Funny how we find ourselves lingering in places that feel like home...

Let's just get my first thought our of the way... make us all feel better.

I'm not sure where Tim left off, but I think it was somewhere in the midst of our stay in Noosa. We ended up staying there almost a week. It had a great vibe, the weather was nice, our Couchsurfing (CS) hosts were FANTASTIC and it reminded us of Santa Cruz a bit - a funky harbour town that faces North when it should really face East. We connected with Ross (our fourth CS host) on Saturday and immediately jumped on a bus to the famous Eumundi market. It was HUGE... and almost 100 degrees out, so we ended up literally shopping til we dropped. Luckily we dropped ourselves into a cool little pub/bistro and enjoyed sharing a couple of jugs while "Uncle Bob's Jug Band" played a few tunes. It was classic and silly and air-conditioned, so we were all smiles. While we were able to escape Eumundi without breaking the bank, I did manage to get an early birthday gift from Tim - a beautiful amber ring, something I'd been looking for for a while, so it was a very nice surprise.

Another new friend for Jen... we named her Brittany

Awesome local band at Joe's wateringhole in Eumundi

Noosa Main Beach... very cool clouds

After a well-deserved swim back in Noosa, we enjoyed a BBQ with Ross and two other couchsurfers he was hosting at the time. We swizzled back a bew beers, exchanged stories about the ups and downs of travel and life in general and had quite a few laughs. Ross is a really wonderful person and we had a great time with him over the next few days. We were sad to leave, but we decided to jump on the Greyhound and head to Hervey Bay for an overnight stay. Hervey Bay is the jumping off point for the very popular Frasier Island tours, but we took the advice of some locals and decided to skip it. We basically lounged by the pool most of the day and took the opportunity to find some reprieve.

Hot sun and a cold beer... Jen's in heaven!

Sharing beers with our CS host Ross

It was an all-night bus ride to Airlie Beach - sounds like a great way to save $$ on a night's accommodation, right? Well, yes, nice to save a few bucks, but those buses are not too comfy for tall folks like ourselves. The Greyhound truly is a great way to see Australia, but it makes for a grouchy Jen Jen from time to time. We wandered around Airlie Beach and I met a friend this morning - this little bugger was getting cheeky with me in the shower! We will wander again today and then set sail for a three 3 night trip to the outer Great Barrier Reef... we are both VERY excited and the weather looks to be in our favor (although it could change drastically by the time I finish this blog). So we will be off-line until next week... but we promise to return with some more great photos - Tim bought an underwater camera, so it should be a very memorable experience.

Jen looks a little haggard after a 12+ hour bus ride

Jen's shower mate... I named him Rufus

We love you very much...
Jen

written by

TwoSouls on February 29, 2008 from Airlie Beach, Austria

from the travel blog: Australia: Hot Days and Cool Reefs

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Happy Birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Jen, happy birthday to you!

I loved your blog and especially the picture of you with a beer between your legs--what more could any man want!

I also loved the picture of the cheeky critter which reminded me of my monkey experience in Costa Rica.

It sounds like you two are doing great.

Good job, Tim, on the birthday surprise. I'm sure you made lots of "irrevolkable points". You might have to ask Jen about the "points".

I'll be waiting to hear how the snorkeling, scuba trip went and where you're off to next.

Hugs and lots of love,
Mom

written by Laurie Jacobs on February 29, 2008

great barrier reef? snap. i wear my bikini in honor of your snorkel-to-come(!) ps: fuck it's cold in a bikini during winter in montana.

written by --kates. on March 6, 2008

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