!!!